The community is buzzing about a newly published book, “Am I a Jew?” written by Theodore Ross, an author from New York. It’s been out a month or so already. I wasn’t terribly interested in it, and it just sat on my desk waiting to be given to one of our book reviewers. However out of the blue, just before Yom Kippur, I got some phone calls about it. Then I was intrigued.

The book focuses on different types of Judaism, one being Classical Reform Judaism. Ross claims (I didn’t confirm the facts myself) that there are only 15 such congregations in the United States. He hand-picked our own Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn as the expert on that subject.

He came to Kansas City to interview Rabbi Cukierkorn twice about the topic. According to the book, he even stayed at his home. I am deeply disturbed by what he wrote about Classical Reform Judaism and the New Reform Temple in particular.

In my opinion, the chapters on Classical Reform Judaism are not really about Classical Reform Judaism at all. He spends very little time describing the difference between Classical Reform Judaism and what we typically refer to as simply Reform Judaism. Instead, I see it as a not-so-flattering depiction of Rabbi Cukierkorn, the former rabbinical leader of The New Reform Temple who now heads up the year-old Temple Israel. In doing that, these chapters also become a not-so-flattering, and I believe skewed, view of the Jewish community in Kansas City as a whole.

I have not interviewed either the author or any of the parties quoted in this book. I believe it would be a waste of my time as I would probably get typical comments such as “I stand by what I wrote,” and “I was misquoted.” As a journalist I do have to wonder why Ross chose to publish the information he gathered about New Reform from Rabbi Cukierkorn after he met with the rabbi the first time. At that time the relationship between the rabbi and the congregation had become a rocky one. In my opinion that’s when he should have walked away and chosen another congregation and rabbi to profile. By not doing so, he implies that the relationship between this rabbi and this congregation represents a typical rabbi-congregational relationship for such parties in Classical Reform congregations. I certainly believe this is not the case.

By the time Ross came to Kansas City a second time, Rabbi Cukierkorn’s relationship with NRT’s board of directors had deteriorated to the point of not renewing the rabbi’s contract. The two parties negotiated a separation agreement. Did the author really think he was getting an accurate depiction of a Classical Reform congregation when he discovered that all the parties involved were effectively right in the middle of a “divorce?” As a journalist, has he never had to walk away from an interview because he wasn’t getting the information he needed?

At this point you might be saying, but The Chronicle mentioned all of these things in its newspaper as well. Yes, we did. It’s something we have agonized about, but we see it as our duty to report the news in our community. But that news certainly does not represent what is going on in Classic Reform congregations.

Rabbi Cukierkorn isn’t off the hook here either, by any stretch of the imagination. He was speaking to a journalist who was writing a book, so he should have been more careful about what he said and the words he chose to use. Clearly he was unhappy with his situation and many people involved in it. But as my mother, of blessed memory, used to say to me on a regular basis, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I hope he has learned this valuable lesson.

As I read on Kol Nidre “words matter, words can hurt, reputations matter, gossip hurts.” I am not and have never been a member of The New Reform Temple. But as a member of the Kansas City Jewish community I am hurt by this book. I don’t want people across the country thinking this is how the Kansas City Jewish community speaks to others or speaks about others. It simply isn’t an accurate depiction of who we are. Period.

Don’t buy the book. If you want to know the author’s personal story, read it online. He’s told it in plenty of interviews. The rest isn’t worth your valuable time.

Paying taxes is a privilege

I would like to thank Marc Birnbaum for his letter of Sept. 13, wherein he inadvertently substantiated one of the points I made in my letter of Aug. 30.

I’d like to share a response that I received from one of my cousins after she read Birnbaum’s views. I couldn’t have stated it any better than she did:

“Ye gads my heart flutters. Should we perhaps have pushkes to contribute some funds to help out these rich folk who are being robbed of their profit margin?”

“If only we could be struck with such a misfortune. I remember back when (my husband) was in practice how he said, ‘Goldie, I’m grateful we have to pay taxes. It means we have money.’ ”

Carole Plesser
Prairie Village, Kan.

Assisting the less fortunate

I was delighted to read your recent articles about the JFS Food Pantry and Yachad — The Kosher Food Pantry (Sept. 6). What a tribute to Kansas City! Here we have two organizations committed to feeding the hungry and a community that is willing to support both.

Yachad has always served the needy with dedication and soul. It is wonderful that JFS has decided to follow its example.

