Eating and Drinking on Tisha BeAv

Parsha Halacha | June 25, 2025

From sunset on Monday until nightfall on Tuesday, it is forbidden to eat or drink.
One who is sick and confined to bed need not fast. Some say that even a sick person should fast unless he is in great pain. In case of doubt, one should discuss it with one’s doctor and rabbi.
A woman who has given birth within the last thirty days is not required to fast. If she gave birth more than seven days before Tisha Be’Av and she feels up to it, she should fast for a few hours before breaking her fast. Some say that a woman who gave birth more than seven days before Tisha Be’Av should fast the entire day if she feels well enough.
Generally, a nursing mother or pregnant woman should fast. One who feels that she is unable to fast should consult her doctor and rabbi.
It is advisable (especially for pregnant and nursing women) to drink a lot of water in the days leading up to the fast.
One who needs to swallow medication may do so. If one needs liquid with which to swallow a pill they should use a bitter liquid (such as vinegar mixed with water), if possible.
It is best not to rinse one’s mouth. One who is uncomfortable may use mouthwash but should be careful not to swallow any of it.
Children before Bar or Bat Mitzvah need not fast. Some say that children nearing the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah should be trained to fast for several hours. There is no basis for the popular belief that children should fast the last three fasts before their bar or bat mitzvah.
If one mistakenly ate or drank, he should resume fasting as soon as he realizes it. He may say Aneinu and Nachem in Mincha.
A sick person who is not fasting on Tisha Be’Av may say Nachem in Mincha but should not say Aneinu.
One who is too sick to fast should not eat delicacies or act in a light-headed manner. In addition, it is important (for all people) not to get angry on this or any other fast day.

From sunset on Monday until nightfall on Tuesday, it is forbidden to eat or drink.
One who is sick and confined to bed need not fast. Some say that even a sick person should fast unless he is in great pain. In case of doubt, one should discuss it with one’s doctor and rabbi.
A woman who has given birth within the last thirty days is not required to fast. If she gave birth more than seven days before Tisha Be’Av and she feels up to it, she should fast for a few hours before breaking her fast. Some say that a woman who gave birth more than seven days before Tisha Be’Av should fast the entire day if she feels well enough.
Generally, a nursing mother or pregnant woman should fast. One who feels that she is unable to fast should consult her doctor and rabbi.
It is advisable (especially for pregnant and nursing women) to drink a lot of water in the days leading up to the fast.
One who needs to swallow medication may do so. If one needs liquid with which to swallow a pill they should use a bitter liquid (such as vinegar mixed with water), if possible.
It is best not to rinse one’s mouth. One who is uncomfortable may use mouthwash but should be careful not to swallow any of it.
Children before Bar or Bat Mitzvah need not fast. Some say that children nearing the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah should be trained to fast for several hours. There is no basis for the popular belief that children should fast the last three fasts before their bar or bat mitzvah.
If one mistakenly ate or drank, he should resume fasting as soon as he realizes it. He may say Aneinu and Nachem in Mincha.
A sick person who is not fasting on Tisha Be’Av may say Nachem in Mincha but should not say Aneinu.
One who is too sick to fast should not eat delicacies or act in a light-headed manner. In addition, it is important (for all people) not to get angry on this or any other fast day.

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Parsha Halacha | August 08, 2024