Letters to the Editor 10-17-08

Issue of Oct. 17, 2008

Someone else’s problem

To the Editor:

My appreciation to Howard Kopel for a well written, appropriate article (Rabbinical malpractice: evaluating the actions of our leaders; Sept. 26, 2008).

He made some significant points including one which is very close to my heart, namely the incident he related regarding the tragedy of Agunot. As a caseworker for the G.E.T. (Getting Equitable Treatment) organization for many years, I have dealt with situations most people can’t even imagine.

One story I have used when speaking to audiences in an attempt to raise awareness of this subject is attributed to Rav Sholom Schwadron zt”l, the Maggid of Yerushalayim, who once heard a child’s cries from outside his apartment. Running outside to find a youngster bruised and bleeding he picked up the little one and began to run toward a doctor’s office. As he passed an elderly woman, she cautioned him, “Rebbe, don’t run so fast – it’s not good for you!” Then, upon recognizing the child, she urged the Rav, “Oy, it’s my grandson! Rebbe, can’t you run any faster?”

I dare say that the Rosh Yeshiva to whom Mr. Kopel referred was rather blasé about someone else’s problem. Would he feel the same way were it, chas v’shalom, his daughter or granddaughter?

There are solutions for many of our cases if only our leaders, as well as baalei batim, would enforce them. What are needed are the leadership and the will to help. Until then, regarding Agunot as well as the other problems Mr. Kopel raised, we are all bruised and bleeding.

Kol Hakavod to Howard Kopel for his courage and ability to write an excellent piece.

Fay Sladowsky

Lawrence

A daughter’s tale

To the Editor:

Thank you for sharing the story about my mom, Esther Bauman, with your readers (A survivor’s tale; Sept. 26, 2008). There were so many people who called or mentioned your “beautiful article.” The story is but a very small piece of the ongoing challenges and struggles in her life.

Growing up as the child of survivors I knew that my mom always worried about “the next tragedy around the corner.” She rarely let me out of her sight and always had to know where I was (until today).

An example of this happened 20 years ago when I started working at the National Jewish Outreach Program as a teaching specialist. I called her up to tell her how much I love teaching and how good I feel about being able to connect people to their Jewish identity. I still remember my excitement and wanted to share it with my mom.

She responded by asking why I couldn’t find the same kind of work closer to home. When I asked her what she meant by that comment she responded, “Because then you won’t have to take the train.” I hung up the phone with tears in my eyes for all her pain and suffering and once again understood where she was coming from.

After she suffered a serious stroke and underwent major hip surgery I moved my mom to the Woodmere Rehab and Health Care Center in order for her to be closer to my home in Woodmere – a 15 minute walk on Shabbat.

My mother’s strong emunah and Jewish identity has always been a major source of her strength. The Woodmere home has addressed all of her religious needs, which she refers to as “her life.” Kosher meals, Shabbat services, being taken to synagogue, Jewish cultural programs, visits from local yeshiva students, song and dance, and holiday discussions have all added to her daily quality of life. She feels very much at home in her room, surrounded by pictures of family members.

Once again this Rosh Hashana, I brought her to services at the Young Israel of Woodmere. She sat on one side of me and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren sat on the other. Together we all listened to the sounds of the shofar.

From year to year I thank HaKadosh Baruch Hu for this opportunity and I daven for her continued health.

Florence Wiener

Woodmere