Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Three Weeks of Mourning - No Shehechiyanu

Hi,

Sunday's fast day, the 17th of Tammuz, begins a three-week Jewish national period of mourning for the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem, as well as numerous other nation-wide tragedies, such as the Chmielnitzki massacres, the Crusades, and the Holocaust. This period culminates with the fast of Tisha b'Av, the ninth of Av.

During this period of mourning, it is appropriate to avoid the kind of joyous situation which generates the Shehechiyanu blessing. This includes eating a fruit which just came into season, and acquiring new clothes which generate joy (as opposed to socks and undergarments, for example).

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 551:17; Mishneh Berurah 551:98-99)

Have a good day,
Mordechai

3 comments:

  1. Any regulations on fasting and long driving?

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  2. Hi Ilanadavita,

    Good question - and especially relevant when the fast is a summertime Sunday.

    Driving to reach a specific destination (as opposed to a pleasure drive), if one is able to maintain solemnity during the drive, appears to be all right. See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 568:12.

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