Title: Anki Torah / Halacha
Tags: 3_weeks The_Three_Weeks Laundering_during_The_Nine_Days When_Tisha_b’Av_falls_on_Shabbos_or_Sunday Eating _Meat_and_Drinking_Wine_during_The_Nine_Days Tefillos_on_Tisha_b’Av Fasting_on_Tisha_b’Av Shacharis Making_and_Buying_Clothes_during_The_Nine_Days Erev_Tisha_b’Av The_Seventeenth_of_Tammuz Bathing_on_Tisha_b’Av Learning_Torah_on_Tisha_b’Av Mincha Bathing_during_The_Nine_Days Greeting_People_on_Tisha_b’Av Sitting_on_a_Chair_on_Tisha_b’Av The_Nine_Days Wearing_Shoes_on_Tisha_b’Av
On every note of this deck, unless a note says otherwise:
Source: Guidelines

Front: Which laws apply after the fast?
Back: It is praiseworthy to wash the entire hand three (or four) times, since the hands were not washed fully in the morning. Kiddush Levana is recited.
Title: The Three Weeks: After Ma’ariv

Front: May one recite Kiddush Levana before eating?
Back: It is preferable to put on leather shoes and eat before reciting Kiddush Levana. If by doing so one will not be able to say it with a minyan, he may recite it immediately.
Title: The Three Weeks: After Ma’ariv

Front: After the fast may one eat or drink before Havdalah?
Back: With the exception of water, it is forbidden to eat or drink anything before Havdalah. This also applies to women.
Title: The Three Weeks: After the Fast

Front: Which drink should be used for Havdalah after the fast?
Back: One should use wine or grape juice. The person who recites Havdalah should drink the cup himself.
Title: The Three Weeks: After the Fast

Front: Which parts of Havdalah are recited?
Back: Only the two brachos Borei Pri Hagafen and Hamavdil.
Title: The Three Weeks: After the Fast

Front: What if he forgot to recite the b’racha on a flame on motzai Shabbos?
Back: The b’racha is still omitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: After the Fast

Front: If there is bread on the table when reciting Havdalah, should it be covered?
Back: Yes, one should cover the bread as one does when reciting Kiddush.
Title: The Three Weeks: After the Fast

Front: If a person wishes to eat bread immediately after Havdalah, should the B’racha Acharona be recited on the wine?
Back: Yes. However, if he forgot to recite the B’racha Acharona, it should not be recited during the meal. He should have in mind when bensching at the end of the meal that he wants the bensching to include the wine.
Title: The Three Weeks: After the Fast

Front: Is one obligated to eat bread in place of the missed Melave Malka meal?
Back: No, there is no obligation to eat bread.
Title: The Three Weeks: After the Fast

Front: What are the basic rules of applying oils?
Back: It is forbidden to apply oils or creams to any part of the body even in a small quantity. This is only forbidden when done for pleasure, but it is permitted for hygiene or medical purposes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Applying Oils

Front: May a kallah use cosmetics?
Back: According to most opinions, this is permitted during the first thirty days following the wedding. According to some opinions it is forbidden, and it is only permitted for her to wash her face.
Title: The Three Weeks: Applying Oils

Front: May one smell spices or snuff?
Back: This is forbidden since a person must refrain from such a pleasure on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Applying Oils

Front: What is included in this prohibition?
Back: It is forbidden to bathe or wash oneself for pleasure but permitted for basic cleanliness. Therefore, under normal circumstances, one may not wash any part of the body with hot water.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: What if part of one’s body is dirty or perspired?
Back: He may wash the affected area(s).
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: What if one usually showers every day?
Back: One may not shower unless this is really necessary.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: May a person exercise knowing that he will become perspired and will need to shower?
Back: A person who has been instructed by a doctor to exercise may do so. A person who exercises to keep fit should preferably not exercise during The Nine Days. If he feels that he must keep up with his exercises, he should do so less often.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: Do the restrictions apply to children?
Back: Yes. However, since they often become dirty or perspired, they may be bathed more frequently according to their needs.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: May one shampoo the hair?
Back: This is permitted when: One has a scalp condition, the hair is full of perspiration or one is a very sensitive person.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: May one bathe on erev Shabbos?
Back: According to some, only the hands, face, feet, and hair with hot water without soap. According to others, one may bathe as usual, especially in hot countries where people bathe more frequently.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: What if Rosh Chodesh Av is on Friday?
Back: According to all opinions, one may bathe the entire body with hot water and soap.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: May one bathe for medical reasons?
Back: This is permitted since it is not for pleasure.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: How should a woman prepare herself for the mikveh?
Back: She should wash herself and immerse in the mikveh as usual.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: May a man immerse in a mikveh?
Back: A man who is accustomed to immerse himself every erev Shabbos/every day may do so during The Nine Days.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: Is swimming permitted during The Nine Days?
Back: Swimming for pleasure or exercise is forbidden.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: Which other activities should be avoided during The Nine Days?
Back: One should try to avoid a lawsuit with a gentile until after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing during The Nine Days

Front: What are the basic rules of bathing?
Back: It is forbidden to wash any part of the body for pleasure whether in hot or cold water.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: Do these laws of bathing apply to children?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if part of one's body is dirty?
Back: It is permitted to wash that part with cold water.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if parts of the body feel very sweaty?
Back: It is preferable not to wash off sweat since it is not considered as dirt. Rather, one should wipe the affected area with a dry or slightly damp towel.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should a person wash nagel vasser?
Back: The hands should be washed only up to the end of the fingers. One should wash each hand three (or four) times as usual.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if one’s eyes are sticky when waking?
Back: The stickiness may be washed off
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should one wash the hands after using the bathroom?
Back: The hands should be washed only up to the end of the fingers. It is sufficient to wash each hand once.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if a person touched his shoes or scratched his head?
Back: He may wash only his fingertips.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if he touched a part of the body that is usually covered?
Back: He may wash only the affected hand to the end of the fingers.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should cohanim wash their hands before birchos cohanim?
Back: They should wash both hands up to the wrist since this is the way the mitzvah must be performed.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should a child or other person wash hands if they need to eat bread?
Back: They should wash both hands up to the wrist since this is the way the mitzvah must be performed.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: May a person allow his hands to become wet when washing food or dishes for a person who is eating?
Back: Ideally, one should wear gloves in order to avoid the hands becoming wet. If this is not possible, one may wash the food or dishes as usual since one's intention is not to wash the hands. Hot water should not be used.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: May a kallah wash her face?
Back: This is permitted for the first thirty days following the wedding.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: May a person wash his hands before Mincha?
Back: He may wash his hands up to the end of the fingers.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: May a woman wash herself before beginning the seven clean days?
Back: She may wash the minimum area that is necessary.
Title: The Three Weeks: Bathing on Tisha b’Av

