4. Days on which one cannot cut hair:[1]

Thursday:[2] Unlike the cutting of nails, there is no issue with getting a haircut on Thursday, and hence if the third birthday falls on Thursday, then the haircut is to take place on this day.[3]

Sunday:[4] Some are accustomed to push up the haircut to Erev Shabbos in the event that the birthday falls on Sunday, being that Sunday is a day of celebration for Christians. [Practically, the Chabad custom is to never push off the haircut, and hence it is to be performed on Sunday. Alternatively, it can be performed on Motzei Shabbos, as explained in the previous Halacha that the haircut may take place the night before.]

Friday – Erev Shabbos:[5] If the birthday falls on a Friday, then the haircut is to take place on Friday or Thursday night. It may take place even after midday.[6] However, some are accustomed to do so prior to midday.[7]

Shabbos:[8] If the child’s third birthday falls on Shabbos then the Upsherinish is to take place the next day that hair cutting is permitted, which is on Sunday [unless Sunday is a day in which haircutting is forbidden, such as Rosh Chodesh, or Yom Tov, in which case it is pushed off until the next permissible day].

Yom Tov:[9] If the child’s third birthday falls on Yom Tov, then the Upsherinish is to take place the next day that cutting hair is permitted. Thus, if it falls on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, last days of Sukkos, Shavuos, then it is to take place on the day after Yom Tov [i.e. Tzom Gedalia, G-d’s Numin, Issru Chag of Sukkos and Shavuos]. If the birthday falls on the first days of Yom Tov of Sukkos, then different customs exist regarding whether the ceremony and haircut is pushed off until Isru Chag or takes place on the first day of Chol Hamoed, as explained next. If the birthday falls on the Yom Tov of Pesach, whether on the first day or last day, then it is pushed off until Lag Baomer, as explained next.

Erev Yom Tov: If the birthday falls on Erev Yom Tov, then the haircut is to take place on that day, or night before. It may take place even after midday. However, some are accustomed to do so prior to midday, as explained above regarding Erev Shabbos. 

Erev Pesach:[10] If the birthday falls on Erev Pesach, then the haircut is to take place on that day, or night before.[11] Initially it should take place prior to midday, although may take place even after if one did not have the time.[12]

Chol Hamoed Sukkos:[13] If the child was born on Chol Hamoed Sukkos, it is permitted to hold the Upsherinish on that day, on Chol Hamoed, [and so is the Sephardic custom[14]].[15] [In fact, some Poskim[16] rule that even if the child was born before Yom Tov, one may even initially delay the Upsherinish until Chol Hamoed in order to increase the joy and festivity and doing so is even a Mitzvah. However, the Rebbe negated any delay, as brought above in Halacha 2.] Nonetheless, despite the above letter of the law allowance, many are accustomed to delay the haircut until after Chol Hamoed.[17] [There is no definite Chabad  custom in this matter, and Rabbanim of Anash differ in their ruling on the matter.[18] Certainly, one who chooses to have it on the day of the birthday which falls on Chol Hamoed has upon whom to rely.]

Chol Hamoed Pesach:[19] If the child was born on Chol Hamoed Pesach, the haircut is to be delayed until Lag Baomer.[20]

Rosh Chodesh:[21] A boy who was born on Rosh Chodesh is not to have his Upsherinish haircut take place on his third birthday on Rosh Chodesh, but rather immediately after Rosh Chodesh.[22] [If Rosh Chodesh is two days, then the Upsherin is to take place after the second day of Rosh Chodesh, which is the 2nd day of the next month, even if he was born on the first day of Rosh Chodesh. It is likewise not to take place on the first day of Rosh Chodesh, which is the 30th day of the previous month.[23]]

Sefira period – Between Pesach and Lag Baomer:[24] A child who was born between Pesach and Lag BaOmer is to have his Upsherinish on Lag BaOmer.[25] [See Q&A regarding night versus day and Motzei Lag Baomer!] Even a boy of Sephardic lineage may have his Upsherinish on Lag Baomer and is not required to delay it until the 34th day of the Omer, and so is the custom.[26]

Sefira period – Between Lag Baomer and Shavuos:[27] If the child was born between Lag BaOmer and Shavuos then the Upsherinish is to take place on Erev Shavuos.[28] It is not to be preceded to Lag BaOmer.[29] In the event that Erev Shavuos that year falls on Shabbos, then the haircut ceremony is to take place on Friday, Erev Shabbos, unless the child was born on Erev Shavuos, in which case it is a take place on Isru Chag in such years that Erev Shavuos falls on Shabbos.[30]

Bein Hametzarim – The three weeks:[31] A child who was born during the three weeks between the 17th of Tamuz and Tishe Beav is to delay the Upsherinish until after the three weeks [i.e. after Tishe Beav].[32] It is to take place on the 10th of Menachem Av, after midday.[33] In the event that the 10th of Av falls on Erev Shabbos, then one may perform the haircut starting from the morning of the 10th, and one is not required to wait until after midday.[34]

Fast day:[35] If a child was born on a fast day, it is permitted to make the Upsherinish on that day [or the night prior to the fast, and so is to be done as per the directive of the Rebbe to not precede or delay the date unnecessarily]. However, some write that it is better to delay it to a day of joy and not do so on a sad day, such as a fast day.

