Tantzing at Tzvei Chasunas-Minhagei Sephirah
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This episode of the Yeshiva of Newark at IDT Podcast explores the nuanced halachic debate surrounding when one may begin shaving and holding weddings during the Sefirah period, particularly focusing on the transition from the 33rd to the 34th day of the Omer (Lag Baomer). Host Rabbi Apron Kivalevich delves into the machlokot between Ashkenazi and Sephardi minhagim, examining the rulings of the Ramah, Beis Yosef, and later achronim like Rabbi Yaakov Emden, Tosafot Yom Tov, and Chok Yaakov. A central question is whether Lag Baomer begins at night or only in the morning, with implications for both personal grooming and wedding planning. The discussion reveals that while the Mishnah Berurah insists on waiting until the morning of the 34th, several prominent authorities permit shaving and even weddings on the night of the 33rd, especially in cases of necessity or economic hardship. The episode also addresses the practical challenges of maintaining a uniform minhag in a community and the halachic flexibility introduced by Rav Moshe Feinstein, allowing individuals to switch minhagim from year to year, with the ability to attend weddings even if one is still in the mourning period. The conversation blends historical context, halachic reasoning, and personal anecdotes, including a nostalgic recollection of waiting for movie theaters to reopen on Lag Baomer in Memphis.
According to the Ramah and some achronim, Lag Baomer begins at night, allowing shaving and potentially weddings on the night of the 33rd of the Omer.
The Mishnah Berurah maintains that one must wait until the morning of the 34th, based on the idea that the cessation of the students' deaths occurred during daylight.
Rav Moshe Feinstein permitted switching minhagim from year to year, enabling couples to plan weddings during Sefirah if needed, even if their community traditionally observes mourning.
Attending a wedding during Sefirah is permitted even if one is still in mourning, as it is considered an act of honor (mehadrin) rather than creating personal joy.
Historical practices in Europe included holding weddings on Erev Shabbos or even the night before to save costs, combining Shabbos and wedding meals.
Introduction to the Sefirah Debate: Ashkenazi vs. Sephardi Minhagim
Rabbi Kivalevich introduces the episode by revisiting the previous discussion on shaving before Shabbos and transitions into the core halachic dispute between Ashkenazi and Sephardi customs regarding when one may begin shaving and holding weddings during Sefirah, particularly around Lag Baomer.
The Ramah, Beis Yosef, and the Night vs. Day Debate
The episode examines the conflicting opinions of the Ramah and Beis Yosef on whether Lag Baomer begins at night or only in the morning, with the Ramah requiring waiting until the morning of the 34th, while the Beis Yosef allows the 33rd. The discussion centers on the significance of Tachnun and the moment when the holiday's sanctity begins.
The Berhetev and the German Minhag: When Does the Holiday Begin?
The Berhetev’s analysis of German minhagim reveals that in some communities, Tachnun was not said the night before Lag Baomer, implying that the holiday’s sanctity began at night. This supports the idea that one could shave or even hold weddings on the night of the 33rd.
Rabbi Yaakov Emden’s Synthesis: Bridging the Gap
“He says, no, the Ramah is being true to where he lives, where they actually, in a sense, did not say Tachnun at Mincha the night before because they knew that a holiday, whatever you want to say, is coming.”
Weddings During Sefirah: From Necessity to Halachic Flexibility
“Rav Moshe makes, is Machadish another kula? Rav Moshe's Machadish another kula where he says that you can go to someone else's wedding even though you are technically still in your sphere where you're not making weddings.”
“Rav Moshe makes, is Machadish another kula? Rav Moshe's Machadish another kula where he says that you can go to someone else's wedding even though you are technically still in your sphere where you're not making weddings.”
“He says, no, the Ramah is being true to where he lives, where they actually, in a sense, did not say Tachnun at Mincha the night before because they knew that a holiday, whatever you want to say, is coming.”
“You can decide this year you're going to be a Sephardi, going to go like Dominic of the Bezalusif, and you'll be able to have weddings from Lama Dalet on and be able to plan your wedding then.”
Host
Lag Baomer
other
Sefirah
other
Ramah
person
Rabbi Apron Kivalevich
person
Tachnun
other
Mishnah Berurah
book
Beis Yosef
person
Rabbi Yaakov Emden
person
Rav Moshe Feinstein
person
Rosh Chodesh
other
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