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Correspondence

May 26, 1970

Letter to Dr. Belkin about Jewish Education for Women at YU (1970)

Yeshiva University Women & Judaism
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Letter from Dr. Appel about Jewish Studies for College Women (1970)

I am pleased to send you the final draft of our report. Corrections noted have been included, but some notations, which in effect reopened issues already concluded, could not be included at this stage (ein le-davar sof). Again, I wish to thank you for your sincere dedication and your willingness to endure cheerfully the many meetings that we had to schedule in order to complete our task. Hopefully, it will bear fruit and we will achieve our commonly shared goals. The Jewish Studies Review Committee has conducted an intensive evaluation of Jewish studies at Stern College, as charged in its appointment, with a view toward a reorganization of the program to meet present and future needs. Having completed its deliberations, following a study of the proposals of its several subcommittees, the Committee herewith presents its recommendations. Stern College views its primary objective to be to provide its students with “a rich background in Jewish learning and traditions,” together with an education in the liberal arts and sciences. The Committee believes that to attain this objective it is necessary to afford every student the fullest opportunity for a thorough, in-depth study of Jewish thought and literature in accordance with her educational background and capacity. The student must be subjected to the challenge of a demanding academic discipline in Jewish studies even as she is imbued with the moral and spiritual ideals of Judaism. In a Jewish studies discipline, it is essential that the student acquire a familiarity with and a mastery of basic Biblical, classical, and contemporary sources, with emphasis upon textual analysis and development of the ability to utilize original sources. It is the firm conviction of the Committee that if these goals are to be achieved the present curriculum must be expanded and improved, qualified and committed teachers added to the faculty, and sufficient time must be allotted for Jewish and Hebrew studies. It therefore submits the foll…
Yeshiva University Women & Judaism

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
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Letter to R. Berkovits about Article Draft (1975)

Dear Dr. Berkovitz: Thank you very much for sending me the draft of your newest article. Because of the importance of the subject, I do not want to comment until I have had a chance to study it further. My first reading leaves me impressed once again with the boldness of your efforts and the sweep of your concern. However, with such intellectual daring come risks, and I do want to think through the problem a bit further before offering my comments. I believe the enclosed letter will explain where I stand on the problem we have been discussing for some months now. My warmest regards to Mrs. Berkovitz. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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