636 —הפטרה לראש חודש מנחם אב בשבת

Shalom u'Vrachah! On this occasion, I am here to clarify our custom, in response to the question of many: When Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av falls on Shabbat—as it does this year—which haftarah is read: 'HaShamayim Kis'i' or 'Shimu Devar Hashem'? I am copying here a passage from notes from the year 5690, when Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av also fell on Shabbat, as follows:

Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh, 9 Menachem Av, 5690—May it be transformed to joy—Berlin. I was with my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita; he was lying on the couch and recounted about the custom of reciting the haftarah on Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av: My father once said 'HaShamayim Kis'i.' A few years later, when again Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av fell on Shabbat, he said 'Shimu Devar Hashem,' and remarked then that he regretted having previously said 'HaShamayim Kis'i.'

See the discussion on this in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim siman 425 and its commentaries. Shaarei Ephraim chapter 9 section 22. M.S. Printed in Sefer HaMaamarim 5710 p.266 [date of preface: Gimmel Tammuz]. Likkutei Sichos vol.24 p.337.

Berlin... I was with [the Rebbe]: see introduction to Igros Kodesh Admor Maharayatz vol.2 p.24.

Summary

This letter provides guidance about which haftarah to read when Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av coincides with Shabbat, highlighting a shift in practice and encouraging reference to halachic sources for clarity.