Home Home / Exchange with R. Zwiebel about Catholic…

Correspondence

January-February 2004

Exchange with R. Zwiebel about Catholic Cardinals Visiting YU (2004)

Interfaith

1. R. Zwiebel to R. Lamm

1. R. Zwiebel to R. Lamm (Jan. 28, 2004)

1. R. Zwiebel to R. Lamm (Jan. 28, 2004)

View The Text

This content is currently available in its original PDF format. As we expand the library, we plan to add a text version as well.

Next Letter

RELATED CONTENT

Correspondence

Exchange with R. Bergman about Archbishop Visit to Hebrew University (1967)

Dear Dr. Bergman: Earlier this week I called you over the telephone in order to inform myself of the particulars concerning your charge against the Hebrew University and their invitation to Archbishop Cody of Chicago. I met with the officials of the Hebrew University that same day, this past Monday, and I think it important to relate to you impressions of that meeting and my opinions, whatever they are worth, on the matter. First, I think it is exceedingly important to refrain from any exaggerations or extravagances, lest we vitiate the true merit of our argument. Therefore, I would not confuse the proposed “Archbishop Cody Chair in Canon Law” with the teaching about Christianity in general and, in fact, with instruction in Canon Law itself at the Hebrew University. I cannot see any objection to the teaching of Christianity at a university. I am a shomer mitzvot and the chairman of the comparative religion department is a warm, observant Jew who is a shomer mitzvot. Furthermore, I do not believe that the proposal is at all one of giving aid and comfort to Christian missions in Israel. Nevertheless, I was upset by the report of the establishment of this chair, and that is why I called you and attended the meeting with the people from the University. The information that was given to me, and which I believe to be correct, is that the entire matter was excited by a local public relations man who had failed to clear the plan with the proper authorities of the Archbishop – who is a most friendly man and had been visited – and the association mentioned, it was obviously impossible to withdraw and amounted to a slap in the face to him and the entire Catholic community of Chicago. Moreover, despite the local radio and television announcements, there was no mention in print, or impression given to the Archbishop, that there was to be a chair at the University for Canon Law. Mr. Charwik of Jerusalem specifically told the audience in Chicago that what was planned was a visit…
Interfaith

Correspondence

Exchange with R. Strassfeld about "Midstream" Reporting of Meeting with Cardinal Spellman (1963)

Dear Norman: In the December issue of MIDSTREAM, I read some disturbing matters by Leo Feffer concerning your visit to Cardinal Spellman. I would very much appreciate hearing from you as to the truth of this statement and the negotiations which you carried out. With best wishes, I remain, Sincerely, Rabbi Meyer J. Strassfeld
Interfaith

Correspondence

Exchange with Sam Hartstein about "Dialogue" Article and YU Public Relations (1967)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: I have just finished reading your excellent article on Dialogues in the National Jewish Monthly. While I subscribe to your thesis, I must take issue with your repetitive utilization of the expression “public relations” as an adjective for “flamboyant expositions of rhetoric” or dishonest or insincere presentations. You are not the only victim of this disease. A public relations man is a professional – some with more ability than others – who carries forth the policy of his superiors, generally the head of an organization. For the sake of parnassa he may even eat crow on a given occasion, no less than a rabbi. Why not put the blame where it belongs – with the agencies directly, with their boards and their professionals. In every other part of the article you courageously call a spade a spade. Best wishes and kindest regards. Sincerely, Sam Hartstein Director
Interfaith