"Once the month of Ab begins (today) we minimize our happiness" mishenikhnas ab, mema'atim besimcha.... These days are dedicated to prepare ourselves for remembering and mourning for the destruction of our Bet haMiqdash.
√ In addition to the restrictions we mentioned for the three weeks (see here) one of the ways we express our sorrow until the 9th of Ab (the "Nine Days") is by abstaining from eating meat. There are communities in which people do not consume meat and don't drink wine during the entire three weeks. Others, restrict themselves only during the week of Tish'a beAb. In the Mashadi community, we do not eat meat during the "Nine Days" except for Rosh Chodesh Ab and Shabbat. (This year with two Shabbatot in the Nine Days the abstention from meat will last just for "six" actual days).
A person who is sick or weak or a woman during the first 30 days after giving birth, are allowed to eat meat. It would be preferable, if possible, if they eat chicken instead of red meat. Fish is allowed during these days.
√ The Ashkenazi custom is to forbid shaving and cutting one's hair during the three weeks. In most Sephardic communities men do not shave and do not cut their hair only during the week of Tish'a beAb. In the Mashadi community and other Sephardic communities, men do not get a haircut during the Nine Days.
√ Shaving, would normally be forbidden during the week of Tish'a beAb. This year, however, since Tish'a beAb falls on Shabbat and it is postponed to Sunday there is no "week of Tish'a beAb". So, the restriction of shaving and other restrictions (swimming, showering or bathing in hot water, washing clothes, etc.) are lifted.
√This year, when Tish'a beAb is commemorated Sunday, some people do not shave the previous Friday (July 27th).
SHABBAT SHALOM!
Candle lighting in NYC 8:03 PM
Shabbat ends in NYC 9:11 PM
LE'ILUY NISHMAT the victims of the terror attack in Burgas Airport (Bulgaria) Hashem Yqom Damam, and LIRFUA SHELEMA of all those injured.
√ Click HERE to learn the HAFTARA for Shabbat Chazon, (the Shabbat previous to 9 BeAb) with Sepharadic Ta'amim.
