DJN February 3, 2022

THE DETROIT

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thejewishnews.com

200 Feb. 3-9, 2022 / 2-8 Adar 1 5782

Sisters Unite Jewish women’s groups in Metro Detroit make waves — and lasting friendships.

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contents Feb. 3-9, 2022 / 2-8 Adar 1 5782 | VOLUME CLX, ISSUE 25

20 PURELY COMMENTARY

38

OUR COMMUNITY

40

4-11 12

Essays and viewpoints.

Sisters Unite

Jewish women’s groups in Metro Detroit make waves — and lasting friendships.

45 ‘Summer of the Swab’

Careful plans addressed physical and mental health of Camp Walden campers.

Camp Listings

SPORTS 43

Pucks and Patience

18

The Perfect Stranger

20

Interfaith Trip to Dubai

NOSH

24

Happy Birthday, Guy!

MAZEL TOV

26

Team Cara

SPIRIT

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Meet Spencer Lucker, who works for Mayor Mike Duggan and volunteers his time with NEXTGen Detroit.

JCRC/AJC takes Muslim and Jewish students on a trip they’ll never forget.

Holocaust survivor and ‘Ritchie Boy’ Guy Stern turns 100.

Huntington Woods families run to support Chai Lifeline.

Hadassah Hosts Reproductive Rights Program

Settled law for 49 years, the future of the right to choose is uncertain.

30 31

Israel Trip for Jewish Teen Gamers

New Israel travel experience for teens bridges Jewish identity and gaming culture.

CAMP GUIDE 32

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47 48 50

Summer Fun for Generations

Second-generation campers call Willoway Day Camp their summer home.

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My Home in the Wisconsin Woods

36

Great Chapter in the Book of Life

Growing up at Camp Young Judaea

Under unprecedented circumstances from COVID, Camp Tamakwa shows its real colors in overcoming challenges.

Three years after playing hockey in the JCC Maccabi Games, they’ll finally be back on the ice in San Diego.

Dining in the D: Mare Mediterranean Moments Torah portion Synagogue Directory Holy Space

ARTS & LIFE 52

‘We Feel Less Alone’

Beth Israel Ann Arbor rabbi ready to stand up to antisemitic protesters.

36

Young Composer

Jonah Cohen mentors other young musicians as he looks forward to hearing his commissioned work performed live.

55

Last-Minute Lead

56

Celebrity News

Local jewelry store owner takes on lead role with three-weeks’ notice.

EVENTS 57

ETC.

Community Calendar

Spotlight The Exchange Obituaries Looking Back

58 58 60 70

52 Shabbat Lights

Shabbat starts: Friday, Feb. 4: 5:32 p.m.

Shabbat ends: Saturday, Feb. 5: 6:36 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

ON THE COVER: Cover photo/credit: The Well’s Rosh Chodesh Circle, courtesy of The Well Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

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FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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3

PURELY COMMENTARY for openers

Not Just Snacks

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ookies and crack(ers), Oh, my! Those of us who are snackologists are more than familiar with the words cheddar cheese, sour cream and onion, chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin.

The first term lends itself to many expressions not Sy Manello food related. The Editorial second, with Assistant the parenthesis observed, lends a few more.

Many a businessperson has had to worry that a partner may be caught with his hand in the cookie jar or

the till. Nothing could lead to a business downfall more quickly.

These days, one must not only be a smart cookie but a tough cookie to keep a formidable presence in society.

Not to sound cynical, but there are folks of dubious character out there!

Do not be quick to accept “that’s how the cookie crumbles” as an explanation of a plan gone wrong. Investigate and complain if necessary.

Home buyers usually try to avoid the cookie-cutter neighborhoods and try to find homes with distinctive appeal.

Some food items that are unusual may go down well

until we discover that we have consumed snake or cricket or a similar “delectable.” Then we may end up tossing our cookies.

Crackers — the word in its pure form — has not as many references. We know of the cookies called Animal Crackers, and, of course, there is the Marx brothers’ movie of the same name. In it, they show people going crackers.

Other forms of the word are far more common; let’s look at some. Did you ever try to get through a course without cracking a book? Your grade may then have sounded like

the crack of doom. Teachers and parents must often learn to crack the whip to get desired results.

A good comedian can crack you up. A good argumentative opponent may be a tough nut to crack. If you meet with success in an attempt at something new (having a crack at it) you may wish to crack the cap on a nice bottle of wine.

If you make a mess while sampling snacks, you may be a slob, but that would be a crummy and crumby thing for me to point out.

column

The Results of Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories

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he man who took a rabbi and three congregants hostage in Colleyville, Texas, on Jan. 15, believed that Jews control the United States of America.

He told his hostages, as one revealed in a media Jonathan interview, that Sarna Jews “control the world” and that they could use their perceived power to free Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani convicted in 2010 for trying to kill American soldiers and plotting to blow up the Statue of Liberty. The hostage-taker also demanded

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to speak to New York’s Central Synagogue rabbi, Angela Buchdahl, so that she would use her “influence” to help get Siddiqui released.

By invoking Jewish “power,” the gunman, later identified as Malik Faisal Akram, a 44-year-old British national, seemed to echo Siddiqui’s antisemitic views that Jews were responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks and had infiltrated American political and nongovernmental organizations. During her 2010 trial in New York, Siddiqui demanded Jews be excluded from serving on her jury.

As a scholar of Jewish

history, I know that myths concerning “Jewish power,” “control” and “conspiracy” have circulated in America since before the Civil War and continue until today.

They provide a simple, albeit imaginary, explanation for bewildering social changes that people find hard to explain and confront.

ANTISEMITIC LITERATURE As immigration brought Jews in larger numbers to America’s shores, particularly from Russia, one of the first overtly antisemitic books ever published in the United States, Telemachus Thomas Timayenis’ 1888 book, The

American Jew: An Exposé of His Career, warned darkly that Jews had “acquired a hold on this country such as they never secured on any nation in Europe.”

Actually, Jews comprised much less than 1% of the population at that time. Still, Timayenis, seen as “the father of antisemitic publishing in America,” claimed that they controlled Wall Street, the clothing and tobacco trades, politics, journalism and more.

Timayenis and his antisemitic books were largely forgotten for almost a century.

Now, however, they are readily available through the internet.

A republication of one of

his books carries a preface

by J.B. Stoner, a neo-Nazi convicted of the 1958 bombing of Bethel Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

“The Jews are embarked upon a plan to conquer the world and to rule over all other races and nations,” it says. “By understanding the evil and aggressive nature of the Jew, we White Christians can better protect ourselves … It is our duty to publish this book for the benefit of the White Aryan Race in America and throughout the world,” it continues.

PROTOCOLS AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES In the 20th century, the publication that did the most to disseminate the myth of a Jewish conspiracy to control the world was the forgery known as The Protocols of the Elders the Zion.

Described by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum as “the most notorious and widely distributed antisemitic publication of modern times,” the work first appeared in Russia as part of a disinformation propaganda campaign by Russian monarchists to prop up the embattled Tsar Nicholas II. Subsequently, the forgery went through numerous translations and adaptations reaching every corner of the globe. Its explosive allegations influence people to this day.

The Protocols purport to be the minutes of late 19th-century meetings attended by world Jewish leaders, the “Elders of Zion,” keen to take over the world.

They set forth different stages of the supposed behind-

the-scenes Jewish plan for global conquest: everything from manipulating the economy and controlling the press to promoting liberalism and pornography.

They even articulate an ultimate goal: to re-establish the line of King David and anoint “the King of the Jews.”

The Protocols form a classic conspiracy theory. The work provides a compelling, easyto-understand explanation that connects a wide range of disparate phenomena roiling society. Nothing happens by accident, the Protocols and all conspiracy theories insist, and things seldom are what they seem. Conspiracy theorists believe that powerful controlling forces — in this case, the Jews — shape and manipulate events behind the scenes.

BELIEVING IMAGINARY CONSPIRACIES Precisely because they offer a simple explanation — “the Jews are responsible” — and flatter believers into thinking they possess secret knowledge others lack, conspiracy theories like the Protocols are notoriously difficult to disprove.

After all, individual Jews, much like their non-Jewish counterparts, may well have engaged in some of the activities the Protocols and similar conspiracy theories describe. And the phenomena recounted — social, economic, political and cultural changes transforming the world — are certainly real enough. For many conspiracy-minded folks, that is usually validation enough.

Beyond the Protocols, a wide

range of other conspiracy theories involving Jews have circulated over the past century. The great automaker Henry Ford, influenced in part by the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, devoted extensive resources in the 1920s to proving that the “international Jew” was the “world’s foremost problem,” responsible for perceived ills that ranged, in his view, from urbanization to the modern music and dance that he hated.

Under intense economic and legal pressure, Ford publicly apologized in 1927 “for resurrecting exploded fictions, for giving currency to … gross forgeries, and for contending that the Jews have been engaged in a conspiracy.”

Yet Ford’s The International Jew remains available for purchase around the world, and many still download it from the internet and take it seriously.

Conspiracy theorists targeted the Rothschilds, famed European Jewish bankers, as well. Niles Weekly Register, perhaps the most widely circulated magazine of its time, reported in 1835 that “the descendants of Judah” held Europe “in the hollow of their hands.” It ascribed particular power to the Rothschild banking family which, it claimed, “govern a Christian world — not a cabinet moves without their advice.”

Almost 200 years later, echoes of the “Rothschild myth” live on in Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s infamous 2018 post alleging that Rothschildowned Jewish space lasers

set California’s forest fires in order to clear out land for a lucrative high-speed rail line.

In recent years, George Soros, a Hungarian-born American billionaire investor and philanthropist of Jewish origin, has been blamed like the Rothschilds for a host of what the extreme far-right perceive to be society’s ills.

These conspiracy theories falsely attribute to Soros the anti-Trump protests, refugee problems in Europe and the Black Lives Matter movement, among other trends.

