Nee

RUSTICS

SPRING
RENAISSANCE

ferent, we are distinguished, and
there are positive aspects to sep-
arate identity. With cloning, it's
less clear. Are we doing mankind
a favor in doing this?"
In addition to the theological
issues raised by man playing
God, rabbis wonder how human
cloning would affect society. "In
any culture, those perceived to
be different carry a risk of being
ostracized or treated differently,"
said Rabbi Bleefeld. "How would
such individuals be integrated
into society? Will clones be looked
upon as different?"
While he acknowledges that
cloning technology would have
medical benefits, such as the cre-
ation of spare organs, Rabbi
Bleefeld is disturbed by the po-
tential for multiple copies of the
same person. "With this new
power and ability come new re-
sponsibilities, and new responsi-
bilities will require some new
instructions," he said.
Rabbi Nevins is concerned
cloning technology could lead to

Special order from the finest
manufacturers of exterior furnishings
before spring and Save at least
35%. Hundreds of frame styles,
finishes and an endless palette of
fabrics are available for your

customized application. Special
purchases through March '97 and
take delivery in time for spring —
and Save at least 35%*.

PHOTO BY DANI EL LIPPITT

*Sale ends March 31, 1997.
(*All teak furniture and patio accessories
excluded. Some manufacturers excluded, see
salesperson for details.)

PLEASE CALL FOR STORE HOURS
BIRMINGHAM 810-644-1919 • 690 S. WOODWARD
LIVONIA 313-522-9200 • 29500 W. 6 MILE RD.
NOVI 810-348-0090 • 48100 GRAND RIVER

tile beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Now the earth t{'aS LilitOliiiCti Lind l'Oici, tfitti titii*IiCS tf'tiS lipt)11 111C
face of the deep; and the spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters. Anti Goti said: 'Let there be light.' And there
lit}ilt
tvas
e lift
ed
Day, al
'titt'is
be a fir;
the
ADAT SHALOM SYNAGOGUE
u
irind
it
PROUDLY PRESENTS
went H
Veil
'yeti i
be Oa t
Id the
ilace
s ca
fruit-
tree hell
,Gill
forth
grass,
i t it
its k
hat ii
8
was good. And there was evening c
'tit of
abbi Visotzky, Associate Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at
the heaven to divide the day from t
them
ItThe Jewish Theological Seminary, first introduced television jour-
be for lights in the firmament of th
ictlitS
nalist Bill Moyers to the exciting Seminary project that would form
the al
'tit of
the nucleus for this year's fascinating PBS mini series Genesis: A Living
Ilk'
A follow-up to 1C Cc Conversation. Rabbi Visotzky is an outstanding scholar, author and
and
Aill
utcrs
speaker. He will explore with Adat Shalom members and guests the
su.ti
recit
intriguing topic All in the Family, a look at how we can benefit from
he
c' r hI
I saw
studying the dysfunctional families in Genesis.
/hal
'ssed
fowl
A
The
community
is
welcome.
There
is
no
charge.
Refreshments
will
be
nth/
the
110, 0
fifth
ire t' served. For further information, please call 851-5100.
:lit
the
troll
God Still' Oka
good. And God scud: Lei us make man in OW. 1111tItle, after Our likeness; and
111C111 1101V 001111111011
over the sect, and over the fowl of the oil, anti over the Coillo, anti 01T1 all the earth, and over every creepina thing thot civet,

11

Rabbi Daniel Nevins: Cloning counters
Jewish ideas.

eugenics and that "scientists
would have a role in determining
physical attributes, breeding chil-
dren like vegetables."
Unlike many of his colleagues
from other denominations, Rab-
bi Silberberg finds even animal
cloning problematic, basing his
belief on the Torah's prohibition
of cross-breeding. "Tampering
with the genetics of animals is
against the spirit of the Torah,"
said Rabbi Silberberg. "We be-
lieve that the Creator gives every
one of -us what we need to fulfill
our mission in life."
If there is any comfort to be
drawn from the cloning contro-
versy, perhaps it is that even if
DNA can be cloned, souls cannot.
"All of us have a divine soul which
we get at birth," said Rabbi Sil-
berberg, pointing out that while
identical twins share genetic
makeup, each has its own soul.
"Despite our intrusion, God
still has a role in all of life," said
Rabbi Nevins. "No matter what
scientific advancements, there
will still be a mystery in Cre-
ation." ❑

Rabbi Burton Visotzky

Tuesday, March 11

p.m.

-

Genesis:
Living
Conversation