Parshas Devarim (Chazon) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Halachos and Hanhagos of the Nine Days (4)
The destruction of the Bais HaMikdash commenced on the Ninth of Av. Although the fire was set on the ninth, most of the structure actually burned on the tenth of Av (1). As a result, most of the restrictions of the Nine Days remain in effect until the halachic midday (chatzos) of the tenth of Av. In a year like this, when Tisha B’Av falls out on a Thursday, however, there are a certain leniencies that apply due to the mitzvah of honoring the Shabbos. Activities which cannot be deemed as honoring the Shabbos are forbidden to be performed until midday on Friday (2). These include: 1) Wearing freshly laundered clothing (not for Shabbos). 2) Listening to music and/or dancing. 3) Reciting the beracha of “Shehechayanu.” 4) Eating meat and drinking wine. (If a lady needs to prepare Shabbos meals on Friday morning, she is permitted to taste the food for proper cooking.)
Washing/Laundering Clothing: Clothing needed for Shabbos may be washed and laundered before chatzos (3). Many Poskim even permit it on Thursday night, and one has upon whom to rely (4). R’ S.Z. Auerbach zt”l allows one to add weekday clothing even into the load of Shabbos garments that are being washed (5).r
Haircuts and Shaving: If a person takes a haircut or shaves in honor of Shabbos, he may rely on the leniencies as previously explained by laundering. Some Poskim even stretch the leniency to cases that are not in honor of Shabbos. For example, if one shaves early even if he is planning to shave again before Shabbos. Or, laundering full loads of laundry that are not needed for shabbos. These cases are debated by contemporary Poskim (6), some permitting and others prohibiting. One should consult his Rav.
Bathing and Swimming: Many of the leniencies by laundering, etc., are also permitted for bathing in honor of Shabbos. Some poskim even allow one to bathe early and then bathe again before Shabbos. Swimming for pleasure before midday on Friday might be included in this category as well. As we said before, these cases are debated by contemporary Poskim (see the many references quoted in Sefer Nechomas Yisroel (7)) and one should discuss any queries with his local Rav about these details.
(1) או"ח תקנח:א (2) מ"ב תקנח:ג (3) שם (4) שו"ת מחזה אליהו פ"ו (5) תיקונים לשמירת שבת מב:טז (6) מובא בס' נחמת ישראל - מהדורא ב' עמ' ר"ב (7) שם