Anti-Catholic, antiMasonic, anti-Mormon and anti-Muslim conspiracy theories have likewise attracted legions of followers worldwide.

In the Islamist circles from which Aafia Siddiqui and the gunman who took hostages in Colleyville sprang, however, the favorite conspiratorial target remains the Jews.

Attacks on “Jews,” “Jewish power” and the supposed Zionist control of America are commonplace.

The reason has almost nothing to do with real Jews and a great deal to do with a phenomenon that historian David Brion Davis noticed some 60 years ago: In environments shaken by “bewildering social change,” people find “unity and meaning by conspiring against imaginary conspiracies.”

Jonathan Sarna is a pre-eminent scholar of American Jewish history, modern Judaism and Israel studies.

He is the Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History and the director of Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University.

First published at Brandeis University’s The Jewish Experience.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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PURELY COMMENTARY essay

Love and Marriage in the Time of COVID

I

have recently written about my decision to retire from my psychiatric practice just prior to the onset on COVID. So, this is (as Paul Harvey used to say) the rest of the story. Or an important part of it.

I met my wife when we were Jeff London just kids, 17 and 15. We had a few rocky moments while we were dating, but pretty much remained joined at the hip through college, leading to our marriage in May 1971, after my first year of medical school.

Leslie started her teaching career and supported us until our daughter Adina arrived on the scene in 1975, during my residency years in Cincinnati.

Despite our long-standing attachment, I realize now that neither of us were really prepared for marriage at respectively 22 and 20. I was ambivalent about commitment and Leslie still held fantasies about “happily ever after.” I prioritized time with my friends, playing sports or cards and Leslie often felt under-appreciated. Our move to Cincinnati (for my residency) helped us to find each other, enhanced by our involvement in Jewish Marriage Encounter.

We learned that staying connected in a marriage takes hard work. We learned and practiced listening and communication skills, and I think we also both grew up along the way. Having children together also either kills you or makes you stronger. Our relationship got stronger.

Flash forward almost 50 years … As I approached the idea or retirement, I think we both had trepidations, remembering those early years before our now empty nest got full. We both wondered how our relationship would respond to being home together without the distraction of my going to work every day.

To some people, it might sound idyllic, but I think we both were worried about revisiting some of our early struggles. And then COVID showed up, which upped the ante.

A MIXED BLESSING The pandemic oddly seemed like more of a mixed blessing for our relationship. I was in the process of retiring from my practice, and COVID meant I could see my patients on Zoom from home,

which eliminated my commute to work. I could still go to the gym to exercise and perhaps play bridge more often at the bridge club, I guessed. Although that quickly changed. And what about my touchstone, my weekly poker game? We began to hear stories of old geezers like us all getting infected after meeting for their weekly game. Whoops!

That wasn’t such a great idea either! Leslie and I also began to curtail our regular plans with friends for dinner and stopped going to the movies.

So how was this pandemic a “mixed blessing” for our marriage? Because suddenly all my outside activities, which had previously served as an alternative to staying home, were no longer an option. And my commute time was 30 seconds instead of continued on page 9

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PURELY COMMENTARY opinion

What the Texas Hostage Crisis Reveals about our Humanity

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any details about the recent, terrifying hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, remain unclear. However, we do know that the perpetrator, Malik Faisal Akram, knocked on the door of the Temple and asked to come inside.

Charlie The congregation’s Driker-Ohren rabbi, Charlie Cytron-Walker, let him in — thinking that the man might simply be seeking shelter from the cold weather. After welcoming the stranger, Rabbi Cytron-Walker made a small but telling gesture: He brewed Mr. Akram a cup of tea. Later, during services, Akram drew a gun, setting off a tense 11-hour standoff that ended with a desperate escape and Akram’s death.

Already, the events at Congregation Beth Israel have touched off a debate within the Jewish community about the tension between two competing values: security and hospitality.

Jewish teachings — from the Book of Genesis, the fiery words of the prophets, and the Mishnah all the way to contemporary practices of tikkun olam — stress the importance of caring for the poor, welcoming the stranger and advocating for the voiceless.

Growing up in a Jewish community in suburban Detroit, I was well aware that my people had suffered historical atrocities.

The lesson of this suffering, I was taught, was to empathize with those facing oppression and to make sure that what we had experienced in the past was

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never inflicted on others. Yet I was only dimly aware of the threats facing Jews in the present. In 2018, the tragic murder of 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh underscored the fragility of Jewish life in America — the sense that, no matter how integrated we are in American society, antisemitism will remain.

Quite naturally, congregations reacted to the Tree of Life shooting with heightened security, wariness, a desire for enclosure and inwardness. I worried about the safety of my own father, who runs a Jewish social service agency in Metro Detroit, as well as my stepbrother, a rabbi presiding over the Reform congregation in which I was raised. At the same time, Judaism is an outward facing religion; the path to God lies in our connections with others just as much as in prayer and ritual.

The events in Texas bring to mind two statements by Emmanuel Levinas, one of the foremost Jewish philosophers of the 20th century. Levinas survived the Holocaust as a prisoner of war and went on to write two towering and exacting books on the meaning of human responsibility. In Totality and Infinity, his first major work, Levinas writes that “the subject is a host.”

He means that to be human is to perpetually welcome others. This welcoming can take the form of giving food, shelter or even a cup of tea to those in need. But its simplest expression is the very language with which we offer our thoughts and feelings to others, and receive theirs in turn. When Rabbi Cytron-

Walker opened his Temple’s doors, he was demonstrating a human ability to welcome others that is, in principle, boundless.

This capacity for opening ourselves to others can turn dangerous. In Levinas’ second great book, Otherwise than Being, he writes that “a subject is a hostage.”

Through offering up oneself and one’s home, the host can easily become a prisoner of their guest.

The ability to welcome others is also a vulnerability to being wounded. For Levinas, this possibility of disappointment, betrayal and suffering at the hands of others is not an exception, but the rule of being human.

Levinas does not mean that the violence of other people is justified. In fact, his philosophy is a full-throated defense of peace.

When Mr. Akram pulled out a gun during services, he betrayed the trust of Rabbi CytronWalker and the community of congregants who granted him sanctuary. Mr. Akram turned his hosts into terrified hostages, who escaped using their own ingenuity and courage.

Some might argue that the lesson of these events should be for Jews to close ranks, increase protection and heighten suspicion of outsiders. Levinas’ philosophy does not offer an easy answer. To be human is to welcome others — with one’s gestures, speech and deeds. We are a social species, who find meaning above all in our relationships with one another. Cutting oneself off from this world would be, for Levinas, an abdication of one’s humanity.

At the same time, our connections with others expose us to potential violence and to

suffering for crimes we did not commit. The host can always become a hostage. Levinas’ philosophy shows that it cannot be otherwise. There is no welcome without risk, no giving without vulnerability, and being human means inhabiting this tension without being able to escape it.

Many temples and synagogues will wrestle in the coming weeks with how to keep their congregations safe during worship, as they have every right to be. But we should remember that no precaution is absolute. This truth is especially salient during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in which we have witnessed the failure of border closings to halt the virus’ spread. The pandemic has reminded us that no community is an island and that the wellbeing of each individual is bound up with the health and safety of all.

Rabbi Cytron-Walker invited Mr. Akram inside his Temple out of a sense of compassion and hospitality. In that moment he was not only a good Jew, but a good human being. Nothing can justify Mr. Akram’s actions, which put the lives of innocent people at risk. At the same time, nothing can justify the refusal to welcome others, care for them and seek justice on their behalf.

Through these actions, we do not eliminate the risk of responsibility. Instead, we become worthy of it.

Charlie Driker-Ohren is a Metro Detroit native currently pursuing a doctorate in philosophy at Stony Brook University in New York. His research explores the intersection of time, memory, and ethics, with a focus on the Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas.

LOVE AND MARRIAGE continued from page 6

30-plus minutes. So, that meant more time for togetherness as a couple, which sounded good for our relationship, but also felt a bit strange to both of us for different reasons.

Obviously, we had no idea what we were facing. This is not a story about one of us coming down with COVID. But that doesn’t mean it was smooth sailing for our marriage (or yours?).

Our responses to the threat of getting the virus were quite different. Leslie went into protect mode. I went into denial mode.

Well, it wasn’t quite that dramatic a difference, but it certainly put a strain on our relationship. I felt Leslie was being over-protective and germophobic; she felt I was acting as if the pandemic were not happening. And some of the same old issues between us were triggered in a new way.

My retirement intensified our dilemma.

Before I write more about the challenges and ups and downs of relating as a couple during these times, I want to emphasize that the most crucial decision we each had to make was to accept the idea that now, perhaps more than ever, our relationship required work from both of us.

We recalled the lessons we had learned from Jewish Marriage Encounter. Everything else flowed from that decision. It reflected us back to our early years of marriage. How would I respond to the loss of my valued outside activities? How would we fill our time together in a meaningful way, now housebound?

How would we stay connected with friends and family?

We developed a pod with our children and grandchildren. We set up some regular Zoom calls with friends, which evolved into outdoor dinners in better weather. I discovered online bridge and poker. And, most significantly, we agreed to develop a plan

for activities that we could do together at home. We realized that simply being in the house together 24/7 did not mean we were “there together.” My interests in puzzles and games which serve to exercise my mind and distract me from a tendency to obsess about my worries would be a big challenge. Our competing interests: internet articles

We also agreed that we would try to find TV shows in the evening that we both wanted to watch, rather than sitting in separate rooms. I agreed to limit my online bridge games, and I decided to be more choosy about which sports events were important or compelling enough for me to watch. It helped that our Detroit teams were so crum-

versus sports, exercise and cards; different types of movies and TV programs; time spent with family versus Zoom time spent with friends ... also were potential obstacles to feeling connected with each other.

my at this time. We agreed not to multi-task while we were in couple TV watching mode.

We committed to taking a walk in the neighborhood together every day, unless the weather was ridiculous. We always found something to talk about on our walks and it encouraged both of us to get outside. I continued my daily bike rides, but I often postponed my walks until Leslie was available.

