The Halachos of Tisha B’Av that falls on Sunday

Erev Shabbos Chazon

Bathing on Erev Shabbos Chazon (for Bnei Ashkenaz and also for Bnei Sepharad who prohibit bathing even before the week of Tisha B’Av) – Someone who regularly bathes every Erev Shabbos in hot water and when possible has never missed out, may wash his head, face, hands, and feet in hot water with soap. The rest of the body may not be washed, even with cold water. (See previous bulletin #29 for the Halacha of someone who suffers from excessive sweating).
Although some say that ideally one should bathe before midday (ב"ח, הובא בט"ז סי' תקנ"א ס"ק ט"ז), in practice, it is permissible to bathe the entire day (עי' בה"ל שם ד"ה בחפיפה).
Tvila in the Mikvah on Erev Shabbos – If one regularly immerses every Erev Shabbos, he may do so even on Erev Shabbos Chazon. If possible, one should immerse in a cold Mikvah. Regarding the time of immersion, see the end of the previous section.
In honor of Shabbos, it is permitted to cut one’s nails, wash the floors, polish shoes, and brush hats.
Even those among Bnei Sepharad who prohibit haircuts only during the week of Tisha B’Av (and this year it would technically be allowed the entire week), should not cut hair or shave on the Friday before Tisha B’Av.
In honor of Shabbos, it is permitted to wear all freshly laundered and ironed Shabbos garments as usual [they should be put on after bathing]. However, one may not launder or iron clothing in honor of Shabbos (See Mishna Berura סי' תקנ"א ס"ק ל"ב who explains that although strictly speaking it is permitted to launder for Shabbos, the custom is to prohibit it).
If one does not have suitable Shabbos garments, he may be lenient (as there is a Halachic basis for it), and may Lechatchila give them to a Sephardi to launder them for him.
Regarding ironing: Simple ironing is permitted, provided no new folds are created in the garments. [The Halacha regarding ironing for Shabbos is not explicitly stated, and perhaps it is stricter than laundering - but in practice, it may be permitted, especially for reasons of Kvod HaBrios [human dignity], in which case it is permitted even when not for Shabbos.]
Nevertheless, one may not change for Shabbos the bed sheets or linens to freshly laundered ones. If they need to be changed, one should have a child lie on them for a few minutes after the beds have been made.
When sampling the food prepared in honor of Shabbos, it is permitted to taste the meat and then spit it out. Some authorities even allow swallowing the required amount to taste the food properly, without making a Bracha. However, eating meat or meat dishes that were prepared for Shabbos is prohibited. For children, leniency is allowed when needed.

Preparations for the Fast That Should Be Done Before Shabbos

Those who wish to take fast-aid supplements or the like on Shabbos, should mix them into a food or drink before Shabbos, in a way that they are not noticeable. If they forgot to do so, it is permitted to take them on Shabbos.
As for preparing the Kinos, Megilas Eicha, a low stool, etc. - see # 24 below.

Shabbos Chazon – Erev Tisha B’Av

Shabbos Meals

One eats the Shabbos meals as usual, including meat and wine, even at Seudah Shlishis. One may even serve a lavish meal, like the feast of King Shlomo in his time.
Shabbos Zemiros are sung as on any other Shabbos.

Torah Study and Leisure Walks

In regular years, from midday on Erev Tisha B’Av, one studies only those parts of Torah permitted on Tisha B’Av (listed later, sections 65–71). If one finds it difficult to study only those parts, he may follow his regular learning schedule until sunset.
This year, since Erev Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbos, although some are strict to follow this practice even this year, the Halacha permits regular Torah study (not limited to mourning-related subjects) until sunset.
One may not go out for a leisure stroll on Erev Tisha B’Av, and this prohibition applies also this year (ברכ"י, הובא בשע"ת סי' תקנ"ג). However, going out with small children who need to go outdoors is not considered strolling.

