Rabbi Explains Rosh Hashanah Observance for Two-Day Holiday

Rabbi Binyamin Houta, a prominent halachic authority, addressed a common question regarding the observance of Rosh Hashanah, which spans two days. In his daily "Halacha in 60 Seconds" segment on the Kikar HaShabbat website, Rabbi Houta clarified whether the two-day holiday should be considered a single, extended day, known as 'Yoma Arichta'.

He explained that the concept of 'Yoma Arichta' is primarily applied to impose stricter observance rather than to permit leniencies. Therefore, lighting candles on both nights of Rosh Hashanah is required, even when the first day falls on Shabbat. The ruling emphasizes the importance of adhering to the distinct observances of each holiday day.

The segment, which provides brief and relevant halachic rulings and customs, also touched upon other Rosh Hashanah traditions, including whether a husband is obligated to buy a gift for his wife for the holiday. The article notes that the two-day nature of Rosh Hashanah prohibits preparing food from one holiday day to the next, a prohibition that is particularly relevant when the first day coincides with Shabbat.