World

Faithful on page A25

tant path in all these efforts. Religion
and faith are an essential language that
should be at the forefront [of peace
efforts]; it is a part of the culture of the
people in the region — we should not
forget that."
There are assorted takes on the Torah,
and each sees itself as most authentic,
says Weissman. This notion is reflected in
the Talmudic tradition, which embraces
mahloket (dispute)."What is important
is that we learn and understand that all
approaches are legitimate and part of one
tradition:' she says.
There are those who maintain that the
humanistic tradition is more authentic
to the spirit of Judaism, and those who
argue the opposite. "I think that the
humanistic approach is indeed closer
because more xenophobic attitudes,
which predominate in tribal societies,
exist independent of the Torah. The mes-
sage of loving the other, however, is where
the Torah comes in."

Joe & Freda Adler

Irene Anbender
Rhonda Kaplansky Angelo
Man Barnett
Debra Baxbaurn
Sid & Kay Berkowitz
Jordan & Ashley Broad
Larry & Marcia Brown
Helene Cherrin
Dr. Jeffery & Stacey Cohen
Dr. Lawrence & Suzi Dell
Dr. Jeffrey & Cindy Diskin
Dr. Michael & Norma Dorman
Bobby & Gail Efros
Darrin & Gayle Elias
Al & Claire Epstein
Barbara Eskin
Mark & Lori Farber
Dr. Howard & Cheryl Feit
Jerry & Git Feldman
Nancy Feldscher
Eileen Shevin-Finck
Carol Fink
Norm Finkelstein
Bruce & Fran Finsilver
Arnold & Ruth Fuller
Edward and Lois Glick
Seth & Karen Gold
Lisa Goldberg
Dr. Jason Golnick
Harriet Goodman
Mike & Rosalind Grand
Bernice Handler
Larry & Edie Hoffman
Elizabeth Hyland
Rick & Jan Hyman
Art & Helene Indianer
Howard & Shelly Jacobs
Steven & Lisa Kaplan
Alon & Shari Kaufman
Barry Kaufman
Kim Klar
Jan I. Klein
Fred & Jackie Kingman
Dr. Bernie & Linda Kole
Suzie Leach
Carol Lederman
Dr. Ron & Debbie Lederman
Steve & Melanie Lefkofsky
William & Sandy Lefkofsky
Cyril C. & Lois Levenson

A26

July 10 2008

When asked about the potential influ-
ence of moderate Muslim voices on
furthering the peace process, Weissman
says, "I strongly believe that lots of things
bring about change in a region enveloped
in religion and faith. Every person whose
attitude is based on religious belief
counts; there is no way we can renounce
this aspect of enhancing peace dialogues
between us and our neighbors."

The Backdrop
The four-day convention drew Christian,
Jewish and Muslim leaders from 20 coun-
tries, including Latin Patriarch Michel
Sabah and Efrat Chief Rabbi Shlomo
Riskin.
Asked about her vision as prospective
chairwoman of the ICCJ, Weissman says
that though she is a dedicated feminist,
she does not intend to pursue a feminist
agenda.
Weissman, who made aliyah 35 years
ago from the U.S., believes the best way to
promote feminist ideals is to strive for a
mainstream place for women.

Lee Lieberman
Dr. David & Sheila Lipschutz
Marc & Suzanne Lipshaw
Jeffery & Nina Lopatin
Dr. Andy & Linda Markowitz
Maynard & Claire Metier
Dr. Ron & Jackie Michaelson
Larry & Val Morianti
Joanne Morse
Jerry & Rita Neff
Dr. Kevin & Jodi Neff
Dr. David I. Newman
Shel & Anita Pastor
Stephanie Paz
Edith M. Price
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Rader
Mike & Deanne Reitman
Dr. Sanford & Reva Rosenfeld
Kim & Roberta Ross
Izak & Cindy Rozin
Allan & Leslie Ruby
y y
Rose Sallen
Mary Schulman
Julius Schulman
Lori Selonke
Todd & Debra Shanker
Ron & Linda Sherr
Howard & Karen Sherline
Jay N. Sidman
Dr. Robert H. Singelyn
Dr. Rick & Rande Singer
Dan & Julie Sonenberg
Steve & Louise Spector
Tony Spokjony
Lloyd & Arlene Starr
Ron & Sheri Stay
Joel & Diane Swimmer
Michael Swimmer
Jodi L.Tobin
Eric Tuttleman
Paul Unatin & Julie Feldman
Leslie Wasserman
Ron H. Weichman
Howard & Teri Weingarden
Larry & Judie Weisman
Mary & Trudi Weisman
Arnold & Beverly Weiss
Mike & Betsy Winkelman
Eric & Tracey Wolfe
Seymour Zate

