Parshas Balak 5779 / July 19, 2019 Volume 1, Issue 27 Iyun Halacha is sponsored by the Dr. Philip & Mrs. Leah Mehler Family Foundation in memory of their parents Dr. Irving & Mrs. Bernice Mehler & Mr. Gedalja & Mrs. Miriam Zupnik לעילוי נשמת ר’ יצחק מאיר בן אליהו ובריינא בת אברהם ע“ה ור‘ גדליה בן אברהם מנחם הכהן ומרים בת ישראל ע“ה Halachos of the Three Weeks Rabbi Mordechai Fleisher May one get a haircut on the night of the 17th of Tammuz? May one wear a new suit during the Three Weeks?

The Mishna (Ta’anis 5:6) teaches that five tragedies occurred B’Tammuz. The Mishna Berura (ibid.:16) forbids dancing to the Jewish People on the 17th day of the month of Tammuz, during the Three Weeks, and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igros known as Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, and five others occurred on Moshe Orach Chaim 1:166) states that it is forbidden to listen the 9th day of the month of Av, known as Tisha B’Av. In the to music during this period.1 context of the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash (Temple), Thus, there are four basic areas of restriction during the Three the 17th of Tammuz was the day when the Romans breached Weeks: No marriages, no cutting of hair, no shehechiyanu on the walls of Jerusalem during the Second Temple era, and new fruits or clothes, and no dancing or music. The coming both Temples were destroyed on Tisha B’Av. The three- paragraphs will explore some of the details of these restrictions. week period from the 17th of Tammuz through the 9th of Av Most halachic authorities agree that these restrictions begin is referred to by Chazal (Medrash Eicha 1:3) as Yemei Bain on the night of the 17th, even though the fast of Shiva Asar Hamitzarim, or The Days Between the Confining Barriers, B’Tammuz itself only begins at dawn the following morning based upon the verse in Eicha (1:3) that says “All her enemies (see Aishel Avraham-Butchatch Orach Chaim 551:2; Shu”t reached her between the confining barriers.” This is seen as Shevet Halevi 8:168:7; Shu”t Chaim Shi’al 1:24; among an allusion to this time of year, which commemorates the others). During the bain hashmashos (twilight) period before process of the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash. This period nightfall, there may be room for leniency under extenuating is known colloquially as “the Three Weeks.” circumstances; for example, one who is in dire need of a The Mishna (ibid.) states that when the month of Av begins, haircut may take one during bain hashmashos (Rabbi Simcha joy is minimized. A number of restrictions were enacted by our Bunim Cohen in Halachos of the Three Weeks, Tisha B’Av Sages to create a spirit of mourning among the Jewish People, and Other Fasts, pg. 31). and other customs have been added by both the Ashkenazic Children who have reached the age of chinuch2 are included and Sephardic communities over the centuries. Some of these in these restrictions (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim 4:21:4). restrictions begin at the start of the month of Av, while others Furthermore, an adult may not cut a child’s hair, even though apply only during the week in which Tisha B’Av falls. Yet the child is not yet the age of chinuch. others begin from Shiva Asar B’Tammuz. These restrictions Marriage: While marriage is forbidden, one may get engaged. are codified in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 551). The In fact, this is permitted even on Tisha B’Av itself (Shulcha remainder of this article will focus on the restrictions that Aruch ibid.:2). Furthermore, one may celebrate an engagement begin from Shiva Asar B’Tammuz. until Rosh Chodesh Av (Mishna Berura ibid.:19). The Shulchan Aruch (ibid.:2) rules that no marriages may As mentioned earlier, this prohibition begins the night of take place from the beginning of Av. The Rema (ibid.) states the 17th of Tammuz. However, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igros that the custom (of Ashkenazic Jewry) is to prohibit weddings Moshe Orach Chaim 1:168) ruled leniently; in a subsequent beginning from Shiva Asar B’Tammuz. Another restriction mentioned by the Shulchan Aruch (ibid.:3) is not to cut 1It should be noted that listening to music year-round is the subject of hair from Rosh Chodesh Av. Here, too, the Rema (ibid.:4) a great deal of discussion; a number of halachic authorities forbid it at states that the custom is to avoid cutting hair from Shiva various levels due to a general obligation of mourning for the Temple. Asar B’Tammuz. The Shulchan Aruch (ibid.:17) also says Nonetheless, the prevalent custom is to be lenient, with the exception of that one should avoid reciting the shehechiyanu blessing on the mourning periods during Sefiras Ha’omer and the Three Weeks. a new fruit or article of clothing beginning from Shiva Asar 2 In this case, this means the child can appreciate the idea of mourning for the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash responsum, he added that this is only in extenuating of clothing during the Three Weeks (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch circumstances. Rabbi Ephraim Greenblatt (Shu”t Rivavos 122:2; see Aruch Hashulchan 551:18; see Sha’ar HaTziyun