22 Jul HALACHOS OF THE “NINE DAYS”

In this issue we will
discuss the halachos
that apply to the nine
days. During the
nine days we are not
allowed to do many
more actions than those
that are customarily
not done from Shivah
Asar B’Tammuz
through during the time before Rosh Chodesh
Av. Issues such as painting, buying clothing,
showering, swimming, cutting nails, eating
meat, washing clothing and many other halachos
will be discussed in this issue. (Please note:
Hhaircuts, Wweddings, Mmusic and reciting a
Shehecheiyanu apply to the complete three- week
period, and we will not be discussing them in this
issue.)
Rosh Chodesh Av – Less Joy
The month of Av is a sad time for Jews, so we
refrain from many activities. One reason that the
restrictions begin from Rosh Chodesh is that when
the Beais Hamikdaosh stood, Rosh Chodesh was
a Yom Tov, when koarbanos were brought. It was
a day that all Jews were unified. We are saddened
today when the Beais Hamikdaosh is not here, so
we start the mourning from Rosh Chodesh. Many
have the custom to call this month as Menachem
Av, in order to bentch each other that this month
should not be a month of mourning. The Mishnah
says that when Rosh Chodesh Av is upon us we
lessen our joy (see footnote). This is codified
by the poskim as well. Activities of joy include
business dealings, building and planting. Each
one of these will be discussed below. All these
activities are permitted on the tenth of Av. An
interesting question arises as to whether the
restrictions begin from shekiah of Rosh Chodesh
Av or from tzeis hakchochavim. The custom is
to refrain from shekiah. Those who wait until
seventy-two minutes for other areas in halachah
can do the same here as well. One who has a court
date with a non-Jew should push it off until after
the nine days have passed since it is a time of
bad mazal. SomeOthers say to push it off until
Rosh Chodesh Elul, while others say until Tu
B’Av. One should not undergo surgery during
the nine days because of bad mazal. According
to the lenient opinion, one would be allowed to
have surgery after Tishah B’Ava’v.
Business Dealings
According to the Shulchan Aruch one should
lessen his business dealings from Rosh Chodesh
Av until after Tishah B’Aav. However, the custom
is that regular business dealings are permitted
since only dealings of joy are forbidden. Based
on the above, the Aruch Hashulchan says that
we conduct our regular business dealings during
the nine days. Others permit regular business
dealings because we need the business for
our livelihood. If abstaining will cause a loss
because the opportunity will not present itself
again, then it is permitted.
Building – House Decorating
From Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tishah B’Aav
(refer below until when this is avoided) we do
not construct a joyous building. This includes
a home for a newlywed, or a beautiful design.

One may not paint, put up wallpaper, or install a
carpet or tiles during the nine days. A structurally
damaged wall may be repaired, even if there
is no danger of injury. A car wash is permitted
during the nine days. Any construction that is for
pleasure but is not essential should be avoided
during the nine days. One who is in need of an
extension because his home is too small or he
needs a porch may do so. Fixing a chair or table
is permitted. One should not buy furniture during
the nine days since it beautifies the home. If one
hired a non-Jew before Rosh Chodesh Av to do
a project, then the non-Jew may continue even
during the nine days. This is permitted since the
non-Jew is acting on his own. One who rented an
apartment or bought a house may paint and make
necessary repairs if occupancy will not occur
until after the nine days.
Building for a Mitzvah
Building for a mitzvah is permitted during the
nine days. Therefore, a ma’akeh (fence in a
dangerous place) may be built during the nine
days. Furthermore, building a shul or beais
meidrash is permitted. In addition any public
need is defined as a mitzvah need.
Landscaping
Planting which brings one joy is not permitted
during the nine days. This includes planting
flowers to beautify the lawn. Overgrown grass
may be trimmed if it impedes normal walking.
If the mowing only serves to beautify the lawn,
it is forbidden. Planting a tree or plant during the
nine days is permitted since it does not bring joy.
Watering plants is permitted during the nine days.
Clothing – Laundry
According to the Ashkenazi custom, clothing
may not be washed during the nine days even if
they will not be worn until after Tishah B’Ava’v.
This applies to ironing as well. Clothing worn for
a mitzvah is permitted. The reason for the issur
is because it shows that one is not thinking about
the aveilus. Others explain that wearing freshly

laundered clothes brings joy. Therefore, a non-
Jew may not wash a Jew’s clothes (see below).

