4th Chanukah Light 5711 Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dr. Joseph J. Schwartz1
c/o Joint Distribution Committee
270 Madison Avenue
New York, N.Y.
Dear Dr. Schwartz:
Our representative, the director of our European office in Paris, Rabbi Benjamin Gorodetzky,2 has informed me of his visit with you last week, and of your warm interest in our work, as well as of your promise to continue to cooperate with us within the limits of your ability. For this I want to thank you very much.
I also wish to extend to you my felicitations upon your appointment to the UJA post.3 I am sure that you will approach your new responsibilities with your usual earnest attitude and understanding of the needs of orthodox Judaism. I am further confident that in view of your long time association with the JDC, you will maintain your interest in that organization and your influence will be felt there. Thus I hope that you will also continue to take an interest in our work and will extend to us your invaluable cooperation.
Wishing you much success in your public work as well as in your personal affairs, materially and spiritually, and with Chanukah greetings,
Cordially yours,
M. Schneerson
Notes and sources
1) For more on Dr. Schwartz, see letter addressed to him from 10 Nissan, 5710.
2) Rabbi Binyamin Gorodetzky was the director of the European Lubavitch bureau. For more on Rabbi Gorodetzky, see letter dated 19 Shevat, 5710.
3) In 1950, Dr Schwartz left his post at the JDC and was appointed executive vice-chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, a position he held until 1955.
Dr. Schwartz's reply (December 11, 1950) reads as follows:
Dear Rabbi Schneerson:
I acknowledge with thanks receipt of your letter of December 7th. It was, of course, a pleasure to see Rabbi Benjamin Gorodetsky and to discuss with him some of the problems in Europe and North Africa. I can assure you that there is every intention on our part to cooperate with your organisation in the future as in the past.
Please accept my thanks also for your kind, good wishes on my new post. It was very thoughtful indeed of you to take note of my change of duties and to send me your very friendly sentiments in this connection.
With many thanks and kindest regards.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph J. Schwartz
Source: Photocopy of original.
Published: Rebbe Responsa Exclusive.
Credits: The JDC Archives.