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Shabbat Erev Tisha B'Av

Shabbat Erev Tisha B'Av

translated and based on the work of HaRav Yosef Zvi Rimon.
 
Learning Torah on Shabbat Afternoon
There is a halachic debate (based on Rema, Darkei Moshe, 554:1) regarding the permissibility of Torah study on Shabbat afternoon before Tisha B’Av. However, the Mishnah Berurah (553:10) rules leniently, allowing Torah study on Shabbat until sunset.
 
 
How is the Seudah Mafseket (Final Meal) Conducted?
The Beraita (Taanit 29b) teaches that when Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat, one may eat as much as desired, “even like the feast of Solomon in his time” – unlike a regular year when only one cooked dish is permitted. The Rishonim disagree whether this is merely a leniency or an actual requirement to honor Shabbat with a proper meal.
 
The Mishnah Berurah (552:23) rules that one should eat normally and must not refrain from eating meat or drinking wine, as doing so would appear as public mourning on Shabbat. It is permitted to eat with one’s family and even to perform a zimun (group blessing), unlike a typical Seudah Mafseket. Even those who don’t normally eat meat at the third Shabbat meal or sing zemirot may do so here to honor Shabbat (Igrot Moshe, OC 4:112:1). However, one should not overly rejoice.
 
 
When Should the Meal End?
One must stop eating slightly before sunset (Eruvin 41a; Rema 552:10) and should complete Birkat Hamazon before sunset (8:08 pm). Before bentching, it is proper to rinse one’s mouth of food residue.
 
From sunset onward, eating, drinking, and bathing are forbidden (Chayei Adam 136:1). However, someone who uses the bathroom during twilight may wash their hands fully and not just up to the knuckles (Minchat Chinuch 313:11). Until Shabbat ends, one may sit on a regular chair and greet others with “Shalom,” as these mourning customs are only suspended in public on Shabbat (Sdei Chemed, Bein HaMetzarim 18).
 
One may continue to discuss ethical and philosophical topics, but not regular Torah learning, and may sing quiet, soulful Shabbat songs that evoke repentance rather than joy.
 
 
Removing Shoes and Changing Clothes
On this Shabbat evening, Ma’ariv is delayed and will begin at 9:20 pm to allow people time say “Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol” after Shabbat (8:58 pm), remove leather shoes, and change into weekday clothing (preferably worn clothes from the past week, as it is forbidden to wear freshly laundered garments during the Nine Days, especially on Tisha B’Av). Then one goes to synagogue (Yechaveh Da’at 5:38; Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchatah 28:85; 42:40).
 
At Ma’ariv, one adds Ata Chonantanu and omits Vayehi Noam (Shulchan Aruch 559:2) because that psalm relates to the construction of the Mishkan, which is inappropriate on a night of destruction (Mishnah Berurah 7). A special kina (lamentation) is added for Motzaei Shabbat – “Eich Mipi Ben U’Bat” (Ashkenazim) or “Oy Ki Kina Rabat” (Sephardim).
 
 
When Is Havdalah Recited?
Since the fast begins as Shabbat ends, Havdalah over wine is not made on Saturday night. Different opinions exist among the Geonim and Rishonim, but the common custom is to delay Havdalah until Sunday night (Shulchan Aruch 556:1). However, one still says Ata Chonantanu during Ma’ariv. If one forgets to say it, he does not repeat the Amidah, but must say “Baruch HaMavdil” to be allowed to perform work. Women who do not pray Ma’ariv should remember to say “Baruch HaMavdil” before doing any work.
 
 
Blessing on the Havdalah Candle
Although Havdalah is not recited on Saturday night, one should still say the blessing “Borei Me’orei Ha’esh” before the reading of Eicha (Shulchan Aruch). If forgotten, one may say it later that night, but not on Sunday morning.
  • For women: Ideally, the husband should say “Borei Me’orei Ha’esh” at home before going to synagogue and fulfill his wife’s obligation. If not, she should say the blessing herself (Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Shemirat Shabbat, 42:98; Chazon Ovadia, Arba Taaniyot, p. 343).
  • Besamim: No blessing is made on besamim (spices) this Motzaei Shabbat (Shulchan Aruch). Some explain that smelling spices is a pleasure associated with the departing soul and should be avoided on Tisha B’Av (Shach, YD 265:12; Magen Avraham 556:1). Others say that mourners may not smell spices because they bring joy (Orchot Chaim, Havdalah 14). Therefore, spices should not be used on Tisha B’Av (Mishnah Berurah, Sha’ar HaTziyun 1; Kaf HaChaim 4).
 
Havdalah for the Sick on Tisha B’Av
A sick person who must eat on Tisha B’Av must first recite Havdalah (Kaf HaChaim 556:9; Yechaveh Da’at 3:40; Shemirat Shabbat 42:46). He does not say the besamim blessing or recite the introductory verses.
If Havdalah is said Saturday night, he should say “Borei Me’orei Ha’esh” if not already said, and then recite “Hagafen” and “Hamavdil.” If said on Sunday, he says only those two blessings.
A sick person who knows in advance he will need to eat on Sunday should say Havdalah as soon as Shabbat ends.
  • What beverage to use: Ideally, not wine, which is prohibited during the Nine Days and especially on Tisha B’Av. Preferably use chamar medina – such as beer or natural juice. If unavailable, one may use grape juice, and only if necessary, wine (Shut Knesset HaGedolah, 71).
  • If a healthy person must recite Havdalah for the sick, he may do so, and the sick person or a child should drink the beverage (Shut Tzitz Eliezer 14:44; Shut Mishnah Halachot 7:39).
A minor who eats on Tisha B’Av does not recite Havdalah (Shemirat Shabbat 42:45; Shut Shevet HaLevi 10:177:4).
 
 
Havdalah at the End of the Fast
On Sunday night, Havdalah is said without besamim, without a candle, and without introductory verses. It begins with “Borei Pri HaGafen.”
  • Drinking the wine: Some say to give it to a child because wine remains restricted until midday of the 10th of Av. However, it is permissible for an adult to drink it (Mishnah Berurah 3), and grape juice may be preferable both halachically and practically for breaking the fast.
  • Women: If a woman finds it hard to wait for her husband after Ma’ariv, she may recite Havdalah herself before eating. Alternatively, she may drink water and wait for her husband to return and perform Havdalah.

 

 
Brief Halachic Summary
• Seudah Shlishit: Held as usual, including zemirot and Torah study. End it before sunset. Quiet soulful songs may continue after.
• Saturday Night: Delay Ma’ariv. Say “Baruch HaMavdil,” remove shoes and change into weekday clothes. No Havdalah (unless sick). Women at home should say the candle blessing.
• In Shul: Bless “Borei Me’orei Ha’esh” before Eicha.
• Sick individuals: Say Havdalah before eating. Children do not need to.
• After the Fast: Havdalah without spices, candle, or verses. May be recited on wine (grape juice preferred); an adult may drink.
 
 
Wed, August 13 2025 19 Av 5785