Halocho #864 - Tish'a B'Av isn't over yet

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

Halocho #863 - One may not learn Torah today

On Tish'a B'Av it is forbidden to learn Torah, since Torah learning gladdens the heart.


One may learn Halachot related to the day itself and study stories related to the destruction of the Bet haMikdash.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch  124:5

- Danny
Tuesday,  9 Av 5771

Halocho #862 - Who must fast on 9 B'Av?

On 9 B'Av (from sunset today - Monday afternoon - until nightfall on Tuesday evening) almost everybody needs to fast. 


Pregnant and nursing mothers need to fast on 9 B'Av even if it causes them discomfort, unless it's dangerous to their health. 


When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi). 


During the first 7 days after childbirth, a mother is not allowed to fast. 


Anybody who isn't healthy should only fast for a few hours. This includes a mother between 7 and 30 days after childbirth unless she feels up to fasting. When in doubt, consult your LOR. 


Children are not allowed to fast. 


Those who are not fasting should limit their food intake to the bare minimum; only bread and water if possible. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:6

- Danny
Monday, 8 Menachem Av 5771

Halocho #860 - May one wear shoes at The Final Meal?

The "Seudat Mafseket - final meal" before the fast of 9 B'Av - is eaten while seated on the floor.

The meal typically consists of only a cold hard boiled egg and bread which is dipped into ashes. (One does not have to eat the ashes.)

This meal must end before sunset.

Before this meal one may eat a regular meal.

One may wear ones leather shoes during this meal.

One does not wear leather shoes on the fast of 9 b'Av; one must remove them before sunset - next Monday afternoon this year.

One may wear shoes that have no leather in them; cloth, rubber and wood are OK.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 123:3, 5

- Danny
Wednesday, 3 Menachem Av 5771

Halocho #859 - May one do work on 9 B'Av?

One may do "minor" work on the fast of 9 B'Av, such as turning on lights and driving.

Any work that takes times, as well as all business dealings, should not be done until noon, so as not to get distracted from mourning the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash - the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

While one may go to work and open ones business on 9 B'Av afternoon, it's commendable not to.

One may have a non-Jew do ones work on 9 B'Av, and one may do any work needed to prevent a monetary loss.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:15

- Danny
Tuesday, 2 Menachem Av 5771

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.

Since these tragedies occurred on 9 B'Av, it was decreed as a day of fasting and mourning.

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

Chodesh Tov

- Danny
Monday, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 5771

Halocho #615 - Tish'a B'Av isn't over yet

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 10 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 5770

Halocho #614 - Who must fast on 9 B'Av?

On 9 B'Av (from sunset today - Monday afternoon - until nightfall on Tuesday evening) almost everybody needs to fast.

Pregnant and nursing mothers need to fast on 9 B'Av even if it causes them discomfort, unless it's dangerous to their health.

When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi).

During the first 7 days after childbirth, a mother is not allowed to fast.

Anybody who isn't healthy should only fast for a few hours. This includes a mother between 7 and 30 days after childbirth unless she feels up to fasting. When in doubt, consult your LOR.

Children are not allowed to fast.

Those who are not fasting should limit their food intake to the bare minimum; only bread and water if possible.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:6

- Danny
Monday, 8 Menachem Av 5770

Halocho #613 - Can we sit on chairs on 9 B'Av?

On the fast of 9 B'Av it is customary not to sit on chairs from the time the fast begins (Monday afternoon before sunset) until noon the following day (Tuesday).

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
Sunday, 7 Menachem Av 5770

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

Halocho #611 - May one wear shoes at The Final Meal?

The "Seudat Mafseket - final meal" before the fast of 9 B'Av - is eaten while seated on the floor.

The meal typically consists of only a cold hard boiled egg and bread which is dipped into ashes. (One does not have to eat the ashes.)

This meal must end before sunset.

Before this meal one may eat a regular meal.

One may wear ones leather shoes during this meal.

One does not wear leather shoes on the fast of 9 b'Av; one must remove them before sunset - next Monday afternoon this year.

One may wear shoes that have no leather in them; cloth, rubber and wood are OK.



- Danny
Wednesday, 3 Menachem Av 5770Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 123:3, 5

Halocho #610 - May one do work on 9 B'Av?

One may do "minor" work on the fast of 9 B'Av, such as turning on lights and driving.

Any work that takes times, as well as all business dealings, should not be done until noon, so as not to get distracted from mourning the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash - the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

While one may go to work and open ones business on 9 B'Av afternoon, it's commendable not to.

