4204 —מראה מקום להרב גיפטר על פסק הצ"צ בענין שבח עצים בפת

B"H, 7 Nissan, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Haraha"g vavac"h iy"a nu"n oseik b'tzt"z melachto melachet shamayim Mor Mordechai Gifter

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter, you asked for a source regarding the discussion of our master, the Admor tzt"z, in his responsa about the issue of "the benefit of wood in bread," and regarding "Yikadeshu yaday la'oseihen." Apparently, you are referring to Responsa Yoreh Deah section 183; also see tzt"z's novellae to Shas Ketubot there.

Certainly your honor is interested in the debate that has arisen among young rabbis in America concerning the New York Board of Rabbis and Synagogue Council. In my opinion, this will have even greater and more important consequences for American laypeople—especially for the younger generation and youth. I am including a copy of my letter on this matter (though its points are brief and not sharply worded for several reasons).

It is surely unnecessary to emphasize to your honor the importance of how this question is resolved by all organizations and committees that influence youth and laypeople. For this reason, it is essential that everyone who can affect these matters should strive to ensure things proceed in the best possible way, leaving no room for doubt or distortion. That should suffice.

With respect and wishes for a kosher and joyous Pesach holiday.

Summary

The Rebbe provides Rabbi Gifter with precise sources on halachic questions he raised and stresses that communal decisions must be handled carefully to positively influence both youth and laypeople.