How sad that our Gedolim worked long and hard to restore standards to Klal Yisroel only to see a new generation trying to destroy it. Mixed seating was the norm in the early 20th century, TV was also. The rabbanim worked with each individual to change it. They did so and we have special “kedushadige” weddings. Homes free of TV/movies. Today there is a new generation that is trying to destroy it. Grab on to the beauty. DO not think that you know what hashem wants more than a rav steeped in Torah and learning. If you rabbi feels it is okay, Why not look for greater standards. Maybe mixed seating won’t bring to sin but it wont be “marbeh kevod shamayim” and it definitely won’t bring to greater yiras shamayim. And for those that say let singles meet. I say first of all let the Torah decide how singles should meet. (And from the people I know that went to single events, they say it is a waste of time.)
Yidden it is Ellul. It is not a time to convince other religous Jews to lower their standards, It is a time to search for zechusim, strengthen ourselves to do more and look for ways to be closer to hashem. Hashem loves you and he wants you close.
I say the above with the wish that this year rosh hashana we will be celebrating in Yerushalayim gathered from all ends of the world.
With tears in my eyes,