Notebook handwritten by R. Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. [Jerusalem, ca. 1946].
The notebook comprises a lengthy halachic responsum, written upon the request of Merkaz Brit HaShabbat, with a detailed analysis of the Shabbat laws pertaining to radio broadcasts – whether live or recorded (using an automated system, which broadcasts recordings using gramophone discs). The responsum includes a study of various laws, such as those applying to speaking into a microphone or telephone on Shabbat, whether it is permitted to leave a radio on over Shabbat and hear broadcasts, and more. R. Shlomo Zalman describes the mechanical and electrical mechanisms in detail, explaining how microphones work, how radio waves are received and broadcasted, and more. The responsum was written in regard to the radio station Kol Yerushalayim established by the British Mandatory Authority in Jerusalem.
This responsum was mimeographed and published by Merkaz Brit HaShabbat in 1946. In 1948, R. Shlomo Zalman published an essay on this topic in Sinai (year 22, Tishrei-Adar II 1948, pp. 139-154); later reprinting it in his book Minchat Shlomo (141, section 9). In later publications, the responsum was reprinted basically in the same version, although R. Shlomo Zalman changed his mind regarding certain points, both due to a renewed analysis of the technology, and based on further study of the halachic topic. Furthermore, in later publications, he does not relate to the original questions addressed to him by Merkaz Brit HaShabbat regarding the radio station Kol Yerushalayim (for more information about this responsum, see note to Meorei Esh HaShalem, Jerusalem 2010, II, pp. 576-577; Shulchan Shlomo – laws of Shabbat, Jerusalem 1999, I, pp. 54-57).
R. Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (1910-1995), dean of the Kol Torah Yeshiva and leading posek of his times. Born in Jerusalem to R. Chaim Yehuda Leib Auerbach, dean of the Shaar HaShamayim yeshiva for kabbalists. He was a close disciple of R. Isser Zalman Meltzer, who held him in high esteem and quotes him in his book Even HaEzel. In 1935, at the age of only 24, he published his first book – Meorei Esh on using electricity on Shabbat, which received the approbations of the Torah leaders of the generation, including R. Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky (who was very impressed by the ability of the young Torah scholar from Jerusalem to analyze the halachic status of a new invention, which is not discussed in halachic literature), his teacher – R. Isser Zalman Meltzer and R. Kook. In his youth, R. Shlomo Zalman was a household member of R. Zelig Reuven Bengis, head of the Edah HaChareidit, who despite being an elder Lithuanian Torah scholar, held the young Torah scholar in high regard. In the home of R. Bengis, R. Shlomo Zalman made acquaintance with his colleague R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, and elder Jerusalem Torah scholars such as R. Gershon Lapidot and the rabbi of Teplik. In time, R. Shlomo Zalman became one of the leading poskim and the foremost authority in Halachic matters, such as medicine and halachah. His pleasant ways and refinement earned him the veneration of all sects of Orthodox Judaism, as was expressed at his funeral which was attended by some 300,000 people.
[16] leaves (16 written pages) + 5 written pages of notes and additions to the responsum. 19.5 cm. Good condition. Stains and wear. Original paper wrappers, somewhat torn.