Yeshiva
Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Three Weeks
- The Laws of Three Weeks
Answer: Wednesday (July 22) begins the 9 Days leading up to Tisha B'Av. The operative principle at work during this period is, "When Av commences, joy is lessened" (Talmud Taanit). We decrease our involvement in business matters, building, recreational activities, etc. to lessen pleasure (& mark the cessation of our Korbanot in the Bet HaMikdash). All those over age 6 customarily abstain from meat, poultry, wine or grape juice, except on Shabbat or at a Seudat Mitzva (e.g. siyum, Brit, Pidyon HaBen, etc). Beer & whiskey, however is allowed. Food that is cooked in fleishig utensils may be eaten. We avoid purchasing or laundering clothes; or wearing freshly-laundered clothes, if possible (other than on Shabbat). Underwear, socks & young children's clothes MAY be laundered. Bathing for pleasure is not allowed; but we assume that bathing/showering today is for hygienic purposes & so it is permitted. Swimming, unless it is instructional, is avoided for those above Bar/Bat Mitzva age. Pleasure trips & gift-giving should also be avoided.
(Note that this is Ashkenazic custom; most Sefardim only observe these semi-mourning practices in the week when Tisha B'Av occurs - this year 26 July).
Peninei Halakha 3. Playing Music and Singing at a Se’udat Mitzva
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Peninei Halakha 14. The Laws of Eating Meat and Drinking Wine
Chapter 8: The Customs of the Three Weeks
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Various Events FOR WHOM NOT TO VOTE
Rav Zvi Yehuda Kook stressed that Israeli politics is G-dly, so I have no problem answering this common question on a Torani blog. Also, Free-Will is a G-d-given right and obligation, to "destine one's fate" (R. Soloveichik, Kol Dodi Dofek, 67), so I obviously don't tell others how to vote. But once not a few (especially young) have already asked, a couple of personal words from experience and thoughts from chazal & Rav Kook which may be of help to others, mainly for whom NOT to vote.
P'ninat Mishpat Fallout from Failure to Install Elevator – part II
based on ruling 85007 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
