Question:
What are some of the halachos when the Ninth of Av falls on
Shabbos?
Discussion:
We know that when the Ninth of Av falls on Shabbos (as it
does this year) we observe the fast on Sunday. There are some differences that
come about because of this. I hope to explain some of them.
Shabbos:
Even though we do not mourn on Shabbos one should not take a
pleasure stroll on this Shabbos (Berkei Yosef 653:2). The rest of Shabbos can
be conducted like any other Shabbos. One may serve any food and drink any wine
that he would like as well as sing zimeros – even if he normally does not sing
(Iggros Moshe O.C. 4:112:1).
Seudas Shleshis:
The normal seuda hamafsekes is not served. A regular meal
may be eaten and one may even eat more than normal so as to have strength for
the fast. Although one may bentch after sunset, one must stop eating food and
drink at sunset (M.B. 652:23). Some poskim permit taking a pill on Shabbos so
that it is easier to fast on Sunday (Shar Hatziyun 653:7).
Havdalah:
The procedure for making Havdalah is different on Tisha
B’Av. On Saturday night only the bracha on fire is made. Women should hear the
bracha from a man, if this is not possible a rav should be consulted. Men say
havdalah in davening and women should be instructed to say “Baruch hamavdil
bein kodesh l’chol” before doing any melacha. On Sunday night when the fast is
over the bracha of Havdalah is said with the bracha on wine. The Bracha on the
spices is not said at all and the bracha on the fire is not repeated.
Mourning the Churban:
We mentioned that on Shabbos we do not show signs of
mourning, therefore, one may (and should) wear his regular Shabbos shoes and
Shabbos clothing until Shabbos is over. Similarly one may sit on a regular
chair. However, the other Enuyim (afflictions) apply from sunset.
Preparing For After the Fast:
One may not bring a Kinnos to shul on Shabbos for use
afterword. Likewise, shoes that one intends to wear on Tisha B’Av may not be
brought on Shabbos. One must remember to bring them on Friday. Some shuls purposely
wait to daven maariv so that people have time to go home and bring their paraphernalia.
