Celebrating 50 years of growth with the Detroit Jewish Community THE JEWISH NEWS 21 SHEVAT 5753/FEBRUARY 12, 1993 ASIO0 SPECIAL SECTION Jewish Business An overview of Detroiters, past, present and futures. Pages B1-B52 L'CHAYIM SECTION College Life The challenges faced by students and families. Pages L1-L8 BACKGROUND First Shuttle Warren Christopher tries to re-start peace talks. Pages 35 Contents on page 5 Taking Sides On Gays Detroit and U.S. Jewish organizations enter the debate on gays and lesbians in the military. s the nation de- bates the rights of gays and lesbians in the military, Jewish organiza- tions, both local and national, are butting heads on the issue. The Union of American Hebrew Congregations, representing Reform temples in the United States and Canada, issued a statement last week urging President Bill Clinton to end the ban on gays and lesbians in the military. Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg couldn't be more pleased. "I'm delighted that the Reform movement has taken a courageous and just stand on this issue. We're fortu- nate as Jewish Americans to have a president so committed to justice for all," said the spiritual leader of Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy. The UAHC's brief letter, penned by the chairperson and director of the loseUp: "I always harbored the belief that some are much more Jewish in spirit than in birth," Jack said. Jack converted to Judaism 11 years ago. He prays each Sabbath and reads the Jewish scholars. He's a member of Temple Beth Zohar — the small congregation inside the walls of Jackson State Prison. Does Halachah uphold Kevorkian-style suicide? RUTH LITTMAN STAFF WRITER LESLEY PEARL STAFF WRITER A Death Wish 74: ewish doctors, lawyers and rab- bis in metropolitan Detroit are expressing differing views on the latest assisted suicide per- formed by Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Elaine Goldbaum, 47, of Southfield, debilitated by an advanced case of mul- tiple sclerosis, killed herself Monday morning by inhaling carbon monoxide provided by Dr. Kevorkian. The assisted suicide, Dr. Kevorkian's 12th, sparked dissent from several Orthodox doctors. "Halachah does not leave room for assisted suicide," said Phillip Friedman at Neurological Surgery PC in Bingham Farms. Dr. Friedman, a member of Con- gregation Shomrey Emunah, said Jewish law distinguishes between as- sisted suicide and discontinuation of medical treatment in terminal cases. As a Jewish physician, Dr. Friedman believes Torah permits terminally ill patients to end treatment when it serves merely to prolong suffering. j Commission on Social Action, likened the plight of gays and lesbians with Marranos — Jews in Spain forced to act as Christians to save their lives during the Inquisition. The letter to President Clinton reads: "The Inquisition. Recalling this history, Jews of today can identify with the plight of gay and lesbian soldiers who have become modern-day HOMOSEXUAL page 18 SUICIDE page 20