Is it permissible to go to the pool during the Nine Days?
- ו' אב התשע"ה
a question
Is it permissible to go to the pool during the Nine Days for enjoyment? If not, is it allowed for health reasons? Thank you.
Answer
Hello,
According to the Sephardi custom, it is permitted to go to the pool during the Nine Days, even in the week during which Tisha B'Av occurs. However, according to the Ashkenazi custom, one should not enter the pool during the Nine Days unless it is necessary for medical reasons; however, for additional health benefits, it is prohibited.
Sources: Sephardi custom permits bathing in cold water during the Nine Days, even in the week of Tisha B'Av; therefore, entering the pool during these days is allowed, as explained in Yabia Omer, part 5 (Orach Chayim, end of siman 41), Yechaveh Da'at, part 1 (siman 38), and Chazon Ovadia on the Four Fasts (page 238).
However, the Ashkenazi custom is not to bathe even in cold water from Rosh Chodesh Av onwards, as mentioned by the Rema in Orach Chayim (siman 551, se'if 16). Therefore, they should not enter the pool during the Nine Days.
Regarding permission for medical necessity - this is based on the Mishnah Berurah (there, se'if katan 88). It is written in the book 'Ashrei HaIsh', part 3 (chapter 69, se'if 40) in the name of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv z"l that if it is only for additional health, it is prohibited. See also in 'Orchot Rabbeinu', part 2 (page 129, siman 12).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
According to the Sephardi custom, it is permitted to go to the pool during the Nine Days, even in the week during which Tisha B'Av occurs. However, according to the Ashkenazi custom, one should not enter the pool during the Nine Days unless it is necessary for medical reasons; however, for additional health benefits, it is prohibited.
Sources: Sephardi custom permits bathing in cold water during the Nine Days, even in the week of Tisha B'Av; therefore, entering the pool during these days is allowed, as explained in Yabia Omer, part 5 (Orach Chayim, end of siman 41), Yechaveh Da'at, part 1 (siman 38), and Chazon Ovadia on the Four Fasts (page 238).
However, the Ashkenazi custom is not to bathe even in cold water from Rosh Chodesh Av onwards, as mentioned by the Rema in Orach Chayim (siman 551, se'if 16). Therefore, they should not enter the pool during the Nine Days.
Regarding permission for medical necessity - this is based on the Mishnah Berurah (there, se'if katan 88). It is written in the book 'Ashrei HaIsh', part 3 (chapter 69, se'if 40) in the name of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv z"l that if it is only for additional health, it is prohibited. See also in 'Orchot Rabbeinu', part 2 (page 129, siman 12).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
