עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it Permissible to Swim in a Pool During the Nine Days?
Question
Hello, I swim during the year as part of maintaining my health and physical fitness. I would like to know if it is acceptable for me to continue swimming during the Nine Days? I am from a Sephardic background. Thank you.
Answer
Hello,
For Sephardim, it is permitted to swim in a pool during the Nine Days (of course, not on Tisha B'Av).
Sources: The custom of Sephardim allows bathing in cold water during the Nine Days, even during the week that Tisha B'Av occurs. Therefore, it is permitted to swim in the sea or pool during these days, as explained in responsa Yabia Omer, part 5 (Orach Chaim, end of section 41) and in responsa Yechave Da'at, part 1 (section 30).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
