The Views of Rabbi Moses Feinstein, Rabbi Abraham Joshua ...

Joseph B. Soloveitchik, whose own position on interfaith dialogue will be discussed
shortly. In the responsum, Feinstein relates that ―it is obvious‖ 129 that not only are
discussions between Christians and Jews of a theological nature prohibited, but also
discussions between Christians and Jews ―on ostensibly social-political matters, at all
times, during every era.‖ 130
This view accords with Feinstein‘s aforementioned, and now
repeated, understanding of the Church‘s malevolent intentions toward Jews. Feinstein
views the fact that some rabbis are engaging in interfaith activity as evidence of the
success of ―this deed of Satan,‖ 131 believing the deceptive lure of the Church‘s seemingly
ecumenical efforts to be of cosmically dire import to the community of Israel. The text
of this responsum also relates the decision of the aforementioned Orthodox rabbi to
whom the first responsum was addressed to comply with Feinstein‘s instructions.
Feinstein requests that Soloveitchik ―sign the document I have included in this letter‖ 132
to endorse the ―absolute prohibition (issur gamur) against associating with priests in any
way‖ 133 or to author his own document recording his own formulation of the prohibition.
129 Ellenson 123
130 Ellenson 123
131 Ellenson 123
132 Ellenson 124
133 Ellenson 124
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