We mourn and fast on 9 B'Av since the Bet Hamikdash was burned to the ground. The fire was ignited on 9 B'Av in the afternoon and burned throughout the 10th of Av.
Therefore the restrictions of "the 9 days" continue until after midday on the 10th of Av (today - Wednesday).
The custom is to refrain from eating meat and wine, bathing, doing laundry, shaving and haircuts, saying Shehechiyanu and listening to music until Wednesday after noon.
One may make a Se'udat Mitzvah (like a Brit) in the morning, with meat and wine.
(When 9 B'Av is on Thursday - as will happen in 9 years time if the Bet Hamikdash is not yet rebuilt - then these Halalchot are slightly different.)
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:20-22
- Danny
Wednesday, 10 Menachem Av 5771
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Halocho #864 - Tish'a B'Av isn't over yet
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Halocho #861 - What about Havdala and Kiddush Levana this week?
One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle).
If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink.
If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8
Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first
Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen".
Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7
My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself.
One does not say Kiddush Levana (the monthly blessing over the new moon) until after the fast of 9 B'Av.
On Motzai Yom Kippour one can say Kiddush Levana immediately after Ma'ariv (the evening prayers). On Motzai 9 B'Av one may not say Kiddush Levana until one has broken the fast and put on shoes.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:19, 130:6
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 4 Menachem Av 5771
Monday, August 1, 2011
Halocho #858 - Why do we fast on 9 B'Av?
Unless Moshiach comes first, the fast of 9 B'Av will start next week on Monday afternoon and will last for about 25 hours until after nightfall on Tuesday.
The fast of 9 B'Av commemorates 5 tragedies that befell the Jewish people on that date:
- It was decreed that the generation which left Egypt would remain in the desert for 40 years and not enter the land of Israel, after believing the inaccurate report of 10 of the 12 spies over 3,000 years ago
- The first Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was destroyed on 9 B'Av almost 2,500 years ago.
- The second Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was destroyed on 9 B'Av about 1950 years ago.
- The city of Betar was captured and tens of thousands of Jews were killed about 1,800 years ago.
- The wicked Turnus Rufus plowed the site of the Bet Hamikdash and its surroundings and renamed it Aelia Capitolina, about 1,800 years ago.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 121:5
Other tragedies that happened on 9 B'Av:
- 4,000 Jews were expelled from England by King Edward I in the year 5050 (18 July 1290)
- 300,000 Jews were expelled from Spain by Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in the year 5252 (2 August 1492)
- Word War 1 started in 5674 - 1 August 1914 - with Germany declaring war on Russia
- Danny
Monday, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 5771
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Halocho #857 - No more meat leftovers!
From Rosh Chodesh Av (tonight - Sunday evening) until midday on 10th Av (10 August) is the period known as the "9 days".
The custom is to not eat meat and chicken and to not drink wine during the "9 days", except on Shabbat.
Food cooked together with meat should not be eaten - even if one doesn't eat the meat.
Those who need to eat meat (or drink wine) for health reasons, may do so. If possible, even they should refrain (with the Doctor's permission) from the 7th of Av; the day the Romans entered the Bet Hamikdash.
At a Se'udat Mitzva (a Mitzva meal) - a Brit, Pidyon HaBen or Siyum - one may serve meat and wine.
Besides for close family, one may invite up to 10 friends whom one normally invites.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8
Chodesh Tov
- Danny
Sunday, 29 Tamuz 5771
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Halocho #855 - Last chance for laundry
When the month of Av begins, one diminishes joy. From Rosh Chodesh Av until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days".
During the 9 days one does not do any laundry even if one only intends wearing the clothes after the 9 days.
One may not even give laundry to a non-Jew to wash during the 9 days, but a Jew may do laundry for non-Jews.
One does not wear freshly laundered clothes during the 9 days except on Shabbat. This does not apply to garments worn directly on the body; undergarments, socks, PJs and the like.
One may not change bed linens, tablecloths and towels during the 9 days.
The "9 days" starts on Sunday evening (11 July / Rosh Chodesh Av) and ends 10 days later on Wednesday after noon (21 July / 10 Av).
==> Therefore it's advisable to prepare a week's supply of shirts, pants, skirts, etc. by wearing them for a short while before Rosh Chodesh. One can also prepare towels by using them once.
Baby clothing that get dirty all the time and needs to be changed many times a day are exempt from the above and may be laundered and used during the 9 days.
