(Courtesy of Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky, Congregation Ohr HaTorah, Bergenfield)

1) Seudot on Shabbat are eaten as usual; however, all eating and drinking must end before shkia (check local listings; in Bergenfield at 7:57 p.m.).

2) Although it is Shabbat, the mood, especially in the afternoon, should be more serious than usual.

3) Some have a practice not to learn on Shabbat afternoon except material that is permissible on Tisha B’Av. Others permit all learning until shkia.

4) One wears leather shoes until Maariv. After Borchu they are removed. If one is not in shul, one says Baruch Hamavdil when Shabbat is over before removing shoes. One should plan accordingly where to keep one’s Tisha B’Av shoes as one cannot carry them on Shabbat for after Shabbat. If one ends up without Tisha B’Av shoes, when walking in the street one may wear regular shoes, but they must be removed as soon as it is safe to do so. It is recommended to bring your shoes as well as Kinot to shul before Shabbat.

5) Those at home recite “Baruch hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol” when Shabbat ends and take off their shoes.

6) Havdalah is not recited on Motzei Shabbat. Before doing melacha, one must either say Ata Chonantanu or Baruch Hamavdil.

7) Havdalah is recited on Sunday night before eating. Wine or grape juice can be used and there is no need to give it to a child to drink. Only Borei Pri Hagafen and Hamavdil are recited, as Borei Meorei Ha’esh is said on Tisha B’Av night in shul.

8) Unlike other years, right after Tisha B’Av the restrictions of the Nine Days do not apply. Nevertheless, one should not eat meat or drink wine until Monday morning, with the exception of Havdalah wine that is permissible.

The above are general guidelines specific to the Shabbat-to-Tisha B’av transition and are not meant as an official psak. Rabbi Sobolofsky encourages all to confirm procedures with their own rabbi.