Heavenly Messages

I was on a flight that was getting pretty rough and a woman was frightened and let everyone know about it. I went over to her and began to talk about God's protection. She immediately thanked me, put her head on her pillow and fell asleep. The airlines has no comprehension of the positive impacts that cards - and God - have had on their flights. It is sad, yet over and over again we see the 'big mouths' getting their way, even though... should common sense be applied, it makes absoultely, no sense. Please send these comments to the airlines. It may benefit them.

We benefit from reminders to say"Thank You". This helps us to realize more of our blessings.

My opinion, the Airline has hired people that doesn't agree with the Airline's tradition they have carried on for 30 yrs.

Those little meal scripture cards have been a wonderful treat, a breath of free air when fellow passengers were angry, frustrated, rude, I could retreat to that little inspiration.

I like the idea of a "give thanks to G-d" on a card on my dinner tray. I wish more airlines did the same!!

I don't find any verse from Tehillim to be offensive but I would certainly not appreciate getting a verse from the "New Testament" on a card with my meal. On the other hand, I would not have complained to the airline or to anyone else, since it is a positive thing that at least the management of Alaska airlines thinks about their god if not ours and hopefully those thoughts will inspire yashar decisions on their part.

I agree with Rabbi Salomon if it remains non-denominational and only has G-d written on it, but if anything is written expressing anything religious aside from G-d, then I am opposed to it.

I suspect that those who are complaining about such a nice and inoffensive message are those who beleive that all this (existance) happened by chance. I suspect they beleive there is no one to thank. I can`t help but wonder, how they think the feeling of `thankfullness, perchanced to exist`. How is it sustained, then if it is mere chance and does no good. Why would such feelings be directed toward a person? I also wonder, who they thank when such feelings overwhelm them after they see the wonders of creation. ( Excuse me, I meant probability theory.) I guess they don't. My experience is that beng able to say than-you allows you an even greater enjoyment of what you are appreciating. Thank God, I have someine to thank!!

The airline has every right to express its religious views, as it is not a government entity. However, it wishes to please and not drive away customers. I would be pleasantly surprised to receive a card containing a Scripture verse, such as the one cited; however, I would be irked to receive one quoting the writings of a false religion, such as Buddhism. I agree that people are much more likely to complain about a practice that they don't like than to express their pleasure over on that they do like. Therefore the author is correct that this is not the appropriate manner of gathering information on customer opinion. The airline should explicitly ask for passengers' opinions and ensure that everyone on the included flights answer (or the skewing will occur under this procedure as well).

I have come to the realization that many of those who complain about any statement about or mention of God or Scripture do so because they have guilty consciences. They detest anything that will even remotely reminds them of God and their responsibility to him. They desire complete autonomy to decide what is right and what is wrong, and they do not want to be told that there are God-given standards by which we are to live.

Seattle is one of the most PC cities in the US (maybe after Portland and San Francisco). Doesn't surprise me at all.

I Agree with you Rabbi Saloman. I also agree with the comment of Stanley Tee. I feel the same way about receiving such a card as you do Rabbi. I do think it is sweet and positive. Since I always pray before I eat, it reinforces what I believe. But unfortunately it seems more and more people in our western society are opposed to HaShem or even His mention. I am concerned about the outcome of this. He will be glorified and as is happening in Europe, if He is neglected, He will find other people to replace them. Europe seems to be becoming Islamized and I believe the same will happen here in the American continent. It may not effect us, but our children, grand-children and great-grand-children will have to deal with it. Will they remain faithful or will they become "Islamized"? On another note, I find I agree with you Rabbi 100%. I always look forward to your insight and wisdom. Thank you very much and may G-d bless you and your family abundantly.

Today you cannot trust those in control of different ways of transport, it is good to have the reminder that my Father is really in control of my mode of transport. That means all is well.

cards are a great idea

Not so much. The truth is, I wouldn't be offended (it takes a lot more than that to offend me). But, tell me, Rabbi, how would you feel if, instead of getting a quote from the Tanakh, your airline gave you a quote from the New Testament or the Koran? Airlines are in the business of transporting people from point A to point B; sermonizing people may please some and alienate others-- why should a business wish to alienate anyone?

I as a Jew will get offended whe someone tells me "Jesus loves you." Even though this is from the Tehilim and the first thing you say in the Shacharit prayer in most Nusachot, a Muslem doesn't say it. And Buddest doesn't and so on and so. Therefore people have every right to get offended. This kind of message belongs on an Israeli air service.

