It is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing to see that there are frum Yidden planning to attend a political event on the holy Yom Tov of Shavuos. Regardless of one’s political opinions or excitement over a presidential visit, we must ask ourselves: how did we reach a point where people are willing to compromise the kedusha of Yom Tov for a public appearance?
Shavuos is not an ordinary day. It is the Zman Matan Toraseinu — the day we received the Torah at Har Sinai. It is a day meant for tefillah, learning, family, and holiness. The streets should be filled with the atmosphere of Yom Tov, not with crowds gathering around security barricades, scanners, electronics, cameras, vehicles, and public commotion.
A presidential event is not a simple gathering. It involves massive security operations, electronic screening, transportation, communication devices, and countless forms of weekday activity. Even entering such an event can involve serious concerns of chilul Yom Tov and melacha. Beyond the technical halachic issues, the entire environment stands in direct contrast to the spirit and sanctity of Yom Tov.
What message does this send to our children? That excitement over politics can override kedushas Yom Tov? That standing near celebrities or public figures is more important than honoring the day Hashem gave us the Torah? No matter who the public figure is, no human being should become the focus of a Yom Tov meant for avodas Hashem.
It is painful to imagine frum Yidden standing in long lines, dealing with security checks and electronics, while batei medrash and homes should be filled with Torah and simchas Yom Tov. The chilul Yom Tov that can come from such an atmosphere is something that should trouble every ben Torah and every Yid who values the sanctity of our Yamim Tovim.
We are meant to be an Am Kadosh. Our greatness has always been that we protect our Torah and Yom Tov no matter what is happening in the outside world. History remembers leaders and politicians for a short time, but the kedusha of Shavuos is eternal.
May we all strengthen our respect for Yom Tov, avoid situations of questionable melacha and chilul Yom Tov, and bring true kavod to Hashem and to Klal Yisroel.
Moishe S.
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.Â
I agree 💯
So true, people don’t realize how much melachos can easily be done without noticing
As someone who voted for trump I find it insulting that Mike got trump to pick this day to come on yom tov . .
They have probably taken our vote for granted that they can just do it on this day.
Effectively keeping us out from the event .
I’ll strongly consider this event when voting comes around!!
💯
While I don’t think this was a deliberate decision, I happen to think that it’s a good idea that this visit falls out on YT, which will cause many yidden to stay home and skip attending. If it were on a random day, there would be unnecessary chaos and it would overwhelm a gathering that is meant to be limited and more intimate. And no, the President making time in his overwhelmed schedule to visit and support our community leaders (amidst a war nonetheless) should not be a reason for u to ‘reconsider’ voting otherwise in the future. What in the world?!
His overwhelmed schedule??? Taking time away from (poorly) golfing or those spontaneous naps. This has to be a very late April Fool’s comment.
I didn’t see the politics here, it’s כבוד מלכות, and btw there a brachah to recite.
I don’t think so that people should in a public form. Decide halacha I think people should ask their ruv what to do. And if someone’s ruv says it’s OK then someone else should not bash it. The first thing in the. Torah it’s not to bash other people’s opinion. so if people will attend, don’t judge them.
And for the president to come in a weekday in our neighborhood, anybody who knows our community knows everybody would’ve complaint it’s not right it’s disrupting the traffic and everything else so it’s a no win situation and yes, the great representative Mike Lawler needs our support to able to win and he’s not taking the Jewish vote for granted he works very hard for each and every vote
Mr j nobody is bashing anyone’s personal rabbi. The point is that choosing Shavuos actively excludes our community from a major civic event. If they really valued every vote, they wouldn’t have planned it on a day they know we are observing Yom Tov. Using traffic as an excuse to lock us out just proves they are taking our support as a given
First, i will not be walking over even tho I’m close enough. Second, and most important, this falls under the category of mind your own business. Anyone who wants to go can ask his rav whether its ok or not. You can always depend on some yeshivish person to stick his 2 cents in with his opinion.
I think it’s a shame that they did it on yum tov, especially when we are 30% of his district
Part of the very reason I’m not frum anymore and left monsey. We’ve lost sight of the bigger picture and corrupted our entire religion and environment. In my eyes it’s little things like this that totaled up to frumkite being a reality of the past.
To the “Monsey Born And Raised ” this massage that you post with chilul Yom Tov. Is a shame and I pray to hashem, that you should find your way back. But for the article. Please give me a break if that is all we can say against from people then I’m very proud to be a part of it
This is something that needs to be discussed with ones Rav. This doesn’t belong on a public forum.