Exchange with Myron Kaufmann about Erecting a Mechitza on Shabbat (1972)

1. Myron Kaufmann to R. Lamm (June 18, 1972)

View The Text

This content is currently available in its original PDF format. As we expand the library, we plan to add a text version as well.

Next Letter

Exchange with R. Borvick about Congregation Vote to Erect Mechitzah (1964)

Dear Norman: I think it would interest you to know that my Congregation last night unanimously voted to place a "Mechitzah" in our new Synagogue. You have always been a great inspiration to me and your excellent dissertation in Tradition on separate pews in the Synagogue was of very great assistance to me. For all of this I am very appreciative. With best wishes to you and to yours, Sincerely, Rabbi Irwin S. Borvick

Separate Pews

Exchange with R. Kuperman about Vote Against Mixed Pews in South Bend Synagogue (1975)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: Last evening, our board of directors announced the outcome of the congregational vote regarding partial mixed pews. If I might refresh your memory, a proposal was made to retain separate seating (no mechitza) in the front half of the main sanctuary and to institute mixed seating in the remainder. This needed a two-thirds majority to be passed. With over ninety percent of the membership returning ballots, which in itself is remarkable, there was a clear majority against the innovation and, consequently, it failed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your constructive advice on handling the problem. Instead of calling a congregational meeting, as you did in Springfield, to speak on the subject, I composed an article for our Bulletin, in which I tried to present the halakhic, psychological, and sociological positions against mixed pews. I’m taking the liberty of including a copy of that issue of our Bulletin in this letter. If you have the opportunity to read it and have any observations, I would appreciate it if you would share them with me. Thank you, again, for your help and advice. May the Ribbono Shel Olam bless you and your family with many years of health and strength to be a guiding force for authentic Judaism in America. With Torah blessings, Allen R. Kuperman, Rabbi

Separate Pews

Exchange with R. Strassfeld about "Separate Pews in the Synagogue" (1959)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: I have just completed reading your excellent article in Tradition, and I want to compliment you on the very fine presentation of a very difficult problem. I would suggest that the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations reprint this article in brochure form and make it available to its affiliated congregations, as well as the public. I consider this one of the finest expositions on the problem of mixed pews. At the same time, I want to compliment you on the high standard of scholarship and the varied material that appears in TRADITION. With best personal wishes, I remain, Sincerely, Rabbi Myer J. Strassfeld

Separate Pews