Seudah Shlishis and Accepting the Fast During Birkas Hamazon

As mentioned, one may eat anything at Seudah Shlishis until sunset [the meal must be completed before sunset].
Some Poskim rule that one should not hold a social gathering during Seudah Shlishis nor act joyously. Others rule that if one usually eats Seudah Shlishis with friends, he need not refrain, as this would be considered Aveilus BeFarhesya [public mourning].
There is a Safek [doubt] whether one may say during Seudah Shlishis that he is eating in order to have strength for the fast (עי' משנ"ב סי' ר"צ סק"ד, ובתורת השבת וערוה"ש שם).
On a Erev Tisha B'Av, three men should not sit together to eat the Seudah Hamafsekes in order to avoid being obligated in Zimun. This year, however, three men may eat together Seudah Shlishis and be Mezamen [even if the Zimun is after sunset].
If one finished Seudah Shlishis before sunset and recited Birkas Hamazon without having in mind that he is yet not accepting the fast, he may still eat until sunset. [In a regular year one must have this in mind explicitly, otherwise the recitation of Birkas Hamazon automatically constitutes accepting the fast, however on Shabbos the recitation of Birkas Hamazon does not automatically constitute accepting the fast].

Motzei Shabbos – The Night of Tisha B’Av

When to Begin the Mourning Customs and Ma'ariv

In places where Ma'ariv is delayed, one should remove leather shoes and change Shabbos clothes at Tzeis HaCochavim [nightfall], after reciting “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh LeChol.”
In places where Ma'ariv is not delayed, one removes shoes after answering "Borchu" and changes Shabbos clothing only when arriving home after Ma'ariv. The Chazan removes his shoes before saying "Borchu" after reciting "Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh LeChol."
From Sheki'as HaChamah [sunset], the prohibitions of eating, drinking, washing, anointing, marital relations, Torah study, and She'ilas Shalom [greeting others] apply. Therefore, from sunset, one may not eat or drink at all, nor wash one's hands (except for Mayim Acharonim before Birkas Hamazon if not yet recited).
However, the practices of sitting on the ground, removing leather shoes, and changing garments only begin after Tzeis Ha'Chochavim [nightfall], as these are considered public mourning practices.
As noted above, one should not sit on the floor between sunset and nightfall, as this is public mourning. Yet some are careful not to sit even on a regular chair or bench during this time, and to remove their shoes in a way that does not appear as mourning.
One should not prepare Kinos, Megilas Eicha [unless one studies them briefly on Shabbos] nor the low sitting facilities in Shul before nightfall. This is due to the prohibition of "Hachanah" [preparing on Shabbos for weekdays].
Women who do not Daven Ma'ariv and a man who forgot to say "Ata Chonantanu" at Ma'ariv must recite "Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh LeChol" before performing any weekday activity.

Clearing the Table and Washing Dishes

The table should only be cleared after nightfall [as on every other Shabbos] due to the prohibition of "Hachanah" [preparing] on Shabbos for the week-days. However, if one finished the meal whilst day and the messy table bothers him on Shabbos, he may clear it.
Lechatchila, dishes should be washed on Sunday after midday, but those who are lenient and wash them on Motzei Shabbos have opinions to rely upon. Ideally gloves should be worn, see #88.
On Motzei Shabbos, the Tallis may be fold, as this is not considered a prolonged activity, see # 83.

Havdalah on Tisha B’Av

Havdalah for those Fasting

On this Motzei Shabbos, one does not recite Havdalah over wine, and Besamim are not smelled. However, one does recite the Bracha of “Borei Me’orei Ha’Esh” over a flame.
The Bracha over the flame is recited in Shul before reading Megilas Eicha. Some have the custom that the husband recites this Bracha at home before leaving for Ma'ariv, in order to fulfill the obligation on behalf of his wife (since there are opinions that a woman should not recite the Bracha over the flame herself). However, according to Halacha, a woman may recite this Bracha herself, and there is no need for her husband to do so on her behalf עי' בה"ל סוס"י רצ"ו, וריטב"א פסחים נ"ח
The Bracha over the flame can be recited any time until Alos Hashachar (dawn).

