5877 —שמירת המנהג שאין הש"ץ מתעטף בטלית במנחה, בדרכי נועם ושלום

B"H, 26 Cheshvan, 5718

Brooklyn.

The veteran Chassid, a G‑d-fearing man, honored and elevated, etc., our teacher Rabbi Shmuel Pinchas, may he live

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Enclosed herewith is a copy of my letter to the board of the Nusach Ari synagogue of Anshei Lubavitch.

And if it is not possible, בדרכי נועם ושלום "in ways of pleasantness and peace" (after Mishlei 3:17), to uphold our custom as explained in Hayom Yom, 19 Kislev 5703, that the chazzan does not wrap himself in a tallis for the Minchah prayer, etc., you will surely succeed in bringing about that the chazzan lowers the tallis onto his shoulders and does not have it over his head. The reason is understood from what is quoted in Machzor HaShalem, third edition, at the end of page 440.

In any case, taking into account that this concerns the gabbaim and men who are advanced in years relative to you, you ought to have asked their forgiveness, and in a way that leaves them fully satisfied, especially since in this way you will accomplish far more than through sharpness and the like.

Awaiting good news in all of the above,

In the name of the Rebbe, may he live long and good days,

Secretary

See also: letter 5876 (the letter to the synagogue board)

Publisher's notes

Our teacher Rabbi Shmuel Pinchas (מו"ה שמואל פנחס): Krinsky, Dorchester.

Summary

This letter asks that the Lubavitch custom that the chazzan does not wear a tallis at Minchah be kept only in ways of pleasantness and peace; failing that, the tallis should at least rest on the shoulders and not over the head. Elders who were offended should be asked for forgiveness, for gentleness achieves far more than sharpness.