A newly released letter by Crown Heights Rov and Rosh Kolel, Harav Yosef Avrohom Heller, is stirring wide discussion after he addressed the issue of public display of women in print and online media.

The letter was written in response to a query by R’ Motty Gurary of Bnos Menachem on whether it was appropriate to publicize pictures of women within our circles.

In his response letter, Harav Heller writes that the separation between men and women is among the core foundations of tznius and holiness in Yiddishkeit, and Chazal took great caution to uphold this separation even in the Beis Hamikdash.

Throughout the generations, he notes, the Rebbeim and chassidim were especially careful with their sight even in situations that were technically permitted, following the Torah guidance towards sanctity and refinement.

Harav Heller points to the Rebbe’s well-known campaign demanding proper mechitzos and complete separation at chassunos and public gatherings, noting how the Rebbe fought to strengthen standards of tznius at a time when mixed seating was still common in many frum circles. The Rebbe further insisted on mechitzos high enough to fully prevent visibility between the men’s and women’s sections.

Addressing the issue at hand, Harav Heller writes decisively that publicizing photos of women, even when dressed according to halacha, contradicts the very concept of tznius. Beyond the concern of men viewing women, such public exposure conflicts with the ideal of modesty and privacy that Jewish women embody.

Harav Heller further urges avoidance of any publication or forum that does not follow the standards of tznius and kedusha established by the Rebbeim, calling instead for unwavering adherence to the path of Torah and Chassidus.

The following is the full text of the letter (free translation):

To R’ Mordechai Shmuel שי’ Gurary,

In response to your question whether it’s appropriate to publicize pictures of women among Anash:

The separation between men and women is one of the foundations of tznius and kedusha, and it is a significant factor in ensuring that Hashem’s presence rests among us. Chazal exhorted us to maintain this separation and even changed the setup of the Beis Hamikdash to help preserve it.

We also know how much our Rebbeim and their chassidim avoided any type of inappropriate sight, even when technically permitted—in line with the instruction of Chazal to sanctify ourselves in what is permitted— though, for tznius reasons, they didn’t speak extensively about it.

We especially know how much the Rebbe campaigned to ensure there should be proper mechitzos and separation at weddings and other gatherings. He pushed this at a time when even many frum weddings had mixed seating at the meal, and he didn’t rest until he changed the landscape in this area. The Rebbe also emphasized that the mechitzah should be high enough to ensure the men shouldn’t be able to see the women at all.

Now to your question:

To post or publicize pictures of women – even when they are dressed entirely tznius – stands in complete contradiction to the notion of tznius, particularly among Anash. Besides for the issue of men looking at women, such conduct is not in line “kol kevuda bas melech pnima” and the lifestyle of modesty suited for a Jewish woman.

Any forum or publication that doesn’t follow the traditional path shown to us by our Rebbeim in the area of tznius and kedusha should be avoided. Instead, we should strengthen ourselves in the path of Torah and Chassidus without compromise.

May it be Hashem’s will that in the zechus of properly safeguarding our standards of tznius, Hashem will fulfill His promise that “our camp will be holy.” With this, we will merit very soon to see the true and complete geulah with Moshiach Tzidkeinu, may it happen immediately!