HALACHOS OF BEIN HAMETZORIM

 LECHEM MISHNEH: DOUBLE PORTION L'KAVOD SHABBOS KODESH

Halachos for Erev Shabbos Kodesh

1) On Tisha B'Av it is customary to limit ones pleasures as much as possible. Some people have the custom to sleep with a stone under their pillow to make their sleep uncomfortable.

Many people simply sleep with one pillow less than they are accustomed to.

Each person can do whatever it is they feel would minimize their personal comfort, and thus satisfy the spirit of Aveilus. ( Shulchan Aruch and Rama Siman 551:2. See also Toras Moshe from the Chasam Sofer Bereishis 28:11 where he writes that the day that Yaakov Avinu slept on the stone(s) was Tisha B'Av)

From nightfall of Tisha B'Av until Chatzos (Halachic midday)we do not sit on chairs that are higher than 3 Tefachim (between 9 and 12 inches depending on whose measurements you follow, though the Chazon Ish and the Steipler were not stringent with the exact measurement in this case, and just sat on a low stool).

Some have the custom to sit on the floor; they should place something, like a towel, between themselves and the floor. (See Shulchan AruchSiman 559:3 and Mishna Berura S"K 10 and Sha'arei Teshuva Os 2)

Though sitting on regular chairs is permitted after Chatzos, the other prohibitions of Tisha B'Av (eating, washing etc.) are prohibited all day until the emergence of three stars on Motzaei Tisha B'Av.

2) Tefillin is not donned at Shacharis on Tisha B'Av, rather they are worn at Mincha. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 551:1)

The special Bracha of "Nacheim" which asks Hashem to comfort us from our state of mourning, is inserted into the Bracha of "V'LiRushalayimIrcha" in the Shemona Esrei of Mincha. It should be said with deep Kavanah(concentration) (Shulchan Aruch Siman 557:1)

Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh

1) Kiddush Levana is recited after Ma'ariv on Motzaei TishaB'Av, but should only be recited after breaking the fast and changing into regular shoes. Women do not say Kiddush Levana (ever).

It is proper to say Kiddush Levana with a large Minyan(B'Rov Am Hadras Melech), but B'Dieved it may be recited with just another person there or even alone if no one is around. (See archives of  Hilchos Kiddush Levana for more details)

2) All the Halachos of the nine days (meat, wine, music,cutting hair etc.) are in effect until after midday of the tenth of Av. One who abstains from the above for the entire day (even past midday) is blessed. (Shulchan Aruch and Rama Siman 558:1 and Sha'arei Teshuva Os 2)

When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, it is permitted to do laundry immediately after the fast is over, and no need to wait until after Chatzos on Friday. Haircuts, too, are permissible if it will be difficult to wait until Friday. Eating meat, wine, listening to music, however, is still prohibited until after Chatzos on Erev Shabbos. (Mishna Berura Siman 558 S"K 3)

It is proper to refrain from marital relations on the night of the tenth of Av, unless that is the night of Tevilah. (Mishna berura Siman 558 S"K 2)

When Tisha B'Av falls out on Shabbos, as it does this year, and is thus pushed off until Sunday, all the prohibitions of the nine days, with the exception of meat and wine, are permitted immediately on Sunday night, Motzaei Tisha B'Av . (Rama Siman 558:1)

Meat and wine is permitted on Monday morning. (ibid.)