Rabbi Rael Blumenthal

(This guide addresses many of the most common questions. Please feel free to reach out with any follow-ups.)

This Shabbos is Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, and the beginning of the Nine Days.

In addition to the restrictions of the Three Weeks, these next nine days are marked by a number of practices to help us internalize the tragedy of the Destruction of Yerushalaim from which we still suffer today.

In general, Ashkenazim observe these restrictions from Rosh Chodesh Av. Sephardim observe them from the week in which Tisha B’av falls out.

Laundry:

• We do not wash clothes in the nine days; ironing and dry cleaning are included in this prohibition. One may not wash clothes in order to wear them after Tisha B’Av, because one who does laundry appears as though he is taking his mind off of mourning over the Beis HaMikdash. One also may not ask a non-Jewish cleaner to wash one’s clothes for use after Tisha B’Av.
• One may wear clean underwear and socks and use fresh hand towels. These may also be washed if necessary for hygiene and cleanliness.

Meat and Wine:

• We do not eat meat or poultry.
• We do not drink wine. Other alcoholic beverages are permitted.
• One is permitted to eat food that was cooked in meat pots, as long as no meat was cooked with it, and one cannot taste the taste of the meat in his food.
• Regarding Havdalah, most poskim agree that one can use grape juice.

Showering, Bathing, and Swimming:

• We do not bathe for pleasure during the nine days, even in cold water.
• If one regularly swims as a form of exercise, one is permitted to continue one’s regular swimming schedule.
• If someone is sweaty or dirty it is permitted to shower during the nine days to clean off and not for pleasure. The shower should be set cooler than usual, and should take only as long as needed to get clean.

Business, Building and Trips:

• One should not begin a new business ventures during the nine days, or engage in activities that are riskier than usual.
• We do not remodel, renovate or repaint one's home.
• Vacation trips that can be scheduled for other times should be avoided.

Hashem should bless us that we will not need to review the Halachos of Tisha B'av next week.