Ephraim 1:375) added that Rabbi Feinstein told him that this 551:48); it seems that this custom arose from the fact that a leniency applies only if the chuppah (marriage ceremony) took new garment does bring its wearer joy. One may certainly place before sunset. A competent halachic authority should be be lenient in extenuating circumstances; one should seek consulted for practical rulings, as situations vary. competent halachic guidance in other situations. Cutting Hair: The prohibition against cutting hair applies One who wishes to purchase a major item, such as a home, car to hair on all parts of the body (Shulchan Aruch ibid.:12). or major appliance, should seek competent halachic guidance. However, a married woman may cut her hair if she is having Dancing and Music: While dancing is generally forbidden, it difficulty comfortably keeping it covered, as this enables her is permitted (without music) at a sheva brachos (Rabbi Moshe to maintain the laws of proper modesty (see Mishna Berura Feinstein cited in Mo’adei Yeshurun pg. 129; Shu”t Avnei ibid.:79; Shu”t Shevet Halevi 10:81:8). Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Yashpeh 1:113). ruled leniently for other women’s grooming needs when Music is forbidden when it is listened to for enjoyment. If that necessary to avoid embarrassment (see Igros Moshe Yoreh is not the case, it may be permitted. Thus, one may listen to De’ah 2:137; Mo’adei Yeshurun pg. 128; Sefer Kitzur Hilchos music as part of an exercise regimen, or while driving to help Bain Hametzarim pg. 4). keep oneself alert and awake. (Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen One whose mustache interferes with eating may trim it (see ibid. pg. 36). Shulchan Aruch ibid.:13 and Mishna Berura ibid.:80). One who is anxious or depressed and requires music to relax Another reason to permit cutting hair or, more commonly, to should consult with a halachic authority as to whether it may permit shaving, is where one’s profession requires it. While be permissible to do so. there is room for leniency in this situation, a halachic authority One who plays music to earn a livelihood may do so at non- should be consulted, especially regarding the week in which Jewish events. By the same token, one may practice playing Tisha B’Av falls (see Igros Moshe Orach Chaim 4:120 and an instrument if he intends to earn a living by playing the ibid: 5:24:9). instrument. However, practicing an instrument that one Shehechiyanu: The Mishna Berura (ibid.:98) rules that one wishes to ultimately play for pleasure purposes/as a hobby is may recite shehechiyanu on Shabbos during the Three Weeks. not permitted to do so during the Three Weeks (Igros Moshe One may not recite shehechiyanu on a new fruit; therefore, 3:87). one should not eat the new fruit during the Three Weeks. The In recent years, many recordings have been made commercially Rema (ibid.:17) states that if one will miss out on the new fruit available of people singing without instruments, usually and, by extension, the shehechiyanu, he may recite the bracha. referred to as acapella. There is a great deal of discussion The Magen Avraham (ibid.:42) adds that this is true only if one among the contemporary halachic authorities as to whether will be unable to eat the fruit and recite the shehechiyanu on one may listen to this type of singing. Some forbid it entirely, the coming Shabbos. while others permit it as long as the voices are not being More complex are the laws of wearing new clothing. Minor electronically altered or enhanced; there are other nuanced articles of clothing, such as socks and undergarments, certainly opinions, as well. There is similar debate regarding listening are not a cause to make a shehechiyanu, and may therefore be to chazzanus (cantorial pieces), which is more focused on obtained and worn during the Three Weeks (Mishna Berura the singing, not the music, and is usually not upbeat and ibid.:45). Other, more significant garments are the subject of joyful. One should consult a halachic authority for the proper discussion. Today, most people get new clothing on a fairly approach to this type of entertainment. regular basis, so a new garment is generally not cause for In conclusion, Chazal instituted various means by which we excitement. Therefore, many people do not reciteshehechiyanu can better appreciate the terrible losses we have suffered as on the vast majority of new clothing they wear. Rabbi Moshe a nation during this period of the year. One should seek to Feinstein (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim 3:80) rules that since one utilize these restrictions as a means to achieve the proper state would not ordinarily make a shehechiyanu, there is no issue of mind during the Three Weeks, rather than seek ways around in wearing the new item prior to Rosh Chodesh Av. Others, them. Nonetheless, as discussed above, there are leniencies in however, state that one should not wear a significant new item certain situations that may, at times, be relied upon. Points to Ponder: May one enjoy music that is being played in a store while shopping? May one perform an upsherin during the Three Weeks? May one celebrating a simcha such as a bris or bar mitzvah take a haircut?