EDITOrS NOTEBOOK
LETTERS
Letters are posted
and archived on JN Online:
www.detroitjewishnews.com
Coming Together
IVIT e're a community of 96,000 Jews from varied backgrounds. But even
though we practice Judaism in many different ways, our history, her-
itage and respect for one another unites us.
Which is why, despite some profoundly divergent beliefs and
lifestyles, Detroit Jewry provides a national-caliber model for other communities
with diverse Jewish populations.
We have much to appreciate in what we, together, have built. We
do look beyond our differences. The vigor we enjoy as a community
is inspired as much by our diversity as by our common roots. We
derive communal strength not just from our successes, but also our
tensions.
This is especially noteworthy against the backdrop of Spiritual
Day on July 25, which honored the larger community's ecumenism
as part of the Detroit's 300th birthday celebration.
Asa native Detroiter, I've watched intently how Jews of varying
ROBERT A.
affiliations have interacted since the northwesterly migration to the
SKLAR
suburbs accelerated in the 1960s.
Editor
I've seen many Orthodox Jews, while observing Jewish law, wel-
come the less observant who also cherish their Jewish roots. And
I've seen many Reform Jews, who support the ideals of assimilation and accultura-
tion, embrace a more traditional spirituality. .
We've made significant strides; there's no mistaking that. But we shouldn't let
down our guard.
Pressing On
As I travel the Detroit Jewish community and participate in
events — from the heartland in south Oakland County to
beyond the core — I've noticed that some don't yet
acknowledge a multidimensional Judaism. But mostly, I see
Jews who not only tolerate the less or more observant, but
also accept them.
In just the past year, children from yeshivot and public
schools shared good times at the Jewish Experiences For
Families' 'Apples and Honey & Lots, Lots More" at the
Jewish Community Center in Oak Park. Teens and adults,
from devout to secular, co-mingled on Jewish Federation-
sponsored missions to Israel. Upwards of 1,200 people
Mindy Soble
stood shoulder to shoulder at a unity rally for Israel at
Kaufman
Yeshivat Akiva in Southfield. Rabbi-led learning and chap-
laincy progranis brought a wide range of participants. And
Federation's Annual Campaign drew contributions from all
parts of the community to help support programs and services for all.
Communal volunteer Mindy Soble Kaufman of Bloomfield Hills moves comfort-
ably between Judaism's major streams — studying, sharing and mingling. And she
finds value and sustenance in each, despite their different interpretations of Torah law.
"If you choose to do so," the native Detroiter said, "you can travel between them
readily. None is a closed shop or 'invitation only.' I've found each welcoming."
But I know that we still have work to do when, in my travels, I hear conversations
that dwell on the Orthodox, Sephardic, Traditional, Conservative, Reform,
Reconstructionist or Secular Humanistic way at the expense of the other ways.
In some cases, the talk turns ugly. That's when we don't look like a national model.
It's when I fear that a few wayward souls will disrupt the bonds we've worked so
hard for.
We're all Jews, aren't we? Is there really merit to infighting here at home? Don't we
have enough to worry about in the Mideast? Doesn't it make more sense to make
time to learn about -- and from — each other?
Consider the enduring example set by German philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, a leader
of the 18th-century Jewish Enlightenment Movement. He knew that Jewish survival
depended on Jewish education, culture and values. But he also knew that Jews had to tap
into the European way of life if they were to succeed in the secular world.
Just as this son of a poor Torah scribe spread a world view to ghetto Jews,
Detroit Jewry must keep a pluralistic mindset. That's pivotal to maintaining the
glow of harmony we've nurtured. ❑
Related coverage: page 31
Be Mindful Of
Buddhist Practices
You've got to be kidding when you
say that Rabbis Hal Greenwald and
Arnie Sleutelberg are as "Jewish as
they come" ("Lure Of The East,"
July 20, page 57). I doubt that other
rabbis in our community would
advocate Buddhist practices.
I attended a lecture series conduct-
ed by Rabbi Greenwald, where he
advocated adopting Buddhist prac-
tices. As in your article, Rabbi
Greenwald started by suggesting that
Jews are seeking spiritual fulfillment,
which could be rekindled through .
meditation and mysticism. He fur-
ther states that Jews could find the
spiritual content they crave in
Buddhism and that it is consistent
with Chasidic tradition.
But this can be accomplished in a
Jewish context — and right in our
neighborhood. Our local synagogues
are providing alternative services to
appeal to the needs of their mem-
bers. For example, the Jewish News
had a cover story recently spotlight-
ing the creative services held at Adat
Shalom and other synagogues
("Friday Night Fever," July 13, page
52).
Both Rabbi Greenwald and Rabbi
Sleutelberg are clearly infatuated
with Buddhist practices. Obviously,
they are on a mission of personal
spiritual discovery. They believe that
Buddhism is the answer to their
needs. As far as I am concerned, this
is fine for them. But do we want
them to take our children along for
the ride?
JARC'S
EXPLOSIVE
FALL
FUNDRAISER
CELEBRATION
.
.
David Lieberman
West Bloomfield
A Conclusion
Of Naivete
WINNER!
2001 Tony Award
Best Theatrical
Event
In your editorial on Israeli Prime
Minister Ariel Sharon ("So Far, So
Good," July 20, page 29), I greatly take
exception to your assertion that "the
shooting and bombing by the
Palestinians is intolerable; yet Sharon
has somehow made it bearable by turn-
ing it into proof to the world of who
the real aggressor is."
To whom are the shooting-and bomb-
ings considered "bearable?" Could you
be referring to the loved ones who are
bereft of the 21 teens massacred in front
of a Tel Aviv disco? Perhaps the parents
JEN
7/27
2001
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