3 Weeks/9 Days

Dear Rabbi Simon, I have heard that air travel should be avoided in the Nine Days. Is it true that flying is not allowed from Rosh Hodesh (beginning of the month) until after the Fast of Av? Many thanks, Francis *** Dear Francis, For a mitzvah purpose (such as Aliyah or even visiting Israel, parents, Torah study, etc), I would…

Dear Rabbi Simon, What rules apply to sewing/alterations during the Three Weeks? Many thanks, Sue Dear Sue, Thank you for your question. Sewing, ie weaving or fashioning a new garment should be avoided during the period known as the Three Weeks (ie the 22 days from the Fast of 17 Tamuz until 9 Av, inclusive). If you refer only to…

Dear Rabbi Simon I am trying to organise some activities for the kids during their holidays. Would I be correct to assume not to book either sewing/dressmaking camp or canooing /windsufing/sailing during the 9 days? Kind regards Miriam Dear Miriam, Even children should avoid water sports during 9 Days. There are grounds to allow sewing lessons if the garment is…

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…