Home Home / Letter from R. Peli to Dr. Belkin about…

Correspondence

Apr. 24, 1967

Letter from R. Peli to Dr. Belkin about Suggested YU Course on S.Y. Agnon (1967)

Yeshiva University
View The Text

This content is currently available in its original PDF format. As we expand the library, we plan to add a text version as well.

RELATED CONTENT

Note

Message to Dr. Belkin on Camp Morasha Special Program (1964)

This memorandum has been prepared at the suggestion of Dr. Belkin, pursuant to his discussion with Rabbi Norman Lamm on October 9, 1964. The proposal aims at introducing a special Yeshiva University Academic Program into Camp Morasha, in addition to the regular education scheme which proved so successful last year and which is being revised for even greater achievements this coming season. The plan involves thirty young men, ten of them Semichah students, and twenty JSP students, potential candidates for RIETS.Other than the approximately 2| hours per day set aside for recreational and athletic activities, full time will be devoted to studies.The 20 younger students will receive an intensive course geared to preparing them for RIETS. Hence, the emphasis will be on Talmud, although other material will be included. Two JSP students will be assigned to each Semichah student who will be their ״Big Brother,” training them especially in Gemara. It is hoped that by the end of eight weeks of such concentrated study, they will be about ready to take a full RIETS course, perhaps eventually leading to Semichah.The ten Semichah students would have to come from amongst the very best students in that class. They must be able not only to teach but also to inspire their JSP charges.In addition to the approximately 2j "free hours" mentioned, the Semichah students program is envisioned as follows:(a) teaching the JSP students, as above.(b) assisting in the general educational and guidance program of the camp, not more than one hour per day.(c) continuing their own Talmudic studies.(d) supplementary guidance in extra—Talmudic studies and practical aspects of the Rabbinate. This might include coaching in speech, the opportunity to practice it in camp, and guest lectures on various practical rabbinic and communal problems.A faculty member from RIETS would be in charge of the program.Suitable physical facilities are already available.The cost to the camp for this program would be aoprox…
Yeshiva University

Correspondence

Letter to Dr. Belkin about YU Summer Camp (1958)

My dear Dr. Belkin, I have just returned from the Torah Leadership Seminar, held at the Lake House in Woodridge, N. Y. This has given me an opportunity not only to participate, but to observe at first hand the sort of work that is being done by Yeshiva University through its Youth Bureau. I thought you might be interested in some of the observations of one of your "Talmidim". I can only say that it is a pity that such projects were not instituted many years ago. I have already heard from some of the parents of the Springfield children who accompanied me some heart-warming reports about the effect the conclave had upon them. It was a most inspiring experience to notice the deep thirst for Torah and the deep desire for Traditional Judaism that these children evinced.Yoohiva io now taping an *laost unitsitod resource of npower that exists in our country.ut all of thio w uld bo possible if not for the superb direction and highly competent professional guid nee of Abmhan *tern. is talent, his devotion, and his ability to develop eonnetent subordinate•, certainly deserve to bo acknowledged in gratitude by Yeah va cam like synelf, who benefited so ׳uch fioe hin wort• know th t you will oprooUto hearing this kind of re ort about the professional wployoes of Yeshivaonly serves to underscore another feeling th t I have had, that I would now like to orient to you. An th t is, thg crying neor a full time , one which would bo njy orting ith the hope that this suggestion will nerit your ooneidemtloI remainMost respectfully yoursRabbi Kainan Umm
Yeshiva University

Correspondence

Letter to Dr. Belkin about Creating YU Branch in Israel (1970)

Dear Dr. Belkin: Life here has been settling into a routine since my return to Jerusalem, and I do want to write if only out of respect and affection. I am completing the revision and preparation of my doctoral thesis for publication in both Hebrew and English, and I hope that I still have your consent for the English edition to bear the imprimatur of Yeshiva University. There is continuing speculation, both public and private, in Israel about the nature and role of Yeshiva's forthcoming "branch" in Jerusalem. If you do not expect it to be a major school, in the sense of a true branch of Y.U., it may be wiser policy for Yeshiva to make this known in advance so that Israelis should not later complain of a let-down or disappointment.In the absence of any concrete information, the guessing that is going on invites both exaggerated expectations and the beginnings of a typically vehement Jerusalemite opposition.If I may be permitted one added suggestion — this country needs a Yeshiva University even more than does the U.S.! The very high hopes of some, and the determined opposition of others, both prove the need.Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen has told me of his and Rabbi Goren's conversations with you concerning some affiliation between Yeshiva and the Rabbinical Seminaries they are now building separately with the hope of eventual amalgamation: Cohen's school for training Rabbis for the Diaspora, and Goren's for Chaplains.I take it that both have in mind that their graduates will, after a short time, begin serving in Israeli civilian positions.I have accepted the invitation of Cohen to deliver a series of lectures in Jewish philosophy at his Seminary, and I begin this Friday.If you are interested in a report I shall be glad to offer any information you desire when I return in mid-January.Meanwhile, please give warmest regards to Mrs. Belkin from my wife and myself and, for the sake of all of us who admire you and need you, please do not overwork.Respectfully,RABBI NORMAN LAM
Yeshiva University