LETTERS CONTINUED Paparazzi • Interiors by Colony • Nationwide insurance • Art • Otiittakhou ' se • • ats • ats • DAVID sym Concerts Weddings Corporate Affairs 248-681-2417 Hear David Syme with The Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra - Sunday Dec. 28th 7.30 p.m. • For Information Call 248-645-2276 Is YOUR FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER? To find out, call PHASE FOUR (248) 559-6980 JOEL LEVI, CFP TRISH WELLMAN, CFP . , -**arpti'mrag- 17117 WEST 9 MILE ROAD • SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075 PHASE FOUR ADVISORY, REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR Securities offered through Vestax Securities Corporation, Member NASD & SIPC 1931 Georgetown, Hudson, OH 44236 • (216) 650-1660 DERIWIT JEWISH NEWS •TN One Low Price. 52 Great Gifts. 12/26 1997 26 Call ► 248-354-6620 • Fax ► 248-354-1210 from page 24 Does Involvement Equal Connection? of both Temple Israel and the larger Reform Movement and then ask themselves whether events like "Boogie Night" are really on the mark. In "Boogie Night" (Dec. 19), the director of the Family Life Center at Nacha Sara Leaf Temple Israel states that a junior Oak Park youth group comprised of 11 to 13- year-olds was started last year "because I really felt like we needed to have our kids make that connection to temple earlier." I'm sure that most religious educators would concur that begin- ning a child's involvement at a young MENTORS from page 25 age will lead to an increased identifica- tion and connection with the particu- which we live. When closeted, we dis- lar religious institution. honestly present a false self to others The subject of the article was a din- because of fear of hate and rejection. ner dance that Temple Israel recently To come out is an act of assertiveness sponsored for its junior youth group and affirmation in a society that members. The accompanying photos, would rather we stay dishonest and particularly one of a young boy and passive. girl holding each other and dancing, The honesty it takes to come out is lead me to wonder why the parents of so profound that when others learn these youngsters are so anxious to pre- about our gayness, they become hon- maturely thrust their offspring into a est with us as well. It forces truthful- quasi-adult social arena of dinner- ness to the forefront for all. dance events. Do 11-year-olds really This was best illustrated in the need to socialize with the opposite movie In and Out in which Kevin sex? Kline portrays a gay man who comes For me, the article raises an overrid- out. There is a scene in which his ing question that goes beyond the mother and her girlfriends are sitting scope of this particular event. What around talking about this "outing" does Temple Israel see as its mandate and they decide to take risks and be concerning youth education and spiri- honest with each other and "come tual enrichment and how does its pro- out" about their own deep dark gramming reflect and meet its goals. secrets. It is done very appropriately The junior youth group event and best shows what actually happens described ion the article more resem- to us and those around us when we bled a high-tech disco happening than tell our truth. an event offered under the auspices of As I said, there are no Bubbie a religious institution. If the parents Beltzmans in the lesbian and gay cul- are concerned that their children learn ture. There are still very few gay men- the latest dances so as to be more tors who can or will come forward socially viable, it might be more cost and be available to gay and lesbian effective to enroll their offspring in a youth. There are many people who local dance studio. will not allow it also. For future events, instead of featur- I am always filled with grief when a ing disc jockeys as emcees, how about man older than I am, in his 40s, 50s, drawing on the temple's numerous 60s and even 70s, comes to me gifted rabbis and educators to develop because I am out and asks me what it innovative programs for youth that is like to be gay and to teach him the speak for that institution's philosophy gay culture. It should be the other way and raison d'etre. around. Admittedly, it is more difficult and I long for a bubbie-like presence in challenging to spark teen-agers' inter- our culture to nurture me and teach est without resorting to flashy high- me the kinds of things about what it tech entertainment; but the results means to be a gay man as I was would be well worth the added effort taught about what it means to be a and the connection to temple desired by the youth group's director would be Jew. I will end with the most healing a more meaningful and longer-lasting words that were ever said to me in my bond. whole life. When I told Bubbie The youth educators of this institu- Beltzman I was gay at age 23, she tion need to take a closer look at their looked at me and said, "Gay Shmay, hopes and dreams for these young- Yusselah, just don't be alone!" sters, who surely constitute the future COMMUNITY VIEWS ❑ C-,