Regarding When to Make Havdalah When Tisha B'Av Falls on Motzei Shabbat

Greetings,

1.On the night of Tisha B'Av that falls on Motzei Shabbat, we do not make Havdalah over a cup of wine, but only bless on the fire "Borei Meorei Ha'esh". It is proper for the chazzan (cantor) on the night of Tisha B'Av to recite in a loud voice "Borei Meorei Ha'esh" before the reading of the book of "Eicha" and intend to fulfill the obligation of the congregation.

Women who do not hear the blessing "Borei Meorei Ha'esh" in the synagogue should bless on the candle "Borei Meorei Ha'esh" for themselves. Women who do not pray Maariv (and consequently did not make Havdalah in prayer) should say before lighting the fire "Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lechol".

On the night following Tisha B'Av (Sunday night), we make Havdalah over a cup of wine and bless "Borei P'ri Hagafen" and the blessing of "Havdalah". However, we do not bless on the candle or on the spices (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim Siman 296, Mishna Berura there, and Chazon Ovadia Arba Ta'anit pages 38-39), and we do not say the verses that are customary to say on every Motzei Shabbat before Havdalah, but we start immediately with the blessing "Borei P'ri Hagefen" (Responsa Divrei Malkiel Part 6 end of Siman 9, Chazon Ovadia there pages 66-67, and Shimirat Shabbat Kehilchata Part 2 Chapter 62 Paragraph 44).

2.On Motzei Shabbat the night of Tisha B'Av, one does not need to remove leather shoes until the chazzan reaches the blessing, due to the honor of Shabbat, and the commandment of adding holiness to mundane time. Those who remove their shoes at home should do so about twenty minutes after sunset, as that is certainly the night (Chazon Ovadia there page 49).

With blessings,

Hillel Meyers