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 curtailed], even though it isn’t a financial transaction and neither table is “new” (although clearly my parents’ table has value and personal meaning).
Given this, what are the halachic considerations for this? I see 3 possible options:
- We don’t move the tables until after Tisha B’Av
- We move the tables this week but don’t use my parents’ table until after Tisha B’Av
- We move the tables and use my parents table straight away this Shabbos
Please let me know what you think is the best route.
Many thanks,
Shuli
Dear Shuli,
Thank you for your interesting question.
You may take delivery of the table this week. I would suggest that it is best not to use the table until Shabbos. I would add that If acquiring/using your late parents’ dining room table represents a significant benefit/pleasure for you and your family, you should recite the berakhah of ha-tov ve-ha-metiv (see Artscroll siddur p. 230) when you use it for the first time. This is a personal judgment for you to make.
Best wishes
Rabbi Rashi Simon