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

Dear Yitz, First of all, let me wish your family and you a Kosher Pesach together with our hope that all the good wishes and expectations of the Haggadah will be fulfilled for all Jews soon. Then, as I am preparing for another meeting of the Mixed Marriage Committee, let me thank you and your colleagues once again for that most stimulating and enriching session in New York, which left a deep impression on all of us. The Committee has asked me to request of you, if at all possible, to ask two or three of you to write brief statements which we might include in a packet of material to be sent to the members of the Central Conference before our Annual Meeting in June. I would need this material not later than April 20. Please let me know whether I can count on something from you and one or two others. Lotte joins me in sending your family and you our best wishes. Shalom, Herman E. Schaalman, Rabbi