There is an annual debate regarding Purim observance for residents of the Ramot neighborhood of Yerushalayim. There are different and well-known piskei halacha from Gedolim in both the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities. There is the discussion over the famous caravans, the distance to the road and other key components to the ongoing halachic discussion.
Just last week Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita visited Ramot and observed the placement of caravans, which he is satisfied connect the neighborhood of the rest of Jerusalem, thereby permitting Ramot residents to observe Purim with the remaining residents of the capital, on the 15th.
Jerusalem Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Aryeh Stern Shlita has announced that in line with the ruling of Gedolei Hador and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, one should observe Purim in Ramot on the 15th of Adar.
Jerusalem Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar Shlita has ruled a resident of Ramot should observe Purim on both days, the 14th and 15th, and of course one only recites brachos only on the 15th.
Rav Amar explains that we learn from the Rambam and Shulchan Aruch that when there is a machlokes, and this is the case regarding Ramot, one should observe both days towards fulfilling the opinions of all the poskim. Rav Amar spoke with Kol Berama Radio host Moshe Glasner, explaining the caravans in place do not satisfy removing the doubt, citing in-depth halachic detail. He feels the structures do not meet halachic requirements to connect Ramot to Jerusalem and therefore, one should hold both days to satisfy all opinions.
Kol Berama:
Rav Ovadia is not among us but many rabbonim who disagree are alive today. Why not sit and reach an understanding to remove the doubt from people wishing to do the right thing?
Rav Amar:
If only they were ready to sit but this is not so. There is Rav Ovadia and Rav Elyashiv who disagree with Rav Shalom Mashash and Rav Abba Shaul.
Hence, if one makes a bracha on the 14th and reads and then reads again on the 15th without a bracha, one has fulfilled all of the options and considering the disagreement, one wishing to satisfy all opinions should keep two days of Purim in Ramot.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
please clarify.
this:
“Jerusalem Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar Shlita has ruled a resident of Ramot should observe Purim on both days, the 14th and 15th, and of course one only recites brachos only on the 15th. ”
contradicts this:
“Hence, if one makes a bracha on the 14th and reads and then reads again on the 15th without a bracha, one has fulfilled all of the options”
Which is it? Bracha on the 14th or 15th?
“Jerusalem Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar Shlita has ruled a resident of Ramot should observe Purim on both days, the 14th and 15th, and of course one only recites brachos only on the 15th.”
This should read:
and of course one only recites brachos on the 14th.