Letters to the Editor

Conserving innovation

To the Editor:
[Re: Conservative Jewish hechsher…] How does Rabbi Mendelson know using the Magen Tzedek Hechsher results in “a pure heart but not a kosher pot”? Why does Agudath Israel claim this is “an attempt to redefine Kashrut”? Orthodoxy’s Hechsher Tav HaYosher came after one introduced by Conservative Rabbi Allen. These are destructive statements. In my opinion, the Conservative movement has compromised issues of halacha. However, practices were innovated and Judaism conserved because of the movement. Briefl y; R. Solomon Schechter’s USY inspired NCSY, Schechter persuaded his student Rabbi Dr. Hertz (Chief Rabbi of Britain) to create the first authentic Pentateuch in English with commentary, Matilda Schechter infl uenced the start of Young Israel, R.Kaplan established the Bat Miztvah, R. Lieberman innovated “the Lieberman clause” in the ketubah adapted by Orthodoxy in protection of Agunah, R. Heschel influenced the Church to change the claim that Jews killed Jesus. Heschel wrote in the 60’s he was pleased seeing hechshers in restaurants but felt they were also needed in business offices. The chillul Hashem from Pottsville leading to this kiddush Hashem innovation of Magen Tzedek should be celebrated not denigrated. Paraphrasing Heschel....”what is worse: blood found in an egg, or blood spilled from wrongful business or by embarrassing another. When the agadda of not embarrassing one’s fellow becomes a halacha, then Moshiach will come.”

Harold Klein
Woodmere

8th Day interview

To the Editor:
And you didn’t even mention their
famous uncle, Avrahom Fried.

Yehuda
Comment from thejewishstar.com

Critical of food critic

To the Editor:
I wonder why this food writer [Zechariah Mehler] and the Jewish community in general are ignoring that animal-based diets violate basic Jewish mandates to preserve human health, treat animals with compassion, protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and help hungry people. Animal-based agriculture is a major contributor to climate, environmental, food, energy, and water crises that threaten humanity greatly.

Richard Schwartz
President, Jewish
Vegetarians of North America