Home Home / Exchange with C. Goldbaum about Christian Origins of News Year's Day (1970)

Correspondence

November-December 1970

Exchange with C. Goldbaum about Christian Origins of News Year's Day (1970)

General Jewish Thought Jewish Law & Secular Law
Background Information

This question about a New Year’s dance reflects Rabbi Lamm’s influence as a teacher and halachic guide to international questioners. It also highlights the challenges faced by Orthodox communities at the time.

Background Information

1. C. Goldbaum to R. Lamm

1. C. Goldbaum to R. Lamm (Nov. 11, 1970)

1. C. Goldbaum to R. Lamm (Nov. 11, 1970)

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Note

Thoughts on the Nature of Holidays (1978)

As conclusion of the sheur, I mentioned that we have from this Halakhic analysis an insight into the nature of Judaism's psychology. All the Festivals are observed irrespective of contemporary conditions. They are a question of dipping into the past and reliving the experience of the Exodus, Purim, etc. However, the fast days are always contingent upon contemporary conditions. If the Jewish political and social condition in the world is poor, the fasting is obligatory; if they are mixed, the fast days are optional; if they are salutary, the fast days are converted into holidays (i.e., days on which it is forbidden to fast or eulogize). This means that the observance of the fast day is part of a continaum which began with the historically traumatic occasion which set it into motion. There is no reliving of an old experience, but rather the contemporary expression of a long chain of events.This leads one to the conclusion that joy and festivity are part of the nature of the Jewish soul per se, they are ontological characteristics of the Jew. Hence, even if there is no continuum of external, historical events which would warrant celebration, we relive ancient memories because the Jewish soul itself is rich in such expression. When it comes to the expression of bereavement, however, there is nothing ontological about suffering and, hence, if there is no contemporary situation which waraants the grief expression, it is totally ignored.
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Exchange with Andrew Beider about the Jewish Approach to Life Insurance (1975)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: I have consulted with my Rabbi and it is his opinion that a question of this nature should be given a more definitive answer than is locally available. He suggested that I write – because he respects your opinion (even though he is a Lubavitcher). I am a life insurance salesman by profession. I have attempted to study, and will continue studying Jewish Law. Unfortunately, I haven't come across enough den'im or commentary to be able to formulate a concrete Jewish approach to life insurance.I understand, in my limited capacity, the ideas covering the community concept of tzedaka; that the kehelah should take care of those who can't take care of themselves. At the same time, there is the idea that God helps those who provide for themselves.Generally, I've been brought up to realize that whenever you see conflict in the law, a good way to resolve the question is to re-approach it. Most times the problem lies in my lack of comprehension, rather than in the law itself.Keeping all these things in mind, please resolve my problem:Is there a Jewish view of life insurance: the necessity of owning protection for one's self and/or one's family?If you can reach somewhat of a conclusion, please show me where I can study these things to reach a greater appreciation of the law.Andrew Beide
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Exchange with Earl Klein about Articles on Jewish Law and the Constitution (1966)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: Although we may have been contemporaries at Yeshiva, I am not certain that we have ever met. I graduated from the College in 1947. As you are probably well aware, an article of yours on the Fifth Amendment and Halakhah was cited by Chief Justice Warren in a footnote to the famous Miranda case. I have been interested for a long time in the problem of confessions in criminal cases and particularly where Jewish law has application.I am interested in obtaining a copy of your article, and I wonder whether you have any reprints or copies available. If there is any expense involved, please let me know or if you have a copy that I might be able to Xerox I would certainly appreciate it.I am a subscriber to Tradition and have enjoyed reading your articles, and look forward to seeing the one on the Fifth Amendment.By the way do you know of any articles on capital punishment and Talmudic law? I would appreciate any help you can give me.With kindest regards to you and to Rabbi Jung, my former professor and a man I greatly admire.Sincerely,Earl KleinEK:ff
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