"The Nature of Tisha B'av" by Rabbi Maury Grebenau

There is no question that there is an element of this feeling of despair on Tisha B’Av. However, I do not believe that it is the defining factor in not saying tachanun on Tisha B’Av since the Jewish response is never one of depression and hopelessness. It is interesting to note that we also do not say Tachanun on erev Tisha B’Av (Shulchan Aruch 552:12). If the reason was simply that it was a time when we felt a distance with Hashem then it would be difficult to understand why we didn’t say tachanun before Tisha B’Av as well. This time the Shulchan Aruch gives us a reason. He explains that Tisha B’Av is called a ‘moed’ in the first chapter of Eicha (Lamentations). Although the simple reading of the verse would seem to indicate that ‘moed’ here simply means ‘time’, the implication is that on some level there is a holiday aspect to Tisha B’Av. How can we understand Tisha B’Av as a celebration of any kind?

The Jewish response to tragedy is certainly to mourn but also to move on and find the light contained within the darkness. There is a debate as to whether kiddush levana (blessing the moon) should be done on the night after Tisha B’Av or if we should wait until right after shabbos Nachamu, when we normally say kiddush levana [It is generally said on a Saturday night]. The Ari z”l (quoted in Shaare Teshuva O.C.549:2) felt that it should be said immediately after the fast due to the fact that Moshiach is born on Tisha B’Av. We announce to the world that the moon will be renewed in recognition of this fact. The idea is that in our darkest hour, the seeds of our greatest redemption are born. Even on the saddest day of the Jewish calendar we refrain from saying tachanun. The message is for us to find the message of hope for a brighter future even within the most challenging and troubling of times.