Daily Halacha - Laws of Bein HaMetzarim, 4th of Av 5777

Is it permissible to wear comfortable sneakers on Tisha B'Av?

The prohibition of wearing sandals specifically applies to leather shoes, but there is no prohibition for comfortable sneakers or rubber shoes that look like leather. Even if the shoe has a leather strap, if the leather does not protect the foot but serves another purpose, one may be lenient [Chazon Ovadia Taaniot, p. 301].

Should children be educated to fast on Tisha B'Av?

Children who have not reached the age of bar/bat mitzvah are exempt from fasting on Tisha B'Av, and there is no educational obligation in this regard, as we believe in the coming of the Messiah. However, they should not be fed delicacies. [Yalkut Yosef Siman 554].

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