5124 —המנהג והזמן של ניטל נאכט

B"H, 13 Shevat, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z Pinchas Leibish Hertzel

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 5th of Shevat, in which you ask my opinion regarding Nittel and the Jewish custom not to study Torah on this night until midnight—which is also our custom, as explained in Hayom Yom for the 17th of Teves, 5703.

Since suspending Torah study is a significant innovation, it should be limited strictly to its original scope; therefore, it should only be suspended for one night.

Based on what I have previously written... it seems to me that in every country one should follow this practice according to the local non-Jewish calendar. If there are different customs among them regarding this date, then one should observe it on the night when most non-Jews celebrate—that is, on the night accepted by the majority—since the principle of following the majority (azlinan basar ruba) applies even among non-Jews, as is evident from the Talmudic discussion on following the majority and other sources (though this is not the place to elaborate).

Thank you for continuing to share your good news regarding farbrengens; certainly you will continue this good practice in the future as well.

With blessing.

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies that Nittel Nacht's Torah study suspension applies only for one night and should be observed according to when most local non-Jews celebrate. He encourages maintaining positive communal practices like farbrengens.