Dear Mr. Feuerstein, Allow me to address these few lines to you after a considerable lapse of time though correspondence exchanged between Dr. Weiss and myself must have been viewed by you. Rabbi Norman Lamm, the magnificent orator, has done a marvellous job to strengthen the U.O.J.C.I., and the extensive plan he has chalked out with the Jt. Hon. Secretary Mr. A.D. Jhirad will be put into effect as soon as he is able to assume office of the Executive Director.Rabbi Lamm was literally put through the mill with a very tight programme. However he was able to study at close quarters the situation obtaining here. We were also very lucky to have Mr. Max Stern at the meeting of the Executive and he too has been apprised of the difficulties and problems facing the U.O.J.C.I.The gist of sermons delivered by Rabbi Lamm at various institutions is being published in the issue of "Mebasser", copies of which will be posted as soon as ready.Rabbi Lamm was much perturbed to see the conditions of Jews in the villages, and especially the dilapidated and pitiable condition of the two very old Synagogues of Pen and Panvel. He was kind enough to assure the Congregations that he would try and interest some congregations in America to come to their rescue. Principally, salaries of two Hazanim, who will also teach Hebrew and religion to the local children and those of the surrounding villages, are to be arranged.Incidentally, I may bring to your kind notice that both these synagogues need repairs and whitewash. The approximate cost is estimated at Rs 1,500/- to Rs 2,000/-. If any kind donor or institution could come forward to help these institutions, through the U.0.J.C.I., we shall be greatly obliged.A copy of the balance sheet approved at the meeting of the Executive held on 1st February 1961 together with the minutes will be forwarded to you separately.I have also to inform you that a few women met together on 86th February 1961 And decided to form a Women’s Branch of the U.O.J.C.I. A…

Dear Moe: I have already seen the letter from Penkar to which you refer. At the meeting of the Overseas Commission last Thursday night, we decided to make good on my promise to the towns of Pen and Panvel that we would sponsor the salary of a cantor-teacher full-time for each congregation at the magnanimous sum of $250.00 per year for each. Insofar as the repairs and whitewashing of the building, I think that can wait until more important matters are disposed of. We may tell them that we are ״considering" it.The "sermon" suggestion by Penkar is something that I have heard all over India. They are vary anxious to hear, see and read sermons by American rabbis. I would suggest that we give them the R.C.A. Manual and ask them to choose what they wish for dissemination. The trouble is, however, that a good deal of the material contained therein, in addition to not always being first rate, is not necessarily relevant to the condition and temperament of Indian Jewry.A number of people have expressed a desire to have movies of a rabbi delivering the talk at the same time that a sound track projects his voice. They impressed upon me time and again the fact that this will make the teaching of Torah more real to them.Sorry, you were ill for our last meeting. I do hope you are feeling better now.Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Norman: I have read with interest copies of the letters which you sent me dated March 23rd – one from Robin Gilbert of the JDC and the other from A. Menasseh. A familiar pattern is emerging here. We are being enmeshed in the gibberish of JDC channels. The only logical outcome must be the elimination of the Orthodox community from the distribution of JDC funds. Certainly, the Orthodox can only expect to be a very small minority in the JDC set-up. There are two alternatives: (1) The setting up of a welfare association within the orthodox community. Regardless of how small, this will entitle the orthodox community to representation, according to the gibberish of JDC channels. Menasseh can be instructed to organize the committee immediately, giving it the gibberish name that makes it mandatory for the JDC to include them.(2) The assumption of leadership of the welfare agencies by orthodox people, such as occurs rarely. The only example in the Western community I know of is Antwerp, in part. This does not seem possible for India, according to my limited knowledge of the situation.It is important that we crystalize our thinking very quickly before the JDC operation in India assumes too much precedence and formality. Please let me have your thoughts on the matter.With kindest personal regards, I remainSincerely yours,Moses I. Feuerstein

Dear Moe: I am acknowledging receipt of your two most recent letters, the first a reminder about the J.D.C. in India and the second a request for someone to represent the Union in the U.N. committee. Let me say first of all that if the United States missile program were as well-scheduled as your missive program that we might be getting someplace in international rocketry. Now, concerning the J.D.C. – whatever can possibly be done from America has already been done. I have been corresponding with Gilbert, the J.D.C. man, Manasseh, our president, and Jhirad, our executive director. Whatever other pressures can be put on J.D.C. to work along with us will have to wait until Rabbi Jung’s return sometimes next week.With regard to the U.N, committee, I am not quite sure what is needed, nor why a man of financial means is necessary for this task. Perhaps you will be able to explain to me when we meet.Mr. Moses FeuersteinMay 9, 1961We still have not set a date to meet with Max Stern.With best regards.Sincerely,Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Norman, I read with great interest your letter of May 25th which covers the situation that is so sensitive. The remaining correspondence, which has been forwarded to me, indicates a situation that will require continuing attention and I am most appreciative, personally as well as on behalf of the officers and directors of the Union, for the time and effort which you are able to give to this very important area.There was a reference to cemeteries which I did not understand because part of a letter was deleted. If this is of any importance, I shall appreciate some information from you in this regard.The importance of getting a part-time man for this work is greater than ever. I am sure you are giving this careful consideration.With kindest personal regards, I remainSincerely yours,Moses I. FeuersteinMIF / eocRabbi Norman LammThe Jewish Center 131 West 86th Street New York, New York

