4596 —שמירת שבת באניות ישראליות והשלכותיה הרחבות

B"H, 4 Menachem-Av 5716.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I have just received your letter from the 25th of Tammuz, and since you did not indicate another address, I assume you are still in Paris for some time, so I am sending this letter there.

Regarding the content of your letter about the ships: You are surely aware of how this matter has developed, since you are in contact with your office in Eretz HaKodesh. Like all matters and issues concerning Eretz HaKodesh, this problem is not limited to the specific question at hand but has become a general issue reflecting attitudes toward our Torah and its mitzvos. This is especially evident among Jews in America—particularly among youth who do not delve into subtle details. Since they receive reports from friends and acquaintances who have traveled on these ships and know how the crew behaves both during work hours and their free time, it is clear that this question takes on a very sharp character for them, highlighting Israel's attitude toward Torah and religion. Especially since it is known that the ship owners are Jews and the ships are Israeli, they wonder whether the society and regime represent a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation," or a neutral system where everyone does as he pleases—or even something further left.

It seems you did not receive the telegram I sent via Rabbi Zevin to Jerusalem when I thought you were there; a copy is enclosed. It goes without saying that my decision in that telegram—that under current conditions travel on these ships is absolutely forbidden—was not reached superficially. Only after careful consideration—and hesitation about whether to intervene in this matter at all, especially given my respect for the Chief Rabbis—did circumstances force me to make my position public. This was particularly so because of my knowledge of mechanics (as I wrote at length to the Chief Rabbis). My conclusion is that it is impossible to operate a ship continuously for twenty-four hours by automatic means alone.

In our case there is no room for the suggestion to employ non-Jews for certain tasks as mentioned in your letter (besides needing experts in shipping and many people for this work—which would be extremely expensive; certainly they will not arrange for only non-Jewish workers and crew on these ships; even if someone wanted to do so, it is obvious how those on the left would react). However, there is an easy solution: simply dock the ships in port throughout Shabbat. There are several ports along the route both ways. In any case, ships do not travel nonstop for various reasons. Although docking for an entire day increases expenses somewhat, it costs less than hiring an extra non-Jewish crew for one day per week—and far less than what it costs to keep Shabbat in agriculture or factories in Eretz HaKodesh.

I also considered whether it would be possible to stop the ships at sea over Shabbat. Technically there is no danger or difficulty with this; however, this only partially addresses Shabbat observance (since stopping the engines would help), but does not solve everything: Even if one assumes all instructions about shutting down engines are followed, many machines must remain running—such as radio transmitters/receivers (for weather reports or other ships), machines relaying orders between departments, passenger services equipment, etc.—plus daily log entries required by international law whenever a ship is at sea. Furthermore, regarding lack of compliance with orders—even when instructed otherwise—the crew unfortunately does not heed instructions at all: neither privately nor publicly (as attested by hundreds who have traveled on these ships; even reported in newspapers).

I am sure you do not need this next point but for completeness I write it: Some argue that out of Ahavas Yisrael and obligation to support fellow Jews—especially those in Eretz HaKodesh—we should try to increase state revenue by any means possible since this helps Jews living there. Apparently such people do not realize that this argument was used by those who want work done on Shabbat throughout Israel's factories/fields—where much more money can be made than via shipping! My answer follows a well-known teaching from my father-in-law: When putting out a fire one does not care if water used is drinkable—but no one puts out fire with oil or gasoline just because they are liquids! Similarly: To help Jews through means forbidden by Torah brings harm rather than benefit.

We have only what our Torah tells us: Through desecration of Shabbat there is no increase in existence or building—in fact "people decrease and roads become desolate" (Shabbos 33a). Our Sages said Jerusalem was destroyed because Shabbat was desecrated (Shabbos 119b). Anyone who believes in G‑d and His Torah wants Israel's survival and mourns its destruction—certainly he will not add to its ruin through such actions.

It is strange that even those who fight against selling non-kosher meat in Israel with all their might—even though such acts are done openly without deception or necessity by private individuals (and do not involve giving official approval)—when it comes to these ship issues where most travelers do not even realize there may be any prohibition (since they assume ordinary ship travel is permitted—especially if departing three days before Shabbat—and have never considered that these modern conditions differ completely from those discussed by Talmudic authorities), while these ships fly under Israel's name and their conduct is well known—even here people refuse to consult halachic authorities; instead they pressure others or threaten etc., which is distressing to elaborate upon.

Since "perhaps" applies here—and part of responsibility lies with you—I am certain you will use all your influence (which exceeds what you imagine) to save hundreds or thousands of fellow Jews from desecrating Shabbat as explained above. May it be G‑d's will that your efforts succeed.

May it be G‑d's will that soon—in your days and ours—the teaching of our Sages will be fulfilled: "If Israel would keep one proper Shabbat immediately Mashiach would come" (Yerushalmi Taanis ch.1 end halacha 1). Shemos Rabbah adds: Why? Because keeping Shabbat equals all mitzvos... With honor and blessing awaiting good news.

Summary

The Rebbe explains why traveling on Israeli ships during Shabbat constitutes public desecration according to halachah. He urges practical solutions like docking over Shabbat rather than employing non-Jews or ignoring halachic concerns—and calls for strong advocacy against communal chillul Shabbat.