Chapter 45: The Fast Day and Tishe Beav Davening^[1]

*See our corresponding Sefer “The laws & Customs of the Three Weeks” for the full details of this subject!

 

1. Fast days:
2. The Davening:

Selichos: The Chabad custom is to recite the Selichos within Tachanun, after Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis. It is customarily recited while standing. This especially applies for the 13 attributes and Shema Koleinu. The Chabad custom is to omit the saying of Ashamnu within Selichos when it is recited within the prayers of Shacharis. [However, it is recited as usual within Tachanun that is recited before Selichos.

Concentration: Selichos must be recited slowly and with concentration. It is better to recite a lesser amount of supplications, but with proper concentration, then a larger amount without concentration. Those that are accustomed to hurriedly recite the conclusion of Selichos are to nullify their custom.

The thirteen attributes: It is forbidden to recite the thirteen attributes without proper concentration. [It is to be recited slowly and carefully. It is to be recited aloud. Some are accustomed to count the Middos with their fingers. Some are accustomed to picture each letter of each word in their mind while reciting it.] The 13 attributes may only be read together with the Minyan. The custom is to stand while reciting it. One is not to lean while reciting it unless he is old or sick.

Shema Koleinu: The custom is to open the ark and stand for the saying of Shema Koleinu.

Selichos without a Minyan: It is permitted to recite Selichos without a Minyan, although he must omit certain parts, as will be explained next. If one is saying Selichos without a Minyan, he is to omit the 13 attributes of mercy. [It is not our custom in such a case to recite the 13 attributes of mercy in the tune of the Torah reading-see Halacha C in Q&A!] He is likewise to omit the Aramaic parts said within Selichos. One does not omit the verse of “Uzechor Hayom Bris Shlosh Esrei” upon saying Selichos without a Minyan.

Avinu Malkeinu: Avinu Malkeinu is recited after Selichos, prior to “Veanachnu Lo Neida.” One continues straight to Veanchnu Lo Neida after Avinu Malkeinu and omits the short Avinu Malkeinu prayer normally recited prior to Veanachnu Lo Neida.

The Torah reading: The Torah portion of Vayichal is read during Shacharis.       

1. Aneinu:

The prayer of Aneinu is added during Mincha Shemoneh Esrei of a fast day. It is recited within the blessing of Shomeia Tefila, prior to the words “Ki Ata Shomeia.” It is not recited during the silent Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis or Maariv. It is however recited within the Chazan’s repetition of the Shacharis and Mincha Shemoneh Esrei. The Chazan recites Aneinu as a separate blessing between the blessings of Goal Yisrael and Rifaeinu. This applies during the Chazan’s repetition of both Shacharis and Mincha Shemoneh Esrei. However, during the Chazan’s silent prayer of Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis he does not say Aneinu, while during his silent prayer of Mincha he recites Aneinu within Shomeia Tefila just like the individuals who are praying.

One who forgot Aneinu: If one forgot to say Aneinu in Shomeia Tefila he has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation. If he remembered prior to finishing Shemoneh Esrei he is to recite it at the end of Davening, in Elokaiy Netzor prior to the [second] Yihyu Leratzon. Even if he remembered prior to Ritzei, he is nevertheless to continue and recite it in Elokaiy Netzor. [If he only remembered after finishing Davening then it is proper to concentrate on each word of the Chazan’s repetition and thus fulfill his obligation.]

Chazan forgot Aneinu:^[2] If the Chazan forgot to say Aneinu in his repetition he has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation. If he remembered prior to reciting Hashem’s name in the blessing of Rifaeinu then he is to go back and recite it and then repeat from Rifaeinu. If he already recited Hashem’s name in the end blessing of Rifaeinu then he may not go back and say it and is rather to recite Aneinu in Shomeia Tefila just like one does by his private Shemoneh Esrei. In such a case he is to recite the end blessing of Aneinu and conclude the blessing of Shomeia Tefila as “Haoneh Bieis Tzarah Veshomeia Tefila.” If one did not recite the end blessing of Aneinu and concluded the blessing of Shomeia Tefila as usual he has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation of Aneinu. If he forgot to say it within Shomeia Tefila and already recited Hashem’s name in the blessing then he is to say the entire blessing of Aneinu on its own [immediately] after concluding the blessing of Sim Shalom [prior to saying the first Yehiyu Leratzon].

1. Mincha:

Charity: Prior to Mincha one is to give Igara Ditaanisa to charity.

Torah reading: The Torah portion of Vayichal is read during Mincha. This is followed by the reading of the Haftorah. 

Yehalelu: After the reading of the Haftorah, Yehalelu is recited and the Torah is returned to the Aron. This is then followed by half Kaddish. [However, there were years that the Rebbe began the Kaddish immediately after the Haftora as is normally done by Mincha of Shabbos. However, in most years the Rebbe waited for the Sefer Torah to be returned.] 

