Devarim

2. Those who bathe and shampoo with hot water every Erev Shabbos without fail may do so on Erev Shabbos Chazone as well. In all other ways (such as eating meat and singing Zemiros) we conduct ourselves as usual on Shabbos.

2. The Seudah Hamafsekes (the final meal) should be eaten close to sunset and concluded before Shkias HaChama (sunset, 8:05 PM). At this meal one should eat bread and a hard boiled egg dipped in ashes. The only beverage should be water. The meal is eaten while sitting on the floor in mourning. However, one may still wear leather shoes during this meal. It is proper to say during this meal ‘Zehu Seudas Tisha B’Av’ (this is the meal of Tisha B’Av).

3. Mincha will be at 6:00 PM in Shul to allow time to go home for a regular meal and the Seudah HaMafsekes.

2. A pregnant or nursing woman must fast unless she is ill or would be greatly distressed by fasting. A woman who gave birth during the past 30 days is not obligated to fast.

3. It is forbidden to wear shoes which contain any leather in the construction of the shoe (ornamental strips of leather are permitted). It is permitted to wear shoes of wood, rubber, plastic or cloth.

4. It is forbidden to wash any part of one’s body, even with cold water. Upon rising in the morning, one should wash his hands three times, to the end of the knuckles. Upon drying your hands, even though they are still damp, you are permitted to wipe your eyes and the rest of your body.

5. If one becomes soiled he may wash in a manner necessary to remove the dirt.

6. It is forbidden to have marital relations. If a woman is supposed to go to the Mikvah on Tisha B’Av, she postpones it until after the fast.

7. One should minimize personal pleasure on Tisha B’Av. For example, one should use only one pillow if he usually sleeps with two pillows. One should not sit on a chair on Tisha B’Av until after midday, 1:27 PM. The night Tefillos are recited with minimal light. One does not greet a friend on Tisha B’Av. If you are greeted by someone ignorant of this law, you should answer him in a solemn manner and explain your actions to prevent ill will.

8. It is forbidden to use moisturizing creams or oils. Likewise, one may not use perfumes or colognes. One may use antiperspirant or deodorant to prevent unpleasant odor. It is permitted to use a salve on a skin irritation.

9. It is the custom not to work on Tisha B’Av until after midday (1:27 PM). One should certainly not work until after the Kinnos have been completed. One should not spend his time in idleness.

10. Preparations for the meal after the fast should not begin before midday.

11. Tallis and Tefillin are not worn at Shacharis, but are worn at Mincha. Tallis Koton is worn all day without a brocho.

12. Only the Chazan says Aneinu at Shacharis. Everyone says Nachem and Aneinu at Mincha.

13. It is forbidden to learn Torah on Tisha B’Av, except for the Halachos of mourning and topics relating to the Churbon.

2. This year since the Tenth of Av is Erev Shabbos, haircuts and washing clothing are permissible immediately following the fast in preparation for Shabbos. Bathing should preferably not be done until Friday morning. Music, swimming, eating meat, drinking wine or grape juice, are not permitted until Friday afternoon, (1:27 PM).

3. In the merit of our genuine feeling of mourning and loss throughout this three week period may we merit the blessing of Chazal: “Whoever sincerely mourns over the destruction of Jerusalem will surely be privileged to witness its reconstruction!” (Taanis 30b)