NOT THE EDITOR page 4

for had phoned in. Halfway out see the article 'Tales That Teach"
of the store I realized that I had in the August 19 issue.
been given a very different med-
ication intended for one of my However, I must take serious ex-
namesakes with quite a different ception to a statement in that ar-
ticle, "visit any Jewish bookstore
ailment.
Phil (not the editor) Jacobs or library and you're apt to find
St. Paul, Minn. a vast collection of RSBs — Re-
ally Stupid Books."

Growing Role
Of Meretz Party

Books for libraries are carefully
selected by professional librari-
ans. These librarians are assist-
ed in their selections by
professional journals containing
Recent articles have reported the reviews written by reviewers.
changes that are taking place in Saying that a library may con-
Israel regarding the teaching of tain "...a vast collection of really
Reform and Conservative Ju- stupid books" discredits all li-
daism in schools. Since the found- braries and the professionals that
ing of the State of Israel, diligently work to acquire and
Orthodoxy has had a strangle- maintain the best possible col-
hold on government policy, and lections.
the reduction in discrimination
Addie Levine
against Conservative and Reform
Farmington Hills
Jews is most welcome.
These articles, however, have Editor's note: The comment
not described the new political about "stupid books" was written
situation in Israel that is pro- in a lighthearted vein. But it is a
ducing many profound changes. sad fact that there are a number
The current Labor-led govern- of very poor, sometimes offensive
ment is made up of 44 Knesset "Jewish" books for children. That
members from the Labor Party these were written and published
and 12 from the Meretz Party. is in no way a negative reflection
Meretz is the third largest po- on librarians.
litical party in Israel and is es-
sential for Rabin's government,
where four ministries are under
its direction. Until recently,
Meretz has subverted its reli-
gious equality platform in favor
of its peace platform, but now,
with greater public acceptance
for the peace process, it is begin-
ning to focus more on the reli-
gious issues. By contrast, the
Labor Party has always been re- Celebrate Simchat Torah with
luctant to challenge the political dinner and dancing around the
clout of the ultra-Orthodox. The Torah at Congregation Beth
religious changes that are taking Achim Sept. 27.
A family dairy dinner, includ-
place can largely be attributed to
the strength of Meretz. The Min- ing beer and wine, will begin at
ister of Education has been from 6:30 p.m. Ma'ariv services and
Meretz, first Shulamit Aloni, and Hakafot will begin at 7:45 p.m.
Simchat Torah celebrations
now Amnon Rubinstein. Teach-
ing of Conservative and Reform will continue Sept. 28 with ser-
Judaism in Israeli schools is now vices beginning at 8:45 a.m. fol-
possible only because of a deci- lowed by a special kiddush.
There is a charge for the fam-
sion within the Ministry of Edu-
ily Simchat Torah dinner and
cation.
Thus far, the U.S. media has reservations are required by Sept.
focused on the peace process and 19. For information, contact the
there has been little recognition synagogue office, (810) 352-8670.
of the new political realities that
are shaping the future of Israel.

Simchat Torah
At Beth Achim

JEWELLERS / GEMOLOGISTS

Across Coolidge from The Somerset Collection
3001 West Big Beaver Road • Troy, MI 48084
(810) 649-1122 • 800-SCHUBOT

LJ LJ

T HE DETRO IT J EWIS H NEWS

SOUTHFIELD

28

A FAMILY AFFAIR

❑ a variety of homes in every style and
price range
❑ central location with easy access to all
major freeways
❑ rich community life

❑ warm, friendly neighborhoods
❑ award-winning City services and
recreational facilities
❑ a school system nationally-
recognized for excellence

City of Southfield Housing and Neighborhood Center, 354-4400
Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SOUTHFIELD

The Center of It All

Arthur S. Obennayer

Emanu-El
Nursery School

Former Chairman
American Friends of
RA7Z/MERE7Z A "Two's Only" class will be held
this fall at Temple Emanu-El
Nursery School. The class offers
a first on-my-own experience for
children age two to 2 1/2 years.
In addition, the school will
sponsor a Parent-Toddler class,
enabling parents and children to
As a school librarian and former share in a school program. This
synagogue librarian, it is always class is for children ages 18 mos.
heartening to see articles in to 2M. years.
Children do not need to be toi-
newspapers and magazines rec-
ommending books for parents to let trained for the "Two's Only"
share with their children. In that class. Both half- and full-day
regard, I was initially pleased to schedules are available.

Librarian Offended
By "RSB" Reference

