From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Monday 30th Nissan 5785]

May one move houses during Sefira?

Some[1] write that one should abstain from moving during the period of Sefira.[2] Accordingly, if one must move during this time, it is best to do so on Rosh Chodesh or on Lag BaOmer.[3] Others[4] however rule that no restrictions exist at all regarding moving during Sefira and it may be thus done on any day. [Practically, it is best to be stringent when viable, and so was the Rebbes advise to move before Pesach[5], or at the very least move the furniture and belongings into the house before Pesach.[6] However, in a time of need, one may be lenient to move anytime during Sefira.]

[1] Avneiy Tzedek Yoreh Deah 44; Beis Mordechai 30; Poskim in Piskeiy Teshuvos 493:1 footnote 1 and Nitei Gavriel 55:5 footnote 10

[2] The reason: As moving houses involves joy, as can be seen from the custom of Chanukas Habayis, and [according to some] of making Shehechiyanu. [ibid]

[3] Avnei Tzedek ibid; Alternatively, one can place Mezuzos on the door of the house prior to Pesach and then move in whenever he desires. [Beis Mordechai ibid]

[4] Yechaveh Daas 3:30, Tzitz Eliezer 11:41; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid footnote 6; Nitei Gavriel ibid footnote 9

[5] Shulchan Menachem 6:238 in name of copy of Maaneh; However, see there footnote 16 that the Rebbe gave a blessing to Rav Tzinner to move during Sefira and that it should be Behatzlacha and Mishaneh Mikomo Mishaneh Mazalo

[6] Igros Kodesh 10:408;

What is the source for the statement “Mishaneh Mekomo Mishaneh Mazalo,” that when a person moves homes his Mazal changes?

Although there is no explicit source for this exact phrase, nonetheless, the phrase is based on the Talmud[1] which states that a change of living location can effect change in his life.

[1] Bava Metzia 75b “Debish Lei Behaiy Masa Velo Asa Lemasa Acharisa”; R”H 16b; Yerushalmi Shabbos 6:9; Sefer Hashashuim 2:19; Maharsha on Bava Metzia ibid; Chidushei Chasam Sofer on Bava Metzia ibid