One who does not have other clothes may wash
them in honor of Shabbos. Some say that one may
begin a load of laundry on the afternoon of eErev
Rosh Chodesh, even if the load is not completed
until night. One who needs to wear nice clothes
for his job may do so during the nine days.
Spot Cleaning and Other Cleaning
The opinion of many poskim is that even spot
cleaning a stain on a garment is considered
washing clothing and is prohibited. However, it
seems that the custom is to be lenient with regard
to this. One may dust off a garment, or use a
brush or scratch with a fingernail to remove a
stain. Using a vacuum cleaner during the nine
days is permitted.
Washing a Sheitel
There is a discussion in the poskim whether
washing a sheitel is defined as washing clothing.
Some poskim prohibit this. However, the custom
of many is to permit this, but it is still preferable
that one should still wait until after Tishah B’Aav.
Going to the Cleaners
One may not drop off clothing at the cleaners
from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tishah B’Aav,
even if the cleaners were told to clean it after

Tishah B’Aav. However, the clothing may be
delivered before Rosh Chodesh Av even if they
will be cleaned during the nine days. Some say
that one may pick up clothes during the nine
days, as no one might think that the clothes were
dropped off during the nine days.
Non-Jewish Help
A non-Jewish maid may not wash clothes during
the nine days.
Wearing Laundered Clothes – Making them
Dirty
One may not wear freshly laundered clothing
during the nine days. There are a number of
means to prepare clothing for the nine days.
One option is to wear the garments before the
nine days start. There is a difference of opinion
as to how long one has to wear the garments.
Some say that any amount of time is good,
while other opinions require one hour, a half
hour, orand fifteen minutes. One may wear
many garments at the same time. Another option
is to throw the garments on the floor in a way
that it they gets somewhat dirty. One may step
on them as well. Throwing it them on a clean
floor is insufficient. Freshly laundered linen is
also considered laundered clothing. Some say
that one who stays in a hotel may sleep on the
fresh sheets, but should put them on the floor
beforehand if possible (see above). One should
notify the cleaning crew not to change the sheets
throughout his stay. Others say that most people
are disgusted by sleeping on soiled linen, so one
may prepare freshly laundered linen for a guest.
Changing the sheets is permitted in a hospital
or nursing home since it is done for the health
of the patients. According to some poskim, if
one did not have time to prepare his clothing
before Shabbos Chazzon, then he may do so on
Shabbos Chazzon as along as he does not say
that he is doing it for the nine days. Sephfardim
wear laundered clothing until the week of Tishah
B’aAv. During this period, an Ashkenazi may ask
a Sephfardi to wear clothes for him, and then he
may wear them.
What Is Included and Not Included in
“Laundered Clothing”
The poskim say that “kli pishtan” may be worn
during the nine days, as they are worn close to the
flesh. Therefore, the sweat is not removed when
they are ironed, so they do not look new. Some
say that handkerchiefs and tablecloths should not
be laundered during the nine days, while others
argue with this premise. Nonetheless, since we
have tissues today one should be stringent with
handkerchiefs. According to many poskim one
may not change his undergarments during the
nine days if they were not worn beforehand (see
above), while others are lenient with this. Most
people follow the first opinion. The same dispute
applies to socks and undershirts. The custom is to
permit the use of freshly laundered hand towels.
Jewish-Owned Cleaners
During the week ofthat Tishah B’Aav, a Jew may
not wash the clothing of a non-Jew because of
maris ayin, for people think that he is washing a
Jew’s clothing. Some permit the operation of a
store in a non-Jewish area; otherwise, one should
close his store during the nine days.

