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Shaving During Sefirat HaOmer Due to Discomfort or Embarrassment

Question

Is there any heter to shave during Sefirat HaOmer because not shaving is very uncomfortable and embarrassing?

Answer

That is not a heter. But also, I think it’s a good idea to adopt a feeling of pride in keeping our minhagim rather than feeling embarrassed.

Sources

The Shulchan Aruch records the custom not to cut one’s hair during the Omer. It allows only specific exceptions: when Lag BaOmer falls on Friday, it permits cutting in honor of Shabbat, and the Rema adds that one who is a ba’al brit or circumcising his son may cut his hair in honor of the milah. Discomfort or embarrassment is not listed among these exceptions, which fits the answer that this is not a heter.

  • Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 493:2 — the custom is not to cut hair during the Omer, with exceptions only for kavod Shabbat and, per the Rema, for a brit milah. No allowance is given for discomfort or embarrassment.

Author

Rabbi Shay Tahan

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