Exchange with R. Stavsky Regarding Mechitzah (1959)

1. R. Lamm to R. Stavsky (Sep. 24, 1959)

1. R. Lamm to R. Stavsky (Sept. 24, 1959)

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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. 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

Letter to R. Klavan about Article on "Separation of the Sexes in the Synagogue" (1959)

Dear Izzy: Enclosed is a copy of a letter to Rabbi Finer. Please note the suggestion about R.C.A. doing for its members what Yeshiva University plane for its alumni. Please let m know what you think. Sincerely, Rabbi Noman Lamm, Nl/rs. "Separate Paws in the Synagogue: A Social and Psychological Approach" was written in the conviction that we have a tenable, valid point of view which is deserting of the widest dissemination. Silence on an issue of such sharp public controversy – and which has caused us so ouch misery – will not win us any converts. Denunciation of others will certainly not win us any sympathy. Only by naans of a wholesome educational campaign can we hope to stem the unfortunate desecration of our synagogues.I am convinced, moreover, that on the "mixed pews" issue we can present a strong and attractive cams for our traditional view even without relying solely upon an appeal to the authority of the Halakhah. While that is indeed cur ultimate sanction and ths soiree of our opinion, it is no easy natter to convince a wavering layman on the basis of Halakhah alone. The major part of this article is based, with some modifications, upon an address to the Sisterhood of Cong. Kodimoh in Springfield, Mass., where I served until recently. It was the surprisingly favorable reaction of that group to this kind of exposition that has persuaded me to publish it in TRADIHOK. It is ay hope that this kind coeducational approach to the whole painful problem will yield better results than either submission. evasion, or epithet.Tbshivu Itai varsity, R.C.A., and the U.O.J.C.A. all have a number of reprints available for those who wish to have their lay people read the arguments directly. The suggestions that follow are meant for those of our colleagues who may want to use the article as source-material for their own personal approach.The presentation should be forceful, fearless, and unapologetic, but never 80 strong as to offend the feelings of a possibly antagonistic au…

Separate Pews