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. How to Send Letters Our JN Mission We prefer letters relating to JN articles. We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Letters of 225 words or less are considered first. Longer ones will be subject to trimming. Letter writers are limited in frequency of publication. Letters must be original and contain the name, address and title of the writer and a day phone number. Non-elec- tronic copies must be hand signed. Send letters to the JN: 29200 Northwestern Highway, Suite 110, Southfield, MI 48034; fax (248) 304-8885; e-mail, Ietters@the jewishnews.com . We prefer e-mail. The Jewish News aspires to communicate news and opinion that's useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. It strives to reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and con- tinuity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, caring, enjoyable work environment that encourages creativ- ity and innovation. We acknowledge our role as a responsible, responsive member of the community. Being competi- tive, we must always strive to be the most respected, outstanding Jewish community publication in the nation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, contented employees and profitable growth. A6 May 1.2008