Q. Someone who has to deal with government property tax revue issues, should he avoid doing so during the three weeks?
A. On question 19 regarding signing the waver of conditions or contracting a mortgage during the three weeks or nine days, we wrote: "Shulchan Oruch (O.C. 551:2) rules that on the nine days we restrain from engaging on constructions that bring enjoyment. Mishna Berurah (ibid 7) quotes Magen Avrohom that this includes any construction that is not essential for normal living purposes, but is done for superfluous and gratuitous utility. Mekor Hachaim (ibid.) and Devar Yehoshua (2:73) permit the construction of structures for commerce or rental intent.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlita opinion is that signing a waver of conditions or signing a mortgage for commercial purposes is permitted even during the nine days. For residential necessity, it would be permitted only in compelling circumstances where one can not wait until after Tisha Beav."
The Rov's opinion is that in general, when dealing with issues that may present some degree of danger or loss, they should be avoided during the three weeks. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit'a added that during the three weeks we avoid items that incur in sakana or danger, however, after Tisha Beav we are more concerned with reiya mazleih or our mazal being inferior and unfortunate. See questions 1406 and 1801 on the different opinions until when it extends.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
