Asking them to look at Dr. Lamm as well would be what is called in the Charedi vernacular, a Bracha L’Vatalah. Which is a euphemism meaning waste of breath. They have no doubt vilified Dr. Lamm in the past every bit as much as they have that Talmid Chacham (if not more).
But who represents Torah more Dr. Lamm or these respected men of Lakewood and Satmar? For me it is an easy answer. The Torah of Chesed is on Dr. Lamm’s lips.
Anyone who reads my mini bio on the right margin of this blog will note just how much of an influence Dr. Lamm has been on me. It was his classic work, Torah U’Mada (along with the other influences I mentioned) that formed the basis of my own Hashkafos.
His contributions to Yeshiva University both materially Hashakficly will be hard to match. As will his Hashhkafic contributions to the entire Jewish world as was so ably described by Alan Nadler in a Forward article.
Dr. Lamm is a Talmid Chacham, a scholar, and a brilliant thinker – who recognized both the primacy of Torah and the high value of Mada as indispensible in our search for Emes. His efforts in saving the financially sinking ship of YU when he took over (eventually turning its financial condition to one of solvency and surplus) is unique in the annals of Yeshiva fundraising. It was due much to his hard work and diligence that YU’s crowning glory is now a ‘thriving bet midrash’ – ‘a top-ranked university’ with even higher ranking professional schools – like Einstein.
Yeshiva University was not just a job for him. Here is how he puts it:
Yeshiva University is not only an institution. It is a faith, a vision, a dream, a destiny. It has been my faith, my vision, my dream, and my destiny.
Dr. Lamm’s did not have an easy time of it. He was harshly criticized for some of his decisions. Not only by the right who vilified him (as did Rav Elya Svei in misunderstanding a speech he gave) but was even strongly criticized by Rav Soloveitchik who strongly disagreed with some of his decisions.
One can agree or disagree with him on any of his decisions. But one would be foolish to dismiss or downplay his contributions to Judaism because of such disagreement. History will be the final judge. But in my view, his place in history as one of the greatest architects of Jewish education in the modern era is assured. I will just end with the words of YU President Richard Joel whose sentiments I echo:
I would like to express my appreciation to Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm for his half-century of service to Yeshiva University. During his tenure he helped guide the University with steadfastness and vision. Dr. Lamm’s contributions to the Jewish world as a distinguished rabbi, philosopher and scholar are unparalleled. We wish Dr. and Mrs. Lamm health and fulfillment into the future.
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