1) Some people have the custom not to wear new clothing during Sefirah. This custom has no real source in Halacha, and most likely developed from a misapplied comparison to the prohibition of wearing new clothing during the 3 weeks. (See Shu"t Yabia Omer Vol. 3 Siman 26)
If one does indeed have this custom in his/her family for many generations, they should abide by it. However, if this isn't the custom in your family, new clothing may be worn. (See Sefer Bain Pesach L'Shavuos Chapter 16 footnote 1 near the end what he quotes from the Yosef Ometz Siman 845 and 848 to explain why certain communities had this custom, and why it doesn't apply to everyone)
2) Even those whose custom it is not to wear new clothing during Sefirah may purchase new clothing during Sefirah to be worn afterward.
Additionally those who avoid wearing new clothing only avoid significant articles of clothing (such as a suit or dress and the like) but not other articles (such as socks, undergarments, shirts etc.).
Also, dressing children in new clothing is treated more leniently even by those who themselves avoid new clothing. (See Shu"t Vayevarech Dovid Siman 59. See also Leket Yosher page 98 regarding shoes)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) It is permitted to move into a newly rented apartment during Sefirah.
Although not halachically prohibited, there are those that refrain from moving into a newly built/bought home that they own, as this leads to excessive Simcha.
However, those who are not stringent with this this have on whom to rely.
2) If some significant items (such as furniture) are moved into the home prior to Sefirah, then according to everyone there is no issue of moving into the home during Sefirah, as the initial Simcha of the new home has passed. (See Shu"t Yechaveh Da'as Vol. 3 Siman 30 and Sefer Hilchos Chag B'Chag, Pesach, page 58 in the name of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Shlita and Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita)
One who moves into a new home may celebrate a "Chanukas Habayis" during Sefirah.
It is best to speak words of Torah at this celebration to render it a Seudas Mitzvah.
Singing is also allowed at this Seudah, but not music. (Psak of Rav Ovadia Yoseph Shlita)
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Tam V'Nishlam. Shevach L'Keil HaGoel Osanu B'Meheira!
This brings us to the end of our review of Hilchos Chodesh Nisan/Pesach/Sefiras HaOmer. If you have any questions , please do not hesitate to email me and I will attempt to answer them as best I can.
Starting next week B'Ezras Hashem we will resume our journey into the study of the 39 Melachos of Shabbos.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO HALACHAFORTODAY@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU AND תזכו למצות!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk Corner
"In the olden days, in pre-war Shtetl life they had nothing...and lacked nothing.
Today we have everything...and complain that we have nothing.
The truth is,the one thing that they had in those days that we sorely lack today is a real connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
Important Numbers