Front: Why is it forbidden to eat meat during The Nine Days?
Back: Eating meat gives a person simcha and in order to remember the korbanos that have ceased due to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Is poultry also forbidden?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat food that was cooked together with meat or poultry?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat food that was cooked in a clean fleishig pot?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May a sick or weak person eat meat?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Until the age three, may children eat meat?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May a pregnant or nursing woman eat meat?
Back: A pregnant woman may eat poultry. If possible, she should refrain from eating this from the 7th of Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat meat on Shabbos?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May children be served their fleishig Shabbos meal on Friday afternoon?
Back: Children who are not yet accustomed to wait until night for their Shabbos meal may be served meat one or two hours before Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one taste the fleishig Shabbos food on Friday?
Back: Yes, but it should be spit out and no bracha should be made.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat leftover fleishig foods at Melave Malka?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat meat on Rosh Chodesh Av?
Back: No, unless it is Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat meat at a Seudas Mitzvah?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Before the week of Tisha b'Av, who may one invite to a seudas mitzvah to eat meat?
Back: Whomever one would normally invite.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: During the week of Tisha b'Av, who may one invite to a seudas mitzvah to eat meat?
Back: Only ten men may eat meat besides the celebrant and his close family.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: On Erev Tisha B'Av, when does one have to start a seudas mitzvah that will include meat?
Back: Before halachic midday.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: On completion of which volumes may one make a siyum?
Back: A maseches of Talmud, one of six sedarim of the mishnah, one of the books of Nevi'im studied in depth or one of the four volumes of the Shulchan Aruch
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one serve meat when one deliberately hurried or delayed the completion of a volume in order to make a siyum during The Nine Days?
Back: No. A siyum may be made but meat may not be served.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: What if a person recited a b’racha for meat during The Nine Days and realized his mistake before eating it?
Back: He should eat a minute amount of the meat in order not to recite a b’racha levatala.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat parve sausages that look like meat?
Back: Yes, since people are accustomed to seeing such foods and will not suspect him of eating meat.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May a store sell meat to Jews during The Nine Days?
Back: Yes, since one may buy meat for Shabbos, for a Seudas Mitzvah, for sick people, or for after The Nine Days.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Why is it forbidden to drink wine during The Nine Days?
Back: Drinking wine gives a person simcha and in order to remember the wine libations that have ceased due to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Is grape juice also forbidden?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May wine vinegar be used as a flavoring?
Back: Yes, since people do not use it as a drink due to its sour taste.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Are other alcoholic drinks forbidden?
Back: ·         If the drink does not contain any wine, it is permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one eat cooked or baked foods that contain wine?
Back: Although the wine enhances the taste of the food, this is permitted provided that one cannot detect the taste of wine. According to some opinions, one should not add any wine when cooking in case he inadvertently drinks some of the wine.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one drink wine on Shabbos?
Back: Yes. Therefore, wine or grape juice may be used for Kiddush as usual and may be served during the meals.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one drink the wine of Havdalah?
Back: According to some opinions, the wine should be given to a boy between the ages of six and nine. If such a boy is not available, the person reciting Havdalah should drink the wine himself. According to other opinions, the person reciting Havdalah should drink the wine himself.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: How much wine should be drunk?
Back: One must drink the majority of a reviyis. If possible, one should drink a reviyis in order to recite a b’racha acharona.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Should one use grape juice for Havdalah rather than wine?
Back: According to some opinions, this is preferable, and one is not required to give the cup to a boy.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Should one use beer for Havdalah rather than wine or grape juice?
Back: No. One may not use beer when wine and grape juice are easily obtainable.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one drink wine on Rosh Chodesh Av?
Back: No, unless it is Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one drink wine at a Seudas Mitzvah?
Back: Yes. This includes the wine used for bensching.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May one drink the wine used at the Bris ceremony?
Back: The custom is to give it to a boy aged six or above or to the mother of the baby if she is present. If neither is available, the person reciting the b’racha should drink the wine himself.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: What if a person recited a b’racha for wine or grape juice and realized his mistake before drinking it?
Back: He should drink a minute amount in order not to recite a b’racha levatala.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: From the age of six should children refrain from meat and poultry?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: May children between three and six eat meat?
Back: Opinions differ whether they should be restricted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during The Nine Days

Front: Is there any change to the tefillos on erev Tisha b’Av?
Back: Tachanun is omitted at Mincha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: Do any restrictions of Tisha b’Av begin on erev Tisha b’Av?
Back: After halachic midday, the following restrictions apply: One may not take pleasure walks. According to some opinions, one may learn only those topics of Torah that may be studied on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: What is the Seuda Hamafsekes and what is the custom for the meals erev Tisha b'Av
Back: This is the final meal eaten before the fast commences. The custom is to eat a meal early in the afternoon before Mincha and the Seuda Hamafsekes after Mincha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: Which rules apply to the Seuda Hamafsekes?
Back: The custom is to eat it while sitting on the floor, in order to arouse feelings of grief over the destruction of the Batei Mikdash. There are restrictions regarding the types of food one may eat.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: Should a person who will not be fasting eat the Seuda Hamafsekes?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: Should children be trained to eat the Seuda Hamfsekes?
Back: Children from the age of nine should be trained to eat the Seuda Hamafsekes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: What if it is difficult to sit on the floor?
Back: A person who is unable to sit on the floor may sit on a pillow or a low chair. If this is also too difficult, one may sit on a regular chair but in a different place in the room than usual.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: Must one's shoes be removed?
Back: No, this is not required until sunset.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: What should one eat at the Seuda Hamafsekes?
Back: Bread, lentils or cold hard-boiled eggs.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: May one spread something on the bread?
Back: Strictly speaking, it is permitted to spread something on the bread. However, the custom is to eat the bread plain.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: May one eat any other foods?
Back: One may eat any raw fruits and vegetables, but it is proper to refrain in order that the meal be simple and humble.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: May one have any drinks?
Back: If possible, one should drink only water but coffee and tea are permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: Should one recite Al Naharos Bavel or Shir Hama'alos?
Back: Al Naharos Bavel should be recited before bensching.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: Should zimun be recited if three men are present?
Back: No. If possible, the men should sit apart from one another during the meal to avoid the requirement of zimun. Nevertheless, even if they sat together zimun is not recited.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: May one eat or drink after bensching?
Back: It is permitted to eat or drink again until sunset unless one had firm intention not to do so. It is preferable to say or think before bensching that one is not accepting the fast until sunset.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: May one sit on a regular chair after bensching?
Back: This is permitted until sunset.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: May one take pills or drops to enable one to fast more easily?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Erev Tisha b’Av

Front: What is forbidden on Tisha b’Av?
Back: Eating and drinking, Bathing, Applying oils, Wearing shoes, Marital relations. In addition, there are four restrictions similar to shiva: Learning Torah, Greeting people, Working, Sitting on a chair.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Why is Tisha b’Av a day of such severe mourning?
Back: Five major tragedies happened to the Jewish nation on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Do women need to fast?
Back: Girls over bas mitzvah and women are obligated to fast if they are well even if they find fasting difficult.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should children be trained to fast?
Back: No, children below bar/bas mitzvah do not need to fast even for a few hours.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is a pregnant woman required to fast?
Back: If she is strong and healthy, she should fast.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is a woman who has recently given birth required to fast? (First seven days after birth)
Back: She is forbidden to fast.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is a woman who has recently given birth required to fast? (Between seven and thirty days after birth)
Back: She is not required to fast, see next question.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should a post pregnancy woman begin to fast at night or only in the morning?
Back: She should begin to fast at night like everyone else and continue in the morning as long as she is able to.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if a woman had a miscarriage, chas veshalom?
Back: If the pregnancy lasted at least forty days, she should follow the same rules as for a regular birth.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is a nursing mother required to fast?
Back: If fasting will not adversely affect her milk, she is required to fast. When the fast is postponed to the tenth of Av, she is not required to fast all day if this is difficult.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if fasting will adversely affect her milk?
Back: If the baby is completely dependent on her milk and her fasting will cause a shortage or deterioration to the milk, she is not required to fast. However, she should preferably eat or drink only small quantities.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: What are the measurements of small quantities?
Back: The maximum quantity of food that may be eaten at one session is 30cc (one fluid ounce).
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: How much time must one wait between sessions?
Back: One must wait nine minutes between the end of one session and the beginning of the next. It is permitted to eat and drink at the same session.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: How many times during the day may such a person eat small quantities?
Back: Only as often as is necessary.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if a person is not well?
Back: If he is suffering from a mild headache, cold, or other minor ailment, he is required to fast unless the fast is postponed to the tenth of Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should an ill person limit himself to eating or drinking if either one is sufficient?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should an ill person limit himself to small quantities of food or drink?
Back: No, he may eat or drink as much as necessary. If possible, he should fast at night and delay eating until the morning.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: How much food may an ill person eat?
Back: He may eat only basic foods in sufficient amounts.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should an ill person or child who eats bread include Nacheim when bensching?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should a person who is fasting take medicine if required?
Back: A person may swallow tablets or capsules. These should be taken without water or with a bitter tasting liquid.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is a person who is fasting permitted to taste food and spit it out?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: May the mouth be rinsed?
Back: One may rinse the mouth with water or mouthwash only if a bad taste causes extreme discomfort.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: May the teeth be cleaned?
Back: The teeth may be cleaned with a dry toothbrush.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should a sick man wear tefillin before eating?
Back: According to most opinions, if he eats in the morning he should not wear tefillin, but if he eats after halachic noon he should first wear tefillin. If he davens Mincha later in the day, he should wear tefillin again.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: If children understand that it is a day of mourning, should they be limited in the foods they eat?
Back: They should be given only simple foods and certainly not treats.
Title: The Three Weeks: Fasting on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one respond to a greeting?
Back: A person who is greeted may respond in a low tone in order not to create offense.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should one respond to a telephone call?
Back: Instead of saying “Hello”, one should say “Yes”.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one nod the head as a form of greeting?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one wish a person mazel tov?
Back: This is permitted since it is a blessing rather than a greeting.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one shake hands when wishing mazel tov?
Back: This is also permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one inquire of another how he is feeling?
Back: This is permitted only if one suspects that the other person might not be feeling well.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May a traveler inform his family that he has arrived safely?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: Which type of gift may not be given?
Back: All gifts are forbidden even on the occasion of a simcha such as a Bris or bar mitzvah.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one give tzedaka?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one send food to a needy person for after the fast?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one greet another person on Tisha b'Av?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Greeting People on Tisha b’Av

