4042 —הסתכלות מהפיתוי וזמני קידוש על פי הלכה

B"H, 18 Teves, 5716. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Regarding what you wrote about encountering an undesirable sight on your journey, and the debate you had in your mind whether to look and not be affected or not to look at all—this is an old and longstanding disagreement. There is also a sichah from the Rebbe (the Rebbe Rashab) of blessed memory on this topic, concluding simply that one should not look and should not try to be clever, because this is not a person's purpose. As we pray every day: 'Do not bring us to a test.' It is surprising that there is even doubt about this.

The book "HaChashmal LeOr HaHalachah" is in my possession.

Regarding what you wrote about being careful not to recite Kiddush between 6-7 o'clock on Friday night: the intent is clearly to an hour of sixty minutes, since the movement of the constellations is equal in summer and winter. Also, at midday there is no difference between places in the south or north; therefore, the sixth hour means six equal hours after midday.

As for your note that people are not concerned with this in Eretz Yisrael, as well as regarding Nittel Nacht—please inform me of the reasoning of those who are not concerned with this in Eretz Yisrael and whether they are authorities.

Blessings for good news in all mentioned above. It is understood that the activities of Tzeirei Agudas Chabad—which are fundamentally work among youth—are paramount.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that when faced with temptation or inappropriate sights, one should simply look away rather than rationalize or test oneself. He also clarifies halachic time calculations for Kiddush and encourages seeking authoritative sources for differing customs.