During the Three Weeks, since we are mourning the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, we refrain from:
- Celebrating weddings.
- Cutting hair.
- Saying the berachah of Shehecheyanu, even on Shabbos.
- Listening to music.
- Scheduling medical procedures.
The possuk states, “Tzion will be redeemed with mishpat [=Torah], and its captives will be redeemed with tzedakah.” In light of this, the Three Weeks is a time to learn more Torah (especially halachah) and give more tzedakah.
Special focus should be placed on studying the structure of the Beis Hamikdash.
Sources include the Rambam’s Hilchos Beis Habechirah, the masechtos of Middos and Tamid, and Sefer Yechezkel (beginning from kapitel 40, which discusses the building of the Third Beis Hamikdash).
To study about the Beis Hamikdash, visit www.Chabad.org/144586.
“Hashem said to Yechezkel: ‘Go tell the Jews to study the structure of the Beis Hamikdash as it is described in the Torah, and as a reward, I will consider it as if they are involved in building it.’” -Midrash Tanchuma Tzav 14
“What is the motive for studying about the Beis Hamikdash? Not because you mourn its destruction and desire to rectify that, but rather because you yearn to experience the greatness of the Third Beis Hamikdash... What’s more, you are completely certain that these halachos will be relevant in just a moment’s time, because the Third Beis Hamikdash will descend from Heaven immediately!” Sefer Hasichos 5751 vol. 2, p. 691
Additionally, study the practical laws that apply to these days.
