6089 - Sabbath Observance on Israeli Ships

4th of Adar, 5718 | Brooklyn, N.Y.

To the Rav, the Chassid, and Public Figure: Moreinu Shlomo Zalman שיחי' Shragai, Jerusalem.

Shalom u'Veracha:

This letter serves as a continuation and follow-up to our previous discussions and exchange of correspondence regarding the critical issue of Israeli ships traveling on Shabbat.

Although I have not heard further from you on this matter recently, I am confident that you are doing everything within your power, based on our prior discussions, to resolve this situation.

As we discussed, I am attaching a copy of my letter written in English. In that document, many details are articulated—though not all—explaining how the operation of a boat on Shabbat involves work that constitutes actual Torah prohibitions (Issurei De'Oraisa).

It is important to emphasize that these prohibitions cannot be avoided simply by using newer or "automatic" ships. Regardless of the level of automation, the fundamental nature of the ship’s operation on the Sabbath remains halachically problematic. I am providing this material to ensure you have the necessary details and explanations to present the case effectively.

I look forward to hearing positive developments regarding your efforts to remedy this public desecration of Shabbat.

With honor and blessing, (On behalf of the Rebbe's Secretariat)

Summary

The Rebbe’s correspondence with Shlomo Zalman Shragai highlights a persistent campaign to ensure that the burgeoning Israeli shipping industry (Zim) aligned with Halacha:

1. Automation is Not a Loophole: The Rebbe directly refutes the idea that modern technology or "autopilot" systems resolve the issues of Melacha (forbidden work) on Shabbat. He maintains that human intervention and the mechanics of the vessel still trigger Torah-level prohibitions.

2. Persistence in Activism: This letter is a "check-in" on a long-term project. The Rebbe had invested significant energy (referencing previous letters like #4531) to prevent the public desecration of Shabbat by the Jewish state's national carriers.

3. Providing the Tools: By sending a detailed English technical brief, the Rebbe was equipping Shragai—a man of significant political and communal influence—with the professional and halachic arguments needed to influence the engineers and directors of the shipping companies.