Aneinu: During Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha Aneinu is recited, as stated in the previous Halacha.

Nesias Kapayim: The Chazan recites Birchas Kohanim in his repetition of Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha. Those places which are not accustomed to do Birchas Kohanim recite Elokeinu during the Chazan’s repetition. [This applies even when Mincha is being davened early, by the time of Mincha Gedolah.] Those that are accustomed to performing Nesias Kapayim daily, are to do so as well by Mincha of a fast day. [However, this only applies when Mincha is being prayed close to sunset. Some rule this to be within thirty minutes before sunset. Others rule it refers to past Plag Hamincha. Others rule it refers to Mincha Ketana. However, when praying Mincha prior to Plag Hamincha Nesias Kapayim is not performed. Nevertheless, one does recite Elokeinu Velokei Avoseinu, as stated above.]

Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu: Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu are recited during Mincha of a fast day, with exception to when it falls on Erev Shabbos.

2. Tishe Beav:
3. Maariv:

Removing the Paroches: [Prior to Maariv] one is to remove the Paroches from the Aron. [In some communities, the Paroches is not removed, but rather moved to the side, hence revealing the doors of the Aron. The Chabad custom is to also remove the covering of the Amud of the Chazan, as well as the Bima.]

Diminishing light:  At night, one is to only light the bare minimum of light needed to read Eicha and the Kinos.

Sitting arrangements: One is not required to switch from his normal place of sitting on Tisha B’av.  One may not sit on a chair when Davening Maariv and is thus to either stand or sit on the ground. One is to place an interval between the floor and his body, as explained in the previous Chapter 6 Halacha 14.

Davening like a mourner: By Maariv, one is to Daven slowly and in the tone of a mourner.

Ata Chonantanu: When Tisha B’av falls on Motzei Shabbos, one is to recite Atah Chonantanu within Shemoneh Esrei. If one forgot to say Ata Chonantanu, he does not need to repeat Shemoneh Esrei, as in any event he will not be eating until he makes Havdala over wine on Sunday night.  [He must however say Baruch Hamavdil prior to doing any Melacha.]

Kaddish: All the Kaddeishim that are recited from after Eicha until one leaves the Shul the next day [after Shacharis] omit the stanza of Tiskabel.  However, prior to Eicha, Tiskabel is recited in Kaddish. [Thus, the order is as follows: After Shemoneh Esrei of Maariv, Kaddish with Tiskabel is recited. After Eicha, until Mincha, Kaddish is recited without Tiskabel.]

Meorei Haeish: When Tishe Beav falls on Motzei Shabbos, one is to recite the blessings of Meorei Haeish on Motzei Shabbos upon seeing a candle.  One is to recite the blessing prior to Eicha.  [Some write that one may recite the blessing any time prior to Eicha, and hence if one is home prior to Maariv, he may say the blessing at home with his family and fulfill the obligation with them. Practically, the custom is like the former opinion to recite Borei Meorei Haiesh in Shul after Maariv, prior to Eicha. The women at home are to recite the blessing over Meorei Haeish on their own. Some write one is not to use the regular Havdala candle for Meorei Haeish but is rather to join to small candles together.] In the event that one did not recite the blessing of Meorei Haeish before Eicha, it is to be recited afterwards.  If the blessing was not said at night, it may not be said the next day.

Eicha: After Maariv, one reads Megillas Eicha. Eicha is recited slowly and in the tone of a mourner. [The reader is to make a small break between each verse, and a larger break between each Eicha. The congregation is to read along silently together with the Chazan.] Each time the word Eicha is recited the Baal Korei is to raise his voice. When the Chazan reaches the verse of Hashiveinu, the congregation recites it in a loud voice and the Chazan then says it aloud; the congregation then repeats it again aloud and the Chazan then repeats after the congregation. 

Should also women say Eicha and Kinos? Some Poskim rule women are required to hear Kinos and Eicha. However, the custom of women is not to be careful in this matter.

Should one read Eicha and say Kinos even if he is not with a Minyan? Yes.

Kinos: After Eicha, one reads the Kinos designated for the night of Tisha B’av.

Ata Kadosh: After the completion of Eicha and Kinos the congregation recites Veata Kadosh [omitting the verses of Uva Letziyon and Veani Zos Brisi]. This applies even when Tisha B’av falls on Motzei Shabbos, in which case one skips Vihi Noam and begins from Veata Kadosh.

Kaddish without Tiskabel: After Veata Kadosh, the Chazan recites Kaddish without Tiskabel.

Aleinu: After Kaddish, Aleinu is recited. This is then followed by the mourners Kaddish.

