Standing
for Siren
Q:
Is it preferable to stand silently during the siren on Remembrance Day for
Fallen Soldiers or to learn Torah?
A:
One should be silent as a remembrance of the fallen. If he is unable to think about the fallen, he
should recite Tehillim (Psalms) quietly.
Non-Jewish
Custom
Q:
Is standing silently during the siren a non-Jewish custom? What does it have to do with Remembrance Day?
A:
It is not a non-Jewish custom, and hardly any countries have such a
practice. One should remember the
deceased and cry for them. One who is
unable should recite Tehillim.
Establishing
a Holiday
Q:
Do our Sages have the authority today to establish new holidays? What is the source?
A:
Yes. Shut Chatam Sofer, Yoreh Deah
333. Orach Chaim 208.
Tachanun
Q:
Who rules that we do not recite Tachanun on Yom Ha-Atzmaut – especially against
the great Rabbis of the generation, including Ha-Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv?
A:
The question is incomprehensible. Ha-Rav
David Cohen (Rav in our Yeshiva) told me that in his youth he davened at the
Tiferet Bachurim shul and when they wanted to recite Tachanun on Yom Ha-Atzmaut,
Ha-Rav Elyashiv did not allow it.
Charedi
Yeshiva
Q:
I learn in a Charedi yeshiva in which Tachanun is said on Yom Ha-Atzamaut. I
disagree with this practice. Should I
leave when the others say it?
A:
It is permissible to stay and not recite Tachanun yourself. But not in a defiant way, since you are
required to honor the Torah, and this is the place where you learn.
Shave
and a Haircut
Q:
Is it permissible to shave and get a haircut for Yom Ha-Atzmaut? Are all of the laws of mourning of Sefirat
Ha-Omer suspended on Yom Ha-Atzmaut?
A:
Yes, it is a holiday. Responsa of Ha-Rav
Yitzchak Nissim (former Chief Sefardic Rabbi of Israel). One should shave before Maariv on Yom
Ha-Atzmaut and wear holiday clothing.
Wedding
Q:
Is it permissible to get married on Yom Ha-Atzmaut?
A:
Same answer as for getting a haircut and shaving.
Hallel
Q:
Should we recite Hallel on Yom Ha-Atzmaut?
With a blessing?
A:
Yes (Ruling of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel) with a blessing (Ha-Rav Shlomo
Goren).
Q:
Should we recite Hallel on the night of Yom Ha-Atzmaut?
A:
This is the opinion of Ha-Rav Shlomo Goren, but the majority does not do so. And
this was the decision of our Rabbi, Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah Kook.
"Ya'aleh
Ve-Yavo" and "Al Ha-Nisim"
Q:
Why don't we recite "Ya'aleh Ve-Yavo", or "Al Ha-Nisim" on
Yom Ha-Atzmaut?
A:
Our Sages decreed in the Gemara that "Ya'aleh Ve-Yavo" is recited on
Torah holidays, "Al Ha-Nisim" is recited on rabbinic holidays and
Hallel is recited on future miraculous salvations.
Darkness
Q:
Why should we celebrate Yom Ha-Atzmaut when there is so much darkness in our
State?
A:
We give thanks to Hashem for the light in the State. We cry on Tisha Be-Av for the darkness which
still remains from the Exile.
Sources
Q:
Where is it possible to find halachic responsa regarding Yom Ha-Atzmaut?
A:
The book "Hilchot Yom Ha-Atzmaut Ve-Yom Yerushalayim" of Ha-Rav
Nachum Rakover.
