Behavior on a Fast Day

How to Conduct Oneself on a Fast Day 

 

Poskim mention that a baal nefesh (pious individual) should be machmir (stringent) and take on the stringencies of Tisha Be’Av and Yom Kippur on other fast days as well, namely to begin the fast the night before and not to wash nor anoint oneself—but one should not refrain from wearing leather shoes. However, the accepted custom is to be lenient about all these things on the other fast days. One may wash their face, hands, and feet in hot water; it is preferable, though, not to wash one’s entire body in hot water at once, unless one is perspiring heavily or mitzta’er (suffering) as result. Many are lenient regarding regular showering for cleanliness. However, one should not listen to music, get a haircut, nor go swimming on any fast day. As far as children are concerned, one may be lenient regarding all of the above; they may go swimming—although one should make sure that it’s done in a safe manner.  #346?1

https://halacha2go.com?number=346

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.