I also continued to find a way to swim three times a week, which was very helpful for my chronic back problems. At times, this led to disagreements about the COVID safety of this activity, but Leslie understood how much I needed to do this.

I also began to take on a more significant role in the kitchen. I had always helped with cleanup, but, in retrospect, I have acted as if food appeared magically on the table at dinner time. We began to make lunches side by side, putting carrots on each other’s plate,

FINDING COMMON GROUND We started by searching for some common activities. We began to work on jigsaw puzzles together, while listening to our favorite types of music. The commitment to that fairly innocuous activity felt like a reboot to confirming our commitment to each other.

While we puzzled, we often ended up talking about our kids or stories from our pasts. A long marriage has so many shared stories. Many times, we just listened to music, and each worked on our side of the puzzle. We rediscovered 500 Rummy, which provided some (usually) healthy competition. We looked for opportunities to sing together.

along with chips on mine for every lunch and on Leslie’s only with tuna fish sandwiches.

And, most significantly, I became the salad chef at dinner time and the sous chef for more complicated recipes. I learned how to measure ingredients a la Leslie. I learned how to cut vegetables her way. But it was clearly still her kitchen. At times, I felt she was being too nitpicky about how I did my assigned tasks. She often felt I was doing things the wrong way. We had a number of tense moments. We found a way to talk these complicated issues out, after first putting down our knives and sharp objects.

Even with these together times, we still often find we lose track of each other. I can get very absorbed in my music, puzzles or games. I often have to be reminded that my wife is in the house. Leslie’s response to COVID was to have a heightened awareness about cleanliness and safety, which often led to my feeling monitored or controlled, since I tend to be more cavalier about things like washing my hands properly.

But we continued to agree to try look for each other and talk things out. Again, it was the decision we made to pay attention to our relationship to keep it alive that was the most crucial step in the process. And we made one other decision. At least once a day we agreed to come to together for a real hug. Not just a kiss or touch. A real long hug.

So here we are back home again. And God willing, one day, we will have to start working on how to stay connected once we feel able to leave the house more frequently. But I guess we’ll just have to cross that bridge — hopefully together — when we come to it.

Dr. Jeff London is a retired child psychiatrist from Farmington Hills.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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PURELY COMMENTARY column

How the Texas Hostage Crisis Showed Social Media at its Best and Worst

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JTA ILLUSTRATION BY MOLLIE SUSS

I

t was the best of Twitter.

It was the worst of Twitter.

During the long agonizing hours of the evening of Jan. 15, during which a rabbi and three congregants were held against their Andrew will at a DallasSilow-Carroll area synagogue, JTA.org social media performed perhaps as its creators and optimists always thought it would. It was a community of caring, with users posting prayers, sharing their distress and comforting one another.

They sent messages of hope to the Jews trapped in the building and words of gratitude to the responders gathered outside.

Actual vigils — or should I say, actual virtual vigils — were quickly organized, allowing people to tune in and turn to one another to pray and commiserate. Twitter became a tool for creating community at a speed that could scarcely be imagined in an analog world.

Jewish officialdom — defense groups, synagogue organizations, Israeli diplomats — assured the world that they were “monitoring” the situation, a benign word meaning “we are anxious and scared and feeling as helpless as the rest of you.”

As Shabbat ended and

“Twitter isn’t real life, but it is a close simulacrum of how Jews talk to and about one another.”

more and more Jews who had been enjoying a quiet Shabbat joined the vigil, the conversation grew, and the topics expanded.

For many, the crisis at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville was playing out as a slow-motion repeat of the 2018 Pittsburgh massacre, when people tuned in after another Shabbat and learned of the deaths of 11 Jews at the Tree of Life synagogue. Many lamented that U.S. synagogues need to be constantly on alert for attacks like these. New York comedian Alex Edelman tweeted, “People genuinely don’t seem to understand that this could happen at any synagogue in America.”

The locations of other recent deadly attacks on Jews were repeated like an incantation: Pittsburgh, Poway, Monsey, Jersey City ...

And, inevitably, this being Twitter, the conversations began to shift, taken over

by the angry rhetoric of a polarized era. I’m not talking here about the white supremacists who celebrated the crisis, or the Muslim activists who appeared to support the hostage-taking because the hostage-taker demanded the release of an accused Muslim terrorist. I’m talking about the Jewish conversation.

Jewish users began to demand that Muslim groups denounce and distance themselves from the crime.

And when they did — when the Muslim-American organization CAIR said the hostage-taking was “an unacceptable act of evil” — many held them and their spokespeople responsible for years of incitement against Israel and the Zionist synagogues that support it.

Others turned their ire on the media, claiming without evidence that the standoff would have gotten more attention if the victims were Black and the perpetrator

were white. (CNN, the only cable channel running nonstop coverage, broke off to air a previously scheduled documentary on The Movies: The 2000s.)

Even as the lives of four people hung in the balance, Jews and Muslims sniped.

When some users fretted about an Islamophobic backlash, they were attacked for “centering” Muslims during a Jewish tragedy.

The comments got ugly and uglier. Some Jews attacked the synagogue’s rabbi, Charlie CytronWalker, for his liberal politics. Or asked why he invited a stranger into the synagogue in the first place.

(At the same, people eagerly shared the news that Cytron-Walker was known locally for his outreach to the Muslim community and overall menschiness.)

CNN quickly turned back to the hostage crisis when a loud bang was heard from the direction of the synagogue and reported some 30 minutes later that all the hostages were safe and the suspect dead.

With the immediate crisis resolved, the online conversation shifted yet again, this time to a comment by the head of the FBI Dallas Field Office, Matthew Desarno, who said that the hostage-taker was “singularly focused on one issue and it was not specifically related to the Jewish community.” Jewish

Twitter erupted, asking how an attack on a synagogue on a Shabbat morning could be anything other than “specifically related to the Jewish community.”

That conversation, at least, was rooted in the facts and an important communal debate. The British national who carried out the attack was said to be demanding the release of Aaifa Siddiqui, a Muslim woman suspected of plotting attacks in New York who is now serving an 86-year sentence in the Fort Worth area. How was it possible, commentators like Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin of Religion News Service asked, to separate Islamist terrorism from the antisemitism and antiZionism of its ideologues?

It’s conceivable that Desarno wasn’t deeply versed in what is and isn’t a “Jewish” issue — perhaps mistakenly viewing antisemitism as an attack on Judaism as a religion and not an attack on a people inextricably tied up, intentionally or not, in geopolitics. (It’s also conceivable that he was just tired.) If he wasn’t before, he probably is now.

In thanking the FBI and law enforcement, the AntiDefamation League said pointedly in a statement: “There is no doubt, given

what we know so far, that the hostage-taker chose his target carefully. We urge law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate the role antisemitism may have played in motivating the suspect.”

The debate won’t end there. Some Jews will insist that targeting Jews in the name of an Islamist terrorist confirms their worst fears about “the new antisemitism.” Others will point out the central place Israel holds in American synagogue life and conclude that vulnerability to haters is the price Jews pay for their commitments.

Twitter isn’t real life, but it is a close simulacrum of how Jews talk to and about one another. On Jan. 15, as it does so often, the conversation devolved into anger and invective even before the crisis was resolved and before the facts were in.

Twitter is a machine for amplifying fast takes, misinformation and invective. It is also a tool for community-organizing, mutual support and enlightening opinions.

During the Colleyville hostage crisis, it was both.

Andrew Silow-Carroll is the editor in chief of The New York Jewish Week and senior editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (@ SilowCarroll).

CORRECTIONS In “A Place to Mourn,” (Jan. 20, page 12), the architect should have been named as David Lubin.

In “Planning a Trip?” (Jan. 20, page 18), the photo of Dr. Jeffrey Soffa was incorrect.

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OUR COMMUNITY

Sisters

Unite ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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Jewish women’s groups in Metro Detroit make waves — and lasting friendships.

Federation’s Tikkun Olam Volunteers built Purim parcels for community seniors.

Adat Shalom’s Rosh Chodesh circle

Members of The Well’s Rosh Chodesh circle

NCJW/MIU holds a “Back 2 School” store each year for underprivileged kids.

A

t the backbone of Metro Detroit’s Jewish community are a variety of women’s groups.

They practice philanthropy, community service and building a stronger Jewish culture, while giving women an opportunity to network, connect and create lasting friendships.

Some women’s groups advocate for social justice, while others focus on giving back to those in need. Regardless of the mission, the groups have one thing in common: They’re committed to making Jewish Metro Detroit a better place, both now and in the future.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Hadassah No matter their age or their intermembers often ests, women can find other like-mindengage in political ed women to spend time with, volunadvocacy to support women’s teer with, network with — or simply rights. to build lasting friendships based on shared pursuits and values.

These area Jewish women’s groups, along with traditional synagogue Sisterhoods, are definitely making a difference.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, MICHIGAN (NCJW | MI) Since 1893, the National Council of Jewish Women has, quite simply, been inspired by Jewish values. As the oldest Jewish women’s grassroots organization in the country, the group is composed of volunteers and advocates, with chapters nationwide. It has a total of 180,000 members, including a Michigan chapter for Jewish women in the area.

Throughout their mission, NCJW volunteers and advocates aim to turn progressive ideals into action by working both in the United States and Israel.

They strive for social justice and spearhead efforts to improve the quality of life for women, children and families. At the forefront of that mission is a goal to safeguard individual rights and freedoms.

Even those who don’t want to be directly involved in advocacy can still participate in fun and interactive activities like book clubs, visits to local museums and concerts, and lunch-and-learn sessions, among others.

“We invite the community to join our efforts,” says continued on page 14 FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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Amy Cutler, NCJW | MI president. “There are many volunteer opportunities based on the interest of the volunteer.”

These include participating in a planning committee, volunteering at a community service project, working with the group’s Advocacy and Elections Committee or attending one of many community programs put on by the organization.

