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Correspondence

March 28, 1963

Letter from Saul Penkar to David Mazgaonkar about the Visit of Israeli Rabbis to India (1963)

India
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Letter from Saul Penkar to Moses Feuerstein about R. Lamm's Visit to India (1961)

Dear Mr. Feuerstein, Allow me to address these few lines to you after a considerable lapse of time though correspondence exchanged between Dr. Weiss and myself must have been viewed by you. Rabbi Norman Lamm, the magnificent orator, has done a marvellous job to strengthen the U.O.J.C.I., and the extensive plan he has chalked out with the Jt. Hon. Secretary Mr. A.D. Jhirad will be put into effect as soon as he is able to assume office of the Executive Director.Rabbi Lamm was literally put through the mill with a very tight programme. However he was able to study at close quarters the situation obtaining here. We were also very lucky to have Mr. Max Stern at the meeting of the Executive and he too has been apprised of the difficulties and problems facing the U.O.J.C.I.The gist of sermons delivered by Rabbi Lamm at various institutions is being published in the issue of "Mebasser", copies of which will be posted as soon as ready.Rabbi Lamm was much perturbed to see the conditions of Jews in the villages, and especially the dilapidated and pitiable condition of the two very old Synagogues of Pen and Panvel. He was kind enough to assure the Congregations that he would try and interest some congregations in America to come to their rescue. Principally, salaries of two Hazanim, who will also teach Hebrew and religion to the local children and those of the surrounding villages, are to be arranged.Incidentally, I may bring to your kind notice that both these synagogues need repairs and whitewash. The approximate cost is estimated at Rs 1,500/- to Rs 2,000/-. If any kind donor or institution could come forward to help these institutions, through the U.0.J.C.I., we shall be greatly obliged.A copy of the balance sheet approved at the meeting of the Executive held on 1st February 1961 together with the minutes will be forwarded to you separately.I have also to inform you that a few women met together on 86th February 1961 And decided to form a Women’s Branch of the U.O.J.C.I. A…
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Letter to Moses Feuerstein about the Visit of Israeli Rabbis and Delicate Situation in India (1963)

Dear Moe: I did not want to call you personally about the Indian situation, as you had requested of me, until you read the enclosed letter, as well as the photocopy of Jhirad’s letter of the same date to Dr. Weiss, which the latter is sending to you. I think that the situation is extremely delicate, and threatens to deteriorate unless someone with a strong hand is present on the spot when the Israeli Rabbis arrive. I am not going to answer this letter until you have called re and we shall core to some decision. Please don't hesitate. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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Letter from Israel Kelman about Proposal for Visit of Israeli Rabbis to India (1963)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, My sincere apologies for having delayed in replying to your letter of 9th January but I have been extremely busy and no definite agreement had, till recently, been arrived at. After lengthy discussions a proposal has been put forward that the 2 rabbis, viz. Rabbi Gotthold and Rabbi Kushelevsky will come to Bombay under the patronage of the two Presidents of the leading Synagogue organizations, viz. United Synagogues of India and The Union of Orthodox Synagogues They will not come as 'shelichim' of the Rabbinate in Israel nor under the auspices of the Jewish Agency. In this way we will negate to the utmost any opposition which is bound to arise. On this matter we have had the full cooperation of Mr. Penkar and Mr. Jhirad and, with the able leadership of Mr. Albert Menasseh, the above solution was arrived at. The President of the United Synagogues of India has accepted the proposal in principle but it is yet to be ratified by the Council. I shall be leaving for Israel this week and will meet Dr. Warhaftig to discuss the matter. Wishing you and your family a Pesach Kasher Sameach Yours sincerely, Israel Kelman
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