October 8, 1999/28 Tishri 5760, Vol. 52, No.6
Letters to the EditorOctober 8, 1999
WWII artifacts sought
Editor:The Arizona Jewish Historical Society is looking for World War II memorabilia from the home front - specifically a Gold Star (this was a woven star which hung in the window of a family whose loved one was killed in action), a ration book (either food or gasoline), any evidence of bond drives and newspaper, rubber or metal collections. Any other memorabilia would be greatly appreciated. These would be loans for inclusion in an upcoming exhibit; all items would be returned to their owners. We are also asking for help in trying to contact Edward Louis Yablonsky, son of the late William and Dora Yablonsky. William Yablon-sky was a bellman at the Westward Ho Hotel for many years, beginning in the 1940s. If you can help us with either of these matters, please call 602-241-7870. Thank you. Beryl Morton Arizona Jewish Historical Society Phoenix Community directory elicits kudos - and quibbles
Editor:Congratulations on putting out such an excellent Community Directory 2000. Our Phoenix members of CARIH (a group that raises funds for the Denver-based National Jewish Medical and Research Center) were particularly pleased with the inclusion of our group and the way you described the work that we do. It was with great pleasure that I shared the directory, and our entry, with our membership at our last meeting. I have a special place in my heart for Jewish News and enjoy "showing off" what you do for our community. Sheryl Leonard, president CARIH Phoenix Editor: Congratulations on this year's edition of the Community Directory, which I find helpful in any number of ways. I would like to comment on the article, "Dreams for Jewish gathering focus on campus," in which Norman Katzoff, the organizer of the Jewish seniors' group Happenings says that seniors do not want to join synagogues and pay dues after having paid all their lives. He further says, "When you just go to services, why should you have to pay?" Our congregation, Temple Beth Israel, is blessed with almost 1,200 member families. About 25 percent of these families are seniors. Why do they continue to pay dues? Because they feel a closeness to the temple and its professional staff and value the varied opportunities it provides them to participate meaningfully in temple life. Many belong to our Free Spirit Club, belong to one of the many congregational chavurot, family groups, or take advantage of our many classes and discussion groups. They share a continuing zest for life and a wish for continued identity with a vibrant synagogue. They also know how important a synagogue is to community. In response to Katzoff's question on the necessity for financial support, our senior members know it costs money to sustain a congregation, to pay professional staff and maintain a building. We must all pay to keep this important segment of Jewish life alive, though no one is turned away for lack of funds. Judaism cannot flourish just with community centers. The real "center" of Jewish life resides in the many fine religious institutions in our area. Long may they flourish and long may they have members from the very young to the very old. Joel Smith Program coordinator Temple Beth Israel Scottsdale |
