Questions and Answers

Question
Dear Rabbi Brovender,

What is your opinion regarding saying Hallel on Yom Haatzmaut (for those of us living in chutz laaretz)? If the celebrations are pushed back to Thursday, do we say Hallel on that day (versus the fifth of Iyar)? Should we recite it with or without a bracha? Also, are haircuts permitted on that day? How about listening to music?

Answer
This question has become complicated because it connects to the community that you are interested in being part of. We are not going to determine why there is a difference of opinion on this matter, but I will tell you what I do.

I say Hallel in the morning and have done so even as a young student in chutz la-aretz. This year the 5th of Iyar is on Shabbat and everyone will celebrate on Thursday. I say Hallel with a bracha in the morning, and will do so this year on the “mukdam” date, Thursday. Some also say Hallel on the preceeding night at Maariv, but that is not my practice.

Listening to music is not a problem. Even live bands are employed in the Daati Leumi Yeshivot. Haircuts are permitted for people who have a personal simcha (like a bris) and would be permitted for anyone who feels that this enhances his simcha on Yom HaAtzmaut.

I stress that it is important to remain part of a larger community and not take obvious stands against the group that you feel you are part of all year long. Sometimes we have to disagree in principal but not rock the boat.

I wish you well and have a joy filled Yom HaAtzmaut.

All the best,

Rabbi Chaim Brovender

Questions and Answers with Rabbi Brovender

Question: How do you view the State of Israel - what role does it play in the history of the Jewish people?

Answer: The State of Israel is a very significant part of the Jewish historical reality. It cannot be ignored in the present, and holds out great hope for the future of our people. For the first time in a millennium we are politically independent, are responsible for ourselves, and have managed to accommodate many different kinds of Jews into one political entity.

continue

Questions and Answers with Rabbi Brovender

Question: An essential part of medical school involves performing an autopsy. Given that a Kohen is forbidden to have any contact with a dead body (or to even be in the same room as a dead body) does this mean that a Kohen cannot become a doctor?

Answer: A Kohen can certainly be a doctor. Being a doctor gives tremendous opportunity to engage in hesed and to help people in a meaningful way. However, it is not easy for a Kohen to make his way through medical school, if the school requires that he participate in autopsies.

continue