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Correspondence

April 1963

Exchange with Abraham Jhirad about Obstacles to Visit of Israeli Rabbis to India (1963)

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1. Abraham Jhirad to R. Lamm

1. Abraham Jhirad to R. Lamm (Apr. 12, 1963)

1. Abraham Jhirad to R. Lamm (April 12, 1963)

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Correspondence

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.
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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…
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Correspondence

Exchange with Abraham Jhirad about the Visit of Israeli Rabbis to India (1963)

Dear Dr. Weiss, It is always so encouraging to receive your communications that delay causes untold anxiety. I can well realise the busy time you must have because of your high office and especially before, during and after the National Convention of U.O.J.C.A., which proudly embraces the majority of congregations in U.S.A. and Canada. For my people, I am grateful that you show such keen interest in our endeavour to hold fast to Traditional Judaism.The audited receipts and payments statement for the year ended 1962, adopted at the meeting of the Union on February 11, 1963, together with the budget, is enclosed herewith. The closing balance represents ₹5600/- to be paid to the Jewish Agency, ₹525/- to the Beth El Synagogue, Panvel, and the balance being education fund for the poor students of villages.From the expenditure you will notice that we have tried to keep the expenses in all respects very low. Last year we ordered only 1500 copies of *Mebasser* and there were no special issues. If the full sanctioned amount was made available to us, office equipment could have been purchased. I have included the amount necessary for the travel expenses to the Konkan, etc., in the budget. We look forward to the Overseas Commission accepting the same in full and remitting the balance of the sanctioned amount immediately.The problem in Israel is still smouldering, and you cannot but expect the interested parties taking advantage of the situation to further their own ends. It is not so much the officers of the Union whom we have to make understand the efforts made by the Orthodox Section of World Jewry, but the masses, of whom many have one-track minds. We hope and pray that your sincere efforts accomplish the desired end.Your very important communication was delivered into my hands at a very opportune moment. On Sunday, February 24, 1963, at 10 A.M., a meeting of the Union was convened to elect the office-bearers and the Executive for the years 1963 and 1964. The Vice-Consul o…
India