“By becoming involved with NCJW | MI, you can share your own expertise, learn a new skill, make a new friend or reunite with an old acquaintance,” Cutler says, “all while making a difference in our community.”

To learn more about NCJW | MI, visit ncjwmi.org.

HADASSAH GREATER DETROIT Hadassah is the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, a volunteer organization with more than 300,000 members in the United States. The Michigan chapter, Hadassah Greater Detroit, includes 8,400 members in Metro Detroit, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Toledo and even greater Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

Organized as a sisterhood of women, Hadassah members share a passion and commitment to Israel.

They advocate for women’s rights, support a world-renowned hospital and research community in Israel, and practice the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam or “repairing the world.”

Hadassah also offers professional networks, including a Nurse and Allied Health Professionals Council and an Attorney and Judges Council. Each year, the organization hosts an annual meeting with a celebrity guest speaker, boutiques and a luncheon, plus a large rummage sale in November.

In addition, Hadassah’s programming also includes informative activities, book clubs, discussion groups and Zionism programs.

That’s why at Hadassah Greater Detroit, there’s something for everyone, says President Mandy Garver.

“Whatever your passion — Israel, community service, education, advocacy or just hanging with like-minded women who are committed, empowered and who make a difference in the world, Hadassah is for you,” she explains. “We’re the women who do.”

To learn more about Hadassah Greater Detroit, visit hadassah.org/region/greater-detroit.

NCJW engages in political advocacy as well.

The Well’s Rosh Chodesh circle held a virtual painting event.

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PARTNERS DETROIT Partners Detroit is a local Jewish organization that aims to help Jewish Metro Detroiters connect to their heritage. Through educational programs and community-wide service projects, Partners Detroit has continued on page 16

Women’s Groups Online

J

ewish women across Metro she says. “And people’s Detroit have been using businesses have grown Facebook groups to share from it so much.” advice and local resources for years So, too, it’s been now. They’ve found camaraderie a space for women and much, much more in the online seeking special groups, which have increasingly education-focused become a powerful community hub. resources for their In a world made otherwise smaller by kids, navigating difficult the pandemic’s restrictions on gathmarriages or running ering over the past few years, these short on furniture or groups have continued to thrive, with funds. The community the constant hum of participation from is there for them, she women posting questions and getting says. answers as they navigate all aspects Especially during of their daily lives. the pandemic, as The women-only spaces mean moms juggle COVID there are plenty of people to relate concerns, work and to who are going through similar childcare, it’s been things, says Lindsay Cox, one of the a safe space to vent administrators for Jewish Moms Of and seek support, Cox Metro Detroit, a private Facebook explains. “It’s really group with 2,900 members. helped people feel like “It’s a place to bond with other they have a place to The Cox family: Lindsay, Nathan, Sydney and Jason.

Jewish moms, a place to connect,” go and talk about similar Cox says of the moms group started issues.” in early 2017 by Farmington Hills Lauren Cohen, who runs Free later, the group, which is open to all resident Lindsay Mall.

Exchange for Jewish Women of Metro Jewish women, is thriving. Her admin Cox, a Farmington Hills-based mom Detroit, a private Facebook group team — which includes three other of two, says she’s made friends from with 3,300 members, doesn’t like area women — has never met all the group and loves that everyone’s throwing things away. Her passion for together in person, but they work in nearby. “They’re here, they’re within being environmentally conscious and tandem to oversee people’s offers 20 minutes driving if her desire to help make of items and referrals, their asks and you need something,” the community stronger their messages of gratitude. “This is a she says. led the Lathrup Villagepassion that we do,” Cohen says. “It’s It’s also been a based mom to start, in a labor of love.” very helpful place to 2018, the group, which Cohen’s search for baby gates get advice on area now sees 50-160 posts sparked a close friendship. “She had doctors, play spaces, a day. a whole bunch for me,” Cohen recalls. schools, babysitters “The mitzvah of helping “I came over, and we connected.” and more. each other has spread The group has turned up friends “I’m in other groups like wildfire, and I think she sees regularly and friends she where there are people feel really good talks to only on Facebook, including people from all over about it,” she says. “I some who pass down items for her the world, but this is think people just feel so 3-year-old daughter. “I think really even better because good to give to other great connections have been found there are resources people in the community.” and made through the group, which here you can use,” Some three-plus years was one of our goals,” she explains.

Lauren Cohen and her daughter Kinneret

BY KATIE ANTON PHOTOGRAPHY 2019

KAREN SCHWARTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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a variety of offerings for different needs and interests.

Its Women’s Division, for example, is geared toward enriching the lives of Jewish women in different ages and stages. This section of the organization offers educational opportunities, trips and events, which include everything from spa days to challah baking to lunch-andlearn events.

The goal is to strengthen Jewish identity, enhance experiences with Judaism, and share timeless wisdom and values with the next generation of Jewish women.

To learn more about Partners Detroit’s Women’s Division, visit partnersdetroit. org/m4m-division.

BAIS CHABAD TORAH CENTER JEWISH WOMEN’S CIRCLE West Bloomfield’s Bais Chabad Torah Center offers a place for the Jewish community at all levels of religious observance to study and learn about Judaism. The Center’s Jewish Women’s Circle is a group designed specifically for women to connect and meet other like-minded women.

Throughout the year, the Jewish Women’s Circle hosts monthly events and weekly classes, like sushi, wine and Torah sessions, “pink” Shabbats honoring women’s health and awareness, book clubs and floral-making activities, among others.

To learn more about Bais Chabad Torah Center Jewish Women’s Circle, visit baischabad.com.

WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY — JEWISH FEDERATION OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy group is a 4,000-member strong organization that raises more than $6 million annually for Federation-supported programs and services. It includes Jewish women in Metro Detroit at all ages and stages of life who are committed to being changemakers and community leaders in the Jewish world.

Through networking, learning, fundraising, volunteering and socializing, Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy group discusses key issues facing women today.

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Federation’s Women Philanthropy’s fundraising event

Members have an opportunity to connect to the Jewish community in a personal way, be a role model for thousands of other women and to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Among Women’s Philanthropy programs are Jewish Working Women’s Network and Young Women’s Philanthropy.

The Jewish Working Women’s Network includes a Facebook page with more than 1,700 members and offers networking events and resource programs. It’s an outlet for Jewish women in the area to network professionally, find employment, meet clients and even learn about or explore new career paths.

Young Women’s Philanthropy, on the other hand, is for women moving beyond NEXTGen, Federation’s young adult organization, or women who haven’t previously connected with Federation. Here, young women share their interests and passions and work directly with the larger philanthropy group to make a difference in the community.

“We are engaged with key issues facing women and the world today, as well as actively working to advance the strength and welfare of our local and international Jewish community,” says Women’s

Philanthropy President Betsy Heuer. “We are networking, learning, fundraising, volunteering and socializing together.”

Federation’s full catalog of offerings for Jewish area women include Tikkun Olam Volunteers, Young Women’s Philanthropy, Jewish Working Women’s Network, Up Next, Israel Connections, travel experiences and an annual signature fundraising event.

To learn more about Women’s Philanthropy or other women’s groups at Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, visit jewishdetroit.org.

ROSH CHODESH SOCIETIES Global initiatives known as Rosh Chodesh Societies strive toward transforming the lives of Jewish women, families and greater Jewish communities through shared Jewish experiences. This international network includes a mix of women scholars, leaders and educators who provide adult education alongside cultural and social programs.

Jewish Metro Detroit hosts its own share of Rosh Chodesh Societies, including those at The Well, Adat Shalom Synagogue and The Shul in West Bloomfield.

“The Well has created and supported Rosh Chodesh circles for young adults

continued from page 15

in the Metro Detroit area since 2016,” says Marisa Meyerson, director of operations at The Well, an organization that aims to build an inclusive community for young Jewish adults. “Over the years, we’ve supported 12 different groups reaching over 75 women.”

The Well’s Rosh Chodesh circles are a part of a larger Shared Interest Group network where young Jewish individuals participate in Jewish life through meaningful activities. These include Shabbat dinner groups, game groups and more.

“The Well’s Rosh Chodesh circles have very simple guidelines for their monthly meetings,” Meyerson explains. “The ways that each group executes their activities and discussions is up to them and is unique to each group and its members. Activities range from text study to meditation, to arts and crafts, to yoga, to baking and anything else in between.”

At Adat Shalom Synagogue, on the other hand, a Rosh Chodesh Society offers a study session every other month for Jewish women. “To welcome the new month, women in the community are invited to a discussion designed to provide education, intellectual growth and a spiritual lens to change and elevate our perspective on our lives,” says Rochelle Lieberman, Adat Shalom’s Rosh Chodesh study session chairperson.

Similarly, The Shul’s Rosh Chodesh Society provides different activities for Jewish women.

These include a women’s roundtable meeting (with sessions on Torah portions, ethics and more), book clubs, retreats and conversations with Jewish leaders.

To learn more about local Rosh Chodesh Societies, visit meetyouatthewell.org, adatshalom.org or theshul.net.

The current trend of decluttering where women encourage each and keeping only what fills you with other’s endeavors. joy also gives the group momentum, “Whether they own their own she says. “I think it’s filling people’s business or they’re working for hearts; it’s filling their buckets to know somebody, we just want to say, ‘this their stuff is being used.” person is great,’” says Marianne Karen Gordon of Farmington Hills Bloomberg, administrator for the started Jewish Moms of Metro Detroit 1,700-member Facebook group. “I with Older Kids, a private Facebook think people are really appreciative of group, a year and a half ago. Her kids some positive feedback.” are in college, so she got the group, Sponsored by Women’s now 450 members strong, going to Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation give moms a place to discuss issues of Metro Detroit, the group brings relevant to older kids. women together as part of The group has a network where they can tackled everything from find jobs and clients and COVID boosters for the connect for referrals and 12-15-year-old set to how encouragement. to help middle and high The group also offers school kids deal with in-person networking being virtual, to where to events three times a year, find a good coin dealer. where women in the group People have asked about and in Federation’s orbit ACT tutors, new houses, meet for coffee or soft Karen Gordon piano teachers and more. drinks to share business Being in the group cards, mingle and chat. expands women’s circles, “Ultimately, we want she says, so instead of just people to be involved in getting information from the work of the Federation. people they know, they We want to cultivate get more perspectives. and engage and inform “This is just an amazing people,” Bloomberg says. way to virtually meet “We’re here for you and people and feel connected want to help you … and to in the community,” she ultimately educate you on says. “It’s just been a great Marianne Bloomberg the community and what’s place to turn to for knowledge, for going on.” information.”

