Exchange with R. Shaffer about Aggadic Symbolism and R. Hirsch on Synthesis (1973)

1. R. Shaffer to R. Lamm (May 13, 1973)

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Exchange with R. Elkanah Schwartz about Finding Orthodox Literary Talent (1967)

Dear Rabbi Lamm – I trust this note finds all well. This letter is a solicitation – for advice. If you can give it a little thought, it would be most appreciated. The next few years, with the immediate next one most especially, have to show a very marked spurt in the specific area of scholarly writing, and its application. For want of which we all miss one of the main facets of achievement. I look back and see publication of works of value – such as encyclopedias, half a dozen first rate books, major halakhic works, and much more, still unmade where they should be made. Doubtlessly, writing and publishing are nearly a mushroom that must proceed. Individual major non-Torah writers who might have tried, had there been any stimulation, no doubt were not induced but rather gently eased to the sphere, while “scholarly” Orthodox ecology remained limited and unformed. Much rabbinic material is published, but of the above, who authored or who helped in each other’s writings? It must still be seen. The purpose of this communication is to discover more of the climate at the time in a given point like this, to stimulate the idea that it is now workable to organize and intensify activity in one particular sphere – namely, to gather and collate the many and distinguished rabbinic scholars in a more professional dimension for the further achievement that our times demand. At one time I mentioned a dream of a writers’ bureau – I now still dream of it. But this letter is the first formalization of one kernel projected in the light of a specific theme. I am interested (re: the mode of building it) in publishing a symposium volume on “Writing in Orthodoxy.” It should be meant as a collection of statements from important Orthodox writers, describing their specific work, and putting it into a perspective of the content and of the sphere of application and future. Each person would be solicited to write a concise statement (300–500 words) with a sample or excerpt attached. These, in t…

General Jewish Thought Tradition Journal

Exchange with R. Wurzburger about Tradition Article Submission by R. Berkovits (1964)

As per our telephone conversation, I am enclosing Berkovits’ manuscript. Would you please return it to me as soon as possible.

Tradition Journal