Q&A: Reading a Trilogy
Reading a Trilogy
Question
Is it permitted to read the trilogy on Jewish law on Tisha B'Av after midday?
Answer
In principle, it is proper not to study Torah and not to distract oneself from the fast. But in my opinion, it depends on what the alternative is. Clearly, this is preferable to reading things of no value.
I now saw that Rabbi Lichtenstein said something similar: https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%99%D7%94%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%97%D7%92%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%AA%D7%A9%D7%A2%D7%94-%D7%91%D7%90%D7%91/945135-%D7%9E%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94-%D7%95%D7%A9%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%94-%D7%91%D7%92%D7%95%D7%99%D7%9D-%93-%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9F-%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94-%D7%A2%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%90%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A8-%D7%9C%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%93-%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94-%D7%91%D7%AA%D7%A9%D7%A2%D7%94-%D7%91%D7%90%D7%91/
Discussion on Answer
The kinot dry me out. Unfortunately, I can't help distracting myself from the fast, so I do occupy myself with other things.
No wonder. After all, if the Temple had still existed, we would still be engaged in the ritual of animal sacrifices; we would still be subjugated to the corrupt priestly caste, to a centralized regime founded on nepotism.
Tisha B'Av, which marks the end of that hard period, ought to be celebrated as a holiday..
What does "not to distract oneself from the fast" mean? How does that express itself in practice? What does the Rabbi usually do on Tisha B'Av? (Aside from kinot and the like.)