5123 —המנהג להימנע מלימוד תורה בליל ניטל

B"H, 12 Shevat, 5717.

Brooklyn, NY.

HaAvrech Havuac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Yaakov Shemesh

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Regarding your question about the Jewish custom—which is itself Torah—that on the night of Nittel one does not study until midnight: what is the reason for this? And how is it possible that Torah study could cause inappropriate or undesirable matters, such that we refrain from learning? For the reason behind this custom, consult the books on minhagim (customs), which are many and cite several explanations in the name of great Jewish leaders. Our custom is also as above, as quoted in Hayom Yom for 17 Tevet 5703 and in the name of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal nbg"m zya"a: it is so as not to add vitality [to negative forces]. He said: "For those who are constant learners and for whom these eight hours are essential to their soul—I do not insist." It is already well known that this applies only until midnight.

b) How is it possible that Torah study could lead to undesirable results or even worse? There are other examples of this—even in nigleh (the revealed part of Torah)—such as studying most topics in Torah on Tisha B'Av; most areas of Torah study by a mourner; or Torah study by someone about whom it is said: "U'lerasha amar Elokim mah lecha lesaper chukai" (And to the wicked G‑d says: What right have you to declare My statutes). See also Hilchos Talmud Torah by Rabbeinu HaZaken chapter 4 section 3 and in Kuntres Acharon.

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies that refraining from Torah study on Nittel Nacht has deep roots in Jewish tradition and halachic sources. Sometimes, even holy activities like learning Torah are limited due to specific spiritual considerations.