It's The Thought That Counts

I

f you are looking for that extra-
special gift for someone who has
everything or has most things or,
like most of us, would like to have
things, may I suggest one of the "of-
the-month" clubs.
It seems that there is one of these
"plans" for just about every taste.
Speaking of "taste," I should like to
SY
MANELLO point out that many of the subscrip-
tions satisfy that common urge: eat-
Editorial
ing. According to one Internet search
Assistant
engine, there are "of-the-month" clubs
featuring candy, pies, cakes, fruit,
chocolate, cookies, wine, tea, coffee and beer. This list
would seem to give a whole new scope to the old adage
that suggested we "eat, drink and be merry."
If you knew enough people who wanted to favor you
with a gift and each made a selection of one of the
above mentioned "clubs," you could be up to your
neck in goodies for more than the year. Of course, you
would also then be in search of the "Exercise Club of
the Month Club" or the "New and Bier Clothes of
the Month Club."
Each of these wondrous memberships must cost a

sizeable amount; but, hey, if it's a gift for you, you are
worth it.
I've been giving some thought to some gifts of the
month that I would like to see made available so that
those seeking to please me have something more to
choose from.
What about a Vacation-of-the-Month? It would not
have to be a long
stay; but would-
n't it be nice to
be able to go
away, even local-
ly, and stay at a
nice hotel (one
that does not
necessarily "leave
the light on for
you")?
How about a
Dinner-of-the-
Month? Sure,
carryout is nice but that's not the same thing as going
to a "nice" restaurant and not having to worry about
what you would like to order because of what it costs.
Though a Spa-of-the-Month might mean extensive

travel in your area, one could get a certificate for a dif-
ferent spa treatment each month. Put a whole new spin
on the expression "the pause that refreshes."
That leads logically into the Gift-Certificate-of-the-
Month. There are numerous name department stores
and specialty shops so that friends could meet one's
every need on a regular basis.
I wonder if any employers have
considered the Promotion-a-Month
or Pay-Raise-a-Month. Those would
meet with considerable rejoicing in
the work place, but I would hate to
think what one would have to do to
merit one. The ensuing stress might
lead to a glut on the spa treatment
idea.
Well, so as not to create a feeling
that these ideal clubs would be well
beyond anyone's means, I do not
know anyone who would refuse a
treat from one of the existing book,
CD or flower clubs. After all, what better way to
express your thoughtfulness by a gift that keeps on giv-
ing at least 12 times a year. ❑

A Rabbi On Board

into the circumstances
said. "There are no other
surrounding those alle-
rabbis."
The seven-member
gations.
"I did not apply for
board is appointed at
the position and was
staggered intervals with
surprised and honored
Rabbi Yedwab's the most
to be called," Rabbi
recent. "The term runs
Yedwab said. "They did
until Feb. 7, 2008, which
send a long form that
happens to be my 51st
had to be filled out to
birthday," the rabbi said.
make sure that you are
He described the board
ethical enough to serve
as a group that is "author-
on the ethics board."
ized to receive citizens'
Rabbi Yed wab
He was able to
complaints concerning
respond "no" to questions including,
alleged unethical conduct by a public
"Have you ever been charged with a
officer or employee and to inquire

When the next meeting of the State
of Michigan Board of Ethics con-
venes, its newest member will set out
from Temple Israel.
After several meetings with Gov.
Jennifer Granholm and completion
of a questionnaire on his own person-
al ethics, Rabbi Paul Yedwab was
appointed to the position.
The seven-member board is corn-
posed of Michigan residents, all
appointed by the governor with the
advice and consent of the State
Senate.
"I think there is only one clergyper-
son on the board," Rabbi Yedwab

iF 37 'cha
Don't Know

Yiddish Limericks

2004

What is the only Jewish ritual ceremony that actu-
ally requires a rabbi?

— Goldfein

"It's very unhealthy to dwell
On seeking revenge," advised Shel.

"Di klensteh nekomeh
Farsamt di neshomeh.*
Get even by just living well!"

— Martha Jo Fleischmann

siq

-qE.1 Dania sannbai tus!Epnf uoIsianuoD :Janksiry

8/ 6
2004

10

* The smallest vengeance poisons the soul.

crime?" and "Have you ever declared
bankruptcy?"
"However, there was one question
to which I had to answer yes," he
said. "It asked if I had ever taken
strong political stands in the media
that might lead others to object to
my appointment. To that question, I
had to honestly say, 'Yes, I have often
taken such stands in the media, espe-
cially in the Jewish News.' But some-
how, my appointment was approved
anyway."

— Shelli Liebman Dorfinan,
staff writer

Do You Remember?

August 1994
Twenty-five Orthodox Jews were arrested in the
Jaffa quarter of Tel Aviv after a demonstration
against archaeological excavations turned into a
riot.
Protesters claim that remains dug up were those
of Jews. Archaeologists say that the remains are
those of Muslims and Christians from the
Byzantine period.

— Sy Manello, editorial assistant

