A public notice issued by Sephardic rabbonim Rav Leeor Dahan and Rav Meir Gavriel Elbaz states that Sephardic Jews should not take haircuts or shave this coming Friday, even though it coincides with Rosh Chodesh Iyar and Shabbos.

The clarification follows widespread discussion regarding a commonly cited leniency. According to many poskim, including the Peri Chadash, Bach, Magen Avraham, and the Ba’al HaTanya, when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls on Shabbos—as it does this year—it is permissible to take a haircut and shave on Friday in honor of the combined kedushah of Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. This approach is also referenced in the Mishnah Berurah (493:5) and is accepted practice among many Ashkenazim, even for those observing the restrictions of the first days of Sefirah.

However, in a letter, Rav Dahan and Rav Elbaz emphasized that this leniency does not extend to Sephardic communities. Citing the clear ruling of the Mechaber in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 493:3), as well as the position of the Yalkut Yosef (Sefiras HaOmer, p. 463), they stressed that Sephardic custom remains unchanged and the heter does not apply.

In light of numerous inquiries received in recent days, the rabbonim felt it necessary to issue a firm and public clarification to prevent misunderstanding. Despite the unique calendar alignment and the existence of lenient opinions in other traditions, Sephardic Jews are instructed to maintain the standard minhag and refrain from shaving or taking haircuts this Friday.

{Matzav.com}