Think Before You Write

To the Editor:

As a person who visits YU from time to time, I usually enjoy reading your newspaper. The articles are usually interesting and stimulating. However I have to say that I was quite disappointed at the article in this past issue, "Curtains Closed on Co-ed Plays" It was apparent that the author was ignorant in both the areas of classic theater AND Halachah. It is well known that in the times when Shakespeare first directed and produced his own plays, in his own theatre, there was no such thing as a part played by a female. So as for the author's challenge to find a play that can exclude women, why you can ask Bill Shakespeare himself I'm sure he'd be willing to answer that.

As far as your proofs dealing with the halachik aspect, who is this prominent rav that gave this p'sak, what is his name? Where are his mikoros for such an opinion, the ramifications of such a question were very ambiguously if at all discussed in the article. As far as the fact that NCSY is supported by "Yeshivish " people who participate in Coed situations, you cannot compare a kiruv institution to an educational one. The heter for such things was ONLY given for kiruv, therefore, that has nothing to do with YU coed plays. As far as the fear that this will spark discussions amongst the rebbeim, I disagree, this is a major issue. To some of klal yisroel, halachah still remains a higher priority than entertainment. I am relieved, however that such a play will not be occurring, and I hope that this policy continues in the future.

Alter Yudin

Yeshivas Mir '00