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B'Av. The operative principle is, "When Av
commences, joy is lessened." We refrain from
business matters, building, recreational
activities, etc. to lessen pleasure. All those
over age 6 abstain from meat, poultry, wine or
grape juice, except on Shabbat or at a Seudat
Mitzva (siyum, Brit, Pidyon HaBen, etc). Beer &
whiskey is allowed. Food cooked in fleishig
utensils may be eaten. We do not purchase or
launder clothes, or wear freshly-laundered
clothes, if possible (except on Shabbat).
Underwear, socks & young kids’ clothes may be
laundered. Bathing for pleasure is not allowed;
but we assume that bathing/showering today is for
hygienic reasons & so is permitted. Swimming,
unless instructional, is avoided for those above
Bar/Bat Mitzva age. Pleasure trips & gift-giving
should also be avoided. This is Ashkenazic
custom; most Sefardim observe these practices
only in the week when Tisha B'Av occurs (this year August 11).
Pirkei Avot between Pesach and Shavuot
Rabbi Berel Wein | 5769
The Lion And The Lamb
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk: The Pioneering Rebbe
Rabbi Eliezer Melamed | Iyar, 5763
