Heavy halakhic questions have been placed on the table of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef for decades.
Despite the years that have passed since his death, from time to time intriguing halakhic answers are revealed, on varied and fascinating topics, some of which have not been published at all in his many works.
One of the interesting halakhic answers, which is in his handwriting, is currently on sale at the Moreshet auction house - a long halakhic answer he wrote in response to a question from journalists following the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt.
Rabbi Ovadia's detailed answer, Photo: Moreshet Auction House
During the discussions in Cairo in December 1977, after Begin's meeting with Sadat in Israel, many journalists turned to Rabbi Ovadia, then the Chief Rabbi of Israel, and asked him if it was allowed to travel to Egypt.
According to tradition, it was forbidden to travel to Egypt, which relied, among other things, on the verse in the Torah "and shall not return the people from Egypt," and the journalists wondered whether they were allowed to travel to cover the conference.
Are journalists allowed to go to Egypt ?, Photo: Moreshet Auction House
"To the question of religious journalists, is it permissible to travel to Egypt to stand up close and report on the peace negotiations in the" Cairo Conference "?", Rabbi Ovadia addressed the issue.
In his remarks, the rabbi reviewed at length the sources of the prohibition, and the sources of the permit on which many in all generations relied yes to settle in Egypt.
In conclusion, the rabbi clarified that journalists are allowed to travel.
"Journalists from Israel are allowed to travel to Egypt, to report on peace negotiations, with our neighbors ... God give courage to his people, God will bless his people in peace."
Rabbi Ovadia's Historical Answer, Photo: Moreshet Auction House
The starting price of the historic answer, written on six pages on official stationery, is about $ 700, but the Heritage auction house notes that the price is expected to rise significantly in the remaining days until the next sale.
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