- Q. See question above. I have more work Shailos. What is the reason for this unusual, and little known work prohibition for women or men?
A. The primary reason Mishna Berura (ibid. 19) mentions, is that at that time we mourn the students of Rabbi Akiva who perished as a result of the plague which struck during this period, and were buried then.
Work is one of the prohibitions traditionally kept during mourning. He also quotes another reason mentioned in the Tur (ibid.) that since we count Sefira at that time, and the Torah mentions on this mitzva, the term “Sheva Shabosos” (Seven Weeks) and the term “Shevus” also means resting and avoiding work.
Other reasons given are, that it is also the season in which Hashem judges the world's annual grain supply, and thus, feelings of reverence and awe are in order. (Kaf Hachaim 493: 6).
Also mentioned is that the mourning traditions during this period are also intended to recall the Crusades which wreaked mayhem and destruction on the Jewish communities throughout Europe at this time.
Important Numbers
