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Correspondence

January 1964

Exchange with Sylvia Geller about "The Jews and the Ecumenical Council" (1964)

Interfaith

1. Sylvia Geller to R. Lamm

1. Sylvia Geller to R. Lamm (Jan. 20, 1964)

1. Sylvia Geller to R. Lamm (Jan. 20, 1964)

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Exchange with Herman Shumlin about the Vatican's Attitude Toward Jews (1964)

Dear Mr. Shumlin: Thank you for your note of November 13th in which you enclosed your correspondence with Pope Paul. I did not, of course, expect that you would get an answer, and I think that the silence of the Vatican on this documentary is evidence of the present Pope’s attitude towards the Jews and sneaks volumes more than the ״absolution״ we are now to receive from the Church. I think it was the happiest possible coincidence that this morning’s Times carried, in the same issue with the new Vatican draft on the Jews, this resounding confirmation of what the ״Deputy״ has been preaching – and please excuse the verb, I think that it is most appropriate – against all the vociferous opposition of both Catholics and some of our weak fellow-Jews. Personally I think that the production of the ״Deputy״ in this country forms an integral and significant part of Jewish history, and now that the show is to close on Broadway, I would urge you to write down your memoirs of all the trials and tribulations that had to be undergone both before and during the staging of this show. Whether or not all names should be mentioned publicly is a matter for serious discussion — but certainly there should be records which may some day prove of major interest to historians.Once again, it was good seeing you those several Wednesday nights at my Talmud class and I do have the effrontery to mention my hone that I shall see you again at similar occasions.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMMCATHCLIC V/EEKLY CALLS FOR STRONG VATICAN STAND CN JEWISH ISSUENEW YORK, Oct. 1. (JTA) -- The Commonweal, liberal Catholic lay-edited weekly, asserted today that, if Roman Catholicism was "serious about erasing Christian anti-Semitism, " the Ecumenical Council would have to take a stronger stand on relations with the Jewish people than the revised version of the draft declaration on which debate was concluded at the Vatican this week.The weekly,in its current issue, criticized "the needless skirting of the deic…
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Correspondence

Exchange with R. Samuel Press about "The Jews and the Ecumenical Council" (1964)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I just read your article entitled “The Jews and the Ecumenical Council.” As a rabbi, once more I thank you for sharing with us your acumen and sagacity by articulating your convictions without reserve. It is often disheartening for the Orthodox rabbi to find his leaders failing in their obligation to give direction because of their reticence to verbalize opinions which we assume would be based on Torah. I always am skeptical that their silence is not as justified as they might contend. As Sandy Press, I am appreciative that I know you. You may not recall the letter you wrote me while I was in Alaska. At a time of disillusionment, when the way of the rabbi seemed so dark, your words gave much light to my path. I soon shall make plans for next year. That “mate” of mine must be in that new locale! Roz was married to an Israeli boy. The wedding was at Kodimoh with her brother as “M’sader Kiddushin.” My family is well and send you their regards. Hoping that you and your family are well. As ever, Sandy
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Correspondence

Exchange with R. Solomon Freilich about Translating "The Jews and the Ecumenical Council" Into Hebrew (1964)

Dear Norman, In order not to be guilty of the admonition of אל תמנע טוב מבעליו, I must write to tell you how pleased I was with your most recent article in Jewish Life on “the Jews and the Ecumenical Council.” It is one of the most well thought out and reasoned articles I have read on this subject, and I intend to discuss it in one of my forthcoming Sabbath Morning Sermons. It would be a מצוה רבה to have this article disseminated as far and wide as possible, especially to college students and to many of the clergymen in the other “camps.” The article says what should have been said, in a most convincing manner, well documented, and at the same time, does no fence to our Christian brethren. I am, therefore, hopeful that this article could be translated and would find a place in a magazine such as Panim el Panim. Many of our Israeli friends who criticized the courageous stand of Chief Rabbi Nissim, as well as the editors of the Jewish Observer on regards to missionary activities, will think twice before leveling such criticism, after having read your well thought out article. If you deem it advisable, I will personally write to Mr. Felix to make this suggestion. With fondest remembrances and all good wishes for continued success in all your endeavors, I am Fraternally yours, ShelomoP.S. As an ardent admirer of all your writings, I have been missing your bulletins which I used to receive, but I haven’t received for almost a year. I would appreciate being placed once more on your mailing list, and if you would send me the issues of the last six months, I would be most grateful. Many thanks.
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