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Correspondence

Dec. 10, 1963

Letter to Senator Javits about His Contribution to Springfield Hebrew Day School (1963)

Jewish Education Kehillat Kodimoh
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Exchange with Isaac Koenigsberg about Senator Javits' Contribution to Springfield Hebrew Day School (1963)

Dear Mr. Koenigsberg: After having troubled you with the request of the Springfield Hebrew Day School of Springfield, Mass. to approach Senator Javits, and after having shared with you some of the initially unpleasant reactions by people associated with the Senator, I think it no more than right to inform you of good news as well. Senator Javits spoke at the Day School Dinner this past Sunday night and spoke very well indeed. His presence helped make it the most successful dinner in the school's history. In addition, he had the good sense and graciousness to add some very warm words about the Day School movement In general and about the local school in particular, he publicly pleaded with his audience to follow his example – he was going to mail in a "small check" to the Springfield Hebrew Day School. I know that whether the check is small or big, it is through your influence and assistance that this gesture was achieved. Let me, therefore, on behalf of all my dear friends of the Springfield School extend to you our most grateful appreciation for your co-operation.Si neerely,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNL!ff
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Correspondence

Letter to R. Jakobovits about Fee for Senator Javits' Speech at Springfield Hebrew Day School Dinner (1963)

Dear Rabbi Jakobovits: I am turning to you with a request to speak to our mutual friend Mr. Max Kettner to secure his assistance in a most important matter. For five years, during my Rabbinate in Springfield, Mass., I was extremely active in supporting the local Yeshiva, the Springfield Hebrew Day School. It was with great difficulty that we managed to keep the school alive, and the entire community benefited greatly by the results. This past summer the situation was so critical in Springfield that a decision was made to close the school. After considerable prodding by Torah Umesorah, and a number of calls and visits by me, we convinced the people in Springfield to make one more great effort this year to continue the school. The leadership of the institution has passed to a group of young, dedicated, but inexperienced people. They have settled their hopes for solving their financial crisis on arranging a community wide "Bar Mitzvah" Annual Dinner, at which a guest speaker of national standing would be the drawing card. They feel that if this can be successful, they may be able to save the school, and with it the possibility of keeping Springfield Jewry within the fold. To this end, they have invited Senator Javits to be the main speaker. They conjectured, correctly I believe, that he would be the right person to help win new adherents for the Day School. However, after inviting the Senator to appear on Sunday night December 1st, they were overwhelmed by the fee stipulated $1500. The school works on such a tight budget, the deficit is so heavy, the people who are involved have taxed themselves so far beyond their capacity, that this kind of fee may very well be the straw that threatens to break the camel's back. I know that Senator Javits occasionally offers his service gratis I believe on behalf of the Philanthropy League of New York. Now, the Day School people have no intention of asking Senator Javits to appear without a fee. However, if he could see his way clea…
Jewish Education Kehillat Kodimoh

Correspondence

Letter to Max Kettner about His Contribution to Springfield Hebrew Day School (1963)

Dear Mr. Kettner: After having imposed upon you some weeks ago in the matter of approaching Senator Javits about his appearance at the Springfield Hebrew Day School in Springfield, Mass., I am most pleased to report go you that the mission was successful. The Senator did in fact appear at the Annual Banquet of the school on December 1st, and his address was extremaly well received, He ‘]very thoughtfully encouraged his listeners to make contributions to the school, and added thet he was going to do the same. In fact, several days later a check of $500.00 was received from Senator Javits. I want you to know how grateful I personally am to you for your cooperation and your assistance, and I want to convey to you the very same sentiments on behalf of the leaders of the school in Springfield. I hope you have many many opportuni ties for many years to come to perforn such "mitzvot" on behalf of Torah and Israel. Warmest’ personal regards to Mrs. Kettner. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm
Jewish Education Kehillat Kodimoh