Letters
LETTERS Considering Reconstructionism To the Editor: While I was sympathetic to William Abrams' response ("Letters," April 1982) to Vanessa Ochs' article ("Get Me to A Nunnery," December 1981), I...
...The administrators claimed I did not have the intellectual capacity to successfully complete my academic studies...
...We need coreligionists with SHALOM on the fronts and rears of their Cadillacs like a hole in the head...
...Of course, we still suffer from ancient and modern ingrained sexism, but I do think that Reconstructionism provides an environment that Mr...
...A magazine published with the goal of educating and unifying the Jewish community does little to further its purposes by uncritically perpetuating derisive, tasteless statements against a segment of its readership...
...Anyone who seriously disagrees with the notion of Jewish settlement on the West Bank and its attendant consequences owes it to himself to investigate the other point of view at the scene of the action...
...Permanent second-class citizenship or expulsion of the Arab inhabitants is unacceptable for both moral and practical reasons...
...The quest for a peaceful and just political environment in this area is fraught with difficulties...
...Unfortunately for Mr...
...No other options are consistent with the principle of democratic government...
...We are not amused here...
...For someone like me, who has spent a number of years attempting to sensitize the Jewish community to the problems of those who have disabilities, it is gratifying to see this issue raised in one of the principal forums for the discussion of Jewish concerns...
...The question of tradition and modern thinking, which has been a central concern of Reconstructionism, might provide something of interest for Ms...
...citizens) was allowed to be printed...
...The fact that we were persecuted by Hitler does not justify the persecution of West Bank Arabs...
...Such a policy is tantamount to ignoring the problem...
...The only fortunate thing about that particular license plate is that few non-Jews, and probably none with anti-Semitic tendencies, understand that particular word to be a Jewish expression...
...Since the beginning of Reconstructionism in the late 1940s, the equality of women, particularly in public spheres, has been an unalienable tenet...
...Sloppy research of basic chronology casts doubts as to the veracity of other statements...
...Seixas' full sentence reads: ". . . Deprived as we have hitherto been of the invaluable rights of free citizens, we now, (with a deep gratitude to the Almighty Disposer of all events) behold a Government (erected by the Majesty of the People), a Government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance—but generously affording to All liberty of conscience, and immunities of citizenship—deeming every one, of whatever nation, tongue or language, equal parts of the great governmental machine...
...There is no doubt that I too would have been lost to my people if I hadn't been blessed with parents who had a strong attachment to Judaism and were determined to pass this on to me...
...Geismar says, "It is not for us to choose among the chosen...
...In the intervening quarter century, I have earned two university degrees, and I was recently accepted into the Masters program at the Columbia School of Journalism...
...Laurie E. Pearce Stamford, CT Editor's note: Sorry...
...Living in the West Bank is certainly a political act...
...First, should a member of a people be plagued by a "they have all the money" stereotype be advertising his ethnic group on a very public personal possession that most people cannot and will never be able to afford...
...Bearfield's slur on our neighbors (and many U.S...
...It reflects the tenor of the entire debate over the West Bank, which in many cases is conducted by people who have no firsthand experience there other than reveling in the craggy grandeur of the Judean Desert or the olive orchards of Samaria...
...What could be simpler...
...However, I found a remark by Lev Bearfield ("The People of the Tube") to be both ironic and troubling, moment is published by and for a group of people who have suffered greatly through the years because of their ethnic and religious identity...
...The review of Chariots of Fire is now in the hands of the teacher of "Why Bother To Be A Jew...
...From personal experience, I know that Jewish institutions tend to turn a cold shoulder on those who have a handicap...
...Deuteronomy 9:3) From this you may infer that two sparks advanced before them . . . Now when the sparks came out the fire grazed those who bore the Ark and so they were burned and reduced in numbers.'" In the past, Jewish sources have supplied material for Hollywood films such as The Ten Commandments, which lists the Midrash in a credit clip, The Frisco Kid, which lists a rabbi as an advisor and Samson and Delilah, which utilizes Vladimir Jabotinsky's biblical novel...
...The fact that Reform Jews, myself among their growing number, do not adhere to the dogma of halachah does not mean that they are less fervent in their belief or devoted in their practice...
...All letters should be typed, double-spaced, and sent to the moment Editorial Office, 462 Boylston Street, Suite 301, Boston, MA 02116...
...Moreover, Jews in America have taken pride in their support of the rights of different racial, religious and national groups...
...The remark is no more acceptable than a reference to bargaining as "toOew" somebody...
...Now we do...
...Numbers 4:18) The rabbinic tradition held that the depletion in the numbers of the tribe of Kohath was caused by their work with the Ark...
