Letter to the Editor: Rabbi’s speech was opportunity

Letter to the Editor
Dec. 2, 2004, Page 5

Dear Editor,
I want to thank the Office of Student Leadership personnel and advisory committees for welcoming Rabbi Harold Kushner to Doane’s community.
Years ago I read one of his earlier books, When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
Last spring Kim Heier told me she had selected Living a Life That Matters as the common book for the 2004-2005 IDS 102 sections, and I immediately requested a library copy to read.
The privilege to see and hear a contemporary author with such wide international acceptance is a rare treat for us Midwest residents.
The Old Testament is a rich heritage shared by Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Rabbi Kushner’s remarks focused on universal human values to suggest strategies we can use to enrich our own lives and the lives of others. Regardless of our individual religious creed, our response to his guidelines helps us address the College’s mission statement goals: To think critically, to work with others and to act ethically and to lead responsibly.
More specifically, during the Doane experience, students are asked to demonstrate an understanding of the origins, development, values and distinctive qualities of our collective heritage; and understanding of the values, traditions, behaviors and philosophical foundations of diverse national and international cultures; and the ability to appreciate and explore new areas of learning.
I look forward to ongoing intellectual and spiritual challenges among the members of the Doane community.

Sincerely,
Kay L. Hegler