Does ‘eruv’ mean ‘loophole’?
My mind is boggled over the fact that in the 21st century eruvim exist (“There’s a new eruv in town,” Aug. 2). The concept of an imaginary boundary to allow the ultra-Orthodox to observe the Sabbath is absurd. This is not in keeping with the basic tenets of the Jewish custom and traditions of intelligent reasoning.
In essence, the eruv is devised to circumvent the extensive list of activities forbidden on the Sabbath. Perhaps those inclined to do so could direct more time and energy toward making the world a better place.
Dr. Bruce S. Steir | San Francisco
Lunch program a vital link
Thank you so much for Arno Rosenfeld’s article on the JCCSF’s Kosher Lunch Program. We’re delighted that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to observe the vitality of this wonderful program.
Just two quick clarifications: First, the article referred to funding as drawing “heavily on grants from Jewish foundations.” The funding we receive for this program comes chiefly from the San Francisco Office of Aging & Adult Services and from the Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund, as well as secular foundations and individual donors in the community.
Second, while we are very proud of the diversity of this program, the reader may be misled by the statement that “only a handful of Jews attend.” On any given day, those attending vary widely. As Mr. Rosenfeld saw on the day he came, KLP is certainly a place where San Francisco seniors of all backgrounds come for food and friendship. But the Kosher Lunch Program is also a vital link to both kosher nutrition and Jewish community for many Jewish seniors who have been coming to the program for years, and who do not attend any other lunch program in the city. The needs of this substantial group of Jewish seniors are met exclusively by KLP.
Many thanks for j.’s kind attention to this great program.
Nathaniel Bergson-Michelson | San Carlos
JCCSF Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
Pressures of feeling ‘different’
Thank you for your op-ed (“Seeing Jews of color as ‘different’ is racial profiling, too,” Aug. 9). Your comments are exactly correct. I experience much of what you describe. I am a Jewish woman of color and I find certain situations very difficult.
My husband and I have been members of a synagogue for many years. He was president of this synagogue before I met him. We have been to Israel three times with members of our congregation and I find the pressures of feeling “different” almost nonexistent in Israel. I keenly feel this “racial profiling” here in the United States.
I am well aware of the history we carry in the U.S. for civil rights. After Schwerner, Goodman and Chaney, why do I need to explain my existence while “walking into a Jewish space”?
Diane Levin | Deerfield, Ill.