Exchange with Dr. Offenbacher about Torah Reading at House of Mourning (1976)

1. R. Lamm to Dr. Offenbacher (March 29, 1976)

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Exchange with R. Gettinger about Torah Reading at House of Mourning (1976)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: Regarding the matter of taking a Sefer Torah to a place where it will not be read for 3 readings. If you don’t have a copy of the ספר, I’d be glad to photo-copy the pages for you and send it on to you. Best regards, Emmanuel Ettinger

Death & Mourning

Letter to Dr. Offenbacher about Shomrim for Mourners (1976)

I do not believe we have to be excessively worried about a shomer who must take time out from his duties for personal needs. I assume, of course, that these absences from his duties do not last more than a very few minutes. Under such circumstances, there is no reason to be stringent. 2. With regard to the conduct of the shomer during his duties, it is traditional that the shomer recite Psalms. At present, I think it would be too radical a departure from custom to allow the shomer to engage in other pursuits, such as secular studies. I would prefer that the yeshiva students whom we are considering as shomrim be instructed to stay with Psalms – preferably those items which are studied during the “Nine Days,” such as מסכת מועד קטן or פרקי ירמיהו, special chapters of Jeremiah, איכה, etc. If the student feels that he must devote his time to other areas of Torah study, then I would not object to it. 3. I am studying the question of a Sefer Torah to be used exclusively for the mourners’ homes, and will inform you when I’ve arrived at a decision.

Death & Mourning

Letter to Dr. Offenbacher about the Chevra Kadisha Wearing a Kittel on High Holidays (1976)

Dear Elmer: I think it would be a good idea to persuade all male members of the Hevra Kadisha to wear the kittel on the High Holidays. I have been trying for some time to popularize this beautiful custom amongst our membership, and while I cannot expect all of them to abide by it, I certainly think that the Hevra Kadisha are the appropriate “pioneers” in this matter. Do you think we should contact them by mail, or is it perhaps best to leave this to a personal message from you as the Chairman? All my best – and good luck on your forthcoming simcha. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Death & Mourning