Some Poskim forbid learning Torah after 1:00 PM (Chatzos) on Erev Tisha B’Av, except those topics permitted on Tisha B-Av. However, many others permit it.
This year, Erev Tisha B’Av is Wednesday, July. 22. Mincha will be at 6:00 to give enough time to eat Shalosh Seudos. The fast begins at 7:44. Not eating and drinking and all other restrictions, except wearing leather shoes, go into effect at sundown, 7:44. The prohibition against wearing leather shoes begins at the beginning of Mariv immediately after Borchu. Leather shoes should be removed after 8:29 PM.
Tisha B’Av
Tisha B’Av, like Yom Kippur, is a 24+ hour fast, with additional restrictions.
The following are prohibited: Eating, drinking, wearing leather shoes (referring to leather construction such as the soles or uppers, not leather strips or ornamentation), washing any part of the body, marital relations, and the use of creams, lotions, or oils. Anti-perspirant and medicinal ointments for rashes and irritations are allowed. Netilas Yadayim is performed by washing fingers till the knuckles. Women do not go to Mikvah on Tisha B’Av night.
On Tisha B’Av the following additional customs reflect our status as mourners:
- Until 1:00 p.m., we sit on the floor or a low stool (not higher than 12″).
- Like an Avel, we should not greet each other all of Tisha B’Av.
- It is forbidden to learn Torah all day except for those topics relating to the laws of mourning or the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash.
- One should not go to work on Tisha B’Av; however, if you must, it is best do so after midday – 1:00 p.m. Tisha B’Av is not to be used as a day to catch up on housework or repairs.
- Tallis and Tefillin are first worn at Mincha, and Tzitzit should be put on in the morning without a Bracha.
