When Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos…

Elsewhere, we have written extensively on the frequently asked questions concerning the Three weeks. However, given the unique status of Tisha B’av when it falls out on Shabbos, we thought it would be helpful to establish a context of practices for the entire weekend[1].

Friday:

1. 1.On Friday afternoon close to the onset of Shabbos, it is permitted to feed children - who normally eat at that time - the regular meaty Shabbos foods[2]. A woman who needs to taste the Shabbos foods while cooking may do so on Friday afternoon after midday[3]. On Shabbos there is no restriction against eating meat or drinking wine even if one began Shabbos early - any time after plag ha-Minchah.

1. 2.A woman may go to the Mikvah as normally scheduled[4] and be with her husband afterward[5]. For all other Ashkenazim, it is customary to observe the prohibitions of Tashmish Hamitta as it IS the day of Tisha B’Av. Sefardim do not have the practice of separating on the Shabbos[6].

Shabbos:

1. 1.One is permitted to serve meat and drink wine at all meals throughout the Shabbos,[7] including Seudah Shlishit. One may not limit himself on this Shabbos simply because it is Tisha b’Av Shabbos.[8] Even one who does not normally sing Zemiros, can sing Zemiros on this Shabbos as long as it is a “Shir Shel Shabbos (A song of Shabbos).[9]

1. 2.There is a major debate as to whether one should have a large meal with guests at the Shabbos meals on this Shabbos.[10]

1. 3.One may wash oneself and wear leather shoes throughout the Shabbos.[11] Therefore, when washing for Hamotzee, one should wash one’s hands until the end of the wrist as usual.

1. 4.On Shabbos afternoon, one should not go for walks or engage in other social activities[12]

1. 5.There is a debate among the Poskim as to whether one may proceed with his regular Torah study schedule on Shabbos.[13] Others argue that one may learn what s/he wishes until mid-day (1:02 pm)[14]. Others feel that since the day is Shabbos, to limit one’s ability to study that which s/he wishes would constitute public Aveilus which we do not engage in on Shabbos. [15]

1. 6.Ashkenazim do not recite Pirkei Avos on Shabbos afternoon.[16]

1. 7.One is permitted to finish reading the sedra – 2 Mikra and Echad Targum[17] even in the afternoon.

1. 8.One may eat meat even for Seudah Shlishit. One may bentch with a Mezuman as well.[18]Care should be taken to insure that one completes Seudah shlishit and all eating and drinking before SUNSET (Elizabeth/Hillside 8:16 pm) even though Shabbos does not end until Tzeis HaKochavim (9:06 pm Elizabeth/Hillside time). If one bentsched early and wanted to drink water but did not make a condition permitting him to do so, s/he may still drink water until sunset.[19]

1. 9.One may clean up the leftover food from Seudah Shlishit and put it in the fridge. Cleaning the table would present a problem of Hachana (preparation from Shabbos to a weekday) if done for no reason while it is still Shabbos.

1. 10.One may not make any preparations on Shabbos for Tisha B’av. This includes carrying shoes or Kinnos to Shul. One may not prepare the Shul for Tisha B’Av on Shabbos including flipping the benches down.[20]

Tisha B’Av of a Nidche

1. 1.At the end of Shabbos (Elizabeth/Hillside 9:06 pm) one should recite Baruch HaMavdil bein Kodesh l’Chol and remove ones leather shoes. If one can, one should also recite the Beracha of Borai Meorai Haeish in case someone at home will not be traveling to Shul to hear it there.[21]

1. 2.Havdala is not recited until AFTER the fast. If one must break his/her fast, Havdala should be recited on Chamar Medina and the Berachos of SheHakol and HaMavdil should be said.[22]

1. 3.The rules of a Choleh are different than in other years. If a person meets these requirements, s/he should seek guidance from a Rav.

Motzai Tisha B’Av

1. 1.Havdala is recited after the fast. It is merely the Beracha on the wine and the Beracha of HaMavdil. The Berachos over Besamim and Ner are not recited.[23]

1. 2.Whereas in most years, we continue with all mourning practices until midday after the fast, this year that is unnecessary as it is already the 11^th of Av after nightfall. Accordingly, one may listen to music, do laundry, shower etc. immediately after the fast. However, one should not eat meat or drink wine (except for Havdala) until the next morning.[24]