Letter to R. Soloveitchik about CCAR Journal Article on the Reform Attitude Toward Divorce (1964)

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Dear Rabbi Soloveitchik:

I just this morning was leafing through the most recent issue of CCAR Journal, and happened to notice an article by Jakob J. Petuchowski entitled, "Some Reflections on the Reform Attitude Towards Divorce."

I am enclosing a photocopy of the last page of his article which I think may be of interest in the light of our conversation earlier this week about the possibility of coming to some understanding with Prof. Lieberman about the divorce problem.

Respectfully yours,

Rabbi Norman Lamm

Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Israel's Reform Movement (1963)

Dear Moe: I know how busy you are, especially with all the recent unfortunate developments in your family. Nevertheless, I am sending you enclosed the most recent copy of the CCAR Journal, and suggest that you read carefully the very first article on Reform Judaism in Israel. Especially notice the underlined parts. I think it is important for someone in your position to be aware of the kind of secret activity currently being conducted by the reformed group. Fondest regards.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNLsf

Orthodoxy & Other Denominations

Letter from the "Torah Action Committee" Threatening R. Lamm about Position on Interdenominational Dialogue (1966)

Rabbi Norman Lamm... We were shocked to read that you too are throwing overboard tradition and loyalty to the Gedolim... and have accepted to join a reform and conservative rabbi... as guest of honor for the Hadoar Dinner... We shall wait 10 days... until Dec. 8th. If no retraction in paper... we shall appeal to leaders of The Jewish Center to dismiss you because of your dissent and abrogation of Torah authority. Please remove this Chilul Hashem at once. Have mercy on Torah and your Roshei Hayeshiva. Torah Action Committee – YU Branch

Orthodoxy & Other Denominations

Letter to Marvin Herskowitz about the Synagogue Council of America (1969)

It seems to be the fate of Orthodoxy, at least in this country, that battles are fought over matters of little or no consequence. We have allowed truly important matters to be bypassed, and have chosen what are, relatively speaking, trivialities on which to stage our strongest stands. The Orthodox Union, as a more or less centrist group, seems peculiarly afflicted by a penchant for the petty. Once again we are evoking great principles and wasting precious time and risking wounded pride and injured feelings on an issue which is trivial.From everything I have heard about the Synagogue Council of America (SCA), it has a limited scope of activity (how much can an address accomplish!). It is not the kind of organization which will seriously affect the destiny of Torah and American Jewry one way or another. I do not by any means wish to deprecate the value of SCA, but it certainly does not seem worthy of the dissension it has produced in our ranks. We will live with it, and without it. It is almost farcical how we have succeeded in making a “yesh me’ayin.”Nevertheless, even insignificant issues must be met if they are thrust upon us against our will. The SCA question has been blown up to unrecognizable dimensions by those who have insisted upon the Union's withdrawal. I have no reason to regret the comment I made some years ago, which seems to have irritated a number of my colleagues, namely, that the demand for secession is a dull, obsessive litany. Indeed, it becomes duller with repetition. It is with considerable reluctance, therefore, that I undertake to set down even these few comments for your consideration.The Study Panel which deliberated on these matters — and SCA was only the most controversial of the so-called “umbrella” groups discussed — performed its task conscientiously and efficiently, at great expense in time and convenience. We heard testimony from a number of distinguished leaders of the community. I personally came to the hearings determined that I wo…

Orthodoxy & Other Denominations