Exchange with E.J. Mazgaonkar about Aliyah of Indian Jewry and His Wedding Anniversary (1971)

1. E.J. Mazgaonkar to R. Lamm (March 23, 1971)

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Exchange with Dr. Strizower about Updates on the Indian Jewish Community and Bene Israel (1972)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I am back in India – it is a case of true love: I can see all that is wrong with it (and I fear I don't even see all), and yet love it. I suppose the climate just suits me. This time I went to an Ashram (lehavdil: a rebbe with a court, but not quite): it is the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, a former French colony on the Bay of Bengal, only far south. I came with the war, but still loved it. The Ashram has The Mother – French (and it is said of Jewish origin), now 94 and worshipped. I tried even to believe – truly.A number of brilliant people there (but most not) – though now I come to think of it, which religion has not a number of brilliant people attached to it? Anyhow, all I could see was a lady of 94 looking every moment of it, but formerly she must have been extremely beautiful and certainly an organizational genius. I wish to compare it with my kibbutz material. We shall see.My book came out here last week – having waited all this time (Oxford University Press bought the Indian rights), they brought it out last week, a week & I got back to Bombay from Pondicherry. So far, rave reviews – no doubt the rotten ones are still to come. As the community comes to see it – you know what they can be like... if someone sees something in the book, damn it they will – not that it may not deserve it – but that won't be the point.When I was here last year a number of people asked whether they could write the Foreword (only I wanted someone for that who could write), and when they heard it was done, they turned rather nasty. But nothing compared with the last *achdusl’s* trouble... that was really something to write home about.I went to Shaar Rachamim the other day with some Swiss orthodox students – and looked at it like a stranger – funny: once it was like home to me. There are still about 7,000 or so Bene Israel here, but it has all the flavour of decay about it now. By the way, Penkar tried a comeback, but did not make it. Someone else brought…

India

Exchange with E.J. Mazgaonkar about Sickness, Books, and Aliyah of Indian Jewry (1971)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, Shalom. I really do not know what you would think of me for not replying your kind letter of March 31, 1971. Kindly excuse me and accept my apology for this abnormal delay, which is due to my sickness. I was down with severe attack of chronic Bronchitis, which used to worry me a lot. I am now somewhat better and I am trying to push through all my pending letters. I am still under doctor treatment due to this attack. It seems that my heart is become weak. Doctor has prescribed me "Herzolan" heart tonic and considers that I have to take Resdonal tablets, one in the morning & one in the evening. I have to go again for a check to Doctor on 26th July. I am told not to walk much or exert myself. I have curtailed my activities due to my sickness. Well God is merciful. I have full faith in "EL ELOHAI ISRAEL," Lord God of Israel. He will look after me & have His mercy on me. Amen.During Passover I enjoyed my prayers through your Prayer Book which you had sent me some time back. I understand the meaning of the prayers since there is also English side by side with Hebrew. I thank you again for your kind gift of those prayer books really. I am much obliged & thankful to you.I am a bit weak, hence I close my letter with kind regards and good wishes to you & your family. My wife joins as same.Yours sincerely,E.J. Mazgaonkar13/7/1971(sd) E.J. Mazgaonkar

India