From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Nine Days and Shema

Is there a concept of stepping on the clothing prior to the nine days or during the nine days in order so they are not considered freshly laundered?

I am not aware such a concept. I believe this is being confused with the idea of putting the clothing on a dirty floor which is recorded in the Poskim. I’m not aware of any source for the idea of stepping on them. Perhaps however, one can explain that since today’s floors are quite clean therefore it does not help to place it on the floor unless one steps on it with his dirty shoes, and perhaps this is the reason why some people believe that this should be done. One thing is clear, if the floors dirty then there is no need or reason to step on the clothing, and if the floor is clean, then it is unclear if stepping on it at all helps to remove its freshly laundered status, as there must be a reason for why it was omitted from the Poskim. [However, see Chayeh Levi 10:75-6 who mentions such a concept. Vetzaruch Iyun on his source, other than the logic explained above] One thing is for certain, to place the clothing on a clean tiled floor and stepping on it with clean feet, as opposed to dirty shoes, does not accomplish anything.

Sources: See https://shulchanaruchharav.com/what-is-one-to-do-with-his-laundered-clothing-before-the-nine-days/

For how long must the clothing be worn prior to the nine days to remove its freshly laundered status?

It suffices to wear the clothing for even a mere moment, and so is the widespread custom. Although, some are stringent to wear the clothing for longer periods, and the following other times are recorded in Poskim: 30 minutes, one hour, 2 to 3 hours.

Sources: Shach Yoreh Deah 389:4 regarding Aveilus that another person can wear it “Some amount of time and not specifically an hour and so is the custom”; Ikarei Hadaat 36 Samech; Misgeres Hashulchan 389 that so is custom; Daas Kedoshim 389:3 regarding Shabbos; Nitei Gavriel Vol. 2 10:1 [unlike Nitei Gavriel Bein Hametzarim 34:3]

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule one is to wear it for 2-3 hours. [Levush 389; Rav Poalim 4:29] Others rule one is to wear it for one hour. [Yosef Ometz p. 330; Ben Ish Chaiy Devarim 6; Kaf Hachaim 551:91; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:17] Others write it is to be worn for a half hour. [Nitei Gavriel Bein Hametzarim 34:3] See Nitei Gavriel ibid footnote 4

Is one required to wake up his friend who is sleeping in order so he say the Shema on time?

Yes, one must wake him up prior to the end time of Shema in order so he can say it prior to the time. At the very least, he must be awoken to the point that he can recite the first verse with proper consciousness. The remaining paragraphs however, suffices to be said while he is half-asleep.

Sources: See Admur 63:6; Michaber 63:5; Rambam Kerias Shema 2:3; Rav Nachman Brachos 13b; M”A 63:8

Is one required to wake up his friend who is sleeping in order so he say the Shema prior to the time of the Magen Avraham or can he wait to wake him up until the later time of the Gra and Alter Rebbe?

There is no obligation to do so unless one knows the person is always particular to say Shema before the time of Magen Avraham, or if there is suspicion that he may also miss the later time of the Baal Hatanya.

See Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:50; Piskeiy Teshuvos 58:3

Which paragraphs of the Shema are obligatory to recite?^[1]

It is a Biblical command for men to recite Kerias Shema every morning. It is disputed amongst the Poskim regarding which paragraphs of Shema must be said, and if it includes also the paragraph of Veahavta and Vehaya Im Shamoa, or only the sentence of Shema Yisrael. In conclusion, a Baal Nefesh should be stringent upon himself by a Biblical command by whatever is relevant to the different ramifications. Practically, during the Shacharis prayer, we recite three paragraphs of Veahavta, Vehaya and Vayomer.

The paragraph of Vayomer:^[2] The paragraph of Vayomer is recited in order to fulfill the Biblical command to remember the Exodus.

[1] See Admur 58:1; 46:1; 46:9; 60:5; 67:1; 128:42

[2] See Admur 59 and 67:1; 70:1 and 4

May one wash their car during the nine days?

Yes. [No source for any such prohibition]