Guide to the Nine Days 5786/2026

Guide to the Nine Days 5786

Our Sages tell us: “When the month of Av enters, we decrease our joy” (Taanit 26b). In addition to the laws of the three weeks, the following additional restrictions apply beginning this Tuesday night, July 14th, until the day after Tisha B’Av:

We try to avoid any risk laden activities or surgeries that can be delayed (Shulchan Aruch OC 551:1).
We try to avoid any major home improvements or major purchases that are not strictly necessary, and that can be delayed (Mishnah Berurah 551:12).
We do not eat meat or drink wine, except on Shabbat (Shulchan Aruch OC 551:9; Mishnah Berurah 551:58).
- One who is a host or guest at a Seudat Mitzvah, such as a Bris, or Siyum, may eat meat and drink wine, provided that they would have attended such a meal at a different time of the year (Mishnah Berurah 551:75). One should not speed up or slow down down their learning schedule in order to specifically host a Siyum during the nine days (Ibid. 551:73).
- When making Havdalah, the practice is to give the wine to a minor to drink. If no minor is available, the one making Havdalah drinks the wine (Rema OC 551:10).
We do not perform laundry, buy new clothes, nor do we wear freshly laundered clothes (Rema OC 551:3).
- One should wear any freshly laundered clothes for a few minutes before Rosh Chodesh, in order that they can be worn during the nine days. If one is unable to do so (or forgot), one can throw them on the floor (or pack them in a bag) and leave them for a few minutes to remove their freshly laundered status (Minchat Yitzchak 10:44).
- Clothes that absorb perspiration, such as socks and undergarments, may be worn, even if they are freshly laundered.
- On Shabbat, one may wear freshly laundered clothes (Rema OC 551:3).
- One may launder children’s clothing that frequently gets soiled (Ibid. 551:14).
We avoid swimming and bathing for pleasure. However, one who perspires or gets dirty may shower in order to clean themselves (Igrot Moshe EHZ 3:84). However, it is appropriate to make the temperature lower than usual, and to shower for a shorter period of time than usual.