COMPARE!!! 1995 PARK AVENUE Several to Choose From • Leather Interior • All Power Accessories • Keyless Entry • Dual Air Bags • Anti-Lock Brakes • Much More! Rights, Responsibility, Duties, Obligations Stk. #51599DD 25,395 RABBI IRWIN GRONER SPECIAL. TO THE JEWISH NEWS + Tax, Title, Plates, D.O.C., Rebate to Dealer. While Supplies Last - . - E 1995 ROADMASTER SEDAN Several to Choose From • Leather Interior • Keyless Entry .• Full-size Spare •Touch Climate Control • Electric and Heated Rearview Mirrors •350 V-8 •Anti-lock Brakes • Dual Air Bags Only WE DO NOT HIDE DESTINATION CHARGES! READ THEIR DIS- CLAIMER! `1/V\ 23,395 + Tax, Title, Plates, D.O.C., Rebate to Dealer. While Supplies Last BIG (AVER (16 Wel EMPLOYEES AND FAMILY MEMBERS SAVE EVEN MORE! nn FISCHER BUICK, JNC. 0 C a 0 0 AUTOMOTIVE GROUP BUICK (810) 643.7660 IN THE TROY MOTOR MALL • TROY MON. & THURS. 8-9; PIES., WED., FRI. 8.6, SAT. 9-3 SALES OPEN SATURDAY 1 0-3 P.M. READY TO JOIN A TEMPLE. Check 1/'Our FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE Friday, September 15th at 7:30 p.m. Bring Your Family To Meet Our Temple Family TEMPLE KOL AMI A Reform Congregation 5085 Walnut Lake Road • West Bloomfield Rabbi Norman T. Roman Founding Rabbi emeritus Ernst J. Conrad Elissa Berg, Religious School Director FOR INFORMATION AND MEMBERSHIP, CALL (810) 661-0040 28 very religion has basic con- cepts upon which the struc- ture of its faith is built, ideas which impart mean- ing to its practices. The principle fundamental to an understanding of the totality of the Jewish heritage inheres in the term "mitzvah," often trans- lated as "commandment," some- times as "good deed." It is a mitzvah to affix a mezuzah on the doorpost of one's house; to kindle the lights of the Sabbath; to give charity to those in distress; to study Torah. A mitzvah defines that which is done out of a sense of obligation to the Almighty, a human re- sponse to divine command, and also, our assumption of respon- sibility to our fellow man. This perspective is in a great contrast to the legal order of Western society. Western law centers around the concept of right, while Jewish law address- es the concept of duty. While Americans have a Bill of Rights, Judaism stresses 613 mitzvot or duties. Judaism declares that we are to enjoy a right only by ac- cepting the duties which are its consequences. When we are granted a blessing, we assume an obligation. Thus, when we eat, we acquire the duty to bless the source of our food. This week's sedrah underlines this truth. When the Torah de- scribes the rights of marriage, it simultaneously outlines the oblig- ations of marriage. Private prop- erty is a right as ancient as civilization itself; but at the same time, the Torah establishes lim- its on that right. For example, a creditor has the right to secure a pledge for his loan from the debtor. But, even so, the text declares that the right is not absolute, for the creditor has to respect the feelings of the debtor. Employers have privileges, but these impose obligations upon them to provide remuneration for their workers in a timely fashion. Each of the laws in the Torah portion defines the relationship of rights and duties. This principle needs to be re- affirmed in our time. The right of parents to enjoy their family im- plies a duty — to raise their chil- dren as best they can. If parents wish to see their children follow the path of honesty and integrity, this means that they have a duty to set such examples for their children. Children have 'rights to Irwin Groner is senior rabbi of Congregation Shaarey Zedek: develop their individuality and to be granted those privileges of nurture and care which should be accorded all our young. But these rights must also be accom- panied by duties which include respect for others and an aware- ness of responsibility. Over the last decade, a trend has been developing in American society that has been termed "the cult of irresponsibility." There are some among us who insist upon the recognition of their rights, but who disregard their correspond- ing duties. Their statement be- gins: "I am entitled to this . . . or that." But when one speaks about obligations, these people are im- patient because they want only life's privileges. Something is wrong with a society in which people are so insistent on securing their rights they forget that for every right obtained, a corresponding oblig- ation is incurred. This truth needs to be applied in every sec- Shabbat Ki Teze: Dueteronomy 21:10-25:19 Isaiah 54:1-55:5. for of life: between parents and children; management and labor; public officials and the electorate. Finally, the Torah addresses each Jew. We enjoy the wondrous privilege of belonging to a "king- dom of priests and a holy nation," of sharing in a tradition of wis- dom and faith, of moral excellence and spiritual grandeur. As we rejoice in our Jewish privileges, let us assume our responsibility for the fulfullment of mitzvot. Thus, shall we strengthen and advance the Jew- ish heritage by study and prac- tice, by service to God and man, and, thereby, assure the vibrant future of our glorious past. ill Publicity Deadlines The normal deadline for local news and publicity items is noon Thursday, eight days pri- or to issue date. The deadline for birth announcements is 10 a.m. Monday, four days prior to issue date; opt-of-:towu.obit- caries, - 10 a:m.Tuesdav, three days prior to issue' ate. ' . '