My dear Rabbi Lamm, נ”י

In a way I would like to continue our conversation of the last time, when we met at your office.

The fact is that there are two types of orthodoxy. For lack of a better terminology, I shall call them the Eastern and the Western. Writing to you, I need not elaborate.

I feel very strongly – and I hope you agree with me – that the time has come to organize the “Western” branch, within the general orthodox camp, in such a manner that it establishes its own distinctive and readily distinguishable character and status.

Such a group would have to speak out articulately and significantly on the important questions of the day, which vitally concern our communities, the existence of the Jew, and the very future of Judaism. Among other things, such a group would have to offer an alternative to many of the policies of “official” orthodoxy, which are quite questionable and which – unfortunately – are often identified with orthodox Judaism proper.

But beyond the purely congregational and communal, such a group would also have to form the background to the undertaking of those essential scholarly programs that we discussed on the occasion of our meeting.

Needless to say, not all that needs doing can be undertaken at once. But a beginning must be made. It’s long overdue.

I plan to be in N.Y. אי”ה the week-end of March 19, arriving Friday. If necessary, I may be able to stay till Tue. 22.

Would you be able to interest a few like-minded people to meet in order to discuss the idea? Apart from מוצאי שבת, almost any time would be convenient for me.

I am also writing, in similar terms, to Rabbi Rackman.

Kindest regards, Sincerely,

Eliezer Berkovits