a. C01111111INIT4 VIEWS Our New Americans: Highlight On Involvement fig identity development seminar sponsored or me, being a New by the American Jewish Committee, American Jew means Detroit Chapter. The writers, all col- struggling. I am learning lege-age students from the former Soviet what it means to be a Jew. Union, have lived in the United States I need to find my place among non- for as little as two years and as long as Jews as well as try to become accepted eight years. Each young writer volun- in the Jewish community ..." teered for the 18-hour, six-month-long "Being Jewish means that I was born seminar after being approached by Jew- into a Jewish family, and, although my ish Resettlement Service, by Metro grandparents and parents never Detroit Hillel, or by a fellow really practiced Judaism, they participant. Already, there is somehow transmitted that the a waiting list for the next word 'Jew' was part of who we seminar scheduled for the were — who we are. The older fall. I get, the more curious I Why this particular pro- become about this mysterious gram, and why is it spon- identity. I feel that I am miss- sored by the American Jew- ing something in my life ..." ish Committee, an organiza- "The story of the prodigal tion traditionally known for son interpreted by Leo Tolstoy, its intergroup relations work tells of a son who strays from SHARONA and civil rights agenda? his father's farm. Upon his SHAPIRO In 1989, a collaboration return, he steps on a rake. His Special to developed between Jewish father jokingly inquires, 'So, The Jewish News Resettlement Service and the have your senses been knocked AJCommittee, co-hosting back into you?' and the son's intergroup relations seminars for our reply is an affirmative ..." community's newest Americans. As the "Finding my Jewish identity is some- Jews from the Soviet Union learned what like this story. Only recently, after about apartments, work opportunities some interesting classes, experiences on and educational programs for their chil- campus, and serious discussions with dren, it was clear that the new immi- friends, have I begun to appreciate the grants needed to be exposed to informa- beauty of Judaism." tion about the diverse peoples living, These written ideas, and others like working and attending schools with them, were recently submitted as an them and their families. assignment for a final paper in a Jewish The immigrants had questions about Sharona Shapiro is the Michigan area how to interact, how to respond to con- director of the American Jewish Com- flicts, where to voice concerns and to mittee. learn their rights when disputes with landlords or employers arose. It made sense that if AJCommittee ran accultur- ation seminars for non-Jewish groups, it could also offer them for the Jewish community. AJCommittee leaders volunteered to work with Resettlement Service on shaping acculturation workshops. When the AJCommittee began to explore how to continue its involvement to support these new members of the Jewish com- munity, new programs evolved. The AJCommittee board hosted a New Americans shower. AJCommittee co- hosted citizenship seminars, tutoring aspiring American citizens on such important topics as U.S. geography, government, and history. Jewish social studies teachers rounded up by the AJCommittee worked in conjunction with lawyers and judges to lead study groups, classes and half-day seminars. State officials David Honigman and Maxine Berman agreed to speak at vot- ers' registration programs co-hosted by the AJCommittee, Resettlement Service and the Jewish Community Center in Oak Park. Legislative advocacy efforts on behalf of these Jews became an agency priority, and an all-day conference with state officials in Lansing was held last year. A postcard blitz shared with Yad Ezra and other community agencies relayed how immigrant welfare services were threat- ened in our state. There was an absence of quality comprehensive programming for the vulnerable — the elderly, the young and those in their middle years who worked long hours and did not have connec- tions with the established community. For this last group, being Jewish was only a term on their identity papers and had little relevance to today's world. The new Americans became targets of Christian proselytizing efforts. In response, coalition meetings were hastily convened. AJCommittee leaders met with the Michigan Board of Rabbis. Rabbi David Nelson of Congregation Beth Shalom agreed to accompany AJCommittee leaders in the first of sev- eral visits with the pastor of the Berkley church sponsoring many of the out- reach programs. The professionals from Jewish Experience for Families, the Oak Park branch of the JCC, Resettlement Service and Federation met with me fre- quently to report, to strategize and to implement measures to combat these efforts. The wonderful synagogue/temple Keruv program was born, and many congregations hosted breakfasts, tours, ESL classes, and conversations with the rabbis. Members of the Orthodox Jew- ish community intensified their out- reach efforts, providing-camping, study and companionship programs. Congregation Beth Shalom went sev- eral steps further and developed weekly Shabbat kiddush discussions programs following Saturday morning services. They began looking into a latchkey program for youngsters, opened up a Russian gathering place room, offered Russian language prayer books (as did other congregations) and now offer a INVOLVEMENT on page 34 LETTERS ly's lead in constantly striving to be forever worthy of Phil's love and val- ues. Les Goldstein Midwest executive director, Bar-Ilan University The Legacy Lives On My deepest thanks to you for the wonderful article about the Ecumeni- cal Institute's Dove Dinner ("Dove Dinner Keeps Rev. Lyons' Quest For Peace On Front Burner" May 8). You certainly caught the spirit of the event, and my only regret is that Jim isn't here to share in the remark- able support from all our religious communities. The young people, whose essays you printed, are reassur- 5/15 1998 32 ing examples of Jim's legacy. As a Christian who has been privi- leged to visit Israel twice, I also appre- ciated the Israel anniversary edition of the paper. I'm sure you are aware of Jim's passion for Israel. The institute will continue to sponsor trips to Israel that bring Christians and Jews togeth- er to share their common heritage and to learn more about each other. Again, my personal thanks for your support of the Ecumenical Institute. Barbara Yuhas Program director, Ecumenical Institute Et Tu, Carl Levin? The Near East Report of April 20, pub- lished by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and an article by Julie Edgar in The Jewish provided Israel with adequate security News ("Advice From The Hill" April and Chairman Arafat has refused to 24) report on a letter signed by 81 conclude negotiations for the remain- senators and written by ing interim issues." Sen. Connie Mack, R- The letter concludes Fla., and Sen. Joseph by noting that "Ameri- Lieberman, D-Conn. can Middle East diplo- The letter was written in macy ... has always response to obvious pres- worked best when pur- sure upon Israel by the sued quietly and in Clinton administration concert with Israel." and the U.S. State The letter urges the Department. president to continue The letter, in part, our role as facilitator of said, "It would be a seri- a process "that can ulti- Sen. Carl Levin ous mistake for the mately succeed only United States to change from its tradi- through the direct negotiations of the tional role as facilitator of the peace parties themselves." process to using public pressure For some arcane reason, Sen. Carl against Israel." It notes that while Levin of Michigan then proceeded to Israel has complied with its Oslo com- undermine the great strength and mitments, the Palestinians "have not impact of the original letter by pen- .