2975 —ספר התכונה להר"ח ויטאל ושאלת מעשה קטן בעניני עבודה זרה

In response to your letter regarding the book on astronomy by Rabbi Chaim Vital: it is found in my library, and you may arrange with the rabbi... shiyichyeh to review it as you requested. For your information, at present I have not found it referenced in the works of Chasidus. Also, since my copy is missing the title page, I do not know who published it or other details.

b) Regarding your observation about the doubt whether an act performed by a minor is effective concerning idolatry, and your limiting of the proofs to only that specific matter and not others (and it is surprising to see such a limitation, which is uncommon in halachic debate): I do not have time now to search through books, but nevertheless, several reasons can be brought that there is no difference between an act performed by a minor or an adult. They are: a) According to your inquiry—regarding matters of idolatry—in all places (Avodah Zarah 46a and elsewhere), two matters are brought together: attached objects and living beings, which are only prohibited through human action ^[1], with examples given such as slaughtering an animal and human handling of something attached. Just as in slaughtering it is clear that even a minor's slaughter renders the animal fit regarding idolatry prohibition—even if only part of the signs—since this is part of the slaughter that permits eating, so too with attached objects.

b) As above—the issue with attached objects is that they remain as created; therefore some authorities say that stones from mountains—even if detached by natural forces—are also prohibited since their state has changed from their original creation. We should not increase disputes and say that a disputed act (even by a minor) does not count as an act at all.

c) The plain meaning and straightforwardness of the sugya proves that human handling is considered an act, not intent; and a minor has hands and his action can be even stronger than the indirect force of an adult (Chullin 16a; see Tzafnat Paneach by the Rogatchover Gaon, Laws of Shechita ch. 2 halacha 11).

With blessings for the festival.

P.S. Just for intellectual stimulation I wanted to bring proof that human handling—even by a minor—is effective since "adam" (person) includes minors. Several proofs are brought on this in Beit HaOtzar by Rabbi Yosef Engel I:11. However, I later saw this matter is disputed as cited in books quoted in Sdei Chemed Klalit I sec. 72. Their words are puzzling...

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies both bibliographic details about Rabbi Chaim Vital's astronomy work and delves into halachic reasoning about whether actions performed by minors have legal standing regarding idolatry, arguing for no distinction between minors and adults based on Talmudic sources.