many other groups, especially the "umbrella" Jewish organizations. "Unlike other Jewish organizations, our positions are not determined by our lay leadership or by our professional staff," Cohen said. "When dealing with a broader constituency that may have different viewpoints on an issue, there is more division within the organization, less clear positions. The only question is how do you see an issue through the prism of Torah?" In an era when groups such as the Christian Coalition help shape the national agenda and top congressional leaders wear their religious zeal on their sleeves, both men agree there is much greater receptivity in Washington to political activism based on strong reli- gious views. But that receptivity doesn't always translate into success. Take the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, which would make it easi- er for Orthodox Jews and others to ful- fill their religious obligations without risking their jobs. The bill has been a top priority for both groups, but it remains moribund in Congress. "Everybodys for religion, everybody wants to see a greater religious presence in the public square — but then, when you get down to specific issues like reli- gious accommodations in the workplace, a lot of people pull back," Cohen said. In today's political environment, the Orthodox duo is positioned to play a growing role, says Akiba Covitz, a University of Richmond political scien- tist. "The people who are leading the Republican Party adore 'religious right' people in the Jewish community," he said. "There's a sense they are fighting the same battles — on Israel, on the domestic issues. There is a real comfort level." Oddly, Christian conservatives may be more comfortable with this development than some politically conservative Jews, Covitz said. "I don't think the Jewish political right and the [Jewish] religious right are really comfortable with each other yet," he said. 'All of the politically active Jews I know who are conservative are a little uncomfortable about being associated with these religious organizations." . But Covitz said that is likely to change: The OU and Agudath are pro- moting a domestic agenda that he says is increasingly attractive to "upper-middle- class, suburban Jews." II JN StaffWriter Shelli Liebman Dorfman contributed to this story., RESERVED SENIOR VACATION PERKS... Enjoy unsurpassed events, fine dining, relaxation and personalized pampering at Michigan's senior retirement community. BEAUTY SPA SERVICES Wash & set, make over and manicure - (included in five-day package) xurious One-bedroom Suites ROOM SERVICE Daily Housekeeping EXCEEDINGLY AFFORDABLE person (per night) .1:2r or reservations, call Linda at (248) 352-0208 ext. 212 24111 Civic Center Dr., Southfield, MI 48034 TDD for Hearing Impaired (800) 649-3777 www.theirowbriclge.com Always wanted Granite but thought you couldn 't a ord it. Dont Replace It... Reface It. Come visit JIM HAREMS & ALAN SCHWARTZ in our beautiful new showroom in Farmington Hills. • Save money and acid value to your tome. \1 demolition necessary. • Rocksolid GranitTM fits over existing surfaces. ' Diamond polished Rocksolid Granit TM slab. • Heat, Scratch, & Stain Resistant. 111111GRANITE TRANSFOVIATIONS 2148-1427-0200 306140 W. Ei ght Mile Rd. Farmin gton Hills, MI 48336 12/ 5 www.granitetransformations.com 785050 2003 75