Mechitza: Famous Autograph Response from
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Regarding Transparent Synagogue Partitions (Mechitza)
Handwritten and signed halachic response from Rabbi Moshe Feinstein regarding synagogue partitions where the top third is made of glass and transparent.
In his response, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein writes that such partitions are halachically permitted, despite the fact that some of the women in attendance do not cover their hair as mandated by Halachah and may be visible through the glass.
He includes the Aruch HaShulchan’s ruling that since the occurrence of women uncovering their hair had become common, it is permissible to pray in the presence of uncovered hair.
However, Rabbi Feinstein conditions that it is only permissible if the women are otherwise dressed modestly.
Rabbi Moshe concludes with a suggestion to use glass that has only one transparent side, so that the women can see through but cannot be seen.
The response is addressed to Rabbi Ephraim Asher HaLevi Rotenberg, rabbi of Ner Yisrael, Los Angeles, and son of the Admor Rabbi Moshe Shmuel HaLevi of Kosson.
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986) was a leading Halachic authority in the post-Holocaust era and a founder of the Torah world in the United States. All significant halachic quandaries were brought before him and he was respected throughout the Jewish world as a final Halachic authority.
Dated Brooklyn, 1956.
Official letterhead | 28 x 21 cm | Good condition
