Twenty people had gathered there for a candlelight procession, the final event in observance of World AIDS Day Tuesday. A loop of red ribbon was pinned on the continent of Africa, where AIDS has become an epidemic. I'm here to show support. 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.