Social Justice In Judaism
Glazer Institute welcomes Washington reform leader.
"If you are truly sincere and responding to God's
call, you have to be willing to stand up and speak
truth to power."
A few "amens" were heard from those invited to
peaking of social justice in the Jewish faith,
the 62nd Rabbi B. Benedict and Ada S. Glazer
Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism , Institute on Judaism at Temple Beth El on Feb. 13.
Beth El Rabbi Daniel Syme, who hosted the
in Washington, D.C., implored a diverse
event, said Rabbi Saperstein "has become
the foremost authority in the Jewish corn-
munity in terms of social justice."
Rabbi Saperstein has been outspoken
on such topics as reducing auto emissions
and maintaining religious freedom. He's
appeared on national talk and news shows
and formed coalitions with leaders of
other faiths, such as the Revs. Jesse
Jackson and Pat Robertson.
The Glazer Institute is named for
Rabbi Glazer, who led Temple Beth El
from 1941-1952.
"The moral test of any society is what
it does for the least among us," Rabbi
Saperstein said, noting recent "unraveling"
of a "safety net" 80 years in the making.
Examples he gave of where he feels the
government is shirking its responsibilities
included the federal government giving
states less money for social programs, cut-
Rabbi Saperstein
ting back on minorities' freedom of expres-
sion
rights
in the fight against terrorism and bypass-
group of about 250 clergy members from metro
ing international institutions and treaties.
Detroit to come together for the greater good.
Rabbi Saperstein also spoke of Mel Gibson's film,
"How can we strive to be like God?" asked Rabbi
The Passion of the Christ, suggested that churches
Saperstein, in the role of scholar in residence in
and synagogues become more environmentally
Bloomfield Township for the daylong event. "By
aware, and addressed the "wall" between church and
feeding the hungry, removing the stumbling block
state.
before the blind," he said. "By speaking out against
The wall "restrains nothing," he said. "It is pre-
injustice and pain.
HARRY KIRSBAUM
StaffWriter
S
Rabbinic View Of
Marital Conflict
The Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic
Studies and Temple Kol Ami are spon-
soring Judith Baskin of the University
of Oregon 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14,
speaking on "Did You Ever Have to
Make up Your Mind? The Conflict
Between Marital Obligation and
Devotion to Study in Rabbinic
Literature."
Dr. Baskin is the director of the
Harold Schnitzer Family Program in
Judaic Studies, a writer and researcher.
The lecture will take place at the
temple; there is no charge.
Please RSVP to the Cohn-Haddow
Center in Detroit by March 4, (313)
577-2679.
Evolution Of
Jewish Identity
Rabbi Herbert Yoskowitz will exam-
ine the evolution of Jewish identity
in a three-part series 8 p.m.
Wednesdays, March 3, 10 and 17 at
Adat Shalom Synagogue.
Rabbi Yoskowitz will look at
cisely the wall that has kept government out of reli-
gion, that has allowed religion to flourish with a
diversity and strength in America unmatched any-
where in the Democratic world today."
No one should be offended by things like prayers
before football games or posting the Ten
Commandments as long as they are not forced to
participate in a prayer exercise. These secondary
issues trivialize prayer, he said.
"If all the Ten Commandments are going to be is
a kind of visual Muzak, up on the wall," he said "it
will do about-as much for the morality in our class-
room as the Gideon bible does for morality in a
motel room. The real problem is fights over these
things prevent America from finding real solutions
to real problems."
❑
Rabbi Syme
Jewish athletes, Jewish justices
whose names are linked to critical
U.S. judicial decisions and devote
the final evening to a discussion of
Jewish politicians.
There is no charge; the commu-
nity is welcome. Call (248) 851-
5100 for information.
Beth El Hosts
Adult Education
Temple Beth El's spring adult edu-
cation program begins March 3
with classes offered on Wednesday
mornings and evenings.
• Torah Study, 9:30 a.m. — Lea
Beurer looks at the Torah in depth.
$35 for members, $50 guests.
• An Introduction to Judaism, 7
p.m. — Rabbi David Castiglione
leads ten-week seminar for prospec-
tive converts,' non-Jewish partners of
Jews and Jews seeking a better under-
standing of Judaism. $75 members,
$95 guests.
• Breakfast with the Rabbi, 8 a.m.
March 10, 31, May 12, June 19 —
Rabbi Castiglione discusses ethical
teachings in Mishna Pirkei Avot. No
BETH EL HOSTS on page 54