I know that many of the local congregations have supported Yachad in the past through food collection bins and tzedakah boxes. I salute the rabbis and the Rabbinical Association for continuing their support of Yachad and at the same time, supporting JFS’ new food pantry. How fortunate we are to live in a Jewish community that is unified on the issue of assisting those less fortunate, especially in these times of politics and pettiness!

To Chabad, keep up the good work. You exemplify what dedicated, hard-working volunteers can achieve. To JFS, may your endeavor be as meaningful and successful. And to the Jewish community and its spiritual leaders, thank you for sharing your voices and resources to ensure that both food pantries thrive.

B. Silver
Overland Park, Kan.

Unacceptable censorship

My wife and I have been longtime subscribers to the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle. We are proud members of the K.C. Jewish community. Unfortunately, I understand that due to pressure from leftist Democrats — some of whom may be subscribers — you are not publishing Ms. Shoula Romano Horing’s articles. This, of course, is partisanship, censorship and a violation of people’s right to know.

I am reminded of the leftist and anarchic articles by Rabbi Margolies that you published week after week, much to my sadness, disappointment and dismay, which were mainly accusations and reproaches against our homeland, the United States of America, and our beloved Israel. Throughout the many years of your publishing these articles, we never cancelled our subscription! However, you are now getting into the realm of violating my right to know and the First Amendment.

Our Jewish people, as well as any other people, have the right and deserve to hear a variety of opinions so they can wisely select their leaders. What you are doing is censorship and not acceptable. The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle must be fair.

Please begin publishing Ms. Horing’s articles again.

K. Tom Khadavi
Overland Park, Kan.

For someone like me, who spent most of his career in the business community, working at Jewish Family Services for the last five years has been a real eye-opener. I knew there were people living in poverty in our community, but I never got close enough to those in need to really understand their stories. But at JFS, as I talk with our social workers and clients, I have learned just how basic some of those needs are.

In Pirkei Avot, there is a saying, Im ein kemach, ein Torah; Im ein Torah, ein kemach — “If there is no flour, there is no Torah; if there is no Torah, there is no flour.” The rabbis, for whom Torah and study were everything, understood that study and spirituality couldn’t take place when someone was hungry. Food, represented here by flour, is our most basic human need.

Many people assume that hunger is a problem in the broader world, but not a problem here in our own community. Chronicle Publisher Steve Rose wrote an important article this summer in the Kansas City Star, “Suburbs are not immune to rising tide of hunger.” Rose describes how many families in Johnson County are experiencing more and more food insecurity, a term used to describe the inability of a family to meet basic food needs. At JFS, we just distributed Rosh Hashanah food baskets to twice as many people as we did only three years ago. There is a huge amount of need out there, and while there are government programs to help, there are large, gaping holes in the government safety net.

To take a small step toward filling one of those holes, JFS is opening a food pantry. Some people have asked me why we’re doing this. Doesn’t Harvesters take care of food needs for our community? Harvesters-The Community Food Network, while a wonderful organization, is a wholesale network, not a food pantry. It supplies food pantries in our community; it is not a place individuals and families go to get food for themselves. Each year, JFS works with hundreds of food insecure clients, both Jewish and non-Jewish, right in our community and it has been frustrating not to be able to meet their needs for food directly.

The JFS Food Pantry will serve our clients who are food insecure, regardless of their religion. We will provide kosher food to those that keep kosher, and the pantry will offer a way for people to shop and choose what they need. We’ve already become an affiliate of Harvesters, which means we’ll be able to acquire food from that terrific source. But while food from Harvesters is essential, it’s not enough to meet the need. We will still have to collect donations from our own community. We have already seen the community come together with donations during the High Holiday Food drives. As you read this, we’re beginning to collect barrels of food from many synagogues in town. That’s a great start, but we have a long way to go.

To learn more about hunger in our community and how you can help, please join us for the official launch of the JFS Food Pantry. It will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Jewish Community Campus. You’ll hear from leaders working on reducing hunger in our community.  You’ll learn about the Mitzvah Garden, our community garden that will be a partner of the new JFS Food Pantry. And you’ll learn how you can participate, whether through volunteering at the pantry, donating food, or getting involved in other ways. Yaish Kemach, Yaish Torah. There will be flour, so there will be Torah.

Don Goldman is the executive director and CEO of Jewish Family Services.

