Question:
My facial hair grows very fast, and as a result it can also get extremely itchy and uncomfortable. Can I shave during the 9 days? Especially this year since Tisha Bav is pushed off to Sunday?
Answer:
Hi,
The Ashkenazi custom is not to shave during the three weeks, which includes the nine days. Although growing the stubble is not comfortable, it is worth the inconvenience. The Ritva (Taanis 30b) writes that there will be two resurrections of the dead, the main one, which will be after the period of Moshiach. Additionally, those who keep the laws of mourning for the Bais Hamikdash properly will merit that even if they die before moshiach comes, they will merit to be resurrected during the period of Moshiach after the Bais Hamikdash is built, in order to merit seeing the Bais Hamikdash when “alive”. Therefore, even if the laws are inconvenient, (which is really the whole point of these laws, that we should show sorrow and that we are pained by the loss of the Bais Hamikdash) it will be well worth your effort and pain.
May we all merit seeing the Bais Hamikdash rebuilt in the near future, and in our lifetime.
