During the three weeks between the 17th of Tamuz (last July 23) until the 9th of Ab (August 12 and 13), we observe certain restrictions associated with mourning. These traditions differ considerably from one community to another and become stricter as we approach the 9th of Ab.
There are four periods of mourning that we keep during these days:
First Period: The least strict, from the 17th of Tamuz until the beginning of the month of Av (Sunday, August 4).
Second Period: From the beginning of the month of Ab, August 5th until the week of the 9th of Ab.
Third Period: The week of the 9th of Ab –from the Sunday preceding the 9th of Av (this year, August 11) until the end of the 9th of Ab.
Fourth Period: The most severe time of mourning is observed on the day of the 9th of Ab itself.
Here are some examples of the restrictions we observe from the 17th of Tamuz until the beginning of the month of Ab:
Marriages: The rabbis of the Talmud, Maimonides, the Shulchan ‘Arukh, etc., did not mention any limitations regarding the celebration of weddings before the beginning of the month of Ab, and that was the tradition in most Sephardic communities for centuries. In Ashkenazi communities, however, wedding ceremonies are suspended from the 17th of Tamuz. In our days, and to maintain a level of uniformity in the matter of marriages between the two communities, virtually all Sephardic congregations have also adopted the custom of suspending marriages on these days.
Shehecheyanu: The Shulchan ‘Arukh mentions that it is appropriate to avoid consuming a new seasonal fruit, which requires reciting the Shehecheyanu blessing, during these three weeks. The Sephardic and Ashkenazi tradition is to reserve the recitation of Shehecheyanu for a new fruit for Shabbat.
Haircutting: Most Sephardic communities allow haircuts or shaving until the week of Tish’a BeAb. In the Mashadi community and other Sephardic communities, men do not get a haircut from Rosh Chodesh Ab but are allowed to shave until the week of Tish’a BeAv. The Ashkenazi tradition (Ram”a 551:4) and the custom of Moroccan Jews is different: haircutting and shaving are banned from the 17th of Tammuz until after Tish’a BeAb . Haircut restrictions do not apply to women.
Additional Restrictions: Abstaining from wine and meat, showering, bathing, etc., does not apply to Sepharadim during this first mourning period.