...The source is Bamidbar Rabbah 5:1 and it is a commentary on the verse: "Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of Kohathites from among the Le-vites...
...As individuals we must ask ourselves if we are willing to accept persons with disabilities as equals in our homes, synagogues and communal organizations...
...A moderately priced sedan would do just as well...
...Even though war with Germany seemed imminent, he found it impossible to persuade the Jewish cutters to go to Palestine...
...Nonetheless, the photograph raises two questions that are raised by many of our license plate photos—which are not, by the way, the sole manifestation of Jewish culture in California...
...To the Editor: The June 1982 issue of moment was both interesting and enjoyable reading, especially "Heavenly Deception," "The J.D...
...But the specter of the Holocaust must not be allowed to impair clear thinking, nor may it be used to excuse the repression now occurring...
...While I'm sure that you intended "Putting Them in Their Place" as an example of black humor, I find it personally offensive...
...Lewis Warshauer Tenafiy, New Jersey Movies and Midrash To the Editor: Further to the article "The Mystery of the Real Lost Ark" (March 1982), I would hope that the following digest of a midrash will interest your readers...
...Epstein's lack of historical scholarship, German armored units under Rommel did not land in Tripolitania until the end of February 1941, almost one year later...
...And so he says to them: "Know therefore this day that the Lord thy God is He who goes over before you as a devouring fire...
...Abrams, as well as Ms...
...Having been a subscriber to moment for several years, I find most of your articles well-considered and thought-provoking...
...We reserve the right to edit for publication...
...Ultimately, either these Arabs must be granted full voting representation in the Knesset, or Israel should withdraw...
...Joseph Geismar Los Angeles, California To the Editor: George Washington repeated, but did not originate, the noble phrases and sentiment, "To bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance" (Arthur Chiel's article on the Touro Synagogue, "Sit-in At the Shul," July-August 1982...
...In all, moment is valuable to me as an educator, to my staff as teachers, to my students as the future of Judaism, and just as an aside, to my 89-year-old father who sent his daughter to yeshiva in 1936...
...Articles such as this offend not only because of the sacrosanct attitude implied in the title...
...But in spite of this determination, I doubt if they could have been successful if I had no sight or hearing, or was unable to negotiate a flight of stairs...
...I refer to his use of the phrase "Mexican standoff...
...Because Moses in effect asks Israel: Why should you be afraid of the sons of Anak...
...The article on a family's experience with cults ("Heavenly Deception") was mailed to the staff member teaching "Contemporary Jewish Problems...
...Whence do you know this...
...Morris U. Schappes New York, New York moment and Jewish Education To the Editor: As I read the July-August letters to the editor and saw mention of using your magazine as part of a curriculum, I jumped from behind my desk and started typing this note to you...
...To the Editor: I was disappointed by your editorial, "American Jews and the West Bank" (May 1982), in which you urge American Jews not to cross the Green Line...
...Aimee Neibart Director of Education Temple Emanu-El Religious School Livingston, New Jersey Our Apologies To the Editor: In "The Spice Box" feature of your June issue, there is an item which displays a general misunderstanding and contempt for Reform Jews and their practice of Judaism...
...Since the Germans invaded the Lowlands on May 10, 1940, this would date Ben Ami's trip somewhat prior to that...
...Two wrongs do not make a right...
...But sadly, experience has taught me that verbal support and genuine commitment are very different...
...Second, what are Jews doing, during an economic recession, frittering away vast sums of money on what is nothing more than a piece of vanity...
...It was in his reply to this statement by the Congregation that Washington repeated Seixas' words—and gave them additional resonance...
...The item was a report on how its neighbors identify the Reform synagogue in Jerusalem...
...The point of the TSB item was (or was meant to be) in accord with reader Pearce's views...
...In your version, having "friendly tea with the Gush Emunim settlers" sounds like participating in the arcane rituals of some crazed trekkers rather than learning about people who are, after all, fellow Jews...
...Thanks...
...Eleazer ben Pedat, in the name of R. Yose ben Zimra, said, 'When Israel were on their journeys, two sparks of fire would emerge from the two staves of the Ark to strike their enemies...
...Yet, by failing to provide the facilities which make it possible for those with disabilities to participate in cultural, religious and educational activities, we have effectively ensured their total cutoff from their Jewish heritage...
...Ochs, should be aware of and may find congenial...
...They believed that the Germans, led by General Rommel, were on the verge of capturing Palestine...
...When I talk publicly to Jewish audiences about this issue, I always get a favorable response...
...This is a blatant example of sinat chinam, gratuitous hatred...
...Neil Gould Vallejo, California Editor's Note: Sorry, we didn't know better...
