[Avodah] Showering and Swimming on Shiva Asar B'Tammuz

[Prof. L. Levine]

The following is from today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis


Q. May I take a shower on Shiva Asar B’Tammuz? May I go swimming on Shiva Asar B’Tammuz? How about sunbathing?

A. All personal pleasures, other than eating and drinking, are permitted on Shiva Asar B’Tammuz (Mechaber O.C. 550:2). However, a baal nefesh (a religiously 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). There are no restrictions on taking a cold shower or on washing one’s face, hands and feet with hot water other than on Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av.

It is preferable not to go swimming on a fast day, such as Shiva Asar B’Tammuz. However, swimming is permitted on the night before the fast (Moadei Yeshurun p. 117:27 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l).

One may sunbathe on a fast day. Rav Moshe, zt”l stated that although there are opinions which restrict bathing for pleasure, such as swimming, on a fast day, we do not add restrictions (ibid. p. 116:25). Of course, one should exercise caution and not become dehydrated on a fast day.
YL
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