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Correspondence

Apr. 30, 1970

Letter to R. Karasick about the Exodus March and Fundraising for Soviet Jewry (1970)

Soviet Jewry
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Letter to Rabbinic Colleagues Soliciting Support for Exodus March (1970)

Dear Colleague: In the recent issue of Shedemot, published by the Kibbutz movement, there appears a paraphrase of the Yom Kippur confessional, dedicated to the Six Million. One of the verses reads: על חטא שחטאנו לפניך ולפניהם בחבוק ידים – for the sin of folded arms. This is something which, as Rabbis, we cannot let our people forget. As much as we American Jews did, we didn’t do nearly enough. While the Holocaust raged, too many of us sat by be’chibbuk yadayim, with folded arms. The reason for my writing to you now is to solicit your help in avoiding a repetition of this immoral inaction with regard to Soviet Jewry. Now that so many of them risk life and limb talking out, we must do no less.On behalf of the New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, I therefore respectfully ask your cooperation on the following two matters:(1) Alert your congregation (including your high school and college groups) to the EXODUS MARCH planned for April 26th at noon. Details on this demonstration will be forthcoming shortly. We want Greater New York Jewry to come out in the tens of thousands. We hope you will personally be pre-sent at the head of a group from your synagogue.(2) We urgently need funds to finance this EXODUS MARCH to ensure maximum publicity and thus the greatest possible effect. I therefore ask of you to obtain for this demonstration the sum of $100 either from your Pulpit Fund or congregation or interested individuals.I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important both these requests are.I plead with you to "lend a hand" -- not chibbuk yadgylm.Very cordially yours.RABBI NORMAN LAMMP.S. Your check should be made out to
Soviet Jewry

Correspondence

Letter to Rabbinic Colleagues Requesting Support for Exodus March (1970)

Dear Colleague: In the recent issue of Shedemot, published by the Kibbutz movement, there appears a paraphrase of the Yom Kippur confessional dedicated to the Six Million. One of the verses reads: על חטא שחטאנו לפניך ולפניהם, בחיבוק ידים – for the sin of folded arms. This is something which, as rabbis, we cannot let our people forget. As much as we American Jews did, we didn’t do nearly enough. While the Holocaust raged, too many of us sat by be’chibbuk yadayim – with folded arms.The reason for my writing to you now is to solicit your help in avoiding a repetition of this immoral inaction with regard to Soviet Jewry. Now that so many of them risk life and limb speaking out, we must do no less.On behalf of the New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, I therefore respectfully ask your cooperation on the following two matters:(1) Alert your congregation (including your high school and college groups) to the EXODUS MARCH planned for April 26th at noon. Details on this demonstration will be forthcoming shortly. We want Greater New York Jewry to come out in the tens of thousands. We hope you will personally be present at the head of a group from your synagogue.(2) We urgently need funds to finance this EXODUS MARCH to ensure maximum publicity and thus the greatest possible effect. I therefore ask of you to obtain for this demonstration the sum of \$100 either from your Pulpit Fund or congregation or interested individuals.I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important both these requests are.I plead with you to "lend a hand" — not chibbuk yadayim.P.S. Your check should be made out to New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, and should be mailed to David Geller, Coordinator – New York Conference on Soviet Jewry – 165 East 56 Street, New York, N.Y. 10022.For additional information, telephone PL 1-4000, Ext. 408.
Soviet Jewry

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Letter to R. Kowalsky about Fundraising for Emigration of Russian Jew (1971)

Dear Rabbi Kowalsky: It has come to my attention that there is a Jew in Russia, a very dear friend of a dear friend of mine, who is seeking to emigrate. According to the new regulations, he needs a great deal of money to buy his way out. He is himself a Hasidic Jew, most pious, and a descendent of a long line of great rabbis. I would therefore, very much appreciate it if you would arrange to send a package to: [redacted]. Please do me the kindness of informing me that this was taken care of. Cordinally yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
Soviet Jewry