Norman Lamm Quotes

Powerful Norman Lamm for Daily Growth

About Norman Lamm

Norman Lamm (1927-2011) was an influential American rabbi, philosopher, and academic, who made significant contributions to modern Judaism and Jewish philosophy. Born on January 23, 1927, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in a devout Orthodox Jewish family, which had a profound impact on his religious and intellectual development. Lamm attended Yeshiva University, where he studied under renowned scholars such as Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. After completing his education, he taught philosophy at Yeshiva's Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. In 1967, Lamm was appointed as the seventh Chancellor of Yeshiva University, a position he held for nearly three decades. Throughout his career, Lamm wrote extensively on various aspects of Judaism, philosophy, and education. His major works include "The Jewish Cause" (1968), "Philosophy of History in Classical and Contemporary Judaism" (1970), and the multi-volume "Responsa in Modern Times" (1982-2009). In these works, Lamm sought to reconcile traditional Jewish thought with modern intellectual trends, advocating for a progressive Orthodoxy that embraced reason and critical thinking. As Chancellor of Yeshiva University, Lamm oversaw significant growth and expansion, making it one of the premier Jewish educational institutions in the world. He was also instrumental in establishing the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at Yeshiva. Lamm passed away on January 28, 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship and leadership that continues to influence contemporary Jewish thought. His quotes, such as "The future of Judaism depends not only on the quantity but also on the quality of its adherents," remain relevant and inspiring for many today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Judaism is not a religion in the usual sense; it is a civilization, a historic community, a culture."

This quote emphasizes that Judaism is more than just a religious system; it encompasses a broader cultural and historical context. It's a way of life for a distinct ethnic group with shared customs, traditions, language, literature, arts, and societal structures that have evolved over thousands of years. The focus on community and history sets Judaism apart from many other religions that are primarily defined by their theological beliefs and practices.

"The essence of Jewish prayer is not to change God's will but to change ourselves."

This quote suggests that Jewish prayer serves not only as a means to appeal to or change God's will, but more importantly, it is a tool for personal transformation and growth. By engaging in prayer, Jews strive to better themselves, align their actions with divine wisdom, and foster a deeper spiritual connection with the universe. This interpretation highlights the introspective, self-reflective, and character-building aspects of Jewish prayer, implying that the ultimate goal is not merely to affect God but to improve oneself in the process.

"There are no atheists in foxholes...and there are no agnostics in maternity wards."

This quote suggests that during times of extreme stress, uncertainty, or fear – like being in a dangerous situation (foxhole) or giving birth (maternity ward) – people often find themselves turning to a higher power or belief system for comfort, support, or explanations. In other words, it implies that in moments of intense emotion and need, most individuals, whether openly religious or not, may instinctively revert to some form of faith.

"Religion that has no hold upon the emotions, that does not affect our daily lives, is a mere academic exercise."

This quote suggests that a religion which does not touch the heart or influence daily life lacks its true purpose. In other words, faith should be more than just an intellectual pursuit; it should have a profound impact on how we live, feel, and act. It's not enough for religious beliefs to stay confined within the realm of theory or academics; they must resonate in our day-to-day existence, shaping our values, decisions, and actions.

"The ultimate purpose of Judaism is to perfect this world and make it a fit dwelling place for God."

This quote from Norman Lamm emphasizes the Jewish belief that their faith isn't just about personal salvation, but also about transforming the physical world into a divine abode. Jews strive to create harmony, justice, and spirituality in the world as a way of honoring God and preparing it for His presence. This perspective underscores the interconnectedness between human actions, ethics, and the transformation of the world, making Judaism a powerful force for positive change.

Maimonides taught that it is better that 10 criminals go free than let one innocent man be executed. The Innocence Project represents that point of view.

- Norman Lamm

Point Of View, Innocence, Go, Executed

Modern Orthodoxy has a highly positive attitude toward the State of Israel. Our Ultra-Orthodox brethren recognize only the Holy Land, but not the state.

- Norman Lamm

Positive Attitude, Holy, Orthodoxy

My mother, whose family was heavily rabbinic, said she wanted me to continue the family tradition in the rabbinate. My father said he wanted me to be a scholar of the Talmud, but he wanted me to make my living in science.

- Norman Lamm

Father, Living, Talmud, Family Tradition

However, the word madda in modern Hebrew specifically means science.

- Norman Lamm

Modern, However, Means, Specifically

In Judaism, there are 613 biblical commandments, and the Talmud says that the chief commandment of all is study.

- Norman Lamm

Study, Judaism, Commandments, Commandment

I was not the midwife of the Law School, but its fraternal twin.

- Norman Lamm

School, Law, Midwife, Fraternal

I think our vision heretofore has been and should continue to be to have Cardozo be the kind of law school that we can be proud of. I would like to see it gain recognition as one of the three best law schools in New York City.

- Norman Lamm

City, Been, I Think, Law School

As a result of this article, I was invited to testify in the Senate Judiciary Committee on privacy law.

- Norman Lamm

Law, Committee, Result, Article

Conventional dogmas, even if endowed with the authority of an Aristotle - ancient or modern - must be tested vigorously. If they are found wanting, we need not bother with them. But if they are found to be substantially correct, we may not overlook them.

- Norman Lamm

Wanting, Bother, Aristotle, Endowed

Most Modern Orthodox are religious Zionists. Despite all differences and nuances among us, we consider the founding of the State a historic change. We accept it as something that came from Providence.

- Norman Lamm

Religious, Historic, Nuances, Orthodox

Not all Modern Orthodox Jews, at the present juncture, identify with what the Israeli government does. In Israel many religious Zionists strongly oppose the government because of the disengagement.

- Norman Lamm

Jews, Religious, Juncture, Orthodox

No religious position is loyally served by refusing to consider annoying theories which may well turn out to be facts.

- Norman Lamm

Religious, Refusing, Which, Annoying

I was critical of the Israeli government, however, for not being prepared for the move. One does not uproot thousands of people without planning in advance what will be done with them. This was a political and human error in which the government functioned poorly.

- Norman Lamm

Critical, However, Poorly, Human Error

Most students have thoughts about emigrating to Israel. A significant number go on aliyah. We are proud of our Israel programs, which come at a considerable cost to the university.

- Norman Lamm

Thoughts, Proud, Which, Considerable

Judaism is an intellectually based religion, and the single most important theme is that of study.

- Norman Lamm

Important, Single, Most, Theme

As far as YU faculty and students are concerned, the love for Israel is very strong. Probably about three thousand of our graduates have settled in Israel. On average, every year 650 male and female students study in Israel for a minimum of one year.

- Norman Lamm

Love, Average, Very, Minimum

At Cardozo, study of law is part of a larger culture. You can get a law degree and make a good living, but it is best that you do that having studied the discipline for its own inherent merit, because you love studying.

- Norman Lamm

Love, Study, Larger, Inherent

I showed that privacy was an implicit right in Jewish law, probably going back to the second or third century, when it was elaborated on in a legal way.

- Norman Lamm

Law, Going, Implicit, Jewish

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