Letters to the editor

A call to continue the Jacobs’ legacy of goodness
As I read David Rullo’s moving account of “Rabbi Walter and Irene Jacob’s ‘butterfly effect’ of positive change” (Oct. 17), I felt renewed gratitude for two extraordinary lives that shaped so many others.

As Walter Jacob’s successor as Rodef Shalom’s senior rabbi (2004–2022) and now as the congregation’s rabbinic scholar, I am proud that we honored our teacher with the 2016 Pursuer of Peace Award, proceeds of which helped establish the Walter and Irene Jacob Giving Fund within Mainstay Life Services. I was gratified to read in the Chronicle’s article that the Jacobs’ recently announced bequest to Mainstay ensures their goodness and generosity will continue to benefit families for generations to come.

Walter and Irene taught me many things — most essentially, that pain provides us with opportunities and loss can yield blessings.

In the face of personal tragedy, together they quietly and resolutely chose to live facing forward: to raise children and disciples, to engage the world with empathy, to busy themselves with worthwhile pursuits, and to be a blessing wherever and however they could. This special couple were certainly a blessing to me in my life.

As we have just marked Rabbi Jacob’s first yahrzeit (Oct. 20 / 18 Tishrei), I invite all who were touched by this beautiful couple to honor their memories through acts of gardening (or simply appreciating nature’s beauty), acts of study (or learning for its own sake), acts of tzedakah (or giving in celebration of a loved one), and acts of kindness (or simply living by their example) and sharing it with others. This, I shall do.

Whether on the pulpit — in my work within Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, in both this city’s East End and North Hills, or in interfaith settings — or off the pulpit, when I’m simply Aaron with neighbors and friends, and Dad to my kids, I continue to be inspired by Walter and Irene’s example and life lessons. And I am proud to embrace and to amplify their model of positive change in the world.

The Jewish butterfly effect, indeed.

Rabbi Aaron B. Bisno,
Frances F. and David R. Levin Rabbinic Scholar, Rodef Shalom Congregation
Pittsburgh

Antisemitism persists — so must our vigilance
I found the results of the Chronicle’s antisemitism poll interesting and revealing (“Chronicle poll results: Affected by antisemitic incident,” Oct. 17).

I am 81 years old. I have not been directly affected by any incidents recently. However, since I was a teenager, I have been aware, every day of my life, of being Jewish, sometimes for good reasons and sometimes for bad reasons.

Antisemitism comes in different forms, some blatant, others more subtle (remarks from friends or acquaintances who don’t know something said is offensive). Most people know nothing about Jews and the Jewish religion except what they hear on television or social media.

Interestingly, people that I have known for many years still cannot grasp that I don’t celebrate Christmas, or that Christmas has no meaning for me, no matter how many times I have explained.

Antisemitism has been around for over 1,000 years, and unfortunately probably always will be.

Thank God the hostages are finally returned.

But can it happen again?

We must remain ever vigilant!

Daniel Rubenstein
Pittsburgh