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March 1, 2002/Adar 17, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 24
Letters to the EditorMarch 1, 2002
Schechter, board convey valuable lessonsEditor:I have lived in Phoenix for 12 years. I have finally found an institution in the Valley that understands what it means to build and maintain community. The Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School, under the direction of Jay Schechter, has done an outstanding job in demonstrating how to build a community of Jews. Schechter has taken students from different minhagim (customs) and provided a level of comfort for each and every student so they can function at ease both as individuals and as a community. The students will all graduate with an understanding of what it takes to be a lifelong learner of Judaism. They will be cognizant and accepting of others' beliefs and values. Additionally, they will know how to foster their commitment to Jewish life within a community of Jews from differing minhagim. This is a life skill I am proud my son will have developed and hope others emulate him. To me, this is the key to keeping Judaism alive. I applaud Schechter, his school board and his unbelievable staff for a job well done. Kol Ha'Kavod. Donna S. Troisi Scottsdale Bonds office can be savedEditor:As a long-time activist in the local Jewish community, it strikes me as odd that the closing of the Israel Bonds office is seen as anything more than a minor inconvenience. Our community is made up of an infinite number of talented and successful people who, as volunteers, could easily pick up the ball and do a more than effective job. As for office space, I am certain that the small amount necessary could be provided by any number of sympathetic professionals with space in their offices for the necessary number of desks, phones, etc. As one who is in the process of creating a 501(c)3 charity, I am astounded by the quality and quantity of people and assets available at little or no cost. This community of ours should meet the challenge and do its best to guarantee an Israel in the lives of our children. Lenny Kalmenson Scottsdale Bonds still availableEditor:The members of the Greater Phoenix Israel Bonds Cabinet were shocked when we were told by a representative of the National Office - with no prior warning - at our recent board meeting that the Arizona Bonds office would close in three weeks, at the end of February. Your editorial and Barry Cohen's article ("Israel Bonds to close local office," Jewish News, Feb. 15) were well written and said it all. Except that the Phoenix Cabinet/Board is still "alive and well" and will continue to function for Israel Bonds. Even though we were extremely disappointed with National's action, Israel needs our support now, more than ever. Bonds may still be purchased locally by calling the Israel Bonds at 602-277-3323. It is connected to the Los Angeles office. The only difference is that a bond buyer can no longer go into the local office and talk to the friendly staff and see their smiling faces. Dan Abrams Chairman, Israel Bonds Phoenix Helping others is fulfillingEditor:I would like to comment on the article regarding social justice ("Political activist seeks social justice," Jewish News, Feb. 15). Rabbi David Saperstein is right on the money when he talks about Jews and their commitment to social justice causes. However, he claims that people should not be doing social justice without a sense of God's presence. As a secular, humanistic Jew, I strongly object to this statement. A basic cornerstone of our belief system is the undertaking of social causes as we believe in helping our fellow man. We do not need to believe in a God's presence in order to feel fulfilled. The act is fulfillment in its own right. Al Stein Phoenix Web site is helpfulEditor:Your updated Web site, www.jewishaz.com, is wonderful. I'm especially pleased with the use of material from such wide and varied sources, not just information on and from local institutions. And it is so easy to navigate. Thank you for providing this great public service to our community. David Metz Scottsdale
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