Can Elective Surgery be Performed During the Three Weeks?

One should not engage in activities which are potentially dangerous during the entire Three Weeks (Shulchan Aruch 551:18 and Dirshu Mishna Berura ibid. Beurim 126-128). Rav Shmuel Wosner, zt”l and Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky, zt”l recommended delaying surgery, when possible, until after the Three Weeks because of potential danger (Dirshu MB ibid. 128 in the name of Rav Wosner, zt”l in Kovetz MiBeis Levi p. 11 and Rav Yaakov, zt”l in Emes L’Yaakov p. 225 he’arah 515), while Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l allowed even elective surgery until Rosh Chodesh Av, but not during the Nine Days when our mazal is particularly weak (Moadei Yeshurun p. 130:19 and p. 136:43).

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.