Dear Issy: Although I have not yet received an answer to my last letter, I am writing about something very specific because of a report which I received today. I was told that both [redacted] and [redacted] have suddenly left under circumstance which sound rather unusual. The reason for my writing is twofold. One, I am curious to know what really happened and two, if the job is now vacant, and if you personally think it advisable to recommend a candidate, I may be able to do so. I would like to stress that if the situation is still unsettled and hyper-sensitive, then it certainly is not the time to talk about a new Rabbi. I do hope you will keep me informed as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I want you to know that I very very often think of you and your wife and your son Jeffrey. The next time I expect you in New York. My fondest regards to you and all our many mutual friends and best wishes for a Happy and Kosher Passover. Cordially yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Norman, I thought you’d want to have a copy of this latest exchange between me and the “Jo-Burgers.” I don’t know that I can add to my letter, except to say – as if you didn’t know – that it has been a real period of anguished decision.

Dear Norman, Thank you for making me read of the interesting mail between you and the people from the Oxford group. Your frankness in your reply is most commendable. However, I think it would be much kinder not to impose your own inner hesitations upon them. Your next-to-the-last paragraph about not closing the door finally will probably keep them in a state of doubt for a long time. I personally feel it would have been wise to make the visit in December, on the simple grounds that there is nothing like seeing things.But I refer that, and now — whatever you decide may be the best and wisest decision for you and your family.Kindest regards to your wife.Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Norman: I occasionally get regards from you, and the reports are unanimous in praise of your efforts and achievements. I trust that you and your wife are enjoying your life in South Africa and that you are getting a feeling of סיפוק נפש. What brings me to write to you now is a matter of some urgency. I am enclosing a Xerox copy of an article which was published in the Jerusalem Post concerning the Plan that I devised and which was subsequently introduced to the Knesset. The Plan is designed to benefit not only orthodox Jews but secularist Jews as well. It is non-political in nature and takes as its major interest both Shabbat and Klal Yisrael. In several weeks the Knesset will take up the Plan. The probability is that it will be defeated this time, but if we collect enough signatures of people in the Diaspora who look favorably on the Plan, then the next time a Sabbath Srists rocks the country the Plan will be recalled and may be of some use in effecting a reconciliation. The people who are pushing it in the Knesset have asked me urgently to get as many people as possible to sign a telegram to Golda Meir. I enclose, in addition to the Jerusalem Post article, a copy of a letter I have sent to a number of prominent Americans and a copy of the cable going to Golda. A strong expression from people in South Africa who are known to the Israeli Government, i.e., anyone who has achieved prominence in the wider community will go a long way in helping bring the matter to the attention of Golda and to members of the Knesset, to whom I shall be writing and sending a list of the signatories. My most urgent request to you, therefore, is that you speak to prominent people in the country, explain the Plan to them and solicit their consent for a cable to Golda. Now, if you can obtain such consent by a week after Pesach I would request that you call me by phone and give me their names or else cable them into me. When that comes I will simple add them plus the cities of their re…