Greetings: Upon leaving Shul, one is to avoid wishing a Shavua Tov and the like to a friend. One is not to walk in groups but rather alone in a state of mourning.

1. Shacharis:

Netilas Yadayim until knuckles: In the morning, one only washes his fingers up until his knuckles, having intention to remove the impurity which they contain. [At the conclusion of Tisha B’av, prior to saying Kiddush Levana, one rewashes his [entire] hand three times inconsecutively.]

Sheasa Li Kol Tzarchi: One does not recite the blessing of “Sheasa Li Kol Tzarki” on the ninth of Av. [One only resumes saying it the next day.] 

Tallis Katan: The Tallis Katan is worn under one’s clothing without a blessing. [Other Poskim however rule a blessing is to be recited if one did not wear the Tallis Katan at night and is now putting it on in the morning. Some tuck in their Tzitzis and do not allow the fringes to show until midday.  However, many wear the Tzitzis out as usual.]

Time of Davening: Shacharis is to be Davened slightly earlier than usual, however, at a time that will allow the Kinos recitation to extend until near midday.

Tallis and Tefillin: The custom is not to wear a Tallis Gadol or Tefillin by Shacharis. 

Karbanos: One is to read the regular order of prayers and Karbanos prior to Hodu.

Kissing the Tzitzis: The widespread custom is not to hold or kiss the Tzitzis by Baruch Sheamar and Shema.

Aneinu and Nacheim in Shemoneh Esrei: One does not recite Aneinu or Nacheim during Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis. However, the Chazan recites Aneinu in his repetition between the blessing of Goel and Rofei. [He, however, does not recite Nacheim in his Shacharis repetition.]

Nesias Kapayim/Birchas Kohanim: Some Poskim rule that Kohanim [in Eretz Yisrael] do not perform Nesias Kapayim, and the Chazan does not recite Elokeinu [Birchas Kohanim] during the Shacharis repetition. Others rule it is to be recited. Practically, the custom is not to perform Nesias Kapayim and to omit Elokeinu from the repetition. 

Tachanun: Tachanun is not recited on Tisha B’av. Likewise, Selichos is not recited. [Avinu Malkeinu is not recited.]

Kaddish:  After the Chazan’s repetition, half Kaddish is recited.

Kerias Hatorah: Kel Erech Apayim is not recited prior to the Torah reading. [Vayehi Binsoa and Brich Shmei is recited as usual. Some are accustomed not to place the Keser on the Sefer Torah.] The Torah is read from the Parsha of [Vaeschanan 4/25] “Ki Solid Banim.” [Three people are called up for the Aliya. The third Aliya is considered the Maftir. Half Kaddish is recited after the third Aliyah, which is then followed by the Haftorah. Hagba is performed after the half Kaddish. The person doing Hagba may sit on the bench as usual, holding the Sefer Torah.]

Haftorah: The Haftorah is read from Yermiah [8:13] “Asuf Asifam.” [Some are accustomed to reciting the Haftorah in the Eicha tune. This is not the Chabad custom.]

Yehalelu: After the completion of the blessings of the Haftorah, Yehallelu is recited, and the Sefer Torah is returned to the Ark.

Kinos: After the Torah reading, Kinos is recited. It is to be recited until close to midday. While the Kinos are recited, it is forbidden to talk about any other matter, or leave the Shul, in order so one does not divert his heart from the mourning. One is certainly not to talk to gentiles at this time. It is customary to recite verses of consoling at the completion of Kinos. [The paragraph of Keili Tziyon B’areha is customarily recited verse by verse, the congregation repeating after the Chazan. Many are accustomed to stand during its recitation, and so was the Rebbe’s custom.]

Ashrei/Uva Letziyon: Lamnatzeiach is omitted between Ashrei and Uva Letziyon. Uva Letziyon is recited [omitting the verse of Veani Zos Brisi].

Kaddish Shaleim: After Uva Letziyon, the Chazan recites Kaddish Shaleim without Tiskabel.

Aleinu: After Kaddish, Aleinu is recited. One does not recite Shir Shel Yom or Ein Kelokeinu. [It is recited later by Mincha.]

Eicha: After the completion of Shacharis each individual is to read Eicha to himself.

Greetings: Upon leaving the Shul, one is to avoid wishing goodbye and the like to a friend. One is not to walk in groups but rather alone in a state of mourning.

Cemetery: One is to visit a [Jewish] cemetery after the conclusion of Shacharis. [This is not the Chabad custom.]

Preparing food: The custom is not to slaughter meat and not to prepare food [for after the fast] until after midday.

1. Mincha:

Paroches: The Paroches is returned to the Aron prior to Mincha.

Charity: Prior to Mincha one is to give Igara Ditaanisa to charity. 

