Dear Moshe: Enclosed please find a contribution of $25 for the Institution of Science and Halacha in Jerusalem. Please let me know if it is possible to receive all the back issues of the Institute’s bulletin Halacha and Ma’asse and also how I go about subscribing to future such bulletins. Cordially, Rabbi Norman Lamm

I am responding to your request for halakhic guidance as to your responsibility, as Rav of your community, in the dispute between the brothers. I carefully evaluated the information presented to me, both verbal and written, by the legal advisors of both brothers, and have consulted with my distinguished colleague, Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler. It is my halakhic opinion that [redacted] has violated Torah law – first, by choosing to pursue his actions against his brother in a secular court even after being presented with the option of appearing before a Beth Din, and second, by enjoining [redacted] from proceeding with the Beth Din. Your responsibility is clearly outlined in our code of laws. You must institute social sanctions against [redacted] – which should include withholding all congregational honors from him until he will write a letter of apology asking forgiveness for violating the Halakha. Your community, as represented by the Board, should be made aware of this letter of apology. It is my fervent prayer that this action will initiate a healing process in your community that will encompass both brothers as well.