Letters to the Editor 1/15/2010

Don’t buy Facebook argument

To the Editor:

Regarding “Why I don’t facebook” (Opinion; Rabbi Reuven Spolter; Jan. 8, 2010). Wasn’t this the same fellow who found no tolerance for Tier-1 secular universities on the theory that they pose too great a risk for Jewish students? He is certainly entitled to his opinion, and I am glad to see that he is consistent. I would suggest to him though, that some things are ok in moderation. In fact, some things, like online social networks, can improve quality of life...in a meaningful, ‘modest’ and time efficient way. Like pizza and ice cream, moderation is appropriate. Then again, perhaps Spolter has written off those foods, like he has secular universities and facebook, because they are too tempting. Sounds rather silly, but so is his pseudo-intellectual evaluation about modesty on facebook.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that I am a divorce attorney, and some of my clients have engaged in ‘bad’ online behavior that is good for my business. Yet other clients had done really ‘bad’ things on their way to yeshiva, and one fellow flirted with a married woman during shul. Should everyone then avoid yeshiva and shul?

Mario Alex Joseph

Woodmere

Thank you for Chai Lifeline Shabbaton

To the Editor:

On behalf of the children and families of Chai Lifeline, thank you to the entire Lawrence-Cedarhurst community for opening your hearts and homes to 30 girls living with life-threatening or debilitating illness and 30 energetic, dynamic counselors this past Shabbat, January 9th.  In their third Friends ‘N Fun weekend, hostesses Batsheva Katz and Beth Honig provided games, activities, and entertainment that pleased each and every participant. Chai Lifeline’s innovative Friends ‘N Fun weekends give former and potential campers a booster shot of Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special magic that reinforces self-esteem and cements all-important friendships. Community volunteers spearheaded the entire effort, granting royal treatment and extraordinary hospitality. The combination of devoted hosts and the lively Camp Simcha counselors melded together to create an environment of pure delight and support that sustains campers from summer to summer.

A special thank you to the hostesses for their enthusiasm, delectable Shabbat food, and generous warmth. Thank you to the 100 women and girls from the community who joined the very special children of Chai Lifeline for the oneg Shabbat. Your support means everything.

RABBI SIMCHA SCHOLAR

Executive Vice President,

Chai Lifeline

Always early? Always late?

To the Editor:

While I cannot refute Rabbi Hamburger’s reason (“Expert on German Ashkenaz customs to speak in Bayswater”; January 8, 2010) for yekeshe yidden being “early,” I can state what I was taught by a “yekeshe yid.” I once had a conversation with a Mr. Kohn a”h (I don’t remember his first name), who lived in Washington Heights. He told me that it is a fallacy that “yeks” are early; “yeks” come in at a set time. If they are ten minutes early, they are ten minutes early to everything. If they are ten minutes late, then they are ten minutes late to everything.

Yehuda Y. Scheff

Brooklyn seeks German-born Brit

To the Editor:

I am working on a research project and am looking to interview someone born in Germany who left to England and grew up there, circa 1938-1940. My e-mail address is mikessler222@aol.com. My phone number is 718-471-8355.

Maurice I. Kessler

Far Rockaway