I agree! I finally convinced my Ruv that based on the olden days it’s completely inappropriate to use Air Conditioning or electric lights (the modern ones that give off very little heat) on Tisha B’Av as it’s “too comfortable”
We turn off the A/C & use candles (to add heat to the heat & increase the discomfort). Indoor plumbing on Tisha B’Av? Chas V’Shalom! Our youth group built an outhouse (smells & all) out back special for Tisha B’Av.
A Holocaust survivor who used to be a carpenter built a Kosher wooden chair to sit on & all was well. UNTIL he put a cushion on the seat. We immediately threw him & his chair out the window while shouting “Goy, Goy, Goy Avek!!”
The truth is my Ruv told me not to Daven there on Tisha B’Av. He explained that I am the only member that enjoys his sermons so it’s inappropriate due to the joy i get. But everyone else that abhors his speeches earn extra Zichusim sitting not just through an agonizing 30 minute Shabbos drasha but hours of the Ruv’s ramblings.
p s.
1. Whether in NY or elsewhere EVERY Avel chair I’ve seen has padded seats & backs, & armrests to make it more comfortable. The only difference between a regular comfortable chair & an Avel chair? Shorter legs.
2. Rabbis of Frum Shuls who won’t speak up out of fear of losing Mispallelim don’t deserve the title “Rabbi”
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