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March 3, 2000/26 Adar 1, 5760, Vol. 52, No.26
Letters to the EditorMarch 3, 2000
Punishment should fit crime
Editor:I am writing in response to the article, "Death-row inmate cites Jewish law," (Jewish News, Jan. 7.) The story tells of a death row inmate, Anthony Bryan, who relies on a 2000- year-old Jewish law to argue that he should not die in the electric chair. According to the article, during the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem (the Sanhedrin, or high court) rarely imposed the death penalty. However, when a death sentence was imposed, the rabbis said the execution must be done in "a painless and quick manner with as little disfigurement as possible." Bryan argued that his planned execution by electric chair constituted "cruel and unusual punishment." Worrying about how someone dies should be the least of our concerns. Bryan didn't care about murdering his victim, so why should we care about how he exits this world? (According to the Miami Herald, Bryan was put to death on Feb. 24 by lethal injection.) It was the humane thing to do, some might say. But there is no such thing as a humane murder, so why be nice to the murderer? Robby Messer Northern Arizona University Flagstaff (Via the Internet) Jews, too, can reach out
Editor:No matter how large businesses work to retain customers, a certain percentage is always lost. I believe our people and our religion should adopt this principle. Many of our brethren believe that Jews do not and never did proselytize. They are wrong. Throughout our history, there are instances of Jews actively spreading the word of God. It is time to stop crying about assimilation, non-Jewish conversions and intermarriage and begin reaching out to unaffiliated non-Jews. Let them choose whichever of our denominations appeals to them. Fred Birns Sun City Teacher's dedication inspires others
Editor:Your article, "Congregation honors kindergarten teacher," (Jewish News, Feb. 18) was a beautifully uplifting story. Sue Cohen's dedication to her profession and personal achievements should inspire all people to excel in whatever their endeavors. Jeff Geiger Phoenix (Via the Internet) |
