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Correspondence

January-February 1962

Exchange with Abraham Jhirad about Books Sent to India, Conservative Conference, and Forming a Company (1962)

India

1. Abraham Jhirad to R. Lamm

1. Abraham Jhirad to R. Lamm (Jan. 30, 1962)

1. Abraham Jhirad to R. Lamm (Jan. 30, 1962)

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Correspondence

Exchange with Abraham Jhirad about Developments in India (1972)

My dear Rabbi, I am greatly honored to learn that my New Years greetings came to you as a delightful surprise, and that you found time, from your busy schedule, to acknowledge them. On account of my appointment to the post of the Ex. Director (your recommendation) of the UOJCI, I was in subsequent to your historic visit of India. However, as time dragged on, I noticed to my disgust that my Indian community was much too lethargic, my colleagues were egoistic enough to seek offices to expand their energies to the maximum in fighting and gaining victory over their opponents rather than creating the required religious awakening amongst the people. A few Hebrew classes, camps and seminars were initiated with the assistance of the Jewish Agency but at all these the leaders and their words were conspicuous by their absence. The progress, therefore, of the Union, after the first wave of enthusiastic activities, suffered a setback and with the exception of the publication of "Mebasser" (reproduced material) the main activities of the Council and the Executive Committee members were to meet once in a while over Coca-Cola.
India

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Exchange with Abraham Jhirad about Indian Expenditures, Camp, and Sending Students to Israel (1962)

Dear Mr. Jhirad: Due to my frequent absences from New York in the past two months, our correspondence has suffered somewhat and I apologize for the delay of my reply to your various letters. I met last Friday with Rabbi Lamm, before he left for his summer vacation. My reply accordingly also covers the correspondence directed to him. I shall endeavor to send you as soon as possible the books you requested in your letter of January 19th, directed to Rabbi Lamm, and in your letter of May 3rd, directed to me, at least all those which are immediately available. I am happy that the misunderstanding about your assumption of the duties of Executive Director has been cleared up. The details of your duties have been outlined to you in Rabbi Lamm’s communication of May 21st to which you have already replied. It was good to read of the success of the youth activities and the classes. I am perturbed, though, by your notion that you have to spend a part of your salary on fruits and soft drinks for the children. Likewise, in your letter of May 3rd you mention that you did not feel authorized to spend the necessary funds for the trip Rabbi Lamm had suggested to the outlying districts. Whenever such special expenditures not foreseen in the budget are necessary and no funds are available, please notify me and we here will try our very best to make the funds available to you.
India

Correspondence

Exchange with Abraham Jhirad about Recruiting Rabbi for India (1961)

Dear Rabbi, Your Berakha for the New Year shall go a long way in giving me courage and strength to work hard for the noble cause of strengthening authentic Judaism in the ancient Jewish community of India. By the grace of the Almighty, we received most valuable guidance from you in a number of our problems – religious and otherwise – and we feel confident we shall receive the same עד עולם. Together with my letter of June 25, 1961, I had forwarded copies of my letters to Dr. Weiss and Dr. Tartakower, with regards to the deputation of an Israel Rabbi to India. It appears from Dr. Tartakower's letter of October 20, 1961 (copy enclosed) that possibly no correspondence was entered into by the UOJCA with Rabbi Nissim on this issue. As a matter of fact, I was under the impression that you or Dr. Weiss would probably discuss this business with Rabbi Nissim during your visit to Israel for the conference. As you know, if the UOJCA is to be on a sounder religious footing, the presence of a Rabbi is most necessary. Dr. Weiss, I understand, is on a tour and all matters are now being handled by Mr. Feuerstein. Could you kindly request Mr. Feuerstein to move the Overseas Commission to consider whether it will be feasible for them to accept Rabbi Nissim's offer? I am sure the Jewish Agency in Israel would be prepared to share the expenditure with the UOJCA. (A copy of my letter to Mr. Feuerstein is enclosed).We have had no word from Rabbi Gotthold, but I am given to understand by Samuel's father that Samuel is now admitted to the Yeshiva with effect from August 1, 1961 for the regular course. The Tefillin (money for which Mr. Max Stern so kindly procured from his friend) are not yet received, and there is absolutely no news about them.I am also awaiting the decision of the Overseas Commission with regards to the Hebrew and Religion classes we have started and we propose to start.Mebasser’s October issue also could not be published for lack of funds.Mr. Penkar has submitted a schem…
India