Sadness is a central part of the human experience. Biblical narratives include sadness as motivating biblical figures — even God. Halakhic texts limit when it is acceptable to be sad and dictate when one must be. Other texts include psychological insights, self-help advice, and prayers and meditations for help to overcome the pain.
Notable Sources
All Sources
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Historical Sadness
MISHNAH
The calendar days of the Ninth of Av and the 17th of Tammuz are the days on which Jews commemorate a number of historical calamities. The Mishnah, the first codification of Jewish law, from the early third-century land of Israel, recounts each of those historical tragedies and instructs that from the beginning of the month of Av, one diminishes their joy.
Sad Days
SECOND TEMPLE
While in the book of Jeremiah, God promises to turn our sorrow into joy, historically, there were many days on which Jews fasted to commemorate many sad historical events. Megillat Ta'anit, a first-century list of the days on which public fasting was prohibited, also lists many days on which sad events befell the Jewish people.
A Plea
CHASIDUT
Perhaps accepting one's emotional state is a step towards moving past it. In Rabbi Nathan of Breslov's Likkutei Tefillot, he records prayers of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, including this one that calls for divine acknowledgement of the depths of the petitioner's sadness.
Memorial Calendar with quote: "For these things I weep; my eye, my eye runs down with water" (Eicha 1,16). made by Yosef Yehudah Shore, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, early 20th century. Gift of Deborah Shore Kandler in memory of her father, Yosef Yehudah Shore. The Jewish Museum, New York.
Memorial Calendar with quote: "For these things I weep; my eye, my eye runs down with water" (Eicha 1,16). made by Yosef Yehudah Shore, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, early 20th century. Gift of Deborah Shore Kandler in memory of her father, Yosef Yehudah Shore. The Jewish Museum, New York.
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