xt7tx921gr2p https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7tx921gr2p/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2017-03 Newspaper of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, previously named the Central Kentucky Jewish Association and Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Published ten times annually. The Federation seeks to bring Jewish community members together through holiday parties, lectures, Yiddish courses, meals, and other celebrations of Jewish heritage and culture. They also host fundraisers and provide financial assistance for Jews in need, both locally and around the world. This collection is part of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records, 2016ms010. newsletters 2016ms010 English Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Inc.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records Jews -- Kentucky -- Lexington Jews -- History Shalom, March 2017 text image Shalom, March 2017 2017 2017-03 2025 true xt7tx921gr2p section xt7tx921gr2p L [OZ WWW
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Why I Give to Federation

B Esther

Recently, you may have heard from dedicated Federation volunteers during Super Sunday. The Annual
Campaign has begun, and you are probably aware of how important it is to the success and vitality of our
community. I’d like to share just one reason for why I donate to Federation and encourage you to con—
sider giving a first gift, or increasing your previous gift, this year.

Long ago, before moving to Kentucky, I reluctantly became Queen of Persia. Though I enjoyed many of

the luxuries that came with the title, I never truly wanted any of it. I simply wanted to be able to live my life

the way I pleased without fear of what others might think. You see, as you may already know, my husband

and one of the King’s loyal subjects, were both quite anti—Semitic. If they had even a shred of suspicion
* that I was Jewish, they might have hung me on the spot. So, I kept my true identity secret for quite some
time until I eventually had to stand up and support my people. I risked my life, but I did what I had to do to ensure a bright future
for the Jewish people.

 

I won’t bore you with the story, but one thing you must know is that I was given the strength and power to be a proud Jewish woman
and stand up for my beliefs because of the support of my community. Before then, and ever since, Jewish communities around the
world have empowered Jewish women in so many different ways. Locally, I have had the luxury of seeing amazing Jewish women
leading and supporting others — through Hadassah, through congregational life, and even through the Jewish Federation of the Blue-
grass. Our community is strong because of these women. We’ve come quite a long way from Shushan, but our values remain the
same: we are a dedicated community, honest and adhering to our principles, and we must never change.

I give to Federation to continue to support the things we do to empower everyone, especially young Jewish women. Jewish women
often tell me that they look up to me and my bravery back in Persia, but it is I who look up to these women in Kentucky for their
strength in being exceptional leaders dedicated to the future of the Jewish people.

I haven’t saved much money over the years—the trip from Persia cost a fortunel—but I have pledged to give to the Federation’s
Annual Campaign once again. I encourage you to give whatever you can! Anything you can do is sure to go directly into supporting

the great things these women, and so many others, do for our community. Please give generously!

This “gag" article was written by Daniel Baker. Cropped Photo: Painting by Edwin Long, 1 8 78.

Persian Rug Showcase
By Marty

20l7 is the year for designing with Persian rugs, according to a
recent article published in Southern Living. The unique accents
and patterns bring rooms of all sizes and colors to life while cre-
ating an elegant and sophisticated flare.

Chief Design Specialist Deco Ration spoke to us about how
Persian Rugs could add special style to any home. “Adding a
beautiful Persian rug straight from Shushan will bring elegance
to your living or dining areas. The modern Shushan collections
come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are kid-friendly, and can
. be customized to include some of your favorite Bluegrass flair,
like horses or UK Wildcats.”

_ The Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass will be welcoming rug
weaver Percy Rugstein, who was recently featured in Southern
Living, to Lexington on World Interiors Day, May 28. Rugstein,
renowned in the Jewish community for his work with Persian-
inspired rug designs, will showcase his “From Shushan to Ken-
tucky” collection, featuring a bourbon—themed area rug, an Ash-
ley Judd—inspired runner, and an eccentric horse mosaic perfect
for accenting your Derby-themed decor.

Special guest John Calipari will be available to sign a special
handmade area rug designed using his face as inspiration. Tick-
ets will be made available in April, along with further details.

This “gag " article was written by Daniel Baker.

