[HANASHIR:1503] Re: one more wrinkle

[LPKAROL <LPKAROL...>]

Why is Fred Phelps picketing my synagogue?  For the same reason that he and
his family of lawyers and picketers pickets at businesses, churches and other
houses of worship, and government offices.  Anyone who disagrees with him and
his family is not part of God's elect.  They picket those who are not part of
God's elect in order to teach them God's truth (or-the truth of God's hate
that they believe in).  
    What to do?  Picketing ordinances trying to limit time and place outside
houses of worship have not worked.  Our state judges don't believe in
tampering with free speech.  Prosecution has only worked when they Phelpses
have violently attacked someone or when they have tried to intimidate someone.
    So what do we do?  I write articles and take part in efforts that model
and teach respectful dialogue across religious and cultural backgrounds.  That
is one response to Fred Phelps.  The other is to join local groups that are
specifically trying to limit the activities of the Phelps' family/church.
     Finally, I twirl a grogger when I drive by the picketers sometimes - the
Phelpses are living Hamans!
      Of course, this is a serious matter, but sometimes we try to laugh in
Topeka in order to stay focused on what is most important in our lives.  
     Thanks for everyone's concern - let's all do what we can to keep such
embodiments of the yetzer hara under control.  
     L'shalom,
     Rabbi Larry Karol
     Topeka, Kansas