Rabbi Backman is a participating columnist on the Glendale News Press, the La Cañada Valley Sun and the Burbank Leader weekly feature "In Theory".Below are his columns printed in 2006.
The above mentioned Times Community Papers are delivered daily with the Los Angeles Times. Copies can also be obtained free of charge at a number of newspaper stands throughout the city.
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January 6, 2007
The Vatican and some Italian government officials have criticized the execution of Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity on the grounds that the death penalty is morally wrong.
Others, like President George W. Bush, say the justice dispensed to the former dictator was the result of a fair trial after years of Hussein's brutal rule. Executing Hussein is an important milestone in creating democracy in Iraq and working to defeat terrorism. What do you think?
I have written previously in this column about my opposition to the death penalty — more precisely, my opposition to a flawed legal system where one's fate depends more on the skill of their defense lawyer than on the facts presented during trial.
All too often we see guilty people set free, and hear of innocent men on death row who are later exonerated by DNA evidence. So, as a rule, I cannot support the death penalty as it's currently practiced.
Saddam Hussein, however, certainly doesn't fall in the category of your average killer. As a mass murderer and brutal dictator, he stands with the likes of Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot. While his atrocities — in numbers — did not reach the magnitude of those monsters, he may very well have achieved similar prominence in history's hall of the wicked, had he been given the chance.
I doubt that Saddam Hussein's execution will make a difference in stabilizing Iraq or will advance that country's efforts to establish democracy. Certainly the cellphone video showing him receiving undignified taunts as he stood on the gallows has only inflamed sectarian tensions between Shiites and Sunnis.
Nevertheless, I feel that Saddam's execution was justified. As a man undeniably guilty of crimes against humanity, the only moral avenue was to rid the world of his vile presence. With his evil energy expunged, we can now try to rebuild Iraq and create a better tomorrow.
RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN
Chabad Jewish Center
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Decmeber 30, 2006
What's your New Year's Resolution/wish for 2007?
Our country witnessed many positive events this past year. Overall, America was blessed with bounty and prosperity; technologically, we continued to advance at break-neck speed, providing our citizens with unprecedented tools for productivity and education. Our economy is humming along, and this holiday season looks like it will be a solid one for the retail market — which is a positive indication for all.
However, when we look at the world around us, the scene does not appear so rosy.
In 2006, havoc and war raged across the globe. Many of America’s finest were killed in the line of duty in Iraq — a war which grinds on with no end in sight. Sectarian strife in that country brings bloodshed to the innocent on a daily basis. We also witnessed an unprovoked terrorist attack on Israel by the Iranian- and Syrian-backed Hezbollah, resulting in loss of life and limb of innocent civilians. Iran’s president spews venomous rhetoric threatening the annihilation of the Jewish people. And in Darfur, hundreds of thousands continue to be brutally murdered in a horrific genocide.
Global understanding and prosperity come as a result of knowledge and education. But we cannot hope for people to educate their children while they are frightened for their lives and fighting for survival. While it may sound cliché, once again I must wish for peace on Earth, so that humanity as whole will be able to educate the next generation to avoid conflict. What a blessing it would be if we could focus on what is truly important for all of us — an enduring peace where mankind can unite in compassion and hope.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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December 23, 2006
Some religious groups, such as the National Coalition of American Nuns, are calling for followers to refrain from drinking bottled water. They say a God-given resource such as water is not something to be packaged and sold while access to drinking water is so scarce in the poorest regions of the world. Water should be free for all, they say.
Bottled water advocates say targeting bottled water companies is misguided, given the many products that use water, and will not lead to solutions to resource scarcity in poor regions of the world.
What do you think?
I disagree that God-given resources should not be "packaged and sold," since ultimately everything in this world is a God-given resource with spiritual significance. Of course we have a responsibility to safeguard the resources entrusted to us, but I believe that God expects us to enjoy and partake in the bounty of the world He created. So long as we behave responsibly, we have a right to capitalize on any particular resource, make an honest living, and provide for our families.
Water scarcity in poor regions of the globe is indeed a serious issue that must be addressed, but it has nothing to do with drinking or marketing bottled water. The lack of water in many Third World countries is largely caused by the lack of the proper infrastructure to make water drinkable and then transport it to where it's needed. Also, many of these countries are ruled by dictators more concerned with power and self-aggrandizement than the welfare of their citizens. Rather than making the necessary investments to meet their people's basic needs, they instigate ethnic and religious strife to deflect criticism from their shortcomings as leaders.
