Rabbi’s Corner – Tisha B’Av Review

Dear Friends,

With the Fast of 9 Av beginning next Monday night, I would like to review some of the laws and practices associated with the fast day.  Mozaei Shabbat begins the period known as shavua shehal bo – the week leading up to Tisha B’Av.  During this time, the most notable prohibitions are doing laundry, shaving, or getting a haircut (Shulhan Arukh O.C. 551:3).

The prohibitions of 9 Av are the same as those for Yom Kippur.  Not only does the fast begin the previous night, but we are prohibited from washing, marital relations, and wearing leather shoes.  Furthermore, since learning Torah is a source of joy, we do not learn Torah on 9 Av except for the passages related to the tragedy of the Hurban (O.C. 554:1).  Following the popular custom, we will not be putting on tallit and tefillin by Shaharit on 9 Av, but will do so at Minha (O.C. 555).

While many avoid going to work on 9 Av, this custom is not feasible for everyone.  To accommodate those who do need to go into work on 9 Av, we will be davening Shaharit at our regular 6:45am time.  We will also be reciting kinot after Shaharit – those who wish to stay may do so.

As always if anyone has any general or specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at rabbi@stantonstshul.com

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Josh Yuter