YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Peninei Halakha
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Three Weeks
- The Laws of Tisha B'Av
In addition to the five prohibitions that apply on Tisha Be-Av, there are other prohibitions that are connected to the fact that Tisha Be-Av is a day of mourning. Just as a mourner may not study Torah during the shiva period, one may not study Torah on Tisha Be-Av, so that one’s attention is not diverted from the mourning. Another reason one may not study Torah during a period of mourning is that Torah study makes one happy, as it says, "The precepts of the Lord are just, gladdening the heart" (Tehilim 19:9). One may not even think thoughts of Torah, because even that makes one happy. However, it is a mitzva to study sad sections of the Torah, which deal with the calamities that befell Israel and the afflictions that man encounters, as these sections are appropriate for the mood of the day. One should not study even these sections in depth, because such study makes one happy. However, if one thinks of a novel idea while studying a matter superficially, he does not need to worry, because that is the nature of learning (ahs 554:4). In addition, if one thinks of a significant idea and is worried that he may forget it by the end of the fast, he may write it down in shorthand (see Kaf Ha-ĥayim 554:110).
One may study the following topics. In Tanakh, one may study the chapters that describe the destruction of the Temple, which are found in the books of Melakhim, Divrei Ha-yamim, and Eikha. One may also study the prophecies of the destruction, which cover most of the book of Yirmiyahu, part of Yeĥezkel, and small portions of Yeshayahu and the books of Trei Asar. However, one should not study the prophecies that predict the calamities and destruction that will befall wicked nations, as these cause us joy. One may study the book of Iyov, which deals with suffering, but one should not study the end of the book. One may also study the sections of admonition and calamity in the parshiyot of Be-ĥukotai, Ki Tavo, and Ha’azinu. In all of these cases, one may study the verses with commentary, in order to understand the simple meaning of the passage, but not in order to delve deeply into the content.
Regarding the aggadic sections of rabbinic literature, one may study the passages dealing with the destruction of the Temple in Gittin 55b-58a and most of Midrash Eikha Rabba, skipping the midrashim that deal with consolation. One may also study the third chapter of Mo’ed Katan, which deals with the laws of mourning and excommunication, as well as the sections at the end of Ta’anit that discuss the laws of Tisha Be-Av.
Regarding halakhic topics, one may study the laws of the Three Weeks and Tisha Be-Av (sa oĥ 550-561), as well as the laws of mourning (sa yd 334-403). If a rabbi receives an urgent question in an area of halakha that one may not study on Tisha Be-Av, he should answer it without explaining his reasoning (mb 554:5).
One may study ethical and moralistic works on Tisha Be-Av, even though they quote biblical verses and rabbinic statements, because their whole purpose is to inspire a person to repent for his sins. Therefore, the regular joy one feels when learning Torah is not present.13
Ideally, one should begin to observe these laws from midday on the day before Tisha Be-Av. However, as we already learned, if one feels that limiting his Torah study to these specific topics will curtail his study, he should study whatever his heart desires until Tisha Be-Av begins (Rema 553:2; mb ad loc. 8; above 9:3).
One may not read exciting books or newspapers, or study other disciplines on Tisha Be-Av, so as not to divert one’s attention from mourning (ahs, yd 384:9). However, it is permissible, and even fitting, to read history books about the destruction of the Temple, the exile, and the hardships that have befallen the Jewish people.
The source for these laws is Ta’anit 30a, and they are codified in sa 554:1-3. Some poskim rule that one may not study a moralistic work if it cites verses and statements of the Sages (see Piskei Teshuvot 554:2). However, the mainstream ruling is that this is permissible, as Me’iri states. Torat Ha-mo’adim 8:18 and Hilkhot Ĥag Be-ĥag ch. 7 n. 57 state likewise in the name of R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. They also explain the different opinions regarding what is considered in-depth study, which is prohibited. It seems that one may not study if the goal is to produce novel interpretations and understand the deeper meaning of a passage, but if the purpose is to understand the matter on a simple level, it is permissible.
Some maintain that the mitzva of Torah study does not apply on Tisha Be-Av or to a mourner during the shiva period. Many others maintain that the mitzva always applies, but during these periods of mourning one must study the sad sections mentioned above (see Yabi’a Omer yd 8:35).
Regarding whether young children may study Torah, see below, section 21.↩︎
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
