November 25th, 2005 Web Wire Editor’s Note Print
Written by Josh Nathan-Kazis   
Friday, 25 November 2005

The Problem with Pluralism, Jews on Alito, and a Debate on the Efficacy of the Iraq War
Jewish Pluralism, according to the World Union of Jewish Students, “recognizes that many Jews believe and practice different things in their Jewish lives, and that these differences should be respected and even understood.”

When an eight year old Orthodox boy throws rocks at a Conservative American girl in a short skirt as she strolls through Mea Shirim on a summer afternoon, the boy is not practicing pluralism. Nor is the American girl, when the she turns around and ridicules the boy’s peyis in broken day school Hebrew.

On campus, pluralism has become both a buzzword and a creed unto itself. And yet, with acceptance come certain challenges.

In this issue of the Web Wire, we watch as one campus deals with two such challenges. In the first story, by Shira Miller, boundaries of acceptance are tested by two students who erect a mechitza before Friday night services. Then, Emily Seife writes about a Chabad emissary on campus who preaches disdain for those very differences between Jews that make Pluralism necessary.

Also in this issue, two pieces from the Web Wire’s Political Desk. The National Council of Jewish Women takes a stance against the Judge Alito’s nomination to the Supreme Court. And, writers Aaron Sussman and Benjamin Hackett duke it out over the effect of the Iraq War on overall stability in the Middle East.

Interested in writing for the WebWire? We print profiles, exposés, interviews, editorials, and new-journalism style first person freak-outs (on occasion). The only guideline is that articles be of interest to Jewish college students. We work closely with our writers, and can offer all sorts of support, including story topics and well-timed compliments. Many are needed, so don't hesitate to respond. E-mail me at jnathankazis at yahoo.com. Tell all your friends.
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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.
 
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