Jacob's Labor Highlights Torah's Value of Work Amid Ashkenazi Mourning Customs

The article explores the balance between the Jewish value of diligent work, exemplified by Jacob's twenty years of labor for Laban the Aramean, and the mourning customs observed during the Three Weeks leading to Tisha B'Av. It addresses two common questions: whether it is correct to teach children that Torah study should be full-time and work only if necessary, and how to explain Jacob's extensive work despite his spiritual stature. The response emphasizes that Jacob's hard work, despite Laban's deceit, demonstrates the great value of honest labor, which even great Torah figures engaged in. Jacob's integrity and diligence ultimately led to his prosperity and divine protection.

The article stresses the Torah obligation to teach children a trade alongside Torah study, citing rabbinic sources that equate failure to teach a profession with preparing a child for a life of theft due to lack of livelihood means. While Torah study is ideal, most people must learn a profession to support their families, a duty rooted in biblical and rabbinic texts.

Regarding mourning customs, the article details Ashkenazi and some Sephardi traditions forbidding haircuts and laundry during the week of Tisha B'Av and, for many, throughout the entire Three Weeks. Exceptions include trimming mustaches that interfere with eating, medical reasons, and certain cases for women. The article discusses differing rabbinic opinions on shaving for those accustomed to regular shaving, with some permitting it before Shabbat to avoid entering the day with unkempt hair.

Finally, the article answers a question about holding aerobic exercise classes during the Three Weeks, permitting them if the music is rhythmic without singing, to avoid creating an atmosphere of joy inappropriate for the mourning period.