HALACHA OF THE WEEK: SHAVING DURING SEFIRAT HAOMER According to the Shulchan Aruch, there are two components to the observance of Sefirat HaOmer. The first is the actual counting of the Omer, something which should be done each night between Pesach and Shavuot.
However, the second component of Sefirat HaOmer, is the period of mourning that we observe during this time. While there are many different customs related to exact dates on which we must mourn, during this period, we have accepted the custom not to perform weddings, not to dance or play live or recorded music and not to get haircuts or shave.
Yet, on this final point, there is some debate among contemporary poskim, especially for men who shave on a daily basis.
According to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, if not shaving would lead to significant problems in the business environment, a person is allowed to shave during Sefira [Igrot Moshe Choshen Mishpat 1:93].
According to Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Braun, it is permitted to shave on Fridays in preparation for Shabbat [Shearim Ha Mitzuyanim B'halacha 120 note 5]. According to Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, since the level of mourning during Sefira is analogous to the mourning period following shloshim (i.e. "yud bet chodesh), and because the honor due to Shabbat takes precedence over the mourning of Sefira [Taanit 26b], therefore it is an obligation for those who regular shave, to shave for Shabbat during Sefira.
According to Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik and Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik, since a day-old beard for a person who shaves daily is considered unkempt, ("k'dei she'yigaaru bo chavereirav"), a person is allowed to shave every day of Sefira. [Nefesh HaRav p. 191].
MAZAL TOV *to Amiel & Dr. Channah Naiman on the birth of a grandson, Chaim Meir. Proud parents are Yossi & Jessica Naiman. Special mazal tov to the great-grandmother Mrs. Naomi Naiman.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * Hillel Shapiro who is recuperating at home. * to Ephraim Rimel and Itai Rimel * to Shifra Yehudis Orlian who is recuperating at home * to Irv and Lynne Shapiro who are recuperating at home * to Joe Samuels who is recuperating at home.
CLASSES @ KINS During the COVID-19 crisis, all of our shiurim will be online and can be accessed live at https://zoom.us/j/8618119980 or at https://www.congkins.org/video-shiurim.html Thank you to Matia and Tracy Schultz for sponsoring a virtual shiur this week in memory of their father, Harvey Schultz - Chaim Leib ben Yitzchak, z”l.
DAF YOMI – LIVE Mon.-Friday @ 7:30am; Sunday - TBA
3 MINUTE HALACHA – RECORDED Sunday-Friday
PARSHAT HASHAVUA with Ephraim Rimel-Fridays 9am
SEFER MELACHIM – LIVE Sunday @ 9:00am