Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Japanese Convert and Opening a Far-Eastern Department at Yeshiva University (1966)

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Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Israel's Reform Movement (1963)

Dear Moe: I know how busy you are, especially with all the recent unfortunate developments in your family. Nevertheless, I am sending you enclosed the most recent copy of the CCAR Journal, and suggest that you read carefully the very first article on Reform Judaism in Israel. Especially notice the underlined parts. I think it is important for someone in your position to be aware of the kind of secret activity currently being conducted by the reformed group. Fondest regards.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNLsf

Orthodoxy & Other Denominations

Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Response to Report Concerning the Conservative Movement (1963)

Dear Moe: The tendency expressed in the enclosed release is known to me for some time now. There is nothing you or I can or should do about it. My own feeling is that this would consolidate the conservative movement and create an irrevocable break with Orthodoxy. If anyone from the Press should ever ask you what you think of it, especially in light of the lay involvement by The United Synagogue, I strongly urge you to say that it is a completely internal affair and that while you have your opinions you do not feel it appropriate to make any public statement, except for the fact that you do not understand how ”Halakhah” can be decided by non-experts, such as lay leaders of the United Synagogue. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Orthodoxy & Other Denominations

Letter to Dr. Belkin about Creating YU Branch in Israel (1970)

Dear Dr. Belkin: Life here has been settling into a routine since my return to Jerusalem, and I do want to write if only out of respect and affection. I am completing the revision and preparation of my doctoral thesis for publication in both Hebrew and English, and I hope that I still have your consent for the English edition to bear the imprimatur of Yeshiva University. There is continuing speculation, both public and private, in Israel about the nature and role of Yeshiva's forthcoming "branch" in Jerusalem. If you do not expect it to be a major school, in the sense of a true branch of Y.U., it may be wiser policy for Yeshiva to make this known in advance so that Israelis should not later complain of a let-down or disappointment.In the absence of any concrete information, the guessing that is going on invites both exaggerated expectations and the beginnings of a typically vehement Jerusalemite opposition.If I may be permitted one added suggestion — this country needs a Yeshiva University even more than does the U.S.! The very high hopes of some, and the determined opposition of others, both prove the need.Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen has told me of his and Rabbi Goren's conversations with you concerning some affiliation between Yeshiva and the Rabbinical Seminaries they are now building separately with the hope of eventual amalgamation: Cohen's school for training Rabbis for the Diaspora, and Goren's for Chaplains.I take it that both have in mind that their graduates will, after a short time, begin serving in Israeli civilian positions.I have accepted the invitation of Cohen to deliver a series of lectures in Jewish philosophy at his Seminary, and I begin this Friday.If you are interested in a report I shall be glad to offer any information you desire when I return in mid-January.Meanwhile, please give warmest regards to Mrs. Belkin from my wife and myself and, for the sake of all of us who admire you and need you, please do not overwork.Respectfully,RABBI NORMAN LAM

Yeshiva University