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August 24, 2001/Elul 5, 5761, Vol. 53, No.46
Letters to the EditorAugust 24, 2001
Study helps us learn to live as JewsEditor:I commend you on the article "Orthodox, Chabad reach out to Valley" (Jewish News, Aug. 10.) Unfortunately I was out of town and unavailable for comment, but I would like to add our perspective on the importance of outreach. Young Israel of Phoenix is dedicated to reaching out to the Jewish community, regardless of affiliation, and providing opportunities to learn and live as Jews. We encourage people to learn and study at their own pace, slowly embracing their studies and eventually incorporating them into their daily lives. The secret to Jewish continuity is not talking about Judaism but rather living as Jews. We offer classes ranging from Hebrew reading to advanced Talmud study. Young Israel also was instrumental in starting The Phoenix Community Kollel, a community organization that provides Torah education to the Jewish public. The Kollel has expanded learning opportunities by providing classes at King David School, Beth Joseph Congregation, Hillel and a kosher lunch program at Chapparal High School. It is our prayer that members of the Phoenix Jewish community will take advantage of many study opportunities provided by so many wonderful organizations. Rabbi Chaim Silver Young Israel of Phoenix OTZMA works!Editor:As alumni of Project OTZMA, we were thrilled to read about the life-changing experiences that this program has continued to provide for many young people (Jewish News, Aug. 3). We both attended Project OTZMA in 1987-1988, the second year of the program. We are very pleased with the evolution of the program and the positive developments made throughout the years. Although the program has changed somewhat, we certainly had an unforgettable year learning about Israel and ourselves, exploring our heritage, and creating inextinguishable and personal bonds to Eretz Yisrael. We can certainly attest to the lasting effects of Project OTZMA in terms of Jewish identity and community involvement. Heath Blumstein Jewish Community Foundation Nancy Brim Israel Bonds |
