Talking turkey

This reader got "indigestion" after reading about the turkey controversy.

I find it disturbing that some Jewish patrons would make this complaint toward the non-Jewish merchants, because it perpetuates the negative stereotype of the "cheap Jew" and it embarrasses me as a Jew. I have known many non-Jews who have been completely generous, courteous and supportive of my family's kosher needs when they have extended their hospitality.

I think the ultimate "Jewish thing" to do regarding the free turkey would be to accept the non-kosher ShopRite brand turkey and offer it to a needy non-kosher family. Isn't "being Jewish" about helping others in need and being self-sacrificing?

I would assume that most of the Jewish people in Middlesex county can well afford the 99 cents per-pound cost of a kosher turkey. If not, we have numerous Jewish agencies who can help a kosher family in need.

Additionally, do we demand that kosher merchants supply Jewish people with free kosher food? I don't believe so.

I hope that the complaints aimed at ShopRite, Pathmark or any other Middlesex County supermarkets won't cause them to re-think them bestowing us with our free matzah on Passover!

In response to Mr Glazer's letter, it was certainly not intended that my commentary be interpreted as a crusade. If Mr Glazer wishes to do so, that is certainly his right.

Furthermore, there were no "passionate arguments" with customer service reps, managers and others of the ShopRite corporation. There were questions, and there was some discussion and clarification of their stand.

In further clarifying the matter, ShopRite presented no discount. They presented a free turkey. In fine print, they then proceeded to disclaim (and we have gone all over that) the kosher turkey, basically offering the kosher bird at half price.

I bought the kosher turkey for half the price, and felt no shame, nor did I feel gratitude as this was clearly the condition I had met by spending my $300 at ShopRite, as required. Were ShopRite to give away a free turkey to me because of any number of reasons, including my writing to The Jewish State and rattling this particular cage, I would most certainly feel grateful.

I would like to point out to Mr Glazer, without any malice whatsoever, that when the supermarkets offer the same deal, a free turkey or ham at Christmastime, I always make sure that I give either the actual item or the certificate to a person in need. I am very busy as well (both as a secular Jew and an Israeli) in the breaking of the stereotypes mentioned in the gentleman's letter.

Were the gentleman willing I would certainly be very happy to further clarify these latter points in a more private and discreet forum.

The point both Ms. Orson and I were simply making was this: It would have been much better had ShopRite advertised a certain amount toward any turkey or ham, and let the consumer choose. That is all, and nothing further should be made of it.

With regards to Pathmark, I am very glad that in certain stores, at the discretion of some managers, customers were allowed to receive the kosher bird for free having met the purchase parameters.