Does a Vehicle Become Tamei? A Fascinating Response in Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach’s Handwriting
A lengthy and relevant seven-page response sent by the generation’s leading posek, HaGaon Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, to his talmid.
In the letter, Rav Shlomo Zalman clarifies the halachic definition of an automobile – whether it falls under the category of a vessel made for carrying, in which case it would become tamei, and kohanim would be forbidden to be in it when traveling near graves (unlike a vessel made to rest, which is not intended for movement and does not become tamei).
In his subtle distinction, Rav Shlomo Zalman determines that an automobile is considered an object meant for carrying, since "the power of movement is inherent in the vessel itself, and it is truly part of the automobile’s body, " and it is similar to a wagon pulled by oxen since "in our times they invented that it is more convenient to use an engine instead of oxen and donkeys. And in a case where there is no fuel, they would again attach wheels to the automobile and drive it with horses…!"
In the course of his discussion, Rav Shlomo Zalman clarifies the words of several poskim who dealt with this matter: the Chazon Ish, Rabbi Aryeh Tzvi Frumer of Kozhiglov and Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank. He also notes that in the time of the "Rav of Brisk", the Maharil Diskin, they were not yet using vehicles but only wagons.
Jerusalem, Av 1979.
Seven leaves in Rav Shlomo Zalman’s own handwriting, written on one side (total of seven written pages). Size: 13 x19.5 cm. Condition: Good.
The response was printed in Shu"t Minchas Pri, Vol. 1 (Jerusalem 2001), Chapter 102.
