Comments (1)Welcome Comfort
March 12, 2010Regarding Phil Jacobs’ March 5 Editor’s Notebook “Medical Marijuana,” I have to respond with real empathy regarding his view of his mother’s feelings as she became increasingly disabled and (unfortunately, also) in pain as a result of her MS. It doesn’t matter what the etiology, we who face the decline of our health, strength and the resultant lack of independence want to be remembered by our family and friends as we were when we were strong and vital.
Recently, my daughter’s family had to “put down” their beloved dogs. The first time, the whole family sat on the floor at the vet with hands on their dear pet and watched the IV placed in his vein and the medication slowly go into the animal. They saw that there was no pain. It was a totally humane experience for their precious dog, as well as for them. They were much distressed, but much less so for being a part of this very loving goodbye to their beloved Ben.
Unfortunately, his companion dog, Kate, had to be put down about nine months later. The children were less distraught than they might have been had they not had the experience of witnessing the demise of the older dog.
I had to think how blessed it would be for humans to have the same grace. Realizing full well how difficult it is to make this decision (who will live and who will die), I have to feel that the blessing of relief of pain given by marijuana would be totally appropriate for any and all of us as we reach the disabilities resulting from pain at the end of life.
Judy Pachino
Baltimore
Eye On Farrakhan
March 12, 2010Should Rev. Louis Farrakhan’s remarks, lies, accusations and insinuations continue to be reported, as asked by Neil Rubin in his March 5 blog “Farrakhan’s Back” on jewish times.com ? I think most definitely, on many levels, for many reasons, ranging from “Know Thine Enemy,” to being able to debunk and disprove the outrageous statements, and to be able to address the issues (some actually legitimate) that he uses to inflame and divide his target audience.
A common mistake that a lot of people make is taking the term “African-American community” at face value and thinking that there are not different sets of beliefs, desires, values and misconceptions within the said “community.” Being often at “street level” as I am — on the bus and in the ’hood, as well as mixing and associating with a more assimilated segment of black society — I see and hear radically different and disparate views and opinions of Jews and Judaism, and our stereotypes that at times are in parallel with neo-Nazis and white supremacists, hard as that may be to believe.
Unless we know the transmitters and receivers of the Rev. Farrakhan’s at times vitriolic hatred, how can we counter and properly inform and then invite in and listen to those whom the dialogue is most intended and needed to reach?
Thanks and keep watching and reporting.
Dave Cluster
Pikesville
Great Outdoors
March 12, 2010We were thrilled going through the February 12 “Camps 2” special section and looking at all of the camping opportunities available to our children.
Last year, our son, Joe, attended Jewish overnight camp for the first time thanks to a $1,000 Campership Incentive Grant received from the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Joe had a wonderful time at Capital Camps. Each letter he sent us was bursting with enthusiasm for his new-found friends and activities. His summer experience certainly cemented his already strong Jewish identity. It also brought back fond memories of our own experiences at Jewish overnight camp. We are thrilled to be sending Joe back to Capital Camps for a second summer, this time receiving a $750 returning-camper incentive grant from the Associated.
We encourage anyone still looking for the right place to send his or her second- to 12th-grader this summer to consider the warmth and richness of Jewish overnight camp. Campership incentive grants are still available. For more information visit associated.org/camp .
Cindy and Howard Bernstein
Baltimore
Sacred Hebron
March 12, 2010In regard to the Purim protesters written about in the March 5 article “A Different Take,” before they don their ridiculous signs and protest against what they judge to be Israeli apartheid in Hevron (Hebron), I would like to know how much of Hevron’s history these demonstrators know.
Do they know Hevron was a Canaanite city founded in 1727 B.C.E. and that its more than three and one-half millennia of inextricable history with the Jewish people began approximately 50 years later when, for an exorbitant price, Abraham bought the Cave of Makhpelah from Efron the Hittite to be the burial site for his wife, Sarah?
Do they know Hevron is the final resting place for all three Hebrew Patriarchs and three of the four Matriarchs (and Esau’s head) and was reconnoitered by Joshua’s spies, conquered by Calev ben Yefuneh, designated as a Levitical city of sanctuary (‘Ir Miklat), served as the first royal seat for King David who was anointed there as king of all Israel, fortified by David’s grandson Rehav’am, lost to the Edomites, recaptured from the Seleucids by Judah Maccabeus and his nephew John Hyrcanus, ruled by Herod who built the walls that surround the Cave of Makhpelah, liberated by Shimon
bar Giora, burned by the Roman commander Cerealius, ruled by the Byzantines, conquered by the Arabs, lost to the Crusaders, retaken by the Muslims, ruled by the Ottoman sultans, administered by the British and handed over to Jordan until it was recaptured by the Jewish State of Israel in 1967?
