Q&A: The Manner of Torah Study on Tisha B'Av
The Manner of Torah Study on Tisha B'Av
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Regarding the prohibition on Torah study on Tisha B'Av:
1. Is it permitted for someone who does not relate to the leniency of "studying subjects permitted on Tisha B'Av (Jeremiah, the laws of mourning, and the like)" to study Torah in the regular way? Personally, it is very difficult for me to study artificially, in subjects that do not interest me, and it feels very forced.
2. Is it permitted to study books of philosophy, history, and the like on Tisha B'Av in order to get through the fast, at least with things that interest me that are not Torah?
Thank you
Answer
I would not study Torah, because there is a halakhic prohibition against that. As for other things, it is certainly preferable to occupy yourself with things that have value rather than with meaningless idleness.