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Correspondence

October-November 1961

Exchange with R. Feuchtwanger about Offer to Become Principal of Jews' College (1961)

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1. R. Feuchtwanger to R. Lamm

1. R. Feuchtwanger to R. Lamm (Oct. 24, 1961)

1. R. Feuchtwanger to R. Lamm (Oct. 24, 1961)

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Exchange with Dr. Fox about Offer to Become Principal of Jews College (1962)

Dear Marvin: Not having corresponded with you in a long time, I should probably begin with the usual social amenities. Please, therefore, consider them exchanged, executed, and done with. The reason for my writing is to make a confidential inquiry of you. You know the complicated situation that prevails in England with regard to the Principalship of Jews College. The situation is quite critical, and the right man in that position can, by a kind of chain reaction, have a profound effect on the future course of Anglo-Jewry. I am anxious to make a recommendation to Chief Rabbi Brodie who, I know, will give my proposal very serious consideration. The search seems to center on you. You have, to my mind, all the necessary qualifications for the position, and I think it will give you the kind of forum which will be proper for your own talents, ambitions, and principles. I need not, and perhaps cannot, elaborate to any greater extent at this time. I do think that it is a tremendous opportunity in a situation which can have historic consequences. I would want your agreement in writing that you would be willing to consider an invitation. This, of course, does not bind you to any eventual agreement. If I can receive your consent to this point by return mail, I will feel free in contacting Rabbi Brodie immediately.Of course, all these negotiations will be held in strictest confidence by me and by the people in England, as I know it will be by you.All best regards to June and the children.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMM
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Exchange with Haham Gaon about Offer to Become Principal of Jews' College (1961)

Dear Dr. Gaon: I had hoped that by now we would have the opportunity of meeting again, a prospect which delighted me and which I looked forward to most eagerly. I truly regret that, so far, this has not come to pass. Allow me to encroach upon your precious time and make a request of you in complete confidence. I know the matter shall be kept in utter privacy. Chief Rabbi Brodie has, through Rabbi O. Feuchtwanger, asked me whether I am prepared to consider occupying the position of Principal of Jews' College if I were invited to do so.I believe that you know more about The Jewish Center than I do about Jews' College. I am quite happy here, whereas the situation in England is something of which I am quite ignorant. The problems, prospects, challenges, difficulties these are all unknowns for me. Add to this the fact that I have no personal knowledge of the people with whom I would have to work, and you will appreciate my dilemma. Had I known that this invitation would be forthcoming, I would have lengthened my stay in London considerably in order to acquire some first hand knowledge of the situation.As you may gather, I have deep respect for your own judgment. I will be most grateful to you for your comments, advise, and suggestions.With all good wishes,Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL:ff
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Letter from R. Feuchtwanger with Invitation to Become Principal of Jews' College (1961)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I am sure you have not quite forgotten yet the nice little dinner party we had prior to your trip to India in London at the Kedassia Restaurant together with my brother-in-law, Rabbi S. D. Sassoon and Mr. L. Carmell. This is mainly to place myself in your memory. No doubt you have since heard that last Thursday the Israeli Chief Rabbinate decided that the "Bne Israel" and all other Jews are allowed to inter-marry now. This long awaited and most important decision will of course greatly help towards the consumation of the results of your visit to India. When I read your report of what you had been doing I found it a most lucid and constructive document.What I have written up to now was meant to bring our personal relationship up to date. The reason of my writing to you today is, However, as follows:-You most likely know that Dr. I. Epstein retired as Principal of Jews' College at the end of the summer term. As no full scale successor could be found in the Commonwealth, the Senior Lecturer, Dr. H. Zimmels has been appointed Director of Studies, whereas the Chief Rabbi has been appointed President of the College. A similar arrangement prevailed during the interregnum after the passing of Dr. Buechler. The Chief Rabbi is obviously very concerned in finding a person fully qualified to occupy the position of Principal in due course. As this matter has been in public discussion for the last few months I have actually been thinking of you ever since Dr. Epstein retirement and even mentioned your name to a member of the College Council, yet I had no chance of talking to the Chief Rabbi before last night when I attended a meeting over which he presided. When he granted me a couple of minutes and listened to me he told me how strange it was that he also had the very same idea after having read your grand article "The Unity Theme and its Implication for Moderns" an the last issue of "Tradition".Personally speaking I would add that there can be no better qualif…
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