Exchange with Irwin Glustoff about Curriculum Recommendations for Beth Emet Religious School (1970)

1. Irwin Glustoff to R. Lamm (July 29, 1970)

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Exchange with Martin Lilker about High School Course in "The Foundations of Jewish Thought" (1962)

Dear Mr. Lilker: First, let me thank you for your assistance in locating a proper home for [redacted] from Springfield. I talked both to Mrs. Landau and Mrs. Gluck and arranged for the latter to come into New York on Monday to visit both the Landau's home and one alternative place here in Manhattan. My own inclination is for placing the young lady with Mrs. Landau. Second, I would like to inform you of a class that I intend to start giving here at The Jewish Center beginning Sunday, November 4th. Dr. Herman Axelrod has recommended that I call you or write to you about it, on the chance that a number of your students who live in Manhattan may be interested.The enclosed letter and brochure offers a brief description of the class. In essence, I will be using a Hebrew text containing selections of most of the Aggadic and philosophical passages of Maimonides' Mishneh Torah. The class will be open to all boys and girls of high school age no matter what their background. My aim is to use a famous halakhic text in order to teach "Hashkafah," especially Jewish ethics. This will give the students an opportunity to learn the kind of material usually omitted from formal curriculum, as well as a chance for free discussion on what they consider real religious problems.If you think that Central Girls are interested in this, I shall be most pleased to welcome them to the class. Please let me know your reaction and whether or not I can count on any of the girls attending.Thank you once again and best wishes for a happy Yom Tov.Sincerely,Rabbi Norman LammNL:ff

Jewish Education

Exchange with R. Feinsod about Advice for Embarking on Jewish Education Career (1967)

I don’t know if you will remember my name, since the only time that I actually got to meet you personally was when I was fortunate enough to be your student in the 9th Grade Ramaz, about 15 years ago, although I have seen you and enjoyed hearing you speak on many occasions since then. I am currently nearing the end of my two-year period of service as a Chaplain in the Army stationed at Fort Lewis, where my tour of duty is scheduled to end in the middle of August, ’70. I am beginning to look into various possibilities for the coming year, and I am writing to you at the suggestion of Mr. Lawrence Kobrin, a close friend and counselor of mine for many years. Ever since 1960, my Junior year in College, when I decided to study for סמיכה, I have always felt that my main interest lay in the area of Jewish people. Both my experiences in teaching and working with young people while still in school, and my experiences as a Chaplain, have only increased my determination to make חינוך my life’s work. Mr. Kobrin suggested that I consider among the possibilities in חינוך a position in the Erna Michael School of Hebraic Studies at YU. Since the School just began operations this year, before formally applying I wanted to speak with someone connected with the School about the nature of its program, to help me determine my suitability for it and its suitability for me. Mr. Kobrin suggested that I contact you in this regard. I have enclosed a copy of my background sheet to help give you some idea of what I’ve done in the past, although I feel personally that my approach and attitudes are typical of those with my background while indicated, and this is another reason why I wanted to speak with you. I expect to be in New York on about the 13th of February, ’70, for ten days to look personally into some possibilities for the coming year. I will contact you upon arrival to see if it will be possible to meet with you. With that, if there is anything in particular which I should do, please…

Jewish Education