Lexington Hamantaschen Week
By ChefHa Manta Schen

Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass has been working with sev—
eral local restaurants to coordinate Lexington Hamantaschen
Week. For 7 days, March 32-39, you can visit various establish-
ments to try an assortment of unique and delicious cookies!

“This is a great opportunity to showcase Jewish culture in Lex—
ington while enjoying delicious treats we find every year around
Purim,” said Chef Ha Manta Schen, master Chef at the local Ba-
gel and Schmear. “You’ll be able to find some unique flavors,
as well as traditional favorites, at restaurants all over the city,
including McCarthy’s Irish Pub, which will have a corned beef
and cabbage flavored option, and at the Kentucky Fried Chicken
location on Richmond Rd., which will have a fried chicken and
gravy flavor.”

For those with dietary restrictions, the options available at all
establishments should be a problem. Rabbi Eats A Lotstein has
confirmed that the hamantaschen at all establishments are certi-
fied glatt Kosher, pareve, and gluten free.

Hamantaschen will be available in small, medium, large or fam—
ily size boxes and come with a mini grogger for the kids to enjoy.

For more details and a list of participating restaurants, visit
lexingtonhamantaschenweekoy.

This “gag " article was written by Daniel Baker.

Campaign News: Say goodbye to the US Dollar. We’re joining Federations everywhere in the
switch to using only Shekels. Read more on page 400!

 

  

 

 

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Scooter Stein: Winner of the 2016 Captain J ackye Taylor Award

By Hanna B. Smith

Scooter Stein. Director of Public Affairs for the Fayette
County Sheriff’s Department, is the 2016 winner of the
department’s Captain Jackye Taylor Humanitarian Award.
Scooter, whose real first name is Edward, is the son of Alan
Stein. former president of Ohavay Zion Synagogue, and
Judge Kathy Stein. He is the grandson of the late Ed and
Ann Stein of Lexington and the late Erle Wright and Vivian
Barker Wright.

Captain Jackye Taylor. after whom the award is named, was
a law—enforcement officer in the Fayette County Sheriff’s
Department who represented the best in community policing.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department is

very concerned about developing and main—

taining good community relations in order to

provide effective services. This is especially

important today when so many communities

in our nation experience a growing mistrust

between citizens and law-enforcement per—

sonnel.

In his job. Scooter is the media contact for

the Sheriff’s Department, and he is very in—

volved in the local community. Lexington/

Fayette County. as small as it is, is home to

a very diverse population. There are 128 Ian-

guages spoken in the area. 89 of them by the children in
Fayette County schools.

It helps that Scooter is proficient in Spanish. and he is fre-
quently asked to translate for people who contact the Sher—
iff‘s Department or who appear in court. Part of hisjob is to
explain local law to people who come from different cultural
backgrounds and see that they do not get lost in the sys—
tem. It is not unusual for immigrants to come from countries
where the citizen has to fear police. While the role of police
in the US. is to maintain public order, this task is combined

with assisting people in various ways.

For example, the Sheriff’s office helps homeless people
locate needed services, such as shelter or more permanent
housing. food. and medical care. Some of the local home—
less rely upon the Sheriff’s office for help with paperwork.
keeping track of medications, and getting to doctor‘s ap—
pointments.

In order to help the Sheriff’s staff and law enforcement
officers relate well to this diverse population. Scooter rec-
ommended and helped initiate a training program called
“Diverse Voices.” Representatives of the various popula-
tion groups in Fayette County speak to the
assembled officers about their own cultural
backgrounds and how police are viewed by
the citizenry in their countries of origin. This
gives the officers insight into why people re-
spond in certain ways when seeing a local
police officer and helps the officer adjust his
or her response accordingly. For example.
one African lady related how women in her
country fear police because in Africa a large
number of police have been involved in rape.
The “Diverse Voices” program has been
well received, and Scooter is rightly proud
of this achievement.

Scooter has a master’s degree in international relations and
Spanish, and he has travelled extensively in South America.
He has also worked as a teacher and as an intern in Honduras
and Costa Rica. These experiences have given him an under-
standing of different cultures and mindsets.

