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Correspondence

Jan. 28, 1969

Letter to Harry Lindeman Approving Shabbat Candles for Use (1968)

Practical Halacha
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Note

Memorandum Concerning Contract with Non-Jew to Ensure Sabbath Observance (1965)

The wholesale aspect of the business. If a non-Jewish employee works on a commission basis (either completely or in addition to a salary) then the following should be established in advance: the man must be told that he is to initiate no business on his own on Sabbath or Jewish Holidays. In other words, he should not solicit any business, either personally or by telephone, nor should he arrange, if possible, any business appointments on that day. However, he is completely free to answer any queries that he may receive either personally or through the telephone. In such case, no ”shtar mekhirah* is necessary.2• If a non-Jewish employee is not on a commission basis for the wholesale part of the business, then a ”shtar mekhirah’’ becomes necessary.3• In order for all the above to become effective, even through the use of a ״shtar mekhirah,” and allowing at the same time, for the Jewish name of the firm to be used for this new West-coast venture, it is highly important that the retail business be entirely in the hands of the non-Jew, such that all sales that he makes and all business that he procures will yield him direct benefit. He should not, in other words, be merely an agent for the Jewish firm in the retail aspect of the business. Even,if, for insurance or legal purposes, it is necessary that the retail business be incorporated under the name of the Jewish owners of the wholesale business, as long as it is clearly understood that all work done by the non-Jew is directly to his own benefit or loss in the retail area, which means that it is effectively his own business, then the venture may be entered without fear of the violation of the Sabbath. However, even in this case, it is imperative that every effort be made to supply a different name for the retail outlet. Even if one should be willing to keep, in small letters, the name of the Jewish owners, than at least one should add in bolder letters, both for the sign on the door…
Practical Halacha

Correspondence

Letter to Shalom Kelman about His Experience in Kerem B'Yavneh and Second-Day Yom Tov Observance in Israel (1973)

Dear Shalom: Thank you for your delightful letter of March 12. The rest of the members of my family will answer, if and when I can twist their arms. Not that they don’t want, but they are normally not letter writers. I am pleased to learn from your letter that you are adjusting better and much happier than you were. I am inclined, now, to agree with you, that were you to remain a second year, you would be better off continuing at ABI rather than הר עציון. The big question, of course, is whether it is worth your remaining one more year.I am interested in what you did with your paper on צדיק ורע לו. If you have it written up, do let me see a copy.With regard to your observance of יו"ט של גליות on Pesach, my feeling is that were I in Israel today I would follow the Israelis in their observance, especially since you are there for a year or probably more. However, I would not eat חמץ on שביעי של פסח. Frankly, I think the question should be answered for your by a local Israeli רב and not by me.Lynda had told us that you and she were going to have סעודת פורים with my sister in Israel on שושן פורים. I am sure you all had a wonderful time.Chaye enjoyed your older-coursin-advice, and we are all quite sure that there will be plenty of people left in yours and your aging generation.Meanwhile all my best for a חג כשר ושמח.Cordially,Rabbi Norman Lamm:cw
Practical Halacha

Correspondence

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