Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

Bain Hametzarim Questions

August 1, 2024

Q May one buy or wear new clothes or shoes during the Three Weeks?

A The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 551:17) says: “It is a correct practice to refrain from reciting Shehecheyanu during Bain Hametzarim on a new fruit or garment.” The Mishnah Brurah (ibid. 99) expands: “One should therefore avoid donning new garments during the Three Weeks, because Shehechayanu may not be recited.”

It is permitted to purchase new clothes without wearing them, because Shehechayanu is made at the time of wearing rather than buying (Kovetz Halachos 5:6). New shoes may be purchased and worn, because Shehechayanu is not recited on new shoes (ibid.).

On Shabbos, Shehechayanu may be recited (Mishnah Brurah ibid. 98), but some poskim forbid wearing new garments even on Shabbos due to the sadness of the period (Aruch Hashulchan ibid. 18).

Today, many don’t recite Shehechayanu on new garments at all, so in theory they may purchase and wear them during Bain Hametzarim. Still, it is advisable to refrain from wearing expensive new garments (R’ Shmuel Felder, Shiurei Halacha 40:3).

Q May women have hair waxed during the Three Weeks?

A The prohibition to cut hair includes all body hair (Shulchan Aruch 551:12), so waxing should be postponed until after Tisha B’Av unless there is a need for it sooner. Eyebrow removal is not considered haircutting and is permitted (Piskei Teshuvos ibid. 43). Hair may be cut to eliminate a chatzitzah (Halichos Shlomo 14 note 10).

Q May an Ashkenazi cut the hair of a Sephardi whose custom is to get haircuts in the Three Weeks?

A Contemporary poskim agree that it is permitted within certain limitations: Some say it should be done out of public view (R’ Shmuel Wosner, Kovetz Bais Levi, Bain Hametzarim p. 6). Some say a Sephardi barber should preferably do it (Halichos Shlomo 14 note 8). Others are lenient even lechat’chilah (Kara Alai Mo’ed p. 23, citing R’ Nissim Karelitz). In practice, if the need arises, there is room for leniency.