I respectfully ask The Jewish Link to cease and desist the advertisements for the plethora of restaurants, stores and takeout establishments which tout the foods contributing to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity; the real killers in our neighborhoods, not responsible gun owners (“Cease and Desist” June 6, 2024). As far as “Here in Teaneck we live in peace with our neighbors, many of whom are… Muslim or of Middle Eastern heritage,” we have heard loud and clear from many of those neighbors at Teaneck Council meetings, protest rallies at our local shuls and events, and on college campuses, and we and our children are running scared.
And correct, the bartender who serves alcohol to an intoxicated individual who gets into an accident can be held liable. However, I have yet to hear the proprietor or server at any of the eateries advertising in The Jewish Link say to a customer, “You know, you really shouldn’t eat that deep fried chicken and french fries, how about boiled chicken and baked potatoes instead?” Or, “That juicy red steak and fatty, salty deli sandwich with three choices of mayo dressing on the side really aren’t good for you, how about grilled chicken with plain undressed salad?” Or “Yes, our cakes dripping chocolate, and our ice cream topped with fudge taste great, but instead of all that sugar, how about a fresh fruit?” On the other hand, gun stores and shooting ranges are by and large fanatical about safety and responsible gun ownership and use, and offer many training courses on the safe use of firearms. Faith in Hashem? 100%! But not the faith of the man whose town is flooding and drowns when he refuses the car, boat and helicopter. Hashem says to him, “I tried, but you didn’t take advantage of the means I provided to help yourself.” So let’s do what we can with the means provided by Hashem, to stay healthy, and to protect our family, friends and community.