Do they know Hevron was the site of numerous massacres of its Jews by Christians and Arab and non-Arab Muslims, the most famous of which in 1929 saw nearly 20 percent of the city’s Jewish population wounded and/or killed? Do they know of the many oppressive taxes and expulsions enacted to drive the Jews out of Hevron? Do they know Jews purchased more than 200 acres of land in Hevron during the 19th century?
Do they know Hevron’s holiest site, the building containing the Cave of Makhpelah, has served at various times as a church or mosque, for 700 years Jews were barred entry into the building (1267-1967) and were allowed no farther than the seventh step of the front entrance, and that even today more than 80 percent of the building and most likely the caves themselves are still under the sole and absolute control of the Muslim Waqf and inaccessible to Jews for prayer but for 10 days each year?
Or at least do they know who said, “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity,” as written by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. in his 1936 book “Strength to Love”?
Samuel Zygler
Baltimore
Pie Slicing
March 5, 2010I find it ludicrous that the owners/operators of the Suburban House blame their decision not to rebuild at their current site on the lack of cooperation of the neighboring businesses (“Unexpected Move,” Feb. 1).
Each and every business surrounding them realizes that parking for their customers is a premium and as such has taken steps to insure that there is dedicated parking, and some have even gone so far as to offer valet service for their customers. Further, Baltimore County has street parking on both sides of Reisterstown Road and a public parking lot located directly across the street from the Suburban House on Sherwood Avenue that offers more than 40 spaces for their customers to utilize at no cost. Why they actually chose not to rebuild at their current location is still a mystery, but to lay blame on their neighboring businesses who are working just as hard to get their slice of the pie is unfair.
Anita Wilson
Baltimore
Just Stop It!
You may call it a spoof. I call it a defamation of character. I don’t find the topic of sexual molestation or harassment funny. Once again, the Jewish Times went out of its way to defame the name of a good rabbi and to defame the name of a wonderful shul by associating both with the topic of impropriety and Tiger Woods (“Purim Spoof 2010,” Feb. 26).
Although the name Liberty Jewish Center has been retired for 10 years, many people still associate the name with the current MMAE. The shul was never a part of the original story, but this publication kept throwing it in the middle, as if it were. It’s time for the Jewish Times to stop it. Stop defaming the name of the shul and stop defaming the name of a good rabbi who has suffered enough. You owe both an apology.
Larry Dobres
Baltimore,/i>
Havana Bound
March 5, 2010Thank you for your extensive coverage of our family’s October 2009 trip to Cuba (“Havana Bound,” Feb. 26). It certainly helped present a vivid picture of Cuba’s Jewish community and the myriad needs that are being met by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).
Baltimoreans should feel especially proud of the work the JDC is doing in Cuba. As an overseas partner of the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, the JDC receives funding from the Associated, ensuring that Jews in communities around the globe are cared for and protected. For the 1,500 Jews living in Cuba, the JDC is a lifeline meeting their basic needs and connecting them to their Jewish heritage. As a Baltimorean, I am thrilled that the fund-raising work the Associated does in our community can make such a profound difference for Jews facing challenging times thousands of miles away.
Glenn L. Weinberg
Chair, Center for Funds and Foundations
The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore
Prudish?
March 5, 2010We enjoy reading the “Beshert” page every week. It’s wonderful to see the faces of the newly-married couples. At the risk of appearing “prudish,” I question the importance of reporting details of their time together at hotels, trips, etc., before their “big day.”
I know that our teenagers read these articles, and while they are not naive these days, I think it would not diminish the quality of these articles about their simchahs to leave some of these details out.
Herta Baitch
Baltimore
Sad Story
March 5, 2010The controversy regarding the Sabbath elevator at Strathmore Towers is sad for many reasons.
While majority rule ultimately trumps when it comes to condomium policy, boards ignore “the golden rule” at their own peril. By refusing to accommodate their
Orthodox neighbors and failing to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” boards create an atmosphere that will ultimately have a negative effect on future condo sales.
As the population of the Park Heights corridor ages, the Orthodox elderly who wish to remain near their children and synagogues are comprising a larger segment of the market.
Condominiums are a popular option when these seniors downsize. Similarly, a condo is often an affordable first step into the housing market for young Orthodox couples.
As a result, those condominiums that are willing to be “Sabbath Friendly” will attract Sabbath observant buyers who are willing to pay a premium for these conveniences.Buildings that ignore the demographics of the neighborhood may find themselves free of those pesky Orthodox folks — but facing a greatly diminished spectrum of buyers as they put their condos up for sale.
