Letter to Dr. Tropper Praising Articles about Gesher (1971)

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Dear Danny: I just read through the article In Maariv and also your "dear all" letter and find all of it quite exciting. I think we are beginning the "break-through" that I had been urging and hoping for all this time. The very polarization that now exists, and that we are dedicated to minimizing, should at least make responsible people in Israel conscious of the fact that we have a great deal to offer and that we are therefore deserving of public (governmental) support. Thank you for your שָׁנָה טוֹבָה wishes. Mindy and I wish you, your wife, your family and co-workers Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

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

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

Letter to Dr. Tropper about Recruiting for Gesher (1972)

Dear Danny: It was good seeing you at the King David Hotel shortly before I left. I wonder if you had the opportunity to proceed along the lines we discussed, and what if any the results have been. I have not talked to Chaim yet, and I do not even know if he is in the country. Meanwhile, a thought occurred to me. While I was in Jerusalem, I met an old friend of mine whom I had first met in Johannesburg. He is a man who once studied in Yeshiva, is proud of his background, and even though he is still very far from an observant Jew, he is nevertheless very active in the Johannesburg synagogue. (That is the one where Solomon Fouks had been the rabbi.) I have a feeling that this man, Archie Peck, is just the sort of man who would be interested in Gesher. I believe it would be good if you indicate that someone from South Africa who knew me is willing to lend his name as a reference and that you can write to Peck at his Johannesburg address. In doing so, please mention my name and affiliation with Gesher. He is a very, very wealthy man, and he should be used. His address is P.O. Box 6060, Johannesburg. If you cannot find such a person, let me know and I will decide whether you should use my name directly. I trust that Weingarten’s ad in the Jerusalem Post and Haaretz had a salutary effect. All best regards to your wife. Cordially, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Gesher Israel