Front: Are there any restrictions on the eve of the 17th of Tammuz?
Back: According to most opinions, all the restrictions of The Three Weeks begin at nightfall on the eve of the 17th of Tammuz.
Title: The Three Weeks: Introduction

Front: How is one required to mourn?
Back: The mourning is observed by the restriction of joyous activities. These restrictions increase in severity as the period progresses, reaching a climax of intense mourning on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Introduction

Front: In particular, what do we mourn for during the three weeks?
Back: In particular, we mourn the loss of the two Batei Mikdash, both of which were destroyed on the 9th of Av (in the years 3338 and 3828).
Title: The Three Weeks: Introduction

Front: What are the four different periods during the three weeks?
Back: • From the 17th of Tammuz until Rosh Chodesh Av.
• From Rosh Chodesh Av until the week in which Tisha b’Av occurs.
• From the motzai Shabbos before Tisha b’Av (referred to throughout the book as “the week of Tisha b’Av”).
• Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Introduction

Front: What are The Three Weeks?
Back: Throughout the generations, the Jewish nation has suffered numerous tragedies and calamities during these days, and the period has therefore become a time of mourning and introspection.
Title: The Three Weeks: Introduction

Front: When are the Three Weeks?
Back: The period from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av (Tisha b’Av) inclusive is known as 'The Three Weeks'.
Title: The Three Weeks: Introduction

Front: What is included in the prohibition of laundering?
Back: Adults’ clothing may not be laundered or dry cleaned even if the clothing will not be worn until after Tisha b’Av. Towels, dishcloths, sheets, and tablecloths may also not be laundered.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: When is the latest time to do laundry?
Back: One may start the washing machine on erev Rosh Chodesh before sunset even if it will not be finished before nightfall.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one give laundry to a gentile cleaner?
Back: During The Nine Days, one may not give clothes to a gentile to clean.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one launder clothes of a gentile?
Back: This is permitted until the week of Tisha b’Av. During the week of Tisha b’Av, this is permitted if done in private.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one launder children’s clothes?
Back: Clothes of children who constantly soil themselves may be laundered. Clothes of older children below bar/bas mitzvah may be laundered until the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one launder adults’ clothes together with children’s?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Are there any situations when adults’ clothes may be laundered?
Back: A woman who does not have enough white clothes and sheets for the seven clean days. A person who does not have clean clothes to wear on the Shabbos before Tisha b’Av may launder on Thursday or Friday. A person who has only one garment of a particular type may launder this garment when necessary until the week of Tisha b’Av. If a person has many garments but they are all dirty, he may wash them in hot water without detergent during the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May such clothes be hung outside to dry?
Back: No, the wet clothes should be hung indoors or dried in a machine because of maris ayin.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May children’s laundry be hung outside?
Back: Yes, since they are easily recognizable as children’s clothes that one may launder.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Must one take a large supply of clothes when going away during The Nine Days?
Back: According to many opinions, one must do so in order to avoid laundering.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one spot clean a stain on clothing?
Back: One may clean it using water if one needs to wear the garment. If the stain will become permanent if not cleaned immediately, one may clean it even if one does not need to wear the garment.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Can you launder a childs soiled sheets?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May a woman wash a shaitel ?
Back: It may not be professionally set. If it is dirty and she does not have a clean one to wear, it may be washed until the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one brush dusty clothes?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one polish shoes?
Back: In honor of Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one do ironing?
Back: No
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Why is it forbidden to wear new or laundered clothing?
Back: It is forbidden to wear new or laundered clothes during The Nine Days as a sign of mourning.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: For how long must the clothes be worn?
Back: Approximately half-an-hour.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one iron the clothes after wearing them for a short time?
Back: No
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Must one prepare Shabbos clothes before Rosh Chodesh?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one wear new clothes on Shabbos? (major and minor)
Back: New clothes of major importance may not be worn. New clothes of minor importance may not be worn unless one has nothing clean to wear.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Must one prepare underwear and socks before Rosh Chodesh?
Back: It is praiseworthy for a person to be strict but if a person feels sensitive about this they may be lenient to wear such clothes even if they are freshly laundered.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: From what age must children prepare their clothes for The Nine Days?
Back: From the age of nine
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: What if one did not prepare clothes before Rosh Chodesh?
Back: He should place them on a dirty or dusty floor to remove their freshness. If the floor is clean, he should tread on them to crease them. Alternatively, he may put them in the laundry hamper with dirty clothes for a short time.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one prepare weekday clothes by wearing them on Shabbos?
Back: Since it is forbidden to prepare anything on Shabbos for the weekday, one may not wear fresh clothes on Shabbos specifically for this purpose. However, if one goes to sleep during Shabbos, one may put aside the worn clothes for the weekday and wear fresh clothes after waking.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one wear Shabbos clothes on a weekday?
Back: No. Even if the Shabbos clothes are not freshly laundered, they may not be worn on a weekday.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: From what time on erev Shabbos may one change into Shabbos clothes?
Back: From mincha ketana. According to some opinions, one may change for Shabbos at whatever time one usually does.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Must one change into weekday clothes on motzai Shabbos?
Back: According to some opinions, one should change into weekday clothes after Havdalah. Other opinions say that this is unnecessary, and one may remain in Shabbos clothes until bedtime.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Who may wear Shabbos clothes in honor of a Bris?
Back: The parents of the child, the sandek, the mohel, and the woman who carries in the baby may wear Shabbos clothes even if they are freshly laundered. According to some opinions, the grandparents and siblings of the child are also included.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Who may wear Shabbos clothes in honor of a Pidyon Haben?
Back: Only the parents of the child and the cohen may wear Shabbos clothes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Who may wear Shabbos clothes in honor of a bar mitzvah?
Back: The boy, his parents, and his grandparents may wear Shabbos clothes if the celebration is held on his birthday.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one wear Shabbos clothes when meeting a prospective shidduch?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May a woman wear jewelry?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one use fresh bed linen?
Back: It is forbidden to change the bed linen during The Nine Days even in honor of Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one provide clean linen for visitors?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one use fresh towels?
Back: Freshly laundered hand towels and bath towels may not be used during The Nine Days.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one use a fresh tablecloth during the week?
Back: Not unless the tablecloth becomes very soiled.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: May one use a fresh tablecloth on Shabbos?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: If qualified people wear Shabbos clothes in honor of a Bris, how soon after the Bris should they change back into weekday clothes?
Back: As soon as possible.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Must one wear the same clothes for nine days?
Back: No. One may wear clothes that have already been worn for a short time before the nine days.
Title: The Three Weeks: Laundering during The Nine Days