We are proud to have an accomplished and compassionate
employee like Scooter Stein in the Sheriff’s office, and wish
him continued success in his work.

 

Campaign News

By Tamara Ohayon

FOR WOMEN ONLY: JFB’S Annual Women’s
Philanthropy Event

Calling all mothers. daughters, sisters, and girlfriends for

a High Tea (or “Chai” Tea) at Ohavay Zion Synagogue on
March 28 at 6:30 pm. Throughout the event we will enjoy
a musical performance by Lauren Hill, Jerry Suhl, and
Lorne Dechtenberg. Cost is $54 per person ($3 off if you
bring your mother—in—law!) and includes dinner, drinks, and
a minimum gift to JFB. At the event you will be asked to
make an additional pledge to the Jewish Federation’s An-
nual Women‘s Philanthropy Campaign.

RSVP required by Friday, March 24 to 111111111113} _jt‘,\\,jslilt',\:
ingtoimrg or (859) 268-0672.

Additional thanks to all who volunteered and answered our
call on Super Sunday!

r p. 2 I On The Table

p. 3 l JFB Committees

Jewish Federation of the
Bluegrass is now hiring!

Part-time and seasonal positions
currently open.

For more information contact
Tamara Ohayon or visit

jewishlexington.orglcareer-center.
p. 8 | Donor Tribute

 

 

 Ask JFS: Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention

By Mimi Kaufinan
Substance abuse. particularly the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs along with heroin and
illicit fentanyl. remains one of the most critical public health and safety issues facing Kentucky.
Over the past decade. the number of Kentuckians who have died as a result of a drug overdose has
steadily increased to more than 1.000 each year. According to the CDC. there were 33.000 over-
dose deaths in 2016. and 1.003 of them were in Kentucky.

We read about it in the paper. and we hear it on the news. There are many reasons for the increase:

it is multifaceted and complex. fascinating. and eye opening. Our local law enforcement and health

care professionals are working diligently to battle the problem. to educate the public. and help

people to get treatment. The reality is that the increase has had a devastating toll on families. com-
munities. social services. and economic stability and growth.

To give you an idea of how overwhelming the current opioid epidemic is. 1 attended a conference on the topic this past
December: it was advertised to social workers and nurses in Kentucky. and sponsored and organized by The Ridge. They
typically have a conference every winter. usually with about 100 people in attendance. A few days before the conference
the venue had to be moved to Quest Church because the turnout was close to 1.000 in attendance. It was a free workshop
and they did not want to have to turn folks away. especially since the purpose was to educate us on what is new with treat—
ment. Professionals from all over Kentucky were in attendance. I believe that the number of professionals who wanted to
travel to hear what is new about the opioid problem refiectsjust how prevalent it is these days. especially in our home state
of Kentucky. The more you talk to people about it. what you find is that the addict is not the stereotypedjunkie on the street
anymore-it is also the middle-aged man or woman checking out in front of you at the grocery store. The statistics are as-
tounding. For example. according to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. the number of drug overdoses in Fayette
County have gone from 54 in 2012 to 63 in 2013. from 84 in 2014 to 106 in 2015.

On March 12 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Jewish Family Services will host an educational program on Substance Abuse
Prevention as pan of our Jewish Family Life Education Program. Catherine Martin. who is a treatment professional at the
University of Kentucky. will be our guest speaker. The program is aimed for parents of teens and tweens and will take place
at the Jewish Federation office.

For more information or to RSVP. please contact Mimi at ll“ 'jt-wi\1i|e\ington,grg or call (859) 269-8244.

Ask JFS is a monthly column covering a wide range of issues. If you have a problem or a concern that you would like
addressed in this Shalom column, please send them either by mail to Jewish Family Services at 1050 Chinoe Road
Suite 1 12, or by email to ifs@iewishlexinggton.or. You can always call with your confidential questions at (859) 269-8244.

 

Join the Conversation!

