11. Eating prior to the Pidyon Haben:[1]

Letter of law: Some Poskim[2] rule that the father of the newborn is forbidden to eat a meal on the day of the Pidyon, as is the law regarding any other time-dependent Mitzvah. However, the mother of the newborn is permitted to eat as normal.[3] Other Poskim[4] argue on all the above and rule that there was never a prohibition decreed against eating a meal prior to doing the Pidyon. Practically, the custom of many is at the very least not to eat a meal prior to the Pidyon.[5] However, to eat a snack prior to the Pidyon is permitted according to all opinions.

Custom and act of piety: Despite the above letter of the law allowance [to eat a snack and according to many even a meal], it was customary of the original Chassidim [in times of Rishonim] to fast on the day of any Mitzvah which comes on occasion until the actual Mitzvah is performed.[6] Accordingly, some are accustomed for the father of the newborn to fast until after the Pidyon.[7]

Kohen: According to all, the Kohen does not need to fast on the day of the Bris. Nonetheless, if the Kohen desires to do so due to Chivuv Mitzvah, then he may.

1. Melacha prior to the Pidyon Haben:[8]

Some Poskim[9] rule that the father of the newborn is forbidden to perform Melacha [i.e. haircut, bathing, etc[10]] on the day Pidyon until the Pidyon takes place, as is the law regarding any other time-dependent Mitzvah. However, the mother of the newborn is permitted to perform Melacha as normal prior to the Pidyon.[11] Other Poskim[12] argue on all the above and rule that there was never a prohibition decreed against doing Melacha prior to doing the Pidyon.

Kohen: According to all, a Kohen may perform Melacha on the day of the Pidyon.

1. Haircut:[13]

There is no record in the Poskim for the father of the child or Kohen to get a haircut in honor of the Pidyon Haben. Nonetheless, being that it is considered a Yom Tov for the father and Kohen[14], therefore, seemingly there is reason for doing so.

Sefiras Haomer:[15] Seemingly. the father of the newborn may not get a haircut on behalf of the Pidyon Haben during the period of Sefira, just as we rule regarding the three weeks.

Three weeks and nine days:[16] The father of the newborn may not get a haircut on behalf of the Pidyon Haben during the period of the three weeks.

1. Tachanun:[17]

Tachanun is recited on the day of a Pidyon Haben, including by the father of the newborn. It is recited even in the presence of the newborn and even by the Mincha prayer that takes place by the Pidyon Haben ceremony. However, some[18] communities are accustomed not to say Tachanun by Mincha [or even Shacharis[19]] of the Pidyon Haben, just as they hold regarding a Bar Mitzvah.[20] The Chabad custom is to recite Tachanun on the day of the Bar Mitzvah even by the venue of the Bar Mitzvah[21], and the same would apply to the Pidyon Haben.

[1] See Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 8:3; See Pesakim Uteshuvos 262:6 footnotes 39-43

[2] So rule regarding a Bris and the same would apply to Pidyon Haben: Nachlas Tzevi 262:1; Daas Torah of Maharsham 262; Peri Hasadeh 3:75; Poskim in Pesakim Uteshuvos 262:6 footnote 39

[3] Nachlas Tzevi ibid

[4] So rule regarding a Bris and the same would apply to Pidyon Haben: Maharam Shick O.C. 287; Yad Shaul 265; Pesakim Uteshuvos 262:6 footnote 41

[5] Birurei Halachos 48:8

[6] Rokeiach 353

[7] Mamar Mordechai O.C. 468:1; Daas Torah of Maharsham 262 in name of Besamim Rosh 74; See Pesakim Uteshuvos 262:6 footnote 41 and 43

[8] See Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 8:3; See Pesakim Uteshuvos 262:6 footnotes 39-43

[9] So rule regarding a Bris and the same would apply to Pidyon Haben: See Nachlas Tzevi 262:1; Daas Torah of Maharsham 262; Peri Hasadeh 3:75; Poskim in Pesakim Uteshuvos 262:6 footnote 39 and 44

[10] See Michaber 232:2

[11] Nachlas Tzevi ibid

[12] So rule regarding a Bris and the same would apply to Pidyon Haben: Maharam Shick O.C. 287; Yad Shaul 265; Pesakim Uteshuvos 262:6 footnote 41

[13] See Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 9:11

[14] See M”B 559:38; Elya Raba 559 in name of Malbushei Yom Tov; See Shaar Hatziyon 559:41

[15] See Chasam Sofer O.C. 1:158; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:6 footnote 42; See Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 9:11 for three opinions on this subject regarding the Baalei Bris and that the same applies to a Pidyon Haben as he explains in footnote 57; However, see Chasam Sofer ibid who explicitly negates this comparison.

[16] Chasam Sofer O.C. 1:158; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:6 footnote 42; See Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 9:11 for three opinions on this subject regarding the Baalei Bris and that the same applies to a Pidyon Haben as he explains in footnote 57; However, see Chasam Sofer ibid who explicitly negates this comparison.

[17] Minchas Yitzchak 8:11; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 131 footnote 140; Pidyon Haben Kehilchaso 8 footnote 17

[18] Peri Yeshurun on Tanya Rabasi 2:13; Minchas Yitzchak ibid that so is custom of some communities; Halichos Shlomo

[19] Peri Yeshurun ibid

[20] Custom of Egyptian Jewry, brought in Nehar Mitzrayim, Ketzos Hashulchan 24 footnote 19; Yabia Omer 1/27; 4/14; Yechaveh Daas 2/15; Yaskil Avdi 2/15; Mishpitei Uziel 11; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 131/24 footnote 141

[21] Igros Kodesh 25:169 that so is the custom of Israel; Az Nidbaru 11/40; See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid

Chassidic custom: Some Chassidic communities do not recite Tachanun on the day of the Bar Mitzvah. [Darkei Chaim Veshalom 192]