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February 16, 2001/Shevet 23, 5761, Vol. 53, No.20
Letters to the EditorFebruary 16, 2001
Curriculum to cross denominational linesEditor:We read Gordon Weiner's letter (Jewish News, Feb. 9) with interest. We share his goal of offering Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School students a pluralistic Judaic curriculum grounded in the most up-to-date teaching theory. While our curriculum is still under development, its structure is based on the best practices in the growing community-based non-denominational Jewish secondary school movement across the country. Just as Dr. Weiner experienced in his own high school years, our students will learn Jewish history, literature, language and culture. Students will also learn of the richness of text and philosophy. These subjects can be taught in ways that do not advance a particular movement's agenda: the school intends to do so. Our Judaic studies faculty consists of Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Rabbis and secular Hebrew faculty. The curriculum and faculty most definitely do cut across denominational lines. It is inaccurate to portray it otherwise. Most, if not all of the best Jewish community schools in the United States do likewise, and have done so in a way which infuses students with a meaningful knowledge of our rich traditions of religious, philosophical and cultural history on a basis that often surpasses that afforded similar secular curricula. More than 30 students already have submitted applications for the school's entering class this fall. These students come from all religious movements as well as from unaffiliated families. They, and others like them, will have the benefit of the most advanced pluralistic Judaic studies curriculum in the United States, a rigorous secular studies program designed to prepare students for admission to top rank colleges and universities and a complete extra-curricular program. We know that the community will share the excitement that the high school has generated and take pride in its students' achievements in the years to come. Deborah Harris, President Board of Directors Jay M. Schechter, Headmaster The Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School Phoenix Missing the markEditor:I've seen editorials that miss the mark, but "cause for concern for Jews" as described in your editorial "WWGD" (Jewish News, Jan. 5) about the incoming George W. Bush administration takes the cake. May I suggest before writing further editorials on this subject you attend the AIPAC Policy Conference in D.C. March 18-20? Eugene Schupak Scottsdale Communal highEditor:Words cannot express the feeling and "high" after the community-wide Debbie Friedman concert Jan. 15. How wonderful it was for Valley Jews to come together to celebrate life and Judaism. Friedman commented that it is rare that communities are able to tear down artificial barriers that pull us apart. Let this be a new beginning for a unified Phoenix Jewish community. Todah rabah to the synagogue administrators who had the foresight to bring us together. Gary Friedlander, President Beth El Congregation Phoenix Pandora's boxEditor:President Bush's "faith-based" charities plan is not constitutional. Jesus' command to "render unto Caesar" separately also prohibits this entanglement of church and state. People who get government aid and religion from the same place may think our taxes are a gift from God. No honest church wants a congregation that was bribed or tricked into coming. Also, if tax funding is ever reduced, followers may unfairly blame the church. To provide government services only through non-denominational groups is not discrimination. Churches are free to act independently. But if taxpayers hire some churches, non-discrimination will force us also to hire the Nation of Islam, Scientologists and Wiccans. If each administration can pick the "real" religions, which churches will get tax funds after 2004? Churches that take tax dollars must expect government regulations, inspections and audits. For example, should we trust Moon's Unification Church if the Moonies merely claim they're using our taxes properly? This bad idea is neither liberal nor conservative. It violates both the First Amendment and Jesus' command against business in the temple. Although churches mean well, there's no proof they're more efficient when they act as government subcontractors. Bruce Martin Tempe (Via the Internet) Israel needs usEditor:Thinking of going to Israel this summer? Go. Thinking of studying in Israel? Go. Thinking of participating in the Birthright program? Go. I recently returned from a solidarity mission to Israel. It was an interesting, yet disturbing, trip. The Israelis want peace but don't know how to get it. Some feel that giving land to the Palestinians would destroy Israel. Others feel that giving land away is their only chance for peace. Many Israelis felt the outcome of the Feb. 6 election for prime minister wouldn't matter much because the government will fall apart within a year and a new election will need to be held anyway. Is Israel safe? Is an airplane safe? Are we safe driving down the street? The answer to these questions, for the most part, is "yes." However, one never knows when one might be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even in these turbulent times in Israel, it is safe to be there now. Israel needs us. Go. Randi Sherman Scottsdale |
