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 5