If One Has Only One Garment
One who only has one garment may wash it
until the Shabbos before Tishah B’Aav. If one
miscalculated his supply of undergarments, he
may wash them until the week of Tishah B’Aav.
This does not apply to other clothing such as
pants and shirts.
Going Away
One who is going on vacation or to a friend for
the nine days should bring enough garments to
last nine days. Others say that it if it is a big
bother one may wash his clothes. Nonetheless,
it is better to avoid this and one should bring
enough clothing.
Washing Children’s Clothing
Children are notorious for soiling their clothing.
Is it permitted to clean their garments or do they
have the same halachos as adults? An adult may
not wash children’s clothing during the week
of Tishah B’aAv. However, clothing of a child
that gets dirty may be washed, because this
washing does not bring joy. Nonetheless, the
clothing should be washed in private if possible
(see footnote). There is a debate concerning
the maximum age for this leniency. Some limit
it to children who are 2-3 years old, others say
3-4 years old, and others permit until 6-7 years
old. The accepted custom is that as long as the
children dirty their clothing, they may be washed
regardless of age. Some say not to wash too many
garments together, but today with the advent
of the washing machine, the custom is to wash
many garments together. There is a discussion in
the poskim if it is better to buy new clothes or
to wash clothing. The consensus is that washing
is preferred. It should be stated that when one
washes children’s garments, he may not add any
other clothing to the machine.
Washing Floors
There is a discussion in the poskim whether
washing the floor is permitted during the nine
days. Some say that one can be lenient in honor
of Shabbos. If children will be rolling on the
floor and getting dirty, then the floor may be
washed. The custom is that a non-Jew may clean
the floor even if it is not for the honor of Shabbos.
However, the custom is to be lenient even during
the week. Waxing the floors is prohibited
Shoe Shining
There is a discussion in the poskim if shoe shining
is permitted during the nine days. Some poskim
are stringent and some are lenient, while others
are only lenient in honor of Shabbos.
Wearing Shabbos Garments (during the week)
One may not wear Shabbos clothing during the
nine days.
Bris and Other Simchos
When a bris takes place during the nine days,
the mohel, father, mother , and sandek may
wear Shabbos clothing. The kevatter may not
wear Shabbos clothes. All other people who
have kibbudim (holding the baby during the
recital of the name, etc.) may not wear Shabbos
clothes. Some say that other relatives who would

normally wear Shabbos clothing to a bris may
wear them to a bris which falls out during the nine
days as well. Shabbos shoes are permitted if they
are not new. At a pidyon haben, the kohen and the
parents of the child may wear Shabbos clothing.
At a bar -mitzvah, the bar -mitzvah boy and his
parents may wear Shabbos clothing. One who
has a date with a prospective girl may change
his clothing during the nine days. One should
not wear Shabbos clothing or newly laundered
clothes while posing for professional pictures.
Wearing Shabbos Clothing on Shabbos
The opinion of some poskim is that one does not
change his clothing even for Shabbos Chazzon,
except for his undershirt because it is full of
sweat from a whole week. Shabbos clothing is
defined as clothing which one wears only for
Shabbos, but not on other festive occasions such
as Chol Hamoed and Purim. The reason is that
the crease is still recognizable in the clothing,
and it is considered like new clothing. If Rosh
Chodesh Av falls out on Friday or Shabbos then
Shabbos clothes are permitted. According to all
opinions, one may change “clothing that is worn
close to the body.” The custom today is that all
Shabbos clothing is worn on Shabbos, and the
custom to wear weekday clothing on Shabbos
has been discontinued. The reasoning for this is
detailed in the Aruch Hashulchan (this applies
even if Shabbos clothing have the same style
as weekday clothing but are simply nicer). ).
Although the custom is to wear Shabbos clothes
on Shabbos Chazzon, some say that one should
avoid changing one garment. New garments are
forbidden unless one does not have anything to
wear. Some are of the opinion that one should not
change into his Shabbos clothes on Erev Shabbos
until plag haminchah, while others say from
chatzos. Some permit this even before chatzos.
Many poskim say that one does not have to remove
his Shabbos garments right after havdalah.
Washing One’s Body – Showering
One of the main issues regarding the nine days is
showering and bathing. It is a widespread custom
to refrain from washing even with cold water
from Rosh Chodesh Av until after Tishah B’aAv
(see below when the restriction expires), while
others have the custom to refrain from washing
only the week of Tishah B’Aav. The custom of
the Ashkenazim follows the first opinion. It is
permitted to wash for a mitzvah (i.e. a woman
who has to go to the mikvah) even with hot
water. A pregnant woman in her ninth month
may bathe even in hot water. The reason is that
this washing is for health purposes and not for
enjoyment. Similarly, one who is actually dirty
may wash since he is not doing so for pleasure.
The custom is to refrain from washing one’s
entire body, but washing one’s face, hands and
feet is permitted with cold water without soap.
Children are usually washed every day, and they
are not included in this prohibition (see below
regarding swimming for children). Based on the
above, there would be no heter to wash more
than one’s face, hands and feet during the week
with cold water. Why do most ofmany in kKlal
yYisraoel shower and wash their whole body with
hot water and soap during the week? The logic
is as follows. Bathing which is not for pleasure
is permitted even with hot water. Others say
that only cold water may be used. Some limit

