(Leading American Orthodox rabbi and thinker, 1903-1993). Autograph Letter Signed, in English (dated in Hebrew) on personal letterhead. Concerning the question of instructing girls in the study of Talmud
AUCTION 42 |
Thursday, December 18th,
2008 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Hebrew Printed Books, Manuscripts, Graphic & Ceremonial Art
Lot 318
SOLOVEITCHIK, JOSEPH B.
(Leading American Orthodox rabbi and thinker, 1903-1993). Autograph Letter Signed, in English (dated in Hebrew) on personal letterhead. Concerning the question of instructing girls in the study of Talmud
Roxbury, Mass.: January 23rd, 1953
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
PRICE REALIZED $3,000
A MOST IMPORTANT LETTER.
In this letter to Rabbi [Leonard] Rosenfeld, intent on learning the Rov's opinion as to the permissibilty of teaching Talmud to girls, Rabbi Soloveitchik declines to present his view. The reason given is as follows: "We have reached a stage at which party lines and political ideologies influence our Halachic thinking to the extent that people cannot rise above partisan issues to the level of Halacha-objectivity. Some are in a perennial quest for "liberalization" of the Law and its subordination to the majority opinion of a political legislative body, while others would like to see the Halacha fossilized and completely shut out of life. I am not inclined to give any of these factions an opportunity for nonsensical debates."