 | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| |||||||||
|
 |
| ||
 | ||
|
| |
| ||
Advertisements
Letters to the Editor
July 15, 2009
Rembaum’s Unity, Sense in Hard Truths
Rembaum’s Unity
David Suissa’s column on Rabbi Joel Rembaum asked — and implicitly answered — a critical question about the Conservative movement and really all of the Jewish community (“Remabaum’s Unity,” July 3). Why, he wondered, if Conservative rabbis and other leaders are consistently kind, frum without being annoying, proudly inclusive, lovers of Israel, egalitarian, respectful and halachically learned, does the movement seem to be failing?
Perhaps the answer can be found in what Suissa did not say: he did not say that these leaders can connect people to God in their daily lives, that they can transform the mundane into the holy, or that they can draw on the deep wellsprings of Jewish tradition to bring transcendent meaning into our lives. As crucial as the qualities Suissa mentioned are, the other qualities form the core of religious experience.
A few years ago, my wife (who is not Jewish but observes many rituals) and I attended a Conservative Shabbat service. The congregants were kind, considerate and full of menschlikayt. But when my wife asked them, “how does prayer at this service bring you closer to God?” they were stumped, probably because they had never asked the question. It didn’t seem to be what prayer was about — but it needs to be.
My experience of Jewish leaders is the same as Suissa’s: they are unfailingly good people and I respect them deeply. But people need more from a spiritual experience. I have no idea how to give that to them, but our community needs to arrive at an answer.
Jonathan Zasloff, Professor, UCLA School of Law
Sense in Hard Truths
I usually pick up your weekly newspaper when I attend movies at the Laemmle Theatres. I am always pleased to read of the accomplishments of our unique ethnic minority.
I am one of the 22 percent of Jewish voters who did not vote for the president. I am not a looney, right-wing ideologue or even a true conservative. I did not trust him or some of the people around him, including some Jews, to see the extreme danger facing Israel.
Is it possible now to allow some measure of reasonableness to the fact that just maybe those old men at Commentary and Caroline B. Glick may be correct in their assessment of Mideast peace (“‘Hard Truths’ Just Political Convenience,” June 12)?
Mark Steinberg, Los Angeles
Getting ‘The Goldbergs’ Right
Susan Fishman Orlins says in The Journal that the documentarian Aviva Kempner, making a new film on Gertrude Berg, claims it wasn’t Lucille Ball who created the domestic sitcom, but Gertrude Berg with “The Goldbergs” (“Before Lucy and Oprah, There was Gertrude,” July 3).
First of all, in 1949, 30-minute shows like “The Goldbergs” were not called sitcoms; they were called “films made for television.” And the first Emmy, for the 1949 season, given in 1950, went to “The Life of Riley,” another domestic comedy. Orlins goes on to write how Berg won the first Emmy ever awarded in 1950 for best actress. But the one for best “film made for television” was won by the creator of “The Life of Riley,” Irving Brecher.
He was Jewish, too.
Henry Rosenfeld, co-author of Irving Brecher’s book “The Wicked Wit of the West”, Santa Monica
Wall of Honor
The Wall of honor going up on Ammunition Hill is a terrific project, but even broader than what was described (“New Wall in Jerusalem Honors Soldiers,” July 10).
The Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill is a tribute to the heroism and courage of Jewish servicemen and women who, throughout history, have fought in defense of their countries far beyond their proportions to the general population. Individual plaques can be purchased to commemorate the military service of loved ones who served or presently serve in any country and at any time. All money raised will support the preservation and expansion of the battlegrounds and museum at Ammunition Hill, site of the pivotal 1967 battle that made possible the reunification of Jerusalem. The plaques are engraved in Hebrew and English, uniting all servicemen, no matter their country of service, to their Jewish heritage.
David Frank, president
Larry Russ, member Jewish National Fund, Los Angeles Zone
Parshat Pinchas
There are several errors in this article (“Acknowledging the Pinchas Within,” July 10). It was Pinchas, not Zimri, who responded to what could destroy the Israelite people. It was also Pinchas, who after conferring with Moshe about the pervading immoral situation, was told by Moshe, “Do what you think is right.” It was then that Pinchas took a spear, not Zimri, as stated in the article, and killed both Cosbi and Zimri. Pinchas is then rewarded by God for his act of zealotry by bestowing on him everlasting priesthood.
Mankind makes mistakes. God on the other hand does not make mistakes. Rabbi Geller refers to this parasha as a dangerous story. I beg to differ with her, as God Himself was pleased by that act which was proper and He ended the plague that prior befell the Jewish people. The Midianite people with help from Zimri were attributing to interrelations and intermarriage between Jews and gentiles against Jewish law. Rabbi Laura Geller, please note: The Sefardi Chief Rabbi of Israel Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron was correct. He said that like Zimri, the Reform movement tries to bring non-Jews into the Jewish population. Furthermore, the Reform movement, by accepting patrilineal descent (that if only the father is Jewish, the person is considered Jewish), separates themselves from the other major streams of Judaism, the Conservative, Orthodox as well as in Israel.
