LETTERS

Concerning the Glorification of Gambling

Letter to the Editor of Moment Magazine

To the Editor,

I was quite dismayed to read your account of "The Royal Flush Rabbi" (February 2003). As a rabbinical student, I have learned in pastoral counseling seminars that gambling addiction is a real problem in the Jewish community. In fact, statistics show that in recent years more congregants have come to their rabbis looking for help in dealing with their gambling habits. These rabbis are faced with the challenge of helping these addicts in crisis. When rabbis like Stephen Kaufman are themselves avowed gamblers, I am concerned they will not be able to meet this challenge with the authenticity it requires.

Further, as an educator of future rabbis "where most Reform rabbis get ordained," Kaufman is setting a poor example for these soon-to-be clergy members. In my rabbinic models, I hope to find pillars of sound ethical behavior who cannot be found in Vegas taking others' hard-earned money in "Texas Hold 'Em" or blackjack. Rabbis, whether seminary professors, congregational leaders, campus advisors, or chaplains, must be dugmaot (moral exemplars). A rabbi who keeps an extra home in the gambling mecca of our nation to make his gambling habit more convenient should raise eyebrows.

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27b) states that one who gambles with dice is ineligible to serve as a legitimate witness or judge, equating these individuals with slaves. Might the rabbis of the Talmud have extended this prohibition to those who choose cards in lieu of dice?

Rabbi Kaufman, himself, confesses to some uneasiness with his vice, stating that he does not "like the situation that this environment puts me in sometimes; I give serious consideration to whether I should withdraw or not." I think it is wonderful that Rabbi Kaufman enjoys playing poker and that he excels at it. My concern is that he needs to raise the stakes with money. I enjoy playing tennis, but would never consider wagering on a match. The sport is challenging enough and fun enough as is. And, if Rabbi Kaufman really needs to supplement his teaching salary, I would hope he would entertain speaking gigs or teaching opportunities like many of his colleagues in the rabbinate. They certainly will not be as lucrative as his gambling endeavors, but respectability is worth a lot these days.

Many in our society argue that they have a good handle on their social gambling activities, but the sad truth is that many do not. Unfortunately, gambling leads to more than loss of some "play money." Bankruptcy, homelessness, other addictions, depression, and in the most serious cases - suicide, are all horrifying consequences of a gambling addiction. The last thing we need is to publicly flaunt our addictions in publications like Moment. Young people look to us, as Jewish leaders, for guidance. Let us not lose sight of that lofty charge.

Jason A. Miller
Caldwell, NJ