CONTENTS 1--
OPINION
24
CLOSE-UP
Rising From Failure
ELLYCE FIELD
Near-bankruptcy fourteen years ago
is just a fading memory for fast-
growing Adat Shalom Synagogue in
Farmington Hills.
Page 1 photograph: Irwin Alterman,
Norman Allan, and Rabbi Efry Spectre.
ON CAMPUS
Relig ious News Service
Holiday Dilemma
Among the Jewish delegates meeting with the Pope in Rome Sept. 1 were Rabbis Gilbert Kalpermann and
Mordechai Waxman.
Stronger Jewish Political Action
Is Needed During Pope's Visit
BERL FALBAUM
ope John Paul's two recent meetings
with Jewish leaders to defuse
increasing tensions between
Catholics and Jews, unfortunately, were no
more than attempts at political appease-
ment. While it is, of course, impolite and
politically unpopular to criticize such
meetings, the fact is that little, if anything,
was accomplished judging from the public
statements issued after these historic ses-
sions — one three weeks ago in Rome and
the other last week in Miami.
Political etiquette notwithstanding,
there was no progress on the key issues
which prompted the Pope to grant the
meetings in the first place. The Vatican did
not waver in its resolve not to apologize or
give any hint of contrition for the Pope's
meeting with Austrian President Kurt
Waldheim, a Nazi collaborator who has
continually lied about his background.
No progress was reported on the Holy
See's intent of recognizing the State of
Israel. As a matter of fact, while the Pope
recognized Israel's right to a homeland —
40 years after its creation — he also said
he sought a Palestinian homeland as well.
Hardly a reason to cheer.
Where was the Vatican on recognition
before the 1960s when the Palestinian
issue became the political reason for
withholding diplomatic relations?
The Waldheim meeting and Vatican
recognition of Israel are two major issues
which presently strain relations between
Jews and Catholics and no signals could be
deciphered from the meeting that there
was any movement by the Vatican on these
points.
The meetings were described in the
usual diplomatic language — they were
frank and amicable — and gave Jews an op-
p
portunity to personally express their
anguish.
While such opportunities to ' vent
frustrations prompt short-lived self-
satisfaction, they accomplished little else.
The Pope, a sophisticated and astute world
leader, hardly needed an explanation for
Jewish anger and anxiety with the
Vatican. He certainly understands the im-
plications of the Waldheim meeting and he
needs no lesson in what it means to fail to
recognize the State of Israel.
The indication that the Vatican will
issue a major paper on the Holocaust and
even anti-Semitism is important but ac-
tions speak louder than whatever
statements the Pope may issue. Had he bar-
red Waldheim from a papal audience, no
encyclical on the Holocaust would be
necessary. Indeed, calling Waldheim a
"man of peace" and then issuing an
encyclical on the Holocaust suggests a
degree of hypocrisy.
The Pope's invocation of the emotional
phrase "Never Again" in Miami was a nice
political touch but what else would one ex-
pect from one of the world's — if not the
world's — foremost spiritual leader. It is sad
that Jewish leaders applauded the use of
the phrase because it implies display of
political courage. It is hardly a political
concession to condemn history's worst
crime or to take a tough stand on
anti-Semitism.
Some Jewish leaders took solace in the
fact the Pope said there were no theological
reasons for not recognizing Israel. In other
words, these Jewish leaders found comfort
that the Vatican does not oppose Jews hav-
ing their own country. The Holy See just
isn't ready to recognize that country.
But there is, of course, important sym-
bolism in the meetings with Jewish leaders
Continued on Page 16
SUSAN WEINGARDEN
Students this week
face their
annual decision:
attend High Holiday
services or
go to class.
51
Mission: Possible
LISA JACKNOW ELLIAS
One college student wanted a summer job
in Washington, and received an education
in Soviet Jewry at the same time.
center
ediagifli
An exciting, new monthly section,
devoted to families and Jewish
experiences, debuts in this issue.
69
ENTERTAINMENT
Just Plain Karen
HEIDI PRESS
Witty, funny Karen Haber is gaining
lots of experience, but is still looking
for that big break as a comedienne.
83
Wow Southfield! ,
A big old-fashioned
block party
signalled the
end of the summer
and the health
of a neighborhood
DEPARTMENTS
32
34
38
69
92
94
96
98
100
105
107
136
Inside Washington
Synagogues
Life In Israel
Entertainment
For Women
Cooking
Youth
Seniors
Engagements
Births
Single Life
Obituaries
CANDLELIGHTING
September 18, 1987
7:17 p.m.
THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
7