Fresh Vitality

It was practically a tradition in our home. When my father would see me or my brothers for the first time after we got a haircut, he would gently waft his hand through the back of our freshly cut hair and half “sing” a brief high-pitched somewhat purposely off-key ditty (it’s hard to describe). Even now my father will still perform his ritual when he sees me, or one of my sons, soon after we get a haircut. My sons are excited to see Zayde so he can perform the “haircut thing” after they get a haircut.

There’s something nice about getting a haircut. For a few days the person looks put together and fresh.

Personally, there’s an added benefit because I’ve been told that I look like I’ve lost weight after getting a haircut. “The haircut diet: You don’t need to change your eating habits or make any lifestyle changes. Just go to your local barber.” I could make a lot of money if I could market that.

As halacha forbids getting a haircut during the three weeks between Shiva Assar B’Tammuz and Tisha B’Av, many people get haircuts just before the fast of Shiva Assar B’Tammuz. Some feel that it is inappropriate for people to appear with a “fresh cut” (my children tell me that’s slang for a nice haircut) just prior to the period of mourning. Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, however, felt that the opposite is true. The fact that people are particular to get a haircut just before the Three weeks demonstrates that they are committed to keeping halacha. There can be no better reason to get a haircut.

The look of freshness is also true regarding a lawn. We have a neighbor in Monsey who doesn’t cut his grass much. In fact, the grass in his yard can grow up to a few inches before he finally mows it. But afterward his whole yard and the exterior of his house look so much nicer.

During the Three Weeks, as well as the period of Sefira, when all the simcha halls and religious barbers are on vacation, the laws of mourning include that we do not take haircuts or shave. Naturally that means that men’s hair and beards grow noticeably long and somewhat unkempt.

We also refrain from listening to music during this time. Music has a palpable effect on people and their deepest emotions. Music can evoke tears, smiles, and even a dance.

In the haftarah for Shabbos Chazon, Yeshaya HaNavi’s chief complaint against the nation is that their Judaism has lost feeling. They haven’t necessarily stopped fulfilling any of their responsibilities, but they do so in a dry unemotional manner. They performed mitzvos, brought korbanos, and davened when they had to, albeit without passion or feeling.

The laws of mourning help us maintain perspective. Part of the reason why the destruction and exile occurred was because their avodas Hashem lacked passion and excitement. The nation resorted to serving G-d out of rote, just to fulfill their responsibilities.

Our task is to be passionate and excited about the privilege we have to be part of the Torah nation, to perform mitzvos with youthful vigor and passion, and to never appear old and withered. Torah is compared to a song, for it dictates, and elevates, all the emotions we feel.

The restrictions of this period reflect our national and personal deficiencies. Ultimately, when our Divine service is performed in an orderly, fresh, and passionate manner we will no longer be bound by these restrictions. At that time, we will celebrate our newfound vivaciousness and passion with music, haircuts, and great celebration.