My dear Lamm,

I knew I would not have to appeal to you in vain, though the result is not entirely satisfactory. Simultaneously with writing to you, I also sent a separate appeal to Wurzburger. It produced a letter from him full of apologies, and that he had instructed them to send me both the journal and a check for the article (which I had not mentioned). This week a copy of the journal arrived by Air Mail without any accompanying letter of explanation, or reference to my request for offprints – or check! I still therefore do not know where I stand with regard to the offprints. If I was absolutely sure that I am not getting them, I would involve myself in the not inconsiderable expense of having it reproduced here, but naturally I do not want to involve myself in this expenditure if it can be avoided. Could you please ascertain if there is any chance of my getting them?

By a peculiar coincidence, on the same day as I received your letter wishing me “good luck” with regard to England, there appeared No. 338 of Panim el Panim (22/10/65) and in the “gossip column”, “Al Tufta Im” appeared an item to the effect that the leaders of the United Synagogue have decided to offer you the position. It ties up with a statement in Haboker from their London correspondent that they will definitely turn to the U.S.A.

I know that this can only be kite flying since the first meeting, at which only preliminary steps will be taken, takes place only tomorrow.

Nevertheless I want to express my considered opinion to you that you would be an ideal choice, and that should the approach be made to you, to give it your favourable consideration. I want to be quite frank with you, on the basis of the very real and valued friendship and esteem which exists between us. I regard my chances as minimal. Wolfson has been here for a fortnight and returns to London today and has made no effort whatsoever to contact me, despite the fact that he was pressed to by my friends before he left England. When the news of Herzog’s abdication broke, the Daily Express Mediterranean correspondent flew in specially to interview me, and I bluntly said that I did not consider myself a suitable candidate as I was too independent minded. Nor can I overlook the fact, however much one would like to, of age. I am 59, and at the rate they are going I shall have reached my 60th birthday before any decision is reached. On the other hand I have a certain following in England, and I would be only too happy, if you would consider this great challenge, to swing them over to you. I think that you are the one person who could make a success of it, and bring order out of the chaos which has been caused.

תדון על זה בכובד ראש,

With cordial regards,

Yours very sincerely,

Rabinowitz