washing to the sweaty areas only. One who is
an istanis (delicate person) is permitted to take a
shower with cold water during the nine days, but
without soap if the sweat can be removed without
it. Therefore, since we shower to remove dirt or
sweat we may do so with hot water, and if the
sweat cannot be removed without soap, then
soap is permitted as well. Showering is permitted
during a heat wave even with soap if one cannot
remove the sweat without it. Some say that a if
a rebbi can teach Torah if he removes the sweat,
then he is permitted to shower his entire body with
cold water since it is considered like a mitzvah.
Showering for Shabbos Chazzon
The custom to refrain from showering applies to
Shabbos Chazzon as well. One may use hot water
for his face if he does so every Erev Shabbos, but
without soap. However, using even cold water
for his entire body is prohibited on Erev Shabbos
Chazzon, even if one does so every Erev Shabbos.
If Rosh Chodesh Av falls out on Erev Shabbos
then one is permitted to wash his whole body even
with hot water, if he does so every Erev Shabbos.
Based on this rule, how can we shower on Erev
Shabbos Chazzon with hot water and soap?Some
say that if the sweat cannot be removed without
soap then it is permitted. Some argue that since
today we all have showers in our homes and we
shower frequently, it would be a bitul of oneg
Shabbos if we did not shower, especially if one did
not shower since Rosh Chodesh Av. Technically,
this would only permit cold water, but we rely
on the opinion that if washing is not for pleasure
then even hot water is permitted. Some say that
the reason it is permitted is because washing on
Erev Shabbos is a mitzvah. Showering or mikvah
should be completed l’chatchilah by midday.
The custom seems to be lenient with this since
it is very hot in the summer and one would need
another shower before Shabbos to remove his
sweat.
Mikvah
One who goes to the mikvah every Erev Shabbos
may do so on Erev Shabbos Chazzon as well.
Many say that this is only permitted with cold
water. In any case, one should not linger in the
water but he should do what he has to and leave.
So too, a woman in her ninth month may go to the
mikvah as a segulah.
Swimming
The custom is to refrain from going swimming in
rivers and streams during the nine days because
it is enjoyable and it is like washing one’s entire
body. One who needs to swim every day for
medical reasons may do so even during the nine
days. The opinion of many poskim is that children
may go swimming during the nine days. However,
this should only be done in private. Similarly,
young children may play with a sprinkler, but one
should not do it in public. Additionally, one should
not go canoeing during the nine days, as he may
fall into the water and wash his entire body.
Brushing Teeth
Brushing teeth is permitted during the nine days.
Buying Clothing Etc.
A common question arises during the nine days
is regarding the purchasing of new clothing.
Purchasing new clothing is not allowed during
the nine days. This includes, shoes, socks, suits,
shirts, underwear, linen, towels, pants etc. even
if the garments are for children. This applies