Front: Why is learning Torah restricted?
Back: The verse says, “The instructions of Hashem are upright, gladdening the heart” (Tehillim 19:9). Therefore, one may study only the topics of Torah that deal with tragedies and mourning.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one study Torah mentally?
Back: This is also forbidden since one derives pleasure from it.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: Do these restrictions also apply to women?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one study Torah with children?
Back: It is forbidden to teach them regular Torah topics.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May children study regular Torah topics by themselves?
Back: They should not do so if they will derive pleasure from such study.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one study the portions of the Torah that are read in shul on Tisha b’Av?
Back: The morning reading may be studied by everyone since it deals with tragedy.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one study books of mussar?
Back: It is permitted and even praiseworthy to do so if the intention is to arouse the heart to teshuva and the mending of one’s ways.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May the permitted topics be studied in depth?
Back: According to some opinions, they should only be studied on a simple level.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one study these topics with a partner?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one record new Torah insights that arise during study?
Back: This is forbidden since the writing of Torah ideas brings joy. However, if one is afraid that he might forget the insights, he may make a brief note of them and rewrite them properly after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: Are men obligated to learn the permitted Torah topics?
Back: According to most opinions, a man is obligated to study Torah on Tisha b’Av, except that he is limited to certain topics. According to some, the mitzvah is suspended.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one recite Tehillim?
Back: Tehillim for a sick person may be recited all day.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should one recite the entire bedtime Shema?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one give a halachic ruling?
Back: This is forbidden, unless the ruling cannot wait.
Title: The Three Weeks: Learning Torah on Tisha b’Av

Front: Can a professional tailor continue to make clothes for others?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one make wedding clothes for a chosson or kallah?
Back: It is permitted if there is not sufficient time to do this after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May a girl learn to sew?
Back: This is permitted if cancellation of a class will cause financial loss to the teacher.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one repair garments?
Back: Simple repairs are permitted when necessary.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one instruct a gentile to make or alter a garment?
Back: This is permitted if the garment will not be ready until after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May shoes be repaired?
Back: Yes. Even professional shoe repairs are permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one tie tzitzis on a garment?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: Which types of clothing may not be purchased?
Back: All types of clothing of major and minor importance.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy second-hand clothes?
Back: This is forbidden if such clothes will give pleasure.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May a chosson or kallah buy clothes for their wedding?
Back: This is permitted if they will not be able to buy them after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy a new tallis?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy bed linen or towels?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: What if there is a special sale during The Nine Days?
Back: One may buy items at such a sale if there is a considerable saving, and one will not find them again at this price after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: What if one has no suitable footwear for Tisha b’Av?
Back: One must remember to buy suitable footwear before Rosh Chodesh. If a person forgot to do so, he may buy simple cheap footwear during The Nine Days.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy clothes for children?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy or give expensive gifts?
Back: It is forbidden to buy or give expensive gifts that will give considerable joy.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy or give inexpensive gifts?
Back: It is permitted to buy inexpensive gifts to give after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy new furniture or appliances?
Back: It is usually forbidden to buy important items during The Nine Days since they bring a person much pleasure. If the old item broke and cannot be repaired, a new one may be bought if needed urgently.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy small household items?
Back: It is permitted to buy items of minor importance that are needed regularly in the home.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy sefarim?
Back: One may buy sefarim that are needed for Torah study during The Nine Days.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one buy a new tallis katan if one has no other to wear?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: May one make new clothes?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Making and Buying Clothes during The Nine Days

Front: Should the shul be reorganized before Mincha?
Back: Yes. The paroches should be returned to the Aron Kodesh and the coverings to the bima and chazan’s shtender. All the lights are lit including the special lights by the chazan’s shtender.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: May a mourner during shiva go to shul for Mincha?
Back: No. He should organise a minyan at home.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: May one wash one's hands before Mincha?
Back: It is correct to wash them up to the knuckles.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: Are the tallis and tefillin worn at Mincha?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: Are brachos recited for the tallis and tefillin?
Back: Yes. When reciting the b’racha for the tallis, one should have in mind to include the tallis katan. A person who does not wear a tallis should ask someone who does to include him with his b’racha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: May one say the verses when putting on the tallis and tefillin?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: May one say the usual four paragraphs from the Torah while wearing the tefillin?
Back: There are different customs about this.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: Should anything be recited before Mincha?
Back: The Psalm of the day and Pitum Haketores are recited and Korbanos may be recited by people who say them regularly at Mincha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: Are there any changes to the Mincha Shemoneh Esrei ?
Back: A special tefillah Nacheim is added in the b’racha of Veliyrushalayim. Aneinu is added in the b’racha of Shema Koleinu. The chazan in the repetition adds it as a separate b’racha before Refa’einu. Sim Shalom is said instead of Shalom Rav. A special tefillah is inserted before the end of Shemoneh Esrei.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: What if he forgot to say Aneinu?
Back: If he has already concluded the b’racha of Shema Koleinu, he should continue and say Aneinu just before the verse Yihyu Leratzon at the end of Shemoneh Esrei. If he forgot to say it there, he should not repeat Shemoneh Esrei.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: Should a person who is exempt from fasting say Nacheim?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: Should a person who is exempt from fasting say Aneinu?
Back: No, he should omit it. Similarly, he should omit the tefillah ???? ?? ???????.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: May one wear tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam?
Back: A person who wears them throughout the year may wear them on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: When should one take off his tefillin?
Back: Before Ma’ariv. According to some opinions, tefillin should be taken off before sunset.
Title: The Three Weeks: Mincha

