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Lot 258

Letter by Rabbi Yechiel Michel Tikochinsky to the Chazon Ish   - Polemic Concerning the International Date Line

The content of the letter reveals that it was sent to the Chazon Ish regarding the polemic regarding the halachic definition of the International Date Line. Among other things, Rabbi Tikochinsky notes the opinions which he presented in his book HaYomam B'Kadur HaAretz, printed in the winter of 1943 and written in opposition to the Kuntress 18 Sha'ot written by the Chazon Ish which was also printed in 1943.
This polemic about the determination of the date in Japan arose after yeshiva refugees fled Russia during World War II and found refuge in Japan. Since Japan is situated west of the International Date Line, the question arose regarding the date of Shabbat and festivals. According to the opinion of the Chazon Ish, the halachic date line is the eastern shore of the Asian continent and therefore the halachic status of Japan which is situated on a separate island is similar to places situated east of the International Date Line. Therefore, the halachic time of Shabbat is Sunday according to local calculations. However, Rabbi Michel Tikochinsky wrote his opinion in justification of the custom of the few Jews who ended up in Japan who kept Shabbat according to the local calculation of the Seventh Day. On the title page of this book, Rabbi Tikochinsky writes that "he solves the question with the location of the Israeli Date Line… and that determines the days of the week and Shabbat all over the world".
Official stationery, approximately 21 cm. Typewritten, proofread and signed in his handwriting. Good-fair condition.