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December 21, 1963

The Jews and the Ecumenical Council (1963)

Vayigash Interfaith
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Article

The Council and the Jews (1964)

By now everyone knows of the efforts of the Roman Catholic Church to rectify certain ancient wrongs it has perpetrated against the Jewish people. The Roman Catholic Ecumenical Council, called to discuss various internal problems in Christianity, was presented with a proposal concerning the Jews. In the schema on Christian unity, Chapter 4 (reproduced on p. 3) urged that the Church retract the old charge of deicide of which Christians had accused Jews for ages. It asked that the Jews be absolved of guilt for killing the central figure of the Christian religion. This proposal, as we also know, was not voted upon; it may possibly be brought up for consideration again next September. My purpose is to analyze not the Catholic action as such, but rather the reactions of certain Jews, perhaps very many of them. And it is concerning these reactions, which in many cases are quite disturbing, and in some cases outrageous and scandalous, that I wish to register a complaint, and to offer several suggestions. The complaint is that we have over-acted, occasionally to the point of compromising our principles and our dignity. And my suggestions are that we be cautious; that we exercise our critical faculties; that we not be overwhelmed by the torrent of publicity; that we strive for a historical perspective; and, above all, that we judge men and events not by the shifting standards and ephemeral moods of the moment, but by authentic Jewish criteria—the eternal value of Torah and Tradition. We Jews are a grateful people. The very name “Jew” implies gratitude: it comes from “Judah”, and that name—in Hebrew, Yehudah—was given to her son by Leah because “this time shall I thank the Lord” (Gen. 29:35). It is this element of gratefulness that has made Jews so loyal, throughout these many years of our dispersion, to those countries which have offered us safety and freedom. It accounts as well for the many lasting contributions we have made to the science and the literature, the finances …
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Synagogue Sermon

The Jews and the Ecumenical Council: How Ought Jews React? (1963)

By now everyone knows of the efforts of the Catholic Church to rectify certain ancient wrongs it has perpetrated against the Jewish people. The Ecumenical Council, called to discuss various internal problems in Christianity, was presented with a proposal concerning the Jews. In the schema on Christian unity, Chapter 4 urged that the Church retract the old charge of deicide of which Christians had accused Jews for ages. It asked that the Jews be absolved of guilt for killing the central figure of the Christian religion. This proposal, as we also know, was not voted upon; it may possibly be brought up for consideration again next September. My purpose this morning is not to speak about the Catholic action as such, but rather about the reactions of certain Jews, perhaps very many of them. And it is concerning these reactions, which in many cases are quite disturbing, and in some cases outrageous and scandalous, that I wish to register a complaint, and to offer several suggestions.The complaint is that we have over-reacted, occasionally to the point of compromising our principles and our dignity. And my suggestions are that we be cautious; that we exercise our critical faculties; that we not be overwhelmed by the torrents of publicity; that we strive for a historical perspective; and, above all, that we judge men and events not by the shifting standards and ephemeral moods of the moment, but by authentic Jewish criteria – the eternal values of Torah and Tradition.We Jews are a grateful people. The very name “Jew” implies gratitude: it comes from “Judah,” and that name – in Hebrew, Yehudah – was given to her son by Leah because “this time shall I thank the Lord” (Gen. 29:35). It is this element of gratefulness that has made Jews so loyal, throughout these many years of our dispersion, to those countries which have offered us safety and freedom. It accounts as well for the many lasting contributions we have made to the science and the literature, the finances and the sec…
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Correspondence

Exchange with R. Samuel Press about "The Jews and the Ecumenical Council" (1964)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I just read your article entitled “The Jews and the Ecumenical Council.” As a rabbi, once more I thank you for sharing with us your acumen and sagacity by articulating your convictions without reserve. It is often disheartening for the Orthodox rabbi to find his leaders failing in their obligation to give direction because of their reticence to verbalize opinions which we assume would be based on Torah. I always am skeptical that their silence is not as justified as they might contend. As Sandy Press, I am appreciative that I know you. You may not recall the letter you wrote me while I was in Alaska. At a time of disillusionment, when the way of the rabbi seemed so dark, your words gave much light to my path. I soon shall make plans for next year. That “mate” of mine must be in that new locale! Roz was married to an Israeli boy. The wedding was at Kodimoh with her brother as “M’sader Kiddushin.” My family is well and send you their regards. Hoping that you and your family are well. As ever, Sandy
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