The late 1970s marked a period of vigorous intellectual debate within Conservative Judaism, as evidenced by the rich discourse captured in Conservative Judaism Vol. 32 No. 1 (1978). Letters to the editor reveal sharp divisions over pressing social issues, particularly regarding affirmative action and the Bakke case. A prominent thread defends the pro-Bakke position by arguing that liberal principles demand protecting individual rights over group remediation - challenging assumptions that such stances necessarily reflected conservative drift. The communications also delve into historical literary analysis, including a noteworthy examination of Dostoyevsky's anti-Semitism through the lens of Tolstoy's personal observations about his contemporary's character and perceived Jewish influences. Editorial compilation of reader correspondence is complemented by biographical profiles of contributing reviewers, representing diverse Conservative Jewish institutions across North America. Together, these exchanges illuminate the intellectual diversity within Conservative Judaism during this period, particularly highlighting tensions between individualist and collectivist approaches to social justice within Jewish thought.