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Correspondence

April 1992-November 1991

Exchange with Isi Leibler about International Colloquium on Jewish and Chinese Culture (1991)

Interfaith
Background Information

Rabbi Lamm attended an 1992 interfaith colloquium in Beijing. In this letter, he reflects on the success of the gathering and its significance for Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Background Information

1. Isi Leibler to R. Lamm

1. Isi Leibler to R. Lamm (Nov. 15, 1991)

1. Isi Leibler to R. Lamm (April 30, 1992)

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Outline

Lecture on Experience in China (1992)

Introduction – "My Life in Sin." Not a travelogue (though some details), but "J reflections." Origin of trip: China, Chinese Inter'l Cult'l Exch'ge/WJC. Purpose of Exchge: historic nature; who attended (including Ch–J: Sidney Shapiro). Beijing – Hong Kong: 1–2000 Jews; Chabad House…; Lord Kadoorie. HK & Beijing: a study in contrasts. Accomodations: Xiyuan. Deputy PM Wu: their purpose: Shanghai. Indeed – markets; tourism. Positive side-effects: Protocols Elders Zion. ST: "Israel Singer."The "Exchange" itself:Love of Learifth^ 7.7Einstein, Marx, KissingerC. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES (other than: Great Mali vs Wm-f..)Size: 13 M Jews vs. 1.12 B Ch! (or: even w strict birth control, increase yearly=total popl'n Js in world!) 08Discomfort: Tiananman Sq. (Great Hall People recep'n)Both: Ancient peoples:grappling "Trad & Mod'y"Love of Learning; bait; Respect for ScholarsReserve/U^iX(; whereas A-Js & Israelis: open,brash_____________ ■allliang out"; first names at first encounterRespect. STJ (Anita Shapiro) "demise Marxism"-no ans!"Face"— Sil embarrassment at blow-up (naM&aA.?)T>• K ?י u< 0 t t> — -Kaifeng:lOOOyrs ago-pop'n IM, largest city worldthen (960-1127) 2000 ־ Js came (Silk Road)Emperor: compIt rel freedom; 1st synag 1163k eptzbC, 4«y4<, etc Torah on ■Seat Moses"_________ 13Jip?, 12=12 tribes, 13th=dedic'd *ge 5Gm rto—frttennnrg; but no connectn world Jery־י) $ ?Only no^J, no E+mteaPu; lost 10 tribes?■discovered" Jesuit missnry Matteo Riocci 1601- rush mTssionrs: convert to Chty; priceless Mss”1800 ״׳, end: synag disrepair; assimilated Chany Kaifeng Jews left? " 2000 "descendants" (most: Chrth); halakhic-some:140-2007 bu£ I: doubt if anymy meeting w Prof Zhao, wife, daughterBene IsraelWhy different destinies?—neither had Rabbis, Torah learningCh: utter openness, pluralism; Ind: caste systemLessons for us: 52% intermarriage etc."Little A-S good thing?■ >Hol^c't: HO, cancer; Duke, BuchananComplete freedom - as: total "wall sep'n", …
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Correspondence

Exchange with Dr. Askari about the Interreligious Peace Colloquium (1975)

Dear Dr. Askari: It is just over a week that I have returned from our conference in Bellagio, and I am still basking in its after-glow. I wanted you to know how very much I cherish the opportunity to meet and get to know you. I am pleased that our exchange was an open and honest one, and I trust that it contributed to greater understanding and insight. I was told that the last two days of the conference kept on getting even better, and I am genuinely sorry that I had to miss them. I do hope that circumstances will permit us to meet again. Until then, please be assured of my respect and friendship. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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Correspondence

Exchange with Dr. Marc Shapiro about Halacha and Interfaith Dialogue (1996)

Dear Dr. Lamm, In my last letter to you, concerning halakhic correspondence between R. Weinberg and your grandfather, I forgot to enclose the two letters of R. Weinberg to Prof. Atlas. I am sure you will find them interesting as they show that even leading halakhists can be troubled by aspects of Jewish law. Sincerely, Marc Shapiro
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