Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch offered guidance to yeshiva bochurim struggling to connect with the recitation of Kinnos on Tishah B'Av, proposing a balanced approach that maintains the traditional practice while encouraging deeper engagement.
The advice came during a visit from Rav Aharon Yitzchak Berenzweig, a rosh mesivta at Yeshivas Mir and head of the Mevakshei Hashem organization, who consulted with Rav Hirsch on questions related to the upcoming bein hazemanim period.
The primary concern centered on the lengthy Kinnos recitation on Tishah B'Av. Rav Berenzweig described the dilemma many bochurim face: the extended morning service is difficult for them to connect with, raising the question of whether it is better to recite only select Kinnos with concentration after studying them in advance, or to read through all of them without full understanding.
Rav Hirsch responded by referencing the writings of Rav Avigdor Miller zt"l. "I just saw an article by Rav Avigdor Miller zt"l in which he wrote that even if one does not understand the Kinnos, the very fact that everyone sits on the floor together and recites them brings a person into the state of mourning."
He acknowledged that for some, the experience of sitting on the floor and reciting Kinnos - even with limited comprehension - offers value. However, he proposed an alternative: "To give up saying the Kinnos altogether - that certainly not. However, one can shorten the Kinnos somewhat. Take several Kinnos and really know them well. There should be two parts: some Kinnos that he studies carefully, and in addition there can be Kinnos that he does not understand, but he does not need to say all of them."
Rav Hirsch suggested reducing the overall volume while dedicating more time to studying selected Kinnos carefully.