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June 22, 2001/Tamuz 1, 5761, Vol. 53, No.38
Letters to the EditorJune 22, 2001
Sun Lakes reduxEditor:Justin Friedman states in his letter to the editor ("Sun Lakes replies," Jewish News, June 15) that there was no "internal conflict" in the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation. What better describes the situation when the rabbi, the cantorial soloist, the musical accompanist and members of the board felt it necessary to resign? Likewise, Mr. Friedman was not present at the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation board meeting when the board voted to increase dues for outsiders to discourage new members from outside the community. Mr. Friedman also takes issue with the description of the congregation as becoming "unwieldy" ("Temple forms in Sun Lakes," Jewish News, May 25). That was clearly observed at a recent board meeting where visitors were raucous and uncontrolled and unduly critical of the congregation's professional staff. We now have a new, friendly, professional temple that welcomes all. Lester Merritt, CPA Treasurer Temple Havurat Emet Editor: I am a member of the Sun Lakes Jewish community. I find it disturbing that a small core of residents have chosen to discuss publicly what they term a "split" and "internal conflict" within our fine community ("Temple forms in Sun Lakes," Jewish News, May 25). Our Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation is not "unwieldy" and has not stopped taking people from surrounding communities. We have a very active and involved Sisterhood and Men's Club and committees concerned with the well-being of our neighbors. We observe and celebrate Shabbat and all Jewish holidays. Many of the "new residents" are our own children. We have, and expect to continue to enjoy, the respect and friendship of all our neighbors. I wish Temple Havurat Emet good luck and I am hopeful they will add to the strength and growth of the Sun Lakes Jewish community. Ruth Ostreicher-Weber Sun Lakes Wild lifeEditor:I am saddened to see that the circus has come to our town and am particularly distraught about the elephants. For elephants, the constant travel the circus demands translates into abysmal living conditions such as fetid, windowless railroad cars and constant chaining. Life worsens as trainers use bullhooks to force elephants to perform. Every ticket sold to the circus perpetuates the abuse of animals. Let's teach our children that elephants are magnificent beings who belong in the wild - not chained out behind the Big Top. Dana Krumholz Tempe |
