This Halacha was developed from multiple transcriptions of Rabbi Eli Mansour's lectures in the "Beki'im BaHalacha" series. The original audio recordings for this Halacha were delivered on the following dates and can be accessed here: 06-24-25 Audio File ; 06-25-25 Audio File ; 06-26-25 Audio File ; 06-29-25 Audio File The Three Weeks , spanning from Shiba Asar BeTammuz (the 17th of Tammuz) through Tisha B'Av , is a time designated for national mourning over the tragedies that befell Am Yisrael throughout history—most notably the destruction of both Bateh Mikdash. Our Sages instituted a number of customs and halachot during this period to reduce our joy and help us internalize the gravity of the losses. While the Nine Days and week of Tisha B'Av carry stricter restrictions, even from the start of the Three Weeks, there are behaviors and activities that should be avoided due to their association with excessive joy, lightheartedness, or distraction from mourning. Entertainment and Recreational Outings The Rambam writes (Hilchot Ta'aniyot 5:1) that the proper response to communal suffering is to reflect and act—not to carry on with business as usual. For this reason, it is customary to avoid outings and events that are designed purely for fun or celebration . This includes: Attending concerts, comedy shows, musical performances, or theater productions Going to amusement parks, carnivals, bowling alleys, or arcades Group activities or trips organized for entertainment and leisure Recreational barbecues, parties, or similar festive gatherings The She'elat Ya'abets and Ben Ish Hai (Parashat Devarim) both emphasize avoiding such joyous outings during this period. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe, O.C. vol. 3, siman 87) also addressed recreational gatherings and ruled that they should be avoided even when music is not involved. Sports and Physical Activity Recreational sports are another category of concern. While physical activity for health is permitted, engaging in sports for fun—especially if competitive and emotionally charged—should be avoided. Casual jogging or gym workouts for health reasons are permitted . Joining in competitive team sports, tournaments, or pickup games, especially those that attract crowds or bring heightened excitement, are discouraged . Swimming for fitness may be permitted during the Three Weeks, but not during the Nine Days. The Mishna Berura (O.C. 551:16) cites that joyous activity should be limited even during the early part of the Three Weeks, especially when it mimics festivity. Poskim such as Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky extend this to include sporting events with celebratory atmospheres. Shopping for Enjoyment During the Three Weeks, one should refrain from shopping for enjoyment , even if no Beracha Shehechiyanu would be required. This includes: Buying new clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, or electronics Making home décor upgrades or indulging in hobby-related purchases Shopping sprees or window-shopping done for leisure Essential purchases (like school supplies or items urgently needed) are permitted. If one finds a limited-time deal or discount that will not be available later, they may buy the item during the Three Weeks but should wait to use it until afterward , if possible. This is ruled by Rav Moshe Feinstein and others (Iggerot Moshe, O.C. vol. 3, siman 80). Travel and Leisure Trips The Three Weeks are also considered a time of danger (see Shulchan Aruch O.C. 551:18), and for this reason, many refrain from leisure travel or long road trips. Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Da'at 1:37) writes that unless there is a real need, vacation trips should be postponed until after Tisha B'Av. This includes: Cruises, resort stays, or beach vacations National parks or nature sightseeing trips Visiting distant relatives for enjoyment rather than necessity However, if the travel is required for business, medical needs, family obligations, or other pressing reasons, it is permitted—though one should still avoid turning it into a joyous excursion. Maintaining the Right Tone Some mistakenly believe that the Three Weeks require sadness or depression. On the contrary, the Torah teaches that a Jew must always serve Hashem with joy (Devarim 28:47). But during periods of national mourning, the tone of that joy must be subdued and introspective. The Gemara in Ta'anit 30b teaches, "Mi'shenichnas Av, mema'atin b'simha"—as the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy. We do not eliminate joy, but we avoid external expressions of frivolity and celebration. This balance is echoed by the Aruch HaShulchan (O.C. 551:23) , who writes that one's behavior during these days should reflect a seriousness and awareness of our national losses, even if one continues to smile, work, and engage with others normally. Summary During the Three Weeks, one should avoid: Concerts, shows, amusement parks, and festive outings Competitive or recreational sports done for fun Unnecessary shopping for non-essential or luxury items Travel taken for leisure or vacation Parties and gatherings unrelated to Misvot This helps us remain focused on the deeper meaning of this period—a time to reflect, mourn, and yearn for the rebuilding of the Bet HaMikdash.