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Correspondence

Nov. 16, 1961

Letter to R. Itamar about the Chief Rabbinate's Decision on the Bene Israel (1961)

Combating Assimilation Who Is a Jew? India
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Correspondence

Letter to R. Gotthold about Marrying Bene Israel (1961)

Dear Rabbi Gotthold: Please accept my expressions of admiration at the dispatch with which you handled the "Indian purity" affair. I must say that I cannot blame the Bene Israel for their agitation. At the same time, I am completely nonplussed by what seems to be Rabbi Nissim's acquiescence to the delegation which visited him and his agreement to affirm the permissive decisions of the two late Chief Rabbis, especially after he hedged when I broached the matter to him several months ago. I am glad to hear, however, that he is now ready to go along with the "heter." I do not recall if I have kept you abreast of my own correspondence on this matter. I have written to Rabbi Rozovsky some four times asking him to publish his essay, then to add, if he feels unqualified, that the discussion is meant as theoretical and not in the form of a legal decision. He has not as much as answered one of my letters, although he promised to when I visited him in Bnai Brak.Neither has Rabbi Unterman in Tel Aviv answered me yet, although I discussed the matter with him too when I was in Israel. I am certainly most interested in receiving a copy of the paper by Rabbi Rozovsky which, I gather from your letter, Rabbi Itamar has in his possession.I am confident that you will do your level best to urge the rabbinate to come to a decision – one way or the other – very quickly and conclusively.With regard to the technical questions concerning Nagavker, I am leaving that and all other matters of this nature in the capable hands of Dr. Samson R. Weiss, who will be contacting you about them.I will discuss with Dr. Weiss your recommendation that Rabbi Shweika be sent to Bombay as a rabbi. Perhaps you ought to send to Dr. Weiss (who is in constant contact with me) a description in somewhat greater detail of Rabbi Shweika's qualifications as well as the expected remuneration, etc.Thank you once again, and do let me hear from you about Tradition.Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman Lamm
Combating Assimilation Who Is a Jew? India

Correspondence

Letter from Haham Gaon about the Status of the Bene Israel (1961)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I was glad to receive the copy of your letter to Mr. Abraham Jhirad of Bombay. I agree with everything you write. Immediately on the publication of the news that some of our Bnei Israel were not being recognised as Jews in Israel, I cabled to the Chief Rabbinate who assured me that this was not so. They stood by their earlier decision and that was that they leave it to the individual Batei Din to decide on these matters. In the meantime, I have been in touch with Bnei Israel families in London who were very disturbed by the rumours, and I assured them that, as far as our Beth Din, is concerned, they have nothing to worry for themselves or for their children.I think, however, the time has come when perhaps a joint effort should be made by us all in order to urge Israeli Rabbinate to come to a definite solution. The Bnei Israel problem has now become a burning one and almost all the touchstone of good faith, as far as this part of the House of Israel is concerned.I do hope to have the opportunity of seeing you soon and hoping to hear from you on this matter.Yours sincerely,GaonHaham
Combating Assimilation Who Is a Jew? India

Correspondence

Letter from OU to Israeli Rabbinate Chief Rabbi Nissim and Chief Rabbi Unterman on Bene Israel Intermarriage Decision (1961)

Identical wires sent to: Chief Rabbi Nissim, Jerusalem and Chief Rabbi Unterman, Tel Aviv (Wire to be dispatched after nightfall Saturday evening, November 25th.) Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America considers decision concerning Bene Israel marriage admissibility of historic importance. Future generations will be able to evaluate true impact of this decisive psak issued at a time when courageous leadership is of crucial and pivotal consequence. This will have most salutary effect upon isolated Jewish communities everywhere.Moses I. Feuerstein, PresidentRabbi Norman Lamm,Member, Joint Overseas Commission
Combating Assimilation Who Is a Jew? India