Parshas Pinchos 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Halachos and Hanhagos of the Three Weeks (2)
Cutting Hair and Nails. Men, women and children may not take a haircut during the three weeks (1). The issur begins at sunset (shkiah) on the eve of the 17th of Tammuz (2). Certain exceptions do apply: 1) If a married woman’s hair became long and difficult to cover properly, she is permitted to cut her hair (3). 2) If a man’s mustache interferes with his eating, he may trim it (4). 3) If a man is in jeopardy of losing his job if he does not shave, he may be lenient (in a minimal way). If he will not lose his job but rather he may be ridiculed at work for his appearance, he should not be lenient (5). Combing one’s hair or beard is permitted even if some hairs may become detached (6). If the Upsheren celebration of a 3 year-old boy comes out during the three weeks, although there is room to be lenient in such a case, the custom is to push it off until after Tisha B’Av, or do it before the three weeks start (7). Although in certain areas of halachah, cutting nails is equated with haircuts, it is permitted during the three weeks.
Listening to Music. One may not listen to any form of music - live or recorded - during the three weeks. NOTE: In many backyard summer camps for small children, music is necessary to keep up the momentum of the camp. In such cases, it is permitted to play music as long as the adults do not listen to this music for the purpose of enjoyment.
Safety. One must be extra careful to refrain from even slightly dangerous activities during the entire three week period. Thus, one should be sure to drive in a way that is safe, as well as at times that are safe to drive. Accordingly, if a person requires music in order to stay awake and alert while driving, it is permitted only for extra alertness. On the other hand, if a person really requires music to stay alert, then it is clear he should not be driving at all - all year-round - and especially during the Three Weeks.
Nine Days. There are some things to point out regarding the final nine days, from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tisha B’Av. It is permitted to get a car wash during this time, because the only issur mentioned in halacha, is laundering clothing. Shampooing the carpet of a car is similar to laundering and is thus forbidden.
(1) או"ח תקנא:יב (2) אשל אברהם ב:תקנא (3) משנה ברורה שם:עט (4) או"ח שם:יג (5) אג"מ שם (6) מ"ב שם:כ (7) נטעי גבריאל ח:יד