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Correspondence

Oct. 24, 1961

Letter from R. Feuchtwanger with Invitation to Become Principal of Jews' College (1961)

Who Is a Jew? Biographical Material
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Exchange with Haham Gaon about Offer to Become Principal of Jews' College (1961)

Dear Dr. Gaon: I had hoped that by now we would have the opportunity of meeting again, a prospect which delighted me and which I looked forward to most eagerly. I truly regret that, so far, this has not come to pass. Allow me to encroach upon your precious time and make a request of you in complete confidence. I know the matter shall be kept in utter privacy. Chief Rabbi Brodie has, through Rabbi O. Feuchtwanger, asked me whether I am prepared to consider occupying the position of Principal of Jews' College if I were invited to do so.I believe that you know more about The Jewish Center than I do about Jews' College. I am quite happy here, whereas the situation in England is something of which I am quite ignorant. The problems, prospects, challenges, difficulties these are all unknowns for me. Add to this the fact that I have no personal knowledge of the people with whom I would have to work, and you will appreciate my dilemma. Had I known that this invitation would be forthcoming, I would have lengthened my stay in London considerably in order to acquire some first hand knowledge of the situation.As you may gather, I have deep respect for your own judgment. I will be most grateful to you for your comments, advise, and suggestions.With all good wishes,Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL:ff
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Exchange with R. Feuchtwanger about Offer to Become Principal of Jews' College (1961)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I am sure you have not quite forgotten yet the nice little dinner party we had prior to your trip to India in London at the Kedassia Restaurant together with my brother-in-law, Rabbi S. D. Sassoon, and Mr. v. Carnell. This is mainly to place myself in your memory. No doubt you have since heard that last Thursday the Israeli Chief Rabbinate decided that the “B’ne Israel” and all other Jews are allowed to inter-marry now. This long awaited and most important decision will of course greatly help towards the consummation of the academic work of your visit to India. When I read your report of what you had been doing I found it a most lucid and constructive document. What I have written up to now was meant to bring our personal relationship up to date. The reason of my writing to you today is, however, as follows: You most likely know that Dr. I. Epstein retired as Principal of Jews’ College at the end of the summer term. As no full scale successor could be found in the Commonwealth, the Senior Lecturer, Dr. E. Zimmels, has been appointed Director of Studies, whereas the Chief Rabbi’s plans are obviously centered on finding a permanent Principal. It is widely recognized that the retirement of Dr. Epstein created the necessity of appointing a person fully qualified to occupy such a position. The last few months have seen the subject debated in public discussion and the Chief Rabbi has not concealed that he has had his eye on you, Dr. Lamm. Especially after your latest publication in “Tradition” I attended one of your talks to the Council, and the couple of very able and talented speeches you gave created quite a stir. The Chief Rabbi has specifically asked me, as one who has the privilege of knowing you personally, to convey to you on his behalf that he would very much like to know whether you would be prepared to consider occupying the position of Principal of Jews’ College on being officially invited to do so. Personally speaking I would add that there…
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Form Letter from Max Stern with Reprint of "Who Is a Jew?"

Dear Friend: As a co-worker on behalf of Israel, both the State and the people, for many years, I know you share with me great concern over the situation in which we find ourselves today. Foresight, however, requires us to look beyond the immediate present and to prepare for the future. When peace comes, or at least when the international situation stabilizes, the great internal questions within Israel will come to the fore. One of these is the perennial “Who is a Jew” problem. I therefore take the privilege of sending to you enclosed the reprint of an article by Dr. Norman Lamm, Rabbi of The Jewish Center and professor at Yeshiva University. I trust it will prove informative to you and be of assistance to you in forming your own opinions. I might add that, of course, I fully agree with Rabbi Lamm’s thesis. May this new year be one of peace from without and harmony within, for Israel, and for all the world. Sincerely yours, Max Stern
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