LETTERS We prefer letters that relate to articles in the Jewish News. We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Brevity is encouraged. Letter writers generally are limited to 4, one letter per 4-6 week period, space permitting. 4 Letters must contain the name, address and title of the writer, and a daytime telephone number. Original copies must be hand signed. Mail to the Jewish News at 29200 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 110, Southfield, MI 48034; fax to (248) 304-8885; or e-mail to: rsklar@thejewishnews.com Student Benefit Is Appealing Thank you for introducing Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit's new lateral entry program for sixth- graders to the community ("Middle School Alternative," Jan. 16, p. 17). However, we felt that too much emphasis in the article was placed on the economic ramifications to Hillel, rather than the benefit to prospective students. As the parents of two recent Hillel graduates and a third child who is currently a sixth-grader at Hillel, we could not be more pleased that our children attended Hillel through mid- dle school. Our children received a solid secu- lar education that prepared them for the rigors of high school. They were well prepared to organize the demands of a high school curriculum and extracurricular activities, they were well prepared in their analytical and writing skills, and they were well prepared to tackle the challenges of high school math and science. Our children's Judaic education has benefited them and enriched our entire family. Their study of Jewish texts not only makes them more knowledgeable and committed Jews, but it benefits their secular studies by helping them become more critical thinkers. Their Judaic education also helps guide them in making difficult choices. Their Judaic education has enriched our family as we take tremendous pride in their ability to speak Hebrew, lead services, read Torah and take active leadership roles in the Jewish community. Beth and Steve Margolin Orchard Lake Day School Embraces Transferee My daughter is currently in the sev- enth grade at Hillel Day School. Because Lori was the first student ever to be accepted by Hillel as a sixth-grade transfer from a public school, I read with great interest your article about Hillel's new middle school admissions program ("Middle School Alternative," Jan. 16, page 17). In connection with your article, I would like to give the entire Hillel organization and family a public note of appreciation for all of the warmth and friendship extended to Lori and our family. She was immediately accepted by the faculty, administra- tors and students as one of their own — no different than if she were there from kindergarten. She immediately felt at home and has been very happy at Hillel. We have also been delighted with the strong academic program, as well as the attention to moral and reli- gious issues. In fact, the Hebrew and religious classes are among Lori's favorites. Barbara Mandell Beverly Hills Hillel Sixth Grade A Good Fit Wewere thrilled to read the article regarding Hillel Day School's lateral entry program for middle school ("Middle School Alternative," Jan. 16, page 17). After reading your arti- cle this month, we wanted to share our positive experience when we joined Hillel. Our son first entered Hillel's mid- dle school a year and a half ago fol- lowing our transfer from Quebec to Michigan. We were afraid this would be a difficult transition, not only because it was the third such transfer in less than six years, but also because he was entering adolescence. However, both the administration and the teachers at Hillel were so wel- coming and reassuring that our son breezed through the transition. We appreciate the many aspects of the school, including the caring and nurturing environment and emphasis on Jewish values and respect for one another. Our son did not have to deal with bullies; he was challenged by the academic standards of the school, and he greatly valued the opportunity to join sports teams. All in all, these years have been the best in our son's school career, and we owe it in great part to the excellence of Hillel. Myriam Cohen West Bloomfield Israel Must Protect Itself For two days last week, we witnessed the brutality of those who sponsor, train and send young, innocent, mis- jarc led, indoctrinated people to commit suicide: the father who had his son sent to his death after a brother was killed in violence; a mother of two babies who was persuaded to neglect her duties as a mother, all for the sake of killing Jews. The mother and her senders were not concerned that these babies will become orphans and that the liveli- hood of thousands of Palestinians who cross to Israel for work will be cut as the border crossing had to be closed. Yes, these terrorists are interested in creating more pain and suffering to their brother Palestinians so as to keep the kettle boiling and prevent any chance for peace. We are dealing here with crimes against humanity; we have to wake up and act. As Golda Meir once said, "There will be peace only if Palestinians will love their children more than they hate Israel." Clearly, with this mother homicide bomber who exploded, this did not happen. So don't be surprised that Israel is fencing itself in. After all, it has to protect itself from immoral criminals who do not hesitate to send mothers and children to do their dirty work. Dr. Isaac Barr Southfield Conversion A Worthy Option A word was missing in Robert P. Roth's commentary ("Preventing Intermarriage," Jan. 9, page 25) and most articles I see about intermar- riage: conversion. There seems to be an assumption that gentiles will never convert - and that the Jewish fate (not faith) has no entrance door, only the exit. The other side of the high inter- marriage rate is not only acceptance of Jews and Jewishness, but also a society that can readily accept conver- sion. Why not address what I would hope can be accepted as positive and legitimate by the many streams of American Judaism instead of con- stantly bemoaning the demographic reality? Dave Richter Bloomfield Township ...a loving way to celebrate a simcha... ...a meaningful way to help people with disabilities in our community... Here's how... • Use JARC Place Cards • Present each guest with a JARC Tribute expressing your unique message • Create centerpieces to donate for use in JARC homes •Ask guests to mark your simcha with a contribution to JARC • Recognize your honoree with a special gift to a JARC home ...or your own idea... we love to create new opportunities! To discuss how to enhance the beauty of your important day, call Alissa at (248) 538-6610 Extension 349 jarc For 34 years helping people with disabilities be fully included in community lift wwwjarcorg 30301 Northwestern • Suite 100 Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 248.538.6611 1 /23 2004 5