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April 9, 1999/23 Nisan 5759, Vol. 51, No. 28 Letters to the EditorApril 9, 1999
Father-in-law's courage teaches invaluable lessonEditor:I have just experienced one of the most difficult weeks of my life - the high of my wedding, the low of my father-in-law's death. Until our wedding night, my then-fianc‚, Tracy, and I prayed that his father, Art Steiner, would be able to be with us under the chuppah. He suffered from a lung condition, the result of long-term smoking, that eventually took away his ability to breathe. He was on oxygen for a long time. We chose to have our wedding in Phoenix so that Art could be with us. The end of Art's life was an inspiration to me. In many ways, his struggle to stay alive to see us married epitomized the struggles of the Jewish people. Through adversity, Jews find purpose and meaning in the Torah, following its laws and preserving its traditions. Art found solace in knowing that at our wedding, we were promising to do the same. Despite the struggle it was for Art to take each breath and his almost overwhelming exhaustion, he willed himself to be with us. He wanted to see his son marry in true happiness and in the traditions of the Jewish faith. Nothing meant more to him. Art got to see that. He wanted to see his son marry someone who would instill the beauty of Judaism in his grandchildren. He saw that too. When we stood next to Art, who was in his wheelchair, under the chuppah, he was so weak that he could barely hold his head up to see our faces. But he was there to hear the words of the rabbis and the blessings they sang. He felt the presence of God. The wedding was perfect and one day I will recall the magic and the joy we experienced. Right now, we only feel pain. But we remember Art's strong will and how he held on just long enough, debilitated by illness and barely able to breathe, to see us married according to the laws of Moses and Israel. I will never be able to repay him except to promise that I will never let our children forget who they are - his grandchildren and Jews. Ronee Korbin Steiner Phoenix Presidential contender offers voice of moderationEditor:Events taking place in the past few weeks in Yugoslavia have captured the attention of the entire world. For Jews, the Kosovo tragedy strikes a particularly painful chord. As we reflect upon all that has gone wrong, it is abundantly clear that the U.S. Administration doesn't have a clue when it comes to foreign policy. To make matters worse, it has little credibility. It's as if we are all lost in a fog and don't know where to turn. To be as unprepared for contingencies, as we and NATO are in Kosovo, is inexcusable. As we look ahead to the presidential election in the year 2000, one voice stands out from all others seeking that office, regardless of party affiliation. It is a voice of experience, understanding and honesty. That voice articulates a clear and concise course of action for our government in the Arab-Israeli peace process and is a voice of moderation yet firmness when it speaks out on Iraq or Iran, North Korea, China or Russia. It is a voice of credibility, raised on behalf of people rather than party ideology. It is the voice of John McCain. Eugene Schupak Scottsdale On-line hate needs to be curtailedEditor:The article written by Michelle Ackerman about anti-Semitism on the Internet (Jewish News, March 19) was very timely and of great importance. Hate groups are proliferating and they constantly go in Jewish chat rooms with names like "AHitlr" and "Klanman," attempting to harass Jewish members. Unfortunately, I think on-line providers do little if anything to curtail this. They seem more concerned about losing members than protecting others from the hatred the anti-Semites spew. I hope the Anti-Defamation League can bring some pressure on Internet access providers to take more drastic measures against these people and be a bit less concerned about their bottom line. Again, thanks for an enlightening article. Rick Winston (Via the Internet) It's outreach, not marketingEditor:Marty Latz's column last week (Jewish News, April 2) reflects what I believe. The marketing approach to Judaism is really "outreach" to the non-Jewish spouse and family. I applaud the Jewish Reform movement for its efforts in this area. Hank Winkelman (Via the Internet) White Mountain Jews, where are you?Editor:I just moved to the Show Low area. I have found one other Jewish family and would like to know if there are others living up here. Richard Wenig (Via the Internet) Golden Slipper alumni soughtEditor:I am looking for alumni of the Golden Slipper Camp to help celebrate the camp's 50th anniversary at a reunion on Sunday, Nov. 28 in Philadelphia. The camp, located in Bartonsville, Pa., in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Former campers, counselors and administrators should call (610) 660-0520, fax (610) 660-1515 or write to Golden Slipper Camp, 301 E. City Ave, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004, for more information. Stu Coren Huntingdon Valley, Pa. |
