I was recently misquoted in an article written by Philip Lentz in the Dec. 21 edition titled ”Lights of Christmas leave many Jews in the shadows.” Apparently, this misquote not only disturbed me but offended many of your readers. I have received dozens of letters from readers objecting to my alleged comment and angrily questioning my suitability as a religious educator.
I did not say that the cross on the Helmsley Building ”makes me sick,”
nor did I say ”yuk.” As a Jew, I love and embrace Judaism and all its teachings. I also respect all other religions and their symbols. I would never make a statement such as the one in the article about Christianity and its symbols.
In the name of Jewish-Christian understanding, allow me to correct the mistake contained in the article. In my interview I said to the author that the cross on the Helmsley Building reminds me what a minority the Jewish people are. It is very easy to forget this fact in New York, a city so populated with Jews and so rich in Jewish culture. The cross on Park Avenue reminds me of a reality which I often forget. As a Jew I am part of a small minority. This reality is made most clear to me during Christmas time. When I see the cross on the Helmsley Building it forces me to remember that I`m
”different”–that`s all. It certainly does not make me ”sick.”
I am confident that the students in my religious school are not being taught anything negative about Christianity. For them, it is a religion of our neighbors which is to be studied, understood and respected, but not celebrated.
I regret that in the misquoting of me my Christian (and Jewish) neighbors were offended. My intent when agreeing to be interviewed was to foster understanding, not to engender animosity.
