Q. Can one create a new web site during the 3 weeks? It is not a business need, which I assume would be permitted, but a family one. We use it to keep our large and extended family, now living in different countries in contact and virtually together as we share news and also divre Torah. Since the children are on vacation and they have time, they created a totally new, very attractive and beautiful site. Can we begin using it during the 9 days?
Since it is almost a virtual second home for us, is there an inyan to place a zecher lechurban on it?
A. On question 191 in regards to acquiring a new computer during the three weeks, we wrote; Betzel Hachochmo (4:55) and other Poiskim permit even during the nine days, buying utensils that are needed for business or housework, despite their being expensive, such as a washing machine or an air conditioner (see Nitei Gavriel – Bein Hametzorim 1:30:2). Since it is uncommon to recite Shechecheyanu for a laptop, Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a permits buying it, if needed during the three weeks."
However the buying of expensive items of import, should be avoided during this period (Pri Megodim 551: 7, Aruch Hashulchan ibid 20, Nitei Gavriel ibid.). See similar answer in regards to buying a Seadoo during this period.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the fresh use of the newly created website, although not prohibited, should be preferably be left until after the three weeks, since for this particular family it is a source of great joy and pleasure.
The Rov added that great care, safeguards and restrictions should constantly be employed when using the internet, as it may became not only a "zecher lechurban," but a churban in itself.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
