# 2631 This Is News To Me
On Chol Hamoed, should one avoid reading the news, especially about who died, due to the mitzvah of vesamachta b’hagecha? If so, why are the Frum Jewish news sites still posting on Chol Hamoed? Is one obligated to refrain from reading, or is it merely a middas chassidus?
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed one should avoid reading depressing and mournful news during Chol Hamoed, as it contravenes the mitzva of vesamachta bechagecha, to rejoice during Yom Tov. Unless one wants to become aware of much needed protective information, or how to help others and concentrate just on that. The above may apply even to Rosh Chodesh.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a.
Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: April 14, 2020