Encouragement to continue following the path of the Rebbe Rayatz, particularly by studying his teachings; private notes to certain individuals

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The importance of spreading Jewish practice and Jewish education in the immigrant camps after the Holocaust

No. 625

The name of the recipient of this letter was not released.

B"H, 19 Sivan, 5710

...In response to your questions. In my humble opinion, [the following is] what appears [correct] to me.

Certainly, you should act according to the instructions of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, hk"m. When it appears that it is necessary for you to leave your present place, you should journey to.... May the Holy One, blessed be He, fulfill the blessings of the tzaddik in his letters to you, that "the journey be suitable and G-d will assist you in what you and your household require."

Certainly, you will send notification here shortly before your journey — may it be successful and you will be mentioned again at the gravesite of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, hk"m.

Regarding your question concerning a woman for whom it is dangerous to become pregnant: Is she permitted to use different techniques [to prevent this]?[534] There are methods which our Sages permitted either at the time of intimacy or afterwards. See the Responsa of the Tzemach Tzedek, Even HaEzer, Responsum 89, where leniency is granted, in contrast to the authorities who are stringent in this regard; ([the opinions are] cited in Sdei Chemed Asifas Dinim, Ishus 1; Peas [HaSadeh] to that section). You should turn to a practicing Rabbinic authority who is familiar with the custom in your country. You should explain to him [the means of contraception] with which you are familiar and he — the Rabbinic authority — will inform you of the law. With regard to this, you may turn to Rabbi Mordechai Perlow who is presently residing in France (his address: 36 rue Yves Kermen, Boulogne-sur-Seine, France). Write to him that I suggested that you turn to him and he will advise you of the law.

As in the past, you will certainly advise me of the situation regarding Jewish education in your area and the good that will transpire concerning you, your household, and your brother-in-law.

With blessings for establishing yourself well and for all types of good,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

As per your request, enclosed are the five letters of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, hk"m, which you sent here.

   

Notes:

534. (Back to text) See Tosafos, Yevamos 12b. It is difficult to permit a close-fitting [rubber] pouch that does not allow any air between it and the male organ ([as permitted by] Tzafnas Paaneiach, Vol. I, Responsum 89). [The Tzafnas Paaneiach's leniency is] based on Niddah 22a, [from which one might conclude that] in this manner, there is no concept of seed [in halachic terms]. [The ruling cited by] Sdei Chemed, Peas [HaSadeh,] loc. cit.,from the Gaon R. Sholom Mordechai of Brezhen to permit a condom does not appear to be accepted by the Tzemach Tzedek.

     Afterwards, I found [the Responsum of] R. Sholom Mordechai (Vol. 1, Responsum 58), but that speaks of a woman using a diaphragm [for contraception]. He rules like the Tzemach Tzedek to permit this in contrast to the rulings of Chasam Sofer;Rabbi Akiva Eiger; the Responsa Imrei Aish, Yoreh Deah, Responsum 68; Bnei Tziyon, Vol. I, Responsum 137; and the gloss Nidrei Zerizim to Kinui Nedarim, sec. 216.

Encouragement to continue following the path of the Rebbe Rayatz, particularly by studying his teachings; private notes to certain individuals

Table of contents

Search this book:

The importance of spreading Jewish practice and Jewish education in the immigrant camps after the Holocaust