When does Rav ovadia Yosef prohibit laundry during three weeks - nine days period — AI Torah

The laws of laundry during the Three Weeks and Nine Days, according to Rav Ovadia Yosef, follow a more lenient Sephardic approach than Ashkenazic practice. Rav Ovadia holds that the prohibition on laundering clothing applies only from Rosh Chodesh Av onward (not from the 17th of Tammuz), and even then, the restrictions are defined in a specific way. For practical guidance on your specific situation, consult your local rabbi or posek.

Key Takeaways

Rav Ovadia Yosef holds that Sephardim do not observe laundry restrictions during the Three Weeks (17 Tammuz – Rosh Chodesh Av).
The laundry prohibition for Sephardim begins only at Rosh Chodesh Av.
The prohibition applies to wearing freshly laundered clothes, not merely the act of laundering itself.
Children's clothing that gets soiled frequently may be laundered even during the Nine Days.
The week of Tisha B'Av itself carries the strictest restrictions, including for Sephardim.

Detailed Answer

Background: Two Periods of Restriction

The Mishnah in Ta'anit 4:6 establishes that "Mishenichnas Av, mema'atin b'simcha" — "When Av enters, we reduce joy." This is the foundational source for the restrictions of the Nine Days.

The question is: do restrictions begin earlier, at the 17th of Tammuz, or only at Rosh Chodesh Av?

Ashkenazic vs. Sephardic Practice

Ashkenazim (based on the Rama, Shulchan Arukh OC 551) observe certain restrictions — including laundry — from the 17th of Tammuz onward, with restrictions intensifying as Tisha B'Av approaches.

Sephardim, following Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yechaveh Da'at 3:30 and Chazon Ovadia – Arba Ta'aniyot), do not observe laundry restrictions during the Three Weeks at all. The restrictions begin only at Rosh Chodesh Av.

The Core Prohibition: Wearing, Not Just Washing

A critical ruling of Rav Ovadia is that the prohibition is technically against wearing freshly laundered clothing, not against the act of laundering itself.

This means:

One may launder clothing before Rosh Chodesh Av and set it aside to wear during the Nine Days.
However, Ashkenazim are strict about this and many avoid doing so, though the Mishnah Berurah does permit it.

From Rosh Chodesh Av: What Is Prohibited?

According to Rav Ovadia Yosef, from Rosh Chodesh Av:

It is forbidden to wear freshly laundered clothing (this is the core restriction).
It is forbidden to launder clothing if the intention is to wear it during the Nine Days.
Ironing clothing to make it look fresh is similarly restricted.

Permitted Exceptions (Rav Ovadia's Rulings)

Rav Ovadia permitted laundry in the following cases:

Children's clothing — Since young children soil their clothes constantly, laundering for them is permitted throughout the Nine Days.
Undergarments and socks — Rav Ovadia was lenient, as these are hygiene items rather than items of display or joy. This is a key leniency he granted.
Items needed for a mitzvah — e.g., clothing for a brit milah (circumcision) or similar occasion.
A person who has only one set of clothing — may launder out of necessity.

The Week of Tisha B'Av

During the week in which Tisha B'Av falls, the restrictions intensify significantly even for Sephardim:

Laundry is strictly prohibited even for children's clothing according to many opinions, though Rav Ovadia remained lenient for small children even in this week.
Bathing, haircuts, and other restrictions also apply.

Summary of Rav Ovadia's Position

| Period | Rav Ovadia / Sephardic Ruling | |---|---| | 17 Tammuz – Rosh Chodesh Av | No laundry restriction | | Rosh Chodesh Av – Tisha B'Av | Prohibited (with exceptions) | | Children's clothing | Permitted throughout | | Undergarments/socks | Permitted (leniency) | | Week of Tisha B'Av | Stricter, but children still lenient |

For personal guidance, consult your local rabbi or posek — especially as customs vary between Sephardic communities.

When does Rav ovadia Yosef prohibit laundry during three weeks - nine days period