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November 1, 2002
Outstanding service was ignored
Letters
Editor: I am writing concerning your lengthy article of Oct. 18
("Unidentified body in plot," Bulletin cover story)
regarding issues with the Schara Tzedeck cemetery board. It is not
for me as a rabbi to respond to the issues raised in the article.
I'm sure that the cemetery board will address this if they feel
the need to. However, I do want the community to be aware of the
tremendous service that they provide us with, a service we all hope
we'll never need, and yet none of us can avoid. It is my personal
feeling that the article does not do justice to one of the most
important organizations in our community, and to some of the most
devoted and caring persons who serve on its board.
Yes, there have been problems of late and, indeed, these issues
were dealt with most expeditiously and most sensitively. I know
this for a fact as I have been personally involved in several of
these cases. In reality, it is impossible to "make right"
such a terrible mistake and I believe the cemetery board went above
and beyond the call of duty in doing everything in its power to
rectify matters and taking full responsibility.
What the article ignores entirely is the outstanding service that
these people do for our community. It is a thankless job for which
they do not receive any compensation or recognition. It means devoting
many precious personal hours to communal needs for the entire Jewish
community and getting absolutely nothing in return. (Other than
the mitzvah, of course.)
Your article does not touch on the numerous acts of chesed shel
emes (true kindness) that are rendered by the cemetery board
on a regular basis, nor do you mention the special qualities of
Rev. Joseph Marciano, who performs his duties in a most respectful
and sensitive manner.
As a community newspaper, the Bulletin should responsibly
research and report all aspects of a story and avoid sensationalism
and "scoops." Maybe it's time to let the community know
about the tremendous good work of the cemetery board, rather than
only focus on a single issue.
Rabbi Yitzchak Wineberg
Lubavitch B.C.
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