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Correspondence

April 1971

Exchange with Dr. Tropper about His Reflections on Recent Gesher Seminars (1971)

Gesher Israel

1. Dr. Tropper to R. Lamm

1. Dr. Tropper to R. Lamm (Apr. 17, 1971)

1. Dr. Tropper to R. Lamm (April 17, 1971)

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Correspondence

Exchange with Dr. Tropper about Disagreement on Gesher Funding (1971)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I met with Dr. Burg on Erev Shabbat concerning your letter to Golda Meir. In between his various jokes and stories, I managed to learn that a committee composed of members of just about every party has been formed to oversee the Shapiro project. Burg, therefore, called the project "non-political." However, in subsequent meetings with the Ministry's spokesman Yaakov Agassi (Shapiro’s ex-azaer) and a few other insiders I was able to piece together the following:The “committee” is a collection of names, but in actual practice it is a Mafdal-directed affair. The Shapiro project, it seems, will after all be Gush Etzion—but not the kibbutz Kfar Etzion, rather the *Mercaz Azori* (the hill on which the Yeshiva stands—where you slept the night you attended the seminar). They plan to develop that hill—or *Yad Shapiro* as it is slated to be called—into a large educational center to the tune of IL 10 million. The Rothschilds are throwing in the lion’s share (here's where Rav Amital got his money), the government will give another large chunk, and private donations will complete it.Now \_\_\_ has been informed that if he agrees to move his *Beit Sefer Sadeh* and proposed *Midrashiat Har Chevron* to the *Mercaz Azori*, he can share in the kitty. However, \_\_\_ has stubbornly refused. He is interested in Kfar Etzion and that’s it. Despite the many logical reasons other than financial presented to dissuade him (e.g., a kibbutz is a community and not the place where you want groups of visiting kids floating around all day), he has stubbornly refused.Agassi and Moskovitz of Misrad HaPnim have told me frankly that if we can convince \_\_\_ to make the move and join him in his Midrashiat Har Chevron, there can be quite a bit of money for Gesher in the deal. However, I know \_\_\_ well, and he will not budge. No amount of money will lure him from furthering the development of his precious Kfar Etzion in the direction that he wants.And so this is the situation. Natural…
Gesher Israel

Correspondence

Letter from Dr. Tropper about Gesher Magazine and Seminars (1971)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, Enclosed are a few copies of our new magazine, Keshet B’Anan. Designed to maintain closer contact with our seminarians and participants in the chugim, and to broaden our base among high school youth, this magazine is the first to include both dati and lo-dati youth on its editorial board and to be geared to all Israeli youth. We printed 1500 of the first issue and are distributing them to all Israeli high schools. In reference to your letter to the Prime Minister: I’ve scheduled an appointment with Dr. Burg for next week, will discuss the matter with him, and will keep you informed. It is indeed a long shot, but, then again, one of these long shots are bound to come through. At your suggestion, I’ve taken an interest in the "hippie kibbutz" Kedma, and we are helping to get them started. My experiences there have been, to say the very least, different! I see a great future for them, if they can overcome the initial hurdles which the Agency is placing in their way. I've arranged for shiurim, for a rotating sy^yem among the Americans at Kerem B’Yavne to spend Shabbat there and conduct services, etc. As a matter of fact, the Mandels offered me the position of rabbi, but it’s not quite the sort of "shtele" I'm interested in... Our next youth seminar will be held Choi Hamoed Pesach, and registration is extremely high. Our limit of fifty youngsters will probably compel us to reject at least a similar number. Projected deficit: $1000. Best regards to Mindy and the children. Sincerely, Danny
Gesher Israel

Correspondence

Letter from Dr. Tropper with Updates about Gesher (1971)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I have received the copy of your letter to [redacted] and as you requested will use it only with the greatest of caution. Frankly, I have not visited [redacted] in quite a while and am somewhat on the outside at present. There have been a great many developments in Gesher recently. We have had two radio shows on Gesher (Galei Zahali 7 minutes and Kol Yisroel, ½ hour) and an excellent article on Gesher appeared in last week's Maariv lanoar. As our seminars expand, more and more people are beginning to hear about and talk about Gesher. The most exciting thing, however, has been the internal developments within Gesher. Under separate cover I am sending you a carbon copy of my latest "Dear All" letter, i.e. my letters to the newly formed Gesher cabinet. This letter, I believe, will give you a fair idea of where we stand and what we're doing. My very best wishes are extended to you, Mindy and your children for a כתיבה וחתימה טובה. Yours very truly, Danny
Gesher Israel