Sefirat Ha'omer: Haircuts

Hi, Is it ok to get a haircut between Pesach and Rosh Chodesh? Thank you!

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

As you seem to be aware, the days between Pesach and Shavuot have a mournful flavor to them. The reason for this mourning is to recall Rabbi Akiva’s 24,000 students who died during the time period due to a plague of some sort. We are told that the plague and punishment was because they did not show proper respect for one another.

Additional meaning has been given to the Sefirat Ha’omer period, such as to recall the many Jews who were murdered during the Crusades, much of which took place during this period as well.

Among the more common acts of mourning during this period is a ban on weddings, a ban on listening to music, and as you note, a ban on haircuts and shaving, among others.

It is unclear as to which days during the Omer period the students died which has resulted in different customs on when to observe the mourning period.
According to one opinion, Rabbi Akiva’s students died for the first 34 days of the start of the Sefira period, namely, from the second day of Pesach. According to this approach, the mourning restrictions are lifted on the morning of the 34th day of the Omer. This is the predominant custom of the Sefardim.

According to another opinion, Rabbi Akiva’s students died during the first 33 days of the Omer. According to this approach, the mourning restrictions are lifted on the morning of the 33rd day of the Omer, a holiday known as “Lag Ba’omer.” This is the predominant Ashkenazi custom.

As such, according to both opinions, one may not have a haircut between Pesach and Rosh Chodesh. While there are other customs as well, one should follow one’s family’s custom.

Yevamot 62b

Shulchan Aruch, OC 493 with Mishna Berura

Biur Halacha 493:1

Azamra L'ishmecha, Hilchot Pesach/Sefirat Ha'omer