2165 —על חובת מחיצה מלאה וחומרת לבוש בלתי צנוע

B"H, 9 Tammuz, 5713.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Regarding what you raised in your letter about the mechitzah in the synagogue: some time ago, an article on this subject was published in the monthly journal "HaMaor," which appears in Brooklyn, Tevet 5711, by Rabbi Avraham shiyichye Weinfeled of New York. There he cites from Rambam, chapter 8 of Hilchos Lulav, Hilchos Beis HaBechirah chapter 5, his commentary on the Mishnah in Sukkah and Tosafos Yom Tov—that from these latter sources it is implied that the mechitzah must be such that one cannot see through it. He also references Shu"t Maharam Shik Orach Chaim section 77, who strongly objected to those who wish to make a mechitzah with pillars so that it is possible to see through. He concludes that it is obvious all this applies even if all women are careful with head covering and only a tefach (handbreadth) is uncovered; how much more so if they go with uncovered hair and bare arms—there is a double prohibition. See also Orach Chaim section 75—and this is obvious. In the aforementioned journal from Iyar-Sivan 5713 this matter is also discussed.

Summary

The Rebbe stresses the importance of a proper mechitzah in synagogue according to halachah, noting that its necessity increases when standards of modesty are not upheld. Visual separation is required regardless of women's dress; immodesty only compounds the issue.