Q. My husband grows a beard over s'fira (and the three weeks) as do many people. But I very much dislike it and find him unattractive when he does. Can I ask him to continue shaving during these times?
A. Some Poiskim permit cutting ones hair or shaving during sefira when significant monetary loss is involved (Igrois Moishe O.H. 4, 102 and 5, 24, 9). Other Poiskim are lenient when it is needed for health purposes (Oruch Hashulchan O.H. 493, 3 – Kaf Hachaim ibid. 19) or when visiting a crucially important government dignitary (Zera Emes 1, 69 – see also Chasam Sofer O.H. 158).
Presumably following the above opinions, sholom bais, in principle, would certainly qualify as a reason for leniency. However Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a maintains that sholom bais is a motive that can be easily abused and misused and since the period of sefira is relatively short it is certainly advisable to keep the halachos of sefirah, albeit it may involve discomfort.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
