A request by orthodox tenants to construct a sukkah ( small portable booth) for the 7 day Succoth holiday- at their own expense is a causes for apoplexy. Despite the building having a Jewish majority,the mantra goes something like " we don't want to be known as a Jewish building", or we don't allow religious symbols in our building. This despite a 14 foot Christmas tree in the lobby near a 12 INCH Chanukah menorah. Oh yes! -All-Saints Day ( Halloween ) is a publicized event, where tenants can sign up to have children visit them to receive sweets etc.
Where is that tiny spark of Judaism ( Pintele Yid ) among the non-orthodox to speak up for their neighbors religious desires, IF they do not suffer any harm thereby?
Only last year Senator Dianne Feinstein (d-Calif) objected to the nomination of Law Professor Amy Comey Barrett of Notre Dame ( now under consideration for the Kennedy S C seat) for a seat on the 7th circuit court of appeals. The problem was her Catholic religion. since the Senator described "the dogma lives loudly within her". The fact that she is the mother of 7, indicated to Feinstein and Senator Durbin that Roe v Wade was in trouble. This despite the Professors statement that it is not appropriate for a judge to apply personal feelings to a decision whether " it derives from faith or personal conviction".
A similar event occurred in 2000 when the ADL attacked orthodox Senator Joe Lieberman , then a VP nominee for mixing religion and faith with politics. In the addendum of my autobiography I have an op-ed that I published in the Associated Press on that issue (.JOURNEY THROUGH THE MINEFIELDS , from Vietnam to Washington, an orthodox surgeons odyssey)
Earlier this month the Supreme Court of Canada denied accreditation to a Christian Law School .since their traditional view on marriage would send the wrong message to the populace.
Luckily Yeshiva University and Touro law and medical schools are not located in Canada.
Part 3 to be concluded in next blog
