Tisha B’av information from the Rov

We are a mere 2 days away from the Tzom which begins this Weds evening at approximately  820pm, and ends at 906 pm on Thursday night.

As many of you I’m sure are aware, Chazal tell us that, although the destruction of the Batei Mikdash were initiated on Tisha B’Av, much of the actual destruction of the Batim occurred on the 10th of Av. As a result there were past Gedolim who actually fasted on both the 9th and 10th of Av. However this minhag never took hold because of the difficulty in observing it. The prevailing minhagim were to break the fast after the 9th the way we do, but to continue most of the Minhagei Availus of the 9 days and Shavua Shechal Bo on the 10th, at least until Chatzos (this is because the flames in the Mikdash began to die down after Chatzos, although some hold to keep the Minhagei Availus all day on the 10th as well) 

Now, because as we said Tisha B’Av ends Thursday night and the 10th is therefore on Erev Shabbos there are some Halachic differences in the Minhagim to take note of this year. 

Let me begin by stating clearly: It is NOT the case that all the Minhagei Availus are somehow suspended because its Erev Shabbos ( in the words of the current White House occupant that would be classified as “fake news”) In fact I would tell you based on a review of recent Gedolai HaPoskim that you should try and keep all of the Minhagei Availus until Chatzos Erev Shabbos. That stated however, one can be Maykel to do laundry already on Thursday night if it is necessary Lichvod Shabbos (If it can wait until Friday morning many hold that is better, however R Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and R YS Elyashiv both held you can be maykil and once you are putting in stuff for Shabbos you can include other laundry that might not be necessary for Shabbos)

When one can begin cutting ones hair or shaving is a Machlokes as well, ideally you should wait for Friday morning even though it’s being done Lichvod Shabbos. (nails have the same din as hair).

Someone who is cooking Lichvod Shabbos ON FRIDAY morning (not Thursday night) may taste the Fleishig food to ascertain its flavor. Any of the silly modern versions of Toameha must wait until after Chatzos.

Unless one is unwell, any bathing or showers in hot water  even Lichvod Shabbos must wait until Chatzos. If one needs a bath or hot Shower earlier ask a Shayla.

There is really is no Heter at all to listen to music or partake in live entertainment, or to purchase new clothing until after Chatzos.

As is always the case, if you believe regarding any of the above minhagim that you are dealing with a case of special circumstances which would possibly change the situation to one of “Shas Hadchak” please ask a Shaylah

The following are the anticipated zmanim for Tisha B’Av this year:

Mincha Erev the Tzom (Weds afternoon) 140pm

Tzom Begins 820pm

Maaiv/Eicha 9pm

Schachris/Kinos 9am

Mincha Tisha B’Av afternoon 140pm

Maariv 855pm

Tzom Ends 906pm

In the hope that this will be the final year we will need to review these Halachos and that we are Zocheh to:

 ששון ושמחה ונסו יגון ואנחה בשובינו לירושלים אי׳ה

E Pessin