Mourning for the Miqdash – What, When and for How Long?

An array of extreme and halahically problematic Ashkenazi mourning customs during the period known as ‘The Three Weeks’ developed during the European galuth. Are we obliged to follow these customs today? Hazal did not enact a mourning period of three weeks – why not? The Gaon of Vilna, the Hakham Ssvi and the Ya’abess opposed the custom of not wearing Shabbath clothes on the Sabbath before 9 Av, even though this practice is quoted in the Shulhan ‘Arukh – this minhag has (thankfully) been dropped in Israel. Washing clothes and wearing laundered clothes during the week of 9 Av – have realities have changed?

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