Q. In hospitals that already use robots for carrying and delivering meals for the patients, can one place Shalach Manot to be delivered by them to the sick?
A. Chashukei Chemed (Megila 7a) quotes a story of A Rov that complained to the Satmar Rebbe zt'l, that he received Shalach Mones delivered by a child dressed as a monkey. The Rebbe replied that even if a real monkey would deliver them, one would also comply. He added to the wondering Rabbi, that so is the opinion of the Chassam Sofer (Gittin 22b). Namely, that when the Torah demands that a person should do the mitzva himself, then you have to rely on a proper Shaliach or agent to carry it out in your name. Not so, when to begin with, the mitzva is to be done by using an agent, then even a monkey can also deliver.
However, Chashukei Chemed adds that since the purpose of sending Shalach Mones, is to manifest and create friendship and affection, sending it with a monkey may have an adverse effect.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that you indeed comply by sending the gift with the robot usually used, with the permission of the staff.
(Robots are preferred in some hospitals because of different reasons, including reliability and the avoidance of contamination).
Rabbi A, Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
