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Correspondence

June-July 1974

Exchange with R. Rackman Asking R. Lamm to Prepare Paper on Women and Halacha (1974)

Women & Judaism

1. R. Rackman to R. Lamm

1. R. Rackman to R. Lamm (June 12, 1974)

1. R. Rackman to R. Lamm (June 12, 1974)

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Exchange with Mike Gruss about Rabbinic Authority and Women's Liberation (1974)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: During our brief discussion at the meeting of Think Tank, I argued that we should not formulate a uniform policy to deal with problems of Women's Liberation. Instead, I felt that Rabbis should anticipate and deal with these problems as they occur in their communities. I also felt that in the process of reaching a solution, each Rabbi should, within halachic bounds, take into consideration the nature and circumstances of the problem, the individuals involved and the impact which his solution might have on the immediate community and the community at large. I realize that my approach may result in different standards of observance from community to community but I believe that there are sufficient precedents for such different standards. For example, some religious schools are co-educational, some Synagogues allow women to participate in singing and receptions, etc. You argued that my suggestion was not practical because conditions in New York are such that Rabbis fearing other Rabbis are reluctant to suggest new programs designed to make the observance of tradition by women more meaningful. You also implied that you favored the creation of an "Advisory Body" which would either approve new decisions or suggest alternate solutions. This prompted me to suggest to Rabbi Rackman that we discuss whether or not present day circumstances require the creation of a supreme Rabbinical Authority. Frankly, I would argue against it. I believe that as in the past, local Rabbis and Beth Dins should be accorded sufficient authority to solve problems as they arise. I think that this system has worked well for many years and I would be strongly opposed to changing it. I feel that the institutionalization of religion in Israel with its inherent red tape and patronage has had a catastrophic effect on religion and the respect for it everywhere. I am aware of the annoyances to which you are subjected particularly when you receive so many phone calls, but I do believe that…
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Exchange with R. Abraham Gross about Rabbinical Alliance Statement on Women's Rights Amendment (1972)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, Information has come to us that you have made demeaning statements against our organization and statements made by some of our officers during the past week. Since these alleged statements were not made in our presence and the information has come to us from hearsay, we would appreciate hearing from you as to what you actually did say. With fondest regards, we remain Sincerely yours, Rabbi Abraham Gross President
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Letter to R. Berkovits about Article Draft (1975)

Dear Dr. Berkovitz: Thank you very much for sending me the draft of your newest article. Because of the importance of the subject, I do not want to comment until I have had a chance to study it further. My first reading leaves me impressed once again with the boldness of your efforts and the sweep of your concern. However, with such intellectual daring come risks, and I do want to think through the problem a bit further before offering my comments. I believe the enclosed letter will explain where I stand on the problem we have been discussing for some months now. My warmest regards to Mrs. Berkovitz. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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