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Correspondence

March-April 1972

Exchange with Israel Volotin about Having Shabbat Elevator in Synagogue and When to Consult a Rabbi (1972)

Practical Halacha The Rabbinate

1. Israel Volotin to R. Lamm

1. Israel Volotin to R. Lamm (March 24, 1972)

1. Israel Volotin to R. Lamm (March 24, 1972)

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Conversation with Rabbi Soloveitchik on Using an Elevator Operated by a Gentile on Shabbat (1985)

When discussing with the Rav the problem of using an elevator on Shabbat that is operated by a gentile, the following concepts were raised. Concern #1: By the gentile pushing the button, he causes a circuit to be completed, enabling the elevator to operate. Is there an issur melakhah involved? The Rav commented that there are some shitot that hold that completing a circuit (electricity) is under the category of boneh (building). He doesn't understand how it may be classified as an issur boneh. The Rav believes that electricity can be a melakhah, but the only category it may be classified under is mav'ir. However, this is dependent on the definition of mav'ir. Does this av melakhah only exist when the chemical process of combustion takes place? In that case, electricity is not a toladah of mav'ir. Mav'ir may also be defined as the creation of energy, and if we assume this as the definition of this melakhah, then electricity may indeed be classified as a toladah of mav'ir. Only under the latter definition does Concern #1 exist.However, the Rav explained that on Shabbat all melachot that are melechet machshevet require a ma’aseh melachah – the only exception to this rule is grama, where the melachah happens automatically. In the use of the elevator, the pressing of the button is not the actual melachah; it is only a geramah. It causes a completion of a circuit, and such an action is only prohibited mid’rabbanan, as is stated in the teshuvah (enclosed), which cites the case of geramah. P’sik reisha is even assur mid’rabbanan for Jews. After discussing this concern, another issue was raised. Concern #2: aside from indirectly causing the elevator to operate by pushing the button, other things occur – (1) lights are turned on, (2) in some elevators, pressing the button causes sparks. What role does Concern #2 take in this problem about a Shabbat elevator? The Rav exclaimed that all these happenings are not really of primary concern to the individual in the elevator. They …
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Exchange with R. Gifter about Birchat Kohanim for Shabbat Violators (1959)

מעלות כבודו הרב הנעלה מורנו הרב נחום לאם שליט״א, שלום וברכת מועדים לשמחה! קראתי בעניין את מאמרו בחוברת האחרונה של הדרום – אין דיני פסול כהונה לנסיעת כפיים, ואמרתי להעירו בדברים אחדים אשר לדעתי לא דק בהם, והדברים נוגעים למעשה: 1) כבוד תורתו הניח כיסוד דפסולו של עובר עבירה דנכרי – דמומר כנכרי לכל דבריו.
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Exchange with R. Juda Frankel about the Kiryat Sanz Yeshiva and Hospital in Israel (1964)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: At the suggestion of Rabbi Soloveitchik, I am writing you to ask for an appointment at which I may tell you about our work. By now, Rabbi Soloveitchik may have mentioned this to you. What I want to tell you about is the work now in progress in Kiryat Sanz in our Holy Land, under charge of Grand Rabbi Shlita, the Klausenberger Rabbi who is also the grandson of the world renowned Sanzer Rabbi. Already functioning is a Yeshiva with dormitories providing a Torah education and sustenance for students from many parts of the world. There is a home for the aged where old folks may spend their declining years in an atmosphere of peace and serenity. A Kinderheim provides a home and Jewish upbringing for homeless waifs rescued from non-Jewish missions. The greatest project of all, now in process of being built, is the hospital which, when completed, will provide medical care for a population of over 300,000 people who are now without such facilities. I would greatly appreciate it if you will let me hear from you soon, letting me know at what time it will be convenient for me to see you. Sincerely, Rabbi Juda Frankel, Executive Director
The Rabbinate