February 3, 2004

NEXT MEETING, FEBRUARY 9… Nick Walters, with the U.S.D.A. Rural Development, will be our speaker.

LAST MEETING, FEBRUARY 2… Rabbi Valerie Cohen of Temple Beth Israel told us about the major differences between Judaism and Christianity, and then answered questions from the audience. The main difference, of course, is how we view Jesus Christ, with Christians considering him the Divine Messiah, and Jews considering him a great teacher (and she pointed out that Jews are not looking for a “divine” Messiah anyway, but a human one). Rabbi Cohen told us about the written and oral Torahs, and the fact that Christians believe that what’s done is less important than what one believes, while Jews adhere to precisely the opposite view. She also discussed Jewish viewpoints on the hereafter, and the clash of Arabs and Jews in the Middle East, which she ascribes to fanatical fundamentalists on both sides. Thanks to Bob Berman for arranging and introducing this speaker.

THE SWEETHEART BANQUET… is scheduled for March 23 at the Mississippi Arts Pavillion, where we’ll have a festive dinner and a tour of the Glory of Baroque Dresden. Be sure and send in your reservation (along with the $50 for each ticket).

MENTOR MOMENTS... Committee Chairman Alan Moak told us about the selection process for choosing who will receive our scholarships. We could only award four last year, when we had more than 50 applicants, and we had to turn down some very deserving students. One new wrinkle this year is that we require applicants to have a session with the non-profit Education Services Foundation, which counsels potential college students about the resources available. Alan told us that application blanks are being mailed to high schools in the area this week. Please don’t forget to buy your $100 raffle tickets (each Rotarian is expected to purchase two), which supports this worthwhile program.

THE ROTARY SPOTLIGHT… turned February 2 on Dr. Dan Jones of the University Medical Center, with Wayne Patterson doing the honors. Congratulations, Dan.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… I want to thank those of you who responded to my challenge to become Paul Harris Sustaining Members or Paul Harris Fellows. At this time we have 12 new PHSM's and one anonymous PHF with, hopefully, more to come. There is still time to tell Bill Dawson to add your name to the list.– Haden

PROGRAM CHANGE… on February 23, we’ll be privileged to hear Past Rotary International President Herbert Brown, who’ll be in Jackson on a business trip. Be SURE to be here for that treat!