#5276 Fruits For All?
Dear Rov Shlit”a. I and many women in my family and friends take part on a Seuda of Tu Bihvat or eat the assorted fruits on Tu Bihvat as men do. Yet I wonder: Why are women required to comply with that Minhag and tradition, after all it should be a “Mitzvat Aseh Shehazman Gramah” (a positive command that depends on a specific time), and women should be exempt?
Indeed, Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 17: 2) rules that regarding the mitzva of tzitzis women are exempt as it is time depended, since it applies only during the day time. Yet in principle if they want to wear them they would be allowed to recite the blessing. Nonetheless, since it would seem arrogant and making oneself self-important, women don’t wear them.
However, regarding other time depending family mitzvos, such as seating in a Suka together with the family, when their presence is important and welcomed, they should join all. (Oruch Hashulchan 640: 1, and others).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that for those who maintain the tradition of celebrating a Seuda on Tu Bihvat, women should also join as a family.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
Answered by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: January 31, 2025