In this case it may truly pay to be a mentsch.
Cronshi Englander
Baltimore
Izzy’s Magic
February 26, 2010The Feb. 12 iNSIDER article “The Magic of Izzy,” in which the Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) was featured, left out information. The school is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Mrs. Joan Twining and all of the staff at ROSES are very caring and devoted volunteers. My granddaughter Julia, who was mentioned in the story, has been unable to ride during the winter months. She is just one of the many children in which therapeutic riding makes a difference, but unfortunately is unable to ride. Currently, I am involved with helping ROSES construct an indoor arena so children with disabilities can receive year round services.
Lastly, our building fund campaign is in dire need of capital to complete the indoor arena and classrooms. We are hoping that some of your readers would consider contributing to this organization so we can complete the project. Once completed, Roses will be able to offer services without interruption as well as accommodate more children with disabilities. Roses is also interested in others that are willing to volunteer their time or help with our cause. By the way, Mrs. Joan Twining was named “Woman of the Year” for Baltimore County, 2010. Roses is a special place, just one visit and you will see for yourself.
Please provide the following contact information, should any of your readers know of a family that would benefit from ROSES services; have them contact Mrs. Joan Twining at 410-592-2562 or via email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) . Contributions can be sent to the Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, Inc., P.O. Box 156 Glen Arm, Md. 21057.
Sheldon Forchheimer
Baltimore
Mainstream
February 26, 2010In Norman Pressman’s Feb. 5 letter “Out Of Gear” about the Strathmore Towers Shabbat elevator dispute, he wrote, “Why should normal mainstream Jews and gentiles have to wait for an elevator to accommodate the bizarre allegedly religious belief that the creator (sic) of the universe commanded a certain group of people not to push an elevator button (but it’s OK to ride the elevator)? Maybe this could be resolved by the Orthodox hiring an “elevator Goy” to ride the elevator all Shabbat and push it for the three or four people who fear G-d’s wrath for pushing a button.”
Last week’s Torah parshah, Terumah, goes into tremendous architectual detail. The Mishkan (tabernacle) and its contents are precisely laid out. Attention to detail was so important that we are told that when Moshe himself just didn’t understand the structure of the Menorah it was G-d Himself who fashioned it. The ‘good intentions’ of a Moshe would not have been enough if the Menorah was to be constructed incorrectly. Yes, G-d knows the inner workings of a person but it is not enough to “just be” a good person. Contrary to Mr. Pressman, “form” is “substance.” If G-d sweats the details, then we as His children need do so also. It is attention to detail that creates the Mishkan of our lives and homes.
What looks like the “Devil in the details “to Pressman is the “mainstream” that stays the course in the “maelstrom” that is our world.
Chaim Haber
Baltimore
Snow Redo
February 26, 2010In addition to the interesting and amazing things you reported that happened during the big snow storm of February 9 in “So Much Snow,” a truly amazing thing happened at my synagogue, Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Congregation (Rabbi Elan Adler’s shul). During the blizzard that Shabbos was the bar mitzvah celebration of Josef Malkiel, son of our co-congregants and friends Ed and Lauren Malkiel.
Those of us who could not attend due to the weather, were treated to a special treat of, as Rabbi Adler put it, a reprise this past Shabbos when Josef read his Torah portion, the entire parshah Yitro, again. That’s got to be one for the record books.
Dr. Brian M. Parker
Baltimore
Rambam’s Effort
February 26, 2010Referencing the Feb. 12 article “Blizzard Beater,” thank you for putting the Yeshivat Rambam’s Willner Varsity Boys Basketball Tournament on the map! It was heartwarming to read how the community pitched in to make this weekend a reality for all those in town and those that traveled long distances to participate in this event.
Your recount of this Shabbaton and Tournament weekend held at the Baltimore Jewish Community Center was very moving, capturing all the planning, effort, and heroes involved in this achievement. The article was so well written that the readers felt as if they were along for the ride. It is with gratitude to each and every one of you that participated in this happening. It enabled the students at Yeshivat Rambam and the “Redstorm Team” to realize the weekend that they prepare for and look forward to all year as a sense of pride, amazing school spirit and accomplishment.
I was not aware of how many organizations and volunteers came forward to participate in this happening. It was indeed an amazing community effort. It was an incredible feat to put together at zero hour. My hat off to all of you! I sincerely thank everyone for making this event go on as planned in spite of the big blizzard. It made the 8th annual tournament the most memorable and incredible experience, for all participating in the program, for years to come.
As was mentioned in the article, this weekend is in memory of Gerald Willner, fondly known as “Zaidie Jerry”. It is a living tribute to keeping his dream alive for yeshiva students to combine Torah learning and competing in sports with positive qualities, good sportsmanship, and “Achdus” (togetherness) as a prerequisite to success in the secular world.