Local Islamic organization condemns violence, killings

I am the chairman of the Midland Islamic Council in Kansas City. MIC is an umbrella organization in the central region and includes 15 Muslim organizations. One of the Council’s goals is to foster interfaith understanding. Many people say that moderate Muslims do not speak out enough about the extremists who commit violent crimes in the name of Islam. I want to make sure the Jewish community knows that MIC condemns the violence and killings that happened in Libya and Egypt against our fellow Americans and our embassies. The Islamic Society of North America, The Islamic Circle of North America and the Muslim Public Affairs Council and other Muslim groups have also released statements. Here is our statement:

The Midland Islamic Council expresses its profound sorrow at the killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Mr. Christopher Stevens and his staff. We also denounce the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton mentioned, the act has been committed by a group of savage people who did it independently without support from Muslims, Libyan people or the government. Available reports indicate that this heinous act was committed in response to a video defaming and insulting Prophet Mohammad (peace be on him). Despite the offensive nature of the video, Islam does not allow taking innocent life for any reason. During his lifetime the Prophet (peace be on him) was insulted and attacked many times but he always acted with compassion, forgave the offenders and was never revengeful. Clearly the perpetrators have violated the basic teachings of Islam.

Shakil Haider
Chairman
Midland Islamic Council

We are all watching history unfold before us. President Obama and Gov. Romney are engaged in a tight race to see who will be the next president of the United States. The Senate race between Todd Akin and Claire McCaskill has the national spotlight shining on the state of Missouri. As it does for every single election, National Council of Jewish Women and its Greater Kansas City Section, of which I am a life member and past president, has words of wisdom to share regarding the upcoming election.

Voting this November is not only primary, but it is also our right, privilege and duty. Most importantly, it is paramount for women! This general election may be the most important election of our lifetime! It will impact you and those in your life! It’s about your job, your health, your community and your future.

In this election NCJW specifically holds dear a variety of issues — from reproductive rights to economic security, from the kinds of judges who will preside in our courts to how our children and grandchildren will be educated. NCJW’s priorities are women, children, families and every issue that will affect them. Each of us has the power to impact these critical Issues, but only if we plan to step forward and exercise our hard-earned right to vote. We ask you not only to pledge your own vote, but to be proactive by urging everyone you know here and across the country to vote as well.

On Election Day Nov. 6, Kansas and Missouri polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. But if you can’t be there in person that day, Kansas and Missouri have other options for you to exercise this important right.

Kansans — including college students living away from home — may take advantage of advance voting either by mail or at special advance polling places prior to Nov. 6. To take advantage of these options, one must be a registered voter. For those who live in Johnson County, registration is as easy as calling the Johnson County Election Office at 913-782-3441 or downloading a form at www.jocoelection.org.

The deadline to register to vote in Kansas is Tuesday, Oct. 16. Advance voting by mail begins Wednesday, Oct. 17. Voters must complete an Application for Advance Voting Ballot in order to receive a ballot by mail. In Johnson County registered voters can simply call the election office at 913-782-3441 to request the Application for Advance Voting Ballot or visit www.jocoelection.org and download a form. Per the new state law, a registered voter applying for a mail-in ballot or voting in person must provide a photo ID. Those voting by mail must provide either a valid Kansas’s driver’s license number or non-driver identification card number on the form. There are many valid forms of ID listed on the application; or simply call the election office for more information.

(Here’s a voting tip: If you receive an Advance Ballot and forget to mail it in timely manner, simply take it with you to your polling place. It will be voided and you will be allowed to vote on another paper ballot. Your ballot will count!)

Johnson County registered voters who wish to cast their ballots early and in person may do so beginning Oct. 22. The Johnson County Election Office in Olathe will be open the following times and dates for advance voting: Monday through Friday, Oct. 22 to Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 5, 8 a.m. to noon.

Three other locations will also host advance voting polls — Great Mall of the Great Plains, Metcalf South Shopping Center and Ten Quivira Plaza in Shawnee. These polls will be open Monday through Friday, Oct. 22 to Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This information may also be found at the website, www.jocoelection.org.

For Kansas City, Mo., residents, the last day to register to vote is Wednesday, Oct. 10. Voting by absentee in person begins Tuesday, Sept. 25, and is held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Kansas City Election Board in the Union Station. Absentee voting applications may also be downloaded at www.kceb.org. Voter ID is required; however, the law has not changed so Missourians will continue to follow the same procedure as always. For more information or for absentee satellite locations, call the Kansas City Election Board at 816-842-4820.

Whether you vote advance, absentee or at your polling place on Election Day, affirm your commitment as a United States citizen and the issues you care about! Please remember, bad leaders will be elected by people who do not vote. Your vote really does count!

