4617 —כרכי האנציקלופדיא התלמודית, חילולי שבת באניות ישראל, ופסקי רבנים

B"H, 10 Menachem Av, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g Haraha"ch iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z tznm"s etc. Moharshi Zuin

Shalom u'Vrachah!

The seventh volume of the Encyclopedia Talmudit has been received. As with previous volumes, one cannot praise enough the abundance of topics covered in each entry and their excellent organization. Moreover—and this is most important—almost every entry contains details that are novel even for those well-versed in the subject. However, it is unfortunate that so much time passes between volumes.

In such matters, certainly one should not be concerned with expenses and should arrange for you to deal only with matters that cannot be done by others; as for technical matters and the like, these can be delegated. "One only urges those who are already diligent," and in this case, the appearance of new volumes is especially significant. As I told Rabbi Hutner during his visit: a unique feature of books arranged alphabetically is that as long as the final volume (Tav) has not appeared, even the completeness of Alef is lacking.

A note sent by Rabbi Hutner was included in this volume. Surely it is the same as what you wrote previously—that it was sent.

Once again I must return to a painful and distressing matter: the issue of the ships. This relates to two points—one positive and its opposite.

a) Regarding the Bnei Akiva group about which you were telegraphed: it has now been definitively decided that they will not agree to travel on Israeli ships that operate also on Shabbat, and they have officially announced their reason for refraining. They explicitly wrote that their objection is due to public desecration of Shabbat (a Torah prohibition), which is common on all ships. They requested an official response—if possible—to arrange ship schedules without this issue.

b) Recently I received a newspaper clipping from Yediot Achronot—apparently from Monday, 2 Menachem Av—written by Yirmiyahu Halperin under the headline "Shoham Representatives in Discussion with Chief Rabbis." The content of this report from the discussion is alarming; I will not repeat specific points since you will see the clipping yourself. I will only add some comments which Halperin apparently omitted—though it’s unclear why since these are matters bound to become public [perhaps because the report does not match reality? That is, perhaps in practice the discussion was entirely different?]

What I wish to add: It is clear that the discussion was not about commercial ships—for our shame and before all nations, commercial ships do not consult at all on such questions; among ourselves there is great doubt whether they would heed any ruling. The discussion concerns passenger ships (which only incidentally carry cargo—and most of that cargo belongs to passengers; obviously no one would pay freight rates equal to passenger fares). Therefore these ships avoid taking cargo except at limited rates as is well known.

The main strange claim—that desecration of Shabbat should be permitted now because these ships might eventually be used for war—is absurd (if not distressing). Similarly, the claim that they would stop shipping cargo via these vessels does not match reality: most people traveling or shipping goods on Israeli ships (like Zim lines) could use other vessels with more convenient conditions but prefer Israeli ones out of affinity—even at greater cost or inconvenience.

Since even obvious matters require proof: if one goes to a ticket office and asks about conditions on these versus other ships, he will confirm what I have said—assuming accurate information is provided.

Regarding what was written in this report about automation—I have already written what I know in two letters. I also explained that there is no fear in saying that automatic operation still requires human adjustment—and often frequent assessment throughout each day and night cycle.

Moreover, there is an international custom: when crew shifts change (every four hours—six times daily), each incoming mechanic must inspect all operating machines—especially whether control parts are functioning properly—which involves testing levers and wheels (the handles and wheels) to ensure proper operation. The same applies to controls for water or oil fuel pumps, furnace fire controls, air supply systems for these furnaces, etc.—meaning through these tests one increases or decreases fire or oil fuel—in other words: extinguishing or igniting.

I am further asked why this issue has arisen specifically now when these ships have been operating for years. My answer: such questions should be directed not to me but to the Chief Rabbinate or rabbis responsible for such rulings here. Most importantly—the timing does not affect the substance or decision; whatever prompted renewed attention now does not change Torah law or its eternal commandments—their force remains unchanged over time.

I was also asked why I became involved now; my answer fits reality: several weeks ago people approached me seeking a farewell blessing before making aliyah to Eretz Yisrael and asked how they should travel. Naturally I answered according to Shulchan Aruch—that it is clearly forbidden to travel on these ships; even more clearly—and from Torah law—it is forbidden for owners to operate them on Shabbat (my first point refers to private travelers; my second—to ship owners—as I explained at length in two letters addressed to Chief Rabbis).

This response became known among groups of travelers who then questioned why I did not inform the Chief Rabbinate since they had permitted such travel; therefore I turned to them for clarification.

As I see now—with your pardon—their conduct until now seems based on insufficient knowledge of technical realities.

Furthermore—and this is key—even though predicting future events isn’t my role, based on current circumstances here if a clear prohibition comes from Chief Rabbis then ship schedules will be arranged so at least some vessels—and at least one—will operate according to halachah by docking over Shabbat. If not for my hesitation I'd say this outcome is certain—as long as it doesn’t become a matter of stubbornness with left-wing elements in Eretz Yisrael and provided rabbinic rulings leave no room for distorted leniencies (as mentioned in said report—that permission could be granted if Shoham commits in writing that a non-Jewish worker will ignite fires if needed! [There’s reason to fear someone might easily give such an undertaking—which would solve nothing—even if fulfilled—as explained at length previously: even if fire isn’t extinguished there are many Torah-level labors performed by experts aboard]).

My recent remarks also answer another question posed: whether my hope remains effective regarding a declaration prohibiting such travel. Even though generally I am not pessimistic—especially regarding issues involving political parties in Eretz Yisrael—in this case I am confident success will come easily; as above at least some vessels will operate permissibly—even local leftists admit that had there been a clear prohibition from Chief Rabbis schedules would have changed accordingly—even though they may later retract their words since their statements were made under pressure from local Orthodox public opinion—they would still have to comply regarding some vessels.

I did not write all this directly to Chief Rabbis because the newspaper report was so alarming that at present I do not wish to believe they even considered permitting under those conditions—but if G‑d forbid it proves true—even though it pains me greatly to trouble you again about an unpopular matter—as things stand here if a clear prohibition comes forth arranging even one ship’s schedule accordingly would constitute great sanctification of G‑d’s name [and conversely—the opposite if nothing changes], saving many Jews from public desecration of Shabbat without exaggeration—if such a ruling follows halachah. Therefore I send this letter urgently hoping you find opportunity soon enough to avert harm—the merit of many depends upon you.

A side note: The extent of cunning (swindle) involved here can be seen from how they raised a "new question": whether there exists along this route from here (New York) toward Europe any port where a ship could dock over Shabbat. As already written—there are several; I'll mention just two: First—the route from New York toward Portugal covers about 3,200 miles eastward; slightly off course lie Bermuda Islands with Hamilton as main port about 700 miles from New York; second—about 800 miles west of Portugal lie Azores Islands with Ponta Delgada port—so between these two ports lies roughly half the distance between New York and Portugal—which by all accounts can be traversed within less than six days’ journey.

Summary

The Rebbe expresses gratitude for scholarly achievements while emphasizing urgency in publishing Torah works promptly. He addresses public Shabbat desecration aboard Israeli ships and urges decisive rabbinic action so Jewish travelers can avoid transgression—a call both practical and rooted in halachah's eternal relevance.