Your Letters

Stroke of Halacha

I was deeply saddened to read of the anguish of Miranda Pollack and her sister and distressed as I tried to imagine the pain her mother might be experiencing, not knowing, for sure, of what she really is aware (“Stroke of Halacha,” July 5).

I was also perturbed by the fact that the rabbis with whom Pollack and her sister consulted took such a narrow approach in their interpretation of halacha (Jewish law) as it relates to the question of a Jew signing a DNR/DNH order. Their prohibition of such a measure is not the definitive halachic position on the matter. I am a Conservative rabbi, and I know that the Conservative rabbinate’s understanding of halacha allows for the use of DNR/DNH orders in many end-of-life situations. After examining a number of written Orthodox rabbinic opinions, it became clear to me that there are learned and respected Orthodox rabbis who also allow such orders to be issued. Just to be sure, I called an Orthodox rabbinic colleague who is well-versed in Jewish medical ethics, and he corroborated my conclusions.

Perhaps The Jewish Journal should consider publishing periodic articles on the interplay between Jewish legal tradition and the contemporary practice of medicine so that the community can learn that the halacha of medical ethics has been evolving, as have medical science and practice.

While I know that it is inappropriate for Jews to “shop around” until they find a halachic answer that they like, in this instance it may be advisable for Pollack and her sister to seek a “second opinion” from other rabbis. After all, in this case the halacha is going to affect how a serious medical decision will be made.

Rabbi Joel Rembaum, Temple Beth Am

I feel compelled to respond to the anguish of Miranda Pollack’s words. I would like to suggest that what is missing from the deliberation is the guidance and recommendations of the treating physicians. Given her physical condition, her mother’s doctors may agree an attempt to resuscitate a cardiac arrest (heart stoppage) will likely not be successful in achieving the goals of extending life and may inflict pain and suffering. Therefore, it would be medically inappropriate to attempt. With this professional information about a proposed treatment, her rabbinic counselors may find that halacha can sanction a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation while continuing comfort care. May you and your loved ones find peace.

Dr. Kenneth Leeds, Beverly Hills

LAX Shooting

I send my deepest sympathy for the two deaths at the LAX airport on July 4, 2002. We must honor the memory of people like Ya’akov Aminov and Victoria Hen. Americans should also thank El Al for preventing an even greater loss of life at LAX. No better use can be made of the independence Americans celebrated on July 4 than for the United States to join with Israel to defeat Arab terrorists. My prayers are for the family and friends of Aminov and Hen.

John Bakas, Tampa, Fla.

When She Smiles

Thank you so much for running that beautiful and inspiring article about Shira Smiles, who has just made aliyah with her husband and two little girls (“When She Smiles,” July 5). Jewish life in Los Angeles has been forever enriched by having her among us. We need to rise to the challenge that Smiles put before us to continue learning and growing through Torah.

Shana Kramer, Los Angeles

Justice Stanley Mosk

One year elapsed since the death of Justice Stanley Mosk (“Courthouse Named for Mosk,” June 14), one of the most important Jewish figures in the history of California and Los Angeles. To memorialize his life, the Los Angeles County Courthouse will be forever known as the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. It should be noted that the Library and Courts Building in Sacramento has also been named after this distinguished jurist.

In 1964, Mosk was appointed to the California Supreme Court, where he remained until practically the day he died 37 years later. Every freedom lover alive will forever cherish his landmark rulings, including the banning of racial restrictive covenants. It was Mosk who caused the Professional Golfers Association to eliminate its Caucasian-only clause, thereby allowing Tiger Woods and so many others to compete for golf’s highest honor. Recently, a law review said that Mosk is in the “pantheon of state court judges” along with Holmes, Cardozo and Traynor.

Yes, this wonderful man, one of our own, gave rise to winners like Woods, but the real winners are all of us, the legatees of Mosk’s significant contributions to society. He raised the acceptable level of ethical and moral standards more than just a notch or two. He truly made a difference.

Jonathan E. Mitchell, Los Angeles

Fight Over UC Funds

From an Israeli perspective, I believe the most important article in the July 5 Jewish Journal was “Fight Over UC Funds” by Rachel Brand. In this concise article, Brand delineated the effort of some critics of Israel in the University of California system to wage a divestment campaign against Israel. The purpose of the campaign is to isolate, marginalize and stigmatize the Jewish state.

I am convinced that these anti-Israel campaigns are a sign that we must alter the way Zionism is presented and perceived. As Brand’s article demonstrates, more and more mainstream political activists are drawing a parallel between Israel and apartheid South Africa. This disturbing trend is a wake-up call to pro-Israel activists.

Theodore Herzl knew that Zionism, to endure, would have to change to preserve Jewish ideals — liberty, democracy, pluralism and social justice. In that spirit, Israel supporters in Los Angeles should advance the cause of “Compassionate Zionism.” First, we must present Zionism as a human rights movement that is committed to social justice. Second, we must highlight the multicultural and multiethnic aspects of the Jewish people and Israeli society. Third, we must point out that there are Israeli Arab professors and students in every Israeli university; Arab doctors working in every Israeli hospital; Bedouin Arabs and Druze who serve in the Israel Defense Forces; and Arab politicians serving in the Israeli Knesset. Therefore, “Compassionate Zionism” places the emphasis on inclusiveness, equal opportunity and pluralism.

Finally, Zionism must be not only the envy of the world, but also the engine of our own renewal. In the face of these difficult days, we need the vision and courage to reinvent Zionism itself. In order to succeed in the long-term, we must make kinder the face of Zionism and gentler the face of pro-Israel activism.

Moshe Hillel Eitan , Jerusalem

“Suicide” vs. “Homicide?”

Why is The Jewish Journal not using the more accurate term of “homicide bombings” to describe the near daily terrorist attacks on the innocent Israeli citizens? I noticed this specifically in Rob Eshman’s column (“Bush Ex Machina,” June 28). If the president of the United States was able to use the more accurate phrase of “homicide bomber” in his historic speech on June 24, why can’t you?

Catherine Washer, Los Angeles

Ed. Note: All bombings, whether by Palestinian terrorists or American pilots, are homicidal. What is unique and horrific about the Palestinian terrorists is the suicidal aspect of their act.

In the Name of Sean Ferguson

We loved the article on the Jews who came West (“In the Name of Sean Ferguson,” June 21). Please tell Stephen J. Sass to continue sharing historical stories connecting the community with its history.

Glenn Easton, Chevy Chase, Md.

Corrections

Michael Aushenker’s byline was missing from “Meet the Parents” (July 5).

The correct information for the “Jerry’s Boys” information box (“Seven Days,” July 5) is: 8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 3 p.m. (Sunday). $15-$45. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. For reservations, call (800) 636-7464.

The photo of screenwriters David Sacks and Marv Silbermintz in “When Worlds Collide,” (July 5) should have been attributed to David Notowitz Productions.

The UC Justice Campaign Web site mentioned in “Fight OverUC Funds” (July 5) is currently up at www.ucjustice.org .