6247 —הדרכה על מחיצה בבית כנסת וטיפוח בטחון בהשגחה אלוקית

Greetings and blessings! In response to your letter from Monday, in which you write: A) According to reports, one of the synagogues in your camp is now building a new structure, and it is rumored that they want to include in the building plan that there will be no partition in the synagogue and that men and women will sit mixed. You ask whether you should fight this or do nothing, since some say that by fighting, the situation might worsen. Since there is not yet a final decision (that they will definitely sit mixed), it is clear that one cannot sit idly by. However, our sages have already said: "Be cunning in fear," meaning that since the goal is to have a partition built, often success comes not through turning the issue into a battle but rather through unofficial advocacy and speaking with those who have influence over the situation—carefully avoiding arousing feelings of victory which have caused many to stumble. Of course, choosing the appropriate approach for this synagogue depends on the character of its leaders and their relationship with you and with those who can be persuaded to build the synagogue according to the Creator’s will. It is absurd—and contrary to simple logic—to pray and request something from someone while acting against their will, especially when asking for kindness or fulfillment of one’s wishes. All the more so with a human benefactor: how can one present a request while simultaneously declaring they act against his wishes—even in his own house—and still expect him to grant their request? Such behavior would be considered madness.

As for those who claim that the partition is merely a custom—you surely know that articles and booklets explaining the matter of partitions and their prohibition have already been published, even in English. You can obtain them through central rabbinical organizations in New York.

B) Regarding your health situation and your previous discomfort, as well as your doctor’s instruction that you must control your spirit and free yourself from worries and tension—the well-known advice for avoiding worry is cultivating trust (bitachon). The details of how to explain bitachon to oneself are explained in many places, including Chovot HaLevavot’s Gate of Trust. In truth, this is a direct result of fundamental Jewish faith: all Jews are believers, children of believers; faith means believing that G-d watches over each individual with specific providence; G-d is inherently good; as our sages say: "All that the Merciful One does is for good." If so, what place remains for worry? Worry only arises when one forgets these fundamentals of faith.

It should be noted that according to this principle, it applies only regarding matters dependent on Heaven; as our sages said: "Everything is in Heaven’s hands except fear of Heaven." Therefore, regarding Torah and mitzvot matters, one must be concerned about improving one's ways to fulfill one's purpose—as stated in Mishnah: "I was created to serve my Creator." I hope—even though you did not mention it—that you have fixed times for studying revealed Torah as well as Chassidus, increasing from time to time since we are commanded to ascend in holiness.

Blessings for good news regarding all mentioned above.

P.S. My secretary who writes English is currently out of town; therefore this reply comes in Hebrew. But you may continue writing in English.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that sensitive communal issues are best addressed through discreet influence rather than open conflict. He also emphasizes strengthening trust in Divine Providence as an antidote to anxiety while encouraging ongoing Torah study and spiritual growth.