3357ah@hou2h.UUCP (A.HEUMAN) (05/18/84)
Here is an interesting Halacha that applies during Sefira every few years. As you know, to remember the tragic deaths of Rabbi Akiva's students during the time of Sefirah(Pesach to Shavuot) we don't have weddings and we don't take haircuts during this time. The 33rd day of the Sefirah has special significance. Two traditions exist. Either on that day no students died or from that day on the students stopped dying. Thus there are two customs(at least). One custom allows the taking of haircuts on Lag Baomer, the other removes the haircut restriction starting after Lag Baomer. In any event a special Halacha exists when Lag(33rd day) Baomer falls on a Sunday! Rabbi Moshe Isserlis(RAMAH), a commentary incorporated into the body of the Shulchan Aruch tells us that when Lag Baomer falls on Sunday - it is customary to take a haircut on the previous Friday to honor Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom and Happy Bows and Arrows. Azriel