These halachos are based on the rulings of the Mishna Berura (MB), reflecting Ashkenazi practice.
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The Prohibition to Wear Leather Shoes (‘neilas hasandal’)
- It is forbidden to wear leather shoes on Tisha B’av but footwear made of other materials such as fabric or rubber may be worn, unless they are covered in leather (SA 554:16).
- In Hilchos Yom Kippur, when there is also a restriction against wearing leater shoes, the Mishna Berura quotes opinions who forbid wearing non-leather shoes which aren’t noticeably less comfortable than regular shoes; instead they say one should wear slippers or the like.
- Mishna Berura recommends to follow these opinions where one can, whilst noting one should not protest against those who do not. Some contemporary poskim apply this same stringency to Tisha B’av, whilst others do not. Consult with a Rav for practical guidance (MB 614:5, Dirshu 554:50, PT 15).
The Prohibition of Intimacy
- Marital intimacy is forbidden on Tisha B’av.
- Not sleeping in the same bed: Consequently, a husband and wife should not sleep in the same bed on Tisha B’Av.
- Not touching: At night time husband and wife should also not touch and the poskim debate whether they may hand items to each other. One should consult with one’s Rav for guidance where needed.
- During the daytime, husband and wife may touch, assuming she has not got dressed up in jewellery etc (which she should not do in any event on Tisha B’av, though she may wear her usual rings), though affectionate contact such as hugging and kissing should be avoided (554:1, 18, MB37, SHT 44, Dirshu 57-58, PT17 and fn78).