Thank you one and all for your commitment and support in this endeavor.
Mrs. Sandy Willner
Baltimore
Save Youlus’s Reputation
February 26, 2010Regarding your Feb. 5 article on Rabbi Menachem Youlus, when the JEWISH TIMES says Rabbi Youlus is unavailable for comment, what is the innuendo that you are perpetuating with that statement?
It is a shame that Save A Torah must spend donated dollars on independent experts to verify the authenticity of their work instead of on the mission of the organization, which is saving and restoring Torah scrolls. I don’t think there is an individual or synagogue who has received one of these scrolls that hasn’t benefited from owning one. The mitzvah is providing a Torah to needy organizations. How can one argue with that? Is there anyone else providing the service in our community?
I’m not sure what the purpose of the article in the JEWISH TIMES was. If some of Rabbi Youlus’ “escapades” or midrash
are exaggerations, isn’t the goal what we should be looking at, anyway?
I have had business dealings with Rabbi Youlus for more than nine years. I have always found him to be knowledgeable, respectful and a genuine mensch. He has taught me much about how to buy and sell Judaica. I hope to continue our business relationship as well as our friendship for many years to come.
Anne King
Chizuk Amuno Sisterhood Judaica Shop
Help Homeless
February 26, 2010I am moved by the story of homelessness in your Feb. 19 edition (“Homeless, Not Helpless”). My work brings me in contact with similar people every day—mentally ill persons with co-occuring substance abuse problems who live on the fringes of society. So far, I have identified six patients out of about 100 now served who identify themselves as Jewish. They are interested in learning about their heritage and, like most of my patients, find strength in finding their roots. They, and others I work with are working hard to turn the lives around by accepting their illness and utilizing treatment resources.
I can only guess at the amount of effort social service agencies have expended reaching out to this individual. It is sad to note that the choice of care remains with the individual and that many persons choose not to take prescribed medications that would help them regain control of their own lives. It is also sad to note that many professionals and lay people tire of reaching out to help when someone in need says “No” once too often. I discovered the value of respect and patience in providing new opportunities and am thankful that so many individuals have taken their recovery seriously. It is encouraging that some individuals are choosing life and hope when given the opportunity.
Dr. Howard Eisenberg
Baltimore
Photo-tastic
February 26, 2010The joint Jewish Museum of Maryland/BALTIMORE JEWISH TIMES “Once Upon a Time” history photo feature just turned three-years old. Thank you to all of our wonderful members and JEWISH TIMES subscribers for calling in week after week with the identifications of the people in the photographs.
And to answer the question that I am most frequently asked, YES! People do call in every week to identify the photos. In fact 2/3 of all of the photos have been at least partially identified through this JMM/JT collaboration.
The “answers” to the identifications are posted right here on the JMM blog and website. (Sometimes it does take a week or two to update.) The information is also added to our database to assist researchers in the future.
Interested in seeing more? Enter your search term (name, shul, club) into our on-line database and see what comes up. Or, make an appointment to come to the museum and view the photographs in person. Want to help identify photos on a regular basis? We need volunteers to help describe the photos in our collection. Contact Ilene Cohen, JMM Volunteer Coordinator, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 410-732-6400 ext. 217.
Jobi O. Zink
Sr. Collections Manager, Jewish Museum of Maryland
The Kids?
February 26, 2010I want to know who is teaching Orthodox Jewish children? These kids are wild, rude and have no respect for anyone, including their own parents. Moreover, the parents don’t care either!
These children are being taught hate and it stems from their parents. They are not being taught the basic principles of being a human being! They are being taught to do bad things.
What is happening to society and teachers when the Orthodox children are not learning to respect but learning to hate?
Can someone help me understand why there are so many couples with so many kids that they can no longer handle them? The parents don’t seem to care about these kids only to have them is what they feel is their duty in life. I am not against a family having several children but if you can’t handle them financially and/or physically, don’t have them! I don’t care what religion you are.
If you can’t afford to properly feed and take care of your child, it seems unfair to bring them into the world. Just in case anyone wants to know, I am Jewish!
I feel in some cases that these Orthodox Jews are giving my religion a bad name! In some other cases, using their religion to gain access into communities where they want only Orthodox Jews to live and try to push out everyone else.
Children without discipline, without proper guidance are children who grow up to have no respect for anyone or anything regardless of religion! These are not good members of society. I have learned that patterns repeat if they are not changed and taught differently.
This to me is very sad! These children have no role model! Maybe someone can comment and let me know what is wrong with the parents?
Tammy Silberstein
Baltimore