Havdalah for Those Permitted to Eat

This year that the fast begins on Motzei Shabbos, a sick person who must eat on Tisha B’Av is required to first recite Havdalah over wine. [Even someone who becomes ill during the fast itself and must eat, must first make Havdalah.] If others who are fasting hear this Havdalah, they have fulfilled their obligation.
The one reciting Havdalah should drink a full Revi’is. [Even though technically a cheek-full is enough, ideally he should drink a Revi'is so that he can recite a proper Bracha Acharona of Al HaGofen].
A woman who must eat on Tisha B’Av, should make Havdalah herself and drink the wine [with no reason for concern]. Some permit her husband or another person to recite the Havdalah for her, and she should drink, thereby fulfilling also her husband's [or the other person's] obligation.
If she cannot drink the wine of the cup, she may give it to a child who has reached the age of Chinuch (5–6 years old) to drink. If no child is available, she may eat without Havdalah and hear it after the fast ends.
Order of the Havdalah on Tisha B’Av: One does not recite the usual introductory verses (Hinei Kel Yeshu'asi), but begin with the Bracha of “Borei Pri Hagofen”, followed by “Hamavdil Bein Kodesh LeChol.” One does not make the Bracha on Besamim. [If one did not yet recite “Borei Me’orei Ha’Esh”, he may do so now, but if he already recited it, he does not repeat it].
When reciting Havdalah on the fast, it is preferable to use grape juice rather than wine.
Drinking water only [mandatory for the Chole] does not require Havdalah beforehand.
A child under Bar Mitzvah who eats during the fast does not need to make Havdalah, but should hear it after the fast.
A sick person who must eat during the fast, is not obligated to eat Melaveh Malkah.

Those Exempt from the Fast

A person who is sick and feels he cannot function normally and ought to be in bed, or has full-body weakness [חולה שאין בו סכנה], is exempt from fasting. In a case of doubt, a Rav should be consulted.
Those who suffer from migraine attacks and are experiencing a severe headache that might develop into migraine, are exempt from fasting.
A person with a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, is exempt from fasting.
A pregnant woman with a healthy pregnancy must fast. [It is advisable to drink 3–4 liters of sweet drinks during the two days prior to the fast]. However, if her condition is not stable, or her level of hemoglobin is low, she is exempt from the fast. The matter should be discussed with a Rav.
A nursing mother must also fast. [From two days before the fast she should prepare herself well by drinking 3-4 liters of sweet drinks. So too, after the fast it is recommended that she should drink sweet drinks.] However, if fasting causes a milk deficiency and the milk supply does not suffice the needs of the child, or if she knows from experience that her milk supply will be harmed by fasting, she may drink as needed.
A woman who is still within thirty days of childbirth does not fast, even if she is not nursing.
A woman who had a miscarriage after 40 days, shares the same Halachos as a woman who gave birth.
Children that have not yet reached the age of Mitzvos are exempt from fasting, and there is no obligation for partial fasts either.
Even those who are exempt from fasting, should refrain from eating delicacies or meat.

Halachos of the Fast

On Tisha B’Av the following are forbidden: eating and drinking, washing or bathing, anointing the body, wearing leather shoes, engaging in marital relations, studying Torah as regular, greeting others and enquiring about their welfare.
In regular years, these prohibitions begin at sunset on Erev Tisha B’Av and continue until nightfall the next day. However, this year, when Tisha B’Av begins on Motzei Shabbos, some of the prohibitions begin only after Shabbos ends (see above #22).

Washing

It is forbidden to wash or bathe on Tisha B’Av, whether in hot or cold water. Even inserting one’s finger into water is prohibited.
Washing in order to remove dirt is permitted. Therefore, one may use water or moist wipes for hygiene (e.g., after using the restroom).
A child who is unclean may be washed by an adult, although the adult's hands will get wet in the process.
Netilas Yadayim in the morning is done three or four times (depending on one's custom), only until the knuckles [including the knuckles].
A child or a sick person who is not fasting, washes his hands before eating bread in the same manner as throughout the year (i.e. until the wrist). Before Birkas Hamazon, Mayim Acharonim is washed as usual. In Eretz Yisrael where the Kohanim go up to Duchan at Mincha, their hands are washed until the wrist as usual.
One may not wash one’s eyes in the morning after waking up. However, one may gently rub them with damp hands after Netilas Yadayim.
Rinsing one’s mouth and brushing one's teeth are only permitted in situations of major distress, and care must be taken not to swallow water, by tilting the head forwards.
Washing Hands Before Davening – One should wash his hands up to the knuckles (the end of the finger joints), as many times as he is accustomed to doing throughout the year (חיי אדם קל"ה ס"ה, משנ"ב תקנ"ד ס"ק כ"א).
If he touched covered parts of the body, or if he entered a bathroom—even if he did not relieve himself there and did not touch any covered areas—it is permitted to wash his hands up to the knuckles, as many times as he is accustomed to washing throughout the year.
Food and dishes may be washed in preparation for the meal after the fast, even though it will inevitably wet the hands.
A bride within thirty days from her wedding may wash her face, to avoid appearing unattractive to her new husband.

