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The following is from today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. My <em>minhag</em> is to maintain the customs of mourning after <em>Lag B’Omer</em> (commonly known as the second half of <em>Sefira</em>). I was invited to a wedding on <em>Lag B’Omer</em>, but the music and dancing will continue after
nightfall. Am I permitted to continue to participate in the dancing? Similarly, may I attend a wedding that is scheduled during the latter days of the <em>Sefira</em>?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. Rav Moshe Feinstein,<em> zt’l </em>(Igeros Moshe OC 1:159) writes that the <em>
minhagim</em> of <em>Sefira</em> are overridden by the <em>mitzvah</em> to be <em>
misameyach</em> (bring joy to) the <em>chasan</em> and <em>kallah</em>. He writes that it appears that one can participate at a wedding, even if it took place inappropriately during
<em>Sefira</em>. Although it is forbidden to arrange a wedding during certain days of the
<em>Sefira</em>, it is permissible to dance and celebrate once the couple is married. Rav Moshe proves this from a ruling of the Shulchan Aruch (OC 493:1). Shulchan Aruch writes that one is forbidden to get married between Pesach and
<em>Lag B’Omer</em>, but if one did, we do not penalize him. Rav Moshe argues that if no one is permitted to celebrate with the couple, that would be an exceptionally severe punishment. It follows that if the marriage was performed in accordance with
<em>halacha</em>, those who have a different <em>minhag</em> may certainly dance and celebrate together with the
<em>chasan</em> and <em>kallah</em>. Rav Belsky, <em>zt”l</em> (Shulchan Halevi 13:7) pointed out that one who keeps the second half of
<em>Sefira</em> should not join in the dancing unless the <em>chasan</em> and <em>
kallah</em> are present, since the allowance to participate is based on bringing joy to the bride and groom.</p>
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There was a time when the Kallah was brought to the men's side of the hall, she sat down next to her Chasan, and men danced in front of them. In many circles this is no longer done today.
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The above says, "those who have a different <em>minhag</em> may certainly dance and celebrate together with the
<em>chasan</em> and <em>kallah</em>." This does not happen if the chason and kallah remain on their sides of the mechitzah throughout the entire wedding. Dare one suggest that not having the kallah come to the men's side of hall is not proper?</div>
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YL <br>
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