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Correspondence

Apr. 28, 1975

Letter to Jewish Center Membership with Urgent Mikvah Appeal (1975)

The Jewish Center
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Correspondence

Letter to Simon Greenspan about Fundraising for Mikvah (1972)

My Dear Mr. Greenspan: Permit me to bring to your attention a communal problem of the greatest urgency. You are no doubt cognizant of the crucial importance for Jewish life, of the institution known as Mikvah. Normative Jewish family living and the initiation of proselytes into Judaism are impossible without a functioning Mikvah. Furthermore, in order to make sure that this introduction to Jewish life is appealing rather than repelling, it is of the utmost importance that this facility be as attractive and aesthetic as possible. The only Mikvah between the Lower East Side and Washington Heights is the one on West 78th Street, which goes under the name of the Jewish Women’s Club. This facility was built only a few years ago at great expense for Jews of mid-Manhattan. We now face two critical problems – 1. A good part of the Mikvah is in a state of disrepair and it is necessary for us immediately to invest considerable sums into putting it in order. 2. We must assure community support for the regular maintenance of the Mikvah. To that end, the major Orthodox synagogues (and some Conservative synagogues as well) of Manhattan have agreed to provide $10,000.00 per year, minimum, for maintenance of the Mikvah. It is our hope that this kind of ongoing commitment will solve our major problems, and allow the Mikvah to operate for the benefit of the entire Jewish community, in a manner of which we can all be proud. I discussed the matter with my dear colleague, and your distinguished rabbi, Rabbi Kahane, and he quite naturally and enthusiastically approves of our activities. May I therefore, most respectfully, urge you, Mr. Greenspan, as a President of an important Orthodox synagogue on the West Side, to make every effort to prevail upon your congregation to join its sister congregations in our community, in this sacred endeavor. Do be kind enough to let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm
The Jewish Center

Correspondence

Letter to Charles Bendheim about Jewish Center Annual Mikvah Contribution (1973)

Dear Charlie; I am sorry that it took us so long to remit the $1,000 for the Mikvah, but I am pleased finally to be able to send you that amount enclosed, on behalf of The Jewish Center. As I explained to you, we preferred to raise the money by voluntary assessment added to our dues bill. Since our bills go out on January 2, it was not possible to send the check until today. All good luck to you.Cordially,Rabbi Norman LammNL:cwEnc.
The Jewish Center

Correspondence

Letter from Jewish Women's Club to Arthur Silver about the Mikvah's Financial Distress (1975)

Dear Mr. Silver: Recently a meeting was held of the Jewish Women’s Club, Inc., to discuss the pressing financial problems of the Mikvah. These problems threaten to close the Mikvah. As many of you are aware, the financial pressures on the Mikvah are attributable to four causes. Firstly, more than a year ago, major plumbing repairs were completed at the Mikvah. The total cost of the repairs was $24,000, of which $4,000 is still due and owing. Secondly, the purchase money mortgage negotiated with the former owner of the property, calls for a balloon payment of $26,000 at the mortgage’s termination. The balloon payment is now due and owing. Thirdly, a real estate tax settlement has tentatively been reached with the city under the terms of which, the Mikvah will have to pay $14,000. This settlement was occasioned by the city’s holding that the Mikvah could not be deemed the custodial apartment on its premises (there are presently two) and that therefore the Mikvah was only 3/4 tax exempt. Fourthly, we had been led to believe that a lawsuit commenced by the Wurzweiler Foundation against the Jewish Women’s Club, Inc. was tentatively settled for $30,000. The aforementioned sum was to be paid on the basis of $6,000 a year until the entire sum is liquidated. Enclosed please find the latest correspondence relative to same. As you can readily see, the needs of the Mikvah are pressing and it is only on the community that we can turn for assistance. Some synagogues have already pledged sums and have commenced paying off their obligations. In the coming weeks, the undersigned will contact you to ask for your help to keep the Mikvah open. Very truly yours, Jewish Women’s Club, Inc.
The Jewish Center