As for the women-only aspect, Though the Jewish community has Jewish Moms of Metro Detroit’s Cox spread out, it’s still heimish (homey), says she and her fellow administrators she explains, which in many ways is have discussed the topic several illustrated by the women’s groups times, but felt it important to create that have sprung up and the robust a safe place for women to talk freely participation by their members. “It’s about anything and everything. Free that tight-knit, looking out for each Exchange’s Cohen agrees, pointing other,” she says. “We’ve got each out that having it women-focused other’s backs.” generates a different environment Likewise, the Facebook group overall.

Jewish Working Women’s Network “I think there’s just an openness offers women of all ages the that’s different when you’re dealing opportunity to take part in “Plug Your with all women,” she says. “And Business Tuesday,” which happens something with our Jewish community once a month, and “refHER,” a — I think it’s nice we give to each monthly second-Wednesday event other and we support each other.”

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JOHN HARDWICK, FEDERATION

OUR COMMUNITY

Spencer Lucker

The O Perfect Stranger Meet Spencer Lucker, who works for Mayor Mike Duggan and volunteers his time with NEXTGen Detroit.

DAVID ZENLEA SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

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ur sense of belonging comes from the memory that we were all once strangers. This quintessential contradiction of Jewish identity, explicitly commanded in the Torah and echoed throughout our history, binds our people together and drives a shared commitment to tolerance and empathy.

It certainly drives Spencer Lucker, 34-year-old resident of the Boston Edison neighborhood. By day, he helps fellow Detroiters as director of employer engagement for Mayor Mike Duggan’s Workforce Development Board. In his spare time (a precious resource since he has 6-month-old twins), he oversees community outreach and identity efforts on NEXTGen’s executive committee.

His passion for Detroit’s Jewish community, particularly those new to it, owes to the fact that he was very recently a complete stranger here himself. Lucker is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and moved here just three years ago from Washington, D.C. “We need to ensure that all Jewish young adults in Metro Detroit are able to feel the warm embrace by the Jewish community that I did when I moved here three years ago,” he said.

The need to welcome young Jews is a growing one. The number of Jews in Metro Detroit ages 18 to 34 more than doubled between 2005 and 2018, and there is anecdotal evidence that the influx has continued during the pandemic, as young adults seek more affordable housing and look to be closer to family support networks.

This is cause for celebration, not to mention a credit in part to community efforts like NEXTGen, which was established about a decade ago with the express goal of attracting and engaging millennials. “In many ways, we’re ahead of the game,” Lucker says.

Yet it also creates new challenges and opportunities.

“How are we welcoming people? How do we reach all types of Jews in the Jewish community? How do we infuse Jewish identity into social events in a way that doesn’t push people away?” Lucker asks.

We spoke to Lucker about his journey into the Detroit Jewish community and how he hopes to make that journey even better for his peers.

WHY NOT DETROIT? SL: My wife [Stephanie Bloom] and I were both on the East Coast. I was based in D.C., working for the federal government and the Obama administration on rural development for an agency called the Delta Regional Authority, which is focused on the economic development of the Mississippi River Delta. That was so meaningful for me as a native Arkansan.

I had been there for years [including a transition period into the Trump administration], and Stephanie was in management consulting — both very high-intensity jobs that we were just exhausted by.

By 2018, we were both ready to leave our current jobs and ready to leave New York and Washington, D.C. We decided, whoever gets a job first, the other will follow.

Three or four weeks after that conversation, Stephanie’s father and uncle called and asked if she’d join the family business.

She presented it to me as, “I told them it doesn’t seem right for us.” And I was like, “Why?” Detroit has so many things to offer in such a cool city, and I had always read exciting things about Detroit professionally. I was comfortable with working in … places like Memphis, Little Rock, New Orleans, Jackson. Detroit is very much the southern city in the North — the assets as well as the challenges.

The Jewish community is one of the first places I tapped into when networking and trying to figure out what my next job would be. My mother-in-law started connecting me with her friends and folks she was connected with through Women’s Philanthropy. I started looking at NEXTGen, volunteered with Repair the World and served on the JCRC/AJC board.

Dipping my toe in the water — that’s what I intended to do. I wound up diving in deeper. People were so embracing.

They were so excited that I was here.

They were intrigued that someone with

And how do we lift that up as a common thread that binds us all?

Mingling with other board members at the NEXTGen Detroit Annual Meeting

“ ALL THE THINGS THAT WE NEED TO HAVE A THRIVING YOUNG ADULT JEWISH COMMUNITY ARE HERE.” — SPENCER LUCKER

a diverse background was coming to the city. And they were like, “We’re so happy you’re here, and we’re going to do what it takes to make sure you land here, lay roots here and thrive.”

AN ADVOCATE FOR EVERYONE SL: In my conversations with NEXTGen staff and with George Roberts, the current president, all of my passion is focused on: How do we continue to evolve NEXTGen, to ensure that everyone feels welcome?

I was lucky in that I had an advocate on my side who helped me navigate how to get involved. But not everyone has an advocate. How do we make NEXTGen accessible to people who are new and, frankly, unlikely to have a connection to the community? How do we partner with Federation agencies, as well as the many other Jewish organizations that are not necessarily Federation-affiliated or funded? These questions are at the center of our work this year in growing the NEXTGen community.

NEXTGen is not religious. It’s not a temple or a congregation. But [we’re exploring] how can we infuse and lift up what may feel like a social event or a happy hour [with] that Jewish connection. Because you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have that Jewish identity component. And so how do we talk about that?

MAKING A SAFE SPACE TO TALK ABOUT ISRAEL SL: I also lead the Israel and Overseas workstream. In many ways, this is something that has always been operational — the Federation has an Israel and Overseas department that supports NEXTGen with targeted programming. But historically, NEXTGen hasn’t been part of [the Israel] conversation. And we risk losing the next generation if we remove ourselves from the conversation and don’t help to create a space for all Jewish young adults.

I think we lose more by not engaging young adults in the conversation, and at least asking questions and posing questions back to them because everyone else is engaging in those conversations. We are forfeiting the right to tell our own narrative to someone else who will try to fill in, “What does Federation and what does NEXTGen believe?”

We have the opportunity to open up NEXTGen to folks with a diversity of opinions and let them know that if they don’t necessarily agree with what the Federation stands for [on Israel], that doesn’t mean they don’t have a place within our Jewish community and that they can engage Jewishly with NEXTGen in the Federation in many other ways. I think it’s also a missed opportunity for education and awareness building.

WE HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE SL: My mom [in Arkansas] is still calling on me and saying, “How do we engage young people?” Whereas in Detroit, I feel we’re really lucky in that the leadership over the past 10 to 15 years . . . had the foresight to say, “This is important.”

We haven’t figured it all out yet. But we at least have the infrastructure to engage young adults, and we have innovative programming. All the things that we need to have a thriving young adult Jewish community are here. And then . . . that becomes an even stronger Jewish community — the strong Jewish community that our parents’ generation and frankly, our generation grew up in — that was partially harmed when some of us left, 15 to 20 years ago.

This story was first published on MyJewishDetroit.org.

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Interfaith Trip to Dubai

JCRC/AJC takes Muslim and Jewish students on a trip they’ll never forget.

LAUREN HERRIN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

n Jan. 3, two Muslim undergraduates, one from Wayne State University and the other from University of Michigan, joined two Jewish undergraduates from Wayne State on a

flight to Dubai.

For the next week, the four students would be part of the JCRC/AJC (Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee) Muslim-Jewish Dubai Mission. Made possible with a grant from the Ravitz Foundation, the trip was designed to provide the inspiration for JCRC/AJC’s slated fall launch of interfaith

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fellowships, also supported by the Ravitz Foundation. Leading the students were Professor Saeed Khan, a Muslim professor from Wayne State University; Ariana Mentzel, a Jewish facilitator and director of the Detroit Center for Civil Discourse; and Rabbi Asher Lopatin, executive director of JCRC/AJC. Said Chana Shepherd, a Jewish participant, “This was a trip where the memories and friendships made will last a lifetime. I found that traveling with a group of interfaith students and facilitators gave me great insight and brought me a sense of deep compassion.”

Ridaa Khan, an Ahmadiyya Muslim, fondly recalls how some of the sites and

experiences in the United Arab Emirates impacted her ability to connect with the Jewish students on the trip. “I made lovely friendships with two Jewish peers and one other Muslim peer that went beyond formal discussion and will, Inshallah (God-willing), last.

“It was incredible to experience different events like the World Expo, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Crossroads Museum and Shabbat dinner as a group.

It was even more significant to be able to hold truthful conversations about the things we experienced in a safe environment,” she added.

Many of the sites the groups visited provided truly eye-opening experiences.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE JCRC/AJC

The JCRC/AJC Muslim-Jewish Mission at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

This trip was about co-existence; what better place to see than the Palestine Pavilion!

At the new AJC office in Abu Dhabi, with Emirati and Saudi friends of AJC — and Israel! —Majed, Saoud and Loay. These Arab citizens’ deep love for Israel and its contribution and potential for the Middle East made a deep impression on our Muslim and Jewish students.

Rebecca Cooper, a Jewish student, said the following about the significance of seeing a Holocaust exhibit at the Crossroads of Civilization Museum: “Prior to this trip, I didn’t believe I could travel to Dubai. I wasn’t sure if I would be welcome, frankly. All of my preconceived notions fell away and my eyes opened. I was awe-struck visiting the first and only Holocaust Memorial in the Middle East, outside of Israel. It outlined to me that there is hope and change on the horizon.”

