SHABBAT MEVARCHIM
Unlike usual, Av Harachamim is recited on Shabbat Mevarchim Sivan, in memory of the tragedies that occurred during this month. It is customary for the Gabbaim to arrange a Kiddush with the purpose of increasing resolutions in learning Torah, keeping Mitzvot B’hidur, and rejoicing in the completion of the Torah. According to the Shla”h Hakadosh, Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan is an auspicious time to pray for children and he made a special prayer for this.
SIVAN
Tachnun is not recited from Rosh Chodesh Sivan until after Shavuot, some however hold not to say Tachanun until the twelfth day of Sivan. One generally should not undertake a fast on these days, even for a Yahrtzeit. However, for a Taanit Chalom (a fast for a bad dream) as well as a Chattan and Kallah fast on their wedding day. Some have the custom that an Avel (within 12 months of a parent’s passing or within 30 days of a spouse, child or sibling’s passing) should not serve as the Chazzan in Shul during these days. This does not apply to one who has a Yahrzeit. Others, (including Chabad) have the custom that he should serve as the Chazzan, except of course, on Shabbat and Chag. During these days, we do not eulogize over someone who has died. Some hold that one can take a haircut from Rosh Chodesh Sivan, some hold from the first morning of the Shloshet Y’mei Hagbalah (i.e. Sunday). According to some, a Bar Mitzvah boy who is having his Bar Mitzvah after Rosh Chodesh Sivan may have a haircut in honor of his Bar Mitzvah beforehand. Nevertheless, according to the Chabad custom, one shouldn’t take a haircut until Erev Chag.
SHLOSHET Y’MEI HAGBALAH
From the 3rd of Sivan (Friday May th) starts the Shloshet Y’mei Hagbalah. Many customs associated with mourning during Sefirat Haomer no longer apply from Sunday morning. Music, dancing and haircuts, are permissible. From Rosh Chodesh Sivan some hold that one can have a wedding, but most hold only from the beginning of the Shloshet Y’mei Hagbalah.
PREPARATIONS FOR CHAG
The Mitzvah of V’Samachta B’Chagecha on Chag entails eating meat, wine and delicacies; providing new clothing or jewelry for one’s wife according to his means; and giving candies to children. These should be arranged in advance. Prior to every Chag, we also need to remember that the Chag requirements of the needy be met. Chag is also an especially appropriate time to host guests. One should make spiritual preparations for Shavuot as well. These include learning Torah – especially the laws of Shavuot, Matan Torah, as well as increasing in Ahavat Yisrael. The Chabad custom is that during the period before Chag, one should reach out and do all within his or her power to ensure that all Jews – men, women, children and even small babies – should attend the Aseret Hadibrot on the day of Shavuot.
EREV CHAG (5TH SIVAN)
In honor of Shavuot, if one has not done so yet, one should take a haircut on Erev Chag. On Erev Shavuot, one should not donate blood, take a blood test, or undergo any procedures involving blood loss. [Of course, this prohibition does not apply in a case of Pikuach Nefesh.] For those who regularly shave or trim, it is a Mitzvah to do so on Erev Chag and there are some who are particular not to shave after Chatzot (12:37pm). Some have the custom to immerse in a Mikvah after midday, to prepare for Chag. It is a Mitzvah to cut one’s finger nails on Erev Chag, and for some who are particular, not to cut them after Chatzot (12:37pm). Just like on Erev Shabbat, it is preferable to refrain from eating a proper meal once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:08pm), in order to properly enjoy the Seudat Chag at night. However, one may snack in small quantities. Shavuot is an opportune time to enhance one’s Torah learning and make positive resolutions; to spread Torah to others; to enhance one’s adherence to daily study; and to accept upon oneself the Ol Shel Torah (yoke of Torah). The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s customary Shavuot greeting: “Kabbalat בס"ד For the year 5785
