This post was originally posted in 2008/5768 when Yom Haatzmaut fell on Shabbat, and as such celebrations were pushed back to Thursday. While this is not the case this year, the question of whether to say Hallel or not, and with a bracha or not, is still of relevance and interesting to note.

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. [Last year, 5769] the 5th of Iyar is on Shabbat and everyone will celebrate on Thursday. I say Hallel without 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