even if one does not intend to wear the garments
until after Tisha B’av. Second hand clothing are
included in this as well if they give the buyer
pleasure. One is allowed to buy clothing for a
baby born during the nine days if there are no
other clothes available.Clothing that are on sale at
a considerable discount may be purchased if the
item will not be available at that price after Tishah
B’av. If someone needs an item that can only
be purchased in a certain location comes to that
location during the nine days, he does not have
to wait until after Tishah B’av, but may purchase
it while he is in that vicinity. One is allowed to
buy slippers etc for Tisha B’av during the nine
days. In addition, one is allowed to purchase a
tallis kattan and tefillin as well. One who will
be traveling after Tishah B’av can be lenient and
purchase new clothing if it will be difficult to
do so after Tishah B’av. One whose eyeglasses
broke, and he has no others, may purchase new
ones during the nine days. The Mishnah Berurah
allows a chassan and kallah to purchase wedding
clothing during the nine days. One may return
bought items for a refund or store credit (to be
redeemed after Tishah B’av) during the nine days.
However, returned items may not be exchanged
for other new items until after Tishah B’av. Some
refrained from purchasing new sefarim during the
nine days, while the custom is to be lenient.
Fixing Clothing
One is not allowed to sew, weave, knit, or tailor a
new garment during the nine days even if it will
not be worn until after Tisha B’av. If a garment
tore and needs repair it may be repaired during the
nine days. Girls may weave as a camp activity.
Women should not sew just to pass the time.
Some permit needlepointing or embroidery of
non-clothing items such as a tablecloth etc if they
are not expensive. Sewing a name tag on clothing
during the Nine Days (applicable if the child will
be going to camp during or after the Nine Days) is
permitted.Sewing lessons may not taught during
the nine days if the material used in the practice
will never be completed as a usable garment. A
Jewish tailor or seamstress who earns a livelihood
from sewing etc is allowed to do so during the
nine days . However, the material or the clothing
to be worked on should be given to the tailor etc
before Rosh Chodesh Av. During the week in
which Tishah B’av occurs it is preferable that the
tailor refrain from such activities. One may not
ask a non-Jewish tailor to make or repair a new
garment that will be ready after Tishah B’av.
Eating Meat and Drinking Wine
Since meat and wine bring joy, the custom
is to refrain from them during the nine days,
including Rosh Chodesh. This is the custom of
the Ashkenazim. One should not be lenient with
this. The Sephfardim only practice this restriction
during the week of Tishah B’aAv. The custom
applies to meat and chicken alike. Vinegar is
permitted during the nine days. A sick person may
eat meat during the nine days.
Meat on Shabbos Chazzon
The custom to refrain from eating meat does not
apply to Shabbos. Meat left over from Shabbos
Chazzon may not be eaten during the nine days.
Some say that if one did not intend to leave over
meat then he may eat the leftovers during the nine
days, but if he purposely cooked more meat than
he needed for Shabbos then it is forbidden.

Siyum during the Nine Days
As mentioned before, the Ashkenazim do not eat
meat or drink wine during the nine days. The
Reama says that at a seudas mitzvah like a bris
milah, pidyon haben or “seudas siyum” one
may eat meat and drink wine. If one was not
planning onmaking a siyum during the nine days,
he should not hasten the
Cutting Nails
There is a discussion whether cutting nails is
permitted until the week of Tishah B’Aav, or even
forbidden from Rosh Chodesh. Some say that one
should avoid cutting nails unless Tishah B’aAv
falls out on Shabbos (in which case one may
cut his nails on Friday) or a woman who needs
to cut her nails for tevilah. However, the custom
of some is to be lenient with this. Biting nails
is permitted according to all opinions. learning
in order to finish it during this time. Some are
lenient with this. However, one should follow the
first opinion. Those who attend the siyum may
eat meat even if they did not learn the maesechta.
When a siyum is made in a camp or yeshivah, all
those present may eat meat; this includes both
women and children. One may not bring the food
outside of the place where the siyum is taking
place. One may not hear the siyum and then go
make a barbeque in a different location (this is
common in camp). The poskim debate whether
the maesechta may be divided between people in
order to make a siyum during the nine days. One
who was not present at the siyum, but came after
the actual siyum was made, may still eat meat.
Nine Days Until When?
Eating meat, drinking wine, washing the body,
doing laundry, washing freshly laundered
garments, and buying new garments are all
allowed after chatzos the morning after Tishah
B’av. If it is necessary one may launder children’s
clothing after Tishah Ba’v. One who is traveling
right after Tisha Ba’v and does not have any
clean clothing may launder his clothing right after
Tishah B’av. When Tishah B’av is on Shabbos,
and we fast on Sunday, then all activities besides
for eating meat and drinking wine is allowed right
away on Sunday night after the fast.