Q&A: Going Out During the Nine Days
Going Out During the Nine Days
Question
Hello Rabbi, I have a brother (formerly religious) who is finishing his degree during the Nine Days (Tuesday), and he wants us to go out and celebrate. The issue, in principle, is that it’s the Nine Days, but I wanted to know whether, since he isn’t available to celebrate after the Nine Days, this is considered a case of significant loss.
And in general, how should I conduct myself? It’s really very important to him.
Answer
What does “celebrate” mean? If it involves doing something forbidden, then it should not be done. Precisely because he is formerly religious and not just ordinarily secular, he ought to understand that from your standpoint this is forbidden; and just as you are supposed to take him into consideration, he is supposed to take you into consideration. He isn’t available after the Nine Days, and you aren’t available now. The demand for consideration is supposed to be mutual.
Discussion on Answer
There is no prohibition in most of these things. The custom is to minimize joyful activities. Going out for drinks (not wine) is technically permitted, as long as it’s not a revelers’ party. Skydiving is permitted, aside from the danger, since they wrote that once this period begins one should be careful about dangerous activities (personally, I don’t really believe in that).
What counts as a revelers’ party?
There are no sharp definitions here. It’s a gathering where people celebrate or are merry. Even just a social get-together of friends (when there are several people; in my estimation, two would not be included) is considered that.
Is it permitted to go on a trip? To go out, sit somewhere, and drink? Is skydiving permitted?