Letter to Dr. William Brickman about His Articles on Jewish Religious Education (1963)

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Letter to Isaac Allen about His Lectures on the Historical Background of the Talmud (1963)

Dear Mr. Allen: I was delighted to receive a copy of your mimeographed lectures on the Talmud and its historical background. Because of the pressure of the holidays, I have not had more than a very minor opportunity to glance at it briefly. I do hope to give it much fuller attention later on, and I expect that I shall derive much benefit from it in my own educational work. Nevertheless, even from a cursory glance, I can see the hand of a master to whom all the ways of the Talmud are clear. May the Almighty grant you many many more years of the study of Torah and all its teaching to the House of Israel. With very kindest and warmest wishes for a “Gemar Tov.” Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm

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Letter to Dr. Philip Birnbaum about His Doctoral Thesis and Jewish Center Lecture (1963)

Dear Dr. Birnbaum: Many thanks for sending to me a copy of your book, "The Arabic Commentary of Yefet," your doctoral thesis. I hope to read it carefully at the first opportunity. At the same time, permit me to express to you my thanks and those of my entire congregation for your splendid and inspiring talk this past Saturday afternoon, which I am sure encouraged all your listeners to dedicate themselves with renewed interest to both study and teaching of the "Hidden Treasures of Hebrew Literature." I do hope we shall have many opportunities to hear you at The Center in the future.Sincerely,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNL\:ff

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Letter to Dr. Grinstein about Addressing Challenges in Jewish Philosophy Courses (1965)

Dear Dr. Grinstein: I have discussed with you a number of times the problem of my two classes at T.I. and have done some soul-searching myself these past few weeks. Of the two courses I give, the first one (i.e., the one for seniors) is usually more difficult and more advanced. It is the one into which I put my greatest energies and efforts. Yet, I am always most disappointed by the results. First, it is a required course, and hence I have many students who are not really interested in the subject matter. Second, since this is essentially a senior class, quite a number of students are absent from four to six lectures during the second semester when they are student-teaching. This is normally disruptive of class work, but especially so in a course for which there are no textbooks available.My preference is that this senior class be declared an elective, and not be a required course. Furthermore, I would want to have my other course, i.e., Philo 51-52, declared a prerequisite or at least a co-requisite for the advanced course. Frankly, if it were possible I would also want to limit enrollment in the advanced course to those with whom I can confer beforehand.The reason for this, in addition to the above, is that I am profoundly disturbed to find the lackadaisical spirit that prevails amongst so many students, and that lead me to feelings of disappointment and frustration in my own efforts at teaching.I beg of you to consider the above and, when you can find the time, perhaps we can discuss it at some greater length.Warmest personal regards,

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