Tisha B’Av: What to Focus On and What Torah Study Is Permitted

Two daily halachot from Hidabroot, based on BeHalacha U'BeAggadah and the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory.

What Should We Focus on During Tisha B’Av?

The main focus of Tisha B’Av should be to mourn and weep over the destruction of the Temple. A person should make the most of the day and avoid wasting it on idle conversation.

Our Sages teach that there is a special promise for one who weeps over the destruction of the Temple and the passing of the righteous: he will not need to weep over the loss of his own children, God forbid.

Ideally, one should not recite Psalms on Tisha B’Av. However, if Psalms are being recited as a prayer for the recovery of someone who is ill, there are grounds to permit it.

What May and May Not Be Studied on Tisha B’Av?

There is an obligation to study Torah even on Tisha B’Av, and everyone should set aside time for Torah study on this day according to his ability. However, since Torah brings joy to the heart, and joy is prohibited on Tisha B’Av, our Sages prohibited most forms of Torah study on this day, with certain exceptions.

On Tisha B’Av, one may not ordinarily study Tanach, Mishnah, Midrash, or Gemara. However, it is permitted to study the Book of Job and the passages in Jeremiah that deal with suffering and destruction, while skipping verses of consolation.

It is also permitted to study the chapter Elu Megalchin in the Talmud, commentaries on the Book of Lamentations and the Book of Job, while omitting passages dealing with joyful subjects, as well as works of mussar that inspire repentance.

One may recite all the regular portions included in the daily prayers, including the Song at the Sea, the passages concerning the Temple offerings, Eizehu Mekoman, the Baraita of Rabbi Yishmael, and the Priestly Blessing.

Daily Concept: Judging Others Favorably

Judging others favorably means choosing to look for the good in another person and seeking a positive explanation for his or her behavior rather than immediately assuming the worst.

This principle is based on the teaching of Yehoshua ben Perachiah: “Judge every person favorably” (Pirkei Avot 1:6). It calls upon us to look for the positive in others and to consider the possibility that good intentions may lie behind their actions.

In Jewish tradition, judging favorably is a powerful way to prevent conflict and baseless hatred. It teaches us to approach one another with greater patience, understanding, and love.