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 β€” 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 β€” local or foreign β€”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 β€’ "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