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Correspondence

Dec. 27, 1961

Letter to Dr. Weiss about Yoel Klein's Proposed Investment in India (1961)

India
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Letter to Ellis Meyer about Possibility of Investing in Bombay Factory (1961)

Dear Ellis: I am writing to you again, the second day in a row because of a matter which just came up and which may be of interest to you. When I was in Caleutta I noticed a number of poor Jews, who, I suppose, are largely unemployed or who could use better jobs. I was approached yesterday by a pious American Jew who is a manufacturer of knitted sweaters. He is desirous of setting up a factory to manufacture this product in India, My first interest is in Bombay, where there is a lerger Jewish commnity, and probably mre need, However, in case that does not wrk out, we might try Calcutta, As you know, according to Indian law Indian citizens must hold 51% of any business. The Indian government will, as m attempt to attract foreign investors, lend up to 75% of the finances at interest free for five years, The man in question, Mr. Yoel Klein, is Willing to invest anything from Fifty to One-Hundred Thousand sor thereabouts if an Indian or Indians ca be found to match his investment, set up in Caloutta? Please give it your prompt and serious attention for Mr. Klein is most serious about this proposition,All best wishes to Florence, mother and the family,Cordially yours,RABBIT NORMAN LAMM
India

Correspondence

Letter to Mr. Kolet about Investing in Bombay Factory (1961)

My dear Mr. Kolet: It was a pleasure seeing you here several weeks ago and showing you several of the classes of our Hebrew High School during their sessions. I would like to bring to your attention a matter which I think will please you and in which you might be of some assistance. When I was in India last year, I noticed the unemployment amongst many of the Bene Israel and also the fact that economic conditions forced many of them, who would otherwise observe the Sabbath and holidays, to violate them. Since then I have tried to make contact in America with people who would be willing to invest in industry in the Bombay area which will be able to employ Bene Israels and, at the same time, make it possible for them to observe all the tenets of our religion.I now have been successful in obtaining someone who is ready to invest in setting up a factory in India, preferably in the Bombay area or thereabouts. He is prepared to invest from fifty to one hundred thousand dollars or the rupee equivalent, and to send over people who will set up the operation.As I understand it, Indian law requires that 51% of a business be owned by Indian investors, and that, as an attraction to foreign investors, the government will lend up to 75% for five years interest free.What we are looking for, therefore, is an Indian or group of Indian investors who will be able to match Mr. Klein’s investment (i.e., 1% more).We have here a wonderful opportunity to help Indian Jewry both materially and spiritually. I have written to some people in Bombay and Calcutta asking if they think they can recommend a partner or partners for Mr. Klein.I think that you would perhaps be in the best position to do so, and also to offer any advice or assistance to help this venture.Please be kind enough to give this matter your attention as soon as possible and answer me at your earliest opportunity. If there are any prospects, Mr. Klein will make the flight to India — and possibly I will go along.Sincerely yours,…
India

Correspondence

Letter from Dr. Weiss to Mr. Kelman about Sending a Rabbi to India (1962)

Dear Mr. Kalman: Thank you for sending me the copy of your letter to Rabbi Norman Lamm, dated July 27, 1962. Rabbi Lamm and I discussed the subject matter of your communication and, since Rabbi Lamm is still on his vacation, I take the liberty of replying. We are most hesitant to agree to a procedure which would involve the collection of funds by an individual for the purpose of sending a rabbi to India. The reasons are obvious and even under the best of circumstances, the choice of the rabbi and his future relations to the responsible organs of the Jewish community would be open to grave questions. We agree, therefore, wholeheartedly to your suggestion to Mr. Menashe not to write to Rabbi Halberstein.To the best of our information, Chief Rabbi Nissim is presently not inclined to send a rabbi to India. His feelings have been understandably bruised by the violent attacks directed against him by some members of the Bene Israel community in recent months. Still, we believe, people close to him should impress upon him that the situation calls not so much for the in principle very justified protection of the dignity and authority of the Chief Rabbi and the Chief Rabbinate, but for a great deal of forbearance and statesmanship.Possibly the plan you outline in your previous communication to the effect that a qualified rabbi be sent periodically to India, for one or two months twice a year, to take care of Gittin and kindred problems, would be acceptable to Chief Rabbi Nissim. The Orthodox Union, through its Joint Overseas Commission, would, of course, cooperate financially.With kindest regards and all good wishes, in behalf of Rabbi Lamm, I amVery sincerely yours,Dr. Samson R. WeissExecutive Vice PresidentMr. I. KalmanThe Jewish AgencyP.O.B. 1979Bombay 1, INDIA
India