on Rosh Chodesh Av, although Sephardi Jews generally do not hold weddings at all during the Three Weeks because they are an inauspicious time. Engagements are permitted. The custom is also to avoid saying the blessing over a new fruit on a weekday (one may do so on Shabbat), and making a major purchase such as a new home or car. During the Nine Days, these additional activities are forbidden by Jewish law because they bring joy: Home improvements, painting and new construction Planting trees, flowers or grass Laundering clothes, towels, tablecloths and bed linens Wearing new or freshly laundered clothing Making or buying new clothes, towels, tablecloths and bed linens Eating meat or poultry Drinking wine or grape juice Bathing for pleasure (for example a hot tub, hanging out in the pool) Swimming or recreational sports for the purpose of leisure Listening to music On Tisha B'Av itself, these additional prohibitions are observed: Eating and drinking Bathing Applying oils or perfumes Wearing leather shoes Sexual activity Greeting people Learning Torah [except for certain parts of the Scriptures and Talmud which deal with mourning or the destruction of the Temples]. For some restrictions, Jewish law makes a distinction between the beginning of the Nine Days and the week in which Tisha B'Av falls. (The new week begins on Saturday night). For example, the Ashkenazic custom is to permit nail trimming up until the week in which Tisha B'Av falls. Meat and wine The restrictions against eating meat and drinking wine, besides reducing a person's pleasure, recall the cessation of the Korban Tamid (daily animal sacrifice in the Jewish Temples in Jerusalem) and the Nesach Hayayin (wine libations) on the Temple Altar with the destruction of the Temple. Many kosher meat restaurants alter their menus during The Nine Days, replacing meat and chicken dishes with fish and vegetarian options in order to remain open while the meat prohibition is in place. Children, pregnant or nursing women, and old or sick people who must eat meat for health reasons are allowed to do so. It is advisable, however, for them to eat poultry or meat derivatives. One who usually makes Havdalah over wine or grape juice at the conclusion of Shabbat may do so during the Nine Days. According to many opinions, it is preferable to have a child under the age of Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah drink the wine or grape juice.