Letter from Rav Motta Frank on the Eve of Shabbat Parshat Masei

Friday, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av 5776, Erev Shabbat Parshat Matot-Masei, the Yahrtzeit of Aharon HaKohen, peace be upon him, 'who loved peace and pursued peace, loved his fellow creatures and brought them closer to the Torah.' A cry of pain, a protest, and a declaration. Please publish and distribute this as much as possible! Spread it throughout Yaakov and Yisrael, in the Land of Israel and abroad. Strive to ensure that the content of this 'cry of pain' reaches the tables of: Rabbis, Admorim, Roshei Yeshivot, Poskim, Mashgichim, Mashpi'im, and public figures. Enlighten the hearts of the people of the House of Israel that within this entire painful affair, there is 'another truth,' 'additional sides,' 'questions,' and 'doubts.' Consequently, there are now halachic obligations upon each and every one of us: it is forbidden, at this time, to 'listen' to or 'read,' to 'believe' or 'accept'—neither from the mouths of the opponents nor from the writings of the opponents—any words of 'lashon hara' (evil speech) or 'rechilut' (gossip), which likely border on the prohibitions of 'slander,' 'defamation,' and 'public humiliation.' By doing so, you will also save a holy community in Israel and fulfill, if even in a small way: 'Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor!' A good month of Menachem Av, a bright Shabbat Matot and Masei. Baruch Mordechai (Motta) Frank