Torah from Rabbi Saunders

The Nine Days start at sunset 8:10 pm on Sunday 4th August

There are many new levels of morning that we adhere to in this period. The idea obviously is that we slowly build up all levels of warning until we get to Tisha B'av. 

The most common Ashkenazic customs are  to refrain from eating meat and drinking wine, laundering or dry cleaning clothes, swimming, bathing for pleasure and constructing non-essential homes. 

Not eating meat and Drinking wine- This refers to both wine and grape juice and any dish that contains meat or chicken. Fish is permitted. Those people who need to eat meat for health reasons should consult me for assistance. Other alcoholic beverages are permitted. 

Laundering or dry cleaning clothes – This applies even if one is not paying to wear them during the nine days. We should also not wear freshly laundered clothes in the nine days. One should therefore step on them for a few seconds to take away the freshly laundered feeling. Ironing is also prohibited in the nine days. Those who need to wear freshly laundered clothes for business purposes should seek assistance from me. Going on dates it’s not a reason to dispense with these laws. One does not have any clean clothes or towels or bedding one may wash the clothes.

Swimming and bathing for pleasure or not permitted in the nine days. One may have a lukewarm to cold shower quicker than one one normally would do when one feels the need to do so. Bathing for Shabbos in hot water and using soap is permitted. Those who need to swim  for exercise purposes can do so until the 7 of Av. The reason for this is because the Romans entered the Temple Mount on the 7 and so that when the level of mourning intensifies.