Fall arts guide cover

With Carlos Santana, under pro-Palestinian pressure, cancelling his performance in Israel, why are you promoting his appearance in St. Louis on the front cover of the Fall Arts Guide (Aug. 31)?

Sandy Salz

Overland Park, Kan.

Praise for 9-11 column

I’m writing to tell you how much I liked Eric Mink’s column about the upcoming anniversary of 9/11. Before even reading it, I already made plans too, not to watch any programs relating to what happened that day. I don’t want to relive any of it, even though I didn’t lose anyone because of it, either.

I’ve always thought Eric was a great writer, but I particularly liked this article because he shared so much of his personal conflicts and depression. Many people wouldn’t do that.

Becky Povich

Via the Internet

Orthodox rabbis reaffirm national position statement against same-sex marriage

We, the undersigned pulpit Rabbis of the St. Louis Rabbinical Council, wish to reaffirm our support of the following “position statement on same-sex marriage” issued by the leading Orthodox Rabbinical and lay national Jewish organizations (Agudath Israel of America, Central Rabbinical Congress of the U.S.A. and Canada, National Council of Young Israel, Rabbinical Alliance of America, Rabbinical Council of America and Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America):

“On the issue of legalizing same-sex marriage, the Orthodox Jewish world speaks with one voice, loud and clear: We oppose the redefinition of the bedrock relationship of the human family.

“The Torah, which forbids homosexual activity, sanctions only the union of a man and woman in matrimony. While we do not seek to impose our religious principles on others, we believe the institution of marriage is central to the formation of a healthy society and the raising of children. It is our sincere conviction that discarding the historical definition of marriage would be detrimental to society.

“Moreover, we are deeply concerned that, should any such redefinition occur, members of traditional communities like ours will incur moral opprobrium and may risk legal sanction if they refuse to transgress their beliefs. That prospect is chilling, and should be unacceptable to all people of good will on both sides of this debate.

“The integrity of marriage in its traditional form must be preserved.”

Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt, Agudas Israel of St. Louis

Rabbi Moshe Shulman, Young Israel of St. Louis

Rabbi Zeev Smason, Nusach Hari B’nai Zion

Rabbi Menachem Tendler, Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Sha’arei Chesed (U. City Shul)

Rabbi Aaron Winter, Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha Congregation