Exchange with Victor Geller about Lecturing in Columbus, Ohio (1959)

1. Victor Geller to R. Lamm (Oct. 21, 1959)

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Oct. 21, 1959

Dear Norman: Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter received from Dave Stavsky. You can post it on your bulletin board. If you have a chance, I would be grateful for a letter from you telling me about what you found in Columbus. Kindest regards. Very cordially yours, Victor B. Geller Field Director P.S. I will report to you on my West Coast visit as soon as I return.

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Exchange with R. Bernhard about Disseminating Mixed Pews Lecture (1959)

Dear Rabbi Schonfeld: I have before me your announcement concerning the interesting program scheduled for February 19. Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to come to New York again before the end of March. I am especially unhappy, however, over the prospect of missing this session since Rabbi Lamm’s topic is of the greatest pertinence to my own situation, as you know. I am in Wichita with a “heter” from Rabbi Soloveitchik giving me a reasonable time to correct the special arrangement in our small synagogue. I have read many favorable comments on Rabbi Lamm’s treatment of this touchy topic, and, for all that I have written and spoken and read on this subject to date, I still feel that I would benefit from his presentation. I daresay, there are probably far more rabbis in outlying areas, unable to attend these meetings, who are in need of this discussion than there are in the metropolitan area. This gives a pressing immediacy to the step I urged Rabbi Bernstein to take at our Mid-Winter Conference last month. At that time, I suggested similar sentiments about even so informal a discussion as that which the Rabbinic Alumni held at our last dinner: important services and the responsibility of the Yeshiva should impel us toward the regular dissemination of this effort in the field. Since the rules of a convention and the constraints upon the papers presented, I don’t think this would in any way diminish the stature of Yeshiva. I believe that such transcripts or tapes would be equally welcomed by those who attended, but were unable to hear clearly, as well as those who found it very slip by the listener, who would be refreshed for the opportunity to review the material back home. This is not really a difficult project. The technical end could be easily arranged, especially if first services of the Audio-Visual Department were employed. I am sure that our colleagues would be happy to pay for these transcripts or tapes and help to defray the costs of the program. There…

Separate Pews

Exchange with R. Stavsky about Lecturing in Columbus, Ohio (1959)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: I was delighted to learn of your acceptance to participate in the Religious Emphasis program here at the Beth Jacob Synagogue. Vicki Geller of CSD informed me this morning of your availability, and I am truly looking forward to having you with us. Briefly, let me tell you what the program is about and the particular role which you will play. In carrying over a successful Chaplaincy experience of R.E.W., I thought of sponsoring a week of HISTORUS, “RELIGIOUS REVIVAL,” during Aseres Yemei T’Shuvah. The program calls for a concentrated week of lectures, seminars, workshops, films, and discussion groups, under the theme of T’Shuvah, T’fillah, Tzidakah. I would like for you to handle the opening lecture Monday, October 5 at 8:30 P.M. on the theme of “The Sanctity of Married Life in the Jewish Home and in the Synagogue.” This topic should reacquaint and reaffirm the attitude of the people towards Taharas HaMishpocha and separate seating in the Synagogue. By the way, I must compliment you on the very excellent piece on the mixed seating issue which appeared in “Tradition.” It was refreshing and stimulating. As Mrs. Geller has informed you, we would like to take care of your round trip transportation on a flight to Columbus and present you with an honorarium of $50. I have checked the schedule of flights for Monday, October 5, and I believe that the best schedule would be to follow TWA flight #309 arriving in Columbus 11:47 P.M., then departing the next morning on flight 206.Beth Jacob Congregation 959 Bulen Avenue Columbus 6, OhioB’sever Panim Yafot, David Stavsky, RabbiYou will be my house guest during your stay in Columbus. Please let me know if this schedule sounds convenient to you. I would appreciate it if you would send me by return mail a photo of yourself and a biographical sketch for publicity purposes. Warmest personal regards, A Kisivah V’chasimah Tov, Dave

Separate Pews

Letter from R. Stavsky to Victor Geller about Lecturing in Columbus, Ohio on Separate Pews and Family Purity (1959)

Dear Vic: May I take this opportunity to again thank you for your wonderful cooperation in helping me with my religious emphasis week program. Rabbi Lamm, as I had anticipated, made a tremendous impression. I am truly sorry that we were not in the position to give him the proper monetary compensation which he surely deserved. Close to 100 people attended his session. He left an indelible impact upon everyone. His talk evoked only favorable comment on the delicate subject of mechitza, and even during Yom Kippur, people were still talking "about the Rabbi who was here Monday night." May I add that his modest and dignified approach won for him and the Yeshiva the reputation of being the outstanding speaker of the series.All in all, over 550 people attended the sessions. I am taking the liberty of enclosing two press releases on the subject.Again my inadequate thanks to you personally aid to CSD.With best wishes for continued success.Sincerely,Rabbi David Stavsky

Separate Pews