Bidspirit auction | Controversial Responsa by the Oruch

Controversial Responsa by the Oruch HaShulchan regarding electricity on Yom Tov. New York 1903. Beis Va'ad L'Chachomim. - Lot of the first two rabbinic journals published in America by R. Dov Ber Abramowitz. These were published with the aim of halting the waning of religious observance and the lack of unity among the religious authorities in America. He also wished to create a bridge with Rabbonim of other countries and to solicit their assistance in strengthening American Orthodoxy. In the rabbinic correspondence section, there is a letter from the Oruch HaShulchan permitting opening an electric light on Yom Tov. This ruling was strongly contested by other great Poskim of the era and remained controversial for decades. It is important to note, that the Oruch HaShulchan concludes his letter by writing that what he wrote was based on his limited understanding of the electricity, since he did not have electricity in his town. When the Kol Kisvei Ha’Oruch Shulchan was being prepared for print, the publishers asked R. Chaim Kanievsky if they should refrain from publishing this responsa, he responded that it should be printed. Goldman 591. Tzion press. Missing the first 2 and last 6 pages of volume one and the last 4 pages of volume 2. 20.5 cm. Moderate-fine condition. Brown paper. Antique bindings (detached). Opening bid $150