March 15

On March 15, Blue Grass Community Foundation is in-
troducing On the Table to Lexington, a community-wide
event to discuss not only what makes our city great, but
what we can do to make it better.

On that day, volunteers throughout Lexington will host
small groups of 8 to 12 individuals over a meal or coffee
for informal conversation about the issues that impact
our quality of life. On the Table is designed to generate
new ideas and cultivate relationships and collaborations
that will improve the entire community.

The Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, as a Super

Feel free to RSVP to join in on one of these
community conversations throughout the day:

Jewish Family Services Committee - 2:00 p.m.
Temple Adath Israel
Mimi Kaufman, iLsQ iew islilexinUtonorg

PJ Library & Camp Shalom Parents - 6:00 p.m.
Bardach Home

Host, has committed to hosting at least 20 tables, 8 to
12 people per table. We invite you to host of one of the
tables. The time, guests and refreshments are entirely up
to you.

Hosts are not expected to be moderators or record
keepers. Rather, they are asked to provide a welcoming
environment, a little guidance and some refreshments.

Host Toolkits with complete instructions and useful tips
are available online at bgcf.org/onthetang

If you are interested in serving as a host, please contact
Tamara Ohayon at tamarat‘a‘ iewishlexmgtmaig or call
(859) 268-0672.

 

 

 

David and Shani Bardach, drbardtfl g gflm .3311]

Young Bluegrass Jews - 6:30 p.m.
Mirror Twin Brewing
Daniel Baker, QnielCa 'eL'ishlexjnggtfliALg

Gan Shalom Parents - 7:00 p.m.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Katie Kirkland, EWflMhmlfll

Jennifer Gripshover Group - 7:00 p.m.
Ohavay Zion Synagogue
Jennifer Gripshover, jgrip (it'ghgamztilcom

 

 

 

 From the Director: Putting Hanna’s advice into action

By Tamara Ohayon
g .

This past month Hanna Smith. Committee Chairwoman for Shalom, in her usual eloquent and hu-

morous way. offered some important advice for all of us. Her article, In Praise of Ordinary People,
charged us with a simple, yet sometimes challenging, task. Get involved, lend a hand.

She reminded us that Federation. and our other local organizations, are run by volunteers, not just
the few staff we employ. For that reason, it’s so important that everyone connected to Federation
take a turn at doing their part to help. The quality and variety of our programs depends on you and

your time helping the team.

You may be able to commit to joining a committee on a regular basis, or helping with a particular
event or program. You might be able to sell ads for Shalom, or read a story to our Camp Shalom kids in the summer. Or
perhaps you only have the time to be an ambassador for us on social media and share our posts and event announcements
regularly from your phone. Whatever it is. we want and need your help.

Here is a list of Federation’s committees and a little bit about each. If you see something that fits your skill set or interests
and you can find a few hours a month for us. please contact the staff person involved and we will get you tapped in.

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee obtains an estimate of the antici-
pated expenses and income for the next fiscal year from all
committees and divisions of the Federation. With Tamara
and Kathie. it then drafts a tentative budget including pro-
jected amounts for contingencies and reserves. It consults
with the Board for its approval at the January board meeting.
It can also present to the board recommendations for budget
revisions on matters not included in the current approved
budget. The Treasurer. who chairs the committee. oversees
the budget throughout the year. This group meets twice per
year. Our current Board Treasurer is Dianne Bazell. Contact
Tamara Ohayon if you would like tojoin this committee.

Campaign Committee

The Campaign Committee organizes and implements the an-
nual fundraising campaign. The committee is responsible for
organizing campaign events, including Super Sunday. Mem-
bers of the committee are expected to participate in solicita—
tion efforts and to recruit other solicitors. The committee is
also responsible for the promotion ofendowment and legacy
giving efforts. This committee meets several times per year.
Our current campaign chair is Linda Ravvin. Please contact
Linda or Tamara Ohayon tojoin this committee.

