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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Peninei Halakha
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Three Weeks
- The Laws of Three Weeks
Since we curtail our joy from the beginning of Av, one may not build anything that brings joy during the Nine Days. For example, one may not expand one’s house or porch unless there is a vital need for this. In addition, one may not plaster or paint the walls of one’s home, because these are considered luxuries that make one happy, and one can live without them (sa 551:2). Similarly, one may not do renovations that are designed to beautify one’s home, like replacing shutters, closets, curtains, or anything else that is valuable, brings one joy, and is not absolutely necessary.[12]
However, one who lives with his family in a cramped living space may build an additional room during the Nine Days. One may also engage in any type of construction that is designed to prevent damage. For example, if a wall is about to collapse, one may demolish it in an orderly fashion and rebuild it, even if he does not need the room where the wall is located and there is no danger involved, because this prevents damage to his property.
Likewise, one may build, plaster, or paint for the sake of a mitzva, such as building a synagogue or a school (mb 551:12, Kaf Ha-ĥayim 551:25). Arukh Ha-shulĥan (551:7) states that anything that is necessary for the public good is considered “for the sake of a mitzva” and is permissible.
Similarly, one may not plant anything that brings joy, like decorative trees, hedges, or flowers (sa 551:2). However, one may maintain a decorative garden, water the garden, mow the lawn, and continue regular maintenance.
Any planting that has an actual purpose is permissible. Therefore, one may plant fruit-bearing trees during the Nine Days. Similarly, one who makes a living growing decorative bushes and flowers may plant them in his nursery in order to sell them.
[12] Building or repairing non-essential shutters and closets is considered joyous building. Thus states Igrot Moshe, oĥ 3:82, regarding a closet. It also seems proper to forbid putting up decorative wallpaper, as Be-tzel Ha-ĥokhma 4:54 states (and contrary to Igrot Moshe loc. cit.). Similarly, one may not install curtains that are purely ornamental; thus states Hilkhot Ĥag Be-ĥag 4:4. If, however, the main purpose of installing curtains or shutters is to ensure privacy, it would seem that it is permissible. The example of joyous building given in Ta’anit 14b is a “matrimonial house” for one’s son. This is not relevant today, which is why I did not mention it in the main text.
Peninei Halakha 4. The Transition from Shabbat to Tisha Be-Av when it Begins on Motza’ei Shabbat
Chapter 9: The Eve of Tisha Be-Av
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
