Letter from Avraham Sar about Russian-Language Sefarim and Organizing Passover Seder for Soviet Immigrants (1974)

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Exchange with R. Rubin about Proposed Seder for Soviet Jewry (1972)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I am very happy that our paths crossed at the Israeli Dance Festival yesterday. I had written to ask your permission to include “The Dayenu Address” in the Model Seder I compiled. I am glad that I had the opportunity to thank you in person for all that I have learned from your writings. To have been able to do this was important because it was an expression of עקרת הטוב to a person I respect and admire. I am enclosing the Seder Program and hope you like what you read. It was distributed by the Philadelphia office of Bnai Brith to all the lodges in the Eastern Pennsylvania–Delaware State Region. Thank you for letting me use the “Dayenu” selection. I look forward to reading more of your writings as you share them with your reading audience. May you and your family enjoy a meaningful Passover. Very sincerely yours, זבולון ראובן, Rabbi Irving Rubin

Soviet Jewry

Letter to R. Chaim Segal about Mesivta of Crown Heights Hosting Student Speaker Who Visited Soviet Jews (1969)

Dear Rabbi Segal: A number of students just returned from the Soviet Union report remarkable experiences during last month's festivals. The sum total of their testimony suggests the dramatic conclusion that during the past year or so one of the most decisive expansions of Jewish feeling in history has taken place among young Soviet Jews. Many are making great sacrifices to affirm their Jewishness and to express their protest to the world.I would urge that this extraordinary phenomenon be communicated as soon as possible to your students, perhaps at a School Assembly. Among the eyewitnesses, there is one — a Brooklyn Yeshiva graduate — who is a particularly effective speaker. Listening to him will be a significant experience for staff and students alike.I am sure you will agree that such an encounter will inspire the students with renewed enthusiasm and commitment to the cause. Because the struggle is a long and complicated one, there is a special need to overcome an understandable weariness.For further details, please call Jacob Birnbaum, National Director of the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry, at 799-8900 any afternoon. Arrangements should be made at an early time as the young man in question is being rapidly booked.Sincerely yours,RABBI NORMAN LAM

Soviet Jewry

Letter to R. Kowalsky about Fundraising for Emigration of Russian Jew (1971)

Dear Rabbi Kowalsky: It has come to my attention that there is a Jew in Russia, a very dear friend of a dear friend of mine, who is seeking to emigrate. According to the new regulations, he needs a great deal of money to buy his way out. He is himself a Hasidic Jew, most pious, and a descendent of a long line of great rabbis. I would therefore, very much appreciate it if you would arrange to send a package to: [redacted]. Please do me the kindness of informing me that this was taken care of. Cordinally yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Soviet Jewry