The Different Levels of Mourning During the Three Weeks

Q. What are the different levels of mourning during the Three Weeks?

A. As we get closer to Tisha B’Av, the intensity of our mourning increases. For Ashkenazim, weddings are prohibited during the entire Three Weeks, beginning with the 17th of Tammuz (Rama OC 551:2). During the Nine Days, which begin Rosh Chodesh Av, the mourning is more intense and doing laundry is prohibited (Rama OC 551:3). During the actual week in which Tisha B’Av falls, the Mishnah Berura (551:20) notes an additional restriction of cutting nails. One should not take walks for pleasure after midday on the 8th of Av even when it is on Shabbos (Shaarei Teshuva 553:5). The most severe restrictions apply on Tisha B’Av itself. All of the restrictions of the Three Weeks continue until noon of the 10th day of Av since the Bais Hamikdash continued burning on that day (Rama OC 558:1 and M.B. 558:2). In an upcoming Halacha Yomis we will discuss the differences this year, since Tisha B’Av is Thursday and the 10th of Av is Friday.

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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.