Dear Rabbi Lamm: I enclose herewith “fresh from the press” a copy of the new Haggadah with Russian translation which we issued for “the American and Canadian tourists in Russia.” I am mailing several packages to the various communities in Russia and I am also sending it with tourists who are going to visit Russia before Pesach. This is the first time since Communism came into power that such a Haggadah is issued. May the Almighty grant that we witness soon the redemption of Klal Yisroel. With kindest personal regards and best wishes for chag kasher v’sameach, I remain with Torah greetings, Sincerely, Rabbi Pinchas M. Teitz

Dear Dr. Gertz: I must confess to you my disappointment in the development of the Russian Jewry project. It started with so much promise and enthusiasm, that my frustration now is all the greater. If you recall, I promised to help in the project, provided that there would be someone to take the leadership in this country, and that there would be genuine coordination and further progress on the Israeli side. Neither of these has eventuated. I have personally raised, in my own congregation and from few friends in the vicinity over $7,000, most of which I have now sent to Rabbi Kalman for his purposes under the arrangement. All I have seen is a big public announcement by Agudah, Young Israel, etc. Yet, we specifically agreed that funds were to be coordinated both in fundraising and in expenditures. Now from all reports reaching me from Israel, our group remains a paper organization, and everyone is off on his own little campaign. Under such circumstances, I would rather contribute what little I can to a smaller group whose activities I am acquainted than to a larger group which seems incohesive and therefore ineffective, despite the great note of significance it has. I hope, Dr. Gertz, that you will not fault me for being overly frank. I am long in the Orthodox Jewish community, and I have experienced this malady. We Orthodox Jews seem to have a knack for confronting historic challenges with our heads in the ground. I do not wish to indulge myself before one who I know is sensitive to this malady, but perhaps something can eventually be achieved before it is too late. My best wishes for a happy Pesach.Cordially,Rabbi Norman Lamm