Shaving in the 3 Weeks

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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 job this week. I was wondering if it would be permissible just to trim/shave but not have a haircut. I didn’t manage to accomplish this before the beginning of the 3 weeks and the beard is quite disruptive.
Thank you.
Pinchas

Dear Pinchas
Thank you for your question. The restrictions against shaving are more severe once the month of Av begins (ie, the so-called Nine Days starting with Rosh Hodesh Av, which is this coming Friday). Therefore, under the circumstances, you may trim and shave in advance of your meetings this week.
Best wishes
Rabbi Rashi Simon

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Ask the Rabbi: Quinoa on Pesach
Dear Rabbi Simon,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,
Tzippy
***
Dear Tzippy,
In line with other American authorities, I am in favour of quinoa. Although I reject completely the voices (mostly from Israel) seeking to abolish the ban on kitniyot entirely, IMO we do not need to include in the prohibition pseudo-grains that were unknown in the Old World until modern times. Best to buy with a Pesach hechsher though, to be free of any possible wheat contamination.
Rabbi Rashi Simon
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