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February 27, 2004/Adar 5 5764, Vol. 56, No. 23
Letters to the EditorFebruary 27, 2004
Do not mock 'The Passion'Editor:Your recent editorial ("Don't believe the hype," Jewish News, Feb. 20) was a crude attempt to soothe the community by mocking Mel Gibson's film of his savior's sacrifice. As a Jew who is educated about our people's history, I am not at all concerned about this film. In fact, we would benefit if Christians are so moved after its viewing that they recommit themselves to the compassionate teachings of Jesus. Though anti-Semites will certainly find more fuel for their hatred in this film, the Anti-Defamation League's strategy to suppress the film's anti-Semitic aspects is a flawed attempt to treat the symptoms rather than the causes of the disease. ADL would have more success reducing anti-Semitism by challenging the divisive economic policies of the Bush administration, which create more uneducated poor and make them open to hateful explanations for their misery. To address the ADL's specific concern over the scene in the film where the Jewish High Priest accepts a curse upon the Jews in return for Jesus' crucifixion, let us remember that it was our father Abraham who both cursed and blessed us for all time by choosing for himself and his descendants to live as a people apart, in testimony to God's dominion and benevolence. David Weston Tempe A 'far from depressing' Israel tripEditor:I felt compelled to respond to the commentary, "Visit to another Israel." (Jewish News, Feb. 13) My husband and I returned Feb. 1 from a visit with our two children, both studying for the year in Jerusalem. In contrast to the experience of Gary Wexler and his family, our hotel was busy, the restaurants were filled with people enjoying the company of family and friends and the Jerusalem mall reminded us of home. We walked through the Old City and toured both the Southern Wall excavations and the Western Wall tunnel with a wonderful guide. We drove north to Safed and bought our kids shoes at the Naot factory. We enjoyed Shabbat meals with friends and met visitors from Scotland, Australia, South Africa, England and Canada. It was far from depressing. We saw no more "religious" people than on our last trip, Sept. 8-16, 2001. The security was visible, taken seriously and for me, comforting. Is Israel facing challenges? Absolutely, but many of the same challenges we face right here every day. And just like here at home, we keep on going - raising our families, doing our jobs and trying to make a difference one day at a time. Sandi Weinstein Grove Scottsdale Judaism alive on campusEditor:Congratulations on your recent editorial "Jewish inoculation," which stressed the essential importance of engaging college students with insightful and meaningful Jewish knowledge, the only time-tested fortification against evangelism. (Jewish News, Feb. 13) I want to commend our Hillel directors Michelle Blumenberg in Tucson, Rabbi Barton Lee in Tempe, and Hedy Jacobson in Flagstaff for their initiatives designed to provide students with access to authentic 3,315 year-old Torah messages. Student leaders such as Robert Glazer at University of Arizona Hillel, Andrew Rubin at Arizona State University Alpha Epsilon Pi and Sarah Winger at Northern Arizona University Hillel are inspiring examples of what young adults can do on behalf of their peers to establish exciting educational programs on campus. Rabbi Y'akov Bronsteyn Phoenix Community Kollel/Aish Hatorah Scottsdale 'Men's Night Out'? - 'nuff saidEditor:Barry Zorman's letter ("Why a stereotypical 'Men's Night Out'?" Jewish News, Feb. 20) was jaw-dropping. The Jewish men in our community do have a gentle and caring side, evidenced by the way we raise our children, treat our wives, mothers and sisters, and by the positive work we do in the community. This event was our small pat on the back. Dick Vitale presented a positive talk about success, not about stomping your opponent into submission. The answer to Zorman's question is simple: This is what we want. We want to have a few drinks, eat an above-average kosher-style meal, listen to a good speaker and have some laughs with our fathers, sons, brothers and buddies. Jeff Harris Paradise Valley
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