Cutting Nails on Friday When the Thirtieth Day Falls on Shabbat
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Question
If the thirtieth day of mourning falls on Shabbat, is it permitted to cut nails on Friday, the twenty-ninth day of mourning?
Answer
One should not cut nails before part of the thirtieth day has passed, but if the thirtieth day falls on Shabbat, one who is lenient and cuts has a basis to rely on.
Source
The Rema writes in Siman T, Seif B: "If the thirtieth day of mourning falls on Shabbat and the twenty-ninth on Friday, it is permitted to bathe on Friday, even in places where it is customary not to bathe for all thirty days, since by law it is permitted after seven days, but it is customary to be stringent for all thirty. In such a case, it is permitted out of respect for Shabbat." From his wording, it implies that only bathing is permitted, not haircuts. The Dagul Mervavah also writes that haircuts, which are prohibited by law for thirty days, are prohibited on Friday.
The Pitchei Teshuva writes there, Seif K, "Abet"Sh of Rabbi Maharit Z"L regarding shaving and see in the response of my great-grandfather (PMA, part 2, SS 149) where he writes that for those who prohibit shaving, it is also prohibited to cut nails with a knife, and he ruled so. See in the response of Teshuat Chen, Siman 33, where he elaborates on this and concludes that one who is not troubled by it can rely and be lenient for the honor of Shabbat, even in shaving, see there." In the commentary of the Gra "If" it implies that his opinion is that even cutting nails is permitted, and all mourning laws are permitted. The Maharil also writes so. Therefore, although the ruling is to prohibit, nevertheless, one who is lenient should not be protested against.
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