ROSH CHODESH AV
Our Thanks to Phil
Chernofsky of the OU/NCSY Israel Center for Including This Material in His Remarkable Torah Tidbits
 Do we say Hallel on Rosh Chodesh Av?
Yes, we do. But the question is not a silly one. The festive flavor usually associated
with Rosh Chodesh is hardly in evidence.
The mishna says: "As Av enters, we diminish joy". Rosh Chodesh Av is the
beginning of the stricter mourning period for the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash -
First and Second. The restrictions of the Nine Days generally apply to Rosh Chodesh Av.
(This is the Ashkenazi practice. S'faradim begin the restrictions on the second of the
month.) It is one of two months on whose Rosh Chodesh fasting is not forbidden.
Rosh Chodesh Av is the Yahrzeit of
Aharon HaKohen. It is the only Yahrzeit mentioned in the Torah. It is recorded, not in
Parshat Chukat where we read of Aharon's passing, but in Mas'ei - which we read on the
Shabbat closest to Rosh Chodesh Av.
Rosh Chodesh is Rosh Chodesh. It is a joyous and hopeful commemoration of the Beit
HaMikdash, not only its destruction. Notwithstanding the mournful nature of the first
third of Av, we must keep in mind that after the 10th of the month, the consolation and
promise for a brighter future takes over.
Rosh Chodesh Av conjures up a mixture
of conflicting moods. That's okay. Is it contradictory to say Hallel on the day that
ushers in a sad period? No. Being Jewish often means being able to see the bright side of
sad times, and not forget the sad note at happy times.
May we soon merit the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash - and
everything that goes with it - and may our joy then become untarnished and complete.
Let us each put into action the qualities of Aharon HaKohen - love peace and pursue it,
love people and bring them closer to Torah - so that the times we yearn for will become a
reality, speedily in our time, Amen.
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