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Correspondence

May 1976

Exchange with R. Gettinger about Torah Reading at House of Mourning (1976)

Death & Mourning

1. R. Gettinger to R. Lamm

1. R. Gettinger to R. Lamm (May 7, 1976)

1. R. Gettinger to R. Lamm (May 7, 1976)

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Exchange about Halacha of Reinterment (1969)

Dear Sir: It has been suggested to me that I write you about the following matter. My husband, [redacted] passed away unexpectedly at the age of fifty, on February 19th, 1960. Due to the suddenness of the situation, he was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Lodi, New Jersey. At the time, I was not aware that the cemetery was Orthodox. My husband was not a follower of the Orthodox Jewish religion, nor was he buried in an Orthodox ceremony. My husband’s older brother, with whom he was very close, was supposed to be buried in Riverside Cemetery also, but he now resides in Florida and has made plans to be buried in that state. My son also plans to move his family South at a later date. Consequently, I have started thinking about moving South also. Under the circumstances, I would like to create a family plot there now and inter my husband, but I have been told that this cannot be done because there would be no member of the family buried there. I have been assured that when someone in the “Palace” family dies, it will be possible to move my husband.Naturally, I am very concerned as I do not want in any event to be separated from my husband. I am now in my late sixties and quite upset by this matter, and it is beginning to affect my health.I am appealing to you in hopes that you will be able to write me a letter giving me, my son, or daughter permission to move my husband in the event of my, my son’s, or daughter’s demise. This would give me the assurance that I need to ease my mind.My husband’s last words to me were to take care of myself and see that everything was done as I wished. I hope you will be able to assist me in this task.Sincerely yours, [redacted]
Death & Mourning

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Exchange with Dr. Offenbacher about Torah Reading at House of Mourning (1976)

This is in response to your third query, whether it is permissible to set aside a sefer Torah to be used exclusively for the home of the mourners, even if the Torah will be used less than three times at each home. My answer is that I prefer that this not be done. I am told that others do permit the Torah to be used for such purposes, but I am reluctant to permit it.
Death & Mourning

Correspondence

Exchange with R. Ronald Gross about Presiding at Hy Tuchman's Unveiling (1972)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, On a Friday night a few months ago, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting you at the JSS in Pisa. We talked at length, mostly about an individual who meant a great deal to me, but whom you knew better, my late uncle Hy Tuchman. When I returned home, I informed my parents about our meeting and they of course remembered you. Interested with what I had to say, my parents asked me to write you and invite you to dedicate the eulogy at the unveiling which will take place on August 28th, the Sunday prior to Rosh Chodesh Elul. The unveiling is at 1:30 p.m. at Beth El Cemetery in Springfield, and they firmly request your presence. I shall be flying up to Springfield for the ceremony. I hope I can have the opportunity of speaking with you on this momentous occasion. May I please inform me whether you will be able to participate and I will let you know the exact date and location. Thank you so very much. Sincerely, Ronnie Gibbs
Death & Mourning