– Q. Shalom LaRav Shlit’a. Is it true what some maintain that we should increase on Shabbos Chazon Simcha, happiness and joy more than any other regular Shabbos? Why not the contrary?

A. Indeed, that is the opinion of Likutei Shlomo quoted by Nitei Gavriel (27: 4: p. 163) .
He also adds that some make a point to celebrate even in those Nine Days the making of a Siyum, as it says: “Pikudei Hashem Yeshorim Mesamchei Lev” (The Mitzvos of Hashem are straightforward and they bring joy to the heart).

The reason given is that this Simcha Shel Mitzva, shows our deep believe that all the acts of Hashem, our Compassionate Father, even the grievous and heartbreaking ones, are acts of deep kindness and ”Gam Zu Letovo,” they are all only for good and kindness.

However, the above is also avoided by many, who are not of a Chasidic background.
Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit’a added that one has to have these concepts in a correct mind, and not use them as an excuse to negate the mourning of the Nine Days.
Yet, it may be best to serve Hashem with joy and great hope for a Geulah Dleima very soon.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.