There are few Jewish organizations more respected than the Anti-Defamation League. Over the years, the ADL has not only been the steadfast defender of Judaism and the Jewish people against the scourge of anti-Semitism.

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Israel's announcement on March 9 that it would construct 1,600 new housing units in East Jerusalem, precisely during the visit of Vice President Biden has done serious harm to the relations between the two countries.

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Had Israel not responded to the Haiti catastrophe, no doubt it would have been roundly condemned for doing nothing.

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Like most Chicagoans, I had hoped that our city's bid to host the Olympic and Para-Olympic Games would have been successful. Certainly, Chicago's civic leaders put forth a remarkable effort, pulling out all stops, including appearances by President Barack and Michelle Obama.

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In the wake of the recent Israeli elections and the formation of the new ruling coalition headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, most American Reform Jews are feeling bewildered and downright disappointed. Unfortunately for the people of Israel, there simply were no viable alternatives to Likud headed by Netyanyahu and Kadima, headed by Tsippi Livni.

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Very soon it will be Passover. By now, most Jewish homemakers are planning their seder menu. As for myself, I am engaged in what has become my annual struggle with the problem of veracity in regard to the Exodus story. The Exodus comprises the very heart of the Torah.

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There have been so many Holocaust era films over the years that one would think that the public would have tired of this subject, notwithstanding the fact that the Shoah will always be of immense importance to our Jewish people.

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I hardly need to say that his has been an incredibly disheartening week for the people of Illinois. The spectacle of the Governor of this state being arrested and taken from his own home in handcuffs was startling in and of itself. But the revelation of what he is accused essentially of having conspired to auction off the vacant seat in the United States Senate literally takes one's breath away.

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In so many ways, in just over a decade, Sinai's newest synagogue has become a recognized and beloved landmark for the Jewish community and the city itself. Whether for worship, religious school, preschool, or for a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah or funeral, this Temple is a most welcoming and inspirational "House of Prayer for all People."

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By now, you must have noticed that the Thai restaurant across the street from the Temple has been replaced by yet another Starbucks. I enjoy good coffee as well, so I have no particular objection to the latest Starbucks, although I am somewhat amazed that we now have four of them within about a quarter of a mile from the Temple. The public's thirst for Starbucks seems to be virtually insatiable.

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On Sunday, October 21, we will join in celebrating the Heidi Kon's Tenth Anniversary as our Director of Religious Education. In her decade with us, our children have benefited immeasurably from her devotion to Jewish learning. So much of what has been achieved over the past decade is directly attributable to Heidi's skills, dedication and love of Jewish learning. She is my cherished colleague and friend.

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