Ask the Rav: Shaalos & Teshuvos for Erev Yom Kippur 5785

Question:
How much money should I give for Pidyon Kaparos if I’m not using a chicken?[1]

Answer:
The custom is to redeem the Kaparos chicken with money and donate that amount to the poor. While there is no fixed sum, many follow the practice of giving the equivalent value of a chicken—typically around $18 per person. Some give more generously, especially if they are able. The key is that the money should be given with the intention of fulfilling the mitzvah of tzedakah through Pidyon Kaparos.

[1] Admur 605:4; Rama 605:1; Maharil

Should a woman who cannot immerse in a mikvah on Erev Yom Kippur perform Tisha Kabin purification instead [i.e. taking a shower for several minutes]?[1]

Yes, this follows the same law as men, as explained in Halacha D in the Q&A. If a woman cannot immerse in a mikvah on Erev Yom Kippur, she should have the intention of purifying herself from impurity by taking a shower for several minutes.

[1] Why a woman should do Tisha Kabin (shower) if Mikveh is unavailable on Erev Yom Kippur: Although immersion in a mikveh on Erev Yom Kippur is primarily for the purpose of Teshuvah—a spiritual preparation equally relevant to both men and women—there is an additional halachic consideration regarding purification from Keri. In cases where a woman is unable to immerse in a mikveh, she should perform Tisha Kabin, which involves standing under a continuous shower for several minutes with the intention of purifying herself from Keri. While this practice does not fulfill the Teshuvah-related aspect of mikveh immersion, it still serves to purify her halachic state. This is especially pertinent for married women, as noted by the Alter Rebbe (Admur), who requires them to cleanse themselves from any residual semen prior to Yom Kippur. [See Admur 606:11-12; M”A 606:8; Mateh Efraim 606:8; M”B 606:21]

Question:

We are the only Orthodox family in our town and do not live near any Orthodox congregation for us to be able to do Hataras Nedarim. Can we do it amongst our family members, such as to have me the father and another two of my sons do the Hataras Nedarim on behalf of the other relatives [we have a total of six adult sons and sons in-laws at home for the holidays, and other male relatives are joining us later to make a Minyan for Rosh Hashana], and then the other relatives will serve as the tribunal to annul our vows. Basically, is it valid to perform Hataras Nedarim if the judges who annul the vow are relatives of each other or of the person asking for the annulment?

Answer:              

Yes. It is valid for relatives to perform Hataras Nedarim on behalf of each other, whether the three judges are related to each other or are related to the person asking for the annulment, or are related to both. Thus, you and two of your sons may annul the vow for your other son, and so on and so forth until everyone has done Hataras Nedarim.

Explanation:

Although relatives are prohibited from serving as judges, if they are relatives of each other or of one of the parties, nonetheless, releasing one from a vow does not carry the same status of law as a judge who sits in judgment, and hence many of the regulations and limitations applicable to judges in a court of law do not applied by the process of Hataras Nedarim.

Sources: See Michaber Yoreh Deah 228:3;Abayey in Nedarim 77a; Shach 228:7; Taz 228:5;  Piskeiy Teshuvos 581:16

If one did not do Hataras Nedarim on Erev Rosh Hashanah, should it be performed on Erev Yom Kippur?^[1]

Yes, it is to be performed during Aseres Yimei Teshuvah, and hence if by Erev Yom Kippur it has still not been done then it is to be done on Erev Yom Kippur.

[1] Shlah beginning of Tractate Yuma

Question

May someone who usually takes ADHD medication on a daily basis continue to take their medication on Yom Kippur?

Answer

This matter depends on the severity of the individual’s condition. In cases where the medication is essential to prevent severe instability, it is permitted. Thus, ADHD medication may be taken on Yom Kippur if not taking it would lead to a drastic imbalance or severe disruption in behavior causing the individual to become drastically imbalanced or “off the wall.” However, when the medication is not essential for preventing significant instability and is used primarily for improving focus or general well-being, it should not be taken on Yom Kippur.

