Letter from Mark Medlin Congratulating R. Lamm upon Receiving Honorary Doctorate from Bar-Ilan University (2009)

Although he declined the presidency in 1973, Rabbi Lamm remained on good terms with the leadership of Bar-Ilan University throughout His career.

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Bio of R. Lamm Upon Receiving Honorary Doctorate from Bar Ilan (2009)

Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm. Bar-Ilan University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm in tribute to his dynamic leadership of Modern Orthodox Jewry in the United States and his advancement of Torah u’Madda ideology at Yeshiva University and beyond. A distinguished rabbi, philosopher, teacher, and author, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm is Chancellor of Yeshiva University – America’s oldest and most comprehensive institution of higher learning under Jewish auspices. He previously served for 27 years as President of YU. Rabbi Dr. Lamm is a well-known voice of “Centrist Orthodoxy” and a leading proponent of the Torah u’Madda approach, which combines Torah learning with secular knowledge. He himself embodies that philosophy, which is the cornerstone of both YU and Bar-Ilan University. Originally trained as a scientist, he maintains an interest in the interface between science and Judaism. He holds a PhD in Jewish philosophy and is a disciple of the renowned Modern Orthodox scholar Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, who ordained him and also granted him his PhD – the only time he had done so. The author of numerous books, Rabbi Dr. Lamm has gained wide recognition for his writings and discourses on Jewish philosophy and law, especially in relation to problems involving science, technology, and philosophy in the modern world. He founded Tradition: A Journal of Orthodox Jewish Thought, The Torah u’Madda Journal, and The Orthodox Forum, an international Modern Orthodox think tank. His halakhic essays are contained in his volume Halakhot ve’Halikhot. Rabbi Dr. Lamm’s writings and teachings on Jewish law have been cited in two landmark decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court: the 1966 “Miranda decision” regarding police interrogation of suspects held in custody and a 1967 case involving guarantees against self-incrimination. Also in 1967, Rabbi Dr. Lamm testified before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on the right of privacy from the perspective of Jewish law. He spent 25 years as a …

Biographical Material

Letter from R. Gabbai Congratulating R. Lamm upon Receiving Ohev Hashem Award (1998)

Dear Rabbi Lamm: It is with great pride that I congratulate you on receiving the Ohev Hashem Award of the OU. It is a particularly appropriate name because of your dedication and devotion to the much-needed leadership in Torah and Mada. We are very fortunate to have you as our leader. We are also proud of the many years that you have devoted to the promotion of the glorious Sephardi heritage while maintaining the union of our Jewish people. Your speech at the OU annual dinner reflected our concern for the unity of the Jewish people without any flinching on maintaining our full-fledged allegiance to our Torah. I truly hope that these modest words will be added to your heart with the many expressions of support that have come to you from everywhere. With best wishes for a Happy Mo’adim Lesimha for Pessah, I am truly yours, Rabbi Albert E. Gabbai. AEG:ip.

Biographical Material

Letter from R. Maurice Lamm Praising R. Lamm (2003)

I'm sorry to say this, but... you are really the Gadol Ha’bayis – you’re helping so many in the family, as always, but these days especially my kids and grandchildren, that they are all amazed when they come together and you are invariably the subject and the model they teach their kids when they talk about the family. It is always “the Lamms” who are the ideals, “the quintessential family.” How Mom and Pop would swoon if they just heard the echoes in Olam Ha’ba. I envy you – and, yes, I love you. Gut Shabbos, Moish

Biographical Material