An active member of the National Council of Jewish Women-Greater Kansas City Section, Barbara Holzmark has served as its president and is currently its Kansas Public Affairs chair. She was a candidate for state representative from Leawood in 1990 and is an active member of the League of Women Voters and MainStream Coalition. Holzmark is currently a supervising judge for the Johnson County Election Board and has worked in this capacity since 1992. She can be contacted through the NCJW office at 913-648-0747.

“Tzaki and His Holiday Miracles” by Avraham Feder (Mosaica Press, August 2012)

When you receive a review copy written by a former neighbor and friend, you can’t help but take notice, and this was the case when this book arrived in our post office box.

Rabbi Avraham Feder is a charming man with a great gift for conversation and an outstanding voice. His wife, Tzipora, had told me once about the great stories he would tell to the children at his former synagogue, Beth Tikvah in Toronto.

The hero, Tzaki, is based upon a real-life man by the same name. The real Tzaki is the son of the rabbi’s cousin who lives in Rishon l’Tzion. From the age of 6, Tzaki insisted on sleeping in the sukkah during Sukkot. The real-life Tzaki grew up, served in the Israel Defense Forces for 20 years flying helicopters, and today is 51 years old. The three stories are all based, to some extent, on truth.

In “Tzaki and his Sukkah”, Tzaki helps some Israeli soldiers behind enemy lines, near the Suez Canal, with the help of his “flying sukkah,” the etrog and other Sukkot symbols.

In “Tzaki’s Sukkah and his Magic Dreidel,” Tzaki goes into action helping Israeli navy men and their gunboats.

In “Tzaki and the Frozen Helicopters,” Tzaki is called upon to assist in another adventure — 12 helicopters and their crews stranded during a blizzard in the Austrian Alps.

The stories are all very cleverly written, and for young readers, particularly boys ages 9 and up, these are really a good read.
Besides being a rabbi in Toronto, Rabbi Feder, who moved to Israel in 1981, has lectured at various schools of higher learning and the Israel Defense Forces. He has written two books and numerous essays and articles. He and his wife Tzipora live in Jerusalem.

“Be Like God” by Dr. Ron Wolfson (Jewish Lights Publishing, June 2012)

Dr. Ron Wolfson, professor of education at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, has written about 10 books for children and adults.

Now he has written this stimulating handbook for 8- to 12-year-olds to motivate them to be a partner with God. He helps them define how to create a personal relationship with God and uses kid-friendly stories to illustrate his points.

He tells his readers that “this book is written to inspire you to create your own God’s to-do list.” He begins his interactive book with 10 chapters suggesting 10 “superpowers” — create, bless, rest, call, comfort, care, repair, wrestle, give and forgive. He asks his reader to read each chapter, which has examples of good that God does and how people use their powers to imitate God’s ways.

He then asks his readers to consider doing items on God’s to-do list. He suggests readers create a to-do list, then actually do one of those things every day. Once they’re done, he recommends thinking about how doing these changes your life. He also believes you should read the list every day and share it with others.

In the conclusion, Wolfson guides the readers with three more ways to be a superhero and do God’s work on earth; analyzes Shalom Aleichem; and provides a space for the reader’s to-do list.
Notes and a bibliography conclude the book.

I would take exception to this being a book for 8- to 12-year-olds and instead suggest it for 10- to 12-year-olds as an outstanding companion to studying for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

“It’s a Mitzvah” by Liz Suneby and Diane Heiman (Jewish Lights Publishing, September 2012)

If you know any 3- to 6-year-olds, sit them down and read this to them. As you show them the illustrations of animals they will probably squeal with delight as did the 3-year-old on whom I practiced reading this book.

Each set of pages illustrates animals such as bears, beavers, kangaroos, zebras and others in actions regarding a particular mitzvah. The refrain — it’s a … it’s a … it’s a mitzvah is so catchy, soon the children anticipate it and say it with you.

A meerkat, also known as a mongoose from South Africa, which stands on its back legs and uses its tale to balance, sits on each set of pages. It is the narrator and explains each mitzvah in a sidebar. Regretfully, a brief explanation about the meerkat and why it’s on the pages is needed in this book.

The book will make a wonderful introduction to good deeds for young readers because its style is so appealing, encouraging and animated. Welcoming new friends, forgiving someone who makes a mistake, cheering on your friends and giving tzedakah are just a few of the 12 mitzvot mentioned.

