On the Issues of the Economic Boycott of Germany

[ . . . ] In regard to the boycott [of German goods], in my view, the rabbis ought to have stood aloof, at a distance, and not to have involved themselves with this at all, as this is an issue exclusively concerning our brethren in Germany, who may be harmed as a result of this, for they envisage this as leading to bloodshed; and as for the pretext put forward that the boycott is a good thing, so that other countries should become aware of the true situation—surely it is a question of Torah law whether it is permissible to act in this way. [ . . . ] Moreover, this matter is connected with the fury of the masses, who have everywhere become enraged against the wicked government and its head [Adolf Hitler], may his name be obliterated; and the masses act without thinking; but it is for the teachers, who are of settled and patient temperament, to consider the matter carefully, as to whether they are permitted to act in this way by the law of the Torah; and I have indeed drawn this to the attention of the association of rabbis in Poland also, though it appears that they too stood under the influence of the businessmen and the national newspapers—for it was uncomfortable for them that people should say that the rabbis have no feeling for the distress of our nation, heaven forbid!