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The following is from today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis <br>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. May I take a shower on <em>Shiva Asar B’Tammuz</em>? May I go swimming on
<em>Shiva Asar B’Tammuz</em>? How about sunbathing?</strong></strong></p>
<strong><strong><em><em><em></em></em></em></strong></strong></td>
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<p>A. All personal pleasures, other than eating and drinking, are permitted on <em>
Shiva Asar B’Tammuz</em> (Mechaber O.C. 550:2). However, a <em>baal nefesh</em> (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
<em>Yom Kippur</em> and <em>Tisha B’Av</em>.</p>
It is preferable not to go swimming on a fast day, such as <em>Shiva Asar B’Tammuz</em>. However, swimming is permitted on the night before the fast (Moadei Yeshurun p. 117:27 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein,
<em>zt”l</em>).<br>
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One may sunbathe on a fast day. Rav Moshe, <em>zt”l</em> 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.</td>
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YL<br>
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