Disgraceful behavior

I am no fool and am certainly aware of the bias that exists in the Jewish community in Kansas City as well as the whole country in favor of the Democratic Party and President Obama. However, it is with profound disgust that I learned that in response to a recently published conservative article written by my wife Shoula Romano Horing, people have angrily called the editor to complain about her point of view being aired and some have actually canceled their subscriptions to The Chronicle.

Those who have complained and canceled subscriptions are a disgrace and should be ashamed of themselves. This is not the former Soviet Union ,China or Cuba. As every elementary student knows, freedom of the press and freedom of speech are guaranteed by our constitution. If you disagree with Ms. Horing the American response should be to make the effort to write and raise sensible arguments refuting her opinions, not censoring them by trying to blackmail The Chronicle not to publish her columns ever again.

Members of the Jewish community who blindly support President Obama and the Democratic Party against their own interests should beware. If re-elected, Obama, without the restraints of needing to run again, will fundamentally and negatively change this country for years to come in a way that will not promote the interests of the Jewish people, the country as a whole, or Israel. Although I pray for a Romney victory to save our country, an Obama victory will give you disgraceful fools the leader you deserve.

Michael Horing
Kansas City, Mo.

Democrats hostile toward Israel

The hostility toward Israel of the Democratic Party leadership became starkly revealed at its nationally televised Wednesday afternoon convention session. Even the most ardent, lifelong Jewish Democrat must have felt a chill run down the spine at the ugly, raucous sight.

The 2012 Democratic Party platform revised the 2008 version by deleting mention of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, deleting the promise that Israel need not return to the 1967 borders, deleting mention that Hamas must reject terrorism, and deleting mention that Palestinians have no right of return to Israel.

This raises the obvious question, why? Why would the framers of the platform choose to gratuitously insult its Jewish bloc of supporters at a time when a razor-close election requires every one of their votes? The answer became clearly manifest, right there on the television screen.

The Democratic Party is now captive to its most extreme left wing, the pro-Palestinian wing that openly despises Israel. These are ideologues for whom principle trumps political reality, no matter what. They now control the machinery of the Democratic Party.

The ensuing firestorm resulted in a belated attempt to repair the damage by restoring Jerusalem (and God, by the way) to the platform.

The revelatory moment came when the ayes and nays were taken. Clearly the nays prevailed. After calling for a voice vote three times, and failing to get the desired result, the chairman simply declared the revised platform passed, to prolonged boos from the delegates. The delegates wanted no single word of support for Israel in their platform, regardless of consequences with the Jewish vote.

So there it is, for all with eyes to see. Despite all the reassuring happy talk, this episode revealed to the nation the hostility toward Israel of the present Democratic leadership. This convention made the hostility openly, unarguably manifest. It is now frighteningly apparent what a second Obama term will mean to the security of Israel. The lives of half of all our co-religionists in the world are on the line. We have been warned.

Lee Levin
Overland Park, Kan.

Tired of hypocrisy

I ask your indulgence and willingness to share my response to several letters that were printed in the Sept. 6 edition of The Chronicle in response to my letter of Aug. 30.

Apparently my letter provoked some readers to object to the fact that I had expressed my feelings about a letter that was written attacking Gloria Schlossenberg’s right to express her opinion.

I’m curious why Mr. Friedman states he has no access to Mrs. Schlossenberg’s letter and yet he writes that her letter is “pure vitriol.” I can well understand his desire to defend his friend, but to deem my letter of one without substance is denying my right to voice my opinion. Fortunately, I do have an inherent ability of judging people by their past actions. Perhaps it’s really only “woman’s intuition,” so consequently I can well understand Mr. Friedman’s inability to make that assessment.

Interestingly, Marcel Matson posed a question asking “what has Carole Plesser done to save any lives?” Actually, the real question that should be asked is “how many lives have the Koch Brothers ‘environment unfriendly’ industries destroyed?”

It is hardly news that women who voice their opinion are often dismissed with unflattering words. But if a man denigrates a woman, he’s defended as “a kind and generous person.”

I strongly believe in justice and telling it “like it really is!” Quite truthfully, I’m tired of the hypocrisy.

Let’s hope The Chronicle does not fall victim to suppression of readers’ opinions since some folks may feel “uncomfortable,” and show a lack of respect for people who demonstrate a little backbone.

Carole Plesser
Prairie Village, Kan.

More than their fair share

I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to David Friedman and Marcel Matson for their kind comments, and also to Judy Press for her letter regarding the need for respect pertaining to letters published in The Chronicle.

