Selected Halachos for Cholim on Tisha b’Av

Seuda Mafsekes

• Even if a Choleh will not be fasting on Tisha b’Av he should still eat a Seuda Mafsekes because it is one of the Minhagim of Avelus. He is obligated to observe the Avelus even if he cannot fast. He may not eat two different cooked foods at the Seuda and must adhere to its other Dinim just as everyone who is fasting must.

Tefila

• In a community where Tefillin are not worn for Shacharis on Tisha b’Av, a Choleh may eat as necessary, even though he is yet to don Tefillin. However, once Chatzos haYom has passed, he should not eat before donning Tefillin. He should put his Tefillin on again at Mincha.
• If Tefillin are worn for Shacharis in his community, he should not eat until after Shacharis, as on any other day.
• If a Choleh is not fasting he should not recite the Tefila of Anenu in Shome’a Tefila. However, he should recite Nachem in the Bracha of Bonei Yerushalayim (at Mincha).

Eating

• A person who needs to take a pill or tablet and cannot swallow it without fluids may use a small amount of water to help him.
• A Choleh who needs to eat does not need to restrict himself to Shiurim.
• He should discuss eating during the initial hours of the fast (in the evening) with a Rav. Some Cholim (sheEin Bahem Sakana) can fast safely for several hours without adverse effects.
• If he eats bread on Tisha b’Av he must wash his entire hand. He must also wash Mayim Acharonim.
• Some say that one who eats bread on Tisha b’Av should recite Nachem in Bentching, before Boneh Yerushalayim although others disagree. Some hold that he should only recite it if he is eating after Mincha Gedola. Others say he should recite it where haRachaman is recited for Shabbos and other Moadim without a closing Bracha. One should consult a Rav for a Psak.

Miscellaneous

• A Yoledes or a Choleh who finds it difficult to sit on the floor or a low chair need not do so.
• Medical personnel who find that their clinical judgment is becoming impaired by fasting may break their fast.