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Correspondence

February-March 1970

Exchange with R. Karasick about Lack of Contribution from OU for Soviet Jewry Effort (1970)

Soviet Jewry

1. R. Lamm to R. Karasick

1. R. Lamm to R. Karasick (Feb. 19, 1970)

1. R. Lamm to R. Karasick (Feb. 19, 1970)

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Correspondence

Exchange with R. Gertz about Lack of Communication for Russian Jewry Advocacy (1972)

Dear Dr. Gertz: I must confess to you my disappointment in the development of the Russian Jewry project. It started with so much promise and enthusiasm, that my frustration now is all the greater. If you recall, I promised to help in the project, provided that there would be someone to take the leadership in this country, and that there would be genuine coordination and further progress on the Israeli side. Neither of these has eventuated. I have personally raised, in my own congregation and from few friends in the vicinity over $7,000, most of which I have now sent to Rabbi Kalman for his purposes under the arrangement. All I have seen is a big public announcement by Agudah, Young Israel, etc. Yet, we specifically agreed that funds were to be coordinated both in fundraising and in expenditures. Now from all reports reaching me from Israel, our group remains a paper organization, and everyone is off on his own little campaign. Under such circumstances, I would rather contribute what little I can to a smaller group whose activities I am acquainted than to a larger group which seems incohesive and therefore ineffective, despite the great note of significance it has. I hope, Dr. Gertz, that you will not fault me for being overly frank. I am long in the Orthodox Jewish community, and I have experienced this malady. We Orthodox Jews seem to have a knack for confronting historic challenges with our heads in the ground. I do not wish to indulge myself before one who I know is sensitive to this malady, but perhaps something can eventually be achieved before it is too late. My best wishes for a happy Pesach.Cordially,Rabbi Norman Lamm
Soviet Jewry

Correspondence

Exchange with R. Sandrow about Fundraising for Soviet Jewry (1969)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: Please forgive my tardiness in not responding sooner to your letter of October 14th. I was in Israel this past summer and that is where I would like to be all year around. As to the main part of your letter which referred to the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry, I want you to believe me that I am most sympathetic but at the present time I simply cannot commit myself to the raising of $1,000. To a colleague it is not necessary to repeat the fact that I am involved over my head in causes which cannot raise funds from any other sources. However, if you will be patient with me and will give me until the early Spring, I will try to see that you have some funds. I certainly cannot do it between now and the first of the year. After the first of the year I shall be going to Europe and Israel for meetings at the Hebrew University, etc. but when I come back I will secure some funds. Please acknowledge this letter so I can have it in my active file for action. Sincerely, Edward E. Sandrow
Soviet Jewry

Correspondence

Letter to R. Karasick about the Exodus March and Fundraising for Soviet Jewry (1970)

Dear Joe: I don't know if you received any reports about the Exodus March that took place on April 26th, but I am sure that if you inquire, you will be highly satisfied. I am chagrined to have to remind you (and I promise you this will be the last time) that despite all our pleas and entreaties, we still have not received the token sum that we requested from the UOJCA for the New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, and which was promised to us. Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNL/ekcc:David Geller
Soviet Jewry