Monday, July 6, 2009

Halocho #363 - How long are the "3 weeks"?

The woes of the Churban - the destruction of the Bet Hamikdash - began on 17th Tamuz and ended with the Bet Hamikdash being set alight on the afternoon of 9 B'Av.

The fire burnt until sunset the following day.

This period of 23 days - which start on Thursday - is know as "the 3 weeks" or Bein Hametzarim - בין המצרים.

As we then approach the 9th of Av - 3 weeks later - the laws of mourning intensify, as we will learn in the coming days.

The mourning continues until the day after the fast of 9 B'Av; however, since this year the 10th of Av is a Friday, bathing, laundry and haircuts are allowed from early morning of 10 Av - in honour of Shabbat.

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 122:1, 124:20

- Danny Monday, 14 Tamuz 5769

Please daven for a complete recovery for Sarah Shira bat Leah Malka

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