Last week I posted some thoughts in response to a public lecture given by Rabbi Reuvain Mendlowitz regarding Ksav Chabad (the Alter Rebbe's ksav). I felt he did not represent the issue fairly, and since I had received questions about it from a number of people I felt it made sense to write a general response. After I posted my response on this forum, Rabbi Mendlowitz reached out to me by email and we ended up having a respectful and productive email exchange regarding the relevant issues surrounding Ksav Chabad. His position is a lot clearer to me now, and I think he also took certain things on board that I clarified with him. The purpose of the Stam Forum (at least back in it's heyday before all the whats app groups took over) was to connect sofrim from around the world, to promote achdus and build bridges, as well as to offer support and advice. In that spirit, I felt I should write a follow up post, to clarify some of the issues and misconception...
It is patur, clearly written in SA YD 286.
ReplyDeleteBut if they want to put it up without a bracha, for safety reasons (as known that the mezuza brings protection) they may.
BTW, I recall a minority opinion in acharonim that modern ships that people may dwell in them extended time, may be chayov. Although this is not the hallacha, still one may be machmir [without a bracha].
DeleteIt is the Kiyum HaMitsva that provides protection
DeleteR' Moshe - If you can cite any sources it would be great. I once spoke to R' Shammai about this who said agav that now a days a boat might be different since they are made into homes sometimes that a person could really live in.
DeleteI think this is mentioned in Aruch Hashulchan YD 286.
Deleteso, it seems that affixing the mezuzzah on the boat is acceptable, but I'm still not clear from the different opinions stated here whether to say a bracha or not. Any further thoughts?
DeleteThank you, Rav Moshe. Very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI have heard from Rav Shusterman in California as follows, If they own it and has required shiurim for room and door and they sleep and eat there. It would need a bracha
ReplyDelete