WORD OF THE MONTH

A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem...

Hair cutting and shaving is not permitted (Ashkenazim) during the Three Weeks between 17 Tamuz and halachic noon of the 10th of Av. Women too should not cut their hair, but married women and girls of marriageable age may shave their legs, but not during the week in which 9Av falls.
Clean-shaven men who shave every day, still should not shave during the 3 Weeks, or at least not during the 9 Days. The argument to allow a daily shaver to shave during this period, still may not shave during the week in which 9Av falls. Men in work situations who might suffer financial loss if they don't shave, can shave until the week in which 9Av falls. Fingernails (and toenails) may be cut during the Three Weeks, except during the week in which 9 Av falls.

from Aveilut HaChurban by Rabbi Yoel Schwartz

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