|
|
|
September 26, 2003/Elul 29 5764, Vol. 56, No. 1
Letters to the EditorSeptember 26, 2003
Where were Jewish protestors?Editor:In the past, some in the Jewish community have expressed displeasure with those such as myself, who are Messianic Jews (Jews who believe that Jesus is the messiah). The overall issue centers on Torah. We've been accused of ignoring it, violating it, and in essence, throwing it out completely, while the traditional Jewish community stresses how it reveres and upholds Torah. That said, media coverage brought us all to an Alabama judicial building to watch as a monument displaying the very core of our Torah, the Ten Commandments, was moved out of public view. On the building's steps, news outlets such as CNN, Fox and others interviewed those who protested the removal. These people, many of whom traveled great distances, had held candlelight vigils, prayer services and slept there for days because they believe Torah should be revered, respected and upheld. Who were those people? Priests, pastors, ministers - Christians, all of whom believe as I do, in Jesus. And yet, through that entire crowd, I did not see or hear from even one rabbi, much less see anyone wearing a yarmulke. If indeed those such as myself are the ones who have thrown out Torah, and the traditional Jewish community prides itself on upholding it, where were all of you? Jack Zimmerman Scottsdale Critique of President Bush is fair gameEditor:Several respondents felt that the cartoon portrayal of President George W. Bush was appalling and slants too far to the left (Jewish News, Sept. 5). I feel that these reactions lean too far to the right. The colossal price tag of rebuilding Iraq is just the beginning. After we pay for the Bush tax cuts, do we really believe that there will be enough money for Israel when our own country needs dollars for health care, education and homeland security? In terms of international relations, Bush has ignored foreign nations whose support is absolutely vital in this fight for peace between Israel and the Palestinian people. Bush can say he supports Israel. However, an uncertain economy coupled with a now terrorist-infested Iraq, seems to have created a less stable environment for Israel and for the rest of the world. A cartoon that pokes fun at Bush seems inconsequential compared to the reality of what it depicts. Mark Fineman Phoenix Questioning Chabad's hiring choicesEditor:I was happy to read about another Jewish presence at Arizona State University that is long overdue ("Chabad presence at ASU," Jewish News, Sept. 19). I truly enjoy and respect Chabad's work for our people all over the world. It isn't easy to uproot yourself and your family from one place and move to an unfamiliar city and work so hard for so little financial gain. I am a proud financial supporter of Chabad, but I have issue with this new appointment. Our community has recently lost a wonderful young couple. Rabbi Yaakov and Tehila Baron had lived here for four years and had done a tremendous amount of good for our community. They have recently moved on. Couldn't Chabad of Phoenix have hired this charismatic couple for ASU instead of spending more on moving expenses for another couple to move here? It seems like we have lost a great asset in out community in a time that we need more done and not less. Jay Greenbaum Paradise Valley
|