Sources: Shut Besod Siach 38; See regarding the general allowance for taking pills on Yom Kippur for one who is ill or to prevent an illness: Sdei Chemed Yom Kippur 3:8; Yeshuos Yaakov 612; Kesav Sofer 111; Pischeiy Teshuvah Y.D. 155:6; Shoel Umeishiv Mahdura Daled 1:55; Orchos Chaim 618:1; Eretz Tzevi 88; Kaf Hachaim 554:34 in name of in name of Kesonos Yosef 4, Ikarei Hadaat 29:36, Pischei Olam 554:6 regarding regular fast days; Meishiv Shalom 179; Igros Moshe 3:91; Tzitz Eliezer 10:25; Shevet Halevi 10:89; SSH”K 39:8; Nishmas Avraham 612:7; Toras Hayoledes 52:9 footnote 27; Piskeiy Teshuvos 612:2; Nitei Gavriel 37:23; 39:12-15; Encyclopedia Hilchatit Refuit Erech Yom Kippur Volume 3 p. 794; See regarding the status of a psychological illness and psychiatric disorder that it can be viewed as a matter of Pikuach Nefesh: Michaber 288:10; Shabbos 20b; Rashi Taanis 22b; Ran Taanis 8b; Shut Rashba Meyuchas Leramban 281; Admas Kodesh Y.D. 1:6;  Levushei Mordecha C.M. 39; Chavalim Benimim 4:13; Igros Moshe E.H. 1:63, 65, 67; 3:22, 65 [regarding anxiety]; Shevet Halevi 4:34; Yabia Omer O.C. 37:4, E.H. 24; Beis Avi 3:152; Yaskil Avdi E.H. 5:15; Minchas Yitzchak 1:115-5;  Chashukei Chemed Yuma p. 488 in name of Rav Elyashiv; Shabbos Shabbason p. 83 and 99; Tzitz Eliezer 4:13; Binyan Dovid 2:68-3;

Yom Kippur: Fasting vs. Attending Shul & Davening

Question

On Yom Kippur, if someone is physically weak and concerned that attending shul might force them to break their fast, is it better for them to stay in bed and fast, even if it means missing all the prayers, or should they try to attend services and risk having to eat?

Answer

The primary obligation on Yom Kippur is to fast. Therefore, if a person feels that staying in bed is necessary to complete the fast, it is preferable to do so—even if it means missing all the prayers in shul. Preserving the fast takes precedence in this situation, as the fast is a core component of Yom Kippur observance. In fact many Rabbanim Anshei Maaseh during their older years do so annually, and remain in bed every Yom Kippur, not coming to Shul even for Neilah, hence prioritizing the main obligation of the day.

Which is the Most Important Prayer of Yom Kippur

Question:

With several major Tefilos throughout Yom Kippur, many wonder: Which prayer holds the greatest importance?

1. Kol Nidrei – The solemn opening prayer recited on the eve of Yom Kippur, nullifying vows and setting the tone for the day.
2. Shacharis – The morning service, including key liturgical elements and Torah reading.
3. Musaf – The additional service, recalling the Temple sacrifices.
4. Mincha – The afternoon service, featuring the reading of the Book of Jonah.
5. Neila – The closing prayer, marking the final moments of Yom Kippur and the sealing of the Book of Life.

Answer:

Halachic Perspective – The Importance of Shacharis: According to Halacha, Shacharis, the morning service, is considered the most important to attend. This is because it contains the greatest number of Kedushas and Kaddishim of all the Yom Kippur services. The richness of its liturgy and its central place in the day’s spiritual progression make it a focal point from a legal and traditional standpoint.

Kabbalistic Perspective – The Significance of Neila:  From a Kabbalistic (mystical) perspective, Neila is viewed as the most significant prayer. Neila represents the closing of the heavenly gates and corresponds to the spiritual level of Yechida, the innermost part of the soul. It is seen as a unique opportunity for final atonement and connection with the Divine, making its spiritual intensity unmatched.

Emotional Perspective – The Impact of Kol Nidrei and Neila: Emotionally, Kol Nidrei and Neila are often the most impactful prayers for inspiring Teshuvah (repentance). Kol Nidrei, with its haunting melody and profound sense of communal forgiveness, opens the heart to introspection. Neila, with its urgency and hope as the day ends, moves congregants deeply, encouraging sincere prayer and personal transformation.

Conclusion – Choosing Based on Perspective: Ultimately, the choice of which Yom Kippur prayer to prioritize depends on one’s perspective. Halacha underscores the importance of Shacharis for its abundance of sections of prayer, Kabbalah elevates Neila for its mystical significance, and emotionally, Kol Nidrei and Neila often resonate most powerfully with people. Each prayer offers a distinct pathway to spiritual growth, and the most meaningful experience may vary for each individual.

Visiting Cemeteries on Erev Yom Kippur

Question:

Is it permitted to visit a cemetery on erev Yom Kippur?

Answer:

Yes, it is a long-standing tradition among many Jewish communities to visit graves of loved ones or righteous individuals (tzaddikim) on erev Yom Kippur Kippur in order to increase in charity while there. This practice is done as a way to honor the memory of the departed, reflect on the meaning of the day, and pray for a good inscription in the Book of Life. However, in the Chabad tradition, while it is permitted, there is no particular emphasis or requirement to visit cemeteries specifically on erev Yom Kippur, and the custom is not observed with the same regularity as in some other communities. While at the Cemetery individuals should refrain from reciting supplications at the cemetery other than those prescribed by tradition, as Tachanun is not recited on this occasion.

Sources: Admur 605:5; Rama 605:1 in name of Maharil; M”A 605:5; Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 184