#5997 – The Tailored Traditions!
Rabeinu Long Life. Is there a difference between Sefaradim and Ashkenazim traditions on showering, bathing, and swimming during the Nine Days?
Indeed there really is: As Poskim write that, the Ashkenazi minhag is not to go swimming even in cold water in the Nine Days. Although some Poskim agree that it is permitted to go swimming only for exercise, but not for diversion or enjoyment. (See Rema Orach Chaim 551:16. (Rabbi Ayreh Lebowitz, in Moadei Yeshurun (pg 128) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein. See also Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach in Halichot Shlomo (Moadim, vol 2, chap 14, note 7), MeBayit Levi (vol 13, pg 22, note 5) quoting Rav Wosner, Sh"t Rivevot Ephraim 3:333, 4:135:14, 6:285:2, and Shevet HaKehati 1:169:4. Rabbi Eider quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igerot Moshe Even Haezer 4:84) as holding that even during the nine days, if one is sweating or dirty and wants to wash off it is permissible to dip in the pool for a short time.
Shearim Mitzuyanim Bihalacha (Kuntres Acharon 122:12) is lenient with children swimming in private area during the nine days, but not in public, like camps.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting, Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: July 11, 2026