Hello Everyone,
Last week we begand our discussion of driving on Shabbat by examining the issue of operating a vehiclr which uses an internal combustion engine. Since those engines involve the burning of a fuel their use on on Shabbat would be an איסור תורה of הערה-burning.
Today we will discuss the operation of vehicles which use an electric motor. This question requires a more nuanced response because the use of electical appliances on Shabbat was debated by two of the greatest Halachic authorities of the past century. These teo authorities were the Chazon Ish zt”l and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l.
In the absence of a Sanhedrin to whom the question could be presented for a vote both opinions “exist.” Some authorities take a very strict view on questions involving the use of electrical appliances on Shabbat and some are lenient. Therefore some authorities absolutely forbid the operation of electrical vehicls on Shabbat and some premit this under certain circumstances.
We will bli neder talk about this today.