Chanukah:[36] If the birthday falls on Chanukah then it is to take place as usual, although not within a half hour prior to lighting candles, and not until one lights the Chanukah candles. It is certainly not to take place at a time that will prevent others from lighting on time.

Purim:[37] If the child was born on Purim then the haircutting ceremony is to take place as usual on Purim, either at night after the Megillah reading, or by day after the Megillah reading.

Q&A on Lag Baomer May an Upsherinish child have his haircut on the night of Lag BaOmer?[38] Yes.[39]   May one cut the hair for an Upsherinish on Motzei Lag BaOmer? No. Some Poskim[40] however rule that if one began cutting the hair on Lag BaOmer and some hair was left then it may be cut on Motzei Lag Baomer.

Following the other Chinuch customs from the day of the birthday:[41] The Rebbe Rayatz in a letter records a number of practices that one should begin to educate the child starting from three years old.[42] This applies even if the actual haircutting ceremony had to be delayed past the birthday, such as in a case that the child was born on a day that haircuts are not allowed, nevertheless, the other customs of Chinuch should be begun immediately on the third birthday, and not delayed until the Upsherinish.[43] Thus, all other customs relating to the Upsherinish, such as wearing a Yarmulke and Tzitzis, saying morning blessings and the nighttime Shema, should already begin from when the child turns three years old.[44]

_________________________________________

[1] Shevach Habris 2; Nitei Gavriel 10:1

[2] Admur 260:1 and Kuntrus Achron 260:1; Kaf Hachaim 260:15; Nitei Gavriel 12:5

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that hair also begins growing back on the 3^rd day as do nails, and one is to thus avoid cutting them on Thursday. [Taz 260:1; Nitei Gavriel 12:5 that so is custom of some]

[3] The reason: There is no custom against cutting the hair on Thursday, as there is with nails, being that hair grows back the same day as it is cut. [Kuntrus Achron 260:1]

[4] Nitei Gavriel 10:2

[5] Nitei Gavriel 10:3

[6] Aruch Hashulchan 251:3; Alef Lamagen 581:108; See Admur 251:4

[7] Custom of the Arizal brought in M”A 251:5; Shaar Hamitzvos Parshas Kedoshim; Lechem Min Hashamayim p. 25; Nagid Umitzvah 2:113; Shulchan Aruch Harizal Tosefes Shabbos 11; Gr”a brought in Aruch Hashulchan 251:3; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 128:15; Mateh Efraim 581:50; Mateh Efraim 625:11 “It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar…”; Alef Lamagen 581:108 “Is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar”; Kaf Hachaim 260:13; 581:80 [proper to be stringent]

[8] Shevach Habris 2:1; Nitei Gavriel 10:1 footnote 2

Other customs: Some are accustomed to push up the haircut to Erev Shabbos in the event that the birthday falls on Shabbos. [Shefa Chaim 5:355; Nitei Gavriel 10:1; Shevet Halevi 8:206; Nitei Gavriel 10:1 footnote 1]

Sunday: Some are accustomed to push up the haircut to Erev Shabbos in the event that the birthday falls on Sunday, being that Sunday is a day of celebration for Christians. [Nitei Gavriel 10:2]

Erev Shabbos: If the birthday falls on a Friday, then the haircut is a take place on Friday. However, some are accustomed to do so prior to midday. [Nitei Gavriel 10:3]

[9] Igros Kodesh 22:311, printed in Likkutei Sichos 14:387, regarding if the birthday falls on Rosh Hashanah, to do it after Rosh Hashana, in close approximation to it, and not beforehand; See Letters of Rebbe in Shulchan Menachem 5:90; See Nitei Gavriel 10:1; Shevach Habris 2:1

[10] Nitei Gavriel 11:6

[11] Igros Kodesh 22:132

[12] The reason: As even during Chol Hamoed itself it is permitted from the letter of the law to give a child who is below the age of Chinuch a haircut, and hence certainly a haircut may be given on Erev Pesach after Chatzos, which is less severe than Chol Hamoed. [See Admur 468:1-2 and 6 regarding nails]

