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Correspondence

Sep. 2, 1954

Letter to Kodimoh Congregants Outlining Yizkor Policies (1954)

Kehillat Kodimoh
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Letter to Kodimoh Congregants Announcing Birchat Kohanim Classes (1956)

Dear Friend: This letter is intended for you in your capacity as a "Kohen." As such, you are not only heir to a glorious and magnificent tradition, but you are privileged to bear the responsibility of acting as a Kohen functionally as well. One of the most important and beautiful functions of the Kohen in modern times is the "Birchas Kohanim" – the blessing of Israel as pronounced by the descendants of Aaron. This blessing is pronounced, as you know, on all major holidays. And since we are soon approaching the Passover festival, I take the privilege of approaching you about a matter I have been considering for some time now, and in which you may be personally involved. For many years now, American Orthodox synagogues have been discouraging Kohanim who do not observe the Sabbath from performing this all-important Mitzvah. As a result, the Kohanim who do participate are growing older in age and fewer in numbers. And this beautiful, elegant and inspiring part of our holiday services is gradually facing extinction.I, for one, feel that something should be done to retain this sacred tradition. I do so while recognizing the fact that a good number of our Kohanim are, for one reason or another; not Sabbath observers, and without in the least encouraging or sanctioning this non-observance.Some months ago, I presented a paper (soon to be published) to the Halacha (Jewish Law) Commission of the Rabbinical Council of America, of which I am a member, outlining the legal aspects of the problem. The members of the Commission unan-imously agreed with me as to my conclusion. The following is therefore authoritively in accordance with Jewish Laws.All Kohanim should participate in the "Birchas Kohanim". Sven if he not be a Sabbath observer^ the Kohen may, and is required,to pronounce the blessing over his fellow-Jews.ACCORDINGLY, I RESPECTFULLY INVITE YOU TO COOPERATE IN THE REVITALIZATION OF THIS SACRED aND BEAUTIFUL TRADITION.I will be more than glad to answer any questions that m…
Kehillat Kodimoh

Correspondence

Letter from Kodimoh Congregants Advocating Proposed Changes (1957)

Dear Sir: My friend and I, both Kodimoh members, were visiting the other night. The subject of our Synagogue came up and we discussed a few problems and wondered what the answers were. We wondered what was going on. Since there has been no congregational meeting, and since we do not belong to the Board of Directors, we thought that we would write to you in the form of a ’Letter to the Editor’, and perhaps you would have the information, or better still would refer these questions to the proper individual or committee. We have heard considerable talk about the possibility of building a new edifice – perhaps to compete with the other temples in our community. Everyone would agree that it is high time that Kodimoh took steps to provide adequate facilities for its expanded program. According to the Rabbi’s announcement on Yom Kippur, something is about to be done. Some people apparently question the advisability of continuing in our present form. We do not believe that the seating problem is a real serious one – we would be willing to accept this as a theological question to be settled by the Rabbi. We think, rather, that some changes should be made in the present policy – in order to make the program more interesting. On these past high holidays, we admit, the services were outstanding; the decorum was excellent; the sermons were outstanding; and there were even some English prayers. Why can't we have some English prayers included during the weekly Sabbath services, and on the other holidays. During the recent holiday of Succos, one of us attended - there wasn't one English prayer. Most of us, you know, doA't understand much of the actual meaning of most of the prayers.Ihe same applies to the community singing. We have some on Saturday, sone on the high holidays - but none on other holidays. Why can't we have more? We are singing the same number of melodies to-day as we did twenty years ago. It would seem that the Cantor should get more seriously interested in the mus…
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Correspondence

Letter to R. Weisfogel about Memorials Weekend at Kodimoh (1964)

Dear Alex, I just heard about the marvelous Memorials Weekend that just was concluded at Kodimoh. The reports I have been receiving have all mentioned, first and foremost, the extremely prominent and successful part that you personally played in making this what has been described to me as the most notable weekend in Kodimoh's history. I thought I would let you know how thrilled I am to hear this wonderful news. Permit me to add my congratulations to all the others, and to express my hope and prayer that this will be followed by many other outstanding successes in your rabbinate at Kodimoh.May you go from strength to strength.My very best to your wife and good luck in all you do.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMM
Kehillat Kodimoh