It is a pleasure to be with you on this first Annual Chanukah Banquet since my coming to Springfield. All this past year – eleven months – has been a series of “firsts”: first High Holidays, Purim, Simchat Torah, and so forth. This is the last of my “firsts,” for in a very short time I will have completed my first cycle in Kodimoh. Ordinarily, it would be inappropriate to hold a Kodimoh Festival – a purely congregational celebration – on Chanukah. Ein me’arvin simchah be‑simchah – we do not mingle one celebration with another, so as not to detract from either (as with weddings on Chol HaMoed or Purim). But today, both Kodimoh’s personal and Israel’s national Chanukah festivals coincide in essence: Lo va‑chayil ve‑lo va‑koach, ki im be‑ruchi, amar Hashem Tzeva’ot – not by might nor by power, but by My spirit, said the Lord of Hosts. And what is all this, if not a festivity in honor of our purpose, which is the ruach, the spirit of Torah and Judaism. The program of Kodimoh – in its ritual, educational, administrative, and auxiliary aspects – is the story of the implementation of that ruach, that Divine‑like spirituality, in all phases of our congregational life. All that has been done – and all that will be done – is geared to the premise that the primary function of a synagogue is the advancement of ruach Hashem Tzeva’ot, the spirit of Torah in the lives of those whom Kodimoh serves. I have been asked to present, in outline, both a review of the past year and a preview of what we expect in the coming year, God willing. But I shall not make a clean‑cut division between last year and next. At present we are in a state of flux – of continuing activity and progress. A great Hebrew poet once said something that in English would be rendered, “Today by tomorrow will be yesterday.” Let us look upon Kodimoh’s program as a continuous and unbroken implementation of ruach Hashem, the spirit of Torah. In the realm of ritual: High Holidays featured a pre‑Selichot social, reverent…

My dear Dr. Belkin, I have just returned from the Torah Leadership Seminar, held at the Lake House in Woodridge, N. Y. This has given me an opportunity not only to participate, but to observe at first hand the sort of work that is being done by Yeshiva University through its Youth Bureau. I thought you might be interested in some of the observations of one of your "Talmidim". I can only say that it is a pity that such projects were not instituted many years ago. I have already heard from some of the parents of the Springfield children who accompanied me some heart-warming reports about the effect the conclave had upon them. It was a most inspiring experience to notice the deep thirst for Torah and the deep desire for Traditional Judaism that these children evinced.Yoohiva io now taping an *laost unitsitod resource of npower that exists in our country.ut all of thio w uld bo possible if not for the superb direction and highly competent professional guid nee of Abmhan *tern. is talent, his devotion, and his ability to develop eonnetent subordinate•, certainly deserve to bo acknowledged in gratitude by Yeah va cam like synelf, who benefited so ׳uch fioe hin wort• know th t you will oprooUto hearing this kind of re ort about the professional wployoes of Yeshivaonly serves to underscore another feeling th t I have had, that I would now like to orient to you. An th t is, thg crying neor a full time , one which would bo njy orting ith the hope that this suggestion will nerit your ooneidemtloI remainMost respectfully yoursRabbi Kainan Umm

Dear Rabbi Lamm: Al Kleiman has informed me that you would like to know my full position on the Yeshiva campus in relation to the Riverside-Amsterdam project. I am taking the liberty of enclosing herewith photostatic copies of my letters to Mr. Mollen and Dr. Belkin which I hope will clarify this matter. If you wish any further information, I will be pleased to discuss it with you. Cordially yours, Bentley Kassal./Dear Dr. Belkin: It has been called to my attention that my views pertaining to the proposed Riverside-Amsterdam project and the inclusion of Yeshiva University campus in that area may not have been fully understood. I have sent the annexed letter to Chairman Milton Mollen in order to set forth a clarification of my position.If you wish any further clarification as to the above, I shall be pleased to discuss the same with you.Sincerely yours,Bentley Kassal BK\:ejaEnclosure---**BENTLEY KASSAL296 Madison AvenueNew York 17, N.Y.Murray Hill 6-5633****THE ASSEMBLYSTATE OF NEW YORKALBANY****July 11, 1962**Mr. Milton MollenChairmanHousing and Redevelopment Board2 Lafayette StreetNew York 7, N.Y.Dear Mr. Mollen:I am writing this letter in order to fully set forth my views pertaining to the proposed Riverside-Amsterdam project which is located in the 5th Assembly District.I strongly support the necessity for immediate planning for the redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Riverside-Amsterdam Area.The redeveloped and rehabilitated area should be expanded to cover the region running from Central Park West to Riverside Drive.Priority should be given to housing consisting of middle-income and low-income residential units, in a proper ratio and in an amount adequate to serve the needs of the dislocated tenants.Wherever possible, skewed low-income rental units should be added in the middle-income housing.Consistent with the above, I favor and encourage the inclusion of Yeshiva University campus in this area. This campus will not only serve as an additional cultural in…

