Handwritten Responsa by R. Moshe Feinstein – Regarding Height of Mechitzos, New York 1969

Handwritten Responsa by R. Moshe Feinstein – Regarding Height of Mechitzos, New York 1969

Handwritten responsa by Reb Moshe Feinstein, regarding the required height of a Mechitza for the Women’s section in a Synagogue. In this Teshuvah, R. Moshe seeks to clarify his famous Teshuvah on this topic, published in Igros Moshe Orach Chaim (Siman 39). 

He writes that although Mechitzos are required to be more than 60 inches tall, it is possible to be lenient if the need arises. He then writes: “I have heard that in some places they make the Mechitzah taller by the men’s side but shorter by the women’s side – about 4 feet tall”. R. Moshe goes on to lament this situation and concludes: “You must try everything possible to ensure that the height of the Mechitzah be above shoulder length from both sides”. 

This responsa was published in Igros Moshe Orach Chaim (Volume 3, Siman 24).

R. Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986), the leader of all Jewry and Posek Hador. He authored thousands of responsa covering all topics of the Torah and every aspect of Jewish law, which were published in his Magnum Opus, Igros Moshe, which spans several volumes. Aside from his outstanding genius and diligence in Torah study, R. Moshe was known as an exceptionally humble person, offering help to anyone in need.  

[1] handwritten leaf, entirely handwritten and signed by Reb Moshe. Approx. 12 handwritten lines.