FYI, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the statistics paid by the wealthy are as follows:
Taxes paid by highest incomes:

The top 1 percent pay 22.7 percent of taxes.

The top 10 percent pay 50 percent of taxes.

The top 20 percent pay 65.3 percent of taxes.

Do the wealthy pay more than their “fair share” of taxes? Apparently so.

Marc Birnbaum
Overland Park, Kan.

Another Holocaust?

Pirkei Avot  2:3: “Be careful in your relations with the government, for they draw no man close to themselves except for their own interests. They appear as friends when it is to their advantage, but they do not stand by a man in his time of stress.”
I often receive comments that I must be obsessed by the Holocaust, or I should stop preaching so much about the Holocaust. After all, many of my colleagues have deep feelings about the Holocaust and have lost family members.

To them I say you are correct about both. I am obsessed because at simchas  I have no one from past generations to celebrate with except a few cousins. I am blessed that G-d fulfilled my promise to my parents, of blessed memory, that I would have a station wagon full of kids. My wife, kids and grandchildren are my treasure in life as I am positive the same holds true for you.

With the death of my first cousin, the Holocaust has changed for me. I do not talk about the horrors, but only ask that the memory of those lost be preserved and that we remember what our parents accomplished who came out of the Holocaust.
Now I put my efforts into helping to support Eretz Yisroel. Without the State of Israel, we Jews are in great trouble. Another Holocaust will occur if Israel is nuked. Never forget Israel only has to lose one war and Israel will be only a memory.

I do not trust politicians on either side. They will say and do anything to get your vote and then renege. I do not believe what presidential advisers or generals have to say. I believe the men and women in Israel who will fight for their survival.

Most of the world cares little for the Jews. Have we not learned from history? It is time to get out of Europe. This is my message before the High Holidays.

Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg
Edison, N.J.

Summer, 40 years ago, I was in high school. The Olympics had never been important to me, as I was not a sports fan. However, that year, 1972, was different. A young Jewish swimmer was winning gold medals … one after the other. And every American was glued to the television to see if he could really win seven gold medals. And he did. Mark Spitz became both an America icon and a Jewish hero!

But then suddenly the tone of the Olympics in Munich changed. In this city, in Germany, where so much harm had been formulated against the Jewish population, another horrific event would unfold.

I will never forget the first time I saw the photos of the men in masks and ski hats on the balcony of the Israelis’ rooms. Everyone was in shock. What was going to be a wonderful memory turned into despair. And when the end came, and 11 Israeli athletes and their coaches were killed … murdered … in Germany, we were shocked.

How could this have happened?

I remember that Mark Spitz was spirited out of Germany before the closing ceremonies … even in his finest hour, he could not continue to celebrate because there were fears he would be targeted as well.

“I wasn’t afraid but it was made clear I had to leave,” Spitz said, in a (London) Daily Mail article. Spitz flew to London. That same evening Spitz was with his two sisters watching a memorial service in honor of those massacred.

As he absorbed the horror, Spitz realized that his name would be forever bound with the bloodstained Munich Olympics. “Munich has never left me, not totally,” said Spitz. “I’m associated and attached to those Olympics for what I achieved but also because of my religion. I find I have a sense of responsibility and I address it with respect.”

(http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2058075/Mark-Spitz-iconic-picture-Munich-Olympics-taken-London.html#ixzz25RuwSznu)

Does it still matter today?

Yes, it does!

There are other athletes who come to represent Israel. There are Jews from all over the world who compete in the Olympics. And there are still acts of racism and anti-Semitism.

I wish it was not so.

Because this year at the Olympics, I along with the rest of the world was watching another young American Jewish athlete get gold. As Ally Raisman performed her floor routine to “Hava Nagilah,” I think every Jew and American felt proud. She chose this Jewish melody to honor the memory of those murdered in Munich.

Like Ally, the world should stand up and remember what happened at the Munich Olympics. And the world should stand up to terrorists and stand behind innocents who are murdered for no reason, other than their religion — anywhere, anywhere.

Ellen Portnoy, a contributing writer to The Chronicle and a member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, originally presented these thoughts at the Community Vigil for the Munich 11, marking the 40th anniversary of the murder of the 11 Israeli athletes on Sept. 4 at K.I.

Circumcision beneficial

I read with great interest the Aug. 27 statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics that the benefits of infant circumcision have been shown to outweigh the risks.

