Tisha B’Av & Three Weeks Halacha Guide: Practical Laws for Daily Life

Which Fast Takes Priority?

If a person’s medical condition does not allow them to fast both on the Seventeenth of Tammuz and on Tisha B’Av, it is preferable to fast on the Seventeenth of Tammuz, since it is better to fulfill a mitzvah at its proper time. On Tisha B’Av, they should refrain from eating as they normally would (Yalkut Yosef, Four Fasts, p. 46).

Ordering Furniture During the Three Weeks

It is forbidden to order furniture during the Three Weeks, even if it will only be delivered after Tisha B’Av—unless prices are expected to rise and this would cause a financial loss (Responsa Or LeTzion, vol. 3, ch. 26:1).

Swimming During the Week of Tisha B’Av

It is permitted to go to a pool or the sea, even during the week in which Tisha B’Av falls (Chazon Ovadia, Four Fasts, p. 238).

Giving Gifts on Tisha B’Av

Giving a gift is forbidden on Tisha B’Av, unless the recipient is poor (Yalkut Yosef, Four Fasts, p. 441).

Taking Medication on Tisha B’Av

A sick person who must take pills and cannot swallow them without water may drink in small measured amounts (less than a halachic shiur), approximately 40 ml every nine minutes. In some cases, one may be lenient with shorter intervals (Chazon Ovadia, p. 279; Halichot Moed, p. 120).

Reading Stories of Tzaddikim

It is permitted to read stories of righteous individuals on Tisha B’Av, as they inspire fear of Heaven and proper conduct (Responsa Merkavot Argaman, vol. 4, siman 11).

A Special Mitzvah on Tisha B’Av

One should increase giving charity, especially to the poor and Torah scholars, since part of the cause of exile was neglecting the gifts due to the poor (Moed LeChol Chai, siman 10:68).

Smelling Fragrances

It is permitted to smell fragrances on Tisha B’Av (Chazon Ovadia, pp. 339–341).

Music for a Widow During the Three Weeks

If a widow lives alone and listens to music to ease loneliness or fear, it is permitted (Halichot Shlomo, ch. 14, note 8).

Why Eicha Is Not Written as a Scroll

We do not write the Book of Lamentations (Eicha) as a formal scroll like Megillat Esther, because we anticipate redemption at any moment, at which time it will no longer be read (Moed LeChol Chai, siman 10:22).

Brushing Teeth on Tisha B’Av

It is only permitted in cases of significant discomfort. One must be careful not to use more than a minimal amount of water and should tilt their head downward to avoid swallowing any water (Halichot Moed, p. 88).

Naming a Baby on Tisha B’Av

It is customary to name a baby circumcised on Tisha B’Av “Menachem” (Chazon Ovadia, p. 396).

Taking Pain Relief on a Fast

A healthy person who suffers from severe headaches during fasts may take medication. If necessary, it is permitted to swallow it with a small amount of water; on Tisha B’Av, one should ideally be more stringent (Yalkut Yosef, p. 110).

Severe Discomfort

Someone who suffers significantly (e.g., intense sweating due to headaches) may be exempt from fasting (Halichot Moed, p. 95).

Sitting on the Ground

On Tisha B’Av, one should sit on the ground not only in the synagogue but also at home, until midday (Responsa Birkat Yehuda, O.C. 56).

Music Lessons During the Three Weeks

If postponing lessons would disrupt progress, it is permitted to continue learning music, since it is for study rather than enjoyment. This leniency applies to both student and teacher (Yalkut Yosef, p. 444).

Using Perfume

It is permitted to use perfume only to remove an unpleasant odor (Chazon Ovadia, p. 295).

The Pre-Fast Meal for Someone Who Is Not Fasting

Even someone who is ill and will not fast should still eat the pre-fast meal (seudah mafseket) in the customary manner — seated on the ground (Halichot Moed, p. 123).

Alcohol Consumption

It is permitted to drink alcoholic beverages from Rosh Chodesh Av until the 10th of Av, since the prohibition applies specifically to wine (Responsa Or LeTzion, vol. 3, ch. 26:8).

Eating Meat on the 10th of Av

Although there is a custom not to eat meat on the 10th of Av, it is permitted during a seudat mitzvah, even on the night of the 10th. However, if the 10th falls on Friday, one should not be lenient (Chazon Ovadia, pp. 414, 419).

Using a Sauna During the Nine Days

Entering a sauna is permitted for medical purposes, but forbidden for pleasure (Yalkut Yosef, p. 196).

The halachot of the Three Weeks and Tisha B’Av balance mourning with practical living. They guide a person to maintain awareness of loss while still addressing real-life needs, with sensitivity, restraint, and spiritual focus.