This
Halacha was developed from multiple transcriptions of Rabbi Eli Mansour's
lectures in the "Beki'im BaHalacha" series. The original audio recordings for
this Halacha were delivered on the following dates and can be accessed here:
06-24-25 Audio File; 06-25-25 Audio File; 06-26-25 Audio File; 06-29-25 Audio File
The Three Weeks, spanning from Shiba Asar BeTammuz
(the 17th of Tammuz) through Tisha B'Av, is a time designated for
national mourning over the tragedies that befell Am Yisrael throughout
history—most notably the destruction of both Bateh Mikdash. Our Sages
instituted a number of customs and halachot during this period to reduce our
joy and help us internalize the gravity of the losses.
While the Nine Days and week of Tisha B'Av
carry stricter restrictions, even from the start of the Three Weeks, there are
behaviors and activities that should be avoided due to their association with
excessive joy, lightheartedness, or distraction from mourning.
Entertainment and Recreational Outings
The Rambam writes (Hilchot Ta'aniyot 5:1) that the proper
response to communal suffering is to reflect and act—not to carry on with
business as usual. For this reason, it is customary to avoid outings and
events that are designed purely for fun or celebration. This includes:
- Attending
concerts, comedy shows, musical performances, or theater productions
- Going
to amusement parks, carnivals, bowling alleys, or arcades
- Group
activities or trips organized for entertainment and leisure
- Recreational
barbecues, parties, or similar festive gatherings
The She'elat Ya'abets and Ben Ish Hai (Parashat
Devarim) both emphasize avoiding such joyous outings during this period.
Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe, O.C. vol. 3, siman 87) also addressed
recreational gatherings and ruled that they should be avoided even when music
is not involved.
Sports and Physical Activity
Recreational sports are another category of concern.
While physical activity for health is permitted, engaging in sports for
fun—especially if competitive and emotionally charged—should be avoided.
- Casual
jogging or gym workouts for health reasons are permitted.
- Joining
in competitive team sports, tournaments, or pickup games, especially those
that attract crowds or bring heightened excitement, are discouraged.
- Swimming
for fitness may be permitted during the Three Weeks, but not during the
Nine Days.
The Mishna Berura (O.C. 551:16) cites that joyous
activity should be limited even during the early part of the Three Weeks,
especially when it mimics festivity. Poskim such as Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky
extend this to include sporting events with celebratory atmospheres.
Shopping for Enjoyment
During the Three Weeks, one should refrain from shopping
for enjoyment, even if no Beracha Shehechiyanu would be required. This
includes:
- Buying
new clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, or electronics
- Making
home décor upgrades or indulging in hobby-related purchases
- Shopping
sprees or window-shopping done for leisure
Essential purchases (like school supplies or items urgently
needed) are permitted. If one finds a limited-time deal or discount that
will not be available later, they may buy the item during the Three Weeks but should
wait to use it until afterward, if possible. This is ruled by Rav Moshe
Feinstein and others (Iggerot Moshe, O.C. vol. 3, siman 80).
Travel and Leisure Trips
The Three Weeks are also considered a time of danger
(see Shulchan Aruch O.C. 551:18), and for this reason, many refrain from
leisure travel or long road trips. Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Da'at 1:37) writes
that unless there is a real need, vacation trips should be postponed
until after Tisha B'Av. This includes:
- Cruises,
resort stays, or beach vacations
- National
parks or nature sightseeing trips
- Visiting
distant relatives for enjoyment rather than necessity
However, if the travel is required for business, medical
needs, family obligations, or other pressing reasons, it is permitted—though
one should still avoid turning it into a joyous excursion.
Maintaining the Right Tone
Some mistakenly believe that the Three Weeks require sadness
or depression. On the contrary, the Torah teaches that a Jew must always serve
Hashem with joy (Devarim 28:47). But during periods of national mourning, the tone
of that joy must be subdued and introspective. The Gemara in Ta'anit 30b
teaches, "Mi'shenichnas Av, mema'atin b'simha"—as the month of Av
begins, we reduce our joy. We do not eliminate joy, but we avoid external
expressions of frivolity and celebration.
This balance is echoed by the Aruch HaShulchan (O.C.
551:23), who writes that one's behavior during these days should reflect a
seriousness and awareness of our national losses, even if one continues to
smile, work, and engage with others normally.
Summary
During the Three Weeks, one should avoid:
- Concerts,
shows, amusement parks, and festive outings
- Competitive
or recreational sports done for fun
- Unnecessary
shopping for non-essential or luxury items
- Travel
taken for leisure or vacation
- Parties
and gatherings unrelated to Misvot
This helps us remain focused on the deeper meaning of this
period—a time to reflect, mourn, and yearn for the rebuilding of the Bet
HaMikdash.
