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Reading on Tishah B’Av

Question:

Dear Rav,
I have an anxiety issue and I really find it very difficult not to do anything on Tisha B’Av except learning Tisha B’Av inyanim and saying kinnos.I just can’t learn Tishah B’Av inyanim all day. In past years, I many times just lied in bed and stared at the ceiling. Is it alright if after chatzos, I read a little bit of a science book or a news article while going back to Tishah B’Av inyanim every so often?
I hope that this whole issue shouldn’t be nogeiah because it will be the greatest yom tov of all. Amen!

Answer:

It is difficult to answer you without real knowing what you mean by having an anxiety issue. The general rule though is, if you are not well because of the anxiety, then it is permitted. However, if you are alright, but it is uncomfortable for you, then this is really the point. T’bav is a day that we are not to be comfortable, and we mourn the loss of the Bais Hamikdash, and we show that we want moshiach tzidkeinu to come really soon. It is he mourning on T’bav that will IY”H give us the zechus to partake in the tremendous joy that Klal Yisroel will have with the coming of Moshiach, as chazal say, “he who mourns the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash will merit to see in it’s rebuilding”. The seforim bring down that here will be two stages to techiyas hameisim, the first one will be special for those who mourned the loss of the Bais Hamikdash, and a second one for the rest of Klal Yisroel. Therefore although it is hard, it is well worth the effort.

There are many things that one can read and learn on T’bav that are permitted, such as inspirational stories, or hear inspirational speeches about mussar topics, and they are very interesting. There are also numerous hotlines to call such as Chazak, The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, Torah Anytime. These sources will keep you very busy and you will not feel bored at all.

May we all be zoche to see Moshiach Tzidkeinu B’miehira.

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