The Ninth of Av

How can one survive nine days in the same clothes? Why should one? When is one not obliged to?

In this shiur we will explain some of the halachos of Shabbos Chazon, the Seudah HaMafsekes eaten Erev Tisha B’Av, Tisha B’Av itself, and the day after Tisha B’Av.

The Talmud says, “Where it is the custom to do work on the ninth of Av, one may work; where it is the custom not to do work, one may not do work.” However, whoever does work on the Ninth of Av will not see a sign of blessing from that work.

The sages teach: "In the End of Days the Almighty will transform the Ninth of Av into joy and happiness . . . and He will Himself rebuild Jerusalem and gather in the exiles, as it is written, "He builds Jerusalem, gathers in the outcasts of Israel."

When the month of Av arrives, rejoicing should be minimized. A Jew must therefore avoid undertaking construction projects from which pleasure will be derived. Also, transactions should be minimized and one must refrain from consuming meat and wine.

If we all strive to see the positive qualities of the land of Israel and its divine, spiritual value; if we feel happy to live in Israel, we will be able to rectify the Sin of the Spies which delayed our forefathers' entrance into the land.