The Tenth of Av
Which restrictions apply after the fast?
In a regular year, the laws of the nine days continue after the fast until halachic noon on the tenth of Av. Therefore, one may not bathe, launder, wear fresh clothes, make or buy new clothes, have a haircut, listen to music, eat meat, drink wine, or recite the b’racha shehecheyanu.
Why do these restrictions continue after the fast?
The first holy Temple was set on fire in the afternoon of the ninth of Av, but continued to burn throughout the tenth of Av. Although the fast was fixed on the ninth when the destruction began, the restrictions continue on the tenth when the destruction was complete.
Are there any situations where one may be lenient?
- At a seudas mitzvah everyone may partake of meat and wine .
- If necessary, one may cut his nails.
- If necessary, one may launder children’s clothes.
- It is permitted to take a cold shower, if necessary.
- If one has no more prepared clothes, he may wear freshly laundered clothes.
- A person who is traveling on the tenth of Av should consult a rav regarding laundering clothes for the trip.
