Today we discuss a Halacha that is unfortunately overlooked by many, that is applicable during the 3 weeks between Shiva Asar BiTamuz and Tisha BeAv. This 3 week period is known as ‘Yime Ben HaMitzarim.’
The Kaf HaChayim (Rav Yaakov Chaim Sofer 1870-1939) writes in his commentary on Shulchan Aruch siman 551, seif katan 221, a very important Minhag from the Arizal (Rabbi Yitzchak Luria Ashkenazi ben Shlomo, also known as the "Ari" 1534-1572) that was written in his sefer ‘Sh’ar HaKavanot’. There the Ari says that while it is proper to mourn Jerusalem by reciting the Tikun Chatzot every single night of the year, one should all the more so be vigilant in this prayer during the 3 weeks. This is a prayer to mourn the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash (Temple).
The Ari goes further to say that the custom is to also say the Tikun Rachel (part of Tikun Chatzot) every afternoon after Chatzot (midday) during this 3 week period. In New York, this would mean after about 1:15 PM. One should take the time and go to a private place to say Viduy, and sit on the floor, and read Tikun Rachel. This is a custom that should be embraced and done throughout the Ben HaMitzarim.
Now, we should not say this Tikun Rachel in the afternoon on Erev Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh Av, nor should it be said on Erev Tisha BeAv. Aside from these 3 periods though, one should open a Siddur, and read the Tikun Rachel every afternoon. It is normally found in Sephardic Siddurim in the beginning of the Siddur.
Chacham Ben Tzion discusses this Minhag in his sefer ‘Or L’tzion Helek 3’, and says it is quite a proper Minhag. The Gemara says only those who mourn Jerusalem will merit to see it in its glory. Mourning Jerusalem doesn’t mean only one or two days a year, but rather a constant remembrance.
So again, one should be careful to say Tikun Chatzot every night especially during this 3 week period. And, one should try and say the Tikun Rachel every afternoon after Chatzot except for Erev Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh Av, and Erev Tisha BeAv.
