Comprehensive Guide to Observing Tisha B'Av Fasting and Customs in 2024

Rabbi Baruch Efrati compiled detailed halachic guidelines for observing Tisha B'Av in the year 5784 (2024), covering the fast's prohibitions, special prayers, and customs, especially as this year the fast ends on Friday evening before Shabbat.

Regarding the Seudah Mafseket (the pre-fast meal), the Rambam describes a minimal meal of dry bread with salt and water, eaten in a somber mood. The Shulchan Aruch notes customs such as eating lentils or hard-boiled eggs, sitting on the floor, and avoiding eating three foods together to prevent an obligation to make a blessing. Certain foods like fruits and coffee are not considered cooked dishes and thus permitted alongside eggs.

The five afflictions of Tisha B'Av include fasting from food and drink, washing, anointing, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Healthy individuals should fast even if feeling weak, but those ill with danger or possible danger are exempt. Pregnant and nursing women start fasting but may break it if symptoms like headaches or weakness appear. Women who gave birth within 30 days are exempt, and nursing mothers concerned about milk supply may eat and drink. Medical advice to avoid fasting must be followed.

Regarding washing and anointing, only cleaning dirty areas is allowed; bathing for pleasure is forbidden. Deodorant and anti-itch creams are permitted, but makeup is not. Leather shoes are prohibited; alternatives like Crocs or root sandals are allowed but less comfortable footwear is preferred.

Customs include sitting on the floor until midday, then sitting on chairs, and standing on buses unless weak. Torah study is limited to texts about destruction and mourning, ethical works, or necessary faith questions. Work is forbidden, with leniency after midday for essential tasks. Recreational outings are discouraged to avoid frivolity.

Prayer customs differ between Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions, including removal of the Ark curtain, reciting Lamentations, kinnot, and special prayers. This year, since Tisha B'Av ends on Friday evening, Sephardim may immediately wash, cut hair, and recite the Shehecheyanu blessing, while Ashkenazim ideally do so Friday morning but may do so after the fast if needed. Meat and wine consumption is permitted from midday Friday for Ashkenazim and from Shabbat onset for Sephardim.