Attacking water bottlers will not bring water to those who need it most. We would be better served to look at the root cause of regional water scarcity and address the issue boldly. Simply put, our planet has enough water to meet everyone's needs, but we lack leaders who are caring or competent enough to get it to them. When appropriate, wealthy nations can help less-developed states to build better infrastructure. And we should also be ready to bring international censure and sanctions against those corrupt dictators who, through their callous neglect, inflict such tragic suffering on their own people.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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December 16, 2006
With the holidays upon us, do you find yourselves getting caught up in the frenzy over shopping and gifts and all the related hustle and bustle? How do you deal with it, and do you worry that the true messages of the season ever get lost?
According to Jewish custom, it's important to give "Chanukah gelt" or gifts during the holiday. Generally this is understood as a spiritual time of year that's made extra festive by giving presents. What is even of greater importance, though, is giving our young ones special attention during this time of year.
Children often have difficulty understanding the spiritual significance of a holiday. But by making it exciting with gifts, songs, and games, we add a dimension which they can appreciate. Over time, as they grow older, this initial appreciation for the gifts will hopefully develop into a sincere awareness of the meaning of the season and its lessons.
We must be careful not to overdo the gift-giving or let it overshadow the spiritual basis of the holiday, since that defeats the purpose. Children should understand that the gifts — while an important part of the holiday — only complement the spirituality of the season, and are not the heart of the season. I also make a point to educate my children during this time of year to give to those less fortunate. To pass on the tradition of giving, I encourage my little ones to take a small part of their holiday gifts and offer them to charity.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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December 9, 2006
As the holidays approach, what historical figure (living or dead) would you most want to visit and converse with over lunch or dinner? Why?
Choosing a conversation partner from the major Jewish leaders of the past is an awesome task. Certainly Moses figures among the greatest, nor can we forget about the great kings of Israel, David and Solomon the wise — or the prophet Daniel.
One of my favorites is the medieval rabbi and philosopher, Maimonides, who is best known for his rational approach to faith, arguing that there can be no real contradiction between truth revealed by God and the truths demonstrable by human reason. Oh, how I would love to spend some time with him.
But if I could choose only one individual with whom to converse, I would want to talk again with my saintly teacher and mentor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of blessed memory. Motivated by a profound love for humanity and spurred by boundless optimism, Rabbi Schneerson lifted the global Jewish community from the ashes of the Holocaust and launched an unprecedented range of Jewish institutions, outreach programs and social services.
In my youth I spent countless hours listening to his discourses and teachings. He imparted to me and thousands of his students the importance of making this world a gentler and kinder place. His overarching goal in life was to create an environment where people would understand each other, be charitable to one another and foster positive acts of goodness.
President Bill Clinton recognized this by stating: "Let us therefore rededicate ourselves to the love of learning, the love of caring and the love of sharing that was championed by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson."
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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November 25, 2006
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a holiday that all Americans, regardless of our differences, can celebrate in unity for one purpose — giving thanks to the Almighty for our wonderful country. We are truly blessed to be citizens of the greatest nation on the earth.
Although we designate only one day a year for Thanksgiving, we really ought to thank the Almighty every day for being citizens of the United States. Our country guarantees freedom and equality for all, regardless of race, color, or creed. It encourages us to strive for greatness; it provides us an opportunity to attain the American dream for ourselves and to make life better for our children. Indeed, we have so much to be thankful for.
On Thanksgiving, we also recall a group of immigrants — the Pilgrims — who came here seeking freedoms not found in their country of origin. They found a safe haven to call home, and persevered in the face of great challenges. Today, partially in tribute to this pathfinding group, over 300 million Americans, almost all of whom are descendants of immigrants or are immigrants themselves, are fortunate to call this country home.
Finally, even though we may count ourselves among the world's most fortunate people, we must not forget that there are many others both here and abroad that are not so lucky. On this day, as well as every day, we should pray for the priceless blessing of global peace so that people everywhere can share in the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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November 18, 2006
Jews and Catholics are reportedly calling for government policies and funding that would allow parents to send their children to private schools with the aid of public funds. The idea is to help parents meet the high cost of religious schools. Critics say vouchers take money away from public schools and funnel it to private religious schools, unfairly.
What do you think? Should the government money go to such a cause?
