Community Magazine September 2011

WHEN EQUALITY TURNS PERVERSE Last month, the magazine made mention of a certain politician’s support of same-gender marriage. I believe that the polls showing that popular support for same-gender marriage increased almost immediately after Cuomo became governor, are suspicious at best, but are more likely a complete fraud. There is a reason why this issue was not put up for a referendum and was forced through the NY State legislature, Nancy Pelosi style. This law is against the will of the people, and the fact that most news articles, letters and opinion pieces in the liberal media were either 90 percent in favor or selected to ignore legal and factual arguments, does not change that. But what cannot be ignored is that all “equality in marriage” laws, including New York’s, are unconstitutional on their face. Laws that claim to grant equality in marriage, regardless of their language, must be based on equal protection for every person... and cannot preclude all groups outside the LGBT community. Once marriage is constitutionalized (that is, once marriage is made subject to the anti-discrimination standards of the equal protection clause), there can be no selective applications or preclusions of the equal protection of one’s right to marry his or her selected partner. Unfortunately, this means equal marriage rights for those inclined toward a member of their own family, children or polygamy. Under equality in marriage, each of these must also be protected under the law against discrimination. For this reason, the legal status of our children, in this area, is in great jeopardy each and every day these laws are allowed to stand. Morris Gindi, Esq. A SHEMOT QUESTION People should be alert about proper disposal of published shemot Hakodesh (Gd’s holy names). In the piece, “New Berachot Card Show Faith in Coming of Mashiah,” (August 2011, page 83), the word elokei is printed and other names of Hashem are expressed in broken words. Those who have the referenced magazine issue may want to ask their rabbi about proper disposal, and should be careful with other published works. C. J. EDITOR’S NOTE: According to the Shulhan Aruch (276:9) “ elokei” is not one of Hashem’s names that would require burial in geniza. Furthermore, many poskim hold that the hyphens separating the words that represent Hashem’s name render the text exempt from shemot classification (see Minhat Yizhak 9:62:3) . Nevertheless, it is recommended that readers consult with their own rabbi for guidance. From everyone at Maimonides, we wish you a very healthy and sweet 5772. 1 0 0 y e a r s a n d g r o w i n g 1 9 1 1 - 2 0 1 1 Passionate about medicine. Compassionate about people. aimonides Good ealth essage # 1 - KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY. a - Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and weight at healthy levels to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other diseases. b - Blood Pressure: Below 120/80 is normal. If higher, consult your doctor. Above 140/90, you may need medicine. c - Cholesterol: Total cholesterol above 240 or LDL above 160: modify your diet; you may need medicine. Smokers and people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and others at high risk should keep levels even lower. The lower your LDL, the lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. d - Weight: Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least 4 days a week. Find out the maximum healthy weight for your height (Body Mass Index or BMI, < 25). Eat at least 5 servings a day of vegetables or fruits. 2 - GET THE IMMUNIZATIONS YOU NEED. a - Everyone needs to be vaccinated, regardless of age. i - People 50 and older (and others at high risk): A flu shot every year. ii - People 65 and older (and others at high risk): Pneumonia vaccine, one time. 3 - MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE. a - Have a home that is free of safety hazards. Never burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire. i - Be sure candleholders are placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. ii - Remember toddlers have a habit of pulling tablecloths. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else. 4 - EAT A BALANCED DIET. a - Include fiber, fruits and vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C. Stay away from trans fats and hydrogenated oils in processed and refined foods such as margarine, spreads, fried and fast foods. Reduce your sugar intake from candy and snacks like soft drinks, cake, and cookies. 5 - HAVE A REGULAR DOCTOR OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. a - Get regular medical care to help stay healthy. Call (888) MMC-DOCS to find the right doctor for you who is close to home and also takes your insurance. Visit w w w.MaimonidesMed.or g or call (888) MMC-DOCS (662-3627) eLuL 5771 SePtemBeR 2011 11