Date and Place: 1 Adar 5667 (1907), Yafo

Recipient: The Council of Rechovot committee for the building of a winery

Body: I have heard that the contractors for the building of the winery want to build on Shabbat (with the work to be done by non-Jewish workers). I hereby protest against this plan with all possible vigor. There is no leniency that could possibly justify such action (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 244:1). Even after the fact, if Heaven forbid they will violate the halacha, there will be grounds for serious aspersions on the winery because of that (see ibid. 3). I am therefore raising the issue for your clear benefit, so that you should prevent the desecration of Shabbat from taking place. May Hashem give His blessing to you and in general on that which is going on in our Holy Land.