This regards an article in the April edition of your renowned newspaper, “Messianic Jewish View Of Movie,” written by Rabbi Barney Kasdan of Kehilat Ariel Messianic Synagogue of San Diego.

The Rabbi’s Synagogue embraces Jesus Christ as the Messiah, i.e. King of Jews, who should deliver them from a yoke of unbelievers, and he did touch a very sensitive issue of how God is winning the deliverance.

As an argument of winning it, the Rabbi drew parallelism between “The Passion of the Christ” and the feasts of Purim (read the book of Esther), while to an ordinary Christian these two events contradict each other.

While the mission of Christ is to seed love among people of the entire world, the Purim basks in hatred and revenge against the world if it does not accept the abominable practices of Purims, about which the Old Testament is full of examples, during the feasts celebrated with fanfares.

In his discourse, the Rabbi identifies the modern State of Israel with the ancient one and with Jews (Judeans) who with that ancient have little in common. Thus, he is trying to convince that his Messianic synagogue, by embracing Yeshua (Jesus) also struggle for the State of Israel and is expecting Christians to join the struggle.

         Ted Pioro

         San Diego

I just wanted to make you aware of the situation that has occurred in post disaster San Diego. Here in my town of Ramona, more than 200 homes were lost, lives were lost, pets were lost, and family history, photos and antiques have all gone up in smoke. Many craftsmen have lost their tools, and are suffering because they can no longer support their families.

Affected families who are part of a church have been supported and embraced, funds have been raised, and many needs have been met. However, “unchurched” families and individuals have been utterly ignored and left to their own misery. If Christians in my community knew the suffering that was going on here, they would be devastated. That is why I am writing you today.

Many folks do not have safe and sanitary places to live. They had no or little insurance, have lost their tools and vehicles, they are depressed and lonely. The situation here is like a third world country. I am extremely concerned that despondent fire survivors will lose their will to fight the many battles, both physically and emotionally.

No, it is far from over. No, FEMA did not take care of everyone. No, people are not properly insured. Even the insured will not have enough money to rebuild what they had unless loans are assumed, and mothers go to work. Children are suffering due to their parent’s preoccupation with survival. Whole families are stuffed into fifth wheels, some with tarps over the top because they leak in the rain. Much debris is still standing on properties, and the county is getting ready to financially punish those who have not cleared theirs. If they could have cleared it, they would have.

The few relief workers in Ramona are over extended. Christians, organize a project that can help. We are not organized enough to place you in an existing project. Fire survivors need to feel loved and supported. They need folks to adopt them, to walk along side them, they need money, and they need tools, vehicles and furniture. They will not be able to get back to where they were unless they get help. Anyone interested in helping should contact Ramona Disaster Outreach (800) 559-5771.

         Tim Connelly

         Ramona