Correct, 600,000 people traversing the streets at one time, which Rav Moshe states happens when there is three million people over a 12 mil by 12 mil area. However, if the population is less than three million, then if it is a large city it is only a gezeira, where some may think that it contains such a population. Clearly, Rav Moshe maintained that the number is three million [unless one can prove that there is 600,000 people traversing the streets of such an area; however, the flipside would possibly be considered a reshu harabbim even without 600,000 in the streets, as it is similar to the degalei hamidbar]. This number is based on the degalei hamidbar, and so Rav Moshe considered it a “real number.” Nowhere, does Rav Moshe argue that the other numbers are not real, you simply are making things up.
I realize that many of your ilk, have an issue with the three million number, you would rather that Rav Moshe stuck to 600,000 in the city. Unfortunately for you and your friends Rav Moshe did not want to argue with precedent. [While your ilk (would have) just lied and claimed that there was no such precedent.] Moreover, it is very difficult to accept this chiddush of Rav Mohse, which is not mentioned anywhere else.
Menu