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IN THIS POST
The three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av are a period of national Jewish mourning, beginning on the 17th of Tammuz (Tue, July 23), and intensifying with the 9 days from Rosh Chodesh Av until Tisha B’Av (Tue, August 13). The Ninth of Av itself is the saddest day on our calendar and marks many tragic episodes from our history, especially the loss of both the first and second temples.
Note: This is just a summary of the pertinent laws. Under certain circumstances, there may be exceptions. If you have any questions, please contact me at 843-609-2050 or rabbi@dortikvah.org
The Fast of Tammuz - Tuesday, July 23
Healthy adults, bar/bat mitzvah age and older, should abstain from eating or drinking between dawn at 5:03am and nightfall at 9:06pm.
Pregnant and nursing women do not have to fast. Someone who is ill should consult with a rabbi. Even those exempt from fasting, such as ill people or children, should not indulge in delicacies or sweets.
It is permitted to wake up early before the fast begins and eat, provided that prior to going to sleep one had in mind to do so.
It is preferable not to go swimming on a fast day. However, swimming is permitted on the night before the fast.
Other than eating and drinking, all personal pleasures are permitted on minor fast days. However, some are particular to avoid taking a hot shower or bath.
The restrictions of The Three Weeks - From the Fast of Tammuz (Tuesday, July 23) until Tisha B’Av (Tuesday, August 13)
We refrain from having haircuts. Most authorities also restrict shaving.
We avoid purchasing especially nice items that would require a Shehechiyanu blessing.
Weddings may not be held during this time period.
We avoid joyous events with live music. Most authorities restrict all music (besides acapella).
The restrictions of The Nine Days - From Rosh Chodesh Av (Sunday night, August 4) until the 10th of Av (Wednesday, August 14)
The Talmud (Taanit 29a) teaches us that when the month of Av enters, we should lessen our simcha (joy).
NOTE: These restrictions begin at 8:16pm (sunset) on Sunday, August 4, and apply until Halachic midday on the day after Tisha B’Av - i.e., Wednesday, August 14 at 1:24pm.
1. One should not eat meat or drink wine except on Shabbat. The exceptions are as follows:
A person who is unable to eat milk products may eat chicken.
If a nursing woman’s milk will be affected by not eating meat, she may eat meat.
One can eat food cooked in a meat pot or oven.
Havdalah should preferably be made on grape juice and not wine.
Children under six years old are exempt.
2. Laundry - We do not do laundry or have it done by a non-Jew for us during this time. We also do not wear freshly laundered clothing. There are two exceptions:
One may wash clothing for young children.
It is permissible to wash undergarments.
3. Washing for pleasure - Showering should be done in cooler water than usual for the sake of cleanliness. Therefore, swimming for pleasure is not permitted during this time period.
4. Shaving - Even if one shaved during the three weeks, he should avoid it during the nine days.
The prohibitions of Tisha B’Av - Monday, August 12 & Tuesday, August 13
1. Eating and drinking is not allowed for all over the ages of bar/bat mitzvah from 8:07pm Monday evening until 8:46pm Tuesday night
Someone suffering from a minor ailment (e.g. a headache or a cold) is still required to fast. One who is substantially ill must eat and drink.
Pregnant or nursing women (from 30 days after birth) should try to fast as long as they can. Only when they feel weak should they break their fast.
Elderly people should try and fast but if there is a risk to their health they must eat and drink.
Health is of utmost importance so please contact me if you have a question in this regard.
2. Washing of body, face, and hands. The exceptions are as follows:
One may wash off dirt.
After using the bathroom up to the knuckles (or where soiled)
The morning Netilat Yadayim may be done up to the knuckles.
One who is very particular and will feel very uncomfortable until they wash their face may use a damp cloth to wipe their face.
3. Anointing
The use of body oil, cosmetics, and perfume are not allowed
Makeup is not used on Tisha B’Av
Many allow the use of deodorant to remove bad odors
4. Marital Relations
5. Wearing leather shoes
6. Torah study - Because the words of the Torah bring us joy
Exceptions: Sections of Torah that deal with the destruction and mourning such as Eicha, Midrash Eicha, Book of Job, the prophecies of destruction in Jeremiah, the last chapter in Talmud Moed Katan, and the section in Talmud Gittin dealing with the destruction.
7. Miscellaneous Minhagim (customs):
One’s sleep should be a little less comfortable, so the custom is to use one less pillow than usual.
Those in good health should sit on the floor (or within 10 inches of it) until Chatzot (Halachic midday) at 1:24pm.
We do not greet each other in the normal fashion.
Tallit and Tefillin are not worn during Shacharit but rather at Mincha.
The Talmud (Taanit 30b) teaches us:
"כׇּל הַמִּתְאַבֵּל עַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, זוֹכֶה וְרוֹאֶה בְּשִׂמְחָתָהּ "
Anyone who mourns over Jerusalem will merit seeing it in its joy!