The Three Leniencies of Tammuz

Rav Moshe Katz, Av Beis Din of Nitra, related that in the year Rav Yoel became Rav of Újhely, he gave his first derashah during the month of Tammuz, in the Three Weeks. He addressed his new community with great fire. People say, he told them, that he is a man of stringencies who never rules leniently. This year, he announced, he would be lenient, and he would now permit three things that Chazal forbade.

From Rosh Chodesh Av until Tisha B'Av, Chazal forbade eating meat, wearing new clothes and taking haircuts. Rav Yoel said he would allow each of these in a particular case.

First, meat. Anyone who could not afford, or could not obtain, Cholov Yisroel products could eat kosher meat in place of them. Better meat, even in the Three Weeks, than milk and butter or cheese made by non-Jews, which are strictly forbidden.

Second, new clothes. Women whose clothing was immodest or too short were permitted to go out and buy clothing that is properly long and modest. It is far better that they wear new garments during these weeks than keep wearing clothing that breaks the Torah's standards of tznius.

Third, haircuts. Women who went with their hair uncovered were permitted to cut their hair, even in the Three Weeks, so that they could cover it properly according to Das Moshe veYisroel.

His words made a deep and lasting impression.