B.H. 28th of Tammuz, 5722Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Zalmon Jaffe
105, Cavendish Road,
Salford 8, Lancs.
Sholom uBrocho:
I am in receipt of your letter of July 27 and the previous one, with enclosures.
It is gratifying to know that you had a pleasant return trip1 and a heartwarming welcome, including the many good wishes of Mazzal Tov for your daughter's Shidduch.2 It must have helped Mrs. Jaffe to get used to the idea that her daughter has grown up, and there is much to be grateful for in the thought that the Almighty has helped bring up such a suitable Shidduch without undue strain and worry. May G‑d continue to shower His blessings on you and yours from His open and generous Hand.
In regard to the decision by the L'pool3 Kashrus Commission forbidding their caterers to accept functions of members of the Reform movement, and your inquiry as to my opinion, the situation is not very clear to me. If the above decision refers to private affairs of individuals who are members of a Reform congregation, I cannot see on what basis a Jew should be denied kashrus facilities, since all Jews, without exception, are bound to observe all Mitzvoth, including Kashrus, and it is not only the duty to enable them arrange a kosher meal, but it is also the duty to encourage them to request kosher catering. Surely there can be no differences of opinion in this regard. However, perhaps the question concerns not private affairs, but such undertakings that, if given supervision by a Dayan or Rov, might be misconstrued as to receive sanction for the Reform movement itself. In such a case, each case has to be dealt with on its merits, and it is up to the Moro d’asro to pass judgment after exploring all pertinent factors, and then, too, every effort should be made to enable Jews to eat kosher, while taking necessary precautions to avoid giving public approval of the Reform movement.
As indicated, it is up to the local Rabbonim to make a decision in each case, and my opinion is given only in general terms, in answer to your request.
With regards and prayerful wishes to all, and looking forward to continued good news,
With blessing,
M. Schneerson
I will again remember in prayer Dayan Golditch’s wife, when visiting the holy resting place of my father-in-law of saintly memory.
Notes and sources
Mr. Shneur Zalmon Jaffe (5673–5760/1913–2000) was a businessman in Manchester, England. In the early 1950s, he was drawn to Lubavitch and developed a close and unique personal relationship with the Rebbe. Over time, he became one of the foremost supporters and activists of Lubavitch in England. For additional biographical information and over 200 letters he received from the Rebbe, see letter dated 20 Iyar, 5713, and as referenced there.
1) Zalmon Jaffe had just returned from the Rebbe on the second Rebbe-bound chartered flight from England, a flight in which he had played a central role in arranging.
2) Miss Hinda Malka Jaffe to Rabbi Shmuel Lew. See also letters dated 28 Av, 5722; 7 Elul, 5722.
When their son Avrohom suggested Rabbi Lew as a match for Hinda, Mrs. Jaffe initially refused to consider the idea of her daughter entering shiduchim at her age. However, she eventually acquiesced. After meeting twice, the two agreed to get engaged, and the Rebbe gave his bracha (Z. Jaffe, My Encounters with the Rebbe, vol. 25).
3) Liverpool.
Source: Photocopy of the original
Published: Mr. Manchester, (England, 2003), 105.
Priority: Jews Eating Kosher Food
Source & Link: Mr. Manchester, pg. 105: Alternative Source: https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/letters/default_cdo/aid/1888987/jewish/Liverpool-Kosher-Catering-for-Reform-Functions.htm