1. a. A person who is not well (not because of the fast), and feels weak even though his illness is not life threatening is absolved from fasting. There is no reason to be strict in this matter because the fast was not established for the ill. On Motzaei Shabbat one must recite Havdallah before eating (refer to Chapter 8).

b. If a sick person does not eat, he is in fact transgressing because he will cause himself to become weak and the Torah charges us to take care of our health, as it says ונשמרתם מאד לנפשתיכם, “you shall safeguard your souls” (Devarim 4:15).

c. In a case where it is questionable whether or not he is exempt from fasting a rabbi should be asked. One should not make such a decision himself. [The foregoing are general halachot and it is advisable to ask a rabbi when a halachic question arises.

d. He may eat immediately in the morning, if necessary.

e. Although he may eat, he should not indulge so he can also participate with the community in mourning.

2. a. A person who is elderly or by nature weak should consult a Rabbi if he is still required to fast.

b. An individual who is very elderly and weak does not have to fast, even without asking a doctor.

3. If during the course of the fast one becomes ill, or feels weaker than is normal for one who is fasting – he may be considered in the category of a sick person. He should ask a rabbi to determine if he may break his fast. 

4. A person who was exempt from fasting does not have to fast another day, when he feels better, in order to make up for the fast that he missed.

5. a. One who is not fasting does not recite the Aneinu prayer during Shemoneh Esrei, even at Shaharit when he has still not eaten.

b. A person who is not fasting may not be called to the Torah, even at Shaharit.

c. A non-fasting person who is a Kohen is not permitted to participate with the other Kohanim in Bircat Kohanim recited at Minchah. He must leave the room before Re’tzei.

6. a. A pregnant or nursing woman is obligated to fast on Tishah B’Av.

b. If she is feeling pain or throwing up, or she feels she cannot handle the fast a Rabbi should be consulted.

c. On a postponed fast pregnant and nursing women may be lenient as on the seventeenth of Tammuz (refer to page 15). However, if possible she should try to fast until חצות ,midday

7. a. A woman who has given birth up till 30 days before Tishah B’Av is absolved from fasting whether she is nursing or not.

b. A nursing woman who feels she cannot handle the fast or is concerned that she will not have enough milk (the baby cannot have anything other than mother’s milk) should consult a Rabbi.

c. A woman who has suffered a miscarriage should ask a Rabbi whether or not she is obligated to fast.

d. A pregnant or nursing mother who eats on the fast day should not indulge, so she can also participate with the community in mourning.

8. a. A “Katan” — a child before bar or bat mitzvah (9 or 10 years old, depending on his strength) — does not have to fast the entire day. If possible, he should fast 2-3 hours, or as much as he can handle.

b. If a child wants to fast the entire day, his parents should prohibit him/her from doing so.

c. Children who understand the significance of the fast should not indulge so they, too, can participate with the community in mourning.

9. a. When a Brit Milah is performed on a fast day which has been postponed it is permissible to be lenient with the parents, the Sandak and the mohel not to complete the fast. That is to say that after praying Minchah Gedolah they are permitted to eat. This is only the case for a postponed fast, but if the fast falls on the appropriate date they are obligated to complete the fast.

b. Although they may eat they should not have a big meal as would be customary for a Brit held on non-fast day.

c. This applies only to a Brit that is made on the appropriate day (the eighth day). In the case of a postponed Brit they must complete the fast.

d. Regarding a Pidyon HaBen on a fast day the same leniency applies – the father and the Kohen do not have to complete the fast only if it is a postponed fast.