Tallis and Tefillin: By Mincha, one wears Tallis and Tefillin with a blessing. [One recites all three Parshiyos of Shema while wearing the Tefillin. Those who are accustomed to wear Rabbeinu Tam are to do so as well on Tisha B’av. The Chabad custom is to wear Tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam after Mincha, before sunset.]

Shir Shel Yom/Ein Kelokeinu: Shir Shel Yom and Ein Kelokeinu [which were omitted by Shacharis] is said after Shema, prior to Mincha. [One begins from Beis Yaakov, and recites Kaddish Yasom after Shir Shel Yom and Kaddish Derabanon after Ein Kelokeinu.]

Chitas: After reciting Ein Kelokeinu, one recites the Shiurim of Chitas. [The daily Tehillim is recited, followed by Kaddish Yasom. One does not recite the daily Rambam until Motzei Tisha B’AV.]

Karbanos: After the Shiurim of Chitas, one recites Karbanos.

The order of Mincha: Ashrei; Half Kaddish; Kerias Hatorah.

Torah reading: The Torah portion of Vayichal is read during Mincha. This is followed by the reading of the Haftorah, just as is done on a regular fast day. 

Yehalelu: After the reading of the Haftorah, Yehalelu is recited and the Torah is returned to the Aron. This is then followed by half Kaddish. [However, there were years that the Rebbe began the Kaddish immediately after the Haftorah, as is normally done by Mincha of Shabbos. However, in most years the Rebbe waited for the Sefer Torah to be returned.] 

Nacheim and Aneinu: The prayer of Aneinu is added during Mincha Shemoneh Esrei. It is recited within the blessing of Shomeia Tefila, prior to the words “Ki Ata Shomeia.” The blessing of Nacheim is recited during Mincha, in the blessing of Boneh Yerushalayim. If one forgot to say Aneinu or Nacheim he has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation. [If one remembered to say Nacheim after finishing the blessing of Boneh Yerushalayim, then he is to say it in Shema Koleinu, after Aneinu; or prior to Visechezena; or prior to Veal Kulam. In such a case, he is not to conclude with the blessing of “Menachem Tziyon” but is rather to continue with Visechezena until the end of the blessing.]

Nesias Kapayim/Elokeinu: In Eretz Yisrael, the Kohanim perform Nesias Kapayim. [The Kohanim are to wash their entire hand.] In the Diaspora, the Chazan recites Elokeinu [Birchas Kohanim] during the Mincha repetition. 

Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu: Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu are omitted on Tisha B’av.

Kaddish Shaleim with Tiskabel: After the Chazan’s repetition, the full Kaddish with Tiskabel is recited.

Rabbeinu Tam: After Mincha, prior to sunset, one is to wear Tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam and recite the three paragraphs of Shema, Vehaya and Kadeish and the six Zechiros. [If one was wearing Tefillin prior to sunset he does not need to remove the Tefillin when sunset arrives.]

1. Maariv:

All fasts conclude after nightfall. This is defined as the sighting of three medium stars, or when the moon shines very brightly on the earth. [In all cases, one may begin Maariv before the above time, in order to conclude Maariv and be able to eat when the above time arrives.  In such a case, one is to make sure to read Kerias Shema again after nightfall.]

Washing hands after Maariv:  Immediately after Maariv, one is to wash his hands three times as is done in the morning upon awakening. A blessing is not recited during this washing. [This washing is to be done also by the Kohanim who already fully washed their hands prior to Nesias Kapayim.]

1. Kiddush Levana on Motzei Tisha B’av:

One does not recite Kiddush Levana prior to Tisha B’av. It is rather to be recited on Motzei Tisha B’av. 

Eating and changing clothing before Kiddush Levana on Motzei Tisha B’av:  Prior to reciting Kiddush Levana on Motzei Tisha B’av, one is to eat.  One is to also change his shoes. 

1. Nacheim:^[3]

The blessing of Nacheim is recited during Mincha, in the blessing of Boneh Yerushalayim. One does not recite Nacheim during Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis.

Forgot to recite: If one forgot to say Nacheim he has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation. [If one remembered to say Nacheim after finishing the blessing of Boneh Yerushalayim, then he is to say it in the blessing of Shema Koleinu, after Aneinu; or in the blessing of Avoda after Ritzei prior to the words Visechezena [in same area we say Yaaleh Veyavo]; or in the blessing of Hodah prior to the words Veal Kulam, or in Elokaiy Netzor prior to the second Yihyu Leratzon. In such a case he is not to conclude with the blessing of “Menachem Tziyon” but is rather to continue with Visechezena until the end of the blessing.]

[1] See Ishei Yisrael 44, 48

[2] Admur 119:5

[3] Michaber 557:1; Rama ibid only by Mincha