Question
Dear Rabbi, I was wondering if it is permissible for me to brush my teeth on Tisha B’Av. I keep getting conflicting answers when I look it up, so I’m a bit confused. It’s pretty uncomfortable when I don’t brush my teeth, but I understand that’s the point of a fast, I just can never remember what’s permissible on what fast day. thank you so much.

Question
My Occupational Therapist urges me to swim 3 times a week as post-surgery therapy for a broken wrist. She says the water gliding will give me more mobility and accelerate healing. I have done this for a month already and it definitely seems to help. My question is, can I swim during the 9 days starting tonight for therapeutic reasons?   Thank you! Sara F

Question
Can i do water activities in the 9 days??

Question
Hi Rabbi, What is the meaning of “Tisha B’Av”? Thank you so much for your answer and for this informative and inspiring “Ask the Rabbi” service!

Question
I’m aware that most opinions are that swimming during the nine days is not allowed, unless it is for exercise and is not to cool off and is not enjoyable. Without making this a detailed discussion, I use swimming for exercise, which is important right now as I’m between multiple surgeries (trying to keep physically active and strong), but the truth is that I do enjoy swimming, and it IS something that cools me off, just by the fact that I live in an area with temps over 110 degrees. Am I permitted to swim 1) on Rosh Chodesh Av, and/or 2) during the nine days? Thank you.

Question
If the first day of the 9 days is Rosh Chodesh, then why is that day observed as a day of mourning? On the contrast, if it is a day of mourning, then why is Hallel still recited?

Question
If a Jew does something during the three weeks that is forbidden during that time (e.g. listening to music, getting a haircut), have they actually sinned according to Halacha? Is it a sin, just like violating Shabbos or eating treif are sins? Would the term ‘avera’ be applied to such an action? Is the intentional, willful violator of the three weeks restrictions required to make atonement?

Question
The Torah makes clear the punishment for failure to fast on Yom Kippur - kareis. Is there any punishment for refusing to fast on one of the other five fast days when one has no medical reason to avoid it?

Question
Some Poskim permit a Chamar Medina to be used on Passover if one can’t obtain wine for the four cups. According to the view it is a mitvzah to drink the fifth (I Believe from the Ran and maybe the Rambam), can a Chamar Medina be used for that as well? What about the view one doesn’t drink it but puts it for Eliyahu