(1895-1985). Autograph Manuscript Signed. A responsa, written in Hebrew to Rabbi Binyamin Zev Zucker.

<<AN IMPORTANT RESPONSA REFLECTING R. MOSHE’S lenient APPROACH TO women leaving their hair uncovered.>> Affectionately known as “Reb Moishe,” Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva for many decades of Tifereth Jerusalem of New York’s Lower East Side, was universally acknowledged as the halachic decisor par-excellence of the post-Holocaust generation. In recognition of his authority, he was President of the Agudath HaRabbanim of the United States and Canada. In the present manuscript, Rabbi Feinstein maintained that a married woman, not only whilst in the privacy of her own home, but even out in public, may leave a portion of her hair uncovered (approximately two finger-breadths) should she so wish. Moreover a woman who wishes to be lenient in this regard may certainly still be said to be acting righteously, indeed, still fit to be the wife of a Torah scholar, as long as her personal behavior reflects one of good character (ba’alath midoth), God-fearing and particular over the performance of mitzvoth. R. Moshe continues: “Initially, I did not wish to respond to your question in writing, for it is sufficient to orally communicate a lenient opinion. On the other hand, it is incumbent upon us to be fully cognizant to thoroughly clarify halacha even should such clarification result in a leniency.” Although the Chasam Sofer was wont to be of the strictest opinion in his Halachic approach, R. Moshe nonetheless writes here, that the Chasam Sofer “would be gratified to know that a rabbi in later generations is so thorough to examine his words “Leshem Shamayim” and to fully comprehend all aspects of a particular halachic law.” This manuscript is R. Moshe’s personal transcript which he prepared for publication by writing a short heading with the contents at the top of the responsa as it appears in Igroth Moshe, Even Haezer I, siman 58 (although R. Moshe has in fact written here siman “158.”