Disgusted with Brownback
I was angry and upset after reading your article in the May 10 issue of The Chronicle referring to an event “held on the steps of the Kansas capitol and featuring Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback as master of ceremonies.” The event was held in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, signed into law by President Truman in 1952, with its purpose being to invite people of all faiths to pray for the nation. However, the event in question was organized by a group called the Capitol Commission, a national non-profit devoted to “Reaching Capitol Communities for Christ.” Needless to say, no non-Christian groups were included.
Though I live in Missouri, I am disgusted with Gov. Brownback’s flaunting and imposing his Christian values on the residents of Kansas, a state which is rapidly becoming the brunt of jokes by comics all over the country. I am quite sure if we applied the “What Would Jesus Do” question to his behavior, we could guess the answer.
The fact that Brownback supports Israel is no doubt based on his evangelical belief system, so he gets no points for that. Since he is now not a senator, with the opportunity to help Israel’s cause, we no longer have even that weak reason to give him our support.
As for supporting Jewish causes, Gov. Brownback ignores the basic Jewish tenant of tikkun olam . His relentless efforts to subvert any hope for family planning, plus the gutting of the safety net for many Kansas citizens, attacks on public education and the arts clearly illustrate that repairing the world is of no importance to him.
Separation of church and state? Tikkun olam? Nah, he’s never heard of either. But I sincerely hope he will hear from Kansas citizens who deplore his stands.
Judy Sherry
Kansas City, Mo.
Mazel tov
My heartfelt mazel tov to Rachael Klein and Elana Nemitoff on their acceptance to Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion as students in the rabbinic program. As Rabbi Nemitoff indicated in his comments to the congregation several weeks ago, it was 36 years ago when he and I entered the rabbinic program, leading to our ordination in 1981. I was elated to see that two students from B’nai Jehudah will be entering in the same year once again! I have had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Elana (including at a NFTY-Missouri Valley Chavurah and the 2011 URJ Biennial) and Rachael (at the Hava Nashira Songleaders’ Workshop in Oconomowoc, Wisc., last year). I know that they will both enhance the knowledge, commitment and spirit of the American Jewish community as a continuation of their Jewish involvement until now. Congratulations to their families, and best wishes to each of my future colleagues for hatzlachah —success — as they begin this path of learning and service!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry Karol
Las Cruces, N.M.
Always room for improvement
Thank you for reprinting “Why dissent is essential” by Peter Geffen in last week’s issue (May 10). Despite the importance of defending Israel when it is wrongfully accused in the public arena, we have a sacred tradition of being critical of our leaders when they forget the basic tenets of our faith. From the ancient prophets to today’s many non-governmental organizations in Israel and throughout world Jewry who speak out for the poor and those denied basic human rights, one can love Israel and still be critical of some of their policies. Loving our children, family members or friends, doesn’t mean that we don’t point out their flaws to make them better people. We are proud of Israel’s many accomplishments but there is always room for improvement, especially since we have always proudly held ourselves up to a higher standard.
Alan Edelman
Leawood, Kan.
A little-known special
hospital in our midst
ICUs are intended to be short term. It is scary to hear that your situation cannot be accommodated in a regular hospital room and instead calls for a move from ICU to a long-term acute care (LTAC) facility. There are only five such facilities in the metropolitan area, only one of which is conveniently located for most members of the Jewish community.
How fortunate we are to have the Specialty Hospital of Mid-America on 103rd Street just east of Metcalf. It specializes in pulmonary and cardiac care, with a separate unit for Alzheimer patients. Gil Shoham received excellent care in this 54-bed gem staffed by competent and caring physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff. His room, which I was able to decorate with photos and hand-made posters, had a large window overlooking a courtyard with flowering trees. A second bed was brought into his room so that I could be with him around the clock, and both of us were shown the utmost consideration.
No one wants to need an LTAC. However, in the event that you do, turn to the Specialty Hospital of Mid-America with confidence.
Sharon Lowenstein Shoham
Leawood, Kan.
Voice your opinion
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