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Correspondence

Dec. 10, 1963

Letter to R. Charles Weinberg about Non-Kosher Dining Facilities on Israeli Luxury Cruise Line (1963)

Religion & State
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Exchange with Zim Lines about Non-Kosher Dining Facilities on Their Cruise Ships (1963)

Gentlemen: I had hoped that it would never be necessary to send this letter concerning your new luxury liner, Shalom. I believe you ought to know that not only I as a rabbi, but many of our leading laymen are most deeply distressed over the terribly unwise decision to install two kitchens on the Shalom. We find this offensive to our religious sensibilities as Jews. My congregation in particular consists of people who have for many years been plough supporters of everything and anything connected with Israel. Our pulpit has urged them in that regard, promoted Israeli firms, and support Israeli projects. I feel quite certain, however, that if the Zionist movement is forced to put their plans into practice, thereby stigmatizing the American Jews and forcing him into a “kosher ghetto” aboard an Israeli liner, he would be forced to turn his enthusiasm elsewhere. You may be sure that the preferences have always given to such concerns as El Al and Zim. We regard Zim’s explanation of its position as totally inadequate and as offensive to us and to Jewish religious sensibility. If this is the choice to be made between halakhah and what Zim considers “progress,” then halakhah wins, as it has won throughout the ages. If, therefore, the position of the Zim lines, where the presence of non-kosher kitchens is equated to offense and discourtesy, I hope that your concern will consider this matter most seriously and not take this final, irrevocable step, which will alienate so many otherwise enthusiastic advocates of everything Israeli. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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Letter to Ephraim Propp about the Need for Kosher Dining on Upper West Side (1969)

Dear Effie: I would like to urge you to consider, with somewhat greater urgency, the proposal I made to you several weeks ago, that you arrange for a quality kosher restaurant in our neighborhood. Fundamentally, our community faces two problems in this respect. One is the lack of a really good kosher restaurant in all of Manhattan. Second, in the last couple of years we have lost almost all of our kosher restaurants on the West side. All we have now is the Stern Caterers at the Windemere who are open only for Saturdays, and we do not know how long they are going to continue this operation. There is a possibility that we can solve both problems with one stroke — by establishing this first rate restaurant on the West side. Of course, this will involve a number of problems, such as trying to reconcile quality and appearance with cost. However, I certainly do not propose to go into any minor details at the present time. I do think that the situation that prevails is little short of disgraceful. By our own inaction we are forcing many people, who would otherwise not do so, to patronize establishments whose kashruth is most questionable. Were we able to organize the right kind of establishment in our community, we would not only be providing for a large number of people for whom such a restaurant is a vital need, and not only to helping the cause of kashruth, but we would also contribute to enhancing the reputation of Orthodox Judaism throughout the city and avoiding what might otherwise be a real "chillul ha-Shem." There is no question in my mind but that this kind of restaurant will require an on-going subsidy, but I think it is worth it, and that we have a moral obligation to do something about it. I strongly recommend, Effie, that you undertake this project and give it all your considerable talent and energy to see it through to a successful conclusion. Of course, this is not a one-man project, although it must be sparked by one individual. I know that Larry Kobrin h…
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Letter to R. Mandel about Kosher Accommodations in New Zealand (1973)

My dear Rabbi Mandel: About two years ago, I gave a series of lectures at the Harry Fischel Institute in Jerusalem. At that time, I believe you were connected with the Institute. I may be mistaken, but that is my impression. At any rate, whether you are or are not the person I have in mind, I do hope you will permit me to impose upon you with a number of queries for information. Mrs. Lamm and I plan to spend about four weeks in Australia on a series of lectures this coming summer (winter for you). On our return trip, we were thinking of spending a week or ten days in New Zealand. We would want to leave Australia for New Zealand some time immediately after תשעה באב.Now, my question is whether you know of any strictly kosher people who are willing to accommodate travelers in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Of course, we are willing to pay for all accommodations.This will considerably facilitate what we hope will be a brief motor tour through your country. In the event that kosher facilities in any or all of these communities, would you be kind enough to let me know if there are any hotels or motels nearby should we decide to spend a Shabbat in such community.Do let me hear from you as soon as possible, and many many thanks in advance for responding to me.Cordially,Rabbi Norman LammNL:cw
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