עברית
Holidays
Is it permitted to get a haircut on the eve of Simchat Torah?
Question
Festive greetings! I wanted to ask if, despite the prohibition against shaving and haircuts during Chol Hamoed, it is possible to do so in advance of the upcoming holiday of Simchat Torah? Thank you in advance and have a joyous holiday!
Answer
Festive greetings,
It is forbidden to shave or get a haircut even on the eve of Simchat Torah.
Sources: See Berachot Yosef (Orach Chaim 668) and the comments of the Chatam Sofer on the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim (there) that it is also forbidden to shave or get a haircut on the eve of the last Yom Tov. The Chatam Sofer also discusses this in his responsa (Orach Chaim 144, s.v. 'and behold in the prophets').
Blessings,
Hillel Meirs
