The national mourning period (bayn ham'tzarim) beginning with the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz and concluding with Tisha b'Av is marked by the observance of a series of progressively intensified mourning practices. All these regulations, characteristically restrictive in nature are designed to spark reflection and introspection about one's life as a Jew: past, present and future.

What follows is a list of those restrictions arranged as they intensify from one period to the next. Whatever is restricted in an earlier period is surely proscribed as the season comes closer to Tisha b'Av.

During The Entire Three Week Period:

(a) No haircuts are taken even by children

(b) Weddings are not scheduled nor attended. In recent times, this has become a problem in certain families due to the insensitivities of the celebrants of the simcha to the mourning practices prevailing during this season. Unknowingly, such naivete has also been abetted by spiritual leaders who don't see the contemporary need for such practices. Every Torah observant individual should stand firm and refuse to attend any wedding scheduled at this time.

(c) No parties are held with dancing or live music.

(d) Garments which when worn for the first time require saying Shehecheyanu (e.g. coats, suits) are not purchased. Similarly, a new fruit in season which requires the same Shehecheyanu to be said is not eaten. However, many suspend this restriction on Shabbat. Consult a rabbi if you are in doubt as to how to act.

(e) One who shaves daily and who would be at a severe disadvantage in his business by not doing so, may under such circumstances continue to shave until the Nine Days or even until the Erev Shabbat before Tisha b'Av.

(f) Entertainment is curtailed. Recreation or recreational diversion need not be curtailed until the week before Tisha b'Av. Of course, one person's entertainment may be another person's diversion. If you doubt as to where to draw the line, please consult.

The Nine Days From Rosh Chodesh Av

(a) All forms of festive gatherings are suspended except for a simcha associated with a Bris or a Pidyon haBen.

(b) It is customary to defer any litigations with non-Jews until after Tisha b'Av. Some push off such matters until the next month of Elul.

(c) Luxury items (e.g. cars, things of precious metals, jewelry, clothing and accessories) are not purchased since these are a source of joy and comfort to a person.

(d) Home decorating is suspended. This does not include essential and emergency building repairs.

(e) Meat, poultry and wine are not eaten except on Shabbat (even when Tisha b'Av falls on Shabbat and is postponed to Sunday) or at a bris, Pidyon haBen or a Siyum.

(f) Cleaning or washing of clothing is suspended except in the cases of diapers, children's clothing which become very dirty and are needed to be worn, or necessary undergarments.

(g) New clothing is neither purchased, sewn nor altered. Shoes are not purchased except for non-leather footwear that can be worn on Tisha b'Av and which are needed specifically for that purpose.

(h) Weaving, knitting, and needlepoint are customarily suspended.

(i) Recreational swimming is not allowed. Washing when a person is dirty or profusely sweating is permitted. If a quick dip in the lake is the only way available to cleanse oneself, this, too, can be permissible. The rule of thumb is that recreational bathing or swimming is restricted is restricted. Cleanliness is at no time proscribed.

The Week During Which Tisha b'Av Occurs

(a) On the Motza'ay Shabbat before Tisha b'Av wine is not used for havdalah; substitute beer. If nothing else but wine or grape juice are available to you, a child may drink that wine or grape juice. Should this option not be available, the wine may be drunk by the person making Havdalah.

(b) Garments which were permitted to be washed during the first portion of the Nine Days should now be left unlaundered until after Tisha b'Av.

(c) Anyone celebrating a Siyum should limit the number of participants to close relatives and intimate friends for a total of barely a Minyan.