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Correspondence

Feb. 20, 1964

Letter from R. Astor about "The Jews and the Ecumenical Council" (1964)

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Exchange with R. Samuel Press about "The Jews and the Ecumenical Council" (1964)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I just read your article entitled “The Jews and the Ecumenical Council.” As a rabbi, once more I thank you for sharing with us your acumen and sagacity by articulating your convictions without reserve. It is often disheartening for the Orthodox rabbi to find his leaders failing in their obligation to give direction because of their reticence to verbalize opinions which we assume would be based on Torah. I always am skeptical that their silence is not as justified as they might contend. As Sandy Press, I am appreciative that I know you. You may not recall the letter you wrote me while I was in Alaska. At a time of disillusionment, when the way of the rabbi seemed so dark, your words gave much light to my path. I soon shall make plans for next year. That “mate” of mine must be in that new locale! Roz was married to an Israeli boy. The wedding was at Kodimoh with her brother as “M’sader Kiddushin.” My family is well and send you their regards. Hoping that you and your family are well. As ever, Sandy
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Exchange with Sylvia Geller about "The Jews and the Ecumenical Council" (1964)

My dear Rabbi Lamm: It was my good fortune to have one of my husband’s sisters direct my attention to the copy of your Baccalaureate address. This is the most intelligent reaction amid our reactions and in our overwhelming emotions. It began to re-express my own intimate feelings and possible statements. If you will put our names on your mailing list it would please us. Many times I think of the excellent lecture course with you on the subject of Maimonides, which you gave in 1958. Perhaps, when we are in New York at some time, we can attend the services at your synagogue. Our very best wishes to you and your family. Respectfully, Sylvia C. Heller.
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Letter to Marc Tanenbaum about the Third Ecumenical Council and Jewish-Christian Relations (1964)

Dear Marc: I received this morning the release from the Religious News Service of May 29th concerning your talk in Pittsburgh. While I find that I can, by and large, agree with what you say, I must take exception to some individual features. First, your comment about the Church and Christians needing the decree "in order to restore unambiguously the Biblical and prophetic mode of Christian life and thought." I think it may be gratuitous for us to advise Christians how to restore the pristine purity of their faith. Inevitably, it leads us into complications which are not always foreseen. In this case, it would imply that if the decree is accepted, then we will acknowledge the “Biblical and prophetic” nature of Christian life. Of course, I deny it, decree or no decree. Even without anti-Semitism, Christianity, in the traditional Jewish view, does not partake of the nature of Biblical and prophetic modes.Secondly, I do not share your sentiment that placing the decree within the secretariat for \[relations with non-Christians] will lead to "such great misgivings among many thoughtful Catholics as among Jews." I already expressed to you orally, when we met earlier this week, my feeling that this indeed is the secretariat which should handle the decree, and that, on the contrary, I am keenly suspicious of this decree being placed in the context or secretariat of "Christian unity."My best wishes for a pleasant and healthful summer.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNL\:ffCC: M. Feuerstein
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