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Correspondence

June 6, 1963

Letter from R. Menachem Hacohen about Panim el Panim and Bene Israel (1963)

India
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Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Correspondence on the Status of the Bene Israel (1961)

Dear Moe: Enclosed you will find my correspondence with Rabbi Sherer of the Agudah. This should give you some idea of the explosive, and potentially scandalized situation which is now being created in Israel. I talked to Dr. Weiss this morning and urged him to cable Rabbi Nissim and Unterman. I also asked Rabbi Charles Weinberg to send cables to these two people encouraging them to stand fast against all pressure to change their decision.We are to meet, p.G., on December 6th. I feel we may have to take very decisive action, I therein agreeing to Rabbi Ika going at once, or producing someone from the States. There is very little that can be done until then, and even then it may be necessary for someone to be in Israel to investigate the whole thing at first hand.Sincerely yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMM
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Letter from Saul Penkar to Chief Rabbi Nissim about the Position of the Israeli Rabbinate on Bene Israel and the Spread of the Conservative Movement in India (1962)

Dear Chief Rabbi, It is with a feeling of deep concern that I write this letter to you, with a view that the situation shall receive your personal attention. Your Council of Rabbis have unanimously decided, it is understood from Dr. Tartakower, to have no difficulty in the performance of weddings of Bene Israel with other Jews in Israel, though I have not received a copy of the official decision. However, immediately on receipt of this information of the removal of the ban, Mr. A.D. Jhirad released the same to the Indian press.The Orthodox Union was very much concerned with the turn this problem was taking in Israel, and had it not been for the assurance of the R.C.A., it would have become very difficult for us to suppress the feeling here. It is very painful to note that the “problem,” it is understood, is raising its ugly head once again in Israel. Is there no means by which your Council can enforce their decision on the local Rabbinate or Beth Din?Kindly let me have your reply in the matter at an early date.Taking advantage of the above situation, the World Council of Conservative Synagogues, which is having its conference in Israel on 29/9/1962, will be in a position to attract many congregations, especially Bene Israel, on the ground of offering equal status.I do not know how the office of the Chief Rabbi or the Council of Rabbis in Israel feel about this new development. It is known that the Israeli Government does not much worry as far as the religious trend in Israel is concerned, but surely the Orthodox Rabbinate in Israel cannot remain silent over such a grave situation and thereby endorse Conservatism.The Reform movement has purchased land in Israel to build a temple; the Conservatives are to hold a conference, which is to be opened by an address by the President of Israel. Would it be difficult for them to attract new adherents in Israel or other countries, with all the pampering they would receive from the Israeli Government and no opposition—or even c…
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Letter to Abraham Jhirad Requesting Updates on Indian Jewry and the Bene Israel (1968)

Dear Abraham: It is a long, long time since we have corresponded. I remember with a pang of regret that several years ago I had written a number of letters to you which remained unanswered. Nevertheless, I was delighted to receive a copy of your letter of last June to Dr. Samson Weiss in which you sent regards to me and sent along an amulet for my "collection." I am most anxious to know of your personal progress, as well as of the general conditions of the B'nai Israel in Bombay, with whom I have been out of touch for some time now. I understand that you were in Israel for several weeks and I hope you enjoyed them as almost everyone does. Please accept my best wishes to you and all members of your family for a happy and blessed New Year. Cordially yours,Rabbi Norman Lamm
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