Beginning on the 17th of Tammuz, a period known as the Three Weeks begins, culminating on the 9th of Av. During this time, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jewish people are commemorated. During this period, no weddings are held, and no celebrations are organized or attended. As mourners, we refrain from cutting our hair, listening to instrumental music, and various pleasurable activities are prohibited or restricted. The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, urged that this time be used appropriately, giving more tzedakah (charity) and increasing Torah study, particularly the sections dealing with the laws of the Temple and their profound meaning. A series of videos about the Temple in Jerusalem can be found on this list:
&list=PLA8PoHpH8Yn8TWIZSfo0hfeEm1DJSi3FJ">Video List.
Dear Rabbi, this has happened to me more than twice... Let me explain. The terms "forbidden" or "restricted" pleasurable activities aren't very clear. Children who attend school and learn from a young age have a better chance of understanding. Adults who haven't had formal schooling face difficulties because we didn't learn from a young age what those activities are. It would be helpful if you could provide more specific guidelines so we can understand. (e.g., doing laundry, etc.) Thank you.
Dear Eva,
Our sages say, in the Ethics of Our Fathers (Pirkei Avot), that "the shy person does not learn," because he does not ask questions. While the Talmud itself emphasizes the importance of learning in childhood, it also tells the story of Rabbi Akiva, who began studying Alf Bet (the Hebrew alphabet) at the age of 40! That is to say, he was illiterate until that time...
Therefore, I recommend that you don't be shy, ask questions, investigate, be curious, and never lose your desire to be surprised by unexpected answers and unfamiliar concepts. The day we no longer have anything new to learn, that same day our physical life in this world will end...
Life is a continuous learning process...
The three weeks are divided into two parts: before Rosh Chidesh Av and after.
From the 17th of Tammuz to the 1st of Av, not inclusive, one does not wear or buy new clothes, does not hold parties, does not listen to music with instruments, and does not cut hair.
From the 1st of av, the following are added to the above: do not eat meat, do not drink wine, do not take a pleasure bath (if a bath is needed to remove dirt), do not cut your nails, do not make building modifications that generate joy (if necessary repairs are allowed), do not wash clothes.
If a person always bathes and cuts their nails before Shabbat, they can do so on the Shabbat before the 9th of Av.
I hope I've been clearer and more specific, and again, please ask, your question isn't a bother!
Greetings