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Correspondence

November 1972

Exchange with Myron Kaufmann about Revised Version of "The Coming Destruction of Israel" (1972)

Miscellaneous

1. Myron Kaufmann to R. Lamm

1. Myron Kaufmann to R. Lamm (Nov. 27, 1972)

1. Myron Kaufmann to R. Lamm (Nov. 27, 1972)

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Correspondence

Exchange with Myron Kaufmann about His Draft of "The Coming Destruction of Israel" (1970)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I have recently taken a few weeks off from work on novel #3 to do a political paperback on the Middle East. It will be out soon, and I will ask the publisher to send you a copy. It will be published by New American Library as one of the “Broadside” series. It will have the ominous title, The Coming Destruction of Israel. I have misgivings about permitting such a title to be used, even though the suggestion was originally mine. I have worried about its possible demoralizing effects, and also about the possibility of the phrase gaining a currency independent of the book’s contents. However, we perhaps all have a slight superstitious tendency to feel that discussing the name makes its realization more possible. However, the publishers have discussed the title at great length, and want it. I also have come to the conclusion that it is time to face the reality that Russia is determined to destroy Israel, and that the United States has not yet committed to the necessary counter-steps. My alarm over the danger to Israel has been growing for some time. You remember my last, or next to last, letter, when I sent you a copy, 15 months ago. Russia’s pursuit of the policy I then outlined, and American indecision in the face of it, has since then made the price of reversal much higher, and it by no means clear that the administration will pay that price. I think few Americans, Jewish or Gentile, clearly comprehend the magnitude of the peril that now threatens the continued existence of Israel and the lives of her people. I do not believe, heaven forbid, that the worst is inevitable. But I must conclude that it is very possible, and that the improved statements that have come recently from the President and from Mr. Sisco have not altered the basic realities. Therefore, my hope is that I will be proven the world’s worst prophet. My hope is that my forewarnings will help to prevent their own fulfillment, like Jonah’s prophecy against Nineveh. I don’t think I am b…
Miscellaneous

Correspondence

Exchange with Myron Kaufmann about Publicity for Orthodox Minyan in Sharon, MA (1972)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, Thank you for your letter, and for your good wishes for our minyan. After only two months, with G-d’s help, one new Orthodox family has already come into Sharon. We hope it will be the beginning of an influx. There are few places in eastern Massachusetts where a family of moderate means but with children in a non-urban environment will still have access to a halachic minyan. One of the tasks that will confront us for some months to come is continuing publicity at this early stage; many in Greater Boston know little and assume that there is an Orthodox minyan in Sharon, while others are waiting to see if the plant is hardy enough to take root. We spread word of our existence through weekly notices, word of mouth, and week-end guests. We have found, however, that a press release, such as the enclosed one which you saw as a press release and which appeared on the front page of the Jewish Advocate in Boston, is far more effective. I therefore feel it is very important in coming months to place follow-up releases in these same papers. Rabbi Louis Finkelstein of the Conservative Seminary, whose son-in-law was my college roommate and who has been a good friend to me over the years, has also written me a fine letter about our minyan and has consented to have this used if and when it is desirable. If I may, I ask to quote here the short release that I enclose with this letter. It is obvious that our growth will rest as much on the words of friends as on publicity of our making, and your words carry weight as President of Yeshiva and as a Conservative rabbi, both of great standing and both friends of our minyan’s members, is extraordinary good fortune at this time. May I have tentative permission to quote from your letter of May 3 in a news release, subject to my submitting a quotation and release of the release to you for your approval? The passages to quote are: “I took special delight in learning the unusual way in which you have managed to establish an …
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Correspondence

Exchange with Myron Kaufmann about Starting Orthodox Minyan in Sharon, MA (1972)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I thought you might enjoy seeing a copy of the enclosed press release. It took months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, but with G-d’s help we began the first day of 5700 and have had the minyan every day since. There are many restrictions: each minyan must be arranged ahead, we are forbidden to look for a tenth man within the building, and certain individuals who would be glad to help us are forbidden to act at all. But, membership underlying, so far so good, and every week has brought all the greater matches because of the program’s very fragility. One man, a paralyzed engineer, has already decided that as soon as he is unparalyzed he will move to Sharon — as a result of our minyan. Warmest good wishes, Sincerely, Myron S. Kaufmann.