LAWS AND CUSTOMS FOR THE NINTH OF AB 1. Food, Drink, Bathing, Anointing, wearing (leather) shoes, and marital relations are forbidden on Tisha B'Ab. 2. On the day before Tisha B'Ab, it is the Jewish custom to have a Seudat Mafseket before Sundown. Everyone sits apart, on the floor and eats their meal alone. The meal cannot consist of more than one cooked meal. Traditionally, this is a hard-boiled egg dipped in ash. Other foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables are permitted. 3. In regards to eating, even pregnant and nursing women are required to fast on Tisha B'Ab. A woman who is within thirty days of childbirth does not have to fast. Similarly, a sick person does not have to fast. A sick person is defined as one that cannot get out of bed, or similar. One should always consult a qualified rabbi and a doctor to determine if one is required to fast or not. An individual is not permitted to judge for himself without consulting the proper authorities. 4. One is forbidden to wash in hot or cold water. It is even forbidden to place one's fingers in a bowel of water. Upon arising in the morning, one should pour water over the fingers from the third knuckle and say the blessing. Similarly if one goes to the bathroom, he can wash his fingers. 5. Wearing leather shoes is forbidden. Some people also place dirt in non-leather shoes to remove any comfort. 6. It is customary for men to place a mattress on the floor and place a rock beneath their head to sleep at night. 7. We do not greet people, especially with the greeting, "Shalom," However if someone greets one, he may return the greeting in a quiet, off-hand manner, especially if the former is not familiar with the ominous nature of the day and it would cause ill feelings. 8. It is forbidden to smoke tobacco on Tisha B'Ab. Some authorities permit, if one is truly suffering, for one to smoke in a obscure hidden place, away from public view. This is the same ruling for an unhealthy person who must eat on Tisha B'Ab. 9. It is forbidden to do work on Tisha B'Ab, though some are lenient after midday.

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