Community Relations Committee

The Community Relations Committee promotes dialogue
and understanding among the diverse populations of Central
Kentucky and promotes awareness and social action to im~
prove the living conditions for everyone in our area. It pro—
motes efforts to fight anti-Semitism and all forms of racism
and discrimination. The committee is also responsible for
developing programs related to Israel advocacy and Holo—
caust commemoration. This committee meets quarterly. The
Co-Chairs are Ken Slepyan and Larry Kant. Contact Tamara
Ohayon or Rabbi Sharon Cohen if you would like tojoin.

Jewish Family Services Committee

The Jewish Family Services Committee works in an advi—
sory capacity to the Jewish Family Services Director and
advises the Federation Board about the operations, planning.
evaluation and administration of JFS. Committee members
are involved in planning the programs. such as the Jewish
Family Life Education series. and may serve on a scholar—
ship sub-committee. This committee meets monthly. Chair
is Connie Loventhal. Contact Mimi Kaufman for more in—
formation or to join this group.

Community Activities Committee
The Community Activities Committee coordinates all pro—

grams assigned to it by the Board of Directors and may
suggest to the Board new programs which do not duplicate
programs which already exist within the Jewish community.
The committee also coordinates Federation’s participation
in joint social, educational and cultural communal activities.
Some of these programs include the Winter Dinner, Yom
Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), Global Day of Jew-
ish Learning. Tzeason of Tzedakah. and One Book Jew—
ish Lexington. Meetings may be quarterly. and event sub-
committees may meet throughout the year. This committee
currently has no chairperson. Please contact Rabbi Sharon
Cohen or Talia Smolkin to join this fun group.

Camp Shalom Committee

The Camp Shalom Committee oversees the operations. plan
ning, administration and evaluation of Camp Shalom and
advises the Board of Directors as to these concerns. This
committee meets quarterly. Our current chair, Elissa Wein-
stein, will be retiring from many dedicated years at this post
this summer. Please contact Tamara Ohayon or Rabbi Sha-
ron Cohen if you are interested in joining.

Shalom Editorial Committee

The Shalom Editorial Committee serves as the editorial
board and proofreaders for the Shalom newspaper. The com-
mittee also seeks and encourages community involvement
in Shalom. This committee meets ten times per year. Our
current chair is Hanna Smith. Please contact Daniel Baker or
Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Goldman, tojoin this committee.

Marketing and Website Committee

The Marketing and Website Committee is an ad hoc com—
mittee that oversees cohesive marketing and outreach strate-
gies for the Federation. Current chair is Paul Tillier. This
group will meet. at most, quarterly. Please contact Daniel
Baker if you are interested in joining this committee.

PJ Library Advisory Committee

The PJ Library Advisory Committee helps develop programs
and outreach for PI Library children and their families. The
committee is also responsible for Shalom Baby Baskets that
JFB gives to new newbom babies and their parents. Please
contact Talia Smolkin for more information.

Young Bluegrass Jews Committee

The YBJ Committee is responsible for outreach to young
professionals and students in the Jewish community who
range in age from 2l to 45. They also plan events and pro-
grams throughout the year. The Chair for this group is Ilana
Kline. Contact Daniel Baker for more information or tojoin
this team.

 

 Ask A Rabbi

By Rabbi H. D. Uriel Smith

Re: Ask a Rabbi: How do we bring more sophisticated thinking to Israel?

a) How can we convince the Israelis that the Haredi suppression of women’s religiosity is endan-
gering Israel and Israel‘s relations with the Diaspora?

b) How can we convince the Israelis and Palestinians to start a peaceful dialogue. saving them-
selves by stepping out of the web of hatred strangling them today?

When Ambassador Judith V. Shorer recently came to Lexington from the Atlanta Israeli consulate

members of our community asked her several pointed questions about Israel and our local relations
with that land and people. Several of these questions could be summarized as I formulated them above. The ambassador
responded in several ways. but her main thrust was that we here in Kentucky should not rely on others to do what we can
do here.

The first question arose because of several bad decisions. in Israel. whereby the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community is ex-
panding sin‘at hinam (baseless hatred) within the Jewish community.