[13] See Nitei Gavriel 10:6; Shevach Habris 2:3

[14] Sefer Bein Pesach Lishavuos 19:11

[15] Michaber 531:6 that one may give a haircut to a child on Chol Hamoed [However, see M”A 531:8; Elya Raba 531:6; M”B 531:15 that this allowance only applies if the hair of the child is disturbing him]; Ginas Veradim Gan Hamelech 62; Devar Moshe 1:45; Nechpa Bakesef 2:7; Mizbeiach Adama p. 7; Shulchan Gavoa 531:13; Beir Heiytiv 531; Shaareiy Teshuvah 531:7; Kaf Hachaim 531:30; Afrasakta Deanya 161; Implication of Igros Kodesh 8:289; Shevach Habris 2:3 that so he heard from Rav Groner and ruled Rav Dworkin

The reason: As there is no obligation to give a child a haircut prior to the Moed, as he is not Bar Mitzvah. [M”A 531:8; Taz 531:6]

[16] Ginas Veradim Gan Hamelech 62; Devar Moshe 1:45; Nechpa Bakesef 2:7; Mizbeiach Adama p. 7; Shulchan Gavoa 531:13; Beir Heiytiv 531; Shaareiy Teshuvah 531:7; Peulas Tzadik 3:248; Kaf Hachaim 531:30

[17] Rav Yekusiel Farkash that he has not seen anyone do so on Chol HaMoed, not amongst Anash, or other sects; Nitei Gavriel ibid

Preceding the haircut to Erev Yom Tov: Some are accustomed to preceding the haircut to Erev Yom Tov in the event that the child was born on Chol Hamoed. [Nitei Gavriel ibid]

[18] See Igros Kodesh 8:289 and 9:4; Shevach Habris 2:3 footnote 3 in name of Rav Groner that the Rebbe would instruct children who were born on Chol Hamoed to have their haircut take place then, on Chol Hamoed. And in name of a member of Anash who says that Rav Z.S. Dworkin ruled to him similarly to have a haircut take place on Chol Hamoed Sukkos; Likewise, Rav Yeruslavski has ruled to cut the hair during Chol Hamoed; However, Rav Farkash states that he has not seen anyone do so on Chol HaMoed, not amongst Anash, or other sects, and since this is the custom, it should therefore be respected.

[19] See Igros Kodesh 8:289; 9:4; Shevach Habris 2:4 footnote 4 that so is Minhag Anash

[20] The reason: As the period of Sefira and mourning, in which we avoid haircuts, begins from the second day of Pesach. [Shiyurei Kneses Hagedola 493:9 and Kaf Hachaim 493:25 regarding haircuts that those who follow the mourning period from after Pesach, may not get a haircut even on Chol Hamoed or Rosh Chodesh Iyar even if they are permitted to do so from the laws of Chol Hamoed; See also P”M 493 M”Z 2 and Kaf Hachaim 493:9 regarding music that it is forbidden on Chol Hamoed;]

[21] Igros Kodesh 18:191 “In my opinion, it is to be done immediately after Rosh Chodesh”; 22:372 [printed in Shulchan Menachem 2:202]; Kapos Temarim 14 [on the Sefer Shivim Temarim]; Shevach Habris 2:2; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 68:7; Nitei Gavriel 11:1-5 and footnote 1 in name of Satmar Rebbe and Rav SZ”A

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that the Upsherinish haircut may take place on Rosh Chodesh itself, as one who guards a Mitzvah will know no evil. [Maharam Brisk 2:99; See also Igros Kodesh ibid for an initial argument of allowance] Others write it should take place on Erev Rosh Chodesh. [Nitei Gavriel ibid]

[22] The reason: As one may not cut the hair of his head on Rosh Chodesh. [Admur 260:1; M”A 260:1; Tzavas Rav Yehudah Hachasid 48; Olas Shabbos 260:1; Beir Heiytiv 260:2; Kneses Hagedola 260; Elya Raba 260:8; See Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 68:6-11] Now, although it is possible to argue that a mere trim is not defined as the term Giluach which is what is restricted in Tzavas Rav Yehudah Hachasid, and it is likewise possible to argue that it is not apply to a mitzvah haircut, which is the entire function of the Upsherinish, nonetheless, since the restriction is due to a worry of danger [Admur ibid; Olas Shabbos 260:1; Beir Heiytiv ibid; See Likkutei Sichos 13:264] and the haircut is not an actual mitzvah, therefore, it is best to avoid doing so [Igros Kodesh 18:191] in order to escape the question of danger, and every delays is for the best. [Igros Kodesh 22:372]

