Daily Halacha - Laws of Bein HaMetzarim, 9th of Tammuz 5777

During Bein HaMetzarim (the Three Weeks), is one permitted to recite the Shehecheyanu blessing upon seeing a dear friend after thirty days?

One should not recite the Shehecheyanu blessing on new clothing or a new fruit, but for a dear friend whom one sees after thirty days, one recites the blessing as usual. On Shabbat, one may be lenient and recite "Shehecheyanu" even on new fruits and clothes.

Is it permitted to listen to music through a tape player during the Three Weeks?

One should not listen to music during the Three Weeks, even through a tape player or similar device [Yalkut Yosef Siman 551, Chazon Ovadia Taaniyot, p. 151].

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