5. Cutting one's nails is not forbidden until the week during which Tish'ah B'av falls. A woman who must cut her nails in preparation for her ritual immersion may do so [during this time period] (1). Similarly, a "mohel" (one who performs a circumcision) may trim his nails in preparation to perform the "pri'ah" (2).

FOOTNOTES:

(1) Since there is a dispute among the "acharonim" (later authorities) as to whether cutting nails is prohibited at all, we are lenient when a mitzvah is involved. Therefore, if Tishah B'av falls on Shabbos, cutting nails is permissible on Friday for the sake of honoring Shabbos.

(2) "Priah" is one of the steps involved in circumcision.

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