Some Halachos for Tisha B'Av

ChossidMom

Tue, Jul 28 2009, 4:35 pm

From: dailyhalacha@aol.com

Hilchos Tisha B'Av

1012. Although the main minhag is to sit on the floor (until Chatzos on Tisha B'Av), one may sit on a cushion or on a low stool or seat that is less than 3 tefachim high (30 centimeters/12 inches). However, The Chazon Ish and The Steipler would sit on stools and were not strict to measure the exact height of the stools. Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Brurah 559:3 MB11, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:pg138

1013. One is permitted to sit on steps, (even those of the platform directly in front of the Aron Kodesh) and one is considered to be sitting on the floor. Piskei Tshuvos 559:4, M'kor Chaim L'Chavas Yair

1014. Those who are elderly or sick, as well as women who have given birth or are pregnant for whom it is difficult to sit so low, may sit in a regular chair/seat since they are not doing so for pleasure. Toras Hayoledes 48:12, Aruch Hashulchan YD 387:3, Piskei Tshuvos 559:4

1015. One who is traveling on Tisha B'Av in a car, bus, or train is permitted to sit normally on a seat because one is doing so for safety and not for pleasure. Taama Di'kro citing The Chazon Ish, Toras Hayoledes 48:17 citing R' Yosef S. Elayashiv, Piskei Tshuvos 559:4

1016. On Tisha B'Av while one is sitting on the floor and mourning the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash; it is an immense "Eis Ratzon" and one can accomplish great things with his tefillos to Hashem. Imrei Pinchas {R' Pinchos M'Koritz} 769, Shem M'Shmuel Par. Devarim citing The Avnei Nezer, S'U Divrei Yatziv OC:2:242:4, Piskei Tshuvos 559:4:fn15