October - Temple Isaiah

LINES FROM THE LIBRARY
By Ellen G. Cole, Librarian
RESTORING ISRAEL
Am Yisrael Chai, proclaims Temple Isaiah. But, what kind
of Israel? In a provocative book, historian and journalist
Gershom Gorenberg explores The Unmaking of Israel and
implores persuasively that we can, we must remake it. “We”
means Israelis and Diaspora Jews. This diligently researched
volume, a Spine Tingles Book Club selection recommended
by Rabbi Bob Gan, is a well written, passionate, easy-read
encouraging serious thought.
Gorenberg is deeply concerned about existing policies that
mushroomed from a formalized plan or accident. He fears these
policies threaten a democratic Jewish state. He provides historical
background on the biggest issues: settlements, occupations, army
demographics and Orthodoxy’s political power tying synagogue to
state. He explains why policies were chosen, decries how they got out
of hand, then offers practical solutions, which despite their realistic
workability are emotional powder kegs.
The settlement issue includes coverage of the state education system
and the yeshiva/army service program. Gorenberg cites the state
subsidized/sanctioned Orthodox curriculum which fails to prepare
graduated men to hold a job. The students’ lack of ability to earn ties
them in perpetuity to the settlement system, a spiral the author equates
with child abuse.
Militarily, some Orthodox serve. Most attend a special school system,
hesder yeshiva, ensuring the army contends with units with politicized
leaders whose policies often contradict those of the IDF. It segregates
soldiers rather than achieving the originally intended integration.
Politically, the haredi gain their power not from numbers, but because
their presence excludes Arab-backed parties, giving them control in
laws such as defining who is a Jew.
Gorenberg seeks to end extremism. He begs leaders and citizens to recognize
shortsighted policies and the unintended consequences threatening their democracy.
Share his humane solutions to secure Am Israel Chai. The Unmaking of Israel is in the
Library.
Library Hours: Tuesday: 2:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.;
Thursday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
YOU CAN GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE … DONATE
BLOOD AT TEMPLE ISAIAH AND JOIN THE BONE
MARROW DONOR REGISTRY
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
IN THE SOCIAL HALL
WHY SHOULD I GIVE BLOOD?
Because every 2 seconds, someone needs blood
Because 85% of us will know someone who needs blood
Because less than 3% of Southern Californians donate blood
Because you can donate even if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure, or are anemic and there are even health benefits to giving blood – donors get a
“mini-physical”!
Because with each blood donation you can save three lives
WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE BONE MARROW REGISTRY?
Because each year more than 30,000 people are diagnosed with blood-related diseases like leukemia and lymphoma that are treatable with a bone marrow
transplant or blood stem cell donation
Because 70% of these people cannot find a match within their families
Because their only hope is an unrelated matching donor found through a bone marrow registry
Because testing is free, fast and painless
Because by joining the registry you may save someone’s life
You can stop by any time that day to donate blood or for a bone marrow swab, but advance sign-ups are strongly encouraged. Email (cohenapple@aol.com) or
call Martha Cohen at (310- 838-0940) to sign-up or with questions.
The Blood Drive is made possible by Saint John’s Health Center; the Bone Marrow Drive is sponsored by the Gift
Of Life Bone Marrow Foundation
7 | THE ISAIAN
OCTOBER 2012