Even non-denonimational religion shouldn't be pushed on people in any situation. If I'm religious, then God is on my mind always. What if the next printing included a suggestion to be thankful in Jesus' name?

If the next printing included a suggestion to be thankful in Jesus' name, I'd ask the airline to change it to be non-denominational. As for your first sentence, anonymous, it isn't "religion" that's being "pushed"; it's a type of "gratitude" that's being "suggested."

There is a site called "one million moms". This site is primarily to inform about who advertises on programs which are inappropriate for children.The president of the site,Monica Cole, tells us to write to our senators, and huge companies to tell them these advertisers cannot be part of such horrible programming. I am all for helping the world become a better more decent place. She seems like a very fine person with the same views as we have on how we should be educating our children with morals and decent behavior. However, every year December time she makes the announcement that we should fight against the use of "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry X-mas", and I find this appalling. Isn't she aware that half of her readers could be Jewish and could find such a statement anti semitic? (which is obvious, because it is) What does Xmas have to do with morals and decency??? So as you were saying, if I got a card that said "thank Mohammed" or " thank the budha" I would run to the first exit. You cannot explain to people who have no notion that Hash-m (G-d) is the creator of the world and we should thank him and they should accept it. This is very sad, unfortunately.

I think it's okay if there are little notes on airlines and other services that mention G-d and His divine providence in the world, but if Jesus Christ is mentioned, then it is too proselytizing and crosses a line, because Christianity is NOT a monopoly on G-d.

Occasionally i get non Jewish religious quotes and i don't get offended. Why? Because they are ultimately about kindess and giving thanks. And who couldn't use a nice reminder of that lesson every once in a while.

Yes it is wonderful to inspire people to G-dliness, however there are also halachos to take into account and these can be address only by a Moreh Horo'oh (a competent Rabbi who can rule on Jewish law). There is a law in Shulchan Oruch that one should refrain from writing G-d's name fully in a letter when it is likely to end up in the garbage. For each of the little cards that are kept and cherished, how many are discarded with the waste? This surely is a consideration and to quote those timeless words "Something to think about"

B"H I'm an Orthodox Jew and I don't think it's appropriate. What if the person reading it is not "Judeo-Xtian"? I think it would offensive if it said something from the New Testament or Koran. It is true the US is a Xtian nantion but separation of religion and state is part of the bill of rights. This is coming from someone who thinks the idea is great if it's by an individual as opposed to a business.

Why would you worry about offending by saying something kind in G-d's name and for His cause. Is your goal please men rather than God? Is it not better to offend men rather than offend G-d? What does He say about this in the Torah? What if all the prophets had decided to not speak out because their message was offensive to the people, and I assure you that if was more than " have a good day in the name of G_d.". This is not a reply directly to you but to this world of political correctness. This is why we have been infiltrated in every land by religious zealots who serve a different god and want us all dead because of our fear of offending.

I agree 100% that there is a separation of church and state and regularly rail agains Xmas as a federal holiday, "national Xmas trees", displays of Xmas trees and menorahs on public property. BUT, Alaska Airlines is a private company. They have the absolute right to express any sentiment they wish, even sectarian ones (free expression of religion is also in the first amendment) No one is forcing you to take their planes. As a business, of course, it's in their best interest to keep the greatest number of people happy as possible, but it is certainly not a legal obligation.

It seems to be me that these days, atheists are among those who are the loudest proselytizers of all. They scream and shout about their right to be free from any kind of religious sentiment, but in doing so, they deny the rest of us OUR freedom to enjoy religious sentiment and even belief. Why is it okay for atheists to impose their non-belief on us, while it is no longer permissible for us to quietly and unobtrusively observe?

I think it is a wonderful thing and should be done more, and it is sad that more people are offended by it than appreciate it. It reminds me of Avraham, who caused people to bless Hashem with his hospitality.

Just tell G-d you do not want His bounties.

I wouldn't mind at all if that card was on my dinner tray. I would welcome those words at 30,000 feet. - - - - - - - - - - - - I wonder if those same complainers would write the airline if they ordered Chinese dinners and got a Fortune cookie?

I have to say that if I got a little card like that with my meal, I would not be offended. But, unfortunately, a lot of people would be, especially atheists. I think they would look at it as almost a proselytising card. Answer me this: If the card said "Give thanks to Jesus. His kindness endures forever", would Jews be offended? I believe so. It would be viewed as proselytising. I believe this is how atheists would view any sort of religious cards.

Dear Rabbi, I don't think Alaska Airlines should print the text on meal cards. I think they should paint it on the side of their planes!

I do not understand how anyone can be offended by this card. We are living in weird times.