Dear Mendy: I have not answered your recent form letter concerning a delegation from The Jewish Center at the dedication exercises at the new building, because our president, Mr. Max Stern, is still in the hospital. Although we all know how closely The Jewish Center feels towards the Yeshiva, neither Rabbi Jung nor I feel it is proper to signify an official commitment without Mr. Stern's consent and approval. Best wishes for a "Shanah Tovah," Sincerely,RABBI NORMAN LAMMNL\:ff

Dear Rabbi Ruch, Please forgive the delay of my reply to your letter. I waited until now because I had promised you and Rabbi Kossowsky a definite answer concerning the possibility of coming to Johannesburg sometime in February for the Yeshiva. It is with regret that I must inform you that I shall not be able to free myself, much as I would like to be of service. My program here will not permit me to take even one day off until next summer. I have, therefore, taken the liberty of speaking to Rabbi Norman Lamm, who has been invited by the Board of Jewish Education to visit South Africa and who will arrive on February 3rd. As he told me, the gentleman in charge of his arrangements is Mr. Misheiker.If Yeshiva College were to arrange a big city-wide banquet, he would be delighted to be the guest speaker, provided it is cleared with the Board of Jewish Education and fitted into his schedule.Rabbi Lamm is the Associate Rabbi of The Jewish Center. He is the former Editor of *Tradition*. He is a Professor at Yeshiva University. He stands in the forefront of Orthodox rabbinic leadership, not only because he is an excellent speaker and a man of deep thought but also because of his integrity and great leadership qualifications.As you may recall, I warmly recommended to Mr. Yellin to postpone this lecture tour to February so that the South African Jewish community may have the opportunity to meet and hear Rabbi Lamm, who could not possibly free himself during the time initially set by the Board for this purpose.I do hope that Yeshiva College can arrange such a banquet during the period of Rabbi Lamm's visit.ObservatoryJohannesburg,SOUTH AFRICA

This memorandum has been prepared at the suggestion of Dr. Belkin, pursuant to his discussion with Rabbi Norman Lamm on October 9, 1964. The proposal aims at introducing a special Yeshiva University Academic Program into Camp Morasha, in addition to the regular education scheme which proved so successful last year and which is being revised for even greater achievements this coming season. The plan involves thirty young men, ten of them Semichah students, and twenty JSP students, potential candidates for RIETS.Other than the approximately 2| hours per day set aside for recreational and athletic activities, full time will be devoted to studies.The 20 younger students will receive an intensive course geared to preparing them for RIETS. Hence, the emphasis will be on Talmud, although other material will be included. Two JSP students will be assigned to each Semichah student who will be their ״Big Brother,” training them especially in Gemara. It is hoped that by the end of eight weeks of such concentrated study, they will be about ready to take a full RIETS course, perhaps eventually leading to Semichah.The ten Semichah students would have to come from amongst the very best students in that class. They must be able not only to teach but also to inspire their JSP charges.In addition to the approximately 2j "free hours" mentioned, the Semichah students program is envisioned as follows:(a) teaching the JSP students, as above.(b) assisting in the general educational and guidance program of the camp, not more than one hour per day.(c) continuing their own Talmudic studies.(d) supplementary guidance in extra—Talmudic studies and practical aspects of the Rabbinate. This might include coaching in speech, the opportunity to practice it in camp, and guest lectures on various practical rabbinic and communal problems.A faculty member from RIETS would be in charge of the program.Suitable physical facilities are already available.The cost to the camp for this program would be aoprox…

