By the Grace of G-d 25th of Nissan, 5718Brooklyn, New York

Greeting and Blessing:

I received your letter, enclosing the letter from Mr. ..., which is returned herewith.

I must confess that I am very much surprised that the question of the Jewish divorce has been so misunderstood, as if there were any other motivation behind it. Obviously, my main concern is the thing itself, and the stringency of the Jewish Law regarding both marriage and divorce. For, according to the Torah, a marriage is not a civil contract, but a sacred institution, and as long as the marriage is not terminated in accordance with the Laws of the Torah (Deuteronomy 24:1 and commentaries) the woman and the man are considered fully bound by it. Should such a woman have relations with another man, she would be guilty of adultery - a very grave sin (Leviticus 20:10 a.a.). Gravity of such transgressions is emphasized by the fact that it calls for capital punishment.

The husband who withholds a divorce from his wife, and thus is instrumental in his wife committing that sin, is himself guilty of a grave sin.

It is for this reason that a Jewish divorce is of vital concern to both ... and his (former ?) wife.

I am sure it is unnecessary for me to emphasize that, by way of example, when a person is about to jump down an abyss, the result will be the same, whether he doesn't understand the danger and closes his eyes and jumps, or does so with his eyes open. It is therefore the duty of every one in connection with the situation, to do everything possible to prevent the harm in question.

All the above is true, even if the Jewish divorce were connected with extreme hardships, and surely where vital interests are involved, nothing should be too great an obstacle. How much more so in this case where there is no difficulty or trouble involved, for all that would be necessary is that ... appear before an Orthodox Rabbi, who will ask him several questions and request him to make a formal declaration and delegation of power to the Scribe, who will write the Bill of Divorcement in accordance with the Law. Furthermore, it is possible to have it done by an English-speaking Rabbi, and, moreover, as I told you personally, if for any reason ... .does not want to meet Mrs. ..., such a meeting can be avoided, as the Law can be complied with through the agency of an intermediary. The whole procedure would probably require not more than an hour or two, depending upon the speed of the Scribe.

Needles to say that a Jewish divorce is not connected with any financial obligations towards the wife.

I cannot over-emphasize the importance of this matter, and I trust that you will do everything possible to help it materialize. Needless to say that you are at liberty to show this letter, or apprise of its contents, as you may deem fit.

With all good wishes, and

With blessing,

(Signed)