The custom of the Sefardim, following the ruling of the Chid"a (Rabbi Chayim Yosef David Azulai, Israel, 1724-1806), is to recite Birkat Ha'levana (the blessing over the sighting of the new moon) immediately upon the conclusion of Tisha B'Av. Some authorities objected to the recitation of Birkat Ha'levana immediately after Tisha B'Av, arguing that the somber mood of this occasion is inconsonant with the joyful atmosphere that should accompany Birkat Ha'levana. Others, however, countered that Motza'ei Tisha B'Av is, indeed, an appropriate time for reciting this blessing, in which we make reference to the eventual renewal and rejuvenation of the Jewish People ("She'hem Aditim Le'hitchadesh Kemota…"). As mentioned, this is, indeed, the practice of the Sefaradim.
One must ensure to recite Birkat Ha'levana only after it has become sufficiently dark that one derives benefit from the light of the moon. Some synagogues recite Arvit a little earlier on Motza'ei Tisha B'Av; they may not recite Birkat Ha'levana until it has become sufficiently dark.
According to the custom of the Sefardim, one may shave and take a hot bath or shower immediately upon the conclusion of Tisha B'Av. However, one should still refrain from listening to music until after the day following Tisha B'Av (the tenth of Av).
When after Tisha B'Av is one permitted to eat meat?
The Ben Ish Chai (Rabbi Yosef Chayim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) records a custom to break one's fast on Motza'ei Tisha B'Av with meat. In some communities, he writes, the Shochatim (slaughterers) would prepare the meat during the afternoon of Tisha B'Av, and people would make their purchases on Tisha B'Av and partake of the meat that night. The Shulchan Aruch, however, ruled that one may not partake of meat until sundown the following day, the tenth of Av. The Ashkenazim have the practice of allowing the consumption of meat already at midday of the tenth of Av.
The question arises as to whether Sefardim may partake of meat during the afternoon of the tenth of Av if it occurs on Erev Shabbat (meaning, when Tisha B'Av falls on Thursday). Since we do not observe mourning practices on the afternoon of Erev Shabbat, perhaps we should permit the consumption meat during the afternoon of the tenth of Av that falls on Erev Shabbat.
Essentially, this issue hinges on the question of why we refrain from eating meat during the nine days. If we refrain from meat as an expression of mourning, then we would allow eating meat on the tenth of Av during the afternoon hours of Erev Shabbat, when mourning practices are not observed. However, Chacham Bentzion Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) held that the prohibition against partaking of meat during this period serves not as an expression of mourning, but rather to commemorate the cessation of the sacrificial order as a result of the Temple's destruction. Since we can no longer offer animal sacrifices or wine libations upon the altar, we refrain from eating meat and drinking wine during the period of the nine days. Therefore, this prohibition has nothing to do with mourning, and it thus remains in effect through the end of the tenth of the Av – the period when the Temple burned – even on Erev Shabbat.
Although some authorities disagreed, and allowed partaking of meat on the afternoon of the tenth of Av that falls on Friday, one should follow the stringent opinion of Chacham Bentzion Abba Shaul, and refrain from meat until sundown of the tenth of Av, even on Erev Shabbat.
For more information, please click the Daily Halacha entitled “Tisha BeAv- Is it Permissible To Take A Hot Shower, Eat Meat, Shave And Clean Clothes At Then End of The Fast” dated Aug. 11, 2005.
Summary: The practice of the Sefardim is to recite Birkat Ha'levana immediately following Arvit on Motza'ei Tisha B'Av; one must ensure not to recite Birkat Ha'levana until it is sufficiently dark that he derives benefit from the light of the moon. One may shave and take a hot shower immediately after Tisha B'Av, but it is forbidden to listen to music, eat meat and drink wine until sundown on the tenth of Av (the day following Tisha B'Av), even if this day falls on Erev Shabbat.