In February. 2007. the Israeli govemment had worked out an agreement with the different branches of religious Judaism
that the ultra-Orthodox could continue guiding the rules of prayer at the central. “classical" sector of the Kotel (the Western
Wall). while to the south. at an archaeological park section of the Wall. the Robinson‘s Arch sector. the egalitarian sectors
ofJudaism (Conservative. Reconstructionist. and Reform) could conduct egalitarian services. Members of the Haredi com-
munity, including Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. who oversees the proceedings at the Kotel and other holy sites. have blocked
the implementation of that agreement. so that nine years after Sharansky had worked out that agreement the Haredi com-
munity still blocks it.

The Ministry of Education is headed by Naftali Bennett (right wing Bayit Hadash politician) with the Deputy Minister being
Meir Porush (representing a Hasidic wing. Shlomei Emunei Yisrael. of the ultra-Orthodox Agudat Yisrael). They are trying
to push a narrow Orthodox perspective in Israeli education. The drafts of the newest edition of the civics education book
they are promoting. downplays the democratic nature of Israel. emphasizing instead the Jewish (i.e. ultra—Orthodox) nature
of Israel. As a result a strong backlash opposition has risen in Israel to this text. This civics book incidentally is extra harm-
ful for the non-Jewish citizens of Israel. It pretends that the biblical injunction. “There shall be one law for the native and
for the stranger who sojourns among you" (Exodus 12:49: cf. Leviticus 18:26: 19:34: Numbers 15:15-16; Ezekiel 47:22)
applies only to the ger tzedek (“convert"). even though Leviticus 18:26 and 19:34 show that the law applies also to the non-
converting ger toshav (resident alien) dwelling among the Israelites. Actually. Judaism is fully compatible with democracy.

A Jerusalemite woman who till recently went each month to the mikvah was blocked last December from two mikvaot in
her neighbourhood because she wished to immerse herself without the presence of a balanit (woman bath attendant) ap-
pointed by the chief rabbi. Even though she had paid for the use of the Mikvah. she was unable to immerse herself. and was
escorted out of the Mikvah buildings by the police. The problems faced by that woman are examples of what any Masortit
(Conservative) and Mitkademet (Reform) woman would face in Israel. since the balanit is told by the Chief Rabbinate that
she should ask any woman coming to immerse herself various questions about her background.

In all these decisions the Haredi community believes that their narrow point of view overrides everybody else‘s wants and
wishes. and they are paying no attention to the long-term effects of what they are doing. We can see that in a thieving land-
grab law they forced throagh the Israeli Knesset last month. They are calling it by the seemingly neutral title. “The Regu-
larization Law" (Hoq ha-Sidrah). Et rules that Israeli settlers in Judah and Samaria can grab Palestinian lands. even though
the Palestinians can show papers giving them full title to the lands. The government is hoping that the Israeli Supreme Court
will declare the law to be iiiegai. And then “reluctantly" they will implement the Supreme Court rules. The arrangement is
one whereby Bennett’s Bayit Hadash party and the Haredi movement can blame the Israeli Supreme Court for stopping that
thievery. They do not recognize that the prophetic call. "Zion shall be redeemed by justice. and its returnees by righteous-
ness” (Tziyon b'-mishpat tippaddeh. v’-shaveyha bitzdaqah": Isaiah 1:27). applies to them.

This is not the first time that the Haredi community have created problems, forcing others to clean up the mess. and then
blaming the benefactors for saving them from the consequences. Israel has separate schools for the ultra-Orthodox (dati) and
the moderate larger community (mamlakhti). The dati schools focus so much on traditional activities such as studying the
Talmud. fulfilling rituals. and prayers. that the students gain insufficient knowledge of math and science. When they gradu—
ate the students often cannot find work because of these deficiencies. The Haredi movement claims that the male graduates
should continue studying in kolelim and yeshivot (religious academies). but many of the graduates do not have the ability
to continue with such intensive studies. (Continued on p. 5)

Submissions for the April 2017 edition of Shalom are due
March 10!

Contributor articles are always welcome!

