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Correspondence

Jan. 2, 1958

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

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

כבוד רבינו הגאון שליט״א, Before leaving New York I met with Rabbi Rackman who called me at your suggestion and discussed with him more details of my work at Yeshiva next year. He told me that within a few days I would receive from you the official and detailed letter of appointment. However, so far I have not yet received it. In a letter to Rabbi Rackman further to our meeting, I suggested the outline of several courses in Hebrew Literature which I am prepared to give. This list is in no way conclusive and I am awaiting to hear the suggestions of the Deans of the respective Colleges as to the nature and specifications of the courses. The earlier this information gets me, the more time I will have to work on preparing them properly.One of the courses which I suggested deals with the works of Nobel Laureate S.Y. Agnon and it is in this connection I would like to make a suggestion.As you probably know, Agnon is expected to visit the United States in May as Guest of Honor of the American Friends of the Hebrew University. He is, as you know, a remarkable Talmid Chacham as well as an observant Jew. You may be interested in receiving him at Yeshiva while on his visit to the States. As Agnon is a close friend of mine if there is anything I can do in this respect I whould like to of help if possible.In my letter to Dr. Rackman just before leaving the U.S., I asked him to convey to you my sincere thanks. I would like to express them once more.Looking forward to a fruitful and mutually beneficial association with Yeshiva, I am,Yours truly,Pinchas H. Peliנ"בלשם הקלה על עבודת המשרד כתבתי המכתב באנגלית ועם מע״כ הסליחה.
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