Two lengthy and important halachic responsa which cover two large sheets of paper, in dense and characteristic autograph script. Both are on topics of medicine on Shabbat: Giving an injection, and using sleeping pills on Shabbat and issues which extend from these. Signed autograph.
The responsa are not written to a specific questioner. They are indicated א’ for the first responsum and ב’ for the second responsum. The responsa are very lengthy and descend to the depths of the Talmudic issues and practical medicine. At the end of the letter, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman blesses: “With the light of Torah and all areas of goodness and blessing, Shlomo Zalman Auerbach.”
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach [1910-1995] was the rosh yeshivah of Kol Torah and one of the leading halachic adjudicators of the past generation. He was called “Posek HaDor” for his rulings which were unequivocally accepted by the entire Jewish people, across all its factions. When he was just 24 years old, he published his book
Meorei Esh about electricity on Shabbat, and since then has been considered the highest authority in matters of halachah and technology. His rulings on the halachahs of Shabbat were published by his disciple, Rabbi Neuwirth, in
Shemirath Shabbath , which quickly became the ultimate book of the halachahs of Shabbat. The gaon Rabbi Shlomo Zalman was famous for his humility, his gentleness, and his luminous countenance. He never agreed to serve in an official rabbinic capacity. Hundreds of thousands of people attended his funeral.
[2] large leaves. 21×33 cm. Entirely in his handwriting and with his signature.
Very fine condition. Fold mark. Filing perforations. Tears in the upper white margins without damage to text.