Dear Rabbi Simon,
I have a question concerning haircuts in the Omer: I am unaware of a family minhag in this regard. My paternal great grandfather was from Courland in Latvia. What is the minhag to follow in this case, regarding haircuts, shaving, etc during the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot? Shall I observe the days from Rosh Chodesh Iyyar until (shortly before) Shavuot, or from immediately after Pesach until Lag B’Omer. (Bearing in mind that haircuts are to be avoided during Pesach in any case.)
Many thanks,
Shaul
Dear Shaul
Although the restrictions of the Omer period are found in the Shulkhan ‘Arukh, the two approaches to which you refer are both legitimate (in accordance with Ashkenazic tradition). Moreover, this is an unusual instance where one is at liberty to choose the minhag which suits him or her better, and even to change from year to year. It is only choosing the leniencies of both minhagim in the same year (ie, haircuts until Rosh Hodesh and again 18 days later from Lag B’Omer) which is unacceptable.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Rashi Simon