YU not only institution, also idea and symbol. Synthesis. The modern Orthodox Jew as expression of this educational philosophy. Not a comfortable proposition. Synthesis, living in two worlds at same time, always has concommigant tension. Therefore, never complete success. Tension revealed in famous story of early Rosh Yeshivah, who walking through the then new halls of Yeshiva College one morning greeted other faculty members who passed by: Good morning. Dr. Churgin, Dr. Revel, Dr. Mirsky, Dr. Belkin... then said to an student nearby: "Vos iz dos, a Yeshiva oder a hospital?"Origins: Medieval Spain Yeshiva of Rabbi Reines. Idea of Rav Kook on the sacred and profane having mutual roots in theholy of holies , and function of holy to sanctify profane, and all profane as the not — yet — holy. S.R. Hirsch — as follows, shortly.YU began as high school ( 1886) worked up to thirteen schools plus four high schools (in addition to the present one on tha Pacific Coast); more than 6,660 students, 1200 faculty.But more than double curriculum. Three great ninteenth century interpretations of a principle of Judaism are incorporated in Yeshiva. The principle is from Perek: the study of Torah is beautiful with derekh eretz.S.R. Hirsch — the educational — cultural interpretation.R. Hayyin of Volozhin — the intellectual - metaphysical interpretation.The Hasidic interpretation, which is the practical-existential.S.R.H. — Incorporated in student studying in Yeshiva and at same time, Yeshiva College, Stern College, the high schools.Hayyim of Volozhin — incorporated in Riets, and Kollel.Hasidic, with emphasis on out-going, practical effects of education, in schools such as TIM, TIW, Medical School, Social Work.Emphasize J.S.P. personal stories about Jeff Tillman and his questions about tfillin in afternoon.Thus too: CSD — educational servicing of synagoggues such as educational servicing NCSY youth groups, place rabbis.Has transformed American Judaism. Imagine American Jewry without YU.No…

Dear Rabbi Wein: I spoke to Rabbi Weinbach of Yeshiva University who explained to me why it is not possible to accept [redacted] in the twelfth grade. It is almost inevitable the New York State requirements differ from these in Florida and [redacted] would probably have to make up several courses. In addition, he would have to take the full four year complement of regents examinations in all fields. Obviously, it would be impossible for him to graduate in one year, and it would be unfair to the boy to expose him to this kind of schedule.I sincerely hope that you will be successful in prevailing upon him to come to Yeshiva College the year following.Warmest personal regards,,Cordially yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL/le

Dear Mr. Stern: Now that Armand is married, I feel free in reminding you of something which we have discussed several weeks ago. When I was in St. Louis, I met the family of [redacted], a marvelous young girl, who is very anxious to attend Stern College. You said you would call Dean Vogel and/or Dr. Mirsky about her. Since she has not yet heard from the school, it would be deeply appreciated by the family were you to remind them about it.Cordially yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL/le

Dear Moe: In response to your request concerning the Japanese professor, I can speak only of what I have heard and read. Apparently, he was quite heroic during the war in helping the Jews, and his conversion to Judaism is genuine and authentic. I read his book recounting his experiences, and it is in many ways unusual and also naive. It appears he does not really know the difference between Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox, but his heart is in the right place. I do not know how much strength he can add to the Orthodox community, but I would seriously begrudge the benefits that would accrue to the other camps were they to have the foresight to employ him in their institution.It might, come to think of it, be a splendid idea to have him initiate a Far-Eastern Department at Yeshiva University. This might include not only Japanese and Chinese language and literature but also the study of ancient Jewish community in Asia Including the Bene Israel of India.You looked very tired when I saw you at the wedding of Max Stern’s son. I hope that you and Shirley are feeling well, and will have a pleasant summer. Mindy and I would love to see the two of you in Camp Morasha this summer again.Cordially yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL/le