Anointing

It is forbidden to apply oil or lotion for pleasure, even on just part of the body. Therefore, makeup may not be applied, nor may perfumes be used. [However, applying them before the fast is allowed.]
An exception to this is a bride within thirty days from her wedding, who is allowed to apply cosmetics so as not to appear unattractive to her husband.
Anointing for medical purposes is permitted. Therefore, creams or lotions may be applied to treat rashes or wounds, as may lip balm be smeared over cracked lips. Anti-mosquito lotions or creams may also be used.
One may use deodorants and roll-ons to eliminate or prevent malodorous perspiration, since it is not considered anointing for pleasure. However, if they are being used to provide a pleasant fragrance, they are forbidden.

Wearing Shoes

Leather shoes may not be worn on Tisha B’Av. This prohibition applies even if the shoe is merely leather coated and the shoe itself is made from other fabrics.
Crocs (original plastic version): Although some are strict about them on Yom Kippur, they are permitted on Tisha B’Av (עי' משנ"ב סי' תקנ"ד ס"ק ל'-ל"א).
Leather shoes for children: Children of Chinuch age should not wear leather shoes. In today’s times, since non-leather shoes are widely available, it is proper even for younger children to avoid leather shoes.

Greeting & Asking Welfare of Others

On Tisha B’Av one may not extend greetings to others. Therefore, one does not say "hello" or “shalom” when meeting an acquaintance, nor does one wish him “good morning”. Nevertheless, one may wish a friend "good luck" or "Mazal Tov".
If one is greeted by someone who is unaware of this Halacha, one may respond quietly and somberly.
It is permitted to nod one’s head as a sign of recognition and acquaintanceship.

Torah Study on Tisha B’Av

It is permitted to study only topics related to mourning or destruction, such as the Gemara in Mo'ed Katan (from Daf 13b to 29a); the laws of mourning in the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah #340 - #403).
The last section of the Gemara in Taanis (Daf 28b - 30b); the Gemara Yerushalmi (ibid); the laws pertaining to Ta'anis and Tisha B’Av in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim #549 - #580).
The sections relevant to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash in Gittin (Daf 55b - 58a) and in Sanhedrin (Daf 96a - 96b, 104a - 104b).
One may learn Eichah and Midrash Eichah with the commentaries and read Josephus. The chapters in Yermiyahu that deal with calamity and exile may be studied, but Pesukim of comfort should be skipped. Iyov may be studied with its commentaries.
Historical works describing Jewish suffering and persecution, as well as Holocaust literature, may be read.
Sifrei Mussar may be studied.
The Poskim differ as to whether Tehillim may be recited on Tisha B’Av. Women may be lenient in the matter. Tehillim for the sick is permitted.
The subjects permitted to be studied on Tisha B'Av may also be studied in depth and with a Chvrusha [study partner].

All the above mentioned Halachos (from paragraph 48 onwards) are prohibited by Halachic ruling, and are therefore forbidden throughout the entire day of Tisha B’Av until nightfall. Below, certain practices will be mentioned as being prohibited due to custom [such as sitting on the ground and refraining from Melacha], which are observed only until midday.

Sitting on the Ground

The custom is to sit on the floor until midday of Tisha B'av. Those who find this difficult, may sit on a low stool.
Elderly or weak people, pregnant women and women after childbirthwho find it difficult to sit on a low stool, may sit on a regular chair.
When travelling in a car or bus, one can sit as usual.
The person who lifts the Sefer Torah in Shul [Hagbah] sits on a regular chair whilst holding the Sefer Torah.

