Preparing for Tammuz Fast 17: Part 3 (Completion)
Community
📌 Construction, repair and plantingSince 17 Tammuz, there is a custom to refrain from works that involve special joy or decoration.In particular, it is not accepted without urgent need:*whiten or paint the room;*start construction or large-scale repairs;*plant ornamental plants if it is done only for beauty and pleasure.📎If the works are necessary or related to safety or life needs, they are allowed to be performed.In the Ashkenazi tradition, 17 Tammuz are not cut or shaved.In most Sephardic communities, these restrictions begin to apply only from the week of 9 ABA, although some Sephardic communities also refrain from haircuts already from 17 Tammuz.❗The ban applies to both men and women and applies to any hair trimming.*It is not allowed to professionally trim or insert a wig, but it is possible to comb it.❗If a mustache or beard interferes with eating or drinking, it is allowed to trim them a little.❗Haircut or shaving for medical reasons is also allowed, for example, before surgery.🕯If a person was in a personal grievance for a close relative and because of this did not have the opportunity to get a haircut to 17 Tammuz, he is allowed to do so after the end of the personal grievance period. EXCEPTIONSIf brit milah (circumcision) occurs between 17 Tammuz and the week of 9 ABA, then: the father of the child; sandakah (the one who holds the child during circumcision); moilah (the one who performs circumcision) is allowed to get a haircut and shave on the eve of the celebration.However, if circumcision falls on the week in which 9 ABA is celebrated, there are opinions that even these people should not do this.📌Bar mitzvahIf a boy's thirteenth birthday (bar mitzvah) falls between 17 Tammuz and the week of 9 Ava, some rabbis allow him to get a haircut.Other authorities hold a stricter view and do not allow it.❗In the week of 9 ABA, haircut is prohibited.📌Haircut for childrenThere are different traditions about children.Some rabbis believe that restrictions apply to them as well.Others allow children under the age of six to have their hair cut.📎In the week of 9 ABA, it is not customary to cut children's hair.❗At the same time, the first haircut of the boy (halake) according to all opinions is allowed until the beginning of the week, which falls on 9 ABA.PurchasesSince 17 Tammuz, it is customary to refrain from acquiring things that bring special joy.At the same time, casual clothes, the purchase of which is not a significant event (for example, underwear, shirts, socks, etc.), are allowed to be bought and worn until the month of Av.❗All these laws and customs take effect from the evening after 16 Tammuz, that is, from the beginning of 17 Tammuz according to the Jewish calendar.May it be the will of the Almighty, for the Jerusalem Temple to be rebuilt as soon as possible, and the days of sorrow turned into days of joy, fun, and celebration. Amen.🙌