עברית
Halachot and Customs
Vacation During the Nine Days When Time Is Limited
Question
Greetings,
I scheduled a trip to Eilat with my husband a week before the fast of Tisha B'Av and I did not notice, and I do not have the possibility to cancel/delay the trip due to the work schedules of both my husband and myself until it was approved, and I will also be charged an additional payment for canceling the vacation.
My question is whether it is permissible after all, and what should we avoid so that misfortunes will not befall us, nor upon all of Israel.
I am asking according to Ashkenazi customs.
Thank you
Answer
Greetings,
According to the letter of the law, it is permitted to take a vacation during the Nine Days, and indeed, it is preferable to avoid it whenever possible. However, in your case, there is no need to be stringent, and "ein danin efshar mi-she‘i efshar."
The custom of Ashkenazim is not to bathe even in cold water from Rosh Chodesh Av onward (Rama, Orach Chaim 551:16), and therefore, one should not enter a pool or the sea.
If you are staying in a hotel where linens are changed daily, it is advisable to request that they do not change your linens, except for the first time which is permitted (see Nechamat Yisrael, Chapter 19, Section 13).
Of course, one should be careful not to listen to music, not to eat meat, and not to drink wine, along with other customs of the Nine Days.
Sincerely,
Hillel Meirs
