circus
Question
What is the status with going to a circus? I hear that there was a lot of talk about the one that took place on Thursday because chazal say that one of our aveiros by chanukah was going to the batei kirkosos and mingling with the Greeks. But wouldnt that mean that its also assur to go to a concert, baseball game, great adventures, or any other big gathering? The only reason that the gemara specified circuses then was because thats what they had at the time! So i dont understand what the whole thing is about circuses over anything else. If the Rav could just clarify this for me...? Thank you very much! Chag Sameach!
Answer
Answered by Aaron AbadiConcert & baseball game, yes, they do fall under that category. Our circuses are not the same as theirs. Their circuses was an adult form of entertainment, more similar to our baseball games. If our circus is for kids to enjoy Chol Hamoed, then it can be OK. The same with Great Adventure. But joining those others to celebrate and be a part of their activities, that is in a whole different league. Yes, I know everybody does it (I know many that do not). But let's not get all high and religious about it, and make up stories why it's a Mitzvah. So many Rabbis go and promote it as healthy entertainment. This is reminiscent of the parties made by King Achashveirosh for the Jews, causing the rise of Haman and the whole story of Purim. Everyone must have been saying then, "what's wrong with it? The hot dogs are Kosher. Even Rabbi so & so said it's OK." Well I guess they must have been wrong, and history confirms that. AA