Dear Bernie, I have just finished reading Rabbi Lamm’s articles and found them most fascinating and most worthy of publication. The articles appear to fall into two categories. The first, exemplified by "Study and Prayer" and "Religion and Morality," deal with broader topics and reflect deeper scholarship. The second, represented by the articles in Chavrusa and the one on mixed seating, are more topical and restricted. Because of this evident distinction, Rabbi Lamm might wish to publish a volume containing only the first type of essay; I would advise him to do so.I would welcome any book from Rabbi Lamm because I admire his writing and happen to find myself at home with much of his philosophy.My suggestion is based on the strong possibility that critics might carp at any admixture of the two types of articles.If I can be of any further help in this matter, kindly let me know.With every good wish,Sincerely,Martin A. CohenLet's meet and discuss this, Bernie

Dear Bernie: I just noticed the ad that you and your firm placed in the recent Hadoar, congratulating me upon my election to the presidency of Yeshiva. I am grateful to you for it, and hope that I will some day deserve the accolades you have bestowed upon me. Cordially yours, Norman Lamm NL

Dear Colleague, Congratulations! Your book, The Religious Thought of Hasidism by Norman Lamm, has been selected as a finalist for the 1999 National Jewish Book Awards in the category of Thought. To be chosen as a finalist, a book must meet the rigorous standards established by our judges. For readers and vendors alike, this distinction will forever set your book apart from others on the shelf. The Jewish Book Council offers official 1999 National Jewish Book Award Finalist seals that you may purchase for promotional purposes. These seals may be ordered in packets of 1,000 for fifty dollars. Please contact our office by phone or fax for more information. Winners for the 1999 National Jewish Book Awards will be announced on February 22, 2000. The official ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2000 at the 92nd Street Y. All finalists are encouraged to attend. We thank you for participating in the 1999 National Jewish Book Awards competition and helping us promote quality books of Jewish content. Again, congratulations on your success and good luck in the final round! Sincerely, Dr. Paul A. Flexner Chairperson, National Jewish Book Awards

Dear Mr. Scharfstein, Thank you very much for writing. I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner. I wanted to wait until I had read the two volumes and decided on precisely how to incorporate them into my classes. In my survey of modern Jewish history, I have always included units on Musar, Hasidism (using Rabbi Lamm's source book), Hungarian Ultra-Orthodoxy, and Neo-Orthodoxy. This coming semester, I have decided to expand my discussion of Orthodox movements and to include a unit on Lithuanian Torah methodology (using Rabbi Lamm's book on Rav Hayyim of Volozhin) and a unit on contemporary Modem Orthodoxy. I want my students to read the sections on The Community, Modern Orthodoxy, Education, and Israel and Zionism. I believe that Rabbi Lamm’s new book is essential reading for any student or lay person who seeks to understand the ideological underpinnings of Modem Orthodoxy. I will urge all of my students to purchase their own copy of the book.Best wishes.Zvi Kaplan