Q. Dear Rov Shlit'a is there a problem celebrating Victoria Day by going to a park and watching the fireworks, because of; 'Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,' (following the traditions of the nations)?
A. Victoria Day is not a religious holiday, as is amply recorded. It celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was the ruling monarch at the time of Canada's birth as a country in 1867. It's a day to celebrate all the wonderful things that make Canada the great country it is.
Therefore, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that there is no prohibition of 'Lo Telchu Bechukot Hagoyim,'
involved. (See also question 3329 regarding that it is also propitious to include the date in a shul or school Luach).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
