Rabbi Cohen's Halacha Corner
The Nine Days begin this Friday. They represent the next stage of mourning as we approach Tisha B'Av. Below is a brief summary form the OU website. If you have specific questions, please contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter. For more general info, visit http://www.aish.com/search/?keywords=nine+days&submit=Search.
"As Av enters, we diminish our joy". This statement of the mishna is manifested in many laws & customs observed during the first nine days of the month of Av.
Some of the manifestations of this concept are the reduction of business and the prohibition of pleasurable building.
One should not play musical instruments during the Nine Days.
One should not buy new clothes during the Nine Days, even if She'he'che'yanu is not involved. However, "purchases of mitzva" are allowed. Another interesting exception to the ban on purchases is the case of bargains and availability. One may buy things - even "items of joy" - during the Nine Days, even if they will be difficult to find after Tish'a b'Av or even will be more expensive then.
Hair cutting and shaving are prohibited. Even those who shave during the Three Weeks should avoid shaving during the Nine Days.
One may cut fingernails during the Nine Days.
Weddings and other festive gatherings are prohibited.
One should not play or listen to music. Recreational swimming is also forbidden.
Meat and wine are prohibited during the Nine Days, except on Shabbat. Meat and wine are associated both with joy and with Temple service. Both reasons combine to explain this prohibition.
It is the practice not to wear freshly laundered clothing during the Nine Days. Undergarments, for health reasons, are generally not included in this ruling. One can "prepare" several changes of clothing before Rosh Chodesh by wearing them briefly. One may dress for Shabbat without the above restriction."
The Talmud teaches that God willing through the mourning for the loss of the Beit Hamikdash, we will witness its rebuilding speedily and in our days.
