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

1. E.J. Mazgaonkar to R. Lamm (July 13, 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 Aliyah of Indian Jewry and His Wedding Anniversary (1971)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, Before commencing the latter I wish you, your mrs, and all members of your family a very happy Passover, and many more to come. Amen. I am glad to inform you that my silver wedding anniversary falls on the 1st day of the Passover. We both thank the God Almighty for all His mercy and showing us this 25 years married life. We both are thankful to Him. May His Mercy be always on us – Amen. I took again the using the Prayer Books during the Passover, which you were so good enough to send it to me, you were in my thoughts during the Passover as I use the Prayer Books. I thank you very much again for it.

India