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Asked by Gabe · August 9, 2003 · Other

Question

Dear Rabbi: Two things I need your answer on. 1. In my previous questions, you said it is ok to brush your teeth on Tisha B'Av and Yom Kippur. Why isn't this under the issur of washing? 2. I've noticed a new practice in the last year or two. Some people--and strangely those that identify as the more religious--in my Shul turn their backs to the Hechal and face the back of the Shul during Kabbalat Shabbat. This does not seem proper and not Kavod to the Hechal. What is your take on this?

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

1) Why is it? 2) This is a harmless Minhag. It seems like they are welcoming the Shabbat Queen. I don't see it as disrespectful. Is it being done for the entire Kabalat Shabbat, or just for the one verse? AA