The Ta’anis of Tisha B’av differs from the other fast days, in that there are Halachos of Aveilus that apply only to this fast day, and not to any other. These Halachos include: sitting on the floor or a low stool, not greeting one another, and not learning Torah, etc.

This sugya will focus on the prohibition of learning torah on Tisha B’av - and even on erev Tisha B’av. This year, this discussion is particularly relevant - as erev Tisha B’av falls on Shabbos.

Among the topics discussed:

• ·         Why is one not allowed to learn?
• ·         Is it because learning is a distraction from the Aveilus, or is because of the happiness and satisfaction that is derived from learning Torah?
• ·         Is one supposed to learn sad portions of the Torah, or is it only a “hetter” if one wants to learn?
• ·         Thinking in learning?
• ·         If learning Torah is forbidden, why do we say Birkas Hatorah on Tisha B’av?
• ·         Why would only this prohibition (i.e. learning Torah) extend to erev Tisha B’av as well, while no other Hilchos Aveilus do?
• ·         Do the Halachos differ when Erev Tisha B’av falls on Shabbos?
• ·         Do we say Pirkei Avos on Shabbos Erev Tisha B’av?