These notes are intended solely to aid in the learning process and should not be considered authoritative halachic conclusions
Please do not rely on these notes l’maaseh
הChelek 5
- Women who are pregnant (40 days or more) or nursing because they suffer a lot are forbidden to fast. The same goes for ill people (even if not dangerously ill) – they should not be machmir on themselves. This only applies to the 3 fasts, but on Tisha B’Av they also must fast. (Rama – MB , – ShaH3)
- The above people don’t need to be machmir on the 3 fasts even if they merely feel weak. (MB )
- Whoever needs to eat should not indulge in meat and wine, just eat what is necessary. Also, children under bar mitzva who know to mourn should be trained to mourn with the community by eating simple foods only. (MB )
- It is permitted to wash, anoint, wear leather shoes and have marital relations on the 3 fasts, but not on Tisha B’Av. A ba’al nefesh should be machmir to keep these prohibitions (except wearing leather shoes) on all these fasts. (ShA – MB )
- It is permitted to eat and drink on the nights before the three fasts but not on the night of Tisha B’Av. (ShA – MB )
- If you live during a time that the gentiles are making decrees against the Jews, then the three fasts get the same obligations as Tisha B’Av. A ba’al nefesh should even begin all fasts from the end of the day before. (like erev Tisha B’Av) (ShaH9)
- These four fasts apply also to a chosson and kalla during their seven days of festivities. (MB )