More reasons why Sefirah & I don't get along
Writes Rabbi Ari Enkin in this post, “The entire issue regarding whether or not music is permitted during Sefira derives from the Magen Avraham who writes that one may not dance during Sefira.” (For the curious, the Magen Avraham lived during the 1600's.)
I'm a veteran Israeli folk dancer (and my husband is, if anything, even more of a hard-core folk dancer). For us, dancing is not only recreational, it's also our favorite (and just about only) form of regular exercise. So we consider dancing not just fun, but also vital to our health. Going seven whole weeks without dancing . . . well, to put it in polite terms, it's not going to happen.
And another thing: I asked my husband to shave off his mustache as a tenth anniversary present to me--I hated getting scratched while kissing. Now, because of Sefirah, he's supposed to go unshaven for weeks on end? Not on my watch!
Apparently, I'm not the only "unhappy camper"--my favorite comment to Rabbi Enkin's post is this one:
- misunderstood on May 3, 2011 at 9:21 am
I love how there is a footnote for everything in the article except for this statement:
“While all authorities agree that it is forbidden to enjoy live music during Sefira”
For my previous objections to the illogical semi-mourning practices of Sefirah, see here.
posted by Shira Salamone at 10:16 AM
4 Comments:
I read the Hirhurim post and immediately assumed that if dancing was for exercise, such as in your case, it would be permitted. I don't think this would be any different than the reasoning which permits swimming during the three weeks for instructional swim, as opposed to "bathing" (and we know how frequently we all bathe in the lake at camp) or recreation.
Which reminds me of an old joke about a groom, a rabbi, and a lesson on mixed dancing, but its not ready for prime time.
With respect to the not shaving, I believe there are a number of leniencies to permit it, including parnassah purposes. As a bearded person, I look like I'm strictly observing whether I am or am not.
My suspicion is that exercise might be a decent excuse for dancing during Sefirah, but as for the parnassah/livelihood excuse for shaving, my husband will lose that excuse once he retires. Then *both* of us will have to decide just how observant we want to be.
Who said he must retire? Even if he gives up his teaching gig, there's no reason to stop practicing. He can still travel to his tax clients. And maybe get new ones in the new neighborhood. Work less, yes. Retire, no. And if he's still working, he can decide that his parnassah requires him to shave.
As I'm thinking about it, my current beard started out as a s'firah beard. 27 years ago.
My husband's retiring because he wants to--he's spent roughly 40 years working full-time as an accountant and running a tax and accounting practice on the side, and he's had enough. Among other things, he wants to have more time to study.
Post a Comment
<< Home