|
|
|
June 30, 2000/27 Sivan 5760, Vol. 52, No.43
Letters to the EditorJune 30, 2000
Prayer dispute sparks responseEditor:Judaism's holiest place is not the Western Wall, as stated in the article, "Prayer dispute has meaning for Valley observers" (Jewish News, June 16). It is the adjacent Temple Mount. The only importance of the Western Wall is its proximity to the Temple Mount. Sadly, Jews are still not permitted to pray on the Temple Mount. I would think that this problem would be of primary importance to every Jew. If the Women of the Wall are concerned only with the Western Wall, there are many options that would enable them to hold their services there without disturbing others. Instead, they choose to hold demonstrations at a time and place that prevents others from being able to pray. Those who want "freedom to pray as they wish" should not prevent others from exercising that same right. If the Women of the Wall are attracted to the Western Wall because of its proximity to the Holy Temple, they should know that the Holy Temple had separate areas for men and women. This was to enable each group to concentrate. Orthodox Judaism has a great respect for the innate spiritual level of women, and for the freedom of both sexes to express themselves religiously. Leah Sapir President, Agudat Achim Congregation Phoenix Editor: I loved the article, "Prayer dispute has meaning for Valley observers" (Jewish News, June 16). I love to learn - but didn't like what I learned from that article. I don't understand the mentality of some Orthodox Jews regarding praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. After all these zillion of years, I can't believe that there are people who still believe the way these people do. Saramae Teich Phoenix Seeking lost familyEditor:I'm looking for relatives of a long-lost uncle who, I believe, died in Glendale in September 1976. His name was Seymour Edwards. Born in July 1922, in Lindenhurst, N.Y. He apparently went by the name "Jerry" or "Sonny." He had a son named Dennis, who is approximately 55. I am the son of his sister, Ruth Edwards Lesly. I'd appreciate any information you can uncover about this man or any surviving family. Craig Lesley Ventura, Calif. (Via the Internet) |
