Weekly Letter: A Person With an Apartment in Eretz Yisrael but Lives in Chutz L’Aretz
On the question of observing the second day of Yom Tov where a person owns an apartment in Eretz Yisrael but lives in Chutz L’Aretz.
By the Grace of G-d
20th of Cheshvan, 5732
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr.
Lawrence, N.Y.
Greeting and Blessing:
I am in receipt of your letter in which you ask my opinion as to whether it is necessary to observe the second days of Yom Tov in a case where an apartment was bought in Eretz Yisrael but the person lives Chutz L’Aretz.
Although generally it is not my custom to paskin shaalos, which is the prerogative of practicing Rabbonim and Rabbinic bodies, such as the Union of Orthodox Rabbis, etc., I am making an exception in this case, seeing that you mention that some individuals and families have actually been misled into wrong and curious consequences.
Clearly and without any doubt whatever, a Jew who lives in Chutz L’Aretz though he may have bought an apartment or other property in Eretz Yisrael, is obligated by the halacha to observe Yom Tov shel Golus, as strictly as any other Jew living in Chutz L’Aretz. It is indeed, astonishing that there can be any thought otherwise.
I recall, of course, our personal meeting. I trust that the matters of health discussed at the time turned out satisfactorily and that all is well.
With blessing,