Front: Are there any changes to the morning brachos?
Back: The tallis and tefillin are not worn.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Are all the sections of korbanos said?
Back: It is permitted to say whichever sections one is accustomed to say during the year.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Should one kiss the tzitzis at the conclusion of Baruch She’amar?
Back: The main custom is not to kiss them, and this applies also when reciting Shema.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Are there changes to the quiet Shemoneh Esrei ?
Back: There are no changes to the quiet Shemoneh Esrei, but the following changes are made in the repetition:
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Are there changes to the repetition of the Shemoneh Esrei ?
Back: The tefillah Aneinu is added and the cohanim do not bless the congregation, and the paragraph of Birchos Cohanim is omitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: May a mourner during shiva be called up to the Torah?
Back: Yes. He may be the ba'al koreh.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: May a bar mitzva boy be called up to the Torah?
Back: He should be called up at Mincha and not at Shacharis. The father may then recite Baruch Shepetarani.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: When should a person recite Hagomeil ?
Back: He should recite it at Mincha and not at Shacharis.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: When may a Mi Shebeirach be said?
Back: For a simcha (e.g. birth, Bris) it may be said at Mincha but not at Shacharis and For a sick person it may be said at Shacharis.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: May a person who was called up to the Torah thank the gabbai ?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: May a person who has yahrzeit recite the tefillah Eil Malei Rachamim?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Should the person who does hagbahah sit on a regular chair?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: How much time should be spent reciting the kinnos?
Back: If possible, the recital should continue until close to midday.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Should women say the kinnos?
Back: Yes, if possible.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: What if a person does not understand the kinnos?
Back: A person who does not understand them should use a translation and recite the kinnos in a language with which he is familiar.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: What if a person cannot keep up with the minyan reciting kinnos?
Back: He should say the kinnos slowly at his own pace in a way that will arouse the appropriate emotions. There is no obligation to recite the entire kinnos.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: May one leave shul during kinnos in order to take a break?
Back: Usually, it is forbidden to leave shul during kinnos since one must not divert his mind from the mourning. Similarly, it is forbidden to engage in conversation about any other subject.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: May the kinnos be said while standing?
Back: They should be said while sitting on the floor or on a low chair. The custom is to rise before reciting the kinnah Eli Tziyon.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Should Eicha be recited after Shacharis?
Back: There is a widespread custom to do so. A b’racha should not be recited even if a scroll of parchment is used. If a person is unable to daven in shul, it is correct for him to say Eicha after Shacharis.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: May one say the Six Remembrances and the Thirteen Principles of Faith?
Back: A person who says them every day may say them after Mincha but not after Shacharis.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Is Avinu Malkeinu recited?
Back: No
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Is Tachanun said?
Back: No
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Should you make the bracha on the tallis katan?
Back: Opinions differ whether a b’racha should be recited on the tallis katan. It is therefore advisable to avoid the problem by continuing to wear the tallis katan while sleeping at night. In this case, the b’racha is definitely not recited.
Title: The Three Weeks: Shacharis

Front: Why is it forbidden to sit on a chair?
Back: A mourner during the week of shiva may not sit on a chair. On Tisha b’Av we are all mourners over the destruction of the Batei Mikdash.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: When does the restriction apply of not sitting on a chair?
Back: From the commencement of the fast until halachic noon on Tisha b’Av. After noon one may sit on a regular chair.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: On what may one sit?
Back: One may sit on the floor, on a pillow or cushion placed on the floor, or on a low chair. According to some opinions, one should not sit on the bare floor.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: How low should the chair be?
Back: Ideally, it should be less than twelve inches high (30cm). If this is difficult, one may sit on any chair or couch that is lower than usual.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if this is also too difficult? (to sit on a lower chair)
Back: A person who is unable to sit on a low chair may sit on a regular chair. This includes sick or elderly people, and pregnant or nursing mothers.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if a person is traveling?
Back: It is permitted to sit while traveling. According to some opinions, it is praiseworthy to stand if possible.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: Must a person who is sitting on the floor stand up for a Rav or elderly person?
Back: Yes. This mitzvah applies even on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is there any restriction when sleeping in bed?
Back: A person should deprive himself of some comfort when sleeping on the night of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if this is too difficult? (having sleeping restrictions)
Back: People who are weak and pregnant women are not required to make such changes. Similarly, if these changes will prevent a person from sleeping, he may sleep as usual.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: Do these sleeping restrictions apply when sleeping during the day?
Back: According to some opinions, yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: Are there any other restrictions to pleasure?
Back: A person should refrain from all pleasurable activities on Tisha b’Av. For example, one may not go for a stroll, read the news, or listen to the radio.
Title: The Three Weeks: Sitting on a Chair on Tisha b’Av

Front: What are the main changes to the tefillos?
Back: • Selichos are added at Shacharis.
• Avinu Malkeinu is recited at Shacharis and Mincha.
• The Torah is read at Shacharis and Mincha.
• Changes are made to Shemoneh Esrei at Mincha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillah

Front: Must Selichos be recited with a minyan?
Back: Although it is preferable to do so, it is not essential. An individual may recite Selichos, but one should omit the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Alternatively, the Thirteen Attributes may be chanted with the tune of the Torah reading, in which case one should continue until the end of the verse (Shemos 34:7).
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillah

Front: May Avinu Malkeinu be recited without a minyan or if one is not fasting?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillah

Front: Which changes are made to Shemoneh Esrei at Mincha?
Back: • A person who is fasting should say the paragraph Aneinu in the b’racha of Shema Koleinu.
• Sim Shalom is said instead of Shalom Rav even if one is not fasting nor davening with a minyan.
• A person who is fasting should say a special prayer before the end of Shemoneh Esrei. This begins ???? ?? ??????? ???? ????? ?????.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillah

Front: What if a person forgot to say Aneinu?
Back: If he said the name of Hashem at the conclusion of the b’racha Shema Koleinu, he should continue and say Aneinu just before the verse Yihyu Leratzon at the end of Shemoneh Esrei. If he forgot there also, he should not repeat Shemoneh Esrei.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillah

Front: May a person who is exempt from fasting say Aneinu in Shemoneh Esrei ?
Back: No, he should omit the paragraph completely.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillah

Front: May a person who accidentally ate or drank say Aneinu in Shemoneh Esrei ?
Back: Yes, but if he ate a kezayis of food or drank a cheekful of liquid, he should alter the wording slightly and say ???? ??? ?????? ???.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillah

Front: Why is there a custom to remove the paroches from the Aron Kodesh?
Back: The verse in Eicha (2:17) says “??? ?????”, which means, “He carried out His decree”. However, the Midrash interprets the words to mean “He tore His royal garments”, referring to the piercing of the paroches in the Beis Hamikdash by the Roman emperor Titus.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: When should the paroches be removed?
Back: Before the start of Ma’ariv. When Tisha b’Av is on motzai Shabbos, it should not be removed before the termination of Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: When should the paroches be returned?
Back: Before the start of Mincha on Tisha b’Av afternoon.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should anything else be removed?
Back: Some have the custom to remove the coverings of the bima and the chazan’s shtender.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Are any other changes made in shul?
Back: The lighting is reduced. Only the minimum amount of lights should be used to enable people to still daven without difficulty.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should the special lights by the chazan’s shtender be lit?
Back: No. However, they should be lit for Mincha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Why is the lighting reduced?
Back: One reason is based on the verse in Eicha (3:6), which says, “He placed me in darkness”. Another reason is based on the Midrash that at the time of the destruction, Hashem asked the malachim what a king does when mourning. When they replied that he extinguishes the lights, Hashem said, “I will do the same”, as it says, “The sun and the moon became dark” (Yoel 2:10).
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should the lighting also be reduced at home?
Back: This is not necessary, but some have the custom to do so.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: May a mourner go to shul during the week of shiva during the first three days?
Back: He may go in the morning but not in the evening.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: May a mourner go to shul during the week of shiva after the first three days?
Back: After the first three days, he may go also in the evening.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should one dress for shul?
Back: One should wear plain weekday clothes. Men should not wear a tie, and women should not wear jewelry. Some have a custom to wear old clothes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is there any change to Ma’ariv?
Back: Ma’ariv is recited as usual until the Kaddish after Shemoneh Esrei. However, the tefillos should be said slowly and in a quiet mournful voice.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one sit on the chairs in the shul?
Back: No. This is forbidden until Tisha b’Av afternoon.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one sit on the stairs next to the Aron Kodesh?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: What is said after Shemoneh Esrei ?
Back: The book of Eicha is read aloud.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should the b’racha on Eichabe recited while standing?
Back: No, the ba'al koreh and the congregation should sit on the floor.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should the congregation recite Eicha together with the ba'al koreh if read from parchment?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should the congregation recite Eicha together with the ba'al koreh if not read from parchment?
Back: They may listen or recite it quietly with the ba'al koreh.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if a person missed some words?
Back: No correction is necessary.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should Eicha be recited?
Back: It should be recited in a low voice with the traditional mournful melody.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: How is Eicha concluded?
Back: The verse Hashiveinu is recited aloud by the congregation and then by the ba'al koreh.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: What is said after Eicha?
Back: A few kinnos are said by the congregation led by the ba'al koreh.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Why is Tiskabeil omitted from Kaddish?
Back: The verse in Eicha (3:8) says, “He shut out my tefillah”. It is therefore inappropriate to recite the line Tiskabeil, which means “our tefillos should be accepted”. This is also omitted during Shacharis, but it is recited at Mincha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Are women required to go to shul?
Back: Although there is no obligation, it is praiseworthy for them to go in order to hear the recital of Eicha.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should children be brought to shul?
Back: Older children who can behave properly should be brought to shul.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: How should one leave shul?
Back: If possible, people should go home on their own and not in groups. They should go silently and certainly not engage in idle conversation.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: Should Eicha and kinnos be recited by a person who must remain at home?
Back: A person at home should try to recite them if possible. This includes women.
Title: The Three Weeks: Tefillos on Tisha b’Av

