Chabad.org
“When Av begins, we diminish [our] rejoicing” (Talmud, Taanit 26b).
On the 1st of Av, “The Three Weeks” mourning period over the destruction of the Holy Temple–which began 13 days earlier on Tammuz 17–enters an intensified stage.
During “The Nine Days” from Av 1st to the Ninth of Av, a heightened degree of mourning is observed, including abstention from meat and wine, music, bathing for pleasure, and other joyous and enjoyable activities. (The particular mourning customs vary from community to community, so consult a competent Halachic authority for details).
Consumption of meat and wine is permitted on Shabbat, or at a Seudat Mitzvah (obligatory festive meal celebrating the fulfillment of a mitzvah) such as a Bris (circumcision), or a “Siyum” celebrating the completion of a course of Torah study (i.e., a complete Talmudic tractate).
The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the custom of conducting or participating in a Siyum on each of the Nine Days (even if one does not avail oneself of the dispensation to eat meat).
Citing the verse (Isaiah 1:27) “Zion shall be redeemed with mishpat [Torah] and its returnees with Tzedakah,” the Rebbe urged that we increase in Torah study (particularly the study of the laws of the Holy Temple) and charity during this period.
Click here for a full guide of laws and customs according to Minhag Chabad compiled by Rabbi Shmuel Lesches of Melbourne, Australia.
for all future references to sefarim, please add a source for conveniance, thanks
Not true.
And it does NOT say that in Kitzur.
משיח right now
All these rules are very strong minhagim – but no more than that. There are no ‘it is forbidden/permitted’ edicts. it says so in the kitzur.
the nitei gavriel brings many sources……any washing done purely for hygeine is allowed. if someone is dirty he should wash in cool water (doesnt have to be freezing) and if he needs a little soap in the areas where he sweats he can. preferable not to wash entire body at once.
Can you really not take a shower??
Can I just point out that I constantly meet women who say…. ‘oh I’m not doing all my washing on erev rosh chosen, I wash during the nine days coz I have young kids’.
Even though you MAY wash in the nine days, please remember you MAY not do so lechatchila, only when you need to. I.e. you’ve run out of clothes.
So wash everything today, and when you run out… Then you MAY wash again.