The Jewish people have practiced brit milah, religious circumcision, for more than 3,500 years. The basis of this practice is our belief that circumcision is a mitzvah, a Divine Commandment.

This, indeed, is the basis for all the commandments of the Bible. Yet it has also been a principle of belief that the commandments are intended by G-d for the good of mankind. In the case of many commandments the inherent goodness of the commandments are self-evident, such as the biblical imperatives to give charity, to set up courts to adjudicate disputes or to care for the sick. In other instances, the benefits to the Bible’s prescriptions are less apparent. It is, therefore, truly a happy occasion when news of this most recent study confirms our principle of belief, “Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peaceful.” (Proverbs 3:17)

Rabbi Elchanan Schulgasser
Certified Mohel
Overland Park, Kan.

Rabbi Margolies and his judges

With judges, judgment and justice begins Shoftim, the parashah of the past two weeks. Rabbi Morris Margolies acknowledged and celebrated this parashah by honoring with aliyot the attending judges, accompanied by an historic accounting of the contribution of American judges and justices. He concluded by paraphrasing the answer Rabbi Gamaliel the Second of Yavneh, chief of the Sanhedrin, gave to the heckling Roman philosopher, as cited in his book “The Jew of the Century,” with the concluding commentary that Am Yisrael “refuses to give up its faith that G-d knows what He is doing, that justice will triumph, that the evil will be punished, and that the righteous will be rewarded.” To Rabbi Margolies and his family, may this New Year be abundantly bountiful.

Harris Winitz
Kansas City, Mo.

A pleasure to work with

Congratulations to Rabbi Mendel Segal and the Vaad on their success in putting together the first Kansas City Kosher BBQ contest.

I can’t believe it has been a year since our daughter’s wedding! I want to apologize to Mendel for the delay in this letter to the editor.

My family planned and celebrated two weddings in the past year; each were Vaad overseen kosher events. Working with Mendel was a pleasure. Both of our weddings’ venues were the first kosher Vaad wedding for these venues. We used vendors that had never experienced a Jewish event before, let alone worked a kosher wedding. Mendel worked side-by-side with these venues and vendors to instruct them on the rules and regulations of kashrut. After each wedding our venue and vendors told us how much they enjoyed working with Mendel and loved learning about Jewish laws and customs. They said, “we hope to work with Mendel again soon.”

Anyone who is even contemplating a kosher wedding will not regret having the honor and pleasure of working with and getting know a wonderful young man, Mendel Segal.

I also want to make people aware of the Vaad’s Facebook page.  Mendel has so many things going on! His updates help keep persons, whether they keep kosher or not, abreast of what is happening on the kosher scene in the Kansas City metro area.

We — Kansas City — are so fortunate to have Mendel Segal. The Friedman, Langert and Belozer families want to thank Mendel for helping us create and execute beautiful kosher simchas.

Sharon Friedman
Leawood, Kan.

Treat others with civility

This letter is in response to Carole Plesser’s letter published in last week’s Chronicle (Aug. 30), which was in response to Marc Birnbaum’s letter in the Aug. 23 edition, and which was in turn in response to a letter from Gloria Schlosenberg, printed in the Aug. 16 issue. I no longer have a copy of Ms. Schlossenberg’s letter and therefore will not comment on it directly. Instead I am contrasting Mr. Birnbaum’s letter with Ms. Plesser’s, with regard to tone and to a lesser degree to substance.

Although I no longer have Ms. Schlossenberg’s letter, it appears that she had attacked David H. Koch, to which attack Mr. Birnbaum responded. I am no fan of the Koch brothers because of their stand on the environment and the enormous sums they have contributed to right-wing causes. However Mr. Birnbaum did not address these issues. Instead he factually reported the work David H. Koch has done for his Integrative Cancer Research foundation. Ms. Plesser responds by denigrating Mr. Koch’s motives, stating the only reason for his charitable work is that he’s in it for the tax deduction. According to her any philanthropy he has done is for purely selfish motives. I wonder how Ms. Plesser has gained the ability to see into peoples’ hearts and minds, for it is a talent I certainly lack. She subsequently launches into an uncalled for and ugly personal attack on Mr. Birnbaum, apparently because she disagrees with his views.

Although I am not personally acquainted with the Koch brothers I do know Marc Birnbaum. He is a personal friend. He is a kind and generous person. We do not see eye to eye politically, in fact we are near the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Nevertheless I value his friendship, and I’d like to think that people, even those who are not friends, can rise above such differences and treat each other with civility. I see no reason why The Chronicle should stoop to publishing personal invective and ad hominem attacks. Ms. Schlossenberg’s letter is pure vitriol. It did not need to see the light of day.

