Evaluate communal role on campus

In response to your article "Uniting religious segments" (Nov. 5):

In response to your article, "Uniting religious segments," this reader finds that the author was not comprehensive in her research.

While the substantive mission of Kehilat Sha'ar is another question for the Jewish community at Brandeis, and perhaps a topic for an additional article in the Justice, that necessary question was not posed to the relevant Jewish community in this article.

The author failed to provide any insight as to how Kehilat Sha'ar interacts with the wider Brandeis Jewish community, including no input from the leaders of the other denominational groups.

For example, the author's comment that the current Jewish religious groups at Brandeis "are just that-only services, with no events directly corresponding," is completely inaccurate: each of the main religious groups under the Hillel umbrella-Brandeis Reform Chavurah, Brandeis Orthodox Organization, Brandeis University Conservative Organization and Brandeis Reconstructionist Organization-hosts a wide variety of social, educational and social-action events specifically intended to foster community. The fact that the author failed to mention these groups gives a false impression about the lack of vibrant religious communities existing within Hillel.

Secondly, the author notes that there is an inherent relationship between Sha'ar and Hillel at Brandeis, but failed to further uncover that this dynamic may actually be somewhat strained from the other perspective.

Lastly, the author notes that "Kehilat Sha'ar is open to anyone on campus," implying that the existing communities aren't open to the wider campus community.

An article about such a presently controversial topic within the Brandeis Jewish community must voice more than one perspective.

A well-balanced article includes more opinions than simply interviewing the founders of one group, especially when its existence continues to be a contentious subject for many others involved in Jewish religious groups on campus.

-Naomi Weinblatt '16

Both Hillel and Chabad fill the void

In response to your article "Uniting religious segments" (Nov. 5):

How are they any different? Chabad and Hillel are both welcoming to all members of the community. As an alum I am interested in hearing how this group has somehow created a community with lower "barriers to entry" than Hillel and Chabad, which already welcome everyone. I remember my time at Hillel as inclusive and loving. I don't see how this helps to bring the greater Jewish community on campus any closer.

-Paul Garvey '07