Three Weeks: Difference between revisions

The Three Weeks is a period of time from the fast of Shiva Asar BeTamuz until Tisha BeAv. There are a number of practices of mourning observed in this time in memory of the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash. Starting from Rosh Chodesh Av there is another period called the Nine Days which includes even more stringent practices of mourning. For the laws of the Nine Days, please see the [[Nine Days]] page.

# The Ashkenazic minhag is to begin mourning from the fast of Shiva Asar BeTamuz. <ref> Rama 551:2 and 4</ref> Many authorities hold that  the practices of mourning begin from the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz (before the actual fast begins). <ref>  

* The Chida in Sh"t Chaim Sha’al 1:24 writes that one may not make [[Shehecheyanu]] the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz. Kaf Hachaim 551:207 agrees. Tzitz Eliezer 10:26 maintains that the one may not make a wedding the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz and bases it on the ruling of the Chida not to say [[Shehecheyanu]] from the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz. He add that according to some achronim the night of the 17th of tammuz is as strict as the Nine Days. In regards to weddings the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz, Eshel Avraham Mebutchatch OC 551, Nitai Gavriel (Ben HaMetzarim, vol 1, 14:5), Halichot Shlomo (Moadim vol 2, 18:5), and Rabbi Soloveitchik (cited by Rabbi Herschel Schachter in Nefesh Harav page 196) agree. Orchot Rabbeinu (vol 2, pg 127) quotes the Steipler about not taking a hair cut the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz. See also Rav Elashiv (cited by Doleh UMashkeh pg 207-208), Divrei Moshe 1:33, Shevet Halevi 8:168:7 and 10:81:2, Moadim Uzmanim 8:338, and Moadei Yeshurun (pg 128) who agree with this approach.

* However, Sh"t Igrot Moshe 1:168, 3:100 (at the end), and 4:112(2) permits in cases of great need (such as performing a wedding on Motzei [[Shabbat]] the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz). Igrot Moshe 3:100 adds that since saying [[Shehecheyanu]] is a dispute there's no need to be strict not to say it the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz. Igrot Moshe 4:112(2) writes for great need one can be lenient to cut one's hair the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz. Shearim Metsiyunim BeHalacha 122:1 agrees. Sh"t Rivevot Efraim 1:375 writes that later Rav Moshe was asked about performing a wedding the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz and he advised doing the Chupah before Shekiyah. Rav Elyashiv (cited by Doleh U’maskhe pg 208 note 557) says that in a pressing situation once can be lenient.</ref>

# If Shiva Asar BeTamuz falls out on [[Shabbat]] and is pushed off to Sunday, then everyone agrees that the practices of mourning begin the night of Shiva Asar BeTamuz (Motzei [[Shabbat]]). <ref> Sh"t Igrot Moshe 3:100 (at the end) </ref>