Chief Rabbi Clarifies Tisha B'Av Restrictions and Permits Early Washing and Haircuts Before Sabbath

Ahead of Tisha B'Av 5786, the Chief Rabbi of Israel issued a special letter explaining the spiritual significance and practical laws of this day of mourning, with particular focus on this year’s observance. He addressed the intriguing question of why a day of sorrow and destruction is called a "festival" in scripture, explaining that it carries the promise of future redemption. The destruction and punishment symbolize not abandonment but a father’s love and hope to restore his children, reflecting the eternal bond between God and Israel.

The letter outlines key laws and customs for Tisha B'Av and its conclusion this year, which falls on Thursday evening. On the eve of Tisha B'Av, it is advisable to avoid outings. The final meal before the fast, known as the seudah mafseket, should be eaten in mourning style: one simple dish without meat, poultry, fish, or wine. Traditional foods include bread with salt and hard-boiled eggs, sometimes dipped in ashes. The meal is eaten sitting on the floor or low seating, and no invitations for a third party are made. However, eating and drinking should not be restricted to the point of making the fast difficult.

The fast prohibitions from sunset until stars appear include no eating, drinking, washing, anointing, wearing sandals, marital relations, or joyful Torah study. Sephardic custom forbids work all day, while Ashkenazi custom restricts it until midnight, including avoiding house cleaning.

Because Tisha B'Av this year is followed by Shabbat on Friday, some mourning customs are relaxed. It is permitted to wash clothes and get haircuts on Thursday night after the fast ends, including adding more laundry loads. Preparing Shabbat food from Thursday noon is allowed in urgent cases, and tasting meat dishes on Friday before midnight to check seasoning is permitted. Caution is advised to avoid listening to musical instruments or wearing freshly laundered clothes until after midnight Friday. Bathing on Friday is limited to one washing for Shabbat honor.