DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 924 KB)
May One Purchase and Wear New Clothing During the Omer Period?

There is some discussion among the Halachic authorities regarding the recitation of the Beracha of "Shehehiyanu" during the period of Sefirat Ha’omer, until Lag Ba’omer. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869), in his work Mo’d Le’chol Hai (6:12), writes that one should not recite "Shehehiyanu" during the Omer period, and therefore one should not purchase a new garment during these weeks. Likewise, one should not eat a new fruit during this period, in order not to have to recite this Beracha. Others, however, disagree, and maintain that there is no prohibition against reciting the Beracha of "Shehehiyanu" during the Omer period. This is the position taken by Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Israel, 1923-1998), in his work Or Le’sion (vol. 3, 17:2).

As for the final Halachic ruling, Hacham Ovadia Yosef writes that strictly speaking, it is permissible to wear a new garment and eat a new fruit during the Omer period and recite "Shehehiyanu." Nevertheless, it is preferable to satisfy the strict view and ensure to wear new garments and eat new fruits only on Shabbat, when all authorities agree that one may recite "Shehehiyanu."

It should be noted that even according to the stringent view, it is entirely permissible during the Omer to purchase garments that do not require the recitation of "Shehehiyanu." These include garments such as pajamas, robes, socks and undergarments. Thus, even if one wishes to follow the stringent position, he may certainly purchase these items of clothing during the Sefira period. Likewise, it is permissible according to all opinions to wear new clothing and eat new fruits during Hol Ha’mo’ed Pesah and on Lag Ba’omer, as well as on Shabbat, as mentioned earlier.

If someone is getting married immediately after Lag Ba’omer, or on Lag Ba’omer (following the Ashkenazic practice to allow weddings on Lag Ba’omer), he may, according to all views, buy clothing for his wedding during the Sefira period. There is no reason to be stringent in this regard, as according to all opinions one may purchase clothing during the Omer period in preparation for his wedding.

Summary: It is preferable not to purchase or wear new clothing, or eat a new fruit, during the Sefira period, in order to avoid having to recite the Beracha of "Shehehiyanu." However, this does not apply on Shabbat, Hol Ha’mo’ed Pesah or Lag Ba’omer, or to garments that do not require reciting "Shehehiyanu" (such as socks and undergarments). Similarly, someone who is getting married on or immediately after Lag Ba’omer may purchase garments for the wedding during the Sefira period.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
If a Candle Falls on the Table During Shabbat
May One Ask a Non-Jew to Light the Shabbat Candles After Shabbat Has Started?
Using Olive Oil and Wax Candles for the Shabbat Candle Lighting
Making a Verbal Declaration When Preparing for Shabbat
Covering the Bread on the Table on Shabbat and Yom Tob
Must One Eat Bread at Seudah Shlishit?
Must the Halla be on the Table During Kiddush?
Adding Aliyot on Shabbat
The Requirement to Eat Bread at Se’uda Shelishit
Until When Can One Recite “Asher Natan Shabbatot Li’mnuha” in Lieu of “Reseh” in Birkat Ha’mazon?
Shabbat – Practicing Penmanship in the Air; Observing a Mechanic
Having Children Perform Melacha on Shabbat; Halachot of Children During the Nine Days and Hol Ha’mo’ed
Leniencies That Apply During Ben Ha’shemashot at the Beginning and End of Shabbat
Separating Pages in a Book That are Attached
Annulling Vows on Shabbat
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found