Ask the Rav: Your Questions - Our Answers
A global inbox meets timeless wisdom. Ask the Rav is a series built entirely on authentic questions sent from Jews around the world — from Brooklyn to Be’er Sheva, Melbourne to Manchester. Each question is a real-life dilemma, curiosity, or challenge answered with thoughtful and grounded halachic guidance.
Q&A
Answer:
Yes. A Chasan and Kallah are obligated to fast on public fast days even during the seven days of Sheva Brachos. This includes Asarah B’Teves, and even if the fast day coincides with their wedding day, they must fast until nightfall. The reason for this is because the mourning of the public takes precedence over the private celebration of an individual.
Sources:
M”A 550:6; Ritva Taanis; Peri Hadamah 4:41; Kesones Yosef 5; Beis Yehuda 31; Birkeiy Yosef 549:2; Kaf Hachaim 549:9; M”B 550:12; Biur Halacha 549 “Chayavim”; Maharil Diskin Kuntrus Acharon 74
Lenient View: Some Poskim rule that a Chasan is not required to fast, as his personal Yom Tov is considered greater than the Yom Tov of a Bris Milah and therefore overrides public mourning. [Beis David 476; Kaf HaChaim ibid; Kneses HaGedolah 559; Ben Ish Chai Shoftim 17; Magen Avraham ibid]
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