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<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" color=#000000 size=2 face=Arial>From: "The Goldmeiers"
<gldmeier@rcn.com><BR>To:<BR></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" color=#000000 size=2 face=Arial>So, I'm confused, which is normal really. On Yom Hashoah, where
we ask that <BR>everyone stop for a moment of silence, That gets an argument of
Bitul Torah <BR>(let's ignore the other argument of chukas hagoyim for
now). But an entire <BR>night of bitul is ok?<BR><BR>Shaya Goldmeier
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<DIV>>>>>></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>This is the first time I've heard the argument that the objection to Yom
Hashoah is "bitul Torah." Normally the question arises when charedim are
spotted crossing the street somewhere and failing to stop for the two-minute
siren. They aren't learning Torah anyway while they're driving or
walking, so stopping for a moment wouldn't be bitul Torah. The reasons
chareidim don't do Yom Hashoah have been much discussed, no need to rehash,
except for one over-arching principle, which is, they don't recognize yom tovim
or taaneisim or days of mourning promulgated by secular Jews.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Personally I have not heard of one charedi rav or posek who holds that
it is assur to stop and stand still for a moment when the siren sounds
(though some may say it's not necessary).
<DIV>
<DIV>Bitul Torah is not an issue.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>Indeed, mipnei darchei sholom, the vast majority of charedim do
indeed stop for the siren when they are out in public, and that is by far the
majority psak. </DIV></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT lang=0 color=#0000ff size=2 face=Arial FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"><BR><B>--Toby Katz<BR>==========<BR><BR></FONT><FONT lang=0 color=#000000 size=2 face=Arial FAMILY="SANSSERIF" PTSIZE="10"></B>--------------------</FONT></DIV></DIV>
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