Recalling days of old: The Ark of the Covenant What are They? The Nine Days consists of those days leading up to the Fast of Ninth Av (Tisha B'Av). When the month of Av enters, the sages say, one should reduce one's level of happiness. Mourning customs are observed in deference to the memories of the two holy temples destroyed and the various other catastrophes that occurred on that day. The Month of Av The name of the fifth Hebrew month of Av is of Babylonian origin. It is also called Menachem Av [lit. "The comforting of Av"], in anticipation of the consolation for which the Jew hopes, after all the misfortunes that happened. According to the scriptures, Aaron, the High Priest, died on this day. Aaron was known for his love of peace. It is thus paradoxical that in this month, a tragedy of overwhelming proportions befell the Jewish people, in part, the rabbis tell us, because of the inability of the Jewish community of Judea to maintain cordial relations with one another. Shabbat Chazon The Shabbat before Tisha B'Av is called Shabbat Chazon [lit. "Shabbat of Vision"], alluding to the prophetic reading of the week, from the first chapter of the Book of Isaiah. In this prophecy, the Children of Israel are rebuked, but also comforted: Zion will be redeemed with judgement And those that return to her with righteousness. Customs of the Nine Days From the first of the month (Rosh Chodesh) until the Fast of the Ninth of Av, it is customary (depending on your level of practice) to take on additional strictures regarding the mourning rites of the Three Weeks. These include the avoidance of music, merriment, and meat. It is also customary to refrain from drinking wine. A correspondence is thus drawn to the cessation of the Temple offerings and libations, as the destruction of the Sanctuary approached. Of course, overriding these restrictions are the special meals associated with a mitzvah (Brit milah; Pidyon Haben), health problems or severe economic hardship. Other strictures During this time, we do not do the following:* Eat meat or drink wine (excluding Shabbat and celebrations of a Mitzvah, such as a circumcision, Bar Mitzvah, completion of a tractate of Talmud etc.). Launder clothing (except for a baby's), or wear new or freshly laundered clothing. Those who want to change their clothing daily should prepare a number of garments and wear each of them briefly before the onset of the Nine Days. Then it is permitted to wear them during the Nine Days. Bathe for pleasure or swim; Remodel or expand home; Plant trees to be used for shade or fragrance (as opposed to fruit trees). Buy (unless you will miss a major sale), sew, weave, or knit new clothing. Cut nails on the actual week of the fast of Tisha b'Av (starting from the Saturday night beforehand). The Kiddush Levana is recited after Tisha b'Av. There is no law forbidding traveling during the Nine Days; however it is customary to refrain from traveling (or engaging in any potentially perilous activity) during these days unless it is absolutely necessary.   *An appropriate rabbinical authority can be asked for clarification of these issues.