For the source text click/tap here: Rosh Hashanah 18
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In answer to the question posed by our daf as to how the same day can be both a day of fasting and a day of joy, Rav Papa explains that there are three possible scenarios that exist, which depend on the situation of the Jewish people in the world.
If there is shalom – peace – then these are days of celebration and happiness
If there is shemad (or, according to some readings gezerat malkhut) – oppression – then these are days of fasting
If there is neither shalom nor shemad, then it is up to the people to decide whether or not they will fast.
There is discussion about private vs communal judgment which leads us to examine the theological ramifications of communal suffering such as in a pandemic.