Added Ridaa Khan, “I can tell my Jewish peers were interested in learning about Islam and Ahmadiyyat, and I was interested in learning about Judaism,

which we discussed together.

“One light-hearted learning moment for me was during Shabbat when I was requested to go with my friend Chana, who was keeping Shabbat, to get something from her room,” she continued.

“I wasn’t sure why until she asked me to press the elevator buttons … this is how I learned the extent to which some Jews observe Shabbat, not handling technology.

“We laughed and I also gained respect and insight into the spiritual Jewish practices that I can draw parallels to in Islam. It seemed there were many similarities between Jews and Muslims that are often overlooked in

politics today, which was important for us to feel.”

Cooper said, “We discussed interfaith differences and intrafaith conflict, such as the Ashkenazi, Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish dynamics.

“Along with learning about conflicts Ahmadiyaa Muslims face within the Muslim community, all of us aligned in our yearning for peace and kindness for one another. Ultimately, we are much more similar than we are different.

“This trip showcased that peace begins with people-to-people interaction and a collective willingness to care for each other,” Cooper continued. “It continued on page 22 FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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OUR COMMUNITY

continued from page 21

also underscored how fragile these relationships are. Peace requires time, care, endless nurturing and commitment. I fully intend to continue cultivating an environment at home that allows our connectedness to grow.”

Illustrating this need for time and care was made most apparent in a visit to American Jewish Committee’s new office in Abu Dhabi, which was established after decades of quiet, people-to-people work in the UAE leading to the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020.

Reflecting back, said Cooper, “On Jan.3, I left for Dubai as an American Jew and on Jan. 9, I returned home as a global citizen. We are now ambassadors who will continue this work for peace.”

Added Ridaa Khan, “Once again, I am so thankful to the Ravitz Foundation for this incredible opportunity … Not only have we built our own bonds, but we will spread the mission of Muslim-Jewish collaboration, community and conversation for the rest of our lives!”

For students interested in learning more about the upcoming interfaith fellowships, contact Michael Kuper at kuper@ jfmd.org. Lauren Herrin is associate director of the JCRC/AJC.

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FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

TOP: Yael Grafy, the Israeli COO of the Museum, with Ahmed Almansoori at the new Holocaust exhibit at the museum. Crossroads of Civilization Museum promoting Israeli/Jewish and Muslim/Arab relations.

MIDDLE: Eating a kosher lunch at the Crossroads Museum, after the Muslims prayed the Salat al-Jumu’ah. The Palestine Pavilion, with smells and pictures of Jaffa Oranges (also the pride of Israel…)

BOTTOM: In front of the desert-like area, a tribute to friendship with the UAE, at the Israel Pavilion with the words in the back in Hebrew-Arabic: El Hamachar – To Tomorrow.

“xzx

An All-Russian Musical Event The Detroit Medical Orchestra, in collaboration with Congregation Beth Shalom, will present “An All-Russian Program,” Sunday, Feb. 27, at 3:30 p.m. in the synagogue’s social hall, 14601 Lincoln St. in Oak Park.

The program includes Glinka’s “Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila,” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnole,” Borodin’s “Polovetsian Dances from Prince Igor” and Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture.”

The Detroit Medical Orchestra is a nonprofit community symphony orchestra comprised of musicians who are medical professionals, healthcare students and friends who share the group’s mission of bringing healing through music. Visit detroitmedicalorchesta. org to learn more about the orchestra’s mission.

All the musicians are vaccinated, and masks will be required for audience members. Free admission or a suggested $10 donation.

OPENING THE DOORS

FEBRUARY 28, 2022 7 p.m. ET

Changing The Norm Celebrating the Beauty of Different Abilities

Casting Musicals with Acceptance, Inclusion, Authenticity & Community Tony Award-Nominated Director and Choreographer

Award-Winning Dancer and Actor

MARCIA MILGROM EVAN DODGE RUGGIERO

A VIRTUAL EVENT

REGISTER ON JLIVE:

https://jlive.app/events/1520 $5 Registration Required Beauty and the Beast “Innovative casting, direction and design… make Olney’s Beauty and the Beast, directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, a story about two outsiders finding love… no matter how much the odds are stacked against them. Jade Jones as Belle and Evan Ruggiero as Beast aren’t just groundbreaking in their roles, but are top-notch actors whose stellar performances universalize the experiences.”

E D U C AT E . I N C L U D E . E M P O W E R .

For questions or sponsor information: openingthedoors@jccdet.org An ASL interpreter will be provided.

Credits: Olney Theatre Center for graphics Teresa Castracane Photography for production photos

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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OUR COMMUNITY

Happy Birthday, Guy! Holocaust survivor and ‘Ritchie Boy’ Guy Stern turns 100.

G

uy Stern turned 100 years old on Jan. 14.

He is the Energizer Bunny personified, still working five days a week in his role as director of the International Institute of the Righteous at the Zekelman Holocaust Center (HC) in Farmington Hills.

If Guy had only reached Alan that milestone Muskovitz 20 years sooner, Contributing Writer he could’ve walked to the Bill Knapp’s restaurant next door to the HC on Orchard Lake Road and received a free meal. The now-closed chain famously gave patrons dining in on their birthday a percentage off their bill equal to their age, not to mention a free cake.

Guy is, of course, no stranger to the pages of the

JN. I’ve had the high privilege of writing about him on a number of occasions, his life story never ceasing to amaze.

He was only 15 years old in 1937 when his father, Julius, witnessing the seeds of Nazism taking hold, chose Gunther (Guy) to be the lone member of his family to travel from Germany to America with hope of securing a sponsorship for the rest of the family. A heartless lawyer in the U.S. thwarted those plans.

Stern’s parents and siblings would ultimately perish in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Only seven years later, Guy would land on the beaches of Normandy three days after D-Day as part of the elite WWII United States intelligence force known as the “Ritchie Boys.”

Many were Jewish German immigrants, called upon to use their language skills to interrogate Nazi prisoners of

Guy Stern, right, celebrates his birthday with close friend and fellow survivor Eric Billes, who turned 97 the week before Guy’s 100th birthday. The Doris & Eric Billes Museum Shop at the HC is named in honor of Eric and his wife, Doris, of blessed memory.

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FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

GUY STERN’S

CE N T E N N IA L C E L E B R AT IO N

THURSDAY, JAN UARY 13 :00 Awith war. They are9 credited M - 10the:3celebration 0 AM to a couple of

THE60% HOofLO securing the vital CA smaller UST MEM ORIAgatherings.

L CENTER intelligence in Europe during The day before his birthday, Stop in to wish G uy Hthe appy the war. Stern would be Bi center had what rt hd ay! Sarah Bagels and co ffee wSaltzman, ill be serv awardedRS a Bronze Star for his director of events ed .

VP to events@ holoca uspublic tcenterelations, efforts. and r.org. described On Jan. 22, CBS’ 60 as “a low-key family event,” Minutes dedicated an entire which included about 60 program to the Ritchie Boys, colleagues from the HC, featuring riveting interviews docents and board of trustees, with Guy and two of his along with Guy’s wife, surviving comrades.

Susanna.

Guy would go on to enjoy In his remarks honoring a long and illustrious career Guy, CEO of the HC Rabbi in academia, including Eli Mayerfeld said of serving three years as senior Stern’s accomplishments: vice president and provost at “In his experiences, he saw Wayne State University. He the destruction of Jewish continues to travel annually communities, the end of a to Germany as a visiting truly evil empire, and then professor, his last trip coming participated and witnessed the this past July, just months shy rebuilding — the flourishing of his 100th birthday. of survivors. For sharing these Since retiring from his adventures with us, we owe academic career, Guy has him so much.” become a fixture at the HC. In typical eloquent Stern Prior to his current role, he fashion, he deflected the was appointed interim director accolades away from of the center after the passing himself and spoke of the of founder Rabbi Charles impact his colleagues at Rosenzveig in December the center have had on him 2008. over time, noting that: “It Under normal was so obvious: Everyone circumstances, Guy’s around me, from our CEO centenarian milestone and board of governors to celebration would be worthy all my coworkers, were of a grand affair. However, younger than me, and that COVID restrictions limited also included my wife

The JN Welcomes Rachel Sweet AMANDA SWEET

as Associate Editor

(author Susanna) ‘writerin-residence,’ docents, volunteers, guards — you name them.” Many he spoke of were in attendance.

“Some had flattered me by telling me that they learned something from the dubious sagacity of this oldster. Well, that learning process is two-fold,” Stern said. “In fact, I was more often the beneficiary of their generational wisdom.

I drew a conclusion from that: Do not let hubris or false pride stand in the way of learning from that young woman or fellow one desk removed who could, by every reckoning, easily be your granddaughter or son, nay your great-grandchild!”

On Jan. 14, the day of his 100th birthday, Stern was celebrated by a small gathering of his fellow Michigan Jewish War Veterans (JWV). Ted Gittleman, commander of the Lt. Raymond Zussman Post 135, of which Stern is a member, presented him with a Certificate of Significant Achievement

ART FISHMAN

Guy Stern honored by the JWV on the occasion of his 100th birthday by JWV Post 135 Commander Ted Gittleman and Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO of The HC.

from JWV National Commander Alan D. Paley.

Stern’s remarkable life journey is chronicled in his memoir, Invisible Ink, published in 2020. The title was inspired by his father’s foreboding words shared to him as Nazism began to take hold. “You have to be like invisible ink,” Julius said. “You will leave traces of your existence when, in better times, we can emerge again and show ourselves as the individuals we are.”

With those words, Stern’s father must have known that even at just 15, his son Guy had the courage and intestinal fortitude to survive and emerge anew from their family’s bleakest hour.

They are the same attributes that we all have come to learn about this remarkable man and his life’s journey.

