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Correspondence

Sep. 18, 1961

Letter to R. Rabinowitz about American Orthodox Relations with Israel (1961)

Orthodoxy & Other Denominations Zionism South Africa
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Exchange with R. Louis Rabinowitz about Heterodoxy in South Africa and Community Leadership (1963)

My dear Rabbi Lamm, It was good to hear from you, and I am pleased to tell you that all is well with us. I knew from the South African Jewish Press that you had accepted an invitation to visit the country on behalf of the S.A. Board of Jewish Education, and I was delighted at the information. But let me say that if you regret that I am not in my old post, I regret much more that you are not there in that post! I think that after your visit you will agree with me that it was “no mean Rabbinate.” With regard to any information which I may be able to give you, I do so on the distinct understanding and condition that what I write is strictly confidential between two colleagues, and under no circumstances may it be divulged. I know that I can rely upon you in that regard. There are only two matters which I think you ought to know, the one belonging to the Educational sphere, the other to the Communal-Religious. The Director of the Board of Education is a dedicated individual. His enthusiasm, sincerity and probity are beyond question. However, from our point of view his views may be considered somewhat heterodox. If I could classify him I would put him into the Zechariah Frankel class. Not quite Conservative. This is reflected in the atmosphere of the Schools, the outstandingly fine Jewish Day Schools. Torah and Mitzvoth, though not played in their context to be relegated to Keren Kayemeth emotion play little part. As a result of his views, not less than his academic qualifications, I predict with continually remarkable suggestion by an underling of his that it may create distress shortly after my departure if this individual is conferred a formal Semicha, though not as it would add to the prestige of his office. To my great distress, shortly after my departure the employee was granted the title “Rabbi” upon the employer. I must say that I am down in my estimation as a result. He has never revealed the source of his “Semicha” but merely began to assume the title and the…
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Letter to Moses Feuerstein about Israel's Reform Movement (1963)

Dear Moe: I know how busy you are, especially with all the recent unfortunate developments in your family. Nevertheless, I am sending you enclosed the most recent copy of the CCAR Journal, and suggest that you read carefully the very first article on Reform Judaism in Israel. Especially notice the underlined parts. I think it is important for someone in your position to be aware of the kind of secret activity currently being conducted by the reformed group. Fondest regards.Cordially yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNLsf
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Letter to H.S. Liebgott about Representing Torah Judaism in South Africa (1964)

Dear Mr. Liebgott: Now that I have begun to return to my usual routine here in New York, I want to let you know how deeply grateful I am to you for the friendship you have shown me during my stay in Africa, as well as for acting in the role of "shadchan" and thereby being instrumental in effecting my visit. It is obvious to anyone who bothers to acquaint himself with the situation in South Africa that you are indeed a key man in keeping the cause of Torah alive in this wonderful Jewish community. I must express to you my admiration for the fact that you have so vividly and genuinely fulfilled the maxim of our Rabbis, that "where there are no men, you must try to be a man." I know and trust that with your discretion and good sense, you will continue to pursue the causes that unite us with a great deal of zeal and dedication, together with those others who are, as I mentioned to you, the true "neturei Karta" -- the guardians of the walls of Judaism. Meanwhile, I have been in contact with Rabbi Rosenfeld about your request to recommend possible substitutes for Prof. Edar. As soon as I shall have an opportunity, if Rabbi Rosenfeld consents to release his Australian contacts, I shall mail it on to you. If there is anything I can do for you from afar, please do not hesitate to call upon me. Finally, please convey my very best wishes to Mrs. Liebgott and to your daughter, and please give my very best to all our friends in Johannesburg. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
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