Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
I can’t help but feel a sense of relief on days we omit Tachanun (a supplication prayer), such as the month of Nissan or at a brit. But why don’t we say Tachanun on joyous days? And is it wrong to feel happy about the extra time saved?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
The Power and Purpose of Tachanun
Tachanun is a powerful prayer, and skipping it is not something to take lightly.
The essence of Tachanun is turning to Hashem and declaring “chatati—I have sinned.” It is a powerful prayer of teshuvah (repentance), in which we fall on our faces in humility and submission before Hashem (God). On Mondays and Thursdays we recite an expanded version, as on these days Moshe ascended and descended Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) when he received the Second luchot, making them days especially favored for divine mercy.
Even simply saying “I have sinned,” without full remorse, can have an effect, because merely humbling oneself before Hashem and admitting sin is impactful. Indeed, during the story of Bilaam and his donkey, when the angel finally reveals himself to Bilaam, he responds (Bamidbar 22:34), “chatati.” The Midrash explains that he knew the secret that “anyone who says, ‘I have sinned,’ is beyond the angel’s power to harm.”
Skipping Tachanun: A Blessing… or a Missed Opportunity?
Some people respond to the omission of Tachanun with a sense of relief. I recall davening in a shul where Tachanun was not recited because a sandek was present, and one of the those present thanked him for “excusing us from Tachanun.” However, this attitude is misguided. Sin creates a barrier between us and Hashem, which the teshuvah in Tachanun helps tear down. Therefore, the opportunity to say Tachanun and come closer to Hashem should fill us with excitement.
Happy Days Call for Happy Prayers
Despite Tachanun’s importance, we don’t recite it in times of joy because recalling our sins can diminish the happiness we are meant to feel. But that doesn’t mean we have to lose out on the benefits of Tachanun. On the contrary, by focusing and immersing ourselves in the meaning of these days and occasions, we can grow closer to Hashem and achieve those same benefits—just through growth and joy.
No Tachanun at a Brit? Here’s What You Should Be Thinking About
When Tachanun is omitted due to a brit, take a moment to reflect on the significance of a brit: it’s a symbol of our servitude to Hashem, supersedes Shabbat, is the subject of thirteen covenants between Hashem and the Jewish people, and has immense power to bring us closer to Hashem. This should inspire a person to greater devotion and spiritual growth, and help him reach heights that even Tachanun cannot provide.
Nissan: A Sanctified Month
Tachanun is omitted during the month of Nissan because the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was erected on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, and for the next twelve days, the nasi (leader) of each shevet (tribe) brought a special korban (offering), making each day a yom tov (holiday) for that shevet (Bamidbar 7). Add to that the holy days of Erev Pesach (Passover Eve), Pesach, and Isru Chag (the day after Pesach), and the majority of the month is sanctified, making Nissan a holy month, and Tachanun is therefore omitted.
Spiritual Opportunities in the Absence of Tachanun
Once again, this is a special opportunity to come close to Hashem. When the Mishkan was erected, Hashem established His Shechinah (Divine Presence) in our midst. (Later on, the Shechinah rested in the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple.) Furthermore, as the Ramban explains, the special korbanot offered by the nesi’im (leaders) forged a unique connection between each tribe and Hashem. Although the Beit Hamikdash is no longer standing, this special connection continues to resonate in the spiritual essence of the day, allowing us to tap into our unique bond with Hashem.
Don’t Just Celebrate – Elevate!
This, combined with Pesach, when Hashem drew us near and made us His nation, should excite and inspire us to grow closer to Hashem in Nissan.
When we truly reflect on these ideas, they can bring us even closer to Hashem than Tachanun can. But if a person simply leaves shul feeling happy to have skipped Tachanun, failing to capitalize on the day’s elation, he has squandered the opportunity and walked away empty-handed.
Skipping Tachanun: More than Just a Time Saver
Nissan is a month of joy, so we refrain from Tachanun to avoid dampening that joy. This is not a cause for celebration, as Tachanun is a powerful prayer, but rather an opportunity to come even closer to Hashem.
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