Tisha B'Av Laws: Leather Shoes, Hand Washing, and a Powerful Lesson in Personal Prayer

Daily Halachah from Hidabroot, based onHalachah and Aggadah, according to the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Which Shoes May Not Be Worn on Tisha B'Av?

It is forbidden to wear shoes or sandals made of leather on Tisha B'Av. Shoes made of cloth, canvas, rubber, or other non-leather materials are permitted.

A person who is ill, or a woman within 30 days after childbirth, is permitted to wear leather shoes if necessary.

The prohibition against wearing leather footwear remains in effect throughout the fast, until nightfall at the conclusion of Tisha B'Av.

If someone forgot to purchase non-leather shoes before the fast, it is permissible to buy them even shortly beforehand. However, it is preferable to wear them for a short time during the week leading up to Tisha B'Av so they are not considered brand new.

How Should You Wash Your Hands on the Morning of Tisha B'Av?

Upon waking on the morning of the fast, wash your hands only up to the knuckles of the fingers. The hands should be washed three alternating times — pouring water first over the right hand, then the left, and repeating this process three times. Afterward, recite the blessing "Al Netilat Yadayim."

Similarly, after using the restroom, wash only up to the knuckles and recite the blessing "Asher Yatzar."

Daily Inspiration

"Do you have a friend and beloved companion like your Father in Heaven?

Who understands your heart, and who can heal your soul, if not He, blessed be He?

Listen to my words: withdraw to a private room if possible. If that is not possible, simply turn your face toward the wall. Imagine that you are standing before His glorious throne, and pour out your heart before Him in prayer, speaking naturally in whatever language comes from your heart."

(Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira of Piaseczno, author of Chovat HaTalmidim*, p. 139)*

Explanation of the Teaching

The Piaseczno Rebbe encourages us to develop a deeply personal relationship with God. He begins by asking, "Do you have a friend and beloved companion like your Father in Heaven?" The question reminds us that no one understands the human heart more completely than God. Like a loving father, He knows our thoughts, emotions, and struggles, and He is always ready to listen.

The Rebbe then urges us to set aside time for private, heartfelt conversation with God. He recommends finding a quiet place — or simply turning toward a wall if privacy is not possible, and imagining ourselves standing before God's throne. The goal is not to recite formal words alone, but to speak honestly and sincerely, in our own language, expressing whatever is truly in our hearts.

His message is an invitation to cultivate a close and direct relationship with God — one in which we can speak openly, without barriers, trusting that He always hears us, understands our deepest feelings, and has the power to bring healing to our souls.