One may have a non-Jew do ones work on 9 B'Av, and one may do any work needed to prevent a monetary loss.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:15

- Danny
Tuesday, 2 Menachem Av 5770

Halocho #609 - 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.




Since these tragedies occurred on 9 B'Av, it was decreed as a day of fasting and mourning.

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

Chodesh Tov

- Danny
Monday, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 5770

Halocho #380 - May one wear shoes at The Final Meal

The "Seudat Mafseket - final meal" before the fast of 9 B'Av - is eaten while seated on the floor. However, one may wear ones leather shoes during this meal. It typically consists of only a cold hard boiled egg and bread which is dipped into ashes. (One does not have to eat the ashes.) This meal must end before sunset. Before this meal one may eat a regular meal. One does not wear leather shoes on the fast of 9 b'Av, and therefor one must remove them before sunset - Wednesday afternoon this year. One may wear shoes that have no leather in them; cloth, rubber and wood are OK. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 123:3, 5 - Danny Wednesday, 8 Av 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #379- Why do we fast on Thursday?

Thursday is the fast of 9 B'Av which 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 in the year 2449.

- The first Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was destroyed on 9 B'Av in the year 3339.

- The second Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) was destroyed on 9 B'Av about 1948 years ago.

- The city of Betar was captured and tens of thousands of Jews were killed in the year 3893.

- The wicked Turnus Rufus plowed the site of the Bet Hamikdash and its surroundings and renamed it Aelia Capitolina, also in the year 3893.

Since these tragedies occurred on 9 B'Av, it was decreed as a day of fasting and mourning.

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 Tuesday, 7 Av 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #378 - When do the "9 days" end?

We will mourn and fast on 9 B'Av (Thursday) since the Bet Hamikdash was burned to the ground. The fire was ignited on 9 B'Av in the afternoon and burned through the 10th of Av. Therefore the restrictions of "the 9 days" continue until after midday on the 10th of Av (Friday). Normally the custom is to refrain from eating meat and wine, saying Shehechiyanu, listening to music, bathing, doing laundry, shaving and haircuts, until after noon on the 10th of Av. However, in honor of Shabbat, one may bathe, do laundry and have haircuts on Friday morning already. One may make a Se'udat Mitzvah (like a Brit) on Friday morning, with meat and wine. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:20-22 Some Poskim allow one to do laundry on Thursday night. Source: Halachos of the 3 weeks by Rav Shimon Eider zt"l - Danny Monday 6 Av 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #377 - May one go to work on 9 B'Av?

One may do "minor" work on the fast of 9 B'Av, such as turning on lights and driving. Any work that takes times, as well as all business dealings, should not be done until noon, so as not to get distracted from mourning the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash - the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. While one may go to work and open ones business on 9 B'Av afternoon, it's commendable not to. One may have a non-Jew do ones work on 9 B'Av, and one may do any work needed to prevent a monetary loss. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:15 - Danny Sunday 5 Av 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #372 - Can we sit on chairs on 9 B'Av?

On the fast of 9 B'Av it is customary not to sit on chairs from the time the fast begins (next week, Wednesday afternoon before sunset) until noon the following day (Thursday). 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 Sunday 27 Tamuz 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #370 - Who must fast on 9 B'Av?

On 9 B'Av almost everybody needs to fast. Pregnant and nursing mothers need to fast on 9 B'Av even if it causes them discomfort, unless it's dangerous to their health. When in doubt, consult your LOR (Local Orthodox Rabbi). During the first 7 days after childbirth, a mother is not allowed to fast. Anybody who isn't healthy should only fast for a few hours. This includes a mother between 7 and 30 days after childbirth unless she feels up to fasting. When in doubt, consult your LOR. Children are not allowed to fast. Those who are not fasting should limit their food intake to the bare minimum; only bread and water if possible. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 124:6 - Danny Wednesday 23 Tamuz 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Tamar bat Naama - תמר בת נעמה

Halocho #363 - How long are the "3 weeks"?

The woes of the Churban - the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash - began on 17th Tamuz and ended with the Bet Hamikdash being set alight on the afternoon of 9 B'Av.

The fire burnt until sunset the following day.

This period of 23 days - which start on Thursday - is know as "the 3 weeks" or Bein Hametzarim - בין המצרים.

As we then approach the 9th of Av - 3 weeks later - the laws of mourning intensify, as we will learn in the coming days.

The mourning continues until the day after the fast of 9 B'Av; however, since this year the 10th of Av is a Friday, bathing, laundry and haircuts are allowed from early morning of 10 Av - in honour of Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:1, 124:20

- Danny Monday, 14 Tamuz 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Sarah Shira bat Leah Malka