Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Halocho #140 - Can we sit on chairs on 9 B'Av?

On the fast of 9 B'Av it's customary not to sit on chairs from the time the fast begins (at nightfall this Motzai Shabbat) until noon (Sunday, midday).

Instead, one sits on the floor. Anything within 3 tefachim (about 9" - 24 cm) of the floor is considered as being on the floor.

After noon one may sit on regular chairs. However, all other restrictions of the fast apply until the fast is over at night-fall.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124: 16

- Danny Wednesday, 5 Menachem-Av 5768

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2 comments:

  1. I know its not good to wipe your hands on your clothing. Does that mean clothing you are not wearing? Whether its yours or someone elses? Thank

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  2. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (40:6) says:
    ויזהר לנגב ידיו יפה, ולא ינגבן בחלוקו משום דקשה לשכחה
    Be careful to dry your hands properly - and don't dry them on your clothes as it's bad for your memory.

    Seems to mean only clothes that you are currently wearing.

    Other things that the Kitzur brings are bad for your memory:
    - (3:5) Putting on 2 items of clothing at the same time
    יזהר מללבוש שני בגדים ביחד, משום דקשה לשכחה

    - (32:9) Eating the heart of an animal or bird, and eating from the part of the food that a cat or mouse ate from
    אין לאכול לב בהמה או עוף משום דקשה לשכחה, וכן לא יאכל ממקום שאכל עכבר או חתול שגם כן קשה לשכחה

    - (128:13) Reading the writing on tombstones, unless it's engraved.
    הקורא כתב שעל גבי המצבה אם הוא כתב בולט קשה לשכחה

    And sort of related:
    - (42:11) Throwing away crumbs is bad for your livelihood
    יזהר מאוד בפירורין שלא יזרקם, דקשה לעניות, אלא יקבצם ויתנם לעופות

    Hazlacha

    - Danny

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