3 Weeks/9 Days

Dear Rabbi Simon, Shimi has applied for a gliding scholarship to take place during the summer holidays for the period of one week. They asked during the interview if there were any weeks he could not do. I have already told him to let them know that he could not do the scholarship during the week of 9 Av (ie effectively…

Dear Rabbi Simon, I’ve recently agreed with my siblings that we will be taking my late parents’ dining room table (and moving ours on). Unfortunately, the timing seems problematic, as they would like to move the table later this week. We are uncomfortable doing this during the Nine Days of Av [up to and including the Fast of 9 Av, when commercial activity should be…

Dear Rabbi Simon, With reference to the 3 Weeks [period of national mourning in memory of the Destruction of the Temple and the Exile] approaching [starting on Thursday 6 July 2023] – are we able to go to the theatre before the 9 Days [up to and including the Fast of Av] begin? Thank you. Kate Dear Kate, Thank you…

Background Note: According to Ashkenazi practice, one generally does not shave (or get a haircut, or trim) during the “3 Weeks”, that is, from the Fast of 17 Tammuz until after the Fast of 9 Av. However, in some cases allowance may be made for extenuating circumstances. Dear Rabbi Simon I have a few important meetings at my (long-awaited) new…

Dear Rabbi Simon, My wife recently asked me if we are allowed to cut our nails during the Nine Days of Av leading to the Fast of Tisha B’Av. I consulted the book Laws of Daily Living: The Three Weeks, Tisha B’Av and Other Fasts by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen. On p. 37, it says: “All authorities agree that nail…

Hi Rabbi Simon, B”H I passed my driving test today and we are looking into getting a car. This is somewhat time-sensitive as I’m due w the baby pls G-d in 3 weeks and it would be ideal to get the car as soon as possible, before the baby comes.  But seeing that we’re in the Three Weeks and fast approaching…

Hi Rabbi Simon, I hope you are well. I was surprised to learn that the restrictions during bein hametzarim [the interval from 17 Tammuz until 9 Av, often known as the Three Weeks] are only minhag and not actually enacted by the Sages of the Talmud (ie D’Rabbanan). I read your reply re shaving on Friday during the Three Weeks…