THE NINE DAYS
The period commencing with Rosh Chodesh Av, which begins Tuesday evening, July 18th, through the 9th of Av, Thursday, July 27th, is called the ‘Nine Days.’ During this time, a stricter level of mourning is observed than that of the Three Week period of Bein HaMetzarim, in accordance with the Talmudic dictum: "When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy." (BT Taanit 26)
ASPECTS OF MOURNING DURING THE NINE DAYS
1. It is customary to refrain from eating meat (including poultry) or wine. These foods are symbolic of the Temple service, and eating them is generally considered an expression of celebration and joy. On Shabbat, meat and wine are permitted. This applies also to any other seudat mitzvah -- for example, at a Brit Milah, Simchat Bat, or at the completion of a tractate of Talmud.
2. It is customary to limit bathing to the purpose of daily hygiene. Therefore, one should continue to bathe but in a manner that is somewhat less enjoyable. Those taking swim lessons or who swim for medical reasons may continue to do so.
3. It is customary to wait on purchasing any items that bring great joy. However, one may buy things if they will be difficult to find after the 9th of Av, or even if they will be more expensive later, but if possible should wait to use/wear them until after this period. Purchases necessary for one's livelihood are also permitted.
4. It is customary to postpone beginning home improvements, or the planting of trees and flowers, until after the 9th of Av, as it would seem inconsistent to focus upon our home decor as we mourn the destruction of God’s house.
5. If one has the option, it is preferable to refrain from wearing newly laundered exterior garments (except on Shabbat). If the "freshness" has been taken out of a garment prior to the Nine Days (by having worn it for even a few moments), it may be worn. Some suggest before the Nine Days to start to put on for a few moments any exterior garments you wish to wear in the coming days. EXCEPTION: The clothing of small children, which gets soiled frequently, may be laundered & worn during the Nine Days.
The aspects of mourning of the three weeks remain in effect during the nine days as well.
THE THREE WEEKS
The 17th of Tammuz, commemorating the fall of Jerusalem prior to the destruction of the Temple, marks the beginning of a 3-week national period of mourning culminating with the 9th of Av. Our rabbis referred to the time period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av as ‘Bein Hametzarim,’ between the straits, based on the verse: "All her oppressors have overtaken her within the straits" (Lamentations 1:3). On Shabbat during the Three Weeks, the Haftarot focus upon the Temple's destruction and the exile of the Jewish people.
ASPECTS OF MOURNING DURING THE THREE WEEKS
1. It is customary to refrain from getting married. (However, one may get engaged.)
2. It is customary to avoid public celebrations -- especially those which involve singing, dancing and musical accompaniment.
3. It is customary to abstain from listening to live music. However, if you make your living as a musician or teacher, or if you are a student practicing, but not performing this does not apply. Recorded music is a debate among contemporary opinions.
4. It is customary to refrain from actions that would require the recital of the blessing Shehechiyanu, i.e. on new food or clothes, except on Shabbat.
5. It is customary to hold off on getting haircuts or shaving. A person who usually shaves daily and would suffer business or financial loss by not shaving, may continue do so.
