The Rebbe's Advice #997 - Using Non-Orthodox Shul for Activities

In memory of Rabbi Gavriel & Rebbetzin Rivkah Holtzberg HYD - Shluchim to Mumbai, India*

Rabbi Asher Zeilengold asked the Rebbe whether or not it is proper for him to use a non-Orthodox shul for his outreach activities? This shul didn’t have a proper mechitza and used a microphone on Shabbos. The Rebbe responded that the microphone issue involves a severe desecration of Shabbos. The mechitza issue violates the laws of tznius, modesty. The non-Orthodox shul members publicly stated they won’t remove the microphone nor erect a mechitza. Hence, doing his activities there will be interpreted as supporting their actions. On the other hand, if a non-Orthodox member invites him privately to his Simcha and he attends, it  won’t be perceived as sanctioning the shul’s breach of halacha.

Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Dalfin

*As a practical matter, since each person’s circumstances are always different, one must use the guidance above as general instruction. The exact application at any given time must be discussed with a competent rabbi, or/and a counselor of Torah, a Mashpia.