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 More stringent restrictions in this spirit include: Not planting trees intended for fruit or fragrance Not sewing, weaving or knitting new clothes Not buying new clothes Not bathing for pleasure An appropriate rabbinical authority can be asked for clarification of these issues.