The Three Weeks prior to Tisha B'Av are a period of national mourning and introspection. Traditionally, we focus on the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, the exile of our people and the sinat chinam (wanton hatred) that continues to divide us. Tragically, the past ten months have yielded an entire new realm of suffering and grief to a degree scarcely imaginable before October 7, 2023. Our tradition teaches that hope and redemption emerge from tragedy, but there is much advance work to be done. May we redouble our efforts this season in terms of teshuvah (personal introspection and civil engagement with those with whom we disagree), tefillah (minyan attendance, attention to berachot and davening with kavanah) and tzedakah. May Hashem guide our people towards internal harmony and a just and lasting peace in Israel and the entire region.
Our mourning intensifies during the Nine Days beginning Sunday night, August 4. In addition to the 'Three Weeks' restrictions (foregoing live music, dancing, haircuts, shaving and most Shehechiyanu situations,) we abstain from:
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Consumption of meat and wine, except for Shabbat and se'udot mitzvah
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Bathing/swimming for pleasure, with exceptions for instructional swim and swimming for medical reasons. Bathing for hygiene should be maintained, but many are careful to take shorter lukewarm showers.
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Wearing freshly laundered outer garments, except for Shabbat. For hygienic reasons, this does not apply to undergarments. Outer garments may be 'prepared' in advance of the Nine Days by wearing them or by trampling them in advance to remove their freshness. If necessary, the clothing of small children may be laundered and used during the Nine Days.
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Commencing home/garden improvements for pleasure/hobby purposes. Repairs for basic safety purposes are permitted as is providing adquate maintenance for existing gardens/lawns.
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Purchasing items that bring great joy. Exceptions include if the item would be difficult to obtain or more expensive after Tisha B'Av. However, if possible, one should avoid using the new item during the Nine Days.
Numerous scenarios and nuances emerge from these halachot. Rabbi Davis is glad to discuss any questions you may have.
Additional Information
Pninei Halachah
The Customs of the Nine Days and Shavua She’chal Bo
Orthodox Union
Laws and Traditions of the Nine Days
Contact Rabbi Davis with your questions and concerns.
Tisha B'Av 5784
Monday Night, August 12 through Tuesday, August 13
Monday, August 12 - Erev Tisha B'Av
6:45 AM Shacharit
8:05 PM Mincha
8:23 PM Fast begins
8:45 PM Eichah
Following Eichah, we will include several Kinnot that have emerged post October 7. Please see HERE and HERE if you wish to do some advance preparation.
Tuesday, August 13 - Tisha B'Av
6:45 AM Shacharit
7:35 AM Kinnot
1:18 PM Chatzot (Midday)
5:00-6:00 PM Pasta and Salad Dinner for Kids
Note: This event is intended to make things easier for fasting parents. Please RSVP to darcheinoamRSVP@gmail.com. Cost: $5/child. No child turned away.
7:00 PM Special presentation by Kibbutz Nahal Oz survivor Naomi Petel
Please come if you are available and help us honor our guest with a respectable attendance.
Mincha with tallit/tefillin 7:50 PM
8:57 PM Fast ends
Kinnot - Special Request
Most years during our Tisha B'Av morning Kinnot service, we encourage volunteers to introduce the Kinnot. This year, we will honor the hostages and our fallen chayalim by introducing one of them prior to each Kinnah. We need your help to make this tribute work. Please contact Rabbi Davis at darcheirabbi@gmail.com to volunteer or to inquire. Introductions may be as brief as two-sentences or as long as two-minutes!
To read more about each of the hostages, CLICK HERE.