Dear Friend, The N. Y. Times recently had a notice about the trial of Yosif Dolnik in Moscow. Past experience has shown that a trial of this nature is symptomatic of a period of troubles for Soviet Jewry. Evidence to this effect has been coming in for some time. Several responses to the Soviet Jewry tragedy are possible: Arousing community opinion at the local level as suggested in the enclosed material and the dispatch of packages. Above all, it has now been proven beyond doubt that our public expression of concern, leading to a major mobilization of public opinion throughout the nation is the foundation for a successful action for Soviet Jewry.One important means to this end is the publication of large ads in the N. Y. Times and Washington Post. The texts are now being prepared for insertion during Passover. Though time is indeed short, we are turning to you for immediate and generous financial assistance – within the next ten days, if at all possible. Checks should be made out to the Center For Russian Jewry and the names of signatories appended.(Rabbi) Norman Lamm(Professor) Michael Wyschogrod

Dear Norman: I am writing in response to your request of April 1, 1988 for comments about “Centrist Orthodoxy: Agenda and Vision, Self-Definition, and Self-Evaluation,” which you plan to publish in booklet form. I read the piece and the earlier press accounts with great interest. What you are articulating is of great importance. “Sane” or “moderate” Orthodoxy has been silent for too long, leaving the impression that it has nothing to say or that it secretly admires anti-modern Orthodoxy but does not have the courage of its convictions. The truth is that we believe moderate Orthodoxy to be the form of Judaism most pleasing to God. I therefore strongly support the enterprise of making clear what we believe. A booklet setting forth your views would be a good beginning, but even better would be something similar to which the RCA and the Union could subscribe, making it a manifesto of a movement rather than the opinion of one man. If this is not possible, then your statement alone is far better than nothing, especially as President of Yeshiva University. On the whole, I agree with your thrust, though I have specific comments. The term “Centrist Orthodoxy” is problematic. If there is little or nothing to the left of it, then the term is disingenuous and avoids the word “modern,” which I would retain. You rightly distinguish Orthodoxy from non-Orthodoxy on the basis of halakhah, but in so doing you imply that halakhah is the essence of Judaism. I disagree: halakhah is essential, but the essence is covenantal relationship with God. I have reservations about the “lighthouse” story, which seems too sermonic for a serious essay. I also find your distinction between “validity” and “legitimacy” tortured; it suffices to say that we disagree with non-Orthodox interpretations but love and respect all Jews. I am especially hard-line on conversion, which should be emphasized as the greatest danger to Jewish unity. I would be cautious in distinguishing heart from mind biblically, sin…