WE KNOW YOU WANT QUALITY PRODUCTS AT A GOOD PRICE LETTERS 4, 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 one letter per 4-6 week period, space permitting. 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: rsldar@thejewishnews.com WE IRE WHERE YOU LIVE Same-Sex Marriage Is Wrong STATE FARM® offers discounts on car insurance. See me to find out how you may qualify to save up to 30%. Reva Kuhel, Agent 28250 Southfield Rd, Suite 200 Lathrup Village, MI 248-559-1114 LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR statefizrm. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company 1., (Nor in NJ) Et` ° Home Office: Bloomington, Illinois 05/02 P02070 In view of the recent controversy regard- ing same-sex marriages, the Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit wishes to make the following statement: The Torah clearly and unambiguously prohibits same-sex relationships. This prohibition applies not only to Jews, but is part of the Seven Noachide Commandments, which apply to all of mankind. The very first commandment given to humankind was "be fruitful and multi- ply" — under the sacred aegis of mar- riage, between one man and one woman. The institution of marriage is now under attack. As Jews, under the principle of tikkun olam (repair of the world), we must use all legitimate meth- ods to ensure that society implements the universal moral standards of the Torah. We, therefore, support any legal efforts to block those who wish to legit- imize same-sex marriage and to urge all out fellow Jews to do the same. Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit, Southfield \'‘,1k2S.W.MW•1., Standing With Hiller's Come 4 00zielfice Yge cif6- ogi, Moue 265 Old Woodward • Birmingham 248-642-2555 Hours; Monday-Saturday 9:30-6:00 • (Thursdays open until 7:00) Closed Sunday E Placing an ad in our classified section has never been easier. I can't tell you how proud I am of Jim Hiller, CEO and president of Hiller's Markets ("Standing With Israel," March 5, page 13). He was verbally attacked by a coterie of dissidents who vigorously assailed him because he dared to pro- mote a series of products imported from Israel. They threatened to boycott his stores, many of which are located in Jewish areas, like West Bloomfield and Ann Arbor. However, Jim Hiller did not back down. Hiller's Markets will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the country of Israel, its citizens and their right to determine their own policies and their destiny. Hiller is to be commended for his bold action and the courage and enthu- siasm that he showed. In an interview with the Jewish News he said, "I will extend the program of donating to Israel, indefinitely, and I intend to increase the number of products from Israel in every.way possible." I feel it is a mitzvah to patronize Hiller's Markets. He is a credit to his parents and to the community in which he was raised. God bless them all. Rabbi Jack Goldman West Bloomfield A Courageous, Noble Act In a time when we are searching for heroes and seriously lacking role models Call today! 2004 6 248/351/5100- for our children, I have found one: Jim Hiller ("Standing With Israel," March 5, page 13). He has risked or sacrificed his livelihood for something he believes in; he has shown courage and nobility of purpose. We are approaching Pesach. And when it comes to shopping for Pesach, include Hiller's Markets on your list. We know we must support Israel; now we must also support Israel's friend, Jim Hiller. Make sure he knows we are behind him. Leave a note in the sugges- tion box saying why you came (this idea was taken from Marilyn Kohn) and show Jim the Jews of Detroit and Ann Arbor are behind him and behind the State of Israel. Michael Skoczylas - West Bloomfield Helping Young Adults The Community Perspective by CEO Robert Aronson of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit ("A Smart Investment" Feb. 20, page 30) suggests that Federation should pick up the money ball when the Israeli govern- ment's five-year commitment of support for Birthright Israel ends. Consistent with the spirit of the Birthright trips, his statement that "... one area in which the Jewish communi- ty has fallen short: young adults" hits home. This resonates as the mission at every organization that serves Jewish young adults. It has to. It is our "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" between high school and chuppah. Hillels and other young adult agencies provide continuity of the Jewish experi- ence even as the photos from Birthright are processed. Funding for Michigan Hillels and other agencies serving Jewish young adults has been reduced and may be reduced further next year even as operating costs increase. As a community, we should protect our investment by reinforcing the impact of the Birthright Israel trip as participants come home by engaging them through vibrant, fully funded Hillels and other local programs. As a past president of Hillel of Metro Detroit, board member of the Michigan B'nai Kith Hillel Fund and board member of the Michigan Hillel Consortium, I know something about making choices. I know about finding Hillels and I know about there never being enough money to go around. There never is. You'll see Hillel staffs on campus maximizing the number of Jews doing Jewish with other Jewish young adults — all year. While we're preaching tzedakah (righteous acts) and tikkun clam (repair of the world), we need to be practicing saychel (common-sense wisdom) in the administration and distribution of limit- ed funds to ensure that our local agen- cies can provide continuity for the Birthright alumni. Paul E. Rochlen West Bloomfield Sending Wrong Message Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon hopes that an Israeli withdrawal would lead to a more peaceful Palestinian Gaza. This seems quite questionable in that Israeli and American military experts are warning that a unilateral withdrawal would, in fact, only lead to an increase in Palestinian terrorism. It will send a message that terrorism works and would motivate further tur- moil. An Israeli exit will transform Gaza into an armed camp in which weapons will flow freely through the Egyptian- Gaza border as well as by sea and air. The Palestinian Authority currently only administers Gaza. An Israeli with- drawal would allow for the establish- ment of a sovereign state. This state would certainly be a terrorist state, only now on the actual borders of Israel. To date, there have been no indications that the P.A. has any interest in shutting down the terrorists. Under present conditions, it is not clear how the Sharon plan would bring peace. Appeasement of terrorism by an Israeli withdrawal will be viewed as a victory for terrorism and only bring additional violence and a demand for additional Israeli concessions. Joseph Savin, president, Zionist Orgnaization of America- Michigan Region, Bloomfield Hills Purim Mitzvah Appreciated With all the turmoil in the world, I would like to write about the folks who do good for seniors. I am a resident at the Prentis Apartments on 10 Mile Road in Oak Park. A young lady with her son brought me a Purim bag of goodies. It was good to know that old folks are not forgotten. Many seniors don't have connections with relatives and friends, so when different temples and staff put their time into doing a mitzvah, it is appreciated. We thank you sponsors and helpers for being so gracious. God bless you and all the donors who provided the goodies and informative letters telling about Purim. Sonia Pittman Oak Park