[Avodah] minhagei 9 av

[kennethgmiller at juno.com]

R' Tal Moshe Zwecker wrote:

> The Mishna says 'mishenichnas Av mema'atin b'simcha' ... However,
> we can also read it another way: "When Av enters we decrease,
> through joy." How do we diminish the pain and suffering which
> comes when Av enters? Specifically through the simchah, through a
> positive outlook and a joyous approach. That is why we have the
> minhag to make siyums during this time.

Yes, I concede that the words can be read this way.

> You may disagree with the Chassidic approach but remember the
> leaders of Chassidus were giants in Torah learning of Niglah as
> well and any argument you can muster they surely thought of as
> well.

I agree with this too. And I hope that you can communicate to me how they would respond to these questions.

I had written:

> I do NOT understand why ANYone would feel justified in lessening
> the spirit of mourning (except for unusually rare cases of
> depression and such).

I see now that I should have phrased my question better. I will try to do so now. Please do not misunderstand me. I am not attacking; I really do want to understand.

WHY do the leaders of Chassidus want to "diminish the pain and suffering which comes when Av enters?" Is this pain and suffering inappropriate? Shouldn't we WANT to cry at this time?

I understand that, in general, Chassidus promotes a joyful outlook on life. I have no problem with that, in general. My question is whether there are any exceptions to this general approach. Doesn't Koheles 3:4 teach that there is indeed a time to cry?

Does Chassidus also use a positive and joyous approach when someone's flesh-and-blood parent leaves this world? Shouldn't we try to feel similarly about the Beis Hamikdash? 

These are not angry, rhetorical questions. I have learned a great deal of other communities here on Avodah, and perhaps this can be my introduction to Chassidus. Thank you in advance.

Akiva Miller

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