The Rav and the Tisha B’Av Kinot

Abstract

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik had a great and lasting impact on Jewish life and learning in the twentieth century as a teacher of Torah (he often referred to himself as a" melamed") in various formal and informal settings, as a philosopher and as a communal leader. ¶

One of his many contributions was to illuminate the book of Kinot recited on Tisha B' Av. The Rav was a master of the Bible and had the wide-ranging knowledge of rabbinic literature (Talmud and Midrash), medieval Hebrew poetry, and Jewish history necessary to understand and fully appreciate the kinot, using his prodigious knowledge in all these areas to unlock that which had previously been closed for generations. He opened up the book of Kittot for us and revolutionized our thinking about Tisha B'Av, the hurban and Jewish national tragedy in general. For this reason, as well as for so many others, our generation owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude. (from Introduction)