That he, under impossible odds, not only emerged, but even on the occasion of his 100th birthday, continues to engage, inform and inspire. It is his legacy to his family and his gift to our community.

The Jewish News is pleased Rachel is joining our team! A lifelong Metro Detroiter, Rachel comes to the JN after working as an on-air TV reporter in Flint.

As associate editor, Rachel will help in guiding the JN’s news and feature coverage.

Please share story ideas with her (or just send her a “welcome”) to rsweet@thejewishnews.com or give her a call at (248) 351-5108.

THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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COURTESY OF TEAM CARA

OUR COMMUNITY

From left, Cara, Rachel and Asher Lopatin, Warren Tessler, and Gideon, Shayna and Judah Lopatin at the Miami Marathon in 2019.

T

hey’ll be thinking about Cara as they walk or run.

Cara Lopatin, 18, is a childhood cancer survivor. During her recovery, her parents, Rabbi Asher and Rachel Tessler Lopatin of Huntington Woods, turned to Chai Lifeline, a New-York-based organization that helps children and families coping with cancer and other serious illnesses.

On Feb. 6, the Lopatins, along with three of their four children, their friends Shoshana and Rabbi David Fain, also of Huntington Woods, and other supporters from around the country will participate in the Miami Marathon in Florida. Their Team Cara will be part of Team Lifeline and will raise funds to support Chai Lifeline’s programs.

With 420 runners and walkers, Team Lifeline will be the largest organized team at the marathon.

Asher Lopatin is executive director of JCRC/AJC of Detroit and spiritual leader of Kehillat Etz Chayim in Huntington Woods. Rachel Lopatin is a marketing professional at Farber Hebrew Day

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Team Cara

School. David Fain is the rabbi at Hillel Day School. His wife, Shoshana, is a certified health coach and JFamily director of children and family engagement at the Jewish Community Center.

Team Cara for 2022 includes Shayna Lopatin, 20, Judah Lopatin, 16, and Gideon Lopatin, 14, as well as a number of out-of-town family and friends. The BARBARA LEWIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER Fains’ older two sons, Yair, 6, and Natan, 4, will be in Florida to cheer them on.

Ironically, Cara is the only member of the Lopatin family not participating. The Farber Hebrew Day School grad is studying at a girls’ seminary in Jerusalem this year.

Cara developed a brain tumor when she was 7 and another when she was 9, said her mother. She was treated with chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant.

In 2013 and 2014, she attended Camp Simcha in New York’s Catskill mountains, the Chai Lifeline summer camp for children with cancer, blood disorders and chronic illness.

David and Shoshana Fain with Cara Lopatin in

Huntington Woods families run to support Chai Lifeline.

2013, the first year Team Cara participated in the Miami Marathon.

HONORING CARA’S COURAGE Ten years ago, Shoshana Fain, 35, decided to run a half-marathon — 13 miles — in the Miami Marathon as a tribute to Cara, who was still undergoing treatment.

The Fains had gotten to know the Lopatins when they were members of Asher Lopatin’s congregation, Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel in Chicago. By the time Cara was diagnosed, the Lopatins had moved to New York. Although the Fains would soon follow them to the Big Apple, and both families moved to Michigan in 2018, the families were living far apart in 2012. Shoshana Fain wanted to support the Lopatins somehow, and running a half-marathon in Cara’s honor seemed a perfect choice.

“This felt like a small way to show my love and support while also working toward a personal goal,” she said.

Fain developed a training schedule, raised more than $10,000 for Team Lifeline and completed the course more quickly than she imagined she would. The following year, she established Team Cara and recruited other friends and family members. More than 30 people have participated in Team Cara since then, raising more than $500,000 for Chai Lifeline.

Fain met her husband shortly before her first Team Lifeline race. He has run with her every year since 2013.

She took a break from running in 2015, when she started having children.

Earlier this year, she met a woman who had lost a

son to cancer but was very grateful for the support Chai Lifeline had provided at the end of his life. That “made me realize that it was time to lace up and get back to Miami,” Fain said.

She says she trains by running in nearby neighborhoods: two runs of two to four miles and one longer run every week.

Rachel Lopatin, 54, will be participating in the Miami half marathon for the sixth time. “I went down two years before that to cheer Team Cara on before running it myself,” she said.

Lopatin reluctantly admits that she is not a runner and actually walks most of the course. She usually trains by walking outdoors with her husband or alone on a treadmill, going four to six miles most days, with an eight-mile walk once a week.

One of Team Cara’s biggest supporters is Cara’s grandfather, Warren Tessler of West Bloomfield, who comes to Miami to cheer the team on. “He waits in the stands in the heat or rain and waits for every member of Team Cara to cross the finish line,” Lopatin said.

Cara Lopatin says she is grateful to Camp Simcha and Chai Lifeline for providing joy, fun and ease for her family while she was undergoing cancer treatment.

“It is such an honor to have a Team Cara and to inspire people to support such an impactful organization that really transformed my family’s cancer experience,” she said.

Readers wishing to support Team Cara can make a pledge at Fain’s marathon website, https://www.teamlifeline.org/miami22/shoshanafain.

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FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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OUR COMMUNITY

Hadassah Hosts Reproductive Rights Program Settled law for 49 years, the future of the right to choose is uncertain.

ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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HADASSAH

H

adassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, “stands unequivocally for a woman’s right to choose,” said National Hadassah President Rhoda Smolow.

“Patients have the right to make decisions about their reproductive rights.

Medically unnecessary laws in some states restricting reproductive rights are meant to shame women.”

What seemed like settled law on legalized abortion after 49 years is no longer certain. The conservative majority on the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) seems poised this session to overturn the High Court’s 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision. With growing concern, Hadassah hosted an online program, “The Road Beyond Roe: Advocating for Reproductive Rights.”

The special guests on Jan. Dr. Chavi 18 were writer and social Eve Karkowsky justice activist Letty Cottin Pogrebin and Dr. Chavi Eve Karkowsky, a maternal-fetal physician.

Pogrebin took part in conversation, guided by journalist Esther Kustanowitz.

Letty Cottin Pogrebin’s newest book Pogrebin is Shanda: A Memoir of Shame and Secrecy. Pogrebin recalled that when she co-founded Ms. Magazine in 1972, abortion was still illegal nationwide, though allowed in New York.

Stating that “we have a right to our voices and our experiences,” Pogrebin, 82, remembered when “famous women admitted in the magazine that they had had an abortion.” She said telling others

is a way to “normalize abortion,” which she considers to be health care.

“We humanize the issue with examples from real lives — those who had abortions and those who died having illegal abortions.” She considers herself fortunate for getting access to two safe abortions in the before-times.

“It is not an immoral choice,” she said.

Offering the statistic that “one in four American women will have an abortion by age 45,” Pogrebin said she views abortion as respect for women and that “pro-choice is pro-child, because the worst thing in the world is to be an unwanted child, whose mother was denied an abortion.”

It was unexpected and thrilling, she said, when Roe v. Wade passed. But Pogrebin and feminist friends like former U.S. Rep. Bella Abzug and Ms. Magazine editor Gloria Steinem made the mistake of thinking they could relax.

“We didn’t see then that abortion would become a litmus test for conservative Republicans,” she said.

“Little by little, they chipped away at the constitutional law with restric-

tions attached to it, [such as] the Hyde Amendment that wouldn’t cover poor women’s abortions. We at Ms. figured out that our future would be to fight these challenges.”

A DOCTOR’S VIEW Karkowsky drew upon her career experiences as a physician to write her first book, High Risk: Stories of Pregnancy, Birth and the Unexpected (Liveright/Norton 2020).

The maternal-fetal medicine specialist, known as a high-risk pregnancy doctor, deals with pregnancy complications. In the course of her work, she might present abortion as a choice for certain patients.

Karkowsky spoke of a patient who earlier gave birth to a child with an abnormal brain, requiring substantial care from her. When the mother became pregnant again, the result of amniocentesis — testing the amniotic fluid — indicated the fetus would also have a brain abnormality.

“Because Roe v. Wade exists, I gave my patient a choice to terminate the

pregnancy, which she took, because she didn’t want to go through that again with another child,” Karkowsky said. “A woman must have agency over her own body.”

Pro-choice advocates are alarmed that it’s become harder to obtain a legal abortion. “Currently, 58 percent of women are being denied that legal right in their state,” Pogrebin said. In Texas, abortions are restricted after about six weeks, long before most women realize they are pregnant. Penalties are attached for anyone assisting in terminating a pregnancy.

The Supreme Court let the laws stand for now.

SCOTUS DECISION PENDING On Dec. 1, the High Court heard arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that may

overturn or further erode reproductive freedom.

SCOTUS will rule on the constitutionality of a 2018 Mississippi state law that banned abortion operations after the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Hadassah and more than 69 others submitted “friend of the court” briefs in the case, urging the Supreme Court to strike down the state law.

With the decision pending, Pogrebin called for action: “We must get out the vote on this issue and run for office ourselves. Voters were not hearing about reproductive rights in the 2020 election.

“We need to expand access (to abortion) to anyone who can’t afford the cost or

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time it takes to travel to an abortion-friendly state” by donating to National Network of Abortion Funds (abortionfunds. org) and also NARAL ProChoice America (prochoiceamerica. org).

“Republican-dominated state legislatures have enacted 1,300 restrictions on reproductive health,” said Debbie Kessler, vice coordinator of Hadassah’s Department of Education and Advocacy.

Democrats Rep. Lois Frankel of Florida and Rep. Sarah Jacobs of California, both on the program, sponsored a bill to safeguard women’s reproductive rights by enshrining abortion into law.

“The Women’s Health Protection Act (S.1975)

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passed the House and needs to be taken up by the Senate,” Kessler said. “The bill would allow Congress to stop state-level abortion bans and other onerous and medically unnecessary requirements placed on patients, physicians and service providers.”

She encouraged writing legislators to “oppose abortion bans, particularly those that contain no exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormalities or situations in which the health of the woman is severely threatened by her pregnancy.”