[23] Setimas Kol Haposkim that the restriction applies to both days; Piskeiy Teshuvos 260:10 footnote 95

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule it is permitted to cut nails on the first day of Rosh Chodesh. [Yad Efraim in Kuntrus Achron of Sefer Chassidim 56, in name of Darkei Tehsuvah; Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 68:9] Accordingly, some suggest that the Upsherin may take place on the first day of Rosh Chodesh. [Nitei Gavriel 11:5]

[24] Custom of Arizal who took his child to three year old son to Meron and gave him a haircut on Lag Baomer [Peri Eitz Chaim 22:7; Shaar Hakavanos 86; Minchas Elazar 4:44]; Igros Kodesh 8:289, 330; 9:4; 9:58; Likkutei Sichos 7:349; 27:334; Shevach Habris 2:4; Nitei Gavriel 12:1 footnote 1 and 5

Letter of the law: From the letter of the law, a child may have his Upsherinish on any day during Sefira. However, the custom is to have it delayed until Lag BaOmer. [Igros Kodesh 8:289, 330, and 9:4, based on Shaarey Teshuvah 531, that if permitted on Chol Hamoed then certainly during Sefira]

Other opinions: Some are accustomed to give the child his Upsherinish on any day during Sefira on which he was born. [Nitei Gavriel 12:1 footnote 2] Others do it on Erev Pesach if it falls in the month of Nissan. [Nitei Gavriel 12:1 footnote 3]

[25] The reason: In my opinion, despite the letter of the law allowance to perform the haircut during Sefira, it is better to wait until Lag Baomer to do so, especially being that the custom in Eretz Yisrael is to cut the child hair on this day. [Igros Kodesh 8:289 and 9:4] Now, although the Arizal would not get a haircut even on Lag Baomer, nevertheless, this only applies to adults and to people who are greatly righteous, and not to a child, to which on the contrary, the Arizal specifically gave his son a haircut on Lag Baomer. [See Peri Eitz Chaim 22:7; Shaar Hakavanos 86; Minchas Elazar 4:44; Likkutei Sichos 27:334]

[26] Or Letziyon 3:17-3; Nitei Gavriel 12:7 footnote 18

Other opinions: Some Sephardic communities are accustomed not to have the Upsherinish take place on Lag Baomer, and rather wait until the 34^th day of the Omer. [Masa Meron and Yalkut Tisporet; Nitei Gavriel 12:7 footnote 17] This follows the Sephardic custom to follow the mourning customs until the 34^th day. [Michaber 493:2; Peri Chadash 493:1; Mamar Mordechai 493:3; Kaf Hachaim 493:25; Yabia Omer 3:26; Minchas Yitzchak 4:84 that so is the Sephardic custom]

[27] Shevach Habris 2:4; See Nitei Gavriel 12:8 and footnote 20

[28] Igros Kodesh 12:441; Igeres Shifrin of Munktach 297

[29] Igros Kodesh 11:60; Piskeiy Teshuvos 493 footnote 99 based on Arugas Habosem 210 that one is not to precede the haircut to the 3^rd birthday.

Other customs: Some write that one may precede the haircuts of all children to Lag Baomer if their 3^rd birthday falls within three months of Lag Baomer. [Hilula Derashbi based on a directive of his teacher the Minchas Elazar, brought in Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid]

[30] See Moreh Baetzba 8:221; Minchas Elazar 3:65; Kaf Hachaim 493:13; Shevach Habris footnote 6; Shevach Hamoadim p. 235 footnote 10 in name of Rav Shmuel Levitin that so was the custom in Lubavitch; Koveitz Rav Zalman Shimon p. 61; Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 290

[31] Shevach Habris 2:5; Nitei Gavriel 13:1

[32] Shivim Temarim 14 [From letter of law is permitted, but nest is to differ until after]; Igros Kodesh 18:361; 24:355 [Do after Tisha B’av]; Shevach Habris 2:5 [Do on 10^th after midday]; Mishnas Yaakov 551 in name of Satmar Rebbe; Chanoch Lanaar 21:22; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:44 footnote 231 that so is the custom; Shevach Habris 2:5 footnote 7 that so is the custom of Anash; Nitei Gavriel 13:1 footnote 1

The reason: As it is forbidden for an adult to cut a child’s hair the week before Tishe Beav, just like an adult, as public mourning applies to children for Chinuch purposes. [Michaber 551:14; Terumos Hadeshen 152; M”A 551:38] This applies even if the child is below the age of Chinuch. [Chayeh Adam 133:18; Ben Ish Chaiy Devarim 6; Shaar Hatziyon 551:91; Aruch Hashulchan 551:31; Kaf Hachaim 551:173]

Letter of law: Some Poskim rule it is permitted to give a child a haircut up until the week of Tisha B’av. [Chayeh Adam 133:18, brought in M”B 551:82 and Kaf Hachaim 551:175] According to this opinion, it is permitted to have an Upsherinish up until the week of Tishe Beav. [Toras Yekusiel 1:2; Nitei Gavriel 13:1 footnote 2] However, some Poskim rule that the restriction to children applies throughout the three weeks, just as we rule for Ashkenazi adults. [Elya Raba 551:31; Levush 551:14] Nonetheless, even according to this opinion, one can argue that it is permitted to cut the child’s hair for the sake of the mitzvah of the Upsherinish, even in the week of Tisha b’Av, as cutting the hair for the sake of a mitzvah is permitted during the three weeks. [See Rama 551:2-3 and 16; Shivim Temarim 14] Nonetheless, being that it is permitted for one to delay the haircutting ceremony [as stated in Gan Hamelech 62], it is implied that it is not a strong enough level of a mitzvah to permit cutting a during the three weeks, and hence practically the haircut should be delayed until after Tisha b’Av. [Shivim Temarim 14]

Other customs: Some Poskim rule one may even initially perform the Upsherinish if the child turn three years old up until; the week of Tisha B’av. [Toras Yekusiel 1:2; Nitei Gavriel 13:1 footnote 2; Nitei Gavriel 8:14 in name of Tzanzer Rebbe; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:44]

[33] Shevach Habris ibid; Nitei Gavriel 13:2

The reason: As since the Heichal was set afire on the 9th towards evening, and it burnt until sunset of the 10th, it is therefore a good custom to avoid eating meat and drinking wine [as well as to guard all the mourning customs of the nine days] on the night and day of the 10th of Menachem Av, until midday. [See Michaber and Rama 558:1; Tur 558; M”A 558:1 regarding music; M”A ibid and Bach 558 and Taz 558 in name of Rashal 92 regarding bathing, haircuts, and laundry; Levush 559:10; Elya Raba 559:31; Machazik Bracha 558:1; M”B 558:3; 551:37; Kaf Hachaim 551:76; 558:6; Piskeiy Teshuvos 558:2 based on Mekor Chaim of Chavos Yair includes all matters kept during the nine days.]

Other Opinions: Some Poskim rule that only meat and wine are forbidden. [Bach 558 and Taz 558:1 in name of Minhagim of Tirana; Mamar Mordechai, brought in Biur Halacha 558 “Ad”] See also Michaber 551:4 “It is permitted for one to get a haircut and do laundry immediately after the conclusion of the fast [of Tishe Beav].”

[34] See M”A 558:1; Elya Raba 559:31; Sheilas Yaavetz 1:106, brought in Shaareiy Teshuvah 558:2; Derech Hachaim 4; P”M 558 A”A 1; Kitzur SHU”A 124:20; Aruch Hashulchan 558:2; Ashel Avraham Butchach 558; Moeid Lekol Chaiy 10; M”B 558:3; Kaf Hachaim 558:6; Piskeiy Teshuvos 558:4; Nitei Gavriel 88-89; 13:3; Beis Aba 7; Shevach Habris ibid

[35] See Nitei Gavriel 10:7

[36] Nitei Gavriel 10:4

[37] Nitei Gavriel 10:5

[38] Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 12:3

[39] The reason: This is based on our custom above to not recite Tachanun beginning from Erev Lag BaOmer; Furthermore, from the letter of the law a child may have an Upsherinish any time during Sefira, and it is only based on Kabala that we delay it until Lag BaOmer. [See Igros Kodesh 9:58] There is hence no reason to require delaying it until morning. Nevertheless, many are accustomed to only do so after sunrise. 

[40] Piskeiy Teshuvos 493:11 footnote 82; Regarding this allowance on Chol Hamoed see: Kapei Aaron 51; Chol Hamoed Kihilchaso 3:6 [p.122]; Piskeiy Teshuvos 531:2; Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 12:4 [and that by Meron one may cut the hair even on Motzei Lag Baomer]; See P”M 531 A”A 12; See regarding Aveilus Michaber Y.D. 390:2

[41] Shevach Habris 3:4

[42] Igros Kodesh Rayatz 2:438; Brought in Hayom Yom 4^th Iyar; Sefer Haminhagim p. 87; Igros Kodesh 5:21

[43] Likkutei Sichos 33:297

[44] Igros Kodesh 24:355