 

 (Ask A Rabbi, continued from p. 4) The Israel Defence Forc—
es (IDF) has arranged a special hesder system for the Ortho-
dox, and has created a Nahal Haredi battalion, the 97 Netzah
Yehudah Battalion, which follows strict Orthodox practices.
However, many ultra-Orthodox rabbis oppose any service in
the IDF, and their followers have attacked members of the
IDF who have entered their municipal districts wearing their
uniform. Israeli conscription law allows deferment from the
Armed Forces if the adult is a full-time student in a religious
academy. The IDF leadership has stated that if the ultra—Or-
thodox individuals do not want to enter the army, they do
not want them, since such people just create problems, and
Israel has neither the time nor the money to deal with them.
So. the yeshiva dropouts remain in limbo, unable to study
properly, unable to find work, and reluctant to join the army.
Three years ago. under the influence of Yair Lapid, leader of
the Yesh Atid party, the Knesset passed a law requiring that
such individuals should be conscripted, helping them to en-
ter the twenty—first century. After the March 2015 elections
the present govemment. retaining the ultra—Orthodox parties.
has overridden that conscription law. The haredi community
still demands that Israel pay for the upkeep of such people,
since they cannot earn enough to look after themselves and
their families.

The inability of these ultra—Orthodox and right wing party
people to understand the long-term consequences of their
demands arises at least in part from one—step thinking. Un-
fortunately. most of us do not recognize the dangers of such
immature thinking.

Children, before they can speak are egocentric simply be-
cause they cannot understand that others are acting outside
their own will. Children then are at a zero—step stage of
thought.

Jacques Lacan elaborated on the individual’s recognition of
the self by identifying a Mirror Stage, developed by a child
between six and eighteen months. The child then recognizes
that the mirror image is an image of its own body. When
well developed this gives rise to a person recognizing other
persons’ selves, and helps a person to have empathy with
others. The full change from the original zero-step thinking
to a one-step thinking occurs when the child begins to re-
fer to itself with ‘I’ or ‘me’, instead of just using its name,
“Johnny” or ‘Betty’, the way its parents had spoken to it.
“Does Johnny want some ice-cream?”

Many adults never advance beyond the one—step stage to the
two-step awareness. In order to advance the individual has
to be able to put oneself into the shoes of another person,
walking a mile in his moccasins. Once a person takes the
stance of the other. he can look back at himself, and work
out how the other person perceives the originating two—step
thinker. oneself.

The difference is seen in the change in language between
that in the Hebrew Torah. Leviticus chap. l9, and that used
in the New Testament, Luke 10:29-37. Lev chap. 19 was
written by the authors/editors of the Holiness—Code. a docu-
ment produced near the end of the First Temple period (ca.
700-600 BCE) by a priestly faction who had recently dis—
covered two-step thinking. They found it a revelation. The
writers revelled in it, writing. “Love your neighbour as your—
self“ (Lev 19:18). and “The stranger living with you shall
be treated as a native among you: love him as yourself, for
you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Lev 19:34). Both
verses automatically use this two-step formulation. Luke,

however, was written for a community that was not as so-
phisticated. and therefore did not think in an “as yourself"
formulation

The Judeans and Samaritans at the time were fierce religious
opponents: often they refused even to talk with each other.
The idea of a “Good Samaritan” then, sounded for Judeans
like a “Good Commie” would during the Korean War or
Viet—Nam War. Jesus favoured Jerusalem. He celebrated
Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication, at the Temple in Jeru—
salem (John 10:22). But, he showed compassion also to Sa-
maritans (John 424-42). In his parable, given in Luke 10:29—
37, Jesus showed that a Samaritan could be practically more
of a neighbour than a Judean priest or Levite. The parable
tells the listeners to look at the deeds of the Samaritan in
a one—step fashion on the one hand, and at the priest and
Levite also in a one—step fashion on the other hand. In terms
of the practical morality the New Testament agrees with the
Old. Both state: have compassion on others, and take care of
them. Only a careful structural analysis identifies the differ-
ence in structural sophistication of the language used.

Since one-step thinkers cannot recognize how others see
them. they are liable