No matter what the Supreme Court decides, Kessler said Hadassah intends to be ready: “This fight is not only for ourselves, but for our daughters and granddaughters.”

For information, visit: Events.

Hadassah.org/ReproAction.

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OUR COMMUNITY

‘We Feel Less Alone’ Beth Israel Ann Arbor rabbi ready to stand up to antisemitic protesters.

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

F

or five years, Rabbi Nadav Caine of Beth Israel, a Conservative Congregation in Ann Arbor, has been silent about the group of protesters how many?who have targeted the local shul for almost two decades.

Now Caine is considering enlisting the help of their interfaith partners to counterprotest the diehard protesters who continue to show up outside the shul on Shabbat morning.

However, Caine and his congregants are grateful for the latest initiative from Ann Arbor City Council announcing a formal resolution condemning antisemitism.

“We’re very relieved … It’s very important, when one is persecuted, not to feel alone. And we feel much less alone now,” Caine said.

For 18 years, a small group have picketed outside the congregation with antisemitic and anti-Israel signs along Washtenaw Avenue, where the city says an “atmosphere of hate” has been created.

In 2019, a member of the synagogue and a local Holocaust survivor filed a federal lawsuit against anti-Israel protesters and the city over the weekly demonstrations, claiming the protests violate worshippers’ First Amendment rights to safely practice their religion and that the city has not enforced local ordinances the protesters are violating.

The Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the city and protesters, ruling that the protesters had a free speech right to continue their activities.

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FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

Until now, the city of Ann Arbor hasn’t gotten involved with the dispute. However, Caine says Mayor Christopher Taylor had been working on the right language for a resolution condemning antisemitism for months with the Jewish Federation of Ann Arbor, which was approved unaniRabbi Nadav mously by city council memCaine bers on Jan. 18. Caine says the final resolution passed was will continue to show up. responsible and powerful.

“He’s (protestor Henry Herskovitz) “I think we live in a place that values been out there for 18 years. We know the right to free speech,” he said. “But for that’s not going to stop.” those who don’t use their free speech to However, since the city has gotten recognize and criticize hate speech, then involved, now might be time to step in, you’re standing idly by the persecution of Caine said. others.”

“I would love to work with the city to say, we completely honor Ann Arbor’s COUNTERPROTESTS ARE proud progressive tradition of maxiBEING CONSIDERED mal free speech. But is there a way to Now Caine is looking into the idea of both have that value, but not allow … counterprotesting. an unfettered, infinite amount of hate “As a rabbi, I do not want you, as speech take place?” a Jew, counterprotesting on Shabbat.

Caine says he’s been thinking a lot But for my Christian friends, for my about speaking with the city about figMuslim friends, for my secular, peaceuring out a “civil and civic way” to limit America-loving friends … They have the number of signs protesters put outbeen asking me for years, ‘Do you want side in front of the synagogue. us to go out there?’ I’m wondering “Protesters can bring 25 or 30 signs now whether there is a place for the and line a public thoroughfare in front community, not Jews, but for our comof us. Why can they do it without munity to show support on Saturday applying for permits? by counterprotesting. That’s something “There’s a difference between free I’m going to open up speech, and I would view it as intimidafor the first time that tion and harassment.” Caine added.

I did not open up Regardless of who stands outside the before,” Caine added. temple, Caine says he feels like the conEven though the gregation is winning. city has announced “Part of having a covenant with God the formal resolution is being patient sometimes. And so, we condemning antisemmay have felt like we’ve lost Saturday by itism, which means a Saturday, but we’re winning the hearts lot to Caine — he said and minds of ourselves and others in he believes protesters our town.”

Israel Trip for Jewish Teen Gamers

New Israel travel experience for teens bridges Jewish identity and gaming culture.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A

new Israel travel Tech & Gaming will take place experience made spe- July 5-26, 2022, and is catered cifically for teens will to teens in ninth, 10th and 11th give young Jewish individuals a grades. Both Lost Tribe Esports chance to learn about gaming and BBYO are closely monitorculture, new media and content ing the COVID-19 pandemic creation. to ensure the trip meets health Lost Tribe’s Israel guidelines in the U.S. Journey: Tech & and Israel.

Gaming is the first “We’re going to keep trip of its kind. The adapting and adjusting partnership between as needed,” Nodel says.

Lost Tribe Esports, Nodel also believes an organization for the trip offers a unique Jewish youth that experience for teens creates connections to see Israel through through gaming, and a different lens. “The BBYO, a Jewish teen Michal Nodel goal is to bring teens movement, offers a new Israel who maybe wouldn’t have contravel opportunity that includes sidered a trip to Israel, to appeal the fun of gaming culture while to their interest in gaming and encouraging teens to build digital media and say, ‘Hey, Jewish identity and lasting here’s an Israel trip. And we’re friendships. also going to show you really “We’re seeing a trend everycool things that have to do with where where the interest in your passion for gaming.’” gaming has increased,” says Participants are eligible for a Bloomfield Hills-based Michal $3,000 travel voucher through Nodel, director of Israel operRootOne, which aims to lower ations and partnerships at Lost financial barriers so more peoTribe Esports. “We’re seeing ple can participate in immermore of a movement to online sive summer trips to Israel. gaming.”

Prior BBYO participation or Nodel says the COVID-19 membership isn’t required to pandemic has brought online attend the trip, and program gaming to the same level as costs include housing accomsports like basketball and socmodations, meals, program cer because gaming can often experiences, ground transporbe done at home and through tation and security. virtual channels.

“The trip will generally Lost Tribe’s Israel Journey: follow the BBYO Passport

A group of Lost Tribe gamers

itinerary,” Nodel explains. The three-week experience is slated to include visits to sites in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Golan and the Negev, among others.

Participating teens will also have a chance to meet Jewish professional esports players, advance their skills in games, explore tools and innovations used by gaming experts and platforms, and compete with Israeli teens in popular video game titles at live events.

“A lot of amazing tech innovations are coming from Israeli startups,” says Nodel, who explains that Israel is often called Start-Up Nation. “There’s one startup that focuses their technology on making you a better Fortnite player, and they do things like analyze your end-game statistics and help you with strategy.”

For Jewish teens with an interest in gaming, the new Israel trip offers both personal and professional perks, especially for those who want to pursue careers in the industry.

“It’s an old city, new games,” Nodel says of the blend of traditional Israel experiences combined with modern gaming initiatives. “There’s a juxtaposition between heritage, history and technology.”

Find out more about the trip at https:// losttribeesports.org/2022/01/05/losttribes-israel-journey-tech-gaming.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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CAMP GUIDE

Summer Fun for Generations

Second-generation campers call Willoway Day Camp their summer home.

JONATHON KOENIGSBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

COURTESY OF WILLOWAY DAY CAMP

S

Sam Singer of Birmingham, poses for a birthday picture with his counselors Cassidy Tuthill of Bloomfield Hills, Zac Margolis of Farmington Hills and Counselor Aid Aaron Weiskopf of Northville.

ince 1969, Willoway Day Camp, located in Milford, has been offering campers an amazing day camp experience.

Whether it’s learning to swim, play a sport, learn a dance or a song — or make a lifelong friend, Willoway offers something for everyone.

“We are so proud to be offering the Willoway experience to many second-generation as well as new camper families,” said Lorraine

LEFT: Will Anderson of Novi, Counselor Jared Pazner of Franklin and Huston Smith of Northville in front of the Willoway pool. RIGHT: Zara Wegard of Bloomfield Hills, Paige Vieder of West Bloomfield and Harper Wegard of Bloomfield Hills at the Willoway pond.

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Fisher, who co-founded Willoway with her husband, Arnie.

One second-generation family is the Vieder family of West Bloomfield. “Our best memories are from camp. We are excited our children are now having the Willoway experience,” said Heather Vieder, a former camper.

“Paige comes home so excited ... whatever the activity, she is beaming from her day at Willoway.”

Jeffrey Vieder, a former camper and counselor said, “Knowing that Willoway is a led by the same family and senior team for more than 50 years, building on tradition and safety, makes us feel so comfortable. This summer, our son Brody will be old enough to attend. Seeing how excited his sister is, he can’t wait.”

Another second-generation family is the Levy family of Bloomfield Hills. “Because of the amazing experience I had as a camper, I returned to Willoway as a counselor in the late 1980s.

I couldn’t wait to send my sons who are now proud Willoway alumni, too,” said Lawrence Levy.

“Arnie and Lorraine had a major impact on my life, as a camper and a counselor. To this day, many of my lifelong friends are my Willoway friends.”

The Fishers have mentored and inspired many teachers and several camp directors. Willoway’s

Experience college life in LTU’s

ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMPS for high school students.

Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences Business and Information Technology | Engineering

ltu.edu/summercamps Harris Wolf of Bloomfield Hills and Jack Singer of Birmingham enjoy a day at Willoway.

current associate directors (and lifelong campers) Jason Rosen and me, Jonathon Koenigsberg, carry Willoway’s non-competitive summer fun outlook to countless campers.

Similarly, Willoway inspired Marni Katz to become a camp professional. A former Willoway camper, counselor, and program coordinator, Katz worked as a Chicago-area day camp director for 15 years.

“When the world changed in 2020, we moved home. As a social worker, camp director and mom, I knew that Willoway would be a happy place for my then first-grader,” said Katz, who, with her husband and children, moved to West Bloomfield at the start of the pandemic to be closer to family.

“Even during COVID, we knew we could count on Willoway to be safe and fun.

It was time for the third generation of Katzes to find their love of camp at Willoway,” she added.

There are also many first-generation campers who attend Willoway. Anna Singer of Birmingham sent her sons to Willoway for the first time in 2020 and again last summer.

“We are grateful to Willoway for providing our children the most normal but safe camp experience possible last summer. The amount of outdoor activity and physical movement provided at a day camp

is unparalleled. Our kids have particularly benefitted from the swimming instruction and love the team games and special days offered,” Singer said.

“Willoway has been in my heart for more than 40 years