Letter to R. Ort about Customs (1988)

This letter concerns Rabbi Lamm’s article on the force of custom in Jewish law, published in Beit Yitzchak, Yeshiva University’s student Talmudic journal.

Background Information

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A Philosophy of Halacha that Depends on One Letter (1979)

Nat L is pos. L. (=sovereign's common). *NL = absol, univ'l, timeless. Immanent, ontological. *Euripedis (50 yrs before Plato) – discoverable, no gromulgatis *chtz... Islam: rutabila (NL) vs Ashariga *Hal? some – yes; others – no. (Karaites – yes). 2. יומא – אלה המצות – שאללמלא (פתא דין הוא שיינתב) תודותי – שהשטן משיב עליהם. appar'ly – NL – but Fox: after the fact. Saadia – שכלית/שמעית = NL/PL... 3. Rambam. מהר"ל – כן, אבל מתנגד. פוקסופאור – לא. 4. I: yes: guide 3:17 –

Halachik Method

Halakhic Issues of Modern Times, Part 5: From my Diary - Positions and Answers (1974)

1. For this last lecture…melarge of שאלות I dealt with in my own experience, as example of problems that dimurn, and admit of, Hal solutions. 2. V-C – not all שאלות worthy of repention have (o many that are – no times). Some silly p’s surely in career – a) do photos of over relatives require קבורה? b) woman חשרח. Her favorite color green. But blue eyes. Bury her in green gown or blue one? 3) P in India – how run of haunted house (exorcisms!)

Halachik Method Practical Halacha

Letter to Dr. Feldblum about Maimonides' View of Post-Second Temple Halacha (1970)

Dear Meyer Simcha: I am sorry that I had to leave early this past Sunday, in the midst of the remarks of the third speaker. But I am very pleased, indeed, that I had the opportunity to hear all your remarks in your lecture. I was fascinated by your theory of the Halakhah according to Maimonides, especially the concept that a conscious decision was made at the time of the destruction of the Temple to opt for the unity of the people at the expense of greater flexibility and fluidity in halakhic decision-making. If this theory can be substantiated, I think it will be a most important contribution to the philosophy of Halakhah.As you so rightly implied, the whole discussion is "dangerous," but that is no excuse for failing to confront it squarely even while being circumspect.I strongly urge you to write up your ideas, including both segments, the scholarly-historical, and the contemporary, and publish it. Until you do, I would very much appreciate receiving from you basic references, especially to Maimonides and any modern historians, to allow me my own satisfaction as to the basic validity of the idea.Once again, it was a genuine pleasure hearing you, and I do hope we shall have many opportunities to meet personally.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMM

Halachik Method