Siman 552 – Erev Tisha B’av

הChelek 5

56. The following mourning restrictions apply to the Seuda Hamafsekkes (defined as the seuda you will eat after chatzos with the intention of not eating any more until after the fast. (ShA 9)):
    1. meat, biltong (beef jerkey), poultry, fish (ShA 1, 2)
    2. wine or grape juice (ShA 1, 2)
    3. two cooked dishes including two ingredients in one pot. (ShA 1)
    4. beer, unless you are weak (MB 4)
    5. drinking your normal amount (water excepted – MB 15)(Rama 1)
    6. pickled vegetables (ShaT)

57. The minhag Ashkenaz is to have a meal that will give you strength to fast before Mincha. After Mincha eat the Seuda Hamafsekkes. (Rama 9)

58. Be mindful not to eat your fill at the first meal so you will be able to have room for the Seuda Hamafsekkes. (MB 22)

59. If you are able to suffice yourself with just coarse bread in salt and a container of water for the Seuda Hamafsekkes, do so. Dip your bread in ashes and say “Zehu Seudas Tisha B’Av”. (ShA 6 – MB 16)

60. Our minhag is to eat hard-boiled eggs as a mourners food. (MB 13)

61. The Seuda Hamafsekkes is to be eaten while sitting on the floor, although your shoes can be worn. (ShA 7)

62. If you are weak you can put a pillow under you. (MB 17)

63. Three men should not eat the Seuda Hamafsekkes together. If they do, they should not make a zimun. (ShA 8 – MB 19)

64. When the Seuda Hamafsekkes falls out on Shabbos you may eat meat and drink wine and have as lavish a feast as you want. You can even enjoy it with company if you normally have company. The only two restrictions are to stop eating while still daytime and that the mood should be somber and not conducted with joy. (ShA 10 – MB 23)

65. The public should be informed that the seuda must end while it is still daytime. (MB 24)

66. Because Tisha B’Av is called a “moed” we do not say Tachanun at Mincha of erev Tisha B’Av nor do we say “Tzidkoscha Tzedek” when it falls out on Shabbos. However we do say Av Harachamim and Hazkoros Neshomos. (ShA 12 – MB 30)