Did Esti Weinstein die in vain?

When we were in Jerusalem in late June, we heard the news of the suicide of Esti Weinstein, a 50 year old Israeli woman. She left a suicide note: “In this city I gave birth to my daughters, in this city I die because of my daughters.”

Palestinian terrorists perpetrated another heinous attack in Tel Aviv, murdering four Israelis and wounding nine others. Israeli police were quick to neutralize the two gun-wielding terrorists so that no further casualties resulted.

It is with sadness that I record the passing of Dr. Albert Arking of Potomac, Maryland. The world has lost an outstanding human being. Our family has lost a crown jewel. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother—and our distinguished Mehutan, father of our son-in-law Dan.

Last year, the "Forward" (December 10, 2012) published an article listing the salaries of executives in Jewish not-for-profit organizations. Eighteen of these individuals are earning over $400,000 per year, with the top salary at over $879,000.

I subscribe to the notion that Jewish not-for-profits need to pay proper salaries to their employees. Unless proper compensation packages are offered, these institutions will not be able to attract the best and the brightest executives. Good executives are essential to the fulfillment of the missions of those organizations for whom they work.

A story is told of the great Hassidic master, Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Berdichev. He had been visiting a town and attended prayer services in the local synagogue. One day, he stopped at the synagogue door and did not enter the sanctuary. The many people who were accompanying him were perplexed. Why did the Rebbe not enter the synagogue? Rabbi Levi Yitzhak told them: “I am not entering the synagogue because it's too crowded.” But the synagogue was empty! The Rebbe explained: “The synagogue is full of prayers, there's no room left for us.

A member of the Institute recently sent me an email. Here are his comments, although I've deleted the name of the rabbi to whom he referred. (Rabbi X isn't his real name.)

Our prayers are with the people of Israel as they once again are compelled to defend themselves against the forces of terror, hatred and destruction.