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Correspondence

Feb. 14, 1963

Letter to Dr. Weiss Complimenting His Correspondence on India (1963)

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Letter of Gratitude to Dr. Weiss for Planning India Trip (1961)

Dear Dr. Weiss: I imagine you will receive this letter when I am already across the Atlantic, but I do want you to know how deeply I appreciate all your efforts in preparing my tour. It is so infrequent that a man in community work receives his due recognition that I don’t want to miss the opportunity to express my gratitude to one who so richly deserves commendation. Every aspect of the trip was handled with efficiency, courtesy, and dignity. Thank you, therefore, and please be assured of my lasting admiration. Sincerely yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm.
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Letter to Dr. Weiss with Suggestions to Improve "Mebasser" in India (1962)

Dear Dr. Weiss: This letter concerns a note sent to me by Mr. Feurestein on May 4, 1962, a copy of which I sent to you. I quite agree with him that “Mebasser” leaves much to be desired. There has been too much reprinting of trite sermons and other collections of platitudes, and too little evidence of creative material relevant to Indian Jewry. I would appreciate it if you would, in your next letter to Jhirad, emphasize the above as well as the three points made by Mo. Enclosed you will find a letter from Jhirad to me, which came together with a copy of a letter he sent to you. I think it’s in place for you to answer the letter he mailed directly to you. Meanwhile, would you do me a personal favor and include in it mention of the fact that I am presently too occupied to write to him, and that if Providence should once more send me to India I would be most happy to fulfill his personal requests.Sincerely,Rabbi Norman Lammcc: Mr. Feurestein
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Correspondence

Letter from Dr. Weiss to Mr. Kelman about Sending a Rabbi to India (1962)

Dear Mr. Kalman: Thank you for sending me the copy of your letter to Rabbi Norman Lamm, dated July 27, 1962. Rabbi Lamm and I discussed the subject matter of your communication and, since Rabbi Lamm is still on his vacation, I take the liberty of replying. We are most hesitant to agree to a procedure which would involve the collection of funds by an individual for the purpose of sending a rabbi to India. The reasons are obvious and even under the best of circumstances, the choice of the rabbi and his future relations to the responsible organs of the Jewish community would be open to grave questions. We agree, therefore, wholeheartedly to your suggestion to Mr. Menashe not to write to Rabbi Halberstein.To the best of our information, Chief Rabbi Nissim is presently not inclined to send a rabbi to India. His feelings have been understandably bruised by the violent attacks directed against him by some members of the Bene Israel community in recent months. Still, we believe, people close to him should impress upon him that the situation calls not so much for the in principle very justified protection of the dignity and authority of the Chief Rabbi and the Chief Rabbinate, but for a great deal of forbearance and statesmanship.Possibly the plan you outline in your previous communication to the effect that a qualified rabbi be sent periodically to India, for one or two months twice a year, to take care of Gittin and kindred problems, would be acceptable to Chief Rabbi Nissim. The Orthodox Union, through its Joint Overseas Commission, would, of course, cooperate financially.With kindest regards and all good wishes, in behalf of Rabbi Lamm, I amVery sincerely yours,Dr. Samson R. WeissExecutive Vice PresidentMr. I. KalmanThe Jewish AgencyP.O.B. 1979Bombay 1, INDIA
India