Torah Message Continued from Page 2 • Why is it permissible to allow non-Jews to handle a Torah scroll? While some authorities oppose this practice, the Talmud states clearly that a Torah scroll cannot be made ritually unclean regardless of who handles. This is emphasized by Moses Maimonides, who wrote that anyone may handle a Ibrah scroll and read from it, even a non-Jew. • Why did the rabbis permit the Torah to be translated into Greek? In the Babylonian Talmud, some rabbis expressed the view that while tefilin andmezuzot may be written in any language, the Ibrah may be writ- ten only in Hebrew. However, Rabbi Si- meon ben Gamaliel, first-century C.E. president of the Sandhedrin, said that the Ibrah may be written in Greek as well as in Hebrew. He reasoned that this should be done out of respect for King Ptolemy, the Greek ruler of Palestine who in the middle of the third century B.C.E. had been very kind to the Jews. The view of Rabbi Simeon prevailed. • Why do some people believe that if a menstruant touches a Torah scroll, the Torah becomes unfit for further use? Many people mistakenly believe that since a menstruant may not cohabit with her husband because she is considered to be in a state of impuri- ty, any holy object she touches — especially a Torah — becomes unclean and unfit for use. That this is not the case is clearly implied in the statement of Rabbi Judah ben Bathyra, who said, "Words of the Torah are not susceptible to uncleanness!" No individual, not even one who is ritually impure, can defile a Ibrah by touching or handling it. A woman in a state of ritual impuri- ty may hold or kiss a Torah, just as she is permitted to touch and kiss a mezuz- zah, which contains a parchment with writings from the Torah. • Why do members of a con- gregation sometimes rise when a rabbi or scholar approaches? The Talmud accepted Rabbi Yochanan's view that when the nasi enters a room everyone except mourners and those who are ill should stand as a sign of respect. The nasi was the president of the Sanhedrin (supreme court) and the spiritual leader of the Jewish community. Rising for the nasi led to the practice of according respect to all men of superior learning by standing when they approach, for such persons represent the Torah. In some congregations, even today, members will rise as the rabbi enters the synagogue or walks down the aisle, just as they rise to honor the Torah when it is carried in procession. Ambiguity, Confusion Continued from Page 2 Israel of having lost its soul have have lost their nerve. Some who malign Israel may lack basic commitment. A disunited Jewish community can under- mine the much-needed support 48 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1988 Israel has received from the Ad- ministration, Congress and the American people. Those who have placed personal political agendas or selfish organiza- tional ambition before the need to protect Israel's security and good name will have to live with the consequences of their regrettable actions if in fact the Jewish people disunite. has which Israel, demonstrated unparalleled restraint in the face of those who would destroy her, should be a source of pride to every Jew. Those who live in the historic land of the Jewish peo- ple, who must content with the internal and external challenges which give them lit- tle rest, deserve a better gift on Israel's 40th birthday than Jewish disunity. Let us in the Diaspora and in Israel remain a united people. All of our futures depend on it. Israel is and will continue to be on the defensive against all attempts to undermine its statehood. It is doubtful whether too damaging a sentiment will develop in this country antagonistic to Israel. The urgency is Jewish solidarity. The most vital factor in support of Israel's defenders is American Jewry's readiness to stand firm against destruc- tive threats. Survival is not a dream. The will to live requires rejection of the "Intifada in the Diaspora." dominating, as it already is, and will be respected with a sense of appreciation and commendation. Chanukah Narrative: Guideline For Making Literature For Youth Chanukah is a time for joy in nar- ratives for young readers. All our festivals have a share in this endeavor, but Chanukah and its emphasis on the Maccabean valor, has an added flavor. Kar-Ben Copies Publishers' newest creation is another step in the direction of keeping the very young charmed with our festivals and traditions. Judye Groner and Madeline Wikler authored All About Chanukah in the simplest terms and their book fits well into their "My Very Own" holiday series. The story, as told by the two authors and illustrated by Rosalyn Schanzer depicts the Maccabean glories. It ex- plains the idol-worship of the Syrians who dominated Judea and how the Jews under the Maccabees defeated the attempts to impose idolatry upon them. It's the well-known story about miracles — of triumph over cruel rulers and of the Chanukah lamp with limited oil that lasted eight days. The book is also a guideline for young readers and their families to make Chanukah joyous, to sing the prayers to the musical tunes provided in the book, and to exchange gifts. A children's book about an im- migrant family that became integrated into America has an interesting Jewish angle. The Keeping Quilt, written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco (Solomon and Schuster), is reminiscent of a fascinating tribute to immigrants in this country by former President John F. Kennedy. The Keeping Quilt is based on a quilt pieced together from the clothing of the members of the depicted family. The Polacco story will fascinate. It will add pride to Jewish devotions. It is well told, properly illustrated and lends cheer to a Jewish home. Polacco's husband, Enzo-Mario, is an Italian Jew whose father was involv- ed in the plot to assassinate Mussolini. When his father was in prison, Enzo and his brother fled to the Alps and were in hiding until the end of the war. Nothing To Fear From Media That Is Knowledgeable The developing problems involving Israel have the media to contend with. The sensationally muddled Arafat pro- posals have misled many to believe there is a panacea, that the arch enemy of Israel is bending into a compromise. One has to read the lengthy Arafat "peace proposal — that farcial state- ment — to recognize that nothing is far- ther from the truth. Those who associate with Arafat are not denounc- ing violence — on the contrary, their Algerian declaration urged continua- tion of intifada; it speaks of "road to Jerusalem" as their capital, an arm totally rejected in every sense of the word; it leans upon many anti-Israel resolutions concocted by the arch enemies of Israel and world Jewry. The Arab contentions must be read before passing judgment. The Free Press editorial of Nov. 17, failed to do so. It in- dicated sheer misinformation of the facts as they are prescribed by the Arafat-led enemies who continue to strive for Israel's destruction. A lack of knowledge shown in that Free Press editorial is shameful and is an indica- tion that the war against prejudiced and uninformed media will continue. Fortunately, this was an exceptional indication of a lack of knowledge about the much ridiculed peace offer. State Department knowledgeability and in- formed media know better. Therefore, the request for understanding and be- ing well informed will be judged as ;MV,V , W K, In the Negev town of Netivot, two vendors display paintings of the late Baba Sali, the venerated tzaddik from Morocco. Ofek-1 Is Still Sky High Tel Aviv (JTA) — Ofek-1, the first space satellite launched by Israel, has already well exceeded its one-month life expectancy. Its next stop is a re-entry into the earth's atmosphere and a burnout, but that is not likely before January 1989, according to scientists who monitor the solar energy-driven satellite. Ofek was lifted into orbit Sept. 19 by an Israeli-made Shavit III rocket. Israel's space research agency at- tributes its longevity to the accuracy with which it was placed in elliptical oribt around the earth. All of its systems are working with "the highest degree of efficienty," accor- ding to the scientists. Its solar panels always face the sun to acquire the power to keep it on an accurate course. Computer programs are now being written for Israel's second satellite, Ofek-2. No launch date has been set, but scores of proposals are pouring into the space agency for scientific experiments.