"What we should do first and foremost
is to prove that one can stay attached
to one's roots, religion and traditions
and still be a part of democratic values:'
she says. "Rabbi Melchior is an excel-
lent example, and this is the message we
should convey to our partners in faith,
Christians and Muslims alike: It's possible
to be at once deeply rooted in faith and
tradition and in modernity and democ-
racy"
Weissman admits that presently the
number of Muslim participants — local
or foreign —in ICCJ dialogues is low, but
says increasing such participation will
likely constitute a main goal for the orga-
nization under her leadership.
"Even members of the Islamic
Movement in Israel, usually considered
radical, are part of our dialogues, like
Sheikh Nimer Darwish. And although his
group is known as moderate, we still see
in this a great hope for the future. I'll say
it again: Faith and religion in this part
of the world are not incompatible with
friendship and peace." 1.71

Mentor Is
Honored

Troy resident Cary Levy
received the Governor's
Service Award for
Mentor of the Year at a
ceremony held at the Fox
Theatre in Detroit on
Cary Levy
June 19. He was one of
five award finalists cited
for making a significant difference in the
life of a child through mentoring.
Levy is a volunteer with the Jewish
Family Service Mentor Connection pro-
gram that matches adult mentors with
youth in Oakland County.
Mentor Connection strives to enhance
the quality of life for Oakland County
youth through the creation of supportive
mentoring relationships that increase self
esteem, encourage academic achievement
and improve social skills in order to help
young people lead successful, healthy lives.
For information about Mentor
Connection, call Lindsay Leder, (248) 592-
2309, or e-mail LLeder@jfsdetroit.org .

"In my 19 years serving the township, I rarely
encountered anyone as thoroughly prepared to discuss
the issue before her as Cathy Shaughnessy. Cathy has
worked tirelessly on behalf of the Township and will
continue to do so."

Cathy
sh
aughnessy

Anthony Spokjony

Democrat For
t Bloomfield Township Clerk

•

"We have been impressed with Cathy Shaughnessy's commitment to
maintaining the quality of life in West Bloomfield. Cathy has the
ability and dedication to be an outstanding township clerk."

"Cathy is a very dedicated person who cares
about the environment and most importantly
the people that live in it. She is someone you
can trust and deserves your vote."

Al & Claire Epstein

"Without hesitation or second thought, we endorse
Cathy Shaughnessy for West Bloomfield Township Clerk.
She is competent, exceptionally qualified and totally
committed to the community as personified by her
dedicated service to the tow-nship."

Steve & Lisa Kaplan

Cyril C. & Lois Levenson

"I've been involved in the community for over 20 years. As your Clerk,
I'll strive to protect home values, provide great service, and keep township
hall open, honest and accountable."
Cathy Shaughnessy

CATHY IS ENDORSED BY:

ALSO ENDORSED BY:

The West Bloomfield Police Officers Assn.

Detroit Metropolitan AFL-CIO
American Federation of Teachers
UAW Region 1
Michigan Building & Construction Trades

AND SUPPORTED BY:

The West Bloomfield Firefighters

On Tuesday August 5,

we hope you will join us in voting for

Democrat Cathy Shaughnessy

For West Bloomfield Township Clerk

Paid for by Committee To Elect Cathy Shaughnessy 6850 Torybrooke Cr. West Bloomfield, MI 48323