Letter 6193 – Following the Local Custom of Yom Tov

The holy letters of the Rebbe, volume 17, letter number 6,193. Baruch Hashem, dated the 24th day of Nissan, 5718, Brooklyn.

To our friend and Chassid, our teacher and mentor, Yaakov Meir sheyichye Zohar, Tel Aviv.

Shalom u’vrachah.

The Rebbe writes that he is responding to your letter, which arrived without a date.

You ask regarding a person who is a resident of Eretz Yisrael and traveled together with his family to Chutz La’Aretz: how should he conduct himself regarding the second day of Yom Tov observed outside the Land of Israel?

The Rebbe answers that the practical custom in actuality is clear: one should conduct himself according to the custom of the place where he is presently staying, especially when he has traveled there together with his family.

The same applies in the reverse case: a person who lives in the Diaspora and travels with his family to Eretz Yisrael should conduct himself according to the custom of Eretz Yisrael.

The Rebbe adds that this applies even when the person intends to return after some time to his original place of residence.

Certainly, if one has actually relocated permanently, there is no question that he adopts the custom of his new place. But even when the stay is temporary, since he is presently there — particularly with his family — the practical conduct follows the custom of that location.

The Rebbe concludes with blessing and peace.