May one do housework on Tisha B’av?[1]

The general law of Melacha:

From the letter of the law, the performance of Melacha on Tishe Beav is dependent on community custom, with exception to Torah scholars who in all places would not do Melacha on Tishe Beav.[2] Nonetheless, whoever does Melacha on this day does not see blessing from it.[3] Practically, today, the accepted custom is to avoid doing any form of work on Tisha B’av if the work requires some time to be performed.[4] The prohibition applies [from the night of Tisha B’av[5]] until midday.[6] All work which requires only minimal time to be done, such as lighting a match and making a knot, may be done even before midday.[7] Whoever does work on Tisha B’av [to the extent that his mind is diverted from the mourning[8]] will not see blessing from that work.[9]

Having a gentile do work on one’s behalf:[10] It is permitted to have a gentile do work on one’s behalf on Tisha B’av.

The law regarding housework:

From the letter of the law, there is room to permit doing housework on Tishe Beav, just as is the law regarding Shiva.[11] [This allowance includes: cleaning the home, sweeping and mopping the floor[12], washing dishes[13], setting up the bed.] Nonetheless, practically, the custom is to avoid doing even housework on Tishe Beav [starting from the night before] until after midday.[14]

Preparing food:[15] [From the letter of the law, it is permitted for a woman or man to bake and cook during Shiva[16], and the same should apply on Tishe Beav. Nonetheless,] the custom is not to slaughter meat and not to prepare food [for after the fast] until after midday.

[1] See 554:22-24; Nitei Gavriel 2:78

[2] See Michaber 554:22; Mishneh Pesachim 54b

[3] Michaber 554:24; Tur 554:24

[4] Rama 554:22; M”A 554:23 and 27

The reason: The reason behind this custom is so one’s mind is not distracted from the mourning. [M”A 554:23; M”B 552:43] See Terumas Hadeshen 153

[5] M”A 554:23; Rashi Pesachim 54b; M”B 554:43 in name of M”A

[6] Rama ibid

[7] Rama 554:22; M”A 554:23 and 27

[8] M”A 559:27; M”B 554:49

[9] Michaber 554:24; Tur 554:24

[10] Michaber 554:22; Rokeiach 310

[11] So rule regarding Shiva: Michaber Y.D. 380:22; Avel Rabasi 11; See also 378:7 and Moed Katan 27a [regarding a Beis Havel]; See Pischeiy Teshuvah 554 in end who writes that the same should apply on Tishe Beav

The reason: As all actions that are done for the cleanliness of the home is not considered a Melacha for the Avel. [Nimukei Yosef Moed Katan 24a; See Taz 380:1 that it is not real Melacha] The reason for this is because housework is a basic necessity, and not every Avel can afford to hire workers to do it for them. [Levush 380:22]

[12] Michaber ibid and 378:7 and Moed Katan 27a [regarding a Beis Havel]; Shevet Halevi 6:244; Siach Yitzchak 475; Nitei Gavriel 103:21; Vol. 2 13:1

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule an Avel may not mop the floor during Shiva. [Meishiv Devarim 215; See Kerem Shlomo 381]

[13] Michaber ibid and 378:7 that one may wash all forms of dishes and pots

[14] See Michaber 559:10 regarding preparing food; Birkeiy Yosef 559:7 regarding housework after midday; Piskeiy Teshuvos 554:21; Nitei Gavriel 2 78:1

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that one should not sweep the floor on Tishe Beav even after midday. [Aruch Hashulchan 554:21; 559:9]

[15] Michaber 559:10

[16] Michaber ibid; Maharik Shoresh 55

[17] Makor Chaim 554; Piskeiy Teshuvos 554:21

[18] Birkeiy Yosef 559:7; Piskeiy Teshuvos 554:21; See Michaber Y.D. 380:22; Niteio Gavriel 2 78:1

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that one should not sweep the floor on Tishe Beav even after midday. [Aruch hashulchan 554:21; 559:9]

[19] Hisorerus Teshuvah 339