Anything halachically required for her 7 clean days, a Niddah may launder and wear during the 9 days.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:9
To see a chart (in Hebrew in PDF) with the differences between Ashkenazi and Sefardi customs in the 3 weeks, goto http://tinyurl.com/Halocho9days
- Danny
Wednesday, 25 Tamuz 5771
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Halocho #612 - What about Havdala and Kiddush Levana this week?
One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle).
If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink.
If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8
Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen".
Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7
My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself.
One does not say Kiddush Levana (the monthly blessing over the new moon) until after the fast of 9 B'Av. On Motzai Yom Kippour one can say Kiddush Levana immediately after Ma'ariv (the evening prayers). On Motzai 9 B'Av one may not say Kiddush Levana until one has broken the fast and put on shoes.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:19, 130:6
Shabbat Shalom
- Danny
Thursday, 4 Menachem Av 5770
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Halocho #608 - No more meat leftovers!
From Rosh Chodesh Av (tonight - Sunday evening) until midday on 10th Av (21 July) is the period known as the "9 days".
The custom is to not eat meat and chicken and to not drink wine during the "9 days", except on Shabbat.
Food cooked together with meat should not be eaten - even if one doesn't eat the meat.
Those who need to eat meat (or drink wine) for health reasons, may do so. If possible, even they should refrain (with the Doctor's permission) from the 7th of Av; the day the Romans entered the Bet Hamikdash.
At a Se'udat Mitzva (a Mitzva meal) - a Brit, Pidyon HaBen or Siyum - one may serve meat and wine. Besides for close family, one may invite up to 10 friends whom one normally invites.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8
Chodesh Tov
- Danny
Sunday, 29 Tamuz 5770
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Halocho #606 - Last chance for laundry
When the month of Av begins, one diminishes joy. From Rosh Chodesh Av until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days".
During the 9 days one does not do any laundry even if one only intends wearing the clothes after the 9 days. One may not even give laundry to a non-Jew to wash during the 9 days, but a Jew may do laundry for non-Jews.
One does not wear freshly laundered clothes during the 9 days except on Shabbat. This does not apply to garments worn directly on the body; undergarments, socks, PJs and the like.
One may not change bed linens, tablecloths and towels during the 9 days.
The "9 days" starts on Sunday evening (11 July / Rosh Chodesh Av) and ends 10 days later on Wednesday after noon (21 July / 10 Av).
==> Therefore it's advisable to prepare a week's supply of shirts, pants, skirts, etc. by wearing them for a short while before Rosh Chodesh. One can also prepare towels by using them once.
Baby clothing that get dirty all the time and needs to be changed many times a day are exempt from the above and may be laundered and used during the 9 days.
Anything halachically required for her 7 clean days, a Niddah may launder and wear during the 9 days.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:9
To see a chart (in Hebrew) with the differences between Ashkenazi and Sefardi customs in the 3 weeks, goto http://tinyurl.com/Halocho9days
- Danny
Wednesday, 25 Tamuz 5770
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Halocho #376 - Havdala without wine?
Yesterday we learnt that the custom is to not eat meat and chicken and to not drink wine during the 9 days except on Shabbat.
How does one make Havdala this week?
One makes Havdala as usual this week using wine (and spices and a candle).
If there is a small child who can drink most of the cup of wine, then one gives it to him to drink. If not, then the person making Havdala drinks the wine.
Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8
Some people have the custom of using beer for Havdala this week. If one uses beer for Havdala then the first Bracha needs to be "Shehakol" instead of "Borei Pri Hagofen".
Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l page 7
My Rosh Yeshiva - Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l - always used wine for Havdala and always drank it himself.
Shabbat Shalom,
- Danny Thursday, 2 Av 5769
Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Halocho #375 - The sad milky days
Today - Wednesday - is Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av From Rosh Chodesh Av (today) one diminishes happiness. One also refrains from going to court. Eating meat and drinking wine is forbidden from today until 10th Av at midday with the exception of Shabbat. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:7 - Danny Wednesday 1 Av 5769
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Halocho #374 - No more meat leftovers!
