Q. Parshas Devarim is usually read before Tisha Beav or as in this year on Tisha Beav that is nidche, since there is no avelus in Shabbos. Why do many read on kerias Hatorah the posuk of: “Eicha essa lebadi” and the Haftara of Shabbos Chazon, with the sad nigun of Eicha, is that not public avelus which should be avoided?
If one has a choice to attend a shul where they don’t do sing that tune, should he better go there?
A. On question 1391 on that same question: “How come we read the pasuk of Eicha Essa on parshat Devarim and some read the Haftara also with the nigun of Megilat Eicha, is that not Avelut Befarhesia on Shabbat, that is prohibited?” To what we answered: “Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that our sages often instituted tefilos, such as Av Horachamim, Izkor, Haftoros etc, that contain a sad or mournful theme to be recited or read on Shabbos. This does not represent avelus befarhessia or open grieving, since it is done as an established, generalized tradition of imparting necessary teachings and prayers for all.”
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a