Numerous studies have shown that boosting funding for public schools does not automatically boost their performance. A case in point is the Los Angeles Unified School District, which has a dismal performance record — among the lowest in the nation — even though its spending per child ranks among the highest. Over the years, one administration after another has increased the LAUSD budget, yet the students' test scores only get lower; sadly, less than 25% of these children now score at or above the 50th percentile in many categories.
In contrast, however, the Glendale and La Canada school districts are home to blue-ribbon schools where children score significantly higher than national norms — even though spending is kept at roughly the national average. This shows that the secret to successful education doesn't lie in bloated budgets, but rather in dedicated teachers who are accountable for their actions, and parents who take an active role in their children's learning.
To claim that monies lost to vouchers would negatively affect our public schools is, in my opinion, a deceptive ploy to undermine competition and delay much-needed reforms. Across America, private and religious schools provide a stellar education and put forward graduates with high scores and sound values. Offering vouchers equal to the amount of public school expenditures per child to those parents who want to give their children a better education is a good idea. The vouchers would not only benefit the participating families, but hopefully spur a positive competition that would make our public schools improve.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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November 4, 2006
Many of New Jersey's state senators are reportedly saying they would not support a bill legalizing gay marriage in the wake of the state's Supreme Court last week directing lawmakers to decide whether to adopt marriage or civil unions for same-sex partners. Massachusetts is the only state that has legalized same-sex marriage.
What if you were one of these lawmakers. How would you vote? Why?
Like many states across the country, New Jersey currently provides equal benefits to both same-sex partners and heterosexual couples. I feel that these various state governments have acted correctly since we cannot — and should not — judge other people, let alone those whose perspectives we may never fully understand. I don't condone a gay or lesbian lifestyle, but nevertheless, in a democratic and open society we must respect each individual's right to lead their life as they see fit as long as it does not harm others.
Regarding the title "marriage," however, I must take issue with activists who insist on applying that term to homosexual unions. The institution of marriage as we know it has been around for thousands of years; it has been a cornerstone of society for millennia and has been recognized as a sacred union between husband and wife — man and woman.
I fail to see the importance of applying the same title for heterosexual marriage to homosexual unions. Since gays and lesbians receive equal benefits under the law and are provided the same rights, why the need for the same label? Those lobbying to change the definition of marriage — as opposed to working to guarantee equal rights — seem to be attacking the sensitivities of an overwhelming majority of Americans for no apparent reason. Applying the term "marriage" to homosexual unions would only aggravate many with traditional values without advancing the worthy goal of securing equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, color, creed, religion or sexual orientation.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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October 28, 2006
President George W. Bush's political advisers publicly embraced evangelical supporters while as privately calling them "nuts" and using their votes to help win elections, according to a new book from David Kuo, the former No. 2 official in the administration's faith-based initiatives program.
Kuo assails political advisor Karl Rove's political staff for using the faith-based initiatives idea for political gain. And the book criticizes Bush for failing to live up to the promise of the faith-based initiative, which aimed to boost the role of religious organizations in delivering social services.
What do you think of this news? Does it shake your faith in the initiative or politicians' administration of it?
Over two thousand years ago, a great Jewish leader by the name of Rabbi Gamliel stated: "Be careful with the government, for they befriend a person only for their own needs. They appear to be friends when it is beneficial to them, but they do not stand by a person at the time of his distress."
When reading this recent story about the Bush Administration, my first thought was, "So what else is new?" Most politicians, whether Republican, Democrat, Independent or anything in between, have only one thing in mind: getting votes. They will say and do almost anything to accomplish that goal. We have witnessed this phenomenon time and again — and although we should never accept it, we should no longer feel shocked by such headlines.
These are the political realities we face, and we must make the best of them. Religious leaders should not lose heart or be distracted from their humanitarian mission; on the contrary, they should use this incident to benefit of the people they represent by pressing the Administration to rectify their duplicity and promote even more faith-based initiatives and social services. Here is an opportunity to transform a political blunder into something positive, and turn what may have been an unfortunate circumstance into a charitable boon for the needy.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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October 14, 2006
A church in Augusta, Ga., has reportedly begun using ATMs as way for its parishioners to tithe. The effort, says Pastor Marty Baker of Stevens Creek Community Church, is simply a way to adapt to a credit-card-happy society in which plastic is overtaking paper as a form of payment. Proponents of the "Giving Kiosks" say such a use of technology is a way to boost donations using modern tools while adjusting to an age when churchgoers are more likely to have credit and debit cards in their pockets than cash.
