Tisha B’Av Halachot: Nails, Kinot, and Torah Study During the Nine Days

Question: Is it permitted to cut one’s nails during the Nine Days?

Answer:

Until the week in which Tisha B’Av falls, it is permitted to cut nails. During the actual week of Tisha B’Av, however, there is a halachic dispute regarding whether it is allowed. There is no difference in this matter between Ashkenazim and Sephardim.

Notes:

If Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat, it is permitted to cut nails on Friday in honor of Shabbat.

Some authorities are stricter and permit it only for those who regularly cut their nails every Friday.

When Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat, there is also disagreement over whether the preceding week is considered “the week in which Tisha B’Av falls.” The ruling of several authorities is to be lenient and not treat it as such.

Question: May someone leave the synagogue during the recitation of Kinot on Tisha B’Av?

Answer:

One should not leave the synagogue or engage in conversation during the recitation of Kinot, so as not to distract oneself from the mourning of the day.

Notes:

However, one may leave temporarily in order to use the restroom.

Question: Is Torah study permitted on Erev Tisha B’Av?

Answer:

From midday onward on the eve of Tisha B’Av, the custom is to refrain from studying regular Torah subjects (other than the topics permitted on Tisha B’Av itself). However, some authorities are lenient, and one who wishes to rely on the lenient opinion may do so.

If Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat — and certainly if Erev Tisha B’Av itself is Shabbat — some authorities permit regular Torah study, and there is reason to rely on this view. One who studies Torah under these circumstances does not lose his reward.

Additional Notes:

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky reported that the Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz instructed him not to be lenient regarding Torah study after midday, even when Erev Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat.

At the same time, many authorities explain that because most people are unable to spend two full days learning only the limited subjects permitted on Tisha B’Av, the common custom is to be lenient at least before midday when Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat.

Nevertheless, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky wrote that someone who is capable of limiting himself to the Torah topics permitted on Tisha B’Av should preferably adopt the stricter approach.