Obligation of Tearing at the Western Wall on Friday Afternoon

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Question

On Friday afternoon, is it necessary to tear one's clothes at the Western Wall?

Answer

One should tear until they accept the Sabbath (many do not tear, but there is no source for this).

Source

The Pischei Teshuva, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 340, Se'if Katan 1, brings from the responsa of Givat Shaul that one should rebuke and reprimand those who are lenient on Friday during the seven days of mourning by sitting on the bench and wearing shoes immediately after midday due to the honor of the Sabbath, and their custom should be annulled. And from the responsa of Shivat Tzion 20, that at the time the congregation accepts the Sabbath, that is, at the recitation of Barchu, mourning ceases.

Therefore, regarding the law of tearing, one should not be lenient after midday, except when the congregation has accepted the Sabbath. In our times, when there is no congregation to follow, from the time one accepts the Sabbath, they are exempt from tearing.

And those who do not tear, the Chazon Ish said that this custom has no basis, and there are those who justify the lenient, that if one wears Sabbath clothes, and if they tear them, they will not have a good garment for the Sabbath, it is possible to be lenient.

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