Dear Norman: Thank you so much for your note of two weeks ago, it was genuinely appreciated. Regarding the question you raise – (what has been done regarding mechizta?) may I inform you of the following: We had two excellent "follow up" sessions on your presentation during R.E.W. We had an executive meeting during the last week of December in my home, and the following was the sentiment of the officers:

1. "Today we sincerely regret there is no Kosher mechitza" – an important recognition.
2. "Our Synagogue has experienced very much unnecessary, miserable anxiety and strain, because of this mechitza problem" – more than one person actually said "if we would have had the proper people like Rabbi Lamm, and yourself, explain and present the issue to us properly, then all of our trouble would have been avoided."
3. There was serious discussion of what type of mechitza would be suitable. Across the Synagogue or vertically placed.

Recently, however, a new and very realistic issue was raised. Permit me to explain. In recent months I have conducted a silent campaign to awaken the people to the fact that the Beth Jacob Synagogue is dislocated (away from the Jewish Community – Bexley), and that if we are to have any future as an active Orthodox Congregation, we must think in terms of selling our present building and erecting a new one. This entire issue is an exceptionally delicate one – (as you remember our present building is only six years old).

Nevertheless, as a result of our discussions, a month ago, the very first bold step was taken – "A Development and Expansion Committee" was organized. I have very serious and unequivocal committments from the majority of the leadership that if and when we build "there will be a Kosher michitza – without question."

I was furthermore asked not to press the issue now, as it may become a financial burden to put up a mechitza for what may be a short period of time.

Therefore, I feel that I must keep the issue alive, talk about it, and discuss it openly and intelligently, yet perhaps realize that we may be relocating withing 2 or 3 years.

There is another serious and realistic problem that I face. There are still those who question "why does Y.U. recognize the other Synagogue as an Orthodox Congregation when they have mixed seating and are introducing this month for the first time in their history, a "Bas Mitzvah" at their late Friday night services?" Why do you, Rabbi, insist on a mechitza?

Perhaps you may have heard that Y.U. is conducting a Tri-State Youth conclave here in Columbus, to be sponsored by both synagogues – and the Agudas Achim is definitely putting up a mechitza for that Shabbos. It is the feeling from many people in the know, that Agudas achim was influenced by the fact, had they not agreed to do it, we definitely would have put one up – but let us rather be "done l’kaf zechus" –

This is where the picture stands now. .Frankly I would welcome your thinking and comments –

Warmest regards from Ruth.

Sincerely,

Dave

P.S. May I ask you to keep certain aspects of this correspondence in confidence – thanks again.