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Rosh Chodesh Av

From Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B'Av, we refrain from purchases which bring us pleasure, except for those done for business purposes. For example, it is not proper to buy silver or gold objects or art since these purchases are particularly pleasurable. We don't buy or make new clothes or shoes, even if we intend to wear them after Tisha B'Av.

Construction

We do not start construction on a new house or make housing improvements after Rosh Chodesh Av, unless delaying the start will cause financial loss or unless the construction is for remedying a dangerou situation (a weak structure or an unfenced roof). It is, however, permitted to start construction on a buildng that is connected with Torah observance, such as a synagogue or mikveh. It is also forbidden to paint one's home until after Tisha B'Av.

Engagements

Tenoyim are permitted after Rosh Chodesh, but there must be no celebration meal. In fact, tenoyim and engagements are permitted even on Tisha B'Av.

Meat and Wine

The law requires us to refrain from eating meat (including chicken) and drinking wine, beginning with Rosh Chodesh. However, on Shabbos and in celebration of mandatory feasts such as those after a bris, a pidyon haben, or at the conclusion of a tractate of Tlamud, it is permitted to eat meat and drink wine. Regarding the cup of wine used during the Grace After Melas (when there is a minyan eating together), there are different opinions. Some drink the wine, others do without th ewine, and yet others give it to a youngster below bar mitzvah age to drink.

Bathing/Washing/Swimming for pleasure

After Rosh Chodesh, it is forbidden to wash the whole body, even in cold water. This applies to bathing or washing for pleasure, and includes swimming. However, if there is a specific reason for a bath (that is, there is some other reason beside the pure pleasure of the act), it is permitted. Thus women who must go to the mikveh, someone who has gotten himself dirty and perspired, or a person who needs a bath for medical reasons may bathe. IF the dirt or odor of perspiration do not come off unless soap and hot water are used, you may use these. The hands, face and feet may be washed regularly, but only with cold water. If you encounter other special circumstance requiring bathing, consult your Rabbi.

Laundry

The law requires us not to wash clothing or linens. It is even forbidden to launder clothing which will be worn after Tisha B'Av. Diapers and soiled babies' clothes may be washed.

The Week of Tisha B'Av

In Ashkenazic practice, the laws above, which originally applied to the week of Tisha B'Av, are observed from Rosh Chodesh Av. In many Sephardic communities, they are still observed from the Sunday immediately before Tisha B'Av. When Tisha B'Av falls on Sunday, there i no "Week of Tisha B'Av" in Sephardic practice.

Tisha B'Av

The restrictions of Tisha B'Av apply from sunset erev Tisha B'Av until nightfall of the following day. When Tisha B'Av falls on Sunday, wait until nightfall motzei Shabbos to remove your shoes.

Five main things are prohibited on Tisha B'Av:

• eating and drinking
• marital relations
• washing
• anointing
• wearing leather shoes

A pregnant or nursing woman and people not actually sick must fast on Tisha B'Av just as on Yom Kippur. A woman who recently gave birth and a sick person may eat regularly and do not have to fast.

On Tisha B'Av it is forbidden to wash even with cold water. In the morning and after going to the bathroom, wash the fingers until the upper knuckles. If there is dirt on the hands, the dirt may be washed off. A bride for 30 days after the wedding may wash her face.

Lubricating the skinwith oil or soap is forbidden, unles this is for cleaning or medicinal purposes.s

Wearing leather or partly leather shoes i prohibited. Rubber or canvas hoes are allowed.

The five restrictions are operative the whole day of Tisha B'Av and not eased until nightfall. We refrain from sitting on a chair or bench until after midday. If you must ride in a car, you may sit normally on the seat.

Study of Torah

In addition, there are other practices that are forbidden, such as the study of Torah (except for the passages listed in the Halachic Calendar of Av, "Erev Tisha B'Av,Monday, Av 8") as Torah study is one of the greatest joys possible for a Jew. This is stated in Tehillim (19:9), "The statutues of the L-rd are right, rejoicing the heart."

Greeting our neighbors

We do not greet our neighbors on Tisha B'Av with "Good Morning" or "Hello". However, when you are greeted by a person who does not know the law, you may answer in a soft voice in order not to hurt his feelings.

Strolling the streets

We do not stroll in the streets on Tisha B'Av, because this would distract us from the day's historic tragedies. It goes without saying that joking and levity are forbidden.

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden on Tisha B'Av. Those who are extremely uncomfortable without a cigarette may smoke after midday in the privacy of their homes. Some authorities forbid smoking at any time due to its danger to health.

Preparations of food

It is not proper to slaughter animals or prepare the post-fast meal until after midday.

Working

It is customary not to work on Tisha B'Av until after midday; and a persons who does work will not benefit from his endeavors. (Since there are cases where working is permitted, a Rabbi should be consulted where special circumstances arise.)

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