Letter from Moses Feuerstein on Distribution of JDC Funds in India (1961)

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Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Sponsoring a Cantor-Teacher and Distributing Torah Sermons for India (1961)

Dear Moe: I have already seen the letter from Penkar to which you refer. At the meeting of the Overseas Commission last Thursday night, we decided to make good on my promise to the towns of Pen and Panvel that we would sponsor the salary of a cantor-teacher full-time for each congregation at the magnanimous sum of $250.00 per year for each. Insofar as the repairs and whitewashing of the building, I think that can wait until more important matters are disposed of. We may tell them that we are ״considering" it.The "sermon" suggestion by Penkar is something that I have heard all over India. They are vary anxious to hear, see and read sermons by American rabbis. I would suggest that we give them the R.C.A. Manual and ask them to choose what they wish for dissemination. The trouble is, however, that a good deal of the material contained therein, in addition to not always being first rate, is not necessarily relevant to the condition and temperament of Indian Jewry.A number of people have expressed a desire to have movies of a rabbi delivering the talk at the same time that a sound track projects his voice. They impressed upon me time and again the fact that this will make the teaching of Torah more real to them.Sorry, you were ill for our last meeting. I do hope you are feeling better now.Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman Lamm

India

Letter to Moses Feuerstein about the JDC in India (1961)

Dear Moe: I am acknowledging receipt of your two most recent letters, the first a reminder about the J.D.C. in India and the second a request for someone to represent the Union in the U.N. committee. Let me say first of all that if the United States missile program were as well-scheduled as your missive program that we might be getting someplace in international rocketry. Now, concerning the J.D.C. – whatever can possibly be done from America has already been done. I have been corresponding with Gilbert, the J.D.C. man, Manasseh, our president, and Jhirad, our executive director. Whatever other pressures can be put on J.D.C. to work along with us will have to wait until Rabbi Jung’s return sometimes next week.With regard to the U.N, committee, I am not quite sure what is needed, nor why a man of financial means is necessary for this task. Perhaps you will be able to explain to me when we meet.Mr. Moses FeuersteinMay 9, 1961We still have not set a date to meet with Max Stern.With best regards.Sincerely,Rabbi Norman Lamm

India

Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Critical Situation of Indian Jewry (1964)

Dear Moe: The Indian situation is much too extensive to be discussed over long distance telephone. We are now heading to a point where, I fear, we shall have to "fish or cut bait." I would suggest that when you see Dr. Weiss next you receive from him an intensive report, and after that we may have to meet with the Overseas Comission for final decision. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm.

India