Laws of the Three Weeks and Nine Days

The 17th of Tammuz, commemorating the fall of Jerusalem prior to the destruction of the Temple, marks the beginning of a 3-week national period of mourning culminating with the 9th of Av. Our rabbis referred to the time period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av as ‘Bein Hamitzarim,’ between the straits, based on the verse: “All her oppressors have overtaken her within the straits” (Lamentations 1:3).

On Shabbat during the Three Weeks, the Haftorot focus upon the Temple’s destruction and the exile of the Jewish people.

THE FIVE EVENTS WHICH WE MOURN ON THE 17TH OF TAMMUZ ARE:

  • Moshe broke the tablets at Mount Sinai – in response to the sin of the Golden Calf.
  • The daily offerings in the First Temple were suspended during the siege of Jerusalem, after the Kohanim could no longer obtain animals.
  • Jerusalem’s walls were breached, prior to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
  • Prior to the Great Revolt, the Roman general Apostamos burned a Torah scroll – setting a precedent for the burning of Jewish books throughout the centuries.
  • An idolatrous image was placed in the Sanctuary of the Temple.

In addition, in 1942 the mass deportations of Jews from the Warsaw ghetto began on Erev Tisha B’Av.

ASPECTS OF MOURNING DURING THE THREE WEEKS

  • We do not get married. However, one may get engaged.
  • We avoid public celebrations — especially those which involve singing, dancing, and musical accompaniment.
  • We do not enjoy live music. This prohibition however does not apply if you make your living as a musician or teacher, or if you are a student practicing, but not performing.
  • We do not get haircuts. A person who usually shaves daily and would suffer business or financial loss by not shaving, may continue to do so.

ASPECTS OF MOURNING DURING THE NINE DAYS

The period commencing with Rosh Chodesh Av is called the ‘Nine Days.’ During this time, a stricter level of mourning is observed, in accordance with the Talmudic dictum: “When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy.” (BT Taanit 26)

  • We don’t eat meat (including poultry) or drink wine. These foods are symbolic of the Temple service, and are generally expressions of celebration and joy.
    • On Shabbat, meat and wine are permitted. This applies also to any other seudat mitzvah — for example, at a Brit Milah, Simchat Bat, or at the completion of a tractate of Talmud.
  • We do not bathe for pleasure. However for daily hygiene one should continue to bathe but in a manner that is somewhat less enjoyable. Those taking swim lessons or who swim for medical reasons may continue to do so.
  • We avoid purchasing any items that bring great joy. However, one may buy things if they will be difficult to find after the 9th of Av, or even if they will be more expensive later, but if possible should refrain from using or wearing them until after this period. Purchases necessary for one’s livelihood are permitted.
  • We do not say the blessing She-hechiyanu on new food or clothes, except on Shabbat.
  • We postpone starting home improvements, or the planting of trees and flowers, until after the 9th of Av, as it would seem inconsistent to focus upon our home decor as we mourn the destruction of God’s house.
  • If one has the option, it is preferable to refrain from wearing newly laundered exterior garments (except on Shabbat).
    • ∙ If the “freshness” has been taken out of a garment prior to the Nine Days (by having worn it for even a few moments) it may be worn. It is in fact advisable before the Nine Days to start to put on for a few moments any exterior garments you wish to wear in the coming days.
    • ∙ The clothing of small children, which get soiled frequently, may be laundered and worn during the Nine Days.

THE NINTH OF AV, HISTORY AND LAWS

On the 9th of Av we remember and mourn tragedies which occurred to our people throughout our history. The following events are said to have transpired or started on this very day:

  • The sin of the spies caused God to decree that the Children of Israel who left Egypt would not be permitted to enter the land of Israel.
  • The first Temple was destroyed.
  • The second Temple was destroyed.
  • Betar, the last fortress to hold out against the Romans during the Bar Kochba revolt in the year 135, fell, sealing the fate of the Jewish people.
  • One year after the fall of Betar, the Temple area was plowed.
  • In 1492, King Ferdinand of Spain issued the expulsion decree, setting the 9th of Av as the final date by which not a single Jew would be allowed on Spanish soil.
  • World War I, which began the downward slide to the Holocaust – began on the 9th of Av.

The central component of the day however is not only sadness and loss but also the hope for teshuva and the betterment of ourselves.

There are five major prohibitions (all of which are rabbinically ordained) that help create as well as reflect our sense of loss and introspection.

  • We do not eat or drink on the 9th of Av (individuals who are ill or pregnant or nursing should in no way harm themselves. For further guidance please contact Rabbi Cohen.)
  • We do not bathe even parts of our body on the 9th of Av. If part of the body becomes soiled one may wash that area. After using the restroom and after waking up one washes his/her hands up to the knuckles.
  • We do not anoint our bodies with Oils on the 9th of Av, this include creams, cosmetics, cologne and perfume.
  • We do not wear leather shoes on the 9th of Av.
  • Marital Relations are prohibited on the 9th of Av.

Other traditions include:

Greeting: We do not greet each other by saying “hello” or “how are you doing” on the 9th of Av. One should be careful not to offend another person who may be unaware of this law. There is an added custom to minimize speech in general on the 9th of Av at least until the midday (chatzot– precisely between sunrise neitz and sunset shkia– see the zmanim chart for details).

Torah Study: We do not study Torah as it is the greatest joy. However elements dealing with the destruction of the Temple, or the laws of mourning should be studied.

Sitting on the Floor: We sit on the floor or on a low chair until chatzot of the 9th of Av. One may also stand or lie down. There is an added custom to remove a pillow from one’s bed or to place a stone beneath the pillow.

Tallit and Tefilin: Are not worn in the morning, but are worn for mincha.

Our tradition teaches that the process of redemption will also begin on the 9th of Av.

May we merit to see the rebuilding of Yerushalayim filled with peace and unity speedily in our days,

R. Yonatan Cohen