Current PHOTO Erika Share - Current GRAPHIC Tyler Jump
Jewish community welcomes a sweet new year
Roxanne Kruger
Staff Reporter
On Sept. 25, Carthage College's Religion department sponsored a luncheon for all Jewish students and faculty. As it was the first year Carthage put on this event, it seemed quite successful. Assistant Professor of Religion Sandra Bisciglia said each year she checks to see how many students who identify as being Jewish are on campus.
This year there were 19, which is a number that has grown a lot over the past few years. "When I saw that number, I thought we should have a little get together," said Bisciglia. Therefore, the religion department decided to sponsor the event. They served pizza, desserts and as a tradition for the Jewish New Year, which falls on Sept. 30, apples and honey.
Brad Crandall, '10, a transfer student from De Paul University, enjoyed the luncheon. "It was a nice idea," said Crandall. Speaking at the luncheon was Rabbi Dena Feingold. Feingold is a Rabbi at congregation Beth Hillel in Kenosha. This will be her 25th year at this congregation, and she has also taught religion classes at Carthage in the past.
She let the students know that the synagogue is very close to campus, and they are always welcome, especially as the Jewish High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) approach. "It was really nice to meet Rabbi Feingold and have her tell us about Beth Hillel; I wouldn't have got information on it if Carthage hadn't held the meet and greet," said Erika Share, '12.
There were quite a number of professors in attendance. Associate Professor of Psychology Penny Seymoure could not believe the significant growth of the Jewish students on campus. "I was surprised that the Jewish population has grown to the size that it is," said Seymoure. She remembers only a few years ago that there was only one student who identified with being Jewish on campus.
Bisciglia stated that she plans on continuing this luncheon for students and faculty around this time each year.
She hopes students enjoy meeting professors who are also Jewish, and know that they have a synagogue nearby.
Taking sides: debating the first debate
Obama |
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Ryan Geary
Obama has less experience debating than McCain, but that did not prevent him from being forthcoming and assertive. Some critics questioned Obama's "Plans of Change," and now they have a better idea why Obama is the only choice for president. Obama said his ideas for proposals are beneficial to taxpaying homeowners and will also prevent and stop corporate loopholes and tax cuts. He was very decisive and specific when he spoke about the possible solutions for the financial crisis. As the crisis was brought up, Obama said he was optimistic about a plan and said the government should be more responsible in helping Main Street, not just Wall Street. Obama was very knowledgeable when it came to foreign affairs. He noted that the United States soldiers were sent to the Middle East to fight Al-Qaeda, and once the forces were reduced in Afghanistan and sent to Iraq, Al-Qaeda expanded its network to 60 countries. Mark Petering of the Music Faculty commented on Obama's insight to foreign affairs: "[His] overall world- view takes into account a bigger picture than Iraq...it is necessary to have a president that does not have tunnel vision and sees how we have to handle world problems responsibly." McCain's responses to Obama's opinions were lackluster, and his notes concerning Obama's record were, at times, completely unfounded. Obama fended off all accusations, and prevented McCain from taking away momentum from his responses. Given that the topics of future debates are healthcare and domestic issues, it will be thrilling to see Obama prove McCain wrong again. |
McCain |
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Adam Luedtke
The first half of the debate was about the current financial crisis, and although Democratic candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. continually tried to tie McCain to President George W. Bush's policies, McCain provided bipartisan beliefs about the situation. McCain made strong points about accountability in politics and on Wall Street when it came to the economy and condemned excess and greed and how they are rewarded in today's system. While both candidates declared the need to rein in out of control spending, McCain's major point was that he has a track record of fighting excess spending while Obama does not. In fact, Obama's brief record as a senator was the most liberal of any during his time. The second half of the debate centered on foreign affairs and national security, two issues that were clearly strong points for McCain over Obama. McCain made a strong case for his experience involving these issues and the lack of experience on Obama's part. This point was particularly made on McCain's grasp of the severity of ending the Iraq War the right way, with victory and honor. Obama wants to pull out of Iraq, which may lead to further, more expansive and expensive wars. McCain was in Vietnam and knows the effect a lost war can have on the country. While lots of college students may have come away with an impression of Obama winning the debate because of his speaking skills and youth, McCain clearly had better answers when it came to the economy and foreign affairs, and answers is what this country seemingly needs. |
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