Those who aren't thrilled about the idea worry that it promotes debt, even as faiths urge against spending beyond means. And the idea of using such technology at church strikes some as insensitive and out of context for a church.
What do you think? Think you'd ever purchase one for your congregation?
A huge percentage of monetary transactions are now performed using plastic. We swipe our credit cards countless times each day at gas stations, grocery checkouts, and retail shops of every kind. And with the advent of the Internet, we can manage our children's tuition bills online, file our taxes electronically (with refunds direct-deposited to our bank accounts), and pay debts without ever writing a check or licking a stamp.
When it comes to charitable giving, I don't feel that there's anything sacred about writing a check or placing cash in an envelope. If one feels more comfortable using traditional methods, that's fine — but since many people are now accustomed to the convenience of credit and debit cards, why not harness the technology for charity? Religious institutions depend on charitable contributions to survive, and are always searching for new, creative ways for supporters to fund their community projects, faith-based initiatives, and programs for the needy.
Using an ATM to encourage charitable giving will not, in and of itself, cause people to give beyond their means. Usually, it is negative actions such as unrestrained spending or gambling that force people into debt; if there is a real concern that some community members might go overboard in charitable giving, ATMs can be programmed to only accept debit cards, and reminders can be given about sensible money management.
Ultimately, the use of the ATM machine marks another positive milestone in innovative charitable giving. It opens another avenue for individuals to support religious institutions — and these institutions rely on member support to continue their good works.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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October 11, 2006
Some reports about the resignation last week of evangelist Rev. Ted Haggard from his leadership post at the National Association of Evangelicals over allegations of methamphetamine use and a homosexual relationship have touched on the topic of the rehabilitation of wayward clergy. They've sparked a discussion on issues of addiction among clergy and how forgiving we should be of their misdeeds. One report about Haggard said that a pastoral care center for Focus on the Family, a faith-based family advocacy group, receives 400 to 600 calls a month from pastors struggling with addiction or sexual issues. With the news that Haggard admitted that he bought methamphetamine and received a massage from a male prostitute, the sex abuse cases in the Catholic Church and even going back to the scandals involving televangelists Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart, how do you react to this news and how do you think people and congregations should react? Should they be quick to forgive and bring them back? Also, are you seeing more of such problems among clergy?
Because they hold a position of trust and authority, religious figures must make an extra effort to stand tall against the forces of temptation that can lead man astray. As protectors of the faith and teachers of ethics, clergy members have a special responsibility to remain true to their beliefs and convictions. Their conduct should reflect the morals they promote, so they can serve as living examples for others.
Clergy who use their position to take advantage of members of their congregation — such as the horrifying cases of men of the cloth who sexually abuse children — should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. They have betrayed the trust of those who needed them most, and caused irreparable harm to innocent victims. Religious authorities, and society as a whole, must take a zero-tolerance approach toward this or any other criminal activity.
We should make some distinction, however, for clergy who simply fall victim to all too-human temptations of the flesh. Religious leaders are no different then anyone else, and have the same traits that lead them to moral failings. As human beings, all of us are at one time or another tempted by immorality — this is a biological fact. In most instances, with the help of spiritual teachings and principles, we can persevere and lead a righteous life. But should any of us stumble — whether we are clergy or layman — we would hope to find understanding and compassion. So long as we have not committed a terrible crime, we would hope to have a chance to earn forgiveness.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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October 7, 2006
A new movie, called "Jesus Camp," is stirring up criticism and praise over a Christian camp that evangelizes to youth.
The film focuses on three children, Rachael, Levi, and Tory. It follows the children through Pastor Becky Fischer's North Dakota summer camp as they absorb doctrines of Christian evangelicalism. She claims she is training Christian soldiers for God's army. Scenes reportedly include praying for conservative Supreme Court justices, 7-year-olds doing spiritual war dances and children blessing a cardboard cutout of President George W. Bush. The filmakers, Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, have presented an honest documentary that steers clear of a prepackaged point of view, according to its distributor, Magnolia Films.
Critics say the film shows the influence of the radical right. Others say the film itself misrepresents its subjects.
What do you think of such a camp?
Extremism in any form — be it religious or political — does not lend itself well to peaceful co-existence; rigid, hard-line views can often lead to violence. We should all be troubled if the activities being reported at "Jesus Camp" are true.
