[Handwritten at top of letter:] Israel special -- no tenure[?] encourages 1) "Jordim". 2) Small country limited opportunities 3) However, careful selection essential.  Dead wood, etc. (I speak only for scientific disciplines.)
23rd January 1986
Dear Chris,
Because the importance of, or the continued need for, tenure are often questioned by academics, it occurred to the editors of Rehovot that this may be an interesting and relevant topic for discussion in the pages of the Institute's English-language magazine.
As you will see from the attached article written for Rehovot by Professor Lord Beloff (emeritus professor of government at Oxford and first principal of the University of Buckingham), we have already started to collect some opinions on the subject.
I am writing now to ask whether you too would give us your opinion as to the significance and ultimate justification for maintaining this venerable tradition.  More specifically, we would be most grateful if you could send a page or two presenting your views on tenure, its pros and cons, plus a good photograph of yourself.  We would like very much to have this by the beginning of March, if possible.  You may be interested to know that we are sending a similar request to half-a-dozen personalities in Israel, the U.S. and elsewhere who either play or have played a major role in the academic life of their respective countries.
Do let me know if and when we can expect these few paragraphs from you.
With many thanks in advance and looking forward to your affirmative answer.
Sincerely,
Rinna Samuel
Editor, Rehovot
[Handwritten at bottom of letter:] 1) Love to Libby 2) Do Please say "yes" and send along! R