Rabbi Daniel Pressman of Congregation Beth David in Saratoga, spoke briefly before the candlelight procession began. The AIDS issue has gotten tangled with people's views of homosexuality. Many people read the passages of scripture against homosexuals quite literally. Pressman said one should not make judgments on how anyone contracts the disease. Healing isn't just the mechanics of medicine.
Healing is also to be present for the person who is suffering, to be present and listen.
After lighting white candles, the small group, led by Pressman, began a silent procession around the campus. Standing near the Health Sciences Building was a young woman, a Student Union employee on her break, who stopped the procession to ask if there were extra candles so she could join them. She walked with the small group to the Student Union. Participants formed a circle underneath a tree when they reached the Spartan Memorial. Renee Allen, one of the Peer Health Program coordinators who planned the World AIDS Day events at SJSU, said she believed the Student Union employee's taking the time during her break illustrated the connection people share.