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>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. When <em>Rosh Chodesh Av</em> occurs on <em>Erev</em> Shabbos, as it does this year, are there any restrictions on taking a shower?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. During the Nine Days, a person may not shower or bathe (Rama OC 551:16) but may wash his hands, feet and face with cold water (Mishna Berura ibid. 94) without soap or shampoo (Magen Avraham ibid. 41).</p>
<p>In warm climates, where one tends to perspire, some <em>poskim</em> allow a brief shower in cold or lukewarm water, and when necessary soap may be used as well (See Piskei Teshuvos 551:48 and Moadei Yeshurun p. 132:14 and p. 156:80).</p>
<p>This year we have two <em>Arvei Shabbosos</em> during the Nine Days. The first occurs on
<em>Rosh Chodesh Av</em> and the second is the one which falls on <em>Erev Tisha B’Av</em>. On the first Erev Shabbos, for one who always honors the Shabbos by bathing on
<em>Erev</em> Shabbos, the <em>mitzvah</em> of <em>kovod</em> Shabbos overrides the restrictions of the Nine Days and one may wash his whole body in hot water (Mishna Berura551:89) and use soap (see Dirshu MB, Beurim 551:104 in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman
Aurbach,<em> zt”l</em>) even when not required for hygienic purposes.</p>
<p>On the second Friday, <em>Erev </em>Shabbos <em>Chazon</em>, one may wash hands, face and feet with hot water. Nowadays, since people shower daily, Rav Moshe Feinstein,<em>zt”l</em> allowed bathing the entire body as well (Moadei Yeshurun p. 133:21 and Kitzur
Hilchos Bein HaMitzorim p. 13:7).</p>
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Professor Yitzchok Levine<br>
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