...And the function of a rabbi should not be to encourage waste by example...
...All due respect to Kohellet, but some things are more vain than others...
...LETTERS Considering Reconstructionism To the Editor: While I was sympathetic to William Abrams' response ("Letters," April 1982) to Vanessa Ochs' article ("Get Me to A Nunnery," December 1981), I feel that he has a Conservative-bound sphere of encouragement to offer her...
...Some spices, unfortunately, are bitter...
...Yasher koach...
...Women are rabbis, constitute a minyan, say Kaddish, wear tallitot, etc...
...Only signed letters with a complete return address can be considered...
...Preventing the mass assimilation of Jews with disabilities will require that others, both with and without positions of influence, come to grips with attitudes that are sometimes less than positive...
...Gabriel Sucher Washington, D.C...
...It is in fact the only way to find out what actually goes on there...
...Israel cannot continue indefinitely to "have its cake and eat it too" in this territory...
...Because I have cerebral palsy, I was denied admittance to an Orthodox Hebrew evening school, when my parents tried to enroll me at the age of six...
...How is one supposed to know what these people really profess unless one makes contact with them and hears what they have to say...
...In the future we may yet be treated to cinema magic based on Jewish traditional sources from screenwriters scouring the Midrash, Talmud and Kabbalah...
...Isn't it time for Jews to draw together and support their common goals instead of fueling the fires of self-hate and deprecation...
...The driving habits of those who sport Yiddish expressions on their needlessly fancy automobiles are a cruel effontery to the less fortunate and an inexcusable waste of Jewish resources...
...The 92nd Mitzvah To the Editor: Helaine Geismar is to be congratulated on her article, "The 92nd Mitzvah," which appeared in the May issue of moment...
...Our leadership, for its part, must decide if it is willing to commit the necessary financial and human resources to enable the disabled to participate in Jewish life...
...Since the large majority of diamond cutters in Belgium were Gentile Flemish plying their profession for generations, I doubt that there were ever 60 Jewish cutters to be found...
...WhatV and "What Makes Harold Run...
...This one, unfortunately, can only encourage the reader to accept ready-made dicta and persist in the mistaken notion that having anything to do with people or policies with which one disagrees neccessarily indicates approval...
...To quote the Midrash: "R...
...The great words were first composed and sent to Washington by Moses Seixas, Warden of the Newport Congregation, on August 17, 1790, when Washington came to Newport...
...And just how many Israel bonds, kosher meals for the poor and elderly and, above all, day school scholarships, are parked in the lots of the various synagogues...
...Yet, Mr...
...Furthermore, this item only emphasizes the problem faced by the entire Reform Movement in Israel, where no Reform rabbi may legally officiate at religious functions...
...Use Winer Outremont, Quebec The West Bank To the Editor: I appreciated your thoughtful set of articles, "Considering the West Bank" (June 1982...
...Bill Friedman Van Nuys, California Letters to the Editor moment welcomes letters from readers...
...Are they harder to conquer than those who came against us and were burned by the Ark...
...Bearfield's choice of words and your failure to edit them out are unfortunate...
...While on vacation in the Canary Islands in late June, I read the June issue and promptly noted three articles which fit in beautifully with our school curriculum...
...My extensive involvement with the Jewish community has ranged from being editor of a Zionist newspaper in university and being a member of the International Executive of the North American Jewish Students' Network to being a member of the Law and Social Action Committee of the Canadian Jewish Congress...
...Visiting there, however, is not...
...Martin S. Krossel Toronto, Ontario Misuse of License To the Editor: You seem to find it amusing that a rabbi here in California drives a Porsche with NUDGE on his environmental plate, as personalized licenses are called here (The Spice Box, July-August 1982...
...Since I am a Jew whose father came to America as a refugee from Nazi Germany, I can understand the Begin government's fear, if not paranoia, in dealing with the situation...
...Yisrael Medad Shiloh, West Bank Historical Accuracy To the Editor: I would like to comment on Edward Epstein's "The Carat Tzimmes" (June 1982), excerpted from his book, The Rise and Fall of Diamonds...
...After alj, being against the disabled is like being against apple pie...
...I quote: "Ben Ami then flew to Antwerp to recruit the 60 cutters...
...Prominent members of the Jewish community often make pious statements about how threatening assimilation is to our survival...
...Judaism does not counsel asceticism, nor does it place any value on conspicuous consumption...
...And the ones who drive these cars are the ones usually the most in need of some exercise—like a walk to shul...
...As Ms...
...The midrashim were a fantastic plus for our sixth grade class, which covers major stories in the Torah...
Vol. 7 • September 1982 • No. 8
