Norman Lamm Quotes

United States, Rabbi
December 19, 1927 – May, 31, 2020.

Norman (Nachum) Lamm was an American Modern Orthodox rabbi, scholar, author and Jewish communal leader. He was the Chancellor of Yeshiva University until he announced his retirement on July 1, 2013.

Also known as Scholar, Author

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

Norman Lamm
- Facts
- Position
- Theories
This principle of unity of the whole along with respect for individual differences is symbolized … in the Mishkan, the Tabernacle.

Norman Lamm

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
- Tested
- Dogmas
Mutual commitment to ideals - yes; the stifling of all dissenting notions - no.

Norman Lamm
- Ideals
- Notions
- Stifling
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
- Right
- Privacy
- Jewish Law
In Judaism, there are 613 biblical commandments, and the Talmud says that the chief commandment of all is study.

Norman Lamm
Moral consideration of the utmost importance for us: we must respect individual differences, yet we must coordinate, work together, and act as one.

Norman Lamm
Group action - yes; group thinking - no.

Norman Lamm
- Thinking
- Action
- Group

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

Norman Lamm
- Study
- Judaism
- Theme