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Lot 95:

The polemic of Kosher Milah in the USA. Letter by the Gaon Rabbi Menachem Mendel...

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The polemic of Kosher Milah in the USA. Letter by the Gaon Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rabinovich, calling to act against using the Klemp during the Bris. Minneapolis, [1956]. 

Letter handwritten and signed by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Rabinovich, Rav of the Shearith Israel community of Minneapolis, to act against Mohalim and hospitals that use the Klemp shield during the Bris, which was forbidden by the Union of Rabbis of America and Canada. Minneapolis (Minnesota), [1956]. 

In his letter, the Rav notes the fact that lately, the Klemp is being used during the Bris and the Mount Sinai hospital even acts against Mohalim who do not use it. On behalf of all orthodox rabbis, he speaks out against the phenomenon.

Background: In Kislev 1950, the Union of Rabbis of America forbade using the Klemp shield during the Bris. Over the years, Rabbis warned not to use such a shield, as written by the Tzitz Eliezer (section 8 Siman 29 and section 10, Siman 38) that "it is our holy duty to take all measures to totally prevent the use of this weapon of destruction, which is seemingly called ‘a shield’, so that it will neither be seen nor found among Mohalim and publish by all means that anyone with Yiras Hashem should not use such a Mohel to circumcise his son". The Badatz of the Eida Chareidis of Jerusalem also published, in 1970, a warning against those who use the instrument, stating that they are not observing the Mitzvah of the Milah, are causing Chilul Shabbas and endangering the babies. Eventually, the FDA also published letters forbidding the use of the shield for health reasons and reports about babies who were hurt by its use. 

Rabbi Menachem Mendel ben Rabbi Meir Rabinovich – Av Beis Din of Harlau and one of the leaders of the Romanian Union of Rabbis. During the Holocaust helped save many families of Bnei Torah. Immigrated to the USA and served as Rav in Minneapolis until his immigration to Eretz Yisreol. Passed away in 1966.  

[1] leaf, official stationery, 28 cm. 

Fold marks, folds, fair-good condition.