Shower in the nine days

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asked 3 years ago

What is the Rabbi’s opinion on the current halakha regarding showering during the nine days? Hot water? Lukewarm or cold? Is all pleasure from a shower forbidden (apart from the need to cleanse) or is only a bath/sauna forbidden?
From the words of the poskim, we see that hygiene in their day was very shallow. They all remind us that ‘if one is accustomed to bathing every Sabbath eve, then he is also permitted to bathe in the name of a vision’… Perhaps nowadays the whole issue of showering is fundamentally different and there is no need to make an effort to change from the usual way?
Thank you very much!!!

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מיכי Staff answered 3 years ago

What is necessary for cleanliness. Washing for pleasure only was prohibited. Because there is a gray area, they are careful to make some change, but there is really no point in changing it. It is clear that today we are Istanis, and washing is more important to us than before, and that is perfectly fine. Halacha recognizes Istanis from the beginning. Although we should discuss here the ruling on immersing oneself in a spring of hot water, which is prohibited if enjoyment of it is excluded (R.H. 28:1), it seems to me that this is not the issue here. We are not talking about a desire that is prohibited in enjoyment, but rather a prohibition of action. And from the perspective of reason, it seems to me that if there is no other spring, it seems to me that it would be permissible to immerse oneself in it (not impossible and not intentional).

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י.ד. replied 3 years ago

Is this also true for washing and wearing clean clothes?

מיכי Staff replied 3 years ago

It is accepted that when washing, the act itself is also forbidden, since they also forbade washing for the days after. But there is common sense, and if you don't have normal clothes to wear, then wash something and wear it. Like with little clothes.

חיים replied 3 years ago

I know someone who bathes every evening

Shabbat

Blessings

Month of Adar

B’.

So he probably won't bathe during the nine days…