Can I shave during the three weeks

Shaving during the Three Weeks (Shloshet HaShavuot — the mourning period from 17 Tammuz to Tisha B'Av) is subject to a significant dispute between Ashkenazic and Sephardic customs. The general rule is that Ashkenazim prohibit shaving for the entire Three Weeks, while Sephardim typically only restrict it during the Nine Days (from Rosh Chodesh Av onward), with all opinions agreeing that shaving is forbidden during the week of Tisha B'Av itself.

Key Takeaways

Ashkenazim generally prohibit shaving for the entire Three Weeks (17 Tammuz through Tisha B'Av).
Sephardim generally permit shaving until Rosh Chodesh Av, after which it becomes prohibited.
Everyone agrees that shaving is forbidden during the week in which Tisha B'Av falls.
Some Ashkenazic authorities permit shaving before Shabbat during the Three Weeks if one shaves regularly.
One should follow the custom of one's father or the instruction of one's rabbi.

Detailed Answer

The Period of Mourning

The Three Weeks commemorate a period of national tragedy. The Mishnah in Ta'anit 4:6 records:

"בְּתִשְׁעָה בְאָב נִגְזַר עַל אֲבוֹתֵינוּ שֶׁלֹּא יִכָּנְסוּ לָאָרֶץ, וְחָרַב הַבַּיִת בָּרִאשׁוֹנָה וּבַשְּׁנִיָּה" "On the Ninth of Av it was decreed upon our ancestors that they would not enter the Land, and the First and Second Temples were destroyed."

The Mishnah also establishes the principle: "מִשֶּׁנִּכְנַס אָב, מְמַעֲטִין בְּשִׂמְחָה" — "When Av enters, we diminish in joy." [Mishnah Ta'anit 4:6]

This principle of diminished joy is the halachic foundation for the mourning restrictions, including the prohibition on haircuts and shaving.

The Week of Tisha B'Av — Universal Agreement

[Peninei Halakhah, Zemanim 8:11] states clearly:

"According to all opinions and customs, one may not cut one's hair during the week in which Tisha Be-Av falls, nor is there any allowance to shave."

This is the one point of universal agreement — regardless of Ashkenazic or Sephardic practice, shaving is forbidden during the week of Tisha B'Av.

Ashkenazic Practice — The Entire Three Weeks

The dominant Ashkenazic position is to prohibit haircuts and shaving for the entire Three Weeks, beginning from 17 Tammuz.

The Magen Avraham (MA 551:14), citing Hagahot Asheri, states that according to Ashkenazic practice one should not cut hair even before Shabbat during this period, since people do not typically cut their hair every single week.
However, Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham 551:14) notes an implication: those who shave regularly (i.e., daily or near-daily) may have grounds to shave in honor of Shabbat — though this remains a minority leniency and should not be relied upon without consulting a rabbi. [Peninei Halakhah, Zemanim 8:11]

Sephardic Practice — From Rosh Chodesh Av

The Sephardic custom generally follows a more lenient position, permitting shaving until Rosh Chodesh Av (the first of Av), after which it is forbidden through Tisha B'Av. This is based on the principle that the primary intensification of mourning begins with the Nine Days.

Relying on Lenient Opinions

[Peninei Halakhah, Zemanim 3:7] offers important guidance on navigating these customs:

"Those who want to rely on the lenient opinion may do so, and one should not rebuke them for this practice. However, it is proper for each person to follow the practice of his father or the instruction of his rabbi."

The same source adds a meaningful spiritual note — refraining from shaving during this period is "a strong expression of one's willingness to sacrifice for the sake of mitzvah observance." This transforms the restriction from mere mourning practice into an act of devotion.

Practical Summary by Custom

| Community | When Shaving Becomes Prohibited | |---|---| | Ashkenazim | From 17 Tammuz (start of Three Weeks) | | Sephardim | From Rosh Chodesh Av (start of Nine Days) | | Everyone | The entire week of Tisha B'Av |

⚠️ For personal guidance, consult your local rabbi or posek, especially if your livelihood depends on your appearance, or if there are other extenuating circumstances that may warrant leniency.