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May 5, 2000/30 Nisan 5760, Vol. 52, No.35
Moms will rally for gun control on Mother's Day
LEISAH NAMM
Staff Writer
"And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks."
Isaiah, 2:4 |
The Bible, especially Isaiah, offers guidance on how to address gun control issues, says Temple Chai's Rabbi William Berk.
Berk will speak at the Million Mom March rally Sunday, May 14, at Patriots Square Park in downtown Phoenix.
"That (Isaiah 2:4) is the vision for the future," Berk said.
"I'm going to suggest that there is a document that is older, and at least as prestigious as, the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights, and that is the Bible. I think we need to give that at least as much weight as the Second Amendment."
Speakers at the Phoenix rally will address the status of gun-control legislation in Arizona. Invited guests include two mothers whose children were shot to death; leaders from the Valley interfaith community; and representatives of a grass-roots organization seeking to educate the public about responsible gun ownership.
The rally, 2:30-3:30 p.m., will be in conjunction with the Million Mom March being held the same day in Washington D.C.
Donna Dees-Thomases of New Jersey came up with the idea for the march after she saw the aftermath of the Los Angeles-area's North Valley Jewish Community Center shooting in August.
Million Mom March organizers support tougher gun-control laws
To promote the local rally, Temple Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St. in Scottsdale, will host Gerry Anderson, a Million Mom March representative, at noon on Sunday, May 7. She will provide material about gun-control legislation.
Ceil Siegel, of the Temple Solel Sisterhood and Social Action Committee, said her congregation "constantly informs people of (gun-control) bills."
Temple members have been urged to call their legislators about gun laws, Siegel said.
"This is just a rally that we are asking our membership to come to, to support this group," she said.
Temple Solel will provide bus transportation to the rally. To reserve a seat, call Siegel at 480-367-9072. Those wishing to carpool should meet at 1:30 p.m. at the temple, 6805 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. Jan Binder, co-chairwoman of the Phoenix rally, said as many as 1,000 people are expected to attend.
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