Almighty G-d: We are assembled here to install the new officers of the J.W.V. And we do so not only with joy, but also with the awareness of responsibility; not only with confidence but also with prayer. We invoke Thy blessings over this assembly - its distinguished guests, its membership, the old administration and the new officers they and their families. For their purpose is worthy, their cause noble and their goals lofty. These are men who have tasted of the bitterness of war and who have learned to detest it; who nave seen the suffering of strife and are therefore pledged to pursue peace.As loyal Americans and devoted Jews, they respond to a call common to both their nation and their faith, their country and their culture. They know that with the pursuit of peace must come the love of fellowmen and the ideal of liberty for all people; rest for the weary, food for the hungry, safety for the persecuted, and a haven for the homeless. Their goal is the preservation of rights for 811 men, granted by Thee, 0 g-d, and secured by our Constitution.Do Thou therefore bless them in all their endeavors, and give of Thy Divine guidance to these new officers. Help them help us to bring about the dawn of a new day when peace will be both universal and eternal, so that in the future there will never be veterans of wars, for "nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."Amen.

Rabbi Jung is to be warmly applauded for focusing public attention upon the "myth of an Orthodox majority in the United States.” In their enthusiasm to catch up with the twentieth century in public relations techniques, some Orthodox organizations have all but outdone themselves. The mighty pronouncements on the numerical strength of Orthodoxy sometimes come uncomfortably close to the thin borderline separating "public relations” from "propaganda.” The illusion created is " pernicious,” as Rabbi Jung puts it, not only because it is "unjustified by the circumstances,” but also because of the effect of this illusory optimism upon those who dwell so complacently in the great metropolitan ghettos and then are suddenly and unexpectedly faced with the harsh realities of the religious complexion of American Jewry. The disappointment can have personal cataclysmic consequences. Nevertheless, there is an equal danger in a counter-myth that has been taking root more recently. It is the myth of despair, a sense of yei’iish which is as morosely blind to the bright spots on the Jewish scene as the first myth is oblivious to the shadows. There is a sense of impending doom that often overtakes those of the older generation whose nostalgic memories of die alte heim make America look pale by comparison. Worse still is the phenomenon of the unthinking "official” who in public proclaims the extravagant "myth of the Orthodox majority” and privately yields to the unintelligent myth of despair. What should be our approach? How are we to steer an even course between these two extremes? First, we must remember that mythology is no substitute for truth, and "public relations” releases do not change cruel facts. Secondly, we must recall certain data from Jewish history which will act as correctives to the sense of hopelessness that often affects minority groups that perhaps have known better days. And these facts will prove to us that loyal, authentic, genuine Jews ("Orthodox” Jews of all ag…

Dear Max: In his last letter to me before leaving for Europe, David mentioned the lectureship sponsored by the East Bay Synagogue Council. We have given this matter a great deal of thought. We have recognized the unique opportunity and the tremendous challenge that will await any person who will appear in such a setting as a spokesman for Orthodoxy. In our deliberations, we have taken into careful consideration the spirit and tone of the community, as well.Accordingly, we have come to the conclusion that we would be better serving the interests of Orthodox in general and the traditional Jewish community of the East Bay Area if we were to select someone for substance rather than merely title.We are most pleased, therefore, to recommend to you the name of Rabbi Norman Lamm of New York City. I think you will find the attached biographical sketch of Rabbi Lamm fairly comprehensive. I want to add a little bit to the profile. Rabbi Lamm is one of the most promising young rabbis to be graduated in the United States in the last fifteen years. He is universally recognized in orthodoxy rabbinic circles as a shining young luminary on the intellectual horizon in America. He is blessed with a keen intellect, a remarkably facile pen ana the important gift of presenting Torah Judaism with clarity and warmth.On the personal level, Rabbi Lamm is a young man of great personal charm and grace. Knowing him as a fellow classmate through our school years, I unhesitatingly recommend him as an admirably qualified candidate for the lectureship. If invited, he will do honor to you and to us and to Torah Judaism.If you want to be in touch with Rabbi Lamm directly, you may reach him at the address indicated on his profile or through our office.With all good wishes to you and to Mrs. Brown, I amVery cordially yours,Victor B. GellerField Director

Dear David: I suggest you read the article by Rabbi Soleveltchik in the latest issue of "Hadoar." It will explain a number of things that were disturbing you (and me), especially the "conversion.״ Regards. Cordially, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Sirs: My permanent address is 27 West 86th Street. However, during the summer months I shall be away from the city. From June 29 to August 28, I would like to have any mail that is directed to me at the above address forwarded to Camp Star Lake, Duane, New York. Thank you very much. Sincerely yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm

Dear Mr. Butler: It has been arranged for Rabbi Lamm to address the Hillel Men's Club in Pittsburgh on Monday, May 29. We do not have any cuts, but are enclosing biographical summary and two glossy photographs of Rabbi Lamm to help you in publicizing the meeting and Rabbi Lamm's lecture. Sincerely, Secretary to Rabbi Lamm

Dear Dr. Brayer: My regrets for the fact that the invitation to the Festschrift was the first one you had received. Even Rabbis are fallible. The subject you project for your article for the book sounds very good. I look forward to reading it most eagerly. This is to ackowledge receipt of your report on [redacted]. I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have received this kind of report. I feel it will help me immeasurably in guiding him when such guidance will be requested of me.With all good wishes,Sincerely yours,Rabbi Norman LammNL:ff

Dear Rabbi Lamm, Has the Festschrift to Rabbi Jung come out yet? I have not seen it anywhere. Also, it is difficult to suppress one’s curiosity why you have resigned from Tradition. With kind regards and best wishes, Sincerely, Eliezer Berkovits

Dear Lenny: The enclosed is an unusual jacket design that impressed me immensely. It was done by Satenstein, the man who originally did tradition for me. Would you be interested in something of this sort for our Festschrift? I just received your manuscript, for which I, mankind, and all others have been waiting so long. I hope to look into it in the near future. Sincerely yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm.

Dear Stanley: I shall try to accommodate you by sending you the manuscript of my address to the convention. However, I am facing a delicate problem. I have already revised the talk into article form and submitted it to a Festschrift volume in honor of Rabbi Leo Jung scheduled to appear later in the year. I do not know if this will create an insoluble conflict. If you still think that under the circumstances you want my manuscript, please be kind enough to notify me as soon as possible. Warmest personal regards, Sincerely yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm