3400 —הערות על נזר הקודש, נוסח התפילה, מצה ישנה, והלכה בניתוח

B"H, 11 Nissan, 5715.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Section 1: Regarding the law of inserting wool threads into a linen garment, you write that no one rules definitively on this matter. It is surprising that you do not mention the authorities cited in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim at the end of Siman 9—see there also in the Shulchan Aruch of Rabbeinu HaZaken and in the books referenced in Shaarei Teshuvah. Some authorities do not permit it even in pressing circumstances because of the decree lest one insert wool threads into a linen tallit—obviously this does not pertain to the discussion in your responsa clarifying several points on this topic.

Section 12: Regarding someone who prays according to the Arizal's nusach in a synagogue where they pray Nusach Ashkenaz—I was pleased to see your conclusion. May it be accepted everywhere that it is proper to request from the congregation, etc., and peace upon Israel. Unfortunately, there are those who call themselves zealots specifically about such matters but not others. This is understood. As support for your words: It is known what is written in Magen Avraham at the beginning of Siman 68—that changing prayer versions is (aside from what is mentioned in the Gemara as being equal for all), and this is explained in the introduction to Shaar HaKolel (Shaar HaSiddur) by my great-grandfather Rabbi David Lwowot. See also Shut Meshiv Davar Siman 17 and Shut Minchat Elazar vol. I—who concludes that it is permissible to change from Nusach Ashkenaz to Sefard, etc.

Section 58: On a related note—whether one can fulfill their obligation with matzah that has passed twelve months or more. In my opinion it is clear that it is permitted: (a) We see tangibly that it remains fit for human consumption and has not changed at all; (b) The custom of Israel (which itself is Torah) is also brought in Rabbeinu HaZaken's Siddur—that matzah is mixed on Erev Pesach for all Shabbatot of the year until next Pesach; even on Shabbat HaGadol this eruv applies.

Section Even HaEzer Siman 1: Whether there is a prohibition of petzua daka regarding women. See Sefer HaChinuch mitzvah 559—that it applies only to males. The same appears in Meiri on Yevamot daf 21. Here I must express my astonishment at the lack of attention given to a surgery called prostatectomy which nowadays—due to weakness—is performed frequently without consulting a halachic authority even though it involves sterilization since doctors cut tendons and pathways etc. It may be possible through consultation with expert doctors to perform the surgery without this aspect. So far I have not found anyone raising this issue; those who approached me and whom I prompted to clarify all these points found it quite novel—as did rabbis who consulted and spoke with them.

Summary

This letter highlights careful attention to halachic detail across diverse topics—from tzitzit laws and prayer customs to practical questions about matzah age and modern medical procedures—emphasizing thorough source analysis and awareness of contemporary issues affecting Jewish law.