February 12, 1999/26 Shevat 5759, Vol. 51, No. 20
Letters to the Editor2/12/1999
Competition only enchances education
Editor:I am disappointed that you did not ask for my input as dean and director of Phoenix Preparatory Community High School for your recent story about our school (Jewish News, Feb. 5). There are more than 80,000 Jews in the Valley, and it is my strong feeling that the more schools we have to accommodate our Jewish youth, the better it will be for the community, strengthening the quality of the education our children will receive. We are proud of our staff, students, supporters and friends, and we are confident that PPCHS will continue to grow in enrollment and produce graduates who will be a source of pride to our community. We have hired an architect and presently are drawing plans to construct a school building on our property. Our school, having students from non-affiliated, Reform and Conservative backgrounds, is, in the true sense of the word, a community high school, and all of our students are comfortable learning here. Rabbi Zalman Levertov Phoenix Unite behind day school for all Jewish children
Editor:I read the front page article regarding the Solomon Schechter Day School move with disappointment (Jewish News, Jan. 29.) I feel it presented a biased view of the parent population. I have had the pleasure of having my son attend the school for the past 1-1/2 years. I look forward to the school moving to Temple Beth Israel because I believe it will enhance the school's growth. Change of any kind can be frightening for many. As a member of Beth El Congregation, I too shared the concerns of maintaining traditional standards in the school. After attending the Jan. 26 Solomon Schechter Board meeting, I realized those fears were without basis. Ben Cooper, a Wexner fellow who heads the Judaic Studies Committee, spoke eloquently to these issues. This committee is dedicated to ensuring that the school continues its religious philosophy and practices, and brings a high standard of Jewish education to our students. It includes as some of its members Rabbis (Rick) Sherwin, (Bonnie) Koppell, and (Mark) Bisman; outgoing principal Barbara Gereboff; and Barbara Becker, the founder of Solomon Schechter Day School. As an unaffiliated school, it will continue, as it always has, to welcome ALL Jewish students, but maintain the Jewish curriculum and practices that the current school population values so dearly. We should all unite to support this school, focus on the positive outcome this will have for our community, and share in the enthusiasm so many of us feel. Dara Shahon Phoenix (Via the Internet) Science and religion are natural partners
Editor:Thank you for the lovely story about our coming dialogue on science and Judaism at Hillel at ASU Feb. 12-14 (Jewish News, Feb. 5). I value the quality of the story and the prominence it was given in your paper. I, and many others, believe that a religion, especially Judaism, that severs itself from the pursuit of truth is not fully a religion. There is one small inaccuracy in an otherwise fine article. I am the secretary/treasurer of the Academy for Jewish Philosophy, not of the Academy for Jewish Law. I mention it only so that my friends at ASU's College of Law who read the Jewish News will not be confused and think I know things I do not. In that context, let me also mention that the dialogue's sponsors include the Academy for Jewish Philosophy, but not an Academy for Jewish Law. Again, thanks to the paper and to Michelle Ackerman. Prof. Norbert Samuelson Harold and Jean Grossman Chair of Jewish Studies Arizona State University |
