Poor description provided for hateful campaign button
I am flabbergasted and frankly disgusted by the caption under Judy Jackman’s picture on the front page of the July 21 issue. Just because someone says something is, say, a comparison to fried chicken, does not mean it is. Actually reading the button might have revealed that it says Hillary Clinton has small breasts and fat thighs. That does not a comparison to fried chicken make.
It does make, however, for a repulsive and hateful anti-woman statement. I am quite sure Ms. Jackman would not expect to have her breast and thigh size publicly discussed were she running for her local council. Except for Donald Trump inexplicably bringing up his own penis size, thigh size and sex organ size are not normally raised when it comes to men in public life. I don’t recall anyone discussing Ted Cruz’s rear end, except perhaps to call him one.
I do not like Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. But I like inaccurate descriptions of hateful campaign buttons even less. I am surprised at WJW. I expect better.
MARLA BRIN
Alexandria
44 years of lay-led Shabbat service
Your article about independent minyanim (“DIY congregations, minyanim are as varied as their creators,” July 21) brings to mind the Havurah service at Adas Israel Congregation.
As a former officer and life board member at Adas I am proud of my synagogue’s long-time support of what appears to be the oldest synagogue-based lay-led Shabbat service in the country. We have been meeting for 44 years on the first, third and if there’s a fifth Shabbat of every month, September through June. In addition to its longevity, we’re proud that it has been egalitarian from its inception.
The service is organized by participants and features an interactive d’var Torah, with the general goal of including a variety of elements so that everyone can actively participate regardless of experience. Individuals lead the service, read Torah and Haftarah, participate in the d’var Torah, and sponsor and help set up a kiddush following the service. Children are also included in age-appropriate roles. All of this is with the enthusiastic support of our rabbi, Gil Steinlauf.
Many of us have watched our children grow up attending this service, and we now are delighted to welcome the second and third generations of some families. We also emphasize that newcomers are always welcome too.
ARNOLD HAMMER
Rockville
