By Rabbi Dovid Markel
Although normative thought would dictate that the Shabbat in which the 9th of Av falls out should be the saddest of the year, the Rebbe-as he was wont to do-turned the matter on its head.
The 9th of Av-explains the Rebbe-has two elements: one tragic and the other happy. On the one hand, it is the day of the destruction of the Temple, and on the other, explains the Jerusalem Talmud (Berachos 2:4), it is the birthday of Moshiach.
Elsewhere, the Jerusalem Talmud (Rosh HaShana 3:8) explains, that on the day of one’s birthday one’s personality is amplified. It is understood therefore, that on the 9th of Av it is an especially auspicious time for the arrival of Moshiach.
Indeed, Jewish law dictates (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 559:4) that one does not recite tachanun on the 9th of Av because it is referred to as a holiday (moed)!
However, in a usual year, the 9th of Av shares its cheerful element with the mourning of the day. On Shabbat though, mourning is forbidden. On the contrary, on Shabbat one must eat, drink and find pleasure in the day.
On such an occurrence as this year, while the fast is postponed, the specialness of the day is not.
On the contrary, it is expressed (Rambam, Laws of Fasting5:19) that “All these [commemorative] fasts will be nullified in the Messianic Era and, indeed ultimately, they will be transformed into holidays and days of rejoicing and celebration.”
When the 9th of Av falls on Shabbat and we are indeed directed to eat meat, drink wine and experience pleasure, the messianic element of the day is magnified.
Concerning a Shabbat that is a fast day, the Talmud (Megilla 5b) records that Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi desired to cancel the fast completely, saying, “Since it has been postponed, let it be postponed altogether.”
Indeed, may we merit that the mourning of the day be completely postponed and may the day truly be transformed into a joyous occasion, with the coming of Moshiach-now!
