Politics in the JewishTimes
Reader: I usually print out the Jewish Times for reading over Shabbos and perhaps passing on some good idea at the Shabbos table. Therefore I was surprised and disappointed to find in last week issue, (Vol. III, no. 37) a political column by Ed Koch.
The masthead of your publication reads, "Dedicated to Scriptural and Rabbinic Verification of Authentic Jewish Beliefs and Practices." As much as you or I may like Ed Koch, and his defense of the Jewish community, his writing does not even come close to reflecting scripture, rabbinic literature, authentic Judaism, and halachic practice. I also worry when one side in a political battle starts to claim that G-d is only on their side.
Let's keep the Jewish Times true to its mission, there is enough political stuff out there without your inserting his column into a torah-oriented publication.
Mesora: Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the JewishTimes. At times, we will include political columns if we feel there is worthy content. Part of Torah adherence is welfare of Israel and Jews at large, which requires some attention be paid to the political landscape.
Our focus is Torah, and all that is required for its support. Just as the early Rabbis did, we too cannot ignore world events.