Question:
We recently moved into a new home and have been buying small appliances and home decorations to have. They do bring us joy to have our home be coming together. Should we avoid buying these things during the 3 weeks? Should we avoid using/hanging/installing our purchases?
Answer:
Things that are needed are permitted, however decorations should preferably be avoided according to some poskim during the three weeks. The issue is not the purchasing of them, but hanging them up and beautifying the home, because of the joy that it gives.
Sources:
Eliyahu Rabba 551-4 quoting Maharil, that there is an inyan to minimize joy during the three weeks. also see Kovetz M’bais Levi (Bein Hametzarim) pg. 8, The Three Weeks pg. 47, Kovetz Halachos (Bein Hametzarim) 5-18. Others poskim don’t bring this issue at all and hold that issue is not with having joy, but only that one shouldn’t say shehecheyanu during this period, they do not say that there is an issue with having joy during the three weeks. See M:B 551- 12, 45, Kovetz Halachos ibid ftnt. 22, R’ Y. Berkowitz shlit”a.
