‘Fight Erupts Over Bill on Gifts to Doctors’

In regards to “Fight Erupts Over Bill on Gifts to Doctors,” as a registered nurse who practiced in health care and clinical research for several years, I oppose this “effort,” also [New York, June 18, 2008].

I have never observed any of the doctors I have worked with prescribe or favor any drugduetolunchesprovided by drug representatives.

The working lunches hosted by the drug representatives gave our professional staff an opportunity to learn about new drugs and ask many questions about existing medications to more fully inform our patients.

LISA SANDS,
RN New York, N.Y.

‘Whither Thou Goest’

Hillel Halkin, in citing the factors behind the new conversion crisis in Israel where a conversion was annulled by the ultra-Orthodox 15 years after being granted, overlooks some very important political undertones [Oped, “Whither Thou Goest…,” June 10, 2008].

At the very same time when this blow to Jewish and Israel unity took place, Prime Minister Olmert’s office terminated the tenure of Rabbi Chaim Drukman as head of the Israeli Conversions Court.

Rabbi Drukman was appointed by Ariel Sharon in 2004 to modernize the Conversions Court and he has been a strong advocate of broader acceptance of non-Jews within the guidelines of Jewish law.

Many of these converts, Jews by choice, have gone through rigorous tests affirming their devotion and commitment to Judaism as well as a similar devotion and commitment to religious Zionism.

It is not surprising that the National Religious Party chairman, Zevulun Orlev, has stated that “The Prime Minister’s Office has stabbed the Religious Zionist establishment in the heart … ousting Drukman will cause the complete disintegration of the friendly conversion establishment.”

It is also not surprising that the secular Mr. Olmert would want to align himself with the ultra-Orthodox to weaken the numbers of religious Zionists who actively oppose his administration.

MARVIN BELSKY
New York, N.Y.