Correspondence
Exchange with Israel Kelman about R. Gotthold's Rulings on Conversions and Divorces in India (1964)
Dear Rabbi Lamm, Much time has elapsed and much has occurred since I last wrote to you. However, silence should not be understood as lack of activity in those matters in which we were, in the past, in more regular contact. In a week's time, I shall be leaving India and will be returning to Jerusalem. My successor, Mr. Moshe Felber, has already arrived and is acquainted with all aspects of the work and, particularly, the matter appertaining to the Union of Orthodox Synagogues. Allow me to give you a brief report of Rabbi Gotthold's visit and subsequent developments. Prior to his arrival, I was in Israel and had discussions with Dr. Warhaftig, Chief Rabbi Nissim and Rabbi Dov Katz, Director of the Rabbinical Courts to discuss the proposed 'mishlachat' of Rabbinim. I later proceeded to London and took the matter up with the Beth Din, hoping to obtain through them, or with the help of the Hacham Gaon, whom I also met, the third person for the above 'mishlachat'. However, to no avail. Finally, on my return to Israel, a meeting took place with Rabbi Dov Katz, Rabbi Gotthold, Rabbi Kusherlevsky, Av Beth Din of Beersheba, Mr. Shlomo Shamit of the Aliyah Department, Jerusalem, and myself.It was agreed that I would return to Bombay and, only when the *green light' was given, then Rabbi Gotthold would arrive and prepare the ground for the other two members of the Beth Din. On my return, I found that the Opposition had strengthened considerably but, eventually, we were able to form a non-official reception committee comprising of Me. Albert Manasseh and Mr. Shalome A braham, President of the United Synagogues of India. Whilst we were still negotiating with other groups, Rabbi Gotthold arrived. He was faced with a number of incompatible requests:That since he was receiving support from the Union of Orthodox Synagogues in America, he must ”represent them here".That it would be a grave mistake to appear in any way to favour or to ally himself with any particular group since, by d…
