Letter to Haham Gaon about the Status of the Bene Israel and Divorce (1961)

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Dear Haham Gaon: Although I have not yet received any response to my previous confidential note, I do want to communicate with you now concerning the Indian problem. When I returned from India in February, I sent you a copy of the Gittin currently in use by the Bene Israel. It would be most beneficial to the Jewish community in India to receive from you or your office advice concerning the proper procedure to be followed, and most especially correct copies of Gittin. Mr. Abraham Jhirad of the UOJCI has informed me that several requests for this information have not yet received any response. Would you be kind enough, Dr. Gaon, to respond to them and satisfy their legitimate requests. With all best wishes, Sincerely yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm. NL:ff. cc: Dr. Weiss.

Letter from Moses Feuerstein about Ban on Marriage with Bene Israel (1961)

Dear Norman, I read with great interest your letter of May 25th which covers the situation that is so sensitive. The remaining correspondence, which has been forwarded to me, indicates a situation that will require continuing attention and I am most appreciative, personally as well as on behalf of the officers and directors of the Union, for the time and effort which you are able to give to this very important area.There was a reference to cemeteries which I did not understand because part of a letter was deleted. If this is of any importance, I shall appreciate some information from you in this regard.The importance of getting a part-time man for this work is greater than ever. I am sure you are giving this careful consideration.With kindest personal regards, I remainSincerely yours,Moses I. FeuersteinMIF / eocRabbi Norman LammThe Jewish Center 131 West 86th Street New York, New York

Combating Assimilation India

Letter to R. Gotthold about Marrying Bene Israel (1961)

Dear Rabbi Gotthold: Please accept my expressions of admiration at the dispatch with which you handled the "Indian purity" affair. I must say that I cannot blame the Bene Israel for their agitation. At the same time, I am completely nonplussed by what seems to be Rabbi Nissim's acquiescence to the delegation which visited him and his agreement to affirm the permissive decisions of the two late Chief Rabbis, especially after he hedged when I broached the matter to him several months ago. I am glad to hear, however, that he is now ready to go along with the "heter." I do not recall if I have kept you abreast of my own correspondence on this matter. I have written to Rabbi Rozovsky some four times asking him to publish his essay, then to add, if he feels unqualified, that the discussion is meant as theoretical and not in the form of a legal decision. He has not as much as answered one of my letters, although he promised to when I visited him in Bnai Brak.Neither has Rabbi Unterman in Tel Aviv answered me yet, although I discussed the matter with him too when I was in Israel. I am certainly most interested in receiving a copy of the paper by Rabbi Rozovsky which, I gather from your letter, Rabbi Itamar has in his possession.I am confident that you will do your level best to urge the rabbinate to come to a decision – one way or the other – very quickly and conclusively.With regard to the technical questions concerning Nagavker, I am leaving that and all other matters of this nature in the capable hands of Dr. Samson R. Weiss, who will be contacting you about them.I will discuss with Dr. Weiss your recommendation that Rabbi Shweika be sent to Bombay as a rabbi. Perhaps you ought to send to Dr. Weiss (who is in constant contact with me) a description in somewhat greater detail of Rabbi Shweika's qualifications as well as the expected remuneration, etc.Thank you once again, and do let me hear from you about Tradition.Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman Lamm

Combating Assimilation Who Is a Jew? India

Letter from Haham Gaon about the Status of the Bene Israel (1961)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I was glad to receive the copy of your letter to Mr. Abraham Jhirad of Bombay. I agree with everything you write. Immediately on the publication of the news that some of our Bnei Israel were not being recognised as Jews in Israel, I cabled to the Chief Rabbinate who assured me that this was not so. They stood by their earlier decision and that was that they leave it to the individual Batei Din to decide on these matters. In the meantime, I have been in touch with Bnei Israel families in London who were very disturbed by the rumours, and I assured them that, as far as our Beth Din, is concerned, they have nothing to worry for themselves or for their children.I think, however, the time has come when perhaps a joint effort should be made by us all in order to urge Israeli Rabbinate to come to a definite solution. The Bnei Israel problem has now become a burning one and almost all the touchstone of good faith, as far as this part of the House of Israel is concerned.I do hope to have the opportunity of seeing you soon and hoping to hear from you on this matter.Yours sincerely,GaonHaham

Combating Assimilation Who Is a Jew? India