From Rosh Chodesh Av (Tuesday evening) until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days". The custom is to not eat meat and chicken and to not drink wine during the "9 days", except on Shabbat. Food cooked together with meat should not be eaten - even if one doesn't eat the meat. Those who need to eat meat (or drink wine) for health reasons may do so. If possible, even they should refrain (with the Doctor's permission) from the 7th of Av; the day the Romans entered the Bet Hamikdash. At a Se'udat Mitzva (a Mitzva meal) - a Brit, Pidyon HaBen or Siyum - one may serve meat and wine. Besides for close family, one may invite up to 10 friends whom one normally invites. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8 - Danny Tuesday, 29 Tamuz 5769
Monday, July 20, 2009
Halocho #373 - Last chance for laundry
When the month of Av begins, one diminishes joy. From Rosh Chodesh Av until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days". During the 9 days one does not do any laundry even if one only intends wearing the clothes after the 9 days. One may not even give laundry to a non-Jew to wash during the 9 days, but a Jew may do laundry for non-Jews. One does not wear freshly laundered clothes during the 9 days except on Shabbat. This does not apply to garments worn directly on the body; undergarments, socks, PJs and the like. One may not change bed linens, tablecloths and towels during the 9 days. The "9 days" starts on Tuesday evening and ends 10 days later on Friday morning. --> Therefore it's advisable to prepare a week's supply of shirts, pants, skirts, etc. by wearing them for a short while before Rosh Chodesh. One can also prepare towels by using them once. Baby clothing that get dirty all the time and needs to be changed many times a day are exempt from the above and may be laundered and used during the 9 days. Anything halachically needed for her 7 clean days, a Niddah may launder and wear during the 9 days. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:9 - Danny Monday 28 Tamuz 5769
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Halocho #366 - Can you cut nails during the 3 weeks?
You may cut your nails during the 3 weeks, until the week in which 9 B'Av falls. On each Shabbat of the "3 weeks" we read a Haftara wherein the prophet foretold the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash. The first week (this week) we read the first chapter of Yirmiyahu. The second week we read most of the second chapter of Yirmiyahu. The third week we read the the first chapter of Yeshayahu - Chazon; most of it in the sad tune that Megilat Eicha is read. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:6, 5 Have a meaningful fast and a Shabbat Shalom, - Danny Thursday, 17 Tamuz 5769
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Halocho #135 - No meat leftovers next week
From Rosh Chodesh Av until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days". The custom is not to eat meat and chicken and not to drink wine during the 9 days, except on Shabbat. Food cooked together with meat should not be eaten - even if one doesn't eat the meat. Those who need to eat meat (or drink wine) for health reasons may do so. If possible, even they should refrain (with the Doctor's permission) from the 7th of Av; the day the Romans entered the Holy Temple. At a Se'udat Mitzva (a Mitzva meal) - a Brit, Pidyon HaBen or Siyum - one may serve meat and wine. Besides for close family, one may invite up to 10 friends whom one normally invites. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:8 - Danny Thursday, 28 Tamuz 5768
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Halocho #134 - Last chance for laundry
When the month of Av begins, one diminishes joy. From Rosh Chodesh Av until midday on 10th Av is the period known as the "9 days". During the 9 days one does not do any laundry even if one only intends wearing the clothes after the 9 days. One may not even give laundry to a non-Jew to wash during the 9 days, but a Jew may do laundry for non-Jews. One does not wear freshly laundered clothes during the 9 days except on Shabbat. This does not apply to garments worn directly on the body; undergarments, socks, PJs and the like. One may not change bed linens, tablecloths and towels during the 9 days. The 9 days start this Shabbat and end 10 days later on Monday afternoon. --> Therefore it's advisable to prepare a week's supply of shirts, pants, skirts, etc. by wearing them for a short while this week. One can also prepare towels by using them once. Baby clothing that gets dirty all the time and needs to be changed many times a day are exempt from the above and may be laundered and used during the 9 days. Anything halachically needed for her 7 clean days, a Niddah may launder and wear during the 9 days. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:9 - Danny Wednesday, 27 Tamuz 5768
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Halocho #5 - No laundry in the 9 days
In the first 9 days of Av one does not (usually) do laundry or even wear clothes that have not been worn before. This does not apply to undergarments. Similarly one does not use fresh towels, linen or tablecloths. All the above does not apply to Shabbos. Source: KSA 122:8-9
Monday, July 16, 2007
Halocho #4 - Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av
From Rosh Chodesh Av (today) one diminishes happiness. One also refrains from going to court. Eating meat & drinking wine is forbidden until 10th Av at midday with the exception of Shabbos. Source: KSA 122:7
