Guide to the Three Weeks, the Nine Days & Tisha B'Av Summer 5786 / 2026

Comprehensive halachic guide prepared by Congregation Ohav Emeth with assistance from the Rabbinical Council of America covering mourning observances from 17 Tammuz (Thursday, July 2, 2026) through 9 Av (Thursday, July 23, 2026). Covers restrictions in three periods: (1) The Three Weeks (through Rosh Chodesh Av, Tuesday July 14): restrictions on weddings, music, haircutting, shaving, home beautification, and purchases requiring shehechiyanu. (2) The Nine Days (Rosh Chodesh Av through Tisha B'Av): intensified restrictions on home repairs, meat/wine consumption, new clothing, laundering, bathing, haircutting, nail cutting, pleasure trips, and business conduct. (3) Tisha B'Av itself (Thursday, July 23): fast begins 4:16 AM, concludes 9:09 PM. Guide includes detailed exceptions for Shabbat observance, medical/business necessity, smachot, and specific halachic positions (e.g., Rav Soloveitchik regarding shaving). Emphasizes consulting a rav for she'eilot and unusual circumstances.