1415 —השתתפות רב באירועים בין דתיים ושמירת האמונה היהודית

B"H, 15 Shevat, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"ch vavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Mordechai Fischer

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter, where you describe your situation and mention that you were approached with a request: since your community is holding Brotherhood Week, they suggested that you, as the community rabbi, also participate by giving a speech or similar activity together with, to distinguish, the priest, etc. Additionally, this gathering is being held in a room belonging to their house of worship building—even though not in the actual sanctuary but still within the building—and you ask for my opinion on this matter:

It is clear that this is forbidden both according to halachah and even more so because of the issue of appearance (mar'is ayin), since an observer will not differentiate at all; it is enough for him to see—G‑d forbid—a charedi rabbi and a priest socializing amicably, etc., etc.

Regarding your question about how to explain this to your lay leaders: there are several ways to explain it. I will present one approach here which may suit your position and circumstances: One of the things these countries pride themselves on is freedom and liberty—that everyone can live according to his own beliefs and opinions. Therefore, it is understood that one should not do anything that could cause confusion or coercion—especially regarding matters of religion—since coercion in these matters is most common in one form or another.

As brought in Scripture: 'the Jewish people are the fewest among all nations,' meaning few in number and physical strength. Despite this, throughout the entire exile they never compromised even an iota regarding their faith—even to the point of self-sacrifice. In matters of faith, it is hard to distinguish between something minor or major; even something minor can—G‑d forbid—lead to heresy since it concerns faith.

An example: if an animal has a large hole in its leg or even if its leg was removed entirely, it can still be kosher; but a tiny puncture like the tip of a needle in the membrane around its brain renders the whole animal non-kosher. Similarly with people physically and spiritually: therefore, in all matters of faith one must be extremely careful not to allow any possibility for error among the public—even women and children. If these latter see a charedi rabbi speaking after a Christian priest (to distinguish), they may learn from this that there is some equivalence between religions or that one religion takes precedence over another—especially if this happens within their religious building where their physical power dominates.

Even if this would only cause confusion for one observer—even a child—it would still be worthwhile to cancel the entire event for this reason alone. As brought in Midrash Rabbah Devarim 7:8: at Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), G‑d said that if even one out of six hundred thousand was missing—and our Sages did not specify who among Israel—even if it was the least significant spiritually—the Torah would not have been given to all Israel nor even to Moshe Rabbeinu.

This should not be seen as an insult to the priest's honor (etc., etc.), as I wrote at the beginning of my letter—that precisely this is what these countries pride themselves on: here everyone has permission to act according to his own beliefs and opinions.

As requested I am sending this letter quickly; therefore I will answer other matters G‑d willing next time.

With blessings for leading your congregation with fear of Heaven.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that unwavering commitment to Jewish faith requires avoiding participation in interfaith events that could create confusion or diminish boundaries between religions. Even potential misunderstanding by one person justifies refraining from such involvement.