[net.religion.jewish] Haircuts on Fri. May 18th

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