David M. Friedman
Overland Park, Kan.

Full of hate

This is a response to the letter written by Carole Plesser last week (Aug. 30). Talking about hate, she should talk. Her letter was full of hate. I do not agree with many things the Koch brothers do but to criticize them for giving millions for cancer research is as low and hateful as you can get. So what if they can deduct some of the money on their taxes. They are giving and by that saving lives. What has Carole Plesser done to save any lives?

Marcel Matson
Prairie Village, Kan.

Dangerous policies

I see where Shoula Romano Horing is now pushing us to vote for Romney. She wants women to lose their rights of choice. She also wants us to go along with vice president nominee Ryan to gut Social Security and attack Medicare. She is such a right wing Republican that she just doesn’t understand that their policies are dangerous not just for women but for the country. She wants to turn this country over to Romney, Ryan and the Koch Brothers. All of these men are darlings of Karl Rove.

I don’t think it is good for the Jews or any thinking voter to follow her and go for the ultra right wing.

P.S. Thank you to those who wrote to The Chronicle a few weeks ago in support of my previous letter.

Gloria Schlossenberg
Overland Park, Kan.

Respect needed

When members of our Jewish community write a letter to The Jewish Chronicle to express a political opinion, they should not be subjected to personal attacks. Is a reasoned response, such as “I disagree with so and so’s opinion because ...” too much to ask, without resorting to name calling? It doesn’t matter what side of the political aisle you’re on; it’s clear as day that some recent letters have lowered the level of civil discourse in this community. Personal attacks by one member of the community on another should be condemned by people of all political persuasions. I’m not in favor of censorship, but for the sake of peace in the community, The Chronicle might want to refrain from publishing such letters in the future.

Judy Press
Overland Park, Kan.

A lack of understanding

I’m responding to Marc Birnbaum’s views in his letter in the Aug. 23 issue of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle.

First, I would like to address Mr. Birnbaum’s response to why he would be voting for the Romney/Ryan ticket. I can well see why he would be attracted to candidate Romney. Mr. Birnbaum obviously has little respect for women, and would rather support a candidate who will “prostitute” himself to say and do anything to get elected.

If Mr. Birnbaum gauges Gloria Schlossenberg’s opinion as being one that is full of hate, I wonder how he would define love? He demonstrates an example of someone lacking clear understanding and compassion. He truly owes Mrs. Schloessenberg an apology.

Regarding Mr. Birnbaum’s appreciation for the Koch Brothers, and their supposed support of cancer research facilities, I wonder if Mr. Birnbaum ever considered the huge tax write-off they realize when they make such donations? Their “generous” donations are no more than additional deductions on their taxes. I don’t believe the Koch Brothers do anything out of the “goodness of their hearts.” Everything is done to facilitate their own good. It’s rather ironic they would support cancer research, in view of the vast amounts of carcinogens their many industries pump into the environment.

Mr. Birnbaum is either foolish, naive, greedy, lacking any humanity or any or all of the aforementioned words I have used to describe him.

Carole Plesser
Prairie Village, Kan.

Great day!

I just participated in my first “Day of Discovery” at the Jewish Community Campus. The only way I could figure out how to properly thank the many organizations, volunteers, lay-leaders and presenters who put forth such a fantastic program was through the Jewish Chronicle!

They offered such an extensive variety of wonderful programs and a well-organized and delicious lunch. The layout of the Jewish Community Campus’ building seemed to easily accommodate everyone’s needs. I loved seeing folks of all ages walking around with smiling faces and eager to hear the next speaker. The time went so fast (8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.).

Thank you one and all. I’ve never felt more proud and I look forward to next years’ program. And for the first time in my life, I got to make and take home two small challahs! A job well-done!

Marilyn Hoffman
Overland Park, Kan.

Todah rabah

Thank you for your coverage of the 7th Annual Bike 4 the Brain, an event for mental health. I want thank those in our community who have provided ongoing and generous support over these past seven years. They have helped B4B in the effort to increase awareness that mental illness is real, common  and treatable when it is recognized and addressed. I hope others will join in solidarity at Bike 4 the Brain by registering online at bike4thebrain.org or from 7 to 8 a.m. on Labor Day, Sept. 3, at 6000 Lamar.

Ken Sonnenschein, M.D.
Bike 4 the Brain Founder and Chair