More Tisha B'Av Resources

• A short video by Mr. Charles Harary, a young Jewish leader.
• Rabbi Jacob J. Schachter also presenting a live Kinnot.
• A review of the laws of Tisha B'Av from OU.

Here are some of the key rules to keep in mind (edited from Ohr Samayach):

Eating and Drinking

1. All eating and drinking is forbidden. This includes rinsing the mouth and brushing teeth, except in a case of great distress. Rinsing with mouthwash or brushing teeth without water is questionable.
2. Swallowing capsules or bitter tablets or liquid medicine without water is permitted.

Bathing and Washing

1. All bathing for pleasure is prohibited even in cold water including the hands, face and feet.
2. Ritual washing upon waking, after using the bathroom, touching covered parts of the body or before praying is permitted, but only up to the knuckles.
3. One may wash dirty or sullied portions of the body (including cleaning the eyes of glutinous material), and if necessary may use soap or warm water to remove the dirt or odor.
4. Washing for cooking or for medical reasons is permitted.

Anointing

1. Anointing for pleasure is prohibited including oil, soap, alcohol, cream, ointment, perfume, etc.
2. Anointing for medical reasons is permitted, as well as using deodorant to remove bad odor.

Wearing Leather Shoes

1. Even shoes made partially of leather are prohibited. Shoes made of cloth, rubber or plastic are permitted.

Learning Torah

1. Since the heart rejoices in the study of Torah, it is prohibited to learn topics other than those relevant to Tisha B'Av or mourning.
2. One may learn: Lamentations with its midrash and commentaries, portions of the Prophets that deal with tragedy or destruction, the third chapter of Moed Katan (which deals with mourning), the story of the destruction (in Gittin 56b-58a, Sanhedrin 104, and in Josephus), and the halachot of Tisha B’Av and mourning.

Additional Restrictions

1. One should deprive himself of some comfort in sleep. Some reduce the number of pillows, some sleep on the floor. Pregnant women, the elderly and the ill are exempt.
2. Sitting on a normal chair is forbidden until midday. One may sit on a low bench or chair, or on a cushion on the floor.
3. Greeting someone with "good morning" and the like is prohibited. One who is greeted should answer softly and, if possible, inform the person of the prohibition.