יישוב הקו’ על הרמב”ם מעירובין ושיטת הגר”א בתכלת – הרב שלמה יהונתן מאזוז

הרב שלמה יהונתן מאזוז

Source: https://www.ykr.org.il/question/18552/

Translated:

Question #18552

A. Isn’t there a strong question against the Rambam’s position?
In Eruvin 96a, it discusses finding a thread dyed with techeiles in the marketplace, and the Gemara remains uncertain whether it was dyed for tzitzis or for garments. If the Rambam’s view were correct, there should be no doubt at all, as half of the thread is dyed blue and half is left white.

B. Isn’t it true that the Gra (Vilna Gaon) was also a great Kabbalist and ruled according to the Raavad?
For example, in Yahel Or on the Raaya Meheimna (Parshas Pinchas 228b), he states: “The single strand of techeiles in tzitzis is the fourth thread, following the Raavad’s view, as explained elsewhere that this is the correct approach, and it is also supported by the Sifrei.”
If so, why not follow the Raavad’s position, which aligns more closely with the Talmud, the Sifrei, and also has a basis in Kabbalah?

Rabbi Yehonatan Mazuz responds:

A. Even according to the Rambam, you can take a single long thread dyed entirely with techeiles, cut it into halves or into ten pieces (as needed), and tie it together with a white thread. This will result in a string that is half white and half techeiles. You can then insert this along with three other white strings, and it will be perfectly valid even lechatchila (ideally).

B. While the Gra was indeed a great Kabbalist, we Sephardim have always adhered to the rulings of Rabbeinu HaAri when it comes to Kabbalah. Furthermore, as mentioned in a previous response, we do not resolve debates among the early authorities (Rishonim) based on proofs. Instead, we Sephardim follow the majority opinion when Maran (Rabbi Yosef Karo) did not express a position. In this case, the Rambam’s view is supported by many Rishonim and Kabbalists, so we follow his approach.

Source: YKR.org.il