Q&A: An Israeli Abroad and the Second Festival Day
An Israeli Abroad and the Second Festival Day
Question
Hello Honorable Rabbi!
A question of Jewish law: I am originally from the Land of Israel, and I now live in a community outside the Land of Israel. Am I required to observe the second festival day?
Thank you very much!
Answer
See an overview here (in the last chapter): https://ph.yhb.org.il/category/%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93%D7%99%D7%9D/09-%D7%99%D7%95%D7%9D-%D7%98%D7%95%D7%91-%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%92%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%99%D7%95%D7%AA/
I would add that the whole matter of the second festival day seems puzzling to me, and in truth has no real place today (because it is clear that even if the Temple were rebuilt, they would not go back to observing two days in distant places). In any case, we are stuck with this decree and have no authority to revoke it. Therefore, in my opinion, wherever there is room to be lenient, one may be lenient.
What does the Rabbi mean by, “wherever there is room to be lenient, one may be lenient”? Is it possible to observe only the essential part of the Seder night? Is it permitted to use a cell phone?