Dear Senator Orhenstein: I tried calling you today, but you were busy and I had to leave; hence this letter. It has come to my attention that the Senate Committee on Mental Hygiene, of which you are Chairman, is holding a public hearing on Narcotics in New York State this Saturday, April 24th. I had been under the impression, and still am, that, out of deference to the religious sensitivities of the citizens of the state, public hearings are not held on major religious holidays. Reference to any Jewish calendar will reveal the fact that Saturday, April 24th, is the eighth and last day of Passover, and is hence a major festival for Judaism.I am sure that this must have been an oversight on your part in scheduling the hearing for that date. I do hope that all public hearings scheduled for the future will be so arranged as not to conflict with major festivals of any of the major faiths.If I can be of any assistance in clearing such matters, I will be glad to offer my services.Sincerely yours,NLirfRABBI NORMAN LAMM

Dear Rabbi Lamm: This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter with regard to the recent hearings held by the Senate Committee on Mental Hygiene. I'm extremely sorry that these hearings were held in conflict with the end of the Passover Holidays. We had originally planned to hold them on a weekday. However, due to the abnormal length of the Legislative Session, a Saturday had to be selected. I assure you that at the time the date of April 24 was chosen, we had overlooked that this was the end of the Passover Holidays. Certainly, if we had been cognizant of the fact, we would have chosen another date.Thank you again for writing us and calling this to our attention.Sincerely,