Some years ago, I attended in Jerusalem a Reform rabbinic convention with the great founder and Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin of Steven S. Wise Temple, where a number of Reform rabbis related to me that in order to survive economically they have to fill their congregations with non-Jews. Is it not high time the Reform movement deliberate and decide to remove patrilineal descent from their bylaws, thereby joining the other ranks of Judaism for the sake of Jewish unity, so vital to the Jewish world at this crucial time.
Bernard Nichols, via e-mail
Parshat Pinchas
There are several errors in this article (“Acknowledging the Pinchas Within,” July 10). It was Pinchas, not Zimri, who responded to what could destroy the Israelite people. It was also Pinchas, who after conferring with Moshe about the pervading immoral situation, was told by Moshe, “Do what you think is right.” It was then that Pinchas took a spear, not Zimri, as stated in the article, and killed both Cosbi and Zimri. Pinchas is then rewarded by God for his act of zealotry by bestowing on him everlasting priesthood.
Mankind makes mistakes. God on the other hand does not make mistakes. Rabbi Geller refers to this parasha as a dangerous story. I beg to differ with her, as God Himself was pleased by that act which was proper and He ended the plague that prior befell the Jewish people. The Midianite people with help from Zimri were attributing to interrelations and intermarriage between Jews and gentiles against Jewish law. Rabbi Laura Geller, please note: The Sefardi Chief Rabbi of Israel Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron was correct. He said that like Zimri, the Reform movement tries to bring non-Jews into the Jewish population. Furthermore, the Reform movement, by accepting patrilineal descent (that if only the father is Jewish, the person is considered Jewish), separates themselves from the other major streams of Judaism, the Conservative, Orthodox as well as in Israel.
Some years ago, I attended in Jerusalem a Reform rabbinic convention with the great founder and Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin of Steven S. Wise Temple, where a number of Reform rabbis related to me that in order to survive economically they have to fill their congregations with non-Jews. Is it not high time the Reform movement deliberate and decide to remove patrilineal descent from their bylaws, thereby joining the other ranks of Judaism for the sake of Jewish unity, so vital to the Jewish world at this crucial time.
Bernard Nichols, via e-mail
Acknowledging Israel Gets Lost In Translation
David Alpern, citing a recent speech by the Fatah/Palestinian Authority’s (PA) Salaam Fayyad, which called for “two states for two peoples,” says that we should “acknowledge when the other side takes actions, such as this speech, that are very much in good faith” (“Letters,” July 3).
The Zionist Organization of America agrees with this principle, but we strongly doubt that a speech by a PA official is an example of Palestinians taking “action” or displaying “good faith.” Only deeds, rather than words, can do that. In any case, the PA has been claiming for years in speeches (normally in English) that it accepts Israel. Unfortunately, PA officials say very different things in Arabic.
PA president Mahmoud Abbas told an Arab audience this April, “I say this clearly: I do not accept the Jewish State, call it what you will.” In March, senior Fatah official and former commander of Fatah forces in Gaza, Muhammad Dahlan, told PA TV, “We do not demand that the Hamas movement recognize Israel. On the contrary, we demand of the Hamas movement not to recognize Israel, because the Fatah movement does not recognize Israel even today.”
However, when the PA takes real action - like arresting terrorists, confiscating illegal weaponry and ending the incitement to hatred and murder within the PA media, mosques, schools and youth camps that feeds terrorism - we will be happy to join Mr. Alpern in acknowledging these facts.
Morton A. Klein, National President, Zionist Organization of America, New York
Questioning Palestinian Motives
Is there any evidence the Arabs in Judea/Samaria or Gaza confirming their willingness to live in peace with Israel?
Hamas, PLO and Fatah maintain charters requiring Israel’s destruction.
Hamas murders Fatah members precisely because their representatives speak with Israelis.
Hamas constantly says it will “never recognize” Israel.
Fatah demands pre-’67 land and East [holy] Jerusalem for an Arab state, and the return of “refugees” which will create an Arab majority.
Mahmoud Abbas flatly states he “does not accept Israel as a Jewish state.”
The most recent polls reflect almost 50 percent of Arabs in Gaza and Judea/Samaria agree with killing civilians as a tactic.
Not a single Arab group refuses to renounce violence.
Yet Israel is supposed to unilaterally turn over land, including their holiest sights. In return for what?
If the Arabs want something, they need to give something.
For starters — altar their charters, stop glorifying murder in mosques and on television, accept Israel as a Jewish state.
The region already has 22 Arab countries. It’s time they accept the Jews right to have one for themselves.