Dear Moe: I quite agree with your letter to Michael Hochstein about your criticism of the "Yavneh Review," I had voiced similar comments to the Assistant Editor when I saw the magazine. Nevertheless, it holds promise if the editors will accept guidance. Thank you for your warm comments with regard to my India correspondence. The reference to cemeteries is a Halakhic question which I have asked Dr. Weiss to look into and which I hope we shall then discuss and inform Bombay of the Pesak. I have given the problem of a part-time man careful consideration, but before I can propose any candidates I must have some idea of the funds available. Can you enlighten me?Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Norman, I have your letter of June 23rd addressed to Rabbi Zev Gotthold. Rabbi Kahaneman of the Ponovizh Yeshiva may still be in America. I would suggest you contact him immediately, in my name, and assign to him the responsibility to get the results. If he has gone, would you please write to him, in my name, in a similar vein. This is in reference to the responsa you are awaiting from Rabbi Rozovsky. With kindest personal regards, I remainSincerely yours,Moses I. FeuersteinMIF/eocRabbi Norman LammThe Jewish Center 131 West 86th Street New York, New York

Dear Moe: Concerning the [redacted] fiasco, I had spoken to Rabbi Kahaneman at least twice. I very much fear that the situation is beyond his control at this point. Rabbi [redacted] has already agreed to the "Heter." The problem is the circumstances under which this was done. I think that Dr. Weiss can enlighten you more in the discouraging aspects of the case. Sincerely, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Rabbi, Your Berakha for the New Year shall go a long way in giving me courage and strength to work hard for the noble cause of strengthening authentic Judaism in the ancient Jewish community of India. By the grace of the Almighty, we received most valuable guidance from you in a number of our problems – religious and otherwise – and we feel confident we shall receive the same עד עולם. Together with my letter of June 25, 1961, I had forwarded copies of my letters to Dr. Weiss and Dr. Tartakower, with regards to the deputation of an Israel Rabbi to India. It appears from Dr. Tartakower's letter of October 20, 1961 (copy enclosed) that possibly no correspondence was entered into by the UOJCA with Rabbi Nissim on this issue. As a matter of fact, I was under the impression that you or Dr. Weiss would probably discuss this business with Rabbi Nissim during your visit to Israel for the conference. As you know, if the UOJCA is to be on a sounder religious footing, the presence of a Rabbi is most necessary. Dr. Weiss, I understand, is on a tour and all matters are now being handled by Mr. Feuerstein. Could you kindly request Mr. Feuerstein to move the Overseas Commission to consider whether it will be feasible for them to accept Rabbi Nissim's offer? I am sure the Jewish Agency in Israel would be prepared to share the expenditure with the UOJCA. (A copy of my letter to Mr. Feuerstein is enclosed).We have had no word from Rabbi Gotthold, but I am given to understand by Samuel's father that Samuel is now admitted to the Yeshiva with effect from August 1, 1961 for the regular course. The Tefillin (money for which Mr. Max Stern so kindly procured from his friend) are not yet received, and there is absolutely no news about them.I am also awaiting the decision of the Overseas Commission with regards to the Hebrew and Religion classes we have started and we propose to start.Mebasser’s October issue also could not be published for lack of funds.Mr. Penkar has submitted a schem…

Dear Rabbi Itamar: Please excuse me for not answering earlier your communication containing the text of the Chief Rabbinate's decision concerning the Bene Israel. The information you provided was of considerable help in our deliberations here in New York. We would like to do all that is within our power to help in this situation. We are meeting shortly in order to plan our approach. However, I am personally confused by the conflicting reports that issue from Israeli journals and newspapers. Is the decision of the Rabbinate final? And if so, why have no instructions been passed on to the individual Rabbis in the country? Is there a possibility that right wing opposition will nulify the "Heter"?Furthermore, in connection with the inner-workings of the interested parties of Jerusalem, could you pass on to me some confidential information? I am particularly interested in the following: what role is being played by Tartakower? Has there been any political interference and, if so, what is its nature and intensity?I realize that these are delicate questions, but I will promise , if you so indicate in your report, I will keep the answers confidential and not disclose them to anyone except our very close circle who will similarly be interested to treat the information as completely secret. With very best wishes,Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL:ffCC: Dr. Weiss Mr. M. Feuerstein Rabbi JungLtr sent to Dr. Weiss to copy and return