8875 —על החובה להחזיק במחיצה ולהתנגד להשפעה קונסרבטיבית

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Based on the above—it is correct to speak with the baal haBayit and the president, etc., as it is clear from this what the matter of the mechitzah is. Those who oppose a proper mechitzah have now revealed their true perspective, and it is understood that all those who believe in Torah from Heaven (as opposed to Conservatives) must fight for the mechitzah, etc.

This does not prevent them at all from arranging the aforementioned petition—now or later. On the contrary, then it will not be possible to oppose them strongly as is currently done, since by accepting the position, their opinion is acknowledged even in spiritual matters. And even if this is promised in a contract—they change their mind about contracts. This is not his concern at all, and in general it is questionable if it is permitted according to halachah.

This is an answer to Moreinu HaRav Shmuel Pesach Bogomilski regarding his letter dated 24 Menachem Av. Additional letters to him are above (8 Tashatz), and as referenced in notes there.

Based on the above: In his letter: This evening Rabbi... called me after being visited by the baal haBayit from my synagogue, who showed him that they had prepared a petition to make the synagogue Conservative.

This is not so: In his letter: In the constitution of the synagogue and also in my contract it states that I am personally responsible for matters of Judaism; therefore I told them... that if they do not agree to fix the mechitzah, it means they are nullifying my contract.

This is not his concern: In his letter: I asked Rabbi Moshe DovBer Rabkin and he said he cannot permit a four-tefach mechitzah, nor serve as rabbi on condition that over time this will be fixed... especially to save them from becoming Conservative; such a spiritual question belongs to our Rebbe shlita.

Summary

The Rebbe writes that upholding Torah standards like a proper mechitzah is essential, especially when facing opposition influenced by Conservative movements. Contracts or promises cannot override halachic principles, and spiritual questions should be referred to higher authority.