Q:
Should I be saying tikun chatzos during this time of the year?
A:
Tikun Chatzos is a good thing, but don’t just daven it up. I would say that it’s a good idea to just sit down on the floor before you go to sleep – even for a minute. Do it after your wife falls asleep – or after your husband falls asleep – so that they won’t think you’ve gone crazy. But sit on the floor in aveilus for the Churban Beis Ha’mikdash, mourning for the destruction, for a full minute and then go to sleep.
A minute is also good enough. Don’t think it’s a small thing. When I was a boy I used to say tikun chatzos. But now – even better – sit on the floor for a moment and think about what we’re missing. A minute for the Churban Beis Ha’mikdash and then go to sleep. This is a very good eitzah you’re hearing now – a very important piece of advice.
TAPE # E-239 (July 1999)