Letters
A Winning Way
When technology is harnessed to enhance
global communication and community
building, we all win. The article "Passover
Connection" (April 17, A29), describing
the model seder celebrated concurrently
by fourth-grade classes in Michigan (at
Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park)
and Israel (at Gilad School, Nazareth
Illit), is a perfect example. Federation's
Partnership 2000 School-to-School pro-
gram has great promise and technology
will play a key role in realizing its full
potential.
Missing from the article, however, was
the role played by Shaindle Braunstein,
director of the David B. Hermelin ORT
Resource Center.
At the request of Bosmat Dovas, edu-
cation director of Beth Shalom, and
Rabbi Judah Isaacs, executive director of
Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education,
Shaindle and ORT coordinated with the
technical contact in Israel, provided an
open line for video conferencing, provided
the video conferencing equipment needed
and ran the software that made the con-
nection possible during the seder itself.
Technology used this way is truly the next
best thing to being there!
affirming event. From all the heroic
firefighters to the wonderful staff of the
Jewish Apartments & Services, to those
who donated new and gently worn
clothing, personal and household items
to the fabulous, patient volunteers who
assisted with the orderly distribution of
those goods.
In addition, we would be remiss if we
did not mention CVS' caring and solici-
tous store manager, Mike Michaels, and
pharmacist, Harry, who provided free
prescription replacements and a gener-
ous gift card. Also, every sales associate we
encountered at Kohl's could not have been
more helpful — it was just like Hudson's
in the old days.
In the midst of what could have been
chaos, thanks to everyone's kindness,
everything seemed very calm and orga-
nized. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all!
We are not yet sure of the toll the fire
will ultimately take with our 92- and 94-
year-old mother and father. For now, they
are safe, and that's all that matters. And
we hold all of you who had a hand in their
keeping personally responsible.
Patti Aaron, chair
West Bloomfield
Hedy and David Blatt
On behalf of Irving and Shirley Blatt
Hechtman II
David B. Hermelin ORT Resource Center
West Bloomfield
Special Kindness
Imagine being ages 92 and 94, watching
your apartment complex go up in flames.
It must have seemed incomprehensible
to wake up one morning — just like any
other morning, surrounded by all your
belongings, only to have to leave every-
thing quickly without knowing if you'll
ever see your apartment or your friends
again.
But, thank God, no one lost their life
and, at least for our family members who
were in the Hechtman Jewish Apartments
II fire, all their possessions seem to be
all right, albeit a little smoke damaged
("Beyond The Blaze," April 17, All). Some
lost everything, and to say we are very
grateful is an understatement.
We cannot begin to thank all those who
assisted us in this life-changing and life-
Golden Memories
The Metro Detroit Jewish history issue
was wonderful ("Green Lawns, Golden
City," April 24, A15) !
I lived through some of the Detroit
neighborhood migrations and I thor-
oughly enjoyed reading about Central
High School, Linwood, the shuls and our
wonderful Dexter to Livernois to Wyoming
neighborhoods. It brought back many
happy times with parents, my sister,
extended family and friends.
t
4
IlLEFUT
Icha Don't Know
What is the only remaining cooperation agreement between Israel
and an Arab country, dating from the 1990s Oslo Accord, with
which the Jewish state has no peace treaty?
—Goldfein
'Rime/qua 4401 sl! pawicialao ;srif uewo
pafoxi uoqeu!lesap lupf y uamsuy
ALEFBErcha runs every other week.
0 Copyright 2008, Jewish Renaissance Media
error-free, but also really was "inviting!'
I hope will result in much interest from
the community. I want to relay my warm
thank you. I am sure the golf committee
and the entire Michigan Jewish Sports
Foundation board will share my pleasure
in your coverage.
Laura Stern, executive director
Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation
West Bloomfield
Sandles Mystery
I was recently widowed from my husband,
Morton, of 56 years. After his funeral, on
June 25, 2007, I received a hand-written
two-page letter.
The letter contained memories from my
childhood, the early days of my relation-
ship with Mort and heartfelt condolences.
However, the letter was unsigned and the
handwriting was unfamiliar.
Despite numerous attempts to figure
out who wrote me this letter, I have been
unsuccessful; and to this day, I don't know
who wrote it! I would like to thank the
writer; it was a very nice and appreciated
gesture.
Anonymous letter writer, please reveal
yourself!
Sarah Sandles
Evangelism is an absolute bedrock prin-
ciple of their faith, and Jews are always
the most coveted of converts. This is not
a matter of politics, any more than is sup-
porting a united Jerusalem and a secure
Jewish State of Israel. This is crucial to
their immortal souls.
All of these positions, all the support,
the lobbying, the fundraisers — this all
exists to hasten the second coming of
their messiah. Period. This is what God
demands of them.
For the scenario to play out, Israel must
exist in a very specific form. This has
nothing to do with us, beyond an expecta-
tion that, if handled correctly, Jews will
eventually see the light.
Pastor John Hagee may currently be
a friend of convenience to the State of
Israel, but he represents a theology that is
ultimately committed to our demise as a
people.
That you would side with a movement
that seeks to embrace Jews merely as a
part of their master endgame of theologi-
cal salvation, while denigrating Eric Yoffie,
a respected rabbi, scholar and head of the
largest Jewish movement in the United
States is, frankly, outrageous.
Steve Klaper
Oak Park
Farmington Hills
Sherry Kaye
West Bloomfield
A Sports Pleasure
I doubt if a subject covered in a Detroit
Jewish News article could be more delight-
ful than the one on the Hank Greenberg
invitational and honoree Bud Selig ("Meet
The Commish!," April 24, B18).
Not only was it comprehensive and
Seeking Converts
Actually, Mr. Jacobs — to be clear —
members of Christians United for Israel,
Israel Always and, in fact, all fundamen-
talist Christians are, first, foremost and
always — motivated by a desire to convert
non-Christians (Michael Jacobs com-
mentary, "Reject Yoffie, Embrace Christian
Zionists:' April 24, A50).
Correction
• Regarding "Righting A Wrong" (April 24,
page A5), Michigan Court of Appeals-First
District Judge Helene White will not be
the first Jewish appointee to the U.S. Court
of Appeals-Sixth Circuit since the 1950s.
President Bill Clinton appointed Ronald
Gilman in 1997. White, nominated by
President George W. Bush in April, awaits
Senate confirmation.
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A6 May 1.2008