LAWS AND CUSTOMS FOR THE THREE WEEKS 1. During the time known as "Bin HaM'itsrim" [literally between the straits, it refers to the three week period between the Fast of the 17th of Tamuz and Tisha B'Ab] there are a variety of customs designed to convey the weighty and mournful nature of this time. 2. Ashkenazi authorities are of the custom not to hold weddings during the entirety of this time. Most Sefardim, however, allow weddings until Rosh Hodesh Ab [the beginning of the month of Ab]. This later custom is in keeping with Maran Shulkhan `Arukh, that one shouldn't forbid weddings except from Rosh Hodesh Ab until Tisha B'Ab. In a time of need, even Ashkenazim can rely on this opinion. In truth, according to the strict letter of the law, it is permissible even from Rosh Hodesh, if the man is unmarried and has not yet fulfilled the mitswah of p'ru w'rabu [the mitswah of having children]. However, it is not considered a good sign to hold a wedding at a time that the nation of Yisrael is mourning the destruction of the Beith HaMiqdash. 3. However, it is permissible and acceptable for one to become engaged during this time. 4. During the Three Weeks it is forbidden to listen to music on tape or radio, and especially live songs when they are accompanied by musical instruments. This applies even to songs that are praise and thanksgiving to HaShem, that is "religious music." (Many authorities forbid other music for the remainder of the year). The only exception would be music played for the needs of a mitsvah, such as at weddings and the like. Songs of praise and thanksgiving sung without accompaniment such as at a Shabbat meal, are permitted. 5. A Jew who earns his living as a musician is allowed to continue to play music for non-Jews until Rosh Hodesh Ab. 6. One should be careful not to eat a new fruit during this time, and thus say the blessing "sh'hehiyanu," during this time. However, some authorities permit it on Shabbat. 7. One should not wear new clothes during this time, and after Rosh Hodesh Ab, this rule even applies to Shabbat. 8. The father of a boy that is entering into the Brith Milah is permitted to say "sh'hehiyanu" at this time, even over a new fruit. 9. It is forbidden to eat meat or wine (with the exception of Shabbat) from Rosh Hodesh Ab. Some begin the prohibition from the 17th of Tamuz. 10. From Rosh Hodesh Ab it is customary to minimize business activity. 12. Any construction or home renovation that is not necessary, but is mainly for aesthetic or convenience, should be postponed till after Tisha B'Ab. However all construction connected to a mitsvah is permitted (such as a synagogue). 13. During the week in which Tisha B'Ab falls it is forbidden to launder one's clothes or even to wear freshly laundered garments. Some follow this prohibition from Rosh Hodesh Ab. 14. It is customary to refrain from bathing one's entire body during the week in which Tisha B'Ab falls, however one may wash his face, hands and feet. Some communities permit bathing on the afternoon before Shabbath and even the most stringent allow a man to go to the Miqweh [ritualarium] on Ereb Shabbath if he is accustomed to doing so. Some fulfill this prohibition from Rosh Hodesh Ab. 15. One may not take a haircut or a shave, or even a trim during the three weeks.

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