Along with many rabbanim, I counseled numerous pregnant and nursing women not to fast this past Sunday, since it was a Tisha B’Av Nidheh (postponed from Shabbat).  We are following in the footsteps of Hacham Ovadia Yosef who issued this ruling many years ago in his Teshuvot Yehave Da’at.  Ashkenazim may follow this ruling as well, as I heard specifically from Rav Ahron Soloveichik who mentioned that this was the ruling of Rav Akiva Eiger.

We also recommended following Hacham Ovadia’s recommendation, as he writes in Hazon Ovadia, that it is better for these women to try if possible to fast until Hatzot (halachic midday, this year 1:02 p.m.)  Hacham Ovadia was asked why the need to make this effort if it is not, technically speaking, halachically required.  Hacham Ovadia replied that it is preferable for the women to try to be part of the Tzibbur that is fasting for the Hurban.

Hacham Ovadia fits with an important insight of the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:11) who describes one who is Poreish Min HaTzibbur, separates himself from the community, as a very unworthy Jew.  One symptom of Perishah Min HaTzibbur, Rambam writes, is failing to partake in a community’s fast.

We learn from the Rambam that not only is it important to fast to commemorate sorrowful events, but it is also an expression of belonging to the greater Jewish community.

The sense of belonging to the Tzibbur is more of the most important feelings we must impart to the next generation. Psychologists report (see http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html?_r=1)  that those who feel that they are part of something greater and larger than just themselves, are far more likely to be happy, well-adjusted and resilient.  When we join the community in fasting for the Hurban we join not only those Jews who are alive today, but also those of all generations of the past and even all future generations as well.

Germans have asked if the Jews will ever forget the Holocaust.  Inevitably, the response has been that if the Jews still mourn the destruction of their Temple nearly 2,000 years ago by the Roman Empire, they will not forget the devastation of the Holocaust very easily.  Our deep connection to the past and future is one of our people’s great strengths and source of greatness.  May we merit experiencing the teaching of Hazal (Ta’anit 30b) that “Kol HaMit’abeil Al Yerushalayim, Zocheh V’Ro’eh B’Simhata,” those who mourn for Jerusalem will merit seeing its redemption.

Rabbi Haim Jachter is the spiritual leader of Congregation Shaarei Orah, the Sephardic Congregation of Teaneck

By Rabbi Haim Jachter