Front: May house improvements be done for a gentile?
Back: A Jewish builder or painter is permitted to work as usual for gentile customers.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: May one build a shul?
Back: A shul, mikveh, or yeshiva may be built and decorated during The Nine Days since such work is a mitzvah.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: May one make repairs to a house?
Back: All repairs and basic upkeep of the house are permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: May one clean the house as usual?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: Which type of gardening is forbidden?
Back: One may not plant anything for pleasure, such as trees, flowers, or grass.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: Is Kiddush Levana recited during The Nine Days?
Back: The main custom is to wait until after Tisha b’Av since Kiddush Levana should preferably be recited in a state of happiness
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: Can unnecessary work to ones home be done by a gentile?
Back: From Rosh Chodesh, a gentile may not be called to do such work.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: May necessary work to ones house be done by a gentile?
Back: If an agreement was made with a gentile before Rosh Chodesh, the work may be done during The Nine Days.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: What is forbidden during The Nine Days?
Back: All rejoicing is forbidden.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: When do the laws of The Nine Days begin?
Back: At nightfall on erev Rosh Chodesh Av. According to some opinions, the laws begin at sunset.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: Which types of improvements to one’s home are forbidden?
Back: It is forbidden to do any building or construction work that is unnecessary for basic dwelling.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Nine Days

Front: If the fast occurs on Sunday, may one take pills or drops on Shabbos to make it easier to fast?
Back: • It is permitted to take them on Shabbos until sunset if they are mixed with a food or drink.
• Between sunset and nightfall one may take the mixture if one has not yet finished Seuda Shelishis.
• On motzai Shabbos one may take them without a mixture.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: May one eat or drink early in the morning before the fast begins?
Back: The fast begins at halachic dawn, and one may eat or drink until this time. However, before going to sleep one must have in mind that he wishes to eat or drink before dawn. A person who did not have this in mind and woke up unexpectedly may drink before dawn but not eat.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: How close to halachic dawn may one begin to eat?
Back: If a man wishes to eat more than a kebeitza of bread or cake, he must begin at least thirty minutes before halachic dawn. He may begin to eat other foods or drinks even within this period. .
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: What if a person recited a b’racha on food or drink and then realized that it is a fast day?
Back: He should say???? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ??? and not eat or drink anything.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: What should a person do if he accidentally ate or drank?
Back: He must stop immediately and continue to fast for the rest of the day.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Is bathing permitted?
Back: The custom is to refrain from bathing one’s body with hot water. It is permitted to wash one’s face, hands, and feet with hot water and to shower one’s body with cold water.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Are a chosson and kallah required to fast?
Back: A chosson and kallah must fast even if the fast occurs during the first week of their marriage.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Can one bathe the body with hot water the night before the fast?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Do pregnant or nursing women have to fast?
Back: Strictly speaking they do not need to fast since they do not usually have their full strength, and fasting will be difficult for them.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: How close to halachic dawn may a woman begin to eat?
Back: Women are not restricted by this thirty minute limit even for bread or cake
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: If a person is not required to fast, should he delay eating for a few hours?
Back: No, this is not necessary and he may eat in the morning as usual.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Is there any special mitzvah to do on the fast?
Back: There is a custom to give tzedaka before Mincha.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: May such a person who is not required to fast, eat as much as he likes?
Back: No. In order to participate in the public fast day, he should limit himself to a sufficient amount of basic foods.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Should anything be done in place of fasting by someone who is exempt?
Back: Yes, it is proper to give money to tzedaka instead. Pregnant and nursing women do not need to do this.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: What if a person is not feeling well, do they need to fast?
Back: A person who is ill is not permitted to fast even if his illness is not serious. A person who is only slightly ill does not need to fast when the fast is postponed from Shabbos to Sunday.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: What is the purpose of fasting?
Back: The purpose of a fast is to arouse one’s heart to repentance and to recall one’s misdeeds and the similar misdeeds of our forefathers that caused such calamities.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Why is this day a public fast? (Five reasons)
Back: Five major tragedies occurred on this day:
• The first set of luchos were broken when Moshe Rabbeinu descended from Har Sinai and witnessed the chet ha'eigel.
• The daily korbanos stopped during the first Beis Hamikdash since sheep were no longer available due to the siege.
• The walls of Yerushalayim were breached prior to the destruction of the second Beis Hamikdash.
• A Sefer Torah was burned by a wicked gentile named Apostumus during the days of the second Beis Hamikdash.
• An idol was placed in the Beis Hamikdash.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Seventeenth of Tammuz

Front: Which restrictions apply after the fast?
Back: In a regular year, the laws of The Nine Days continue after the fast until halachic noon on the tenth of Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Tenth of Av

Front: Why do these restrictions continue after the fast?
Back: The first Beis Hamikdash was set on fire in the afternoon of the ninth of Av but continued to burn throughout the tenth of Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Tenth of Av

Front: Are there any situations in which the restrictions do not apply till midday on the 10th?
Back: At a Seudas Mitzvah everyone may partake of meat and wine. If necessary, one may cut nails, launder children’s clothes, and take a cold shower. If one has no more prepared clothes, he may wear freshly laundered clothes.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Tenth of Av

Front: Are there any differences when Tisha b’Av falls on Thursday?
Back: It is permitted to launder clothes after the fast if they are needed for Shabbos. Regarding other clothes, some opinions permit one to launder them immediately, but other opinions permit this only on Friday morning. Haircuts are permitted on Friday morning. The other restrictions continue as usual until midday.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Tenth of Av

Front: From what time may one bathe in honor of Shabbos?
Back: From Friday morning.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Tenth of Av

Front: Are there any differences when the fast is postponed to Sunday the tenth of Av?
Back: Meat and wine are forbidden on Sunday evening but permitted on Monday morning. Some opinions permit listening to music on Sunday evening, but others permit only on Monday morning. All other restrictions are lifted immediately after the fast.
Title: The Three Weeks: The Tenth of Av

