The Benefits of Being Stupid When You're Old The Splendid Feasts of Passover Take Note Computer Corner The Bar Mitzvah Present The Mountain and the Sea The Empty Nest Syndrome (Almost) Ask the OK Fleuchem: Where Nature, Chemicals and Kashrus Meet Making the Most of Your Simchah A Different Standard Pschology Q&A I Can't Help Being Sensitive The Transformer Remembering the Past: Reclaiming the Future Odds & Ends Letters to the Editor Seeing the Light

Cults and Jewish Youth
   The greatest tragedy facing us today is the assimilation of the vast majority of our people. Very little is being done to save Jews and bring them back to the Torah way of life. Therefore, I read with great interest your article "Cults in Israel" (December 1997). It was wonderful to learn that there are at least a few committed individuals who have the talent to reach out, deprogram, and teach the beauty of Torah to Jews who have been drawn to the various cults.

   It was shocking, however, to read that rather than take positive steps, a group of Kabbalists stood outside a cult's office reciting Kabbalistic prayers and Tehillim. That may massage the Kabbalists' egos, but it will not bring these souls back.

   I also enjoyed your related editorial, but it is not enough to acknowledge those few experts who know how to reach out to Jews in cults. Rather, it is the obligation of every Jew to do whatever he or she can, in his or her own way, to help our brethren return to Yiddishkeit. Every one of us knows a neighbor, a relative, or a friend that we can influence in some way. Invite them for a Shabbos meal; lend them a book about davening or Jewish holidays; open your hearts to them. They are not the enemy; they are part of us.

Martin Polack
Teaneck, NJ

   In the last few decades, being Jewish in America has become so much less of a challenge. Anti-Semitism has dwindled to random hate crimes committed by thugs, and, therefore, more people are assimilating more easily.

   But young people, especially those who need to find spirituality, love a challenge. They find this challenge in the cult. It is sad that they don't know enough about Judaism to understand that being truly Torah observant is the ultimate challenge.

Max Goldenberg
Los Angeles, CA

Balancing Family And Guests
   I really loved the short story "Spread the Miracle Outwards," since it discusses an issue that is close to my heart. It is very difficult being a homemaker with many children and still have time to constantly have guests.

   I was impressed by the story's conclusion, as it put some of my mixed feelings to rest. Preparing for Shabbos tires me out. I have guests most weeks, and half of Thursday and all of Friday I have to chase the kids out of the kitchen.

   I am rewarded, though, when I see that my children love having a real Shabbos table with guests. My oldest son likes to impress our orchim with the Torah he has learned during the week. My youngest enjoys bringing home the guests from shul.

Shabbos with guests is really what it's all about.

Shifrah Langer
Chicago, IL

Important Information
   Thank you for featuring Dr. Walsh's book on the prostate (Odds & Ends, Dec. 1997). This is a life-threatening illness of the highest order. My husband is recovering from prostate surgery and this organ and its diseases are something of which we all must become much more aware.

Carolee Smith
Syracuse, NY

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