Asara b'Tevet Fast on a Friday

Asara b'Tevet Fast on a Friday
By Rav Mizrach Ha'ir, Rav Shlomo Ishon

When Asara b'Tevet falls on a Friday, the following halachot apply:

1. Preparations for Shabbat
   It is permissible to bathe, cut your hair, trim your nails, and carry out all the usual preparations for Shabbat as normal.
2. Tasting Shabbat Foods
   While cooking for Shabbat, it is allowed to taste the food to check if it needs more seasoning. However, one must spit out what is tasted and refrain from swallowing.
3. Davening at Mincha
   • Vaichal is read, as on any other fast day.
   • Ashkenazim also read the Haftara "דרשו ה' בהמצאו".
   • Aneinu is recited in the Amidah.
   • If Mincha is prayed after plag hamincha, Birkat Kohanim is performed.
   • In honor of Shabbat, Tachanun, Avinu Malkeinu, and Viduy are omitted.
4. Ending the Fast on Shabbat
   • The fast ends at tzeit hakochavim (this year, 17:14).
   • Practically, eating is still prohibited until after Kiddush.
5. Maariv and Kiddush
   • Maariv should be davened immediately at tzeit hakochavim. The prayers should not be prolonged, and everyone should return home promptly after davening.
   • If necessary, Maariv may be done before tzeit hakochavim (but after sunset). However, eating remains forbidden until tzeit hakochavim.
   • If Shema was recited before tzeit hakochavim, it should be repeated after tzeit hakochavim before Kiddush.
6. Shalom Aleichem and Kiddush
   • If needed, Kiddush and some eating may precede the singing of Shalom Aleichem. 
   • One who is at home and finds it difficult to wait for everyone to return from Shul may make Kiddush immediately at tzeit hakochavim and eat some mezonot to fulfill the requirement of קידוש במקום סעודה  (Kiddush in the place of a meal).

May we merit to see these days of fasting transformed into days of happiness, joy, and goodness.