"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's parents had different expectations for him. His mom, from a family with a strong rabbinic background, wanted him to continue the household tradition and become a rabbi. His dad, nevertheless, desired him to become a scholar of the Talmud, however to make his living in science. This quote shows the stress between the 2 sides of Norman's household, and the expectations they had for him. It likewise shows the value of both religious and scientific education in his family. Norman's parents wanted him to pursue both, and to earn a living in science while still honoring his household's rabbinic tradition. This quote shows the value of both spiritual and clinical education in Norman's household, and the expectations they had for him.