Abstaining from Melacha

From the night of Tisha B'Av until its midday the custom is to refrain from prolonged activities that involve time or effort. Therefore, washing dishes or tidying the house should be pushed off until after midday [regarding washing the Shabbos dishes, see #27]. However, minor tasks that involves no effort, such as lighting a candle are allowed the entire Tisha B’Av.
After midday, it is customary to be lenient with all types of activities, as long as one does not become too preoccupied and absorbed with them. Therefore, one should take the day off from work.
No Bracha (blessing) will be derived from Melachos performed on Tisha B'Av.
Cooking, baking, and other preparations for the meal after the fast are permitted after midday.
Opening a grocery store is permitted, but non-food stores should remain closed until after midday.
Dishes may be washedafter midday. If needed for Tisha B’Av use, they may be washed earlier. Ideally gloves should be worn. [When washing dishes in preparation for the evening meal after the fast, gloves are not necessary, see above #60].

Sick People and Children Who Must Eat

A child or a sick person who eat bread on Tisha B’Av, performs Netilas Yadayim [handwashing] as usual, and also wash Mayim Acharonim.
"Aneinu" is omitted, but "Nacheim" is recited by them at Davening. There is a discussion in the Poskim as to whether “Nacheim” is recited in Birkas Hamazon. The custom is to omit it.

Tallis and Tefillin

The Ashkenazic custom (and some Bnei Sepharad's) is to wear the Tallis Godol and Tefillin only at Mincha, not at Shacharis. The Tallis Koton is worn from the morning as usual, but the Bracha over them is not recited, nor does one hold them while reciting 'Baruch She’omar' or during Kri'as Shema. Some Sephardic communities wear the Tallis and Tefillin at Shacharis.

Although it is generally forbidden to eat before donning Tefillin, a sick person eating on Tisha B’Av morning may do so albeit he will don Tefillin only later at Mincha.
“Nacheim” is recited in the Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha in the Bracha of “Velirusholayim Ircho”, even by those not fasting (and thus do not recite “Aneinu”). Some Bnei Sepharad recite “Nacheim” in all the three Amidah prayers of the day.

After the fast – Motzei Tisha B'Av

Since in the morning of Tisha B'Av we washed hands only up to the knuckles, some have the custom to wash their hands fully three or four times (as during the year).

Havdalah after the fast

It is forbidden to eat or drink after the fast until one has made Havdalah over a cup of wine. One may drink plain water before Havdalah.
Order of Havdalah after the fast: One does not recite the usual introductory verses (Hinei Kel Yeshu'asi etc.), but rather begin with the Brach a of “Borei Pri Hagofen” over wine or grape juice, followed by the Bracha of “Hamavdil Bein Kodesh LeChol.” One does not make the Bracha over Besamim nor over a flame. The one making Havdalah drinks the wine of the cup, and there is no need to have a child drink it [even Bnei Sepharad, who refrain from wine after the fast, may drink this wine].
Even a woman who is fasting is forbidden to taste anything before hearing Havdalah. If there is a man present who is making Havdalah for himself, it is preferable that she fulfill her obligation through him. If no men is present, she should recite Havdalah herself [and she does not need to wait until a man arrives to fulfill it for her]. If the woman is waiting for her husband to make Havdalah for her, it is preferable that he not fulfill his obligation with the Havdalah recited in Shul. (For if he has already fulfilled his obligation, it is not ideal for him to recite Havdalah solely for women [although if necessary, he may do so]. However, for sons—even young children—he may Lechatchila recite Havdalah even if he has already fulfilled his own obligation — see רמ"א ומשנ"ב סוס"י רצ"ו.)

Mourning Customs on the 10^th of Av

On Motzei Tisha B'av, the restrictions regarding washing clothes, wearing freshly laundered or Shabbos garments, haircuts, bathing, reciting Shehecheyanu and listening to music are lifted for Bnei Sepharad immediately after the fast. For Bnei Ashkenaz those restrictions are in effect until midday of the 10^th of Av. [Activities allowed before the week of Tisha B'Av, are also allowed on Motzei Tisha B'Av (עי' סי' תקנ"א ס"ק פ"ב)].
Regarding eating meat and drinking wine - for Bnei Ashkenaz they are permitted from midday on the 10^thof Av, whereas for Bnei Sepharad they are permitted only after sunset at the end of the 10^th of Av.

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