4931 —השתתפות בהכתרת רב קונסרבטיבי וי"ט כסלו

B"H, 12 Kislev, 5717.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 10th of Kislev, the day of redemption of Admor HaEmtza'i and the redemption of Chassidim.

It is astonishing that you ask whether you should participate in the celebration marking the installation of a Conservative rabbi. Certainly, there is no need to elaborate about the Conservative movement, which is heresy against the G‑d of Israel and His Torah, as explained in Rambam and other halachic authorities, and publicized recently through a well-known prohibition. This is not the place to repeat what I have already written in my previous letter on this subject, which you surely read.

If Jews—most of whom are frighteningly ignorant regarding this movement and its matters—bring someone and crown him as their authority, contrary to what is written in Shulchan Aruch and contrary to fundamental principles of faith, it is clear that this should arouse deep pain in every Jew who believes and is careful about G‑d's word. It is not enough that people act out of desire and know at the time they are sinning—and afterward feel regret—but they go further by introducing a new thing against G‑d and His Torah (G‑d forbid), and you write asking whether you should also rejoice with them that their will succeeded in crowning such a person or whether you should avoid participating in this joy.

It is understood that all the above does not relate to the personal conduct of the rabbi regarding Torah and mitzvos; rather, this question concerns not an individual's conduct or even several individuals but an appointment for education so there will be a Conservative congregation with a leader who will guide them on this path.

Additionally, it appears from your letter that they plan to hold this celebration on the night of Yud Tes Kislev. As stated by our holy Rebbes: "This day is the beginning of Your works," meaning it is the true fulfillment of man's purpose on earth—to draw down revelation from the inner dimension of our holy Torah into our souls so that it shines within us. Every word here is precise. Picture these two scenarios: On this night, a Tamim stands firm fulfilling all this (even though its revelation will only be in the future as explained elsewhere), or conversely—a Tamim participates in a celebration establishing a community based on heresy, offering praise and support.

I am enclosing a booklet recently published; surely you will share its content with others as well. May it be G‑d's will that as explained in many talks from Chassidus—there are strategies for every trickery and cunning of the yetzer hara—you will use them for doubts even at their most subtle level of evil, not just for shocking matters like those above.

Blessings for good news, blessings for Chag HaGeulah (the Festival of Redemption), and in connection with your birthday—a year of success both generally and personally.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches not to participate in events legitimizing movements opposed to Torah values. Instead, he encourages using chassidic teachings to strengthen one's resolve against even subtle doubts or negative influences.