The Laws of the Mourning of the Omer
1. The Talmud (Yevamos 62b) records that for a period of 33 days during the Omer, Twenty-Four thousand students of the great Rabbi Akiva died. There was established, therefore, a time of mourning during this period every year.
2. There are differing customs as to when the 33 days of mourning take effect:
- 2nd day of Passover until the 33rd day of the Omer
- new month of ‘Iyar’ until the holiday of Shavuos
- some even mourn for the entire period
One should consult your Rabbi in determining which custom to follow (even if one needs to change their custom too)
3. It is prohibited for a Jew to get married, but getting engaged and having a party is allowed, provided there’s no music
4. Dancing, even for a significant occasion or celebration, is prohibited.
5. Haircuts and shaving are prohibited during this period. However, many authorities permit shaving if necessary for professional purposes. Consult your Rabbi to determine the applicability of this restriction. (women may shave their legs)
6. One should not listen to instrumental music – live or recorded. Singing without instruments is allowed.
7. One is allowed to buy new garments or new fruits and recite a Shehechiyanu blessing during the Omer period.
1. The Talmud (Yevamos 62b) records that for a period of 33 days during the Omer, Twenty-Four thousand students of the great Rabbi Akiva died. There was established, therefore, a time of mourning during this period every year.
2. There are differing customs as to when the 33 days of mourning take effect:
- 2nd day of Passover until the 33rd day of the Omer
- new month of ‘Iyar’ until the holiday of Shavuos
- some even mourn for the entire period
One should consult your Rabbi in determining which custom to follow (even if one needs to change their custom too)
3. It is prohibited for a Jew to get married, but getting engaged and having a party is allowed, provided there’s no music
4. Dancing, even for a significant occasion or celebration, is prohibited.
5. Haircuts and shaving are prohibited during this period. However, many authorities permit shaving if necessary for professional purposes. Consult your Rabbi to determine the applicability of this restriction. (women may shave their legs)
6. One should not listen to instrumental music – live or recorded. Singing without instruments is allowed.
7. One is allowed to buy new garments or new fruits and recite a Shehechiyanu blessing during the Omer period.
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