Front: What is forbidden during The Three Weeks? (3)
Back: • Weddings.
• Playing or listening to music.
• Haircuts.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Are engagements permitted?
Back: One may become engaged during the entire three weeks.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Which type of music is forbidden?
Back: One may not play or listen to any musical instrument during The Three Weeks. It is also forbidden to listen to recorded music.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one learn or teach to play an instrument?
Back: This is usually forbidden. However, if the cancellation of lessons will cause a financial loss to the teacher, some opinions are lenient until the week of Tisha b’Av. A student may only practice to play the instrument if extra lessons would be required due to the break, and he is not playing for the enjoyment. In any event, he must not practice during the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one listen to a recording of singing without music?
Back: According to most opinions, this is also forbidden.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: On which occasions may one sing without musical accompaniment?
Back: • On Shabbos.
• At a Seudas Mitzvah.
• In order to praise or bring one closer to Hashem.
• For the needs of young children.
Aside from the above, singing for pleasure is permitted until Rosh Chodesh, but it is nevertheless preferable to refrain.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one dance without musical accompaniment?
Back: Dancing is usually forbidden. However, at a Seudas Mitzvah some opinions allow dancing without music.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May women have a haircut?
Back: A married woman may remove excess hair that protrudes out of her hair covering if necessary.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May children have a haircut?
Back: Ideally, children should not have a haircut. If necessary, a child may have a haircut until the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May a boy have his first haircut when reaching the age of three?
Back: Although some opinions permit it, the custom is to give the first haircut before or after The Three Weeks.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May a man shave?
Back: A man is forbidden to shave or trim his beard during The Three Weeks. A man who is liable to incur a financial loss if he refrains may shave until the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May a man trim his mustache?
Back: This is permitted only if it interferes with his eating.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May a woman shave her legs?
Back: A married woman or a girl of marriageable age may do so if she considers it to be necessary.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May a woman tweeze her eyebrows?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one shave or have a haircut in honor of a Bris?
Back: According to most opinions, the parents of the child, the sandek and the mohel may shave and have a haircut in honor of the Bris, (Until the week of Tisha b’Av) and only on the day of the Bris or the prior evening.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one shave or have a haircut in honor of a Pidyon Haben?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May a boy have a haircut in honor of his bar mitzvah?
Back: Ideally, he should not have a haircut. If necessary, he may have a haircut before his birthday until the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: What if a mourner ended sheloshim during The Three Weeks?
Back: Since he was unable to shave or have a haircut before The Three Weeks, he may do so until Rosh Chodesh. This does not apply to a mourner for a parent.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Is combing one’s hair permitted?
Back: This is permitted even during the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Is cutting one’s nails permitted?
Back: This is permitted until the week of Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one recite the b’racha Shehecheyanu for new fruits?
Back: The prevalent custom is to refrain from reciting Shehecheyanu on a weekday. It is permitted to recite it on any Shabbos during The Three Weeks and on Rosh Chodesh.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one eat a new fruit on a weekday without reciting Shehecheyanu?
Back: Ideally, a new fruit should not be eaten until Shabbos when Shehecheyanu may be recited. If the fruit will not last until Shabbos, one may eat it on a weekday and recite Shehecheyanu.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May a pregnant woman or a sick person eat a new fruit on a weekday? With a Shehecheyanu?
Back: If such a person has a desire to eat a new fruit on a weekday, he may do so. In this case the b’racha Shehecheyanu should not be recited.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one recite the b’racha Shehecheyanu for new garments?
Back: The prevalent custom is to refrain from reciting Shehecheyanu on a weekday but to permit its recital on a Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one wear a new garment on a weekday without reciting Shehecheyanu?
Back: Ideally, such clothing should not be worn until Shabbos when Shehecheyanu may be recited. In extenuating circumstances, one may wear such clothing on a weekday until Rosh Chodesh, but the b’racha Shehecheyanu should not be recited.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Is Shehecheyanu recited at a Bris or Pidyon Haben?
Back: People who have the custom to recite Shehecheyanu at a Bris, do so even on Tisha b’Av. The same applies at a Pidyon Haben.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Is Shehecheyanu recited for a newborn girl?
Back: Many parents have the custom to recite Shehecheyanu when first seeing a newborn girl. The b’racha is recited as usual by both parents throughout The Three Weeks.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one buy new clothes of minor importance (e.g. underwear, shoes, socks, shirts)?
Back: Yes until Rosh Chodesh.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one buy new clothes of major importance?
Back: The custom is to refrain. According to some opinions, one may buy them until Rosh Chodesh but not wear them until after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one buy a new tallis katan?
Back: If one has no tallis katan to wear, he may buy a new one even during The Nine Days since this is a mitzvah item that does not require Shehecheyanu.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Until when may one buy a new car or furniture if someone else will benefit?
Back: Rosh Chodesh
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one buy a house?
Back: The custom is to refrain from buying a house during The Three Weeks since it is not a time of good fortune. If a person has to move out of his home, he may buy or rent a house even during The Nine Days.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one look for a house?
Back: This is permitted, but a written agreement should not be signed. (unless afraid someone else might buy before him)
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one paint or decorate a house?
Back: Strictly speaking, this is permitted until Rosh Chodesh, but it is praiseworthy to refrain.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Should one avoid potentially dangerous activities?
Back: Yes. Since this a time of misfortune, one should be especially careful to avoid all dangers.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Are any changes made to bensching?
Back: One should be particular to recite Al Naharos Bavel before bensching even if one does not do so during the year.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: If a person has to move out of his home, may he buy or rent a house even during The Nine Days?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: If someone gets engaged, can a festive meal be held?
Back: A festive meal may be held until Rosh Chodesh, but only light refreshments may be served between Rosh Chodesh and Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: May one swim in the sea or a swimming pool?
Back: Strictly speaking, this is permitted until Rosh Chodesh.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: When one buys a new car or furniture that someone else will benefit from, should he make the bracha of Hatov Vehameitiv?
Back: Yes
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: When Tisha b’Av is on Shabbos, is it permitted to cut one’s nails on erev Shabbos in honor of Shabbos?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks

Front: Which shoes are included in this prohibition?
Back: Shoes made of leather.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if only a small part of the shoe is made of leather?
Back: This is also forbidden, whether the leather is found in the sole, the upper part of the shoe, or just in the straps.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if the shoes are imitation leather but look like real leather?
Back: According to some opinions, this is also forbidden because of maris ayin.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one wear comfortable sports shoes?
Back: According to some opinions, such shoes should not be worn. The reason why one must not wear leather shoes is in order to be an affliction and a discomfort, and therefore comfortable sports shoes are inappropriate. It is praiseworthy to limit oneself to shoes with thin soles that do not offer such comfort.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one wear a shoe with an insert or foot support made of leather?
Back: If the insert is left in the shoe permanently, it is considered part of the shoe and is forbidden. If the insert is sometimes removed, it may be used on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: What if one is required to wear leather shoes for medical reasons?
Back: Strictly speaking this is permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: May children wear leather shoes?
Back: Strictly speaking, children below bar/bas mitzvah are permitted to wear leather shoes. However, it is customary to train children to wear other footwear from the age of two or three if possible.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: What is included in the prohibition of marital relations?
Back: In addition to marital relations, all physical contact between husband and wife is forbidden, and the laws of niddah separation should be followed.
Title: The Three Weeks: Wearing Shoes on Tisha b’Av