I watched a clip of Pastor Becky Fischer stating her intent to train children to "radically lay down their lives for the Gospel as they do in Pakistan, Israel and Palestine." Unfortunately, most of the people laying down their lives in those lands are Islamic terrorists who kill thousands of innocent civilians in the process; it is simply wrong to use these radicals as role-models. Another clip shows campers saying, "A lot of people die for God," and, "We're kind of being trained to be warriors." It is very dangerous to teach impressionable children such an aggressive doctrine.
I feel that it's critically important for us to teach our youth to appreciate the value of religion and to incorporate spirituality into their lives. But we must also impart a respect and tolerance for people of other faiths and backgrounds. We should educate our young through positive spiritual lessons, and encourage them to revere a God of life, peace and forgiveness. Our world has already suffered enough from the consequences of intolerant extremism.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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September 23, 2006
The percentage of new clergy younger than 35, across mainline denominations, including Prodestant and Catholic, is reportedly dropping, according to a recent study by the Lewis Center for Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary. Are you seeing a drop in your faith? If so, what do you think is driving it? Are you concerned?
The dilemma of an aging clergy is symptomatic of a general aging of church and synagogue members. Seats vacated by the older generation are now left empty instead of being filled by youth. So we must address the underlying question of why young people are participating in religion less then their parents.
The baby boom generation was raised under the assumption that they would automatically absorb their elders' beliefs and become active participants in religious life. If they questioned certain aspects of theology, they were often admonished to "do as you're told." Thoughtful explanations and genuine dialogue were rare. And today, when the children of baby boomers ask questions, what can these parents say in reply?
In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon says: "Educate each child according to his own way, so even when he grows old, he will not depart from it." It's the responsibility of parents and clergy to reach out to young people and gauge what they need. Without sacrificing our core beliefs, we must offer a religious lifestyle that appeals to a contemporary generation. If we do this, it will only be a matter of time before we see a greater interest in religious services and rising attendance. In turn, that will lead to younger and more energetic clergy members.
Today, Jews across the world are celebrating the first day of Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year. Traditionally, this the birthday of Adam, the first man; it is also the beginning of the educational process. I pray on this day that we have the wisdom to educate our youth so that they become torchbearers of the faith — and that they will have the fortitude to endure the pressures of our ever-changing world.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center
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September 16, 2006
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, reportedly will try and block legislation that would outlaw physician-assisted suicide in his state - the only one in the union that allows such a measure, which the Supreme Court has upheld.
Kansas Republican Sen. Sam Brownback's bill would prohibit doctors from prescribing drugs that would help a patient die.
Society's moral conventions become murky when the law allows death in the name of "medical treatment," Brownback argues. And the chronically ill and vulnerable may end up viewing such measures as acceptable, he added.
Wyden argues that the government should not intervene to override an individual's wishes and values.
What do you think?
Life, whether it lasts for 100 years or a split second, holds infinite value. It has an essential, inherent worth that is mystical and incomprehensible. The quality of life during any one moment does not alter its core value, which is why we are commanded to preserve and cherish it to the last breath. Judaism even requires that if need be, we violate all 613 laws of the Bible (except for murder, adultery and idolatry) to save a life — for all the sacred teachings are worthless without living humans to follow them.
Regarding euthanasia, Jewish law maintains that taking a life under any circumstance is murder. Just as we don't differentiate between the life of a powerful CEO or that of a person committed to an asylum for the mentally ill, anyone who commits murder against one or the other of them would face equal justice. The same is true for helping with the suicide of a terminally ill patient. The fact that the patient is in unremitting pain and pleads for assistance in ending his life doesn't change the law: murder is murder.
Proponents of euthanasia argue that terminally ill people should be allowed to decide that life is not worth living. I question how we can determine the worth of life. Is it only an incurable cancer patient whose life isn't worth living? How about a 23 year-old manic-depressive who feels that life is unbearable — should we offer him the option of assisted suicide? How about those who argue that mentally handicapped people are a burden on society and their families and may not be worth supporting? How repulsive, you may think — but again, why stop at the terminally ill? Where do we stop?
And that is the extra danger that comes with legalizing assisted suicide. In addition to being immoral in itself, legalization could also lead us down the path of deciding whose lives are worth sustaining and whose are not.
Such a judgment is not ours to make.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center