עברית
Halachot and Customs
Entering the Cave of the Patriarchs for Kohanim
Question
A halachic question addressed to the Chief Rabbi, the Gaon Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, shlit"a: My eldest brother is marrying after Lag BaOmer, probably at the Cave of the Patriarchs. We are Kohanim. He relies on the ruling of the Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, of blessed memory, who personally instructed him that it is permitted to enter the Cave of the Patriarchs. My brother told me that recently a halachic solution was found permitting entrance to the cave with the allowance of opening a tefach (handbreadth), enabling other Kohanim to enter without concern. Is this true, and is it permitted for me and my other brothers who are Kohanim to enter the Cave of the Patriarchs to participate in the wedding celebration? I would appreciate a reasoned answer. May you be granted merit for mitzvot and to increase and exalt Torah.
Answer
To the honorable questioner, what we have found regarding this matter is as follows: https://www.yeshiva.org.il/ask/15683. The practical conclusion from that answer is that we do not rely on a safek (doubt). Therefore, one who relies on the opinion of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, of blessed memory, has a valid authority to rely upon. However, one who does not follow his approach should be stringent, as is clarified in the aforementioned responsum itself. Also see Shu’t Menucha, Orach Chaim section 64, and Shu’t Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory, Yechaveh Da’at 1, section 58. Blessings, Rabbi Nahum.
