Can You Eat Meat During the Nine Days? Rules and Exceptions

Daily Inspiration: The Power of Trusting in Hashem

"Many are the sorrows of the wicked... but one who trusts in Hashem will be surrounded by kindness."

Rabbi Eliezer and Rabbi Tanchum taught in the name of Rabbi Yirmiyah: "Even a wicked person who trusts in Hashem will be surrounded by kindness." (Yalkut Shimoni, based on Psalms 32:10)

This profound teaching highlights the extraordinary power of bitachon, trust in Hashem. Even someone who has fallen short spiritually can merit Divine kindness through sincere trust in God. No matter a person's past actions or shortcomings, turning toward Hashem with genuine faith can open the door to His compassion and mercy.

Two Halachot a Day

From Behalacha Uve'aggadah, based on the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory.

How Long Is Eating Meat Prohibited During the Nine Days?

The accepted custom is to refrain from eating meat from Rosh Chodesh Av through the tenth of Av, including the tenth day itself. However, Sephardic Jews traditionally permit eating meat on Rosh Chodesh Av in honor of the day, particularly because partaking in a festive Rosh Chodesh meal is considered a mitzvah. Some Ashkenazi communities, on the other hand, refrain from eating meat even on Rosh Chodesh.

The restriction applies to both beef and poultry, as well as dishes cooked with meat, even if the meat itself is not eaten. Fish, however, is permitted throughout this period.

An exception is made for someone who cannot reasonably sustain themselves on dairy foods, whether because they strongly dislike them or, especially, because such foods are unsuitable for their health. In these circumstances, eating poultry is permitted.

Who Is Permitted to Eat Meat During the Nine Days?

Although the custom is to refrain from eating meat during the Nine Days, several exceptions are permitted, particularly when health, nutrition, or individual circumstances make the restriction difficult.

Young children who have not yet reached the age of bar or bat mitzvah may be given meat dishes during this period, even after Rosh Chodesh Av and until the fast.

Similarly, a pregnant woman experiencing considerable discomfort or difficulty during her pregnancy may eat meat. The same applies to a nursing mother who is suffering from weakness.

More generally, someone who experiences physical discomfort, weakness, or a minor illness and finds it difficult to manage without meat may be permitted to eat it. When such a person seeks halachic guidance, the ruling should be lenient.

However, a healthy individual who disregards the established custom simply to satisfy personal desires is considered to be deliberately violating an accepted religious practice. The Sages regard such disregard for communal customs with great seriousness.

There is also a practical exception for someone who mistakenly recites a blessing over meat during the period when eating it is prohibited. If a healthy person has already made the blessing, they should taste a small amount of the meat to avoid having recited a berachah levatalah, a blessing in vain.

These halachot demonstrate the balance within Jewish law between observing the customs of mourning and taking individual circumstances into account. While the Nine Days are a time to diminish personal enjoyment and reflect on the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, halachah also recognizes the importance of protecting one's health and responding compassionately to genuine physical needs.