- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Laws of Three Weeks
What Are the Special Laws of the 9 Days?
Question: What are the special laws of the 9 days?
Answer: Wednesday (July 22) begins the 9 Days leading up to Tisha B'Av. The operative principle at work during this period is, "When Av commences, joy is lessened" (Talmud Taanit). We decrease our involvement in business matters, building, recreational activities, etc. to lessen pleasure (& mark the cessation of our Korbanot in the Bet HaMikdash). All those over age 6 customarily abstain from meat, poultry, wine or grape juice, except on Shabbat or at a Seudat Mitzva (e.g. siyum, Brit, Pidyon HaBen, etc). Beer & whiskey, however is allowed. Food that is cooked in fleishig utensils may be eaten. We avoid purchasing or laundering clothes; or wearing freshly-laundered clothes, if possible (other than on Shabbat). Underwear, socks & young children's clothes MAY be laundered. Bathing for pleasure is not allowed; but we assume that bathing/showering today is for hygienic purposes & so it is permitted. Swimming, unless it is instructional, is avoided for those above Bar/Bat Mitzva age. Pleasure trips & gift-giving should also be avoided.
(Note that this is Ashkenazic custom; most Sefardim only observe these semi-mourning practices in the week when Tisha B'Av occurs - this year 26 July).
Answer: Wednesday (July 22) begins the 9 Days leading up to Tisha B'Av. The operative principle at work during this period is, "When Av commences, joy is lessened" (Talmud Taanit). We decrease our involvement in business matters, building, recreational activities, etc. to lessen pleasure (& mark the cessation of our Korbanot in the Bet HaMikdash). All those over age 6 customarily abstain from meat, poultry, wine or grape juice, except on Shabbat or at a Seudat Mitzva (e.g. siyum, Brit, Pidyon HaBen, etc). Beer & whiskey, however is allowed. Food that is cooked in fleishig utensils may be eaten. We avoid purchasing or laundering clothes; or wearing freshly-laundered clothes, if possible (other than on Shabbat). Underwear, socks & young children's clothes MAY be laundered. Bathing for pleasure is not allowed; but we assume that bathing/showering today is for hygienic purposes & so it is permitted. Swimming, unless it is instructional, is avoided for those above Bar/Bat Mitzva age. Pleasure trips & gift-giving should also be avoided.
(Note that this is Ashkenazic custom; most Sefardim only observe these semi-mourning practices in the week when Tisha B'Av occurs - this year 26 July).
21. Bathing
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Cheshvan 20 5782
14. The Laws of Eating Meat and Drinking Wine
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Cheshvan 19 5782
Remembering the Temple's Destruction
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
20. Children’s Clothing and Hospital Garb
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Cheshvan 20 5782

Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.

WE ARE THE MISHKAN!
Adar 6 5777

Yo-yo; G-d Is in the House!
Kislev 6 5782

Holy In Death, Holy In Life
27 577 Nissan 27 5776

Parasha Summary - Beha'alotcha
An Overview of the Torah Portion

Flying High - A Traveler’s Guide to Channukah
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Kislev 5768

The Halacha and History of the Gid Hanosheh
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | kislev 5769

The Halachos of Pidyon Haben
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Sivan 29 5778

Some Light Chanukah Questions
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 20 kislev 5769

How the Four Places Called "Zion" are All the Same
Rabbi Moshe Tzuriel | 4 Kislev 5784

Esav's Deception in His Perennial Struggle with Israel
Rabbi Dov Lior | 4 Kislev 5784

THIS “TIRE” MUST NEVER WEAR OUT
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Kislev 2 5784