Front: What are the main changes when Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos?
Back: The fast is postponed until Sunday. Marital relations are forbidden on leil Shabbos Tisha b’Av. There is no special Seuda Hamafsekes before the fast. Some of the laws of Tisha b’Av begin only at nightfall on motzai Shabbos, instead of at sunset. Havdalah is postponed until Sunday night.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos and is postponed to Sunday, is the week starting from the previous Sunday considered as the week in which Tisha b’Av occurs?
Back: There are different opinions about this. Therefore one should be strict about this concerning haircuts, cutting nails, and laundering. Therefore, the leniences in these matters only apply on Friday Rosh Chodesh Av and not during the following week. One may be lenient about matters concerning music, making clothes, meat and wine. Therefore, the leniences in these matters apply until Friday the 8th of Av inclusive.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May a woman immerse in a mikveh on leil Shabbos Tisha b’Av?
Back: Yes. In this case, marital relations are permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May a man immerse in a mikveh on Shabbos morning that is Tisha b’Av?
Back: If he immerses every Shabbos morning or whenever he is tamei, he may immerse but only in a cold mikveh.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Are there any changes to the tefillos?
Back: Tzidkasecha Tzedek is not recited at Mincha. Pirkei Avos is not said at Mincha. However, Av Harachamim is recited before Mussaf as usual and the tefillah Eil Malei Rachamim may be recited.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one sing and throw treats when a chosson is called up to the Torah?
Back: According to the prevalent custom, this is permitted. Some opinions recommend that he be called up on the previous Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one hold a public kiddush on this Shabbos?
Back: If the kiddush can be held on a different Shabbos, it is preferable to do so.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one eat meat and drink wine at the Shabbos meals?
Back: Yes. This is permitted even at Seuda Shelishis.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one invite guests to the Shabbos meals?
Back: Yes. However, one should not invite guests for Seuda Shelishis unless he does so regularly.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one sing zemiros at the Shabbos meals?
Back: Yes. This is permitted even at Seuda Shelishis.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one go for a stroll on this Shabbos?
Back: When the ninth of Av is Sunday, one may not go for a stroll on Shabbos after halachic noon. When the ninth of Av is Shabbos, one may not go for a stroll at any time of the day.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one visit family or friends?
Back: No.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one learn Torah on this Shabbos?
Back: Before halachic midday, it is permitted to learn Torah. After halachic midday, many opinions permit learning Torah. If a person can limit himself to the topics that are permitted on Tisha b’Av, he is praiseworthy.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one take pills or drops on Shabbos to make it easier to fast?
Back: It is permitted to take them on Shabbos until sunset if they are mixed with a food or drink. One should preferably prepare the mixture before Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May a communal Seuda Shelishis be held in shul?
Back: Opinions differ about this, and the final decision should be made by the Rav of the shul.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Are there any changes to Seuda Shelishis?
Back: Although any food may be served, including meat and wine, and zemiros may be sung, the mood should be somewhat subdued. A person should not say that he is eating in order to have strength to fast, but he may think this. One must stop eating and drinking before sunset, since the fast begins at this time. People should be reminded about this, as it is unlike a regular Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Must one bensch before sunset?
Back: It is permitted to bensch after sunset, but one should try to wash mayim acharonim before sunset.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one bensch with a zimun?
Back: Yes (compare Question ?195).
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one eat or drink after Seuda Shelishis?
Back: If one bensched before sunset, one may eat or drink until sunset. It is not necessary to have this in mind when bensching (compare Question ?196).
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Which prohibitions of Tisha b’Av commence at sunset?
Back: All the prohibitions except wearing shoes and sitting on a chair commence at sunset. These two restrictions begin at nightfall.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: When should one change one’s shoes and Shabbos clothes? (Prevalent custom in Chutz La'aretz)
Back: Some go to shul before nightfall and begin Ma’ariv at the usual time of motzai Shabbos. The chazan should say baruch hamavdil bein kodesh lechol, remove his shoes, and then begin Ma'ariv. The congregation should respond to Barchu and then remove their shoes. The Shabbos clothes are not removed until one returns home after Ma’ariv. This is the prevalent custom in Chutz La’aretz.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: When should one change one’s shoes and Shabbos clothes? (Prevalent custom in Eretz Yisroel)
Back: Some shuls delay the commencement of Ma'ariv, allowing people to remain at home until nightfall. At the time of motzai Shabbos everyone should say the phrase baruch hamavdil bein kodesh lechol, remove shoes, and change into weekday clothes before Ma'ariv. This is the prevalent custom in Eretz Yisroel.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: According to the custom in Chutz La'aretz, may one bring Tisha b’Av footwear to shul before Ma'ariv?
Back: This is forbidden even if there is an eiruv since one may not prepare on Shabbos for motzai Shabbos. It is also forbidden to change one’s shoes before going to shul, since this is disgracing the Shabbos. It is therefore advisable to leave suitable footwear in shul before Shabbos to wear on motzai Shabbos.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: If a person usually waits until the time of Rabbeinu Tam, when should he change his shoes and clothes?
Back: He should change at the standard time of motzai Shabbos unless he observes the time of Rabbeinu Tam consistently in all matters.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Is Havdalah recited?
Back: No. The recital of Havdalah is postponed until after the fast. Extra care should be taken to recite Ata Chonantanu in the Ma'ariv Shemoneh Esrei. It is commendable for a woman to daven Ma'ariv in order to recite Ata Chonantanu.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Is the b’racha recited for spices?
Back: No. It is forbidden to smell spices on Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Is the b’racha recited on a Havdalah candle?
Back: Yes. According to one custom, it is recited in shul before the reading of Eicha. According to another custom, it is recited at home before Ma'ariv if there is time.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Is a woman obligated to recite the b’racha on the Havdallah candle?
Back: If possible, she should listen to the b’racha being recited by a man. If this is not possible, most opinions permit her to recite this b’racha herself.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: What if a person forgot or missed this b’racha before Eicha?
Back: He should recite it later in the evening.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Are there any changes to Ma'ariv?
Back: The two chapters of Tehillim customarily sung before Ma'ariv are omitted. Viyhi No’am is omitted. Veyiten Lecha is omitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May a man fold his tallis on motzai Shabbos?
Back: Yes.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May one wash the Shabbos dishes on motzai Shabbos?
Back: No. They should not be washed until after Tisha b’Av or at least until after midday. Similarly, one may not load the dishwasher.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Should a person who will not be fasting recite Havdalah before eating?
Back: Yes. However, if he only needs to drink water throughout the fast he should not recite Havdalah.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Should a person who needs to eat recite Havdalah immediately on motzai Shabbos or wait until he needs to eat?
Back: He should wait until he needs to eat.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Are all sections of Havdalah recited?
Back: No, the introductory verses and the b’racha for spices should be omitted. The b’racha for a flame should be omitted if he already recited or heard it on motzai Shabbos, or if he is reciting Havdalah during the day.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Should Havdalah be recited on wine?
Back: If there is a definite ‘national drink’, that should be used. If there is no definite ‘national drink’, one should use grape juice.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Who should drink the Havdallah wine/drink?
Back: If a ‘national drink’ is used, the one reciting Havdalah should drink a reviyis. If grape juice is used, it should preferably be given to a boy between the ages of six and twelve. Otherwise, one should drink it himself.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: May other members of the family fulfill the mitzvah by listening to this Havdalah (someone not fasting on Tisha B'Av)?
Back: If Havdalah is being recited by a man, they may fulfill their obligation this way and will not be required to recite Havdalah after the fast.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Are children obligated to recite Havdalah before they eat?
Back: According to most opinions, they do not recite Havdalah before eating.
Title: The Three Weeks: When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos or Sunday

Front: Which type of work is forbidden?
Back: In the evening and in the day before halachic noon, one may not do any type of work that requires some time. Jobs that can be done in a short time are permitted.
Title: The Three Weeks: Working on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is business permitted?
Back: One may buy or sell food even before noon. Other forms of business are permitted after noon if they can be conducted in a short time.
Title: The Three Weeks: Working on Tisha b’Av

Front: May work be done for a person by a gentile?
Back: This is permitted even before noon. However, outdoor work is forbidden, e.g. building, gardening.
Title: The Three Weeks: Working on Tisha b’Av

Front: May business be done through a gentile?
Back: If possible, this should be avoided unless refraining will cause financial hardship.
Title: The Three Weeks: Working on Tisha b’Av

Front: Is housework permitted?
Back: Housework is permitted after halachic noon, e.g. preparing food, washing dishes, making beds, etc.
Title: The Three Weeks: Working on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one cook food for Shabbos?
Back: This is permitted only if there will not be sufficient time after Tisha b’Av.
Title: The Three Weeks: Working on Tisha b’Av

Front: May one wash the floor in the afternoon?
Back: Although some have a custom to do this in anticipation of the arrival of Mashiach, the widespread custom is to refrain.
Title: The Three Weeks: Working on Tisha b’Av