Tisha BeAv: what can't we do on Tisha BeAv

Today is the 5^th day of Av, Erev Shabbat Chazon

On Tisha BeAv (begins Monday July 19th at night) , the national Jewish day of mourning, we behave almost as mourners do.

All these restrictions actually help us to feel and internalize sadness and grief as if our Bet haMikdash was destroyed 'yesterday'.

WORK: That is why on Tisha BeAv it is not recommended to work. The reason for avoiding work is not the same as for Shabbbat or Yom Tov but because working will divert our minds from the mood/feeling of grief. Refraining from work on Tisha BeAv is not an established prohibition, but ultimately depends on one's family tradition.

LIMUD TORAH: On Tisha BeAv We don't study Torah, because studying Torah is considered an activity which triggers happiness. We can read and study, however, books or texts with a suitable 'sad' content such as the book of Iyov or Ekha, etc.

TEFILIN: We do not use Tefilin in the morning, same way as a mourner proceeds during the first day of his Abelut. We do use Talit and Tefilin for Mincha.

In Yerushalaim the Sepharadic Minhag is to wear Talit and Tefilin privately, before one goes to the Synagogue and say the Shema Israel at home with Talit and Tefilin.

SHE-ELAT SHALOM: We don't greet each other as usual, because our mood should be a mourner's mood.

Our Chakhamim assured us that those who cry for Yerushalaim will have the merit to rejoice with Yerushalaim, seeing BH soon, the reconstruction of our Bet haMikdash.

Shabbat Shalom from Yerushalaim!!!

Tisha BeAv : Avoiding ‘pleasure’.

Today is the 4^th of Av

To express and feel our grief on this day we avoid two categories of activities: 1. Those activities which bring us 'Pleasure'. 2. And those which bring us 'Happiness'.

Today we will cover the first category.

WASHING: Same as Yom Kippur, bathing or washing done for pleasure is forbidden. However, if a part of the body is unclean, one can wash it because it's not doing it for pleasure but for hygiene.

Many rabbis authorize to use baby wipes to clean one's face, hands, etc. because it is not considered washing. Deodorant is permitted.

We can also wash our hands for Netilat Yadaim, because it is for Mitzva and not for pleasure. The custom, however, is to wash only the fingers.

SIKHA: Using fragrances or creams for pleasure is no permitted. But medical creams are permitted.

LEATHER SHOES are considered a luxurious item so during Tisha BeAv we don't wear leather shoes. Other leather items, like a belt are permitted.

MARITAL RELATIONS are suspended on Tisha beAv as if it was Niddah time. When the Mikveh night falls on the eve of Tisha Beav (Monday July 19^th) it has to be postponed for the next night (Tuesday 20th).

Recommended link:

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/144567/jewish/History.htm

Who should observe the fast of Tisha beAv and who is exempt?

Today is the 3^rd day of Av, 5770

The fast of Tisha beAv should be observed by all those who are in good health.

Pregnant and nursing women: Similar to Yom Kippur, pregnant and nursing women, in principle, should do this fast. But in case of any complication or physical weakness or any doubt whether the fast will affect their health or their baby's health, they should ask their doctors and proceed as the physician recommends.

Yoledet: During the first 30 days after birth, a woman is exempted from doing the fast.

Minors: boys before 13 and girls before 12 are completely exempted from fasting. Unlike Yom Kippur, there is no need for children to fast a few hours.

Chole She-en Bo Sakana: People with a chronic illness like diabetes or patients under treatment or somebody with high fever should not do this fast. Many rabbis recommend that in these cases, when possible, one should try to fast only until the next morning.

On Tisha BeAv, when exempted from the fast, one can eat normally and does not have to eat in small portions, as it's required on Yom Kippur. However, one should eat whatever necessary for his or her health but obviously not in excess.

Elders should consult with their physicians to make sure that the fast will not affect their health. If it will, they are exempted (or forbidden) from fasting.

For questions or clarifications write to: rabbibitton@hotmail.com

READ: "Let them eat fish" for recipes for days without meat. http://www.aish.com/f/r/98189519.html