Q. Dear Rabbi, A couple of time sensitive questions; I belong to a chasidishe mishpocho that doest not learn on nit'l, but I do have my shiurim that I don't want to miss. Do I have to be matir neder if I want to attend tonight?
A. The name "Nit'l" is said to originate from the Latin and connotes birth, as in; Natalis dies Domini, or birthday of the Lord (Sefer Nitzochon, p. Bereshis). It is the tradition of avoiding learning Torah, mainly on the eve of the 25th of December (there are different traditions as to the exact date and the amount of time involved). Chasam Soifer (7,31) and Mekor Chaim (O.H. 155) testify to the widespread adherence to this Minhag in their days. It also goes back many centuries. One of the Rishonim, the Baal Harokeach (c.4960 - 1200) mentions it, as quoted in Megaleh Amukos (Parshas Terumoh. Nitey Gavriel (Hanukah, end of volume) cites eight different reasons and sources for the tradition. Today, it is kept mainly in Chasidic circles and is totally disregarded by Sefardim, those who adhere to the Lithuanian-Ashkenazi traditions and many mainstream Yeshivos. It is important to mention that many of those who do observe Leil Nit'l, sleep until midnight, and then learn for the rest of the night.
Although the answer to this question may depend on the background of the Poisek you consult, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that it is not necessary to be matir neder, in order to learn Torah on the Nit'l night.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
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