THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
LISTENING POST
Friday, April 12, 1985
iie/ of Southfield
DANNY RASKIN
569-0882
25080 Southfield Road at 10 Mile
WHAT STARTED OUT as an
innocent letter to us from an in-
mate at Jackson State Prison re-
garding funds not available for
Passover Seder has opened up a
huge keg of worms . . . It could
result in a court suit over refusal
to give Jewish inmates their reli-
gious rights of worship . . . There
was no organized Passover Seder
at Jackson this year .. . but this
issue seems to have become very
secondary to a much more serious
one.
Rabbi Jeffrey Gale, Jewish
chaplain, writes . . . "The
authorities at the Jackson Prison
are following instructions from
the Department of Corrections in
Lansing, and are requiring the
Jewish prisoners to hold two sepa-
rate Sedarim. In order to tighten
security, the Department of Cor-
rections sees fit to prohibit all
religious factions from interming-
ling. That is to say, prisoners from
North, Central, and South com-
plexes will be prevented from join-
ing together for common services.
"This new approach is particu-
larly harmful to the Jewish pris-
oners as they represent one of the
smallest religious groups in the
prison system. As there are ap-
proximately 21-22 Jewish pris-
oners at the Jackson Prison, di-
viding the Jewish congregation
into two parts will endanger the
minyan. Most traditional Jews
can appreciate that a quorum of
ten men is required for a proper
Shabbat service (reciting the
Tefilah, reading the Torah, recit-
ing Kaddish, etc.). The breaking
up of the Central Complex and the
service for the North and South
complexes will require 100 per-
cent attendance if they are to take
place at all.
"The prisoners and I agree one
one essential principle. Passover
is a festival of religious freedom
which emphasizes family and
Jewish peoplehood. To agree to
conduct two Sedarim in Jackson
Prison would destroy the concept
of a 'prison family,' make a moc-
kery of Jewish peoplehood, and
reinforce the prisoner's sense of
helplessness, instead of teaching
them the value of freedom. Hence,
we cannot hold Sedarim under
these circumstances. Although
we deeply appreciate the gener-
ous contributions and the moral
support of the Detroit Jewish
community, we will return every
check as we cannot keep money
under false pretenses.
"With regard to the division of
the 21 Jewish inmates into two
`sub-congregations,' I wrote the
following message to the Warden,
Mr. Dale Foltz, on Dec. 28, 1984.
"In the short time I have minis-
tered to the Jewish prisoners, a
definite community spirit has de-
veloped. Because the Jewish pris-
oners share common historical
roots and are drawn together by a
sense of Jewish peoplehood, there
is considerable mutual support at
services and at study sessions. An
`esprit de corps' is clearly evident
and is growing stronger during
each of my visits. No responsible
Jewish leader could ever sanction
the artificial fragmentation of
such a small, close-knit commu-
nity.
"'The tremendous religious
authority which I wield over the
Jewish prisoners is a serious solu-
tion to any security problems
which you might have. The
Jewish inmates take my opinions
and advice seriously. By teaching
Judaism and exerting a powerful
religious influence on my congre-
gation, I can help many of the in-
mates lead useful lives when they
come out of prison. As you know, I
hold a full-time position at Tem-
ple Beth Israel. The time which is
available for my prison chap-
laincy is very limited. If my very
limited time is divided betweem
two sub-congregations I will be
unable to give the Jewish inmates
the maximum dose of Judaism
which they crave and deserve.
"'I hold a Hebrew study session
on Wednesday mornings and a
Jewish knowledge seminar on
Saturday mornings. Both sessions
are well supported. The prisoners
conscientiously apply themselves
to their studies and are beginning
to develop confidence and a sense
of self-worth. I sincerely believe
that human beings can overcome
the errors of their past by their
own efforts and that criminals can
be taught to face the outside world
with courage and responsibility.
"`I urge you to accept my
recommendation and abandon all
plans of dividing the= Jewish con-
gregation. Please allow me to pro-
vide the best possible religious
service that a busy part-time
chaplaincy can provide."'
FIRST GRANDCHILD of Ben
and Ethel Siegel called for more
than just a proud grandpappy
handing out cigars . . . Pastries
and bagels galore were brought
into the Charter House Barbers
on Northwestern by a happy Ben
. . . Elyse Erin is the little lady
responsible . . . born to Dennise
and Jeff Fleischman.
CONGRATS . to Marilyn
and Lawrence Wayne . . . on their
35th anniversary . . . celebrated
at a cocktail dinner given for them
in Florida by their children.
Complete Greek and American Cuisine
Cocktail Lounge
Lunch and Dinner
Now Appearing Wed. thru Sat. 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Strolling Music
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DINNER for 2
Coupon good for up to 4 only.
Coupon good Sunday thru
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Onl
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One of Metropolitan Detroit's Most Beautiful
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diploma from Palmer College of
Chiropractic, it was a double
thrill for mom and dad, Marilyn
and Dr. Stanley Levine . . . Pop
also graduated from Palmer .. .
and was member of alumni hand-
ing sheepskin to their son.
NOT KNOWNING MUCH
about podiatry except that it deals
with the care of feet, info given to
us recently was taken as fact be-
cause of informant's usual relia-
bility . . . However, Dr. Barry Gal-
lison did not invent the Bone
Growth Stimulator . . . It has been
around for many years, as have
selastic implants which he also
uses . . . Both are used nationwide
on a regular basis by podiatric
physicians . . . We thank the
podiatrists who brought this to
our attention.
available for your
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Ttg slut takeout Petty Tkago, an we
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Spring Concert
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PAT ARCHER: 358-3355
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WHEN DR. ROBERT
LEVINE recently received his
The Metropolitan Youth Sym-
phony will present a spring pops
concert 7:30 p.m. April 20 at
Southfield High School.
Tickets will be available at the
door. For information, call Shar-
ron Zamczyk, 477-2894.
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