LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

I read with my glee your blurb in last month’s  Community News that Simcha Felder is trying to put a stop to these robocalls. Besides for scamming unsuspecting people out of millions of dollars, they are a huge waste of time. Too many times have I rushed down the stairs or stopped what I was doing to answer the phone only to be met with these annoying robocalls. I thank him for his efforts.                                                

Robert Singer

Dear Editor,

I am an avid fan of The Jewish Echo magazine and enjoy the variety of articles that your magazine offers each month. I noticed a misquote in Rabbi Gil Student’s fantastic article on omens in halachah. (Side note that the graphics were fantastic and definitely inspired me to read the column.) Rabbi Student quoted the Gemara in Maseches Rosh Hashanah daf 16b and said that “four things break a divine decree… prayer, crying out, name change, and behavior change.” I’d just like to point out that the Gemara says that the four things are: “צדקה, צעקה, שינוי השם ושינוי מעשה”, including charity in the list of four but not prayer (although maybe prayer is included in crying out). Thanks again to Rabbi Student for an interesting and informative article and keep up the good work at The Jewish Echo!

C.R.

Rabbi Student’s response: 

Thank you very much for pointing out my mistake. Clearly, when I was translating, I was writing faster than I was thinking because what I wrote doesn’t even make sense — prayer is the same as crying out.  

Dear Editor,

Instead of worrying what to buy the kids this Chanukah (see Chanukah Toy Guide pg. 22), I have a  great idea that few will actually consider: quality time together. It may be inconvenient and costly (of your time), but I assure you, this gift is more valuable than anything you can possibly order on Amazon, and it cannot be duplicated  or replicated by anyone other than you. How special! M.R. 

Dear Editor,

Jewish publications, such as yours, typically print comical, emotional, inspirational, and  insightful stories geared around conventional families and their experiences in child rearing, which is why I was so touched to read Teen Story last month which featured a wonderful column about a single mother and her daughter celebrating Chanukah together. As a single mother myself, it feels so nice to be included and recognized. I hope other publications follow suit and include other demographics that are not usually depicted.   Chana H.

Dear Editor,

The churros recipe last month was a real winner! It was simple enough for my children to make (don’t worry, I supervised the frying part), and they tasted phenomenol! We may or may not have licked the platter clean. The kids already look forward to getting the magazine each month, but this time they really hit the jackpot! Keep up the great work and awesome content! Peninna B.