What a Temple Can Mean
A few days ago, the suddenly evacuated families of Granada Hills had an opportunity to learn what a temple is all about.
Driven from their homes by fire, they were taken in by Temple Ahavat Shalom, acting as a shelter for Jews and non-Jews alike under the auspices of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Group.
How ironic, then, when sanctuary is denied to a temple itself.
As president of Shir Chadash--The New Reform Congregation, I find myself engaged, with others, in a struggle to maintain the right to build our temple on land that was legally leased to us for that purpose 2 years ago. I and the congregation I represent are being told that the building of our temple is not in the best interest of our community.
After several years of careful planning and communication with members of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Organization, this body has suddenly decided that this temple should not be part of its community.
Our goal is to provide that haven for the community, a place to worship, study and be a shelter in times of disaster, as was Temple Ahavat Shalom.
ANITA M. GREEN
Encino
Green is president of Shir Chadash -- The New Reform Congregation .
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