Supporting Lamm

To the Editor:

We read with shock and dismay your article (Jewish Week 1/16/98) "Orthodox Groups Split On Pluralism" in which you reported on the vilification of Rabbi Norman Lamm by Rabbi Elya Svei at the recent Agudah convention.

Anyone even remotely acquainted with Rabbi Lamm, his work at Yeshiva University, specifically, and on behalf of klal Yisrael generally, knows that he is a true ohev Hashem, a lover of God, and one who seeks to maintain the unity of the Jewish people while maintaining the highest standards of halacha.

The disagreement over the activities of the Neeman Commission is a debate within the camp of Torah committed Jews, of which both Rabbi Svei and Rabbi Lamm are members. Such debates should be conducted within the confines of the beit midrash (study hall) and not in the press. Moreover, the vitriol expressed by Rabbi Svei is uncalled for in any setting.

Agudah spokesman maintain that Rabbi Svei’s status as a member of the Council of Torah Sages makes him immune to lay criticism. Even if this were correct, there are other members of the council whose silence can only be understood as acquiescence.

As officers of the Yeshiva College Alumni Association, we call upon the Agudah to disavow the extremely offensive attack upon our rosh hayeshiva and president.