Q. Someone who has been the Chassan Bereshit in his congregation for many years and he offers a kiddush on that first Shabbat, feels that this year due to the terrible tragedy still happening, he should avoid giving the kiddush. Is that a correct thing to do? Does he have to do ‘Hatarat Nedarim’? (a member of his family is missing).

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he should offer his accustomed kiddush on Shabbos Bereishis, since Divrei Torah will be said and mitzvos in public will be performed.
At the same time they should mention the terrible tragedy that has happened and the ways to do the necessary Tikunim and resolutions we must b’n undertake to bring relief and help to the victims and their families.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a