World

SPECIAL

REPORT

Jonathan Brateman reads

to the congregation.

Below right: Janice
Starkman Goldfein of

Southfield

Standin
With Israel

Jews pray for Sharon,
Israel at Young Israel
prayer service.

Robin Schwartz

Special to the Jewish News

H

eartfelt prayers for the
well being of Israeli
Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon were recited at Young
Israel of Southfield on Jan. 5 dur-
ing a special service called
because of the prime minister's
grave health.
"We wish a complete recovery
for Prime Minister Sharon," said

34

January 12 • 2006

Young Israel of Southfield
President Jonathan Brateman.
"We stand in solidarity with
Israel at this difficult time."
About 30 men and women
gathered in the synagogue's sanc-
tuary to recite psalms focused on
healing and calling out to God in
times of distress.
"The Chief Rabbinate of the
State of Israel requested that Jews
throughout the world pray for the
prime minister's health and the

political stability of the state:'
said Young Israel of Southfield
Rabbi Yechiel Morris.
"I just thought it was impor-
tant to be here and to be sup-
portive," said Milt Neuman of
Oak Park, one of the participants.
The short service was an act of
respect and concern. It was also
meant to honor Sharon for his
years of military and political
service.
"Not all of us share his politi-

cal views," said Caren Goldenberg
of Southfield. "But he's a war hero
and he's an Israeli hero — and I
think everyone feels sympathy.
We just wish him the best:'
"As a doctor, I'm used to being
able to intervene and help," said
Dr. Howard Korman of South-
field. "One thing we can do is
pray and act together as a com-
munity."
Many of the participants
expressed concern about Israel's

political future without Sharon's
leadership.
"It's very distressing because
he's so widely respected , ) ' said
Brateman.
Rabbi Morris said, "There are
elections coming up in a few
months. It looked like the prime
minister was going to be the
clear-cut winner of that election.
Now things are in turmoilit's
unclear what the future will
bring, but we're hopeful:'

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