Nonetheless, the reality of mailing timetables and people's needs dictates that we send out such information. If the Shulchan Aruch could see fit to include laws of Tisha b'Av, I suppose it's all right for us to do so as well.
With that in mind, here's a reprint from my shul mailing of laws which are unique to this year's calendar, in which Shabbat is Erev Tisha b'Av (For a more complete list of rules, see Aish's page here.) Note that all times are based on Allentown, PA.
Are there any restrictions on, or changes in, Shabbat practices?
-The “Tzidkatcha Tzedek” prayer is not said at Shabbat Minchah.
-One may not declare that he is eating in order to build up strength for fasting, even if that is why he eats; using Shabbat as a preparation-day for the week would be disrespectful.
-One may eat whatever one chooses, but one may neither eat nor drink after sunset on Shabbat afternoon, even though it is still Shabbat. One also may not wash for pleasure after sunset.
-One should not invite infrequent guests over for Seudah Shlishit, and a communal Seudah Shlishit is inappropriate.
-One may bentch with a mezuman at all of the Shabbat meals.
-One may not go for a leisurely stroll on Shabbat afternoon. One may study Torah even if that would give him great enjoyment.
Saturday night practices
-Remove leather shoes, and stop sitting on chairs, after Shabbat.
-At 8:52 PM everyone should say the phrase "Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh L’chol / Blessed is the One who distinguishes between the sacred and the mundane." We then remove our shoes and change into weekday clothes, before Maariv. [In shuls where Maariv is davened immediately after Shabbat, non-leather shoes should be brought before Shabbat begins.]
-One who will have to eat during the fast (other than drinking water) should recite Havdalah before breaking the fast, without the use of spices. One should use grape juice or beer for that
Havdalah, and drink only two to three ounces.
-Although we do not recite Havdalah (other than in the case above), we do recite the blessing over the Havdalah candle before reading Eichah.
-We do not wash the Shabbat dishes by hand on Tishah b’Av. One who will need those dishes Sunday night may wash them after 1:07 PM on Tishah b’Av.
Ending the fast on Sunday night
-One may not eat or drink, even after the fast is over, until after recites/hearing Havdalah. One uses wine or grape juice for Havdalah.
-Havdalah does not involve the introductory “Hineih” paragraph, or the spices or flame. One begins with the blessing over wine/grape juice, and continues with the normal berachah of
“HaMavdil.”
If we must fast for Tisha b'Av this year, may it be the last.
Thanks for posting this. It is very helpful. For medical reasons I need to eat on the fast, and I had no idea that I should make havdalah first.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we do not recite Havdalah (other than in the case
above), we do recite the blessing over the Havdalah candle
before reading Eichah
Is that only in shul, or is it repeated at home for anyone who couldn't get to shul?
Hi Daniel,
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome.
The berachah over the candle should be done by/for all Jews, whether in shul or at home.
Thanks for the reminder. It's nice to have everything summed up.
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard about not taking leisurely walks Shabbat afternoon. Where is that from?
Thanks,
ALN
interesting... i was expecting havdala after Tishabav to not be made on grape juice / wine, since it's still the 9 days.
ReplyDeleteALN-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question; it's the Rama in Orach Chaim 553:2 (very end), as explained by Mishneh Berurah 553:10 that these items apply even when Erev TB is Shabbat.
I usually make a point of providing the sources (see my Daily Jewish Law blog), but because this was intended as a quick, easy-to-read summary, I omitted them.
Steg-
Yes, and I think the Mishneh Berurah was surprised, too; see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 556:1, and Mishneh Berurah 556:3 who makes a point of it.
found it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, and thanks, I'll look it up.
ReplyDeleteALN
Thanks for the post. Regarding your "final" wish, however, you might consider rewording it to read: If we must observe Tisha B'av this year, may it be THE last Tisha B'av."
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 2:26 PM-
ReplyDeleteGood point; thanks.