- Q. Rabenu Shlit”a. Thank you so much for the various answers. And I got a new one. This year due to our new Einiklach (grand children), we will stay at our cottage for Shiva Asar Betamuz (we usually return to the city).
Since my Children and grand children will likely stay late on Motzei Shabbat and have a nice party Melava Malka, which the Rov also mentioned many do this year.
They were wondering since the will be eating until half an hour before Alos Hashachar (day brake) can they go for a swim then also. (Usually they don’t as required on Shiva Asar Betamuz)?
A. on a similar question 5053 we wrote
:
“Q. Dear Rov. We are staying at the cottage by the lake this Shiva Asar Betamuz, since I wake early before Alos Hashachar (day brake) to eat a meal so I can fast easier, can I then also go swimming in the lake?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 550: 2) rules that during the common Ta’anis days one may wash as he may wear shoes. However, a Ba’al Nefesh (a soul inspired individual) should avoid taking a hot shower or bath on the fast day (Mishna Berura ibid. 6 and Shaar HaTziyun ibid. 8 citing Pri Megadim).
Mishna Berura (ibid. 6) and in Biur Halocho also mentions that when possible one should be stringent excluding the wearing of leather shoes.
Poskim also maintain that one should not go swimming on the sea or a pool even on the prior night when done for joy and pleasure. (Biur Halacha quoting Pri Megodim). However when it is a health need for required exercise Poskim permit (Piskei Teshuvos ibid. quoting Be’er Moshe 3: 77).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.”
Important Numbers
