Exchange with Rabbi about How to Interpret Narratives in the Torah (1975)

1. Correspondent 16 to R. Lamm (Jan. 1, 1975)

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Rabbi & Doctor: Some Parallels (1975)

The Raphael Society of the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists/"Rabbi & Doctor: Some Parallels"/by Norman LammThe Rabbi and the physician, both traditionally honored personalities in Jewish society, represent two concepts always sought after and admired; spiritual health and physical well-being. It may be instructive, therefore, to sketch some of the parallel ways in which the two vocations are treated in Jewish law, both as functionaries in society and as human beings.In ancient days, both rabbi and doctor were united: The Kohen was also the one who examined the Israelite to determine the nature of his plague, such as tzaraat (usually translated as "leprosy"). The reason for this is not only because they were medically primitive and underdeveloped, but for basic philosophical reasons: psychological and physical integrity of man. The dichotomy is not an absolute bifurcation (gnostic). Hence the importance of (and its emphasis on immortality).Perhaps the differentiation starts with Ezekiel, who was both prophet and Kohen in exile.At any rate, as civilization becomes more complex, a differentiation functions. Today, with a more organismic and holistic view of man, and a less atomistic view, leads to a greater harmony of ends. Of course, methodologies and means differ, but one must realize that man is one, a whole, and each profession can make its greatest contribution only when appreciating the integrity of man.It is not insignificant that both rabbi & doctor mean the same thing: teacher! (Doctor – Latin: teach)Also of importance is the use Maimonides makes of the physician as a metaphor for the spiritual mentor. So he advises one of unbalanced character to seek help.Maimonides thereafter applies basic medical principles to character therapy. While the source for this analogy may be Greek — in *The Republic*, Plato uses the physician as the model of a rational ruler (and YHL, in turn, uses the rational ruler as a model for the wholesome personality) — t…

General Jewish Thought

Exchange with Michael Tabor about Halacha, Morality, and Building a Relationship with God (1969)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I have time just for a short note to extend to you and your family the season's greetings. This period since I saw you has truly been one of turmoil. About [redacted] whom I believe you met while you were in Israel – well, apparently she has turned out to be the exceptional student of this new sem for mature girls (Oy vey!). It is still in the balance with all the agonizing uncertainty that that involves... didn't know that a strong healthy young man like me could suffer so much emotionally from waiting for the lady of my choice. Anyway, I suppose one must have patience for the fairer sex and realise that virtue is not only on one side. She knows I am a bit eccentric and I think it is worrying her whether to take the jump of marriage. All women I suppose want security. Time will indeed tell and in the meantime we both suffer – such is life.Next September I am going to Sheffield to do a post grad diploma in education – a must here after 1972 if one wants to teach in a state school. After that I'll have to wait and see. My stay in N.Y. did not solve all my internal problems and altho' I gained something very special from my yechidus and attending the vabrengen, I still have to relate to the dilemma of my own life. I can't and don't want to shake off my secular skin and adapt an east european weltanshaung and I don't mean this is a pejorative sense. Its difficult to explain in words but thank G'd my Lubavitch friends understand to a degree otherwise I would not be faced with an unbearable either-or dilemma of identity. For the moment I am quiet and keep in the background as much as possible. I think living away in Sheffield will do me good – it will be a challenge in more ways than one and make me more aware of what I am.I received a letter today from my teacher Rav Carmel who is now in Jerusalem and has set up together with a Rabbi Horovitz a special yeshiva for western type students. He mentioned about the effects of dew years of solid learning woul…

General Jewish Thought