Letter to the editor
To the editor:
I would like to clarify the events described recently in The Lawrence Ledger regarding Community Day and Rosh Hashanah.
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Related stories: • Council to review policy on holidays (Sept. 28, 2000) • Community Day conflict triggers council debate (Sept. 14, 2000) • Be sensitive to all faiths in community (Sept. 14, 2000, editorial) |
Anyone reading the article might conclude that the discussion with Rabbi Daniel Grossman of Adath Israel Congregation was held before the decision on the date of Community Day was made. To clear up that matter I would like to explain that I discussed the issue with Rabbi Grossman at a chance meeting in Town Hall on Sept. 5, well after the date had been set. I asked him how he would respond to the Township holding Community Day on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. His first reaction was that if it was possible to move the date, then that was the desirable solution.
Rabbi Grossman then asked about the event itself. "Is it like a community picnic?" When informed that it was, he voiced a mild objection, but said, "There is nothing wrong with strolling in the park after services."
The distinction between a picnic in the park and an event of the scope of Lawrence Community Day was not clear in my discussion with Rabbi Grossman on Sept. 5. Sometime later, after the Rabbi was made aware that the event included vendors and crafts he voiced strong objection to conducting it on the proposed date. He further suggested that the following Sunday would be more appropriate as Yom Kippur does not begin until sundown and Community Day ends at approximately 4:30 p.m.
I hope that this adequately clarifies the matter.
William Guhl
Adele Court
Lawrence Municipal Manager
Related stories:
• Council to review policy on holidays (Sept. 28, 2000)
• Community Day conflict triggers council debate (Sept. 14, 2000)
• Be sensitive to all faiths in community (Sept. 14, 2000, editorial)