Letter to Dr. Richter about Halacha of Causing Painless Death to Animals (1974)

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The Question of Death (1975)

(Gave at shiur to Hebra Kadisha Saturday night, Oct. 4, 1975) See Y. D. #338. The Sh. A. gives no indication as to the origin of this ודוי שכיב מרע. Apparently, its earliest source is in Joshua, the story of Akhan, where Joshua tells him ותן תודה, i.e., confess, and Akhan replies, כזאת וכזאת עשיתי etc. From there we go to the Mishnah that all those executed by Beit Din are required to confess. However, I believe there are fundamental differences between ודוי שכיב מראמ and the confession of executed criminals

Practical Halacha Death & Mourning

Letter about Rabbi Soloveitchik's Position on Vasectomies in Halacha (1974)

Dear [redacted], I tried calling you at the hospital last week and left a message, which probably was not conveyed to you. I also tried to catch your eye at services on Saturday afternoon at The Center, but was unsuccessful. Please do not think I have neglected the matter you brought to my attention. I have been looking into it, and decided to consult Rabbi Soloveitchik on the question. His first reaction was, and apparently remains with this, that a vasectomy as a means of curbing fertility is obviously against the spirit and the word of the Torah, and therefore cannot be countenanced. He reserved judgment on the case of vasectomies performed in the process of prostatectomy as a means of reducing infection. I then asked him to think as well of the problem of reversible vasectomies, keeping in mind the new technique you described to me, as well as a new technique I have read of in a science magazine, which requires nothing but the moving of an artificially implanted valve to restore fertility. He asked me to call him in mid-July about the problem. If and when I get an answer, I shall of course let you know. My best wishes for a very happy and pleasant summer to you, your wife, and your family. Cordially, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Practical Halacha Women & Judaism

Letter to Berth Green about Halacha of Covering Electric Ovens on Shabbat (1974)

Dear Mrs. Green: I checked into the question you asked me about whether an electric oven has to be covered on Shabbat. I suggest that you do keep it covered, in the same way as you would a gas oven. The problem was already discussed by one of the greatest authorities of our generation, and his decision was the one I just gave you. It was wonderful seeing you at the Mizrachi Women Luncheon. Best regards. – Cordially, Rabbi Norman Lamm.

Practical Halacha