Q. This coming Sunday is Nitel night (Christmas). I have an old family minhag not to learn Torah during that night. I was invited to a wedding on that night, Is it proper for me to attend?
A. On question 960 regarding getting married on Nitel night we wrote;
"Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that for those that observe the minhag of Nitel, it depends on the rationale behind it. If the reason is the inherent avelus and mourning on a day that caused historically so much pain and tragedy to our people, (Korban Nesanel, Chasam Sofer 2) weddings should be avoided. Nitei Gavriel (Nisuin 1: 48: 18 – Chanuka 5: 4) indeed quotes opinions that some avoid getting married on Nitel night; that being also one reason why we don’t learn Torah on that night, as Torah learning creates simcha and joy.
However, if the motive for Nitel is the habitual Sakana or danger for Jews being in the streets on that night, (Taamey Haminhogim) it may not apply in our days.
Interestingly, Nitei Gavriel (Chanuka 48: 18) rules that even for the people who are stringent in keeping the Nitel traditions the y can get married then.
We must inform you that Nitel is not on the 25th of December, but rather on the night of the 24th. As we wrote on question 3485 as follows:
"Q. This year Dec 25 falls on Shabbos, so Nitel will coincide with Leil Shabbos or Friday night. For some of us who carefully keep the Chassidic tradition of not learning Torah during Nitel night, does it apply also on Shabbos?
A. Nitei Gavriel (Chanuka p. 413, 6: 1) Quotes many opinions that it does for those who keep that tradition, and even the reciting of the Parsha with Targum should be avoided on that night. He mentions that most Tzadikim and Rebbes would not say at their Tish (table) any words of Torah. He writes that it is permitted to sing all Zemiros on this Shabbos.
However, others are lenient since after all Shabbos is a day of protection and the learning of Torah is part of the mitzva of rejoicing on Shabbos.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although he does not keep the traditions of Nitel, he could understand why those who do, can be lenient during Shabbos.
Horav Dovid Pam’s Shlit’a opinion is similar."
In our year (5783-2022) Nitel will be Motzei Shabbos and the reasoning above may also apply.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it does.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
