משנכנס אב ממעטין בשמחה

1. The Meaning of Mishenichnas Av Memaatin B’simcha

As we approach Rosh Chodesh Av—the beginning of the month of Av—we recall the teaching of our sages: Mishenichnas Av, memaatin b’simcha—when Av enters, we diminish in joy. On a straightforward level, this means that as the month begins, we reduce activities associated with happiness. This includes refraining from building homes for pleasure, avoiding joyous celebrations, and limiting other forms of enjoyment. The restrictions intensify during the Three Weeks and especially throughout the Nine Days, when additional practices such as not bathing for pleasure, not laundering clothes unnecessarily, and not wearing new garments are observed. All these detailed laws can be found in the Shulchan Aruch, which outlines what is appropriate during this period.

2. The Hasidic Perspective: Joy as a Response to Mourning

There is a deeper, Hasidic interpretation of this teaching. Instead of reading memaatin b’simcha as “diminish with joy,” it is understood as “diminish [the negativity] through joy.” In other words, how do we lessen the pain and destruction associated with Av? It is through increasing joy in permissible ways. This does not mean disregarding or violating halacha—the laws set forth in the Shulchan Aruch remain fully binding. Rather, within those boundaries, we seek out opportunities to bring permitted forms of simcha into our lives.

3. The Practice of Siyum During the Nine Days

One practical application encouraged by the Rebbe was to make a siyum—a celebration marking the completion of a tractate of Torah learning. Halachically, there is no objection to making a siyum during the Nine Days, even though it is an occasion for joy. In certain situations where there was a real need—such as in summer camps where children required nourishment—a siyum would be arranged so that meat could be served (since eating meat is generally restricted during these days). However, the Rebbe advised that while making a siyum and celebrating are positive actions, one does not have to partake in eating meat or drinking wine if it is not necessary. The focus should be on increasing Torah learning and simcha within halachic parameters.

4. Filling Voids: A Constructive Approach to Loss

This approach extends beyond ritual observance into our attitude toward loss and tragedy more broadly. After the Holocaust, someone suggested placing an empty chair at every Pesach Seder to remember the children who perished. When this idea was brought to the Rebbe, he responded that instead of leaving chairs empty as reminders of loss, we should strive to fill those chairs—to actively fill voids rather than simply mourn them. Remembering tragedy is important, but it must inspire us to positive action and rebuilding.

5. Mourning with Hope: Preparing for Redemption

Similarly, while we mourn the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, our response should also include strengthening our confidence (betochen) and faith (emunah) that Mashiach will soon arrive and that the Temple will be rebuilt speedily in our days. Our learning during this period—whether studying laws related to the Beit Hamikdash from Rambam or Mishnah or reviewing relevant passages in Pesachim—serves as preparation so that we are ready when redemption comes.

6. A Personal Story: Siyum on Rosh Chodesh Av

On a personal note, I recall my first year after marriage when I was learning in Kollel at 770 Eastern Parkway. The Rebbe instituted that a siyum should be made during this time, and I was honored with making a siyum on Jewish radio (WEVD) for Rosh Chodesh Av. It was an exciting opportunity—I prepared thoroughly by learning through my tractate and getting ready for my moment on air. However, just as Rosh Chodesh arrived, my wife went into labor with our oldest daughter Rivki! Baruch Hashem she was born on Rosh Chodesh Av itself. I missed my chance on the radio; someone else had to quickly step in for me and complete the siyum broadcast instead.

7. Concluding Thoughts: Balancing Mourning and Joy

The overarching message is clear: even as we observe mourning practices during Av and especially during the Nine Days, we are encouraged to find ways within halacha to increase meaningful joy—through Torah study, acts of kindness, and preparing ourselves spiritually for redemption. This balance between remembering loss and actively building hope defines our approach during this solemn yet hopeful time on the Jewish calendar.