I read with interest Norma Baumel Joseph’s thoughts on the so-called Sharansky compromise (“Compromise or sellout at the Kotel?” May 2). Her characterization of it as a sellout is accurate. When faced with headlines of women arrested for reciting Kaddish, there was a need for quick headlines of a resolution, but the proposed solution, even if it is ever implemented, makes the error of assuming Women of the Wall (WOW) to be egalitarian when, in fact, it seeks to operate within an interpretation of Halachah and rejects mixed egalitarian services. It is a women’s-only prayer group that seeks a solution separate from what could be accepted as a reasonable compromise by Conservative and Reform groups. Joseph correctly is alarmed that WOW is being relegated to being non-Orthodox when, in fact, it is non-haredi. The compromise marginalizes WOW and further disenfranchises sincere women. While the proposal to upgrade the facilities at Robinson’s Arch to be an acceptable prayer sight for Reform and Conservative prayer services is certainly welcome, if it ever materializes, the proposal does nothing to address the legitimate concerns of WOW.
Melech Tanen
Thornhill, Ont.
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Incomparable chutzpah
It is incomparable chutzpah for the deputy foreign minister of Syria to condemn Israel’s destruction of a military installation near Damascus when his government continues to murder, poison and maim its own citizens. Predictably, when the Assad government falls, he will seek asylum in the United States.
Bert Raphael
Thornhill, Ont.
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Survivor quotes The CJN in talks
I am 89 years old and have been reading your paper ever since you began publishing in Montreal. The paper is my most important information from the Jewish point of view. No other newspaper dares to publish the news that I am able to read only in The CJN! I am a regular speaker with the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre, giving testimony, talking and listening to non-Jewish students, and I have quoted articles from The CJN many times. Every page is interesting. It has the best information not only from Montreal, but from the whole country. Where can we read about the coming events in our community, such as at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors? Where will we read about Jewish weddings or a new Jewish baby? Please do not stop publishing. I need your paper.
Leslie Vertes
Montreal
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Will miss The CJN
It is with great sadness that I read your headline “The CJN to close,” (April 25). I have been an avid reader (and subscriber) of your fine publication for 30-plus years. Not only is the editorial and news reporting first class, The CJN has been a touchstone and conduit for staying in touch with Jewish communities from coast to coast. Your masthead indicates that the total circulation is 41,083. I guess that’s not a large audience overall, but it’s probably 15 to 20 per cent of Canada’s Jewish population, so that’s significant.
I don’t miss Woolco, A&W Root Beer or two-dollar Tuesdays, but I am definitely going to miss my CJN in my mailbox. I hope you are able to replicate it online. Thanks for the wonderful years of service.
Jeff Mouckley
Toronto
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Save this precious gem
Regarding The CJN closing, say it isn’t so! I’m distraught. The CJN has been my faithful companion for countless Shabbatot, keeping me up to date on current events and connected to a wide swath of the Jewish community, in Toronto and around the world. The articles are fascinating and the writing superb. I, and perhaps others, would gladly pay 10 times the current subscription rate. Please consider raising subscription fees or seeking private donations to save this precious gem!
Jeanette Harris
Toronto
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CJN is link to community
I hope that the Jewish community finds some way to save our national newspaper. It has been an important link for my family to the Jewish community since we are not affiliated with any synagogue or Jewish organization. I would gladly increase my contribution to the Combined Jewish Appeal if part of it is used specifically to fund this newspaper. I value this paper very much, since it is the only fair and honest publication that reports the news about Israel and the Jewish people.
Barry Uman
Montreal