Question:

In years such as this, 5785, when Tisha b’Av falls after Shabbos should Pirkeiy Avos be recited as usual after Mincha on Shabbos or not?

Answer:

Indeed, this matter is debated amongst the Poskim without there being any arbitration on this matter, including the Rebbe who although discussed the subject many times, never arbitrated what one should do in years that the 9^th of Av falls on Sunday. Accordingly, there is no set Chabad custom in this matter and hence whatever one chooses to do, he has upon whom to rely. Nonetheless, my personal recommendation is to recite it prior to midday of Shabbos which is a time that it may be recited according to all, as Torah study is still permitted, and not to recite it at all in the afternoon as is the custom in years that Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos itself. Regardless of what one chooses to do, the following Shabbos we repeat that same chapter alone without adding an additional chapter as many have not recited it the previous Shabbos.

Explanation:

The question of whether or not one may or should recite Pirkeiy Avos on Shabbos after Mincha when Shabbos is also erev Tisha b’Av is dependent on the question of whether Torah study is permitted on erev Tisha b’Av. Famously, the Rama ruled based on the Maharil, who was known as the father of Ashkenazi custom, that regular Torah study is forbidden from midday of erev Tisha b’Av and hence one may only study from that time and on those matters and subjects that are permitted to be studied on Tisha b’Av itself. Following this ruling, the Rama likewise rules that Pirkeiy Avos is not to be recited on the Shabbos after Mincha, unlike one’s usual schedule. However, many Poskim voiced disagreement with the initial notion that Torah study is restricted starting from midday on erev Tisha b’Av, and rule that in truth there is no limitation at all on Torah study on erev Tisha b’Av, and especially when it falls on Shabbos, and hence one may likewise continue to recite Pirkeiy Avos as usual by Mincha of Shabbos. Now, with regards to the Chabad custom in this matter, the Rebbe spoke about this issue on numerous occasions, at times ruling unlike the Rama and stating that Pirkeiy Avos may be recited as usual, while at other times the Rebbe refused to arbitrate and left it to the decision of each individual. Practically, the widespread custom became, as the Rebbe himself mentioned in a talk, to not recite Pirkeiy Avos on Shabbos erev Tisha b’Av. However, the occurrence in which this custom was mentioned is when Tisha b’Av falls on Shabbos and is then pushed off the Sunday hence making Shabbos the de facto erev Tisha b’Av. However, when the actual date of Tisha b’Av falls on Sunday, one can argue that no such custom exists. This hence leads to our conclusion that regarding occurrences such as this year, it is left for each person’s discretion to study Pirkeiy Avos as usual or not. However, as we always try to do, it is always best to circumvent the issue, and hence we recommend simply reading the Pirkeiy Avos earlier than usual before midday which according to all his permitted. Whatever the case, as we stated above, the Rebbe explicitly said that that same chapter is to be repeated the next Shabbos.

Sources: Stringent opinion: See Rama 553:2; Maharil; M”A 553:7 in name of Kneses Hagedola; Lenient opinion: Taz 553:2; Rashal; Gra; M”B 553:8; Aruch Hashulchan 553:2; Rebbe’s opinion: Likkutei Sichos 19:43 footnote 53; Hisvadyus Shabbos Chazon Erev Tisha B’av 1981; Toras Menachem 1985 5:2695