Letter to Mrs. Blumberg about the Kashrut of Fish in East Asia (1963)

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Letter to Moses Feuerstein about the Position of the Israeli Rabbinate on Bene Israel (1961)

Dear Moe: Concerning the [redacted] fiasco, I had spoken to Rabbi Kahaneman at least twice. I very much fear that the situation is beyond his control at this point. Rabbi [redacted] has already agreed to the "Heter." The problem is the circumstances under which this was done. I think that Dr. Weiss can enlighten you more in the discouraging aspects of the case. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Practical Halacha India

Letter to Harry Lindeman Approving Shabbat Candles for Use (1968)

Dear Mr. Lindeman: Thank you very much for the candles which you sent to me and which I have tested. I am pleased to report to you that from the point of view of Jewish law, this particular type of illumination fulfills all the requirements for Sabbath lights and also for use during the festival of Chanukkah. In other words, they may be used in place of candles on Friday evening, and if you should produce a candelabrum, using lighter fluid, provided that each wick draws from its own reservoir instead of from a common pool, they would be valid for the festival of Chanukkah when eight lights are kindled. I would be glad to advise you any further if any questions should arise. Please let me know if you want me to return the material you sent to me, and, if so, where to send it. My best regards to Mr. Paperman and the other gentleman who visited me with you. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Practical Halacha

Letter to Shalom Kelman about His Experience in Kerem B'Yavneh and Second-Day Yom Tov Observance in Israel (1973)

Dear Shalom: Thank you for your delightful letter of March 12. The rest of the members of my family will answer, if and when I can twist their arms. Not that they don’t want, but they are normally not letter writers. I am pleased to learn from your letter that you are adjusting better and much happier than you were. I am inclined, now, to agree with you, that were you to remain a second year, you would be better off continuing at ABI rather than הר עציון. The big question, of course, is whether it is worth your remaining one more year.I am interested in what you did with your paper on צדיק ורע לו. If you have it written up, do let me see a copy.With regard to your observance of יו"ט של גליות on Pesach, my feeling is that were I in Israel today I would follow the Israelis in their observance, especially since you are there for a year or probably more. However, I would not eat חמץ on שביעי של פסח. Frankly, I think the question should be answered for your by a local Israeli רב and not by me.Lynda had told us that you and she were going to have סעודת פורים with my sister in Israel on שושן פורים. I am sure you all had a wonderful time.Chaye enjoyed your older-coursin-advice, and we are all quite sure that there will be plenty of people left in yours and your aging generation.Meanwhile all my best for a חג כשר ושמח.Cordially,Rabbi Norman Lamm:cw

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