|
|
|
March 16, 2001/Adar 21, 5761, Vol. 53, No.24
Letters to the EditorMarch 16, 2001
Serious study makes 'serious' JewsEditor:In a letter to the editor (Jewish News, Feb. 9), Gordon Weiner was highly critical of the Judaic studies curriculum of the Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School. To suggest that a Jewish studies curriculum that is built around the study of text and daily participation in prayer is de facto an Orthodox curriculum is to ignore the almost miraculous resurgence in Jewish educational programs around the country. It perpetuates the myth that only the ritually observant could benefit from the study of Torah or Talmud. The purpose of offering a teenager from a Reform or Conservative background the opportunity to study Tanach or Gemarrah or Rashi, or to become conversant in Hebrew is not to make him into an Orthodox Jew. Borrowing from the noted Jewish commentator Dennis Prager, the purpose would be to make him or her into a serious Jew. Daniel Feller, board member Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School Phoenix Editor: As discussed by commentator Dennis Prager, the term "serious" Judaism might supplant the current language of divisiveness now operating in our community. Perhaps the study of Jewish history, literature, language, culture and nationhood is more important than denominational fractionalization. The best and most challenging and serious study of our heritage along with an excellent secular high school education is being offered to our children, to our community and to our future by the Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School. Our Arizona American Jewish community depends upon educated and committed Jews. I am happy to know that my daughter, Anna, will be a pioneer member of the high school's very first class. Kenneth A. Harris Phoenix Catching the spiritEditor:Thank you for your coverage of the Young Leadership Development conference here in Phoenix (Jewish News, Feb. 23, March 2) Unfortunately your report was missing the most important thing: the ruach, or spirit, of 450 young adults who care about their Jewishness, who are interested in tikkun olam (repairing the world) and in meeting a Jewish mate. As a longtime federation volunteer, it was thrilling to see the younger men and women preparing to step up to the plate. Mim Bottner Paradise Valley (Via the Internet) Aid for adoptionsEditor:I would like to rectify an omission in a feature article about Phoenix Jewish Free Loan (Jewish News, Feb. 16). The story failed to include the Al and Fran Sachs Adoption Fund for Jewish Adoptions. This fund, administered by the association, grants interest-free loans to Jewish families who wish to adopt a child. The Sachses, themselves adoptive parents, understand the need for financial help for an adoption process that can amount to many thousands of dollars. Last year, two families were granted loans for this purpose, and more will be forthcoming. For information, call the association, 602-230-7983, or write to 400 W. Camelback Road, suite 114, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Harry Adler, President Jewish Free Loan Kosher questionEditor:In the last two issues of the Jewish News (Feb. 16 and 23) I have followed the discussion, commentary and response regarding the kosher supervision of Karsh's bakery. On the one hand you are right to state that it would take a talmudic discussion to arrive at a sensible answer, but on the other hand the answer is quite simple. For 36 years (double chai), the Vaad Hakashruth deemed it sufficient to supervise the ingredients of the products and not the religious practice of the owner. In essence this makes a great deal of sense. For who among us has the right to judge a person's religious sensibilities? There are those who profess to be religious and are devious in their relationship to their fellow man, as there are people who are irreligious in a ritual sense and treat their fellow human beings with courtesy and justice and respect for the sanctity of human life. The Vaad has seen fit, all these years, to limit its authority to ritual and not be judgmental. Now it seems as though being kosher, whether a merchant or a customer, requires more than ingredient supervision. Will the Vaad next want to inspect our homes and our lives as well? It would seem to me that tradition - the tradition of 36 years - sets a precedent that should suffice in determining adherence. What makes the bakers less worthy now than they were then? If we are trying to encourage people to observe kashrut (keeping kosher), this is certainly not the way to do it. If, on the other hand, we are trying to create an economic hardship on a business that has proven to be trustworthy, then for sure, we are going to accomplish that. Irwin Wiener Surprise (Via the Internet) Change policyEditor:The death of my mother-in-law Jeannette B. Winkler on Feb. 18 hit me harder than I expected. I faxed a biography of her life to Jewish News as her obituary but was told that I would be charged for publication of such a lengthy piece. When I then requested that at least the names of Jeannette's grandchildren be included in the obituary, again I was told that this would not be done without a charge. Maybe it is time for Jewish News to rethink its policies. Margo A. Rubenstein Scottsdale |
