Letter from Max Stern to Jewish Center Congregants about R. Lamm's Appointment as Rabbi (1967)

Max Stern was a prominent lay leader at The Jewish Center, a major philanthropist, and a close confidant and supporter of Rabbi Lamm and Yeshiva University.

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Dear Members:

As my first official communication of this New Year – 5728 – I am very happy to inform you that the Board of Trustees, at its last meeting, unanimously and enthusiastically appointed Dr. Leo Jung, as Senior Rabbi, and Dr. Norman Lamm, as Rabbi of The Jewish Center, by which respective titles they shall hereafter be designated.

Both Rabbi Jung and Rabbi Lamm, whose scope and nature of Center activity remain unchanged as heretofore, look forward to many years of fruitful cooperation in the cause of Judaism, and in the service of our beloved institution and its family of families.

The officers, trustees and members of the Center feel justly proud and highly honored in having two such distinguished Rabbis as their spiritual leaders and fervently wish for them many years of undisturbed health, harmony and happiness in their future activities.

Wishing you well over the fast, and for you and your family a very happy, healthful and peaceful New Year,

Sincerely,

Max Stern

President

Telegram from Yeshiva University Dean of Men Congratulating R. Lamm on His Selection for West Side Jewish Center Pulpit (1952)

Genuinely regret that a previous commitment to Toronto Mizrachi makes it impossible for me to be present at the installation of your worthy Rabbi, my good friend Rabbi Norman Lamm. Rabbi Lamm is rabbinically prepared and scholarly endowed to lead your congregation to high spiritual accomplishments. He is one of the sons in the Yeshiva who excelled himself Talmudically, scholarly and religiously during his student years in the short period since ordination he has gained for himself an enviable reputation as an orator andas an effective minister. With your cooperation he will make congregation Beth Israel a pillar of strength for Jewish living and Jewish culture. May you and the Rabbi go from strength to strength.Samuel L Sar Dean of men, Yeshiva University

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Letter from Max Stern Confirming Agreement Concerning R. Lamm's Installation as Associate Rabbi of The Jewish Center (1958)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: Agreeably to the several talks between us and Rabbi Jung, this will serve to confirm our mutual understanding as to the basis of your engagement as Associate Rabbi to our beloved Rabbi Leo Jung at The Jewish Center, 131 West 86th Street, New York, N. Y. 1. Your preliminary discussions with us and your possible association with The Jewish Center took place after you had decided to terminate your rabbinate with your congregation at Springfield, Massachusetts, and were than considering other rabbinical positions in or around New York City. in short, we did not, in any form or manner, seek to take you away from your rabbinate in Springfield and our discussions were based on your assurance to us that you had definitely decided to leave Springfield and were, in fact, seriously considering another rabbinate in Long Island which had been offered to you.2. Your position at The Jewish Center will be that of Associate Rabbi to Rabbi Leo Jung, and your duties will, of course, be, completely under his direction and supervision.3.While we agree that there would be no definite term of your engagement with us, and that it would be subject to termination at any time should either of us so decide, nevertheless, in fairness to you, we feel it is desirable tc fix a definite term of one year from the date of the commencement of your duties at our Center which is presently contemplated will begin on January 1, 1959. This initail term will be renewable for successive one year periods unless either of us shall otherwise decide at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the year, and so notify the other of such decision.4. You will receive compensation at the rate of $10,000.00 a year, plus the rent for your apartment in the immediate neighborhood of The Jewish Center, not to exceed $3,000.00 a year. We make no further financial commitment or promise to jIf the foregoing is in accord with your understanding, please be good enough to indicate your approval on the duplicate…

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Letter from Max Stern to Jewish Center Congregants on R. Lamm's Appointment as Associate Rabbi (1958)

Dear Friends: A General Membership Meeting of The Jewish Center will take place in the Center auditorium on Monday evening, November 17th, 1958 at 8:30 P.M. In addition to extending a cordial and public reception to the new members who have joined the Center since our last Membership Meeting, there will be a general and open discussion on matters pertaining to Center good and welfare, and some musical entertainment to delight those who attend. We will also have a further and appropriate opportunity to welcome our newly appointed Associate Rabbi, Norman Lamm, and Mrs. Lamm. The meeting will be followed by refreshments and a social hour in which to fraternize with each other in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.We earnestly hope you will attend the meeting and thereby demonstrate your interest, enthusiastic support and encouragement in the continued welfare of our institution.ן Sincerely yoursMAX STERN President

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