By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com
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Chanukah is fast approaching. Generally speaking, Yeshivos give a few days off on Chanukah. But should they?
For a number of years, Rav Gershon Edelstein shlita, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh has been encouraging Yeshivos to give off a few days after Chaukah, but not on Chanukah itself. His reasoning is that the Greeks desired to make us forget Torah study, as we say in Al HaNissim.
Thus far, there are about 30 yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel that have adopted Rav Edelstein’s model, according to one of Rav Edelstein’s gabbaim. The giving off of a few days after Chanukah should last up to five days – depending upon the particular needs of the bochur and his family.
**There is a Ponevezh yasom getting married shortly. The Gabbaim want to help upgrade his wedding, and need another $2000. If anyone wishes to assist please contact [email protected]**
Not everyone, however, sees this as entirely beneficial. With so much study in the Yeshivos and the rise in Yeshiva dormitories, some parents have voiced the idea that they do not see their children so much. Chanukah, in their eyes, is viewed as family time, in which the parents and all of the children can spend time together. Within Ponevezh itself, some five percent of the students do go home on Chanukah.
Someone had posed the question about the wording of the Rambam who writes that the Greeks also removed Klal Yisroel from observing their religion – which would include Kivud Av v’Aim. Rav Edelstein responded that the Gemorah (Shabbos 21a and b) mention’s only about Torah.
Indeed, the meforshim question the Rambam’s source for the Greek’s negation of other Mitzvos. Some have identified the source as chapter 18 of Yosipun.
Rav Edelstein shlita requested that this idea be promulgated in Chutz la’Aretz as well. This author suggested that it may be a hurdle on account of the fact that families look forward to Chanukah vacation together. The question is what will the American Yeshivos do?
The author can be reached at [email protected]
Don’t understand. They want to take away Bein Hazmanim , summer and now Chanukah, a little sports, limited concerts under conditions , and don’t allow bocharim to travel to family simchas as a rule . Does all this contribute to bettering Yahadus or simcha to be a Jew ? Or a human being for that matter?
Parents are not allowed control over their children.
Just because these silly Greeks made Gezeiros against learning, we shouldn’t be able to enjoy Shabbos Chanukah?
Not sure I understand. Gedolim and Roshie Yeshive have accepted this for past generations. Is there specific reason to change now?
Average balei batim don’t have the rigorous schedules being forced on bochorim. Family gatherings now being cancelled ?
These comments so far are all disgusting and mocking the opinion of Maran Rosh Yeshiva the Gadol Hadar Raban Shel Kol Bnei Hogoleh!! Hagaon Harav Gershon shlit”a is 100% correct and if most yeshivos takeh adapt to this then the “family time” will become Parshas Vayigash (week after chanukah) instead…