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- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer: Wearing a kittel is associated, for Ashkenazim, with four very different events.
Historically, the first is burial (the details of overlap between shrouds and one’s own kittel differ according to communal minhag). In this context, part of the minhag relates to it being inexpensive material (Moed Katan 27b). The cleanliness/purity element of pure white and its connection to the kohanim’s service may also be involved (see Gesher Hachaim I:10).
Next, conceptually and historically, is Yom Kippur. The Rama (Orach Chayim 610:4) reports the minhag of wearing a kittel and attributes it to being reminiscent of angels and because its association with burial encourages feeling the need to "humble one’s heart."
From these solemn moments, we pivot to joyous settings. Ashkenazi chatanim wear a kittel at the chupa. Some connect this to cognizance of one’s death and the need for teshuva at this crucial/serious, albeit joyous, moment (see Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 147:4). Others connect it to Yom Kippur’s optimistic side, as they are both days of forgiveness; some mention the hope that the couple are being joined until death (see Nitei Gavriel, Nisuin 15).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (656)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
642 - Ask the Rabbi: Kittel at the Seder
643 - Ask the Rabbi: Reusing a Grave
644 - Ask the Rabbi: Sefirat Ha’omer of Someone Who Does Not Understand
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Rav Soloveitchik is cited (Batei Yosef, Haggada p. 90) as giving two additional reasons to wear a kittel at the Seder, both supplying positives. One (invoking the Netziv) focuses on a special element of the Seder. We put ourselves in the mind frame of those who are eating the Korban Pesach as a central part of the celebration, and a white cloak was the type of honorable clothes worn while eating a korban. Another reason, in his father’s name, is that it is one more surprising thing to stimulate a child’s curiosity.
The different approaches to the minhag have advantages and disadvantages. It is surprising that with the many mandated Talmudic practices to increase festivity (e.g., four cups of wine, reclining), a late minhag would come to subdue festivity! We do have a concept of the fast of Behab, after Pesach and Sukkot, out of concern that festiveness might have led to sin (Shulchan Aruch, OC 272:1; Mishna Berura ad loc. 1). However, we wait until after Nisan and Tishrei, respectively. On the other hand, the Magen Avraham’s reason connects the minhag more naturally to the other usages of the kittel. Those who do not follow the minhag can be comforted if they find the reasons for this relatively late and not critical minhag not along lines they relate to.
In your case, if you follow Ashkenazi minhag¸ you may feel free to choose your preference on whether to wear a kittel at the Seder, or experiment with how you like it (with a stipulation that it is bli neder). There are also various minhagim as to whether it is done only by the one who leads the Seder, or by all married males, which is also a matter with little compelling logic either way. Technical, psychological, philosophical, and sociological (e.g., your peer group’s practice) factors may play a role in your decision.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Ask the Rabbi: Forgot to Remove Tefillin Before Musaf of Rosh Chodesh
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
