6247 —הדרכה על מחיצה בבית כנסת וטיפוח בטחון בהשגחה אלוקית

B"H, 15 Iyar, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Rav Menachem.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Monday, in which you write: a) According to reports, one of the synagogues in your camp is now constructing a new building, and it is rumored that they want to include in the plans that there will be no partition in the synagogue and that seating will be mixed. You ask whether you should fight this or do nothing since some say that fighting may worsen the situation. Since there is not yet a final decision (that seating will definitely be 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 by not letting the issue become a battle but rather through unofficial advocacy and speaking with those who have influence over matters—carefully avoiding arousing feelings of victory which have caused many downfalls. The decision on which approach suits this particular synagogue depends on the character of its leaders and their relationship with you and those who can persuade them to build the synagogue according to the Creator's will.

It is absurd—and also contrary to simple logic—to pray and request something from someone while acting against their will, especially when asking for goodness and fulfillment of one's wishes. All the more so with a human benefactor: presenting a request while simultaneously declaring you act against their wishes—even in their own home—and still asking for your request to be granted! Such behavior would be considered madness.

Regarding those who claim that the partition is merely a custom—you surely know that articles and booklets explaining the matter and its prohibition have already been published (even in English), which can be obtained through central rabbinical organizations in New York.

b) Regarding what you wrote about your health condition and past discomforts, and your doctor's instruction to control your spirit and free yourself from worries and tension—the well-known advice for removing worries is cultivating trust (bitachon). The detailed explanation of how to instill trust within oneself is explained in many places, including Chovot HaLevavot Shaar HaBitachon. In truth, this directly results from fundamental Jewish faith—all Jews are believers, children of believers: faith that Hashem watches over each individual with specific providence; Hashem is inherently good; as our Sages say: "Kol mah d'avid Rachmana l'tav avid" (Everything the Merciful One does is for good). So what room 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 to matters dependent on Heaven; as our Sages say: "Everything is in Heaven's hands except fear of Heaven." Therefore, regarding Torah and mitzvos, one must worry 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 set times for studying revealed Torah as well as Chassidus and add 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 not currently in town; therefore this reply comes in Hebrew. But you may continue writing in English.

Summary

The Rebbe advises addressing sensitive communal issues thoughtfully rather than confrontationally and emphasizes strengthening trust in Divine Providence as an antidote to anxiety—rooted deeply in Jewish faith—while always striving for spiritual growth.