Tonight begins Tisha BAv. The following are some of the laws of the day: We eat a large meal in the afternoon of the eve of Tisha BAv (but no meat or wine). We have a large meal to help alleviate the fast (this type of meal is also conducted on the eve of Yom Kippur). This custom is in commemoration of the meal which was eaten at the time of the Second Temple. When the Second Temple was built, people would have a Yom Tov meal and lots of wine during all four fast days that commemorate the destruction of the Temple. In the evening before the time which Tisha BAv begins we eat another meal (seuda mafseket) which includes one cooked food (bread and more than one uncooked food such as fruits and vegetables are allowed). There is a custom to eat lentils or hard-boiled egg which commemorate mourning. Do not eat more than one cooked food, but fill up on bread dairy products or fruits and vegetables. It is the custom to eat this last evening meal while sitting on a low stool or on the ground (however, we do not sit directly on the ground but place a piece of cloth to separate between us and the ground). One does not need to change his shoes (to non-leather shoes) during this meal. If one wants to eat after he has finished this last meal, he may eat, as long as the sun did not set and as long as did not think in his mind or accept in his heart that this last meal he had is the last that he will eat before the fast. It is forbidden to study Torah on Tisha BAv as it says “The precepts of Hashem (G-d) are upright, rejoicing the heart” (Psalms 19:9). Therefore, on Tisha BAv in which the laws of mourning are applied we are forbidden to study Torah. This prohibitions begins on the eve of Tisha B’Av (Monday) after midday. One may learn things that do not bring joy (stories of Tisha B’Av, the book of Job, Aicha/Lamentations. . .) The fast of Tisha BAv begins on the eve at sundown (today Monday). The fast includes not only eating but drinking, washing, wearing leather shoes, the use of cosmetics and lotions and relations between husband and wife. Bathing is strictly forbidden. Even washing our hands in the morning is done only up to the knuckles. Whoever dirties his hands may wash only the area of the dirt. One may wash dishes for feeding the children, even if his hands will also get soaked as a result. Applying lotions and cosmetic for medical purposes are permitted. In the morning blessings we skip the blessing “who has provided me with all my needs” (which is a blessing said over leather shoes). We do not sit on a regular chair until midday of Tisha B’Av (around 1:00 or so). One may not sit on a chair, armchair or bench, but only on a low chair or on cloth which is on the floor, wood panel, etc., We refrain from any work which will take a long time to complete so as not to distract attention from the mourning. This applies even after midday of Tisha B’Av. *In the Mincha Amida of Tisha B’Av we add the blessing “Nachem” after “May You dwell in Jerusalem, Your city…” (Usually a grey box in the siddur, and being careful not to miss since this is a once a year addition)
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 16:19:17 +0000
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