Hi Rabbi Simon.
I wanted to ask you about signing up Zev for swimming classes during the 9 days. There is a summer swim crash course for children happening from July 24th-28th, which happens to be right at the start of the 9 days. I know there are prohibitions against swimming, but I wanted to check with you if I’m being too stringent about this. Should I send Zev to this swimming course or is it not advisable/better not?
Thank you!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Since the restriction relating to water sports during the first part of the month of Av is for reasons of both danger as well as recreation, it is not recommended even for a young child. (For Sephardim it would be allowed, but this will not work for you—or for me.)
Rabbi Rashi Simon