Dan Calic, San Ramon
Palestinian leadership says the main obstacle to peace and creation of a viable Palestinian state in Judea/Samaria [West Bank] is the construction of settlements and views Israeli presence as an “illegal occupation” of their land. Standard Muslim thinking has long been any land once occupied by them is viewed as forever theirs. This view if carried out extends far beyond tiny Judea/Samaria. Yet only the Jews get singled out as their objects of ire.
Also, I wonder how many people realize the overwhelming majority of those who do the actual construction of the settlements are Palestinian Arabs who are fine with the Jews living there and would be without income if the construction stopped. Should the PA and US government press for a construction halt, this may radicalize many of these Arabs against the PA and US since they would be viewed as responsible for taking their income away.
Dan Calic, San Ramon
Is it in the BEST interest of Israel for the Palestinians to have their own nation?
Is it better for Israel if the Palestinians have their nation in Gaza or the West Bank?
Is it in Israel’s BEST interest if the Palestinians get a nation in Gaza and the West Bank?
Is it good for Israel if the Palestinians have their capitol in East Jerusalem?
Will the Palestinians give up trying to kill Israelis if they get their own nation?
Are the Palestinians “occupied”? Where?
Are the Palestinians “oppressed”? Where?
Are the Palestinians going to give up “right of return” for the refugees?
What is a “Palestinian”?
Didn’t the Palestinians leave Israel in 1948 out of their own free will?
Is it true that the PA (PLO), Fatah, Hamas want all of Israel?
Is that their negotiating objective?
Is there going to be another intifada if the Palestinians do not get a state in 2009?
Does Obama want the Palestinians to have all of Israel?
What concessions are the Palestinians making to get a nation?
Why is Jimmy Carter so chummy with Hamas?
Do the Palestinians truly want their own nation?
Is it true that European citizens and leaders want Israel to cease to exist?
WHY?
Does Obama forcing the Israelis to give up land have anything to do with getting more oil from the Saudis?
If the Palestinians get a nation, will they give up all violence against Israel?
The Palestinians should tu mir a toiveh (do me a favor) move to Kuwait. Vos Gikher alts besser (the better, the faster) move to Kuwait.
Ron Abrams, Los Angeles
Thoughts on Parashat Chukat-Balak
Not unlike the gentile prophet Balaam who came to curse the Jewish people and God instead forced him to bless them, there is a similar such situation unfolding under our very noses here in Los Angeles (“Spare the Rod,” July 3). Namely the local Zionist Organization of America chapter has a new executive director, a Mormon in charge of a Jewish organization — strange in itself in the second most populous Jewish population city in the U.S. It appears that along the way this person has managed to fool many Jews, pretending to love Israel and be their friend.
However here like Balaam of old, “today’s Balaam” made a fatal mistake in showing his true intentions. Where the original Balaam out of frustration violently began to “strike the donkey,” this current executive director is attempting to strike out, curse and silence the voice of a Zionist Jew who is passionate about the security and well being of Medinat Israel. Even the great Moses erred “by hitting the rock,” he demonstrated that “the greatest Jew on Earth” that he could no longer lead the Jews into the Promised Land, as Rabbi Korobkin described in the article.
Similarly the aforementioned executive director demonstrated that he does not have the maturity and wisdom to lead a Jewish organization in good will with unity of purpose. Today’s precarious world situation where Israel and the Jewish people all over are under “constant pressure” makes it even more crucial for “Jewish unity.” This man who we entrusted for a so-called leader, by his unfair action and behavior has shown that he is self-centered and uncaring to be a good role model to be followed and respected. Therefore this man should be replaced as soon as possible in order to restore confidence and credibility in the good works of the local ZOA chapter. The author welcomes further inquiry into this awkward dilemma.
God bless America and Israel with peace and wellbeing.
Bernard Nichols, Via E-mail
Corrections
Maccabiah baseball player Jacob Fields is also a member of a Conservative synagogue (“SoCal Talent Dominates Baseball Picks,” July 10).
Milken Community High School is a beneficiary of the Milken Family Foundation (“Kriegsman Becomes 2009 Milken Scholar,” July 10).
Post your comment below!
Tags and Sharing
Tags
Share This Story
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Google
Reddit
StumbleUpon
Technorati
YahooMyWeb
Discussion
We welcome your feedback. Please share your views and insight in The Jewish Journal Reader Forums.
Privacy Policy
Your information will not be shared or sold without your consent. Get all the details.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
We welcome your feedback.
Privacy Policy
Your information will not be shared or sold without your consent. Get all the details.
Advertisements
Advertisements
| ||
Site SectionsNewspaper
Serving a community of 600,000, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angles is the largest Jewish weekly outside New York City. Our award-winning paper reaches over 150,000 educated, involved and affluent readers each week. Subscribe here. © Copyright 2010 The Jewish Journal and JewishJournal.com | ||
|
