Your Letters

Jews and Jesus

Jack Miles’ uninformed and reckless statement linking the “anger of secular Israelis about the ultra-Orthodox Israelis who called for the execution of Yitzchak Rabin and who applauded Yigal Amir when he did the deed” with the action of some Jews in the death of Jesus, was simply outrageous (“What Jews Need to Know About Jesus,” Feb. 20).

Yigal Amir’s heinous act of murder was not defined by his adherence or lack thereof to Judaism nor was he supported, encouraged or guided by the Orthodox or ultra-Orthodox communities. While his horribly misguided crime was perhaps a crime of a warped ultranationalism, to insinuate that one’s orthodoxy encourages murder is obscene and cynically serves to alienate Jews from one another. Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Israelis were sickened and angered by the murder just like their secular brothers and sisters. To imply otherwise defames and cheapens a community which justifiably prides itself on meticulously keeping the whole Torah, especially the Ten Commandments.

Rabbi Meyer H. May, President Rabbinical Council of California

Jack Miles responds:

The analogy, of course, is not exact, but I would refer critics of it to the discussion of din rodef, the duty to kill a Jew who imperils the life or property of another Jew, and din moser, the duty to eliminate a Jew who intends to turn another Jew in to non-Jewish authorities, as applied to Rabin by certain Israeli religious leaders in Jacques Derogy’s “Ils ont tué Rabin” [“They Killed Rabin”] (Laffont, 1996).

‘The Passion’

Ivor Davis references “Constantine’s Sword, The Church and the Jews,” 2001, by James Carroll (“The Passion of Mel Gibson,” Feb. 20). The book is well-documented, has a review of Vatican II and a call for Vatican III. Every Jew and Christian should study (not just read) this book. It documents how Constantine, at the Council of Nicaea, 325 “unifies” Christian theology to favor Rome and create the Holy Roman Empire. This was largely a political effort, as was his “conversion” to Christianity, so he could solidify his rule and isolate the Jews.

An even more important book for Jews and Christians is, “The Myth-Maker, Paul and the invention of Christianity,” written in 1986 by Hyam Maccoby, a leading Talmudic scholar (available from www.powells.com/save). The book is well-documented, using Paul’s own writings, the Book of Acts, Josephus, the Talmud, Ebonite documents, Epiphanius, Eusebius and more, plus recently discovered writings. This is an important book for a better understanding of Judaism as well as Christianity.

R. Hillel Mann, Malibu

Kudos to Carin

I am writing from Chicago to tell you how much I enjoy Carin Davis’ column.

Three years ago, my mother died, and my father (today, 76 going on 16), who lives in Los Angeles, is back in the dating world.

He positively adores her column, and after marking it up, circling a few things and putting exclamation points in the margins, sends it on to me.

Furthermore, it helps reduce the distance between us, and helps keep us together. And for this reason alone, I ask you to be sure you keep this bright, witty young lady on staff! She is a joy to read. Her insights on Jewish tradition, and the tussle between the sexes are fabulous.

Thanks so much.

James Levine, CEO The New Haven Cos. Chicago

Ed note: Carin’s latest column is on page 68.

Gay Marriage

I agree with Rob Eshman that homosexual partnerships must be given the same legal status (both protections and obligations) as heterosexual marriages — although the argument over what they should be called is trivial (“‘Till Death Do Us Part,” Feb. 13). What concerns me greatly is his seeming approval of, as our president stated, “activist judges … forcing their arbitrary will upon the people.” Whether you agree with them or not, it is frightening and dangerous that these individuals are changing our society to suit their own agendas. We have much more to lose from these rogue and often-irresponsible officials than we do from a public that seems shortsighted. Demanding a fundamental change in our legal system to correct this danger should be a high priority for the Jewish community.

Alexander Werner, Sunland

Milk vs. Meat

Beverly Levitt presented her Roasted Yellow Pepper Soup, in her Feb. 13 article asking you to use fresh chicken broth and add the cream at the end (“Here Comes the Bridal Shower). For the recipe to be unkosher was absolutely unnecessary.

Many magazines that are not Jewishly oriented would even suggest that a vegetable stock be substituted to create a meatless soup. It is disappointing to see an article written specifically for a Jewish newspaper deliberately include a non-kosher soup.

Patty Kaye, Via e-mail