Question:
I was told that although one may shower during the Nine Days when necessary for hygiene, the shower must be taken with cold water. Is this true? If I am sweaty or dirty and need to shower for cleanliness, may I use hot water, or only cold water?
Answer
From the letter of the law, if one is showering during the Nine Days for the sake of cleanliness—to remove sweat, dirt, odor, or the like—then he may shower even with hot water.
Nonetheless, since the purpose of the Nine Days is to diminish pleasure as part of the mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem, it is proper that the shower not be taken in the same pleasurable manner as throughout the year. Accordingly, while hot water is technically permitted for cleanliness, it is preferable to use warm water rather than a particularly hot and enjoyable shower.
Explanation
To properly understand this issue, it is important to recognize that per Ashkenazi custom the prohibition against bathing during the Nine Days applies to both hot and cold water. The custom of mourning is not limited to hot baths; rather, even bathing in cold water for pleasure is included in the restriction.
Likewise, the converse is true. When bathing is permitted, such as for the sake of cleanliness and hygiene, the allowance applies equally to both hot and cold water. Hence, from a strictly halachic perspective, there is no compelling reason to prohibit hot water when the purpose is simply to remove sweat and dirt.
Indeed, the Aruch Hashulchan explicitly rules that washing for cleanliness is permitted even in hot water. Accordingly, one who is sweaty, dirty, or otherwise in need of a shower for hygienic reasons may shower even with hot water.
At the same time, some Poskim, including the Shevet Halevi, write that one should preferably use cold water. Seemingly, the reasoning is not that hot water is inherently forbidden, but rather that even while utilizing the leniency for cleanliness, one should still attempt to preserve the spirit of mourning and avoid unnecessary pleasure.
This concept is reflected in other Nine Days leniencies as well. Whenever an activity is permitted due to a legitimate need, one should nevertheless try to minimize the pleasurable component and perform only what is necessary.
Accordingly, the best approach is a balanced one. One may shower when required for cleanliness and may even use hot water. However, in order not to completely negate the mourning practices of the Nine Days, it is proper that the water not be as hot as one normally enjoys, and that the shower be functional rather than luxurious. Thus, warm water is generally preferable to a long, relaxing hot shower.
It should also be noted that many Sephardic authorities are more lenient regarding bathing during this period. Indeed, many permit cold-water bathing even during periods when Ashkenazim refrain from bathing. Accordingly, Sephardic Rabbanim may be more inclined to permit bathing for purposes of cleanliness, particularly with cold water. Nonetheless, even according to those opinions, the underlying distinction remains the same: bathing for pleasure is restricted, while bathing for cleanliness is permitted.
Sources
- The prohibition of bathing during the Nine Days and its application to both hot and cold water: Michaber and Rama 551:16; Terumas Hadeshen 150; Maharil; Kaf Hachaim 551:186
- The widespread Ashkenazi custom to refrain from bathing beginning from Rosh Chodesh Av: Rama 551:16; Levush; Terumas Hadeshen 150; Kaf Hachaim 551:186
- The opinion that cold-water bathing is likewise included in the custom of abstaining from bathing: Rama 551:16; Maharil; Terumas Hadeshen 150
- The opinion that cold-water bathing remains permitted and the Sephardic custom to be lenient: Rambam Taaniyos 5:6; Ramban; Ran; Yabia Omer 5:41; Yechaveh Daas 1:38; Chazon Ovadia Arba Taaniyos p. 238; Yalkut Yosef 551:13-14
- The allowance to bathe for the sake of cleanliness, such as removing sweat and dirt: Admur 613:1 and 614:1; Magen Avraham 614:1; Elya Rabba 614:1; Mamar Mordechai 614:1; Mishnah Berurah 613:2; Aruch Hashulchan 551:37; Igros Moshe E.H. 4:84:4; Sheivet Haleivi 7:77; Shearim Hametzuyanim 122:12 [Perhaps this is the Mahadurah Basra]; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:48
- The ruling that bathing for cleanliness is permitted even in hot water: Aruch Hashulchan 551:37
- The opinion that one should limit the bathing to cold water: Shevet Halevi 7:77
- The compromise position permitting slightly warm water: Shearim Hametzuyanim Behalacha 122:12
- The ruling that one should not remain in the shower longer than necessary for cleanliness: Tosefes Chaim on Chayei Adam 133:37; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:48
- The permissibility of using soap and shampoo when bathing for hygienic purposes: Shalmas Chaim 4:19; Vayevarech David 74; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:48
- The suggestion that hygienic bathing should preferably be done privately: Vayevarech David 74; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:48