4 | DECEMBER 1 • 2022 

for openers

Let’s Talk Money
W

e have heard that 
a fool and his 
money are soon 
parted and that all that glitters 
is not gold.
However, 
having faced 
inflation, feared 
recession and 
always sweated 
while checking 
our latest credit 
card statements, 
we are not 
always aware of how many 
phrases based on monetary 
units invade our daily talk.
Someone who is always 
hiding his true self is as phony 
as a three-dollar bill. (Used to 
be two-dollar, but we actually 

came out with those once.)
Smart shopper? Then you 
are getting the best bang for 
your buck. Seeking a quick 
return? You are desirous of 
a fast buck, especially if you 
are strapped for cash. Ah, 
the power of the almighty 
dollar! Be wary, though, of 
betting your bottom dollar 
on something; you may not 
always get your money’s 
worth.
If asked to keep a secret, 
you may press for hush 
money. (Has no one heard 
that money talks?) 
Cheap goods? Do not 
purchase something that is 
a dime a dozen; that is not 
always a good buy. (Though 

it may be goodbye to your 
funds.) On the reverse, be 
wary of paying top dollar 
for something or feeling that 
you are being asked to pay 
through the nose.
Have you ever waited too 
long to decide on something 
only to realize that you 
are a day late and a dollar 
short? At all costs, never give 
someone a blank check or 
you will discover you are out 
some serious cold, hard cash. 

Remain in control of your 
purse strings.
When asking for some mad 
money, you may have been 
reminded that money does 
not grow on trees, and no 
parent was going to just pour 
money down the drain.
Well, for those still having 
to live paycheck to paycheck, 
remember that a penny saved 
is a penny earned. No, that 
advice is not worth its weight 
in gold, but it’s a sure bet. 

Sy Manello
Editorial 
Assistant

PURELY COMMENTARY

statement

Rise of Antisemitism in America

W

hen antisemitism, 
in word and deed, 
goes unanswered, 
the voice of oppression is the 
only one heard. Hate by any 
vehicle, toward any group 
must not go unanswered. The 
recent rise in antisemitism is 
horrifying. Sacred spaces and 
objects are being vandalized. 
White nationalists and others 
are emboldened and spread 
racism and antisemitism on 
social media with impunity. The 
Jewish community are rightfully 
angry and fearful. Many ques-
tion the seeming dearth of out-
rage in the wider community.
These antagonists foster divi-
sion in society through hateful 

rhetoric and force. This is an 
endemic situation causing great 
harm. The Anti-Defamation 
League reports that antisemitic 
incidents are on the rise nation-
wide — averaging more than 
seven incidents per day.
When the integrity of 
democracy is under fire as well 
as the rights of those who are 
marginalized by racial, social or 
political differences, our faith 
communities must act within 
the context of our shared values. 
We must not quietly speak in 
private social channels but call 
out hatred often and loudly.
The InterFaith Leadership 
Council of Metropolitan Detroit 
unites people of faith, interfaith 

groups and networks to collab-
orate within the Metropolitan 
Detroit community. It also 
advocates for conflict resolution 
and interfaith education. The 
IFLC publicly advocates for reli-
gious freedom, civil discourse, 
humane and compassionate 
acceptance of refugees, and 
works against bigotry and ill-
will. We do this through edu-
cational programs advancing 
religious literacy and fostering a 
community based in common 
values.
At this time, we express our 
solidarity with the Jewish com-
munity. We condemn all threats 
to their safety and well-being. 
We share their justifiable out-

rage. The current climate of 
rampant bigotry is entirely 
unacceptable. 
The Board of Directors of the 
InterFaith Leadership Council 
of Metropolitan pledges to 
openly oppose all acts of hatred 
through continuous public 
commentary, youth and adult 
education, and community 
engagement around shared 
values.
We will promote understand-
ing and respect for all. Nothing 
else is acceptable. 

The InterFaith Leadership Council of 

Metropolitan Detroit are clergy and 

laypeople seeking to nurture interfaith 

connection, conciliation and education. 

INTERFAITH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT

