When Does Tisha B'Av End? Key Laws and the Powerful Segulah of Psalm 13

Based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, from Halacha and Aggadah

When Does the Tisha B'Av Fast End?

The Tisha B'Av fast ends after nightfall, at which point it is permitted to eat and drink.

Unlike Shabbat, there is no need to wait for the time of Rabbeinu Tam after Tisha B'Av. This stringency applies only to biblical prohibitions, not to the conclusion of this fast.

Is It Permitted to Eat Meat Immediately After the Fast?

Although eating and drinking become permitted after the fast ends, it is customary not to eat meat on the night following Tisha B'Av or throughout the Tenth of Av.

The reason is that, according to our tradition, the Holy Temple was set ablaze on the afternoon of Tisha B'Av, and it continued to burn until sunset on the Tenth of Av.

Ashkenazi custom is to observe this restriction only until midday of the Tenth of Av. However, meat may be eaten at a seudat mitzvah (a meal associated with the performance of a mitzvah).

Even when the Tenth of Av falls on a Friday, the custom is not to eat meat throughout the day. The only exception is tasting food while preparing for Shabbat, since this is considered part of the mitzvah of honoring Shabbat. According to Ashkenazi custom, meat may be eaten after midday, as in other years.

Daily Segulah: A Powerful Prayer for Times of Distress

Psalm 13, consisting of only six verses, has long been regarded as a powerful and ancient segulah to recite during times of hardship, seeking salvation, redemption, and deliverance for both the individual and the Jewish people.

Summary of Psalm 13

Psalm 13 is a heartfelt prayer in which King David pleads with God to rescue him from his suffering.

With words that have resonated for thousands of years, David cries out: "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and have sorrow in my heart day after day? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"

David pours out his pain, feeling as though God is distant and has hidden His face from him.

He continues his plea: "Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Lest my enemy say, 'I have overcome him,' and my foes rejoice when I am shaken."

The psalm concludes with David expressing complete trust in God's salvation: "But I have trusted in Your loving kindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has dealt bountifully with me."

The Segulah of Psalm 13

Rabbi Daniel Frisch, author of the Matok MiDevash commentary on the Zohar, recommended for those seeking divine salvation, to recite Psalm 13 thirteen consecutive times each day, for thirteen consecutive days, with sincere concentration and heartfelt intention.

Many people have testified that they experienced salvation after faithfully observing this practice.

Psalm 13

(1) For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

(2) How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?

(3) How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

(4) Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.

(5) Lest my enemy say, "I have overcome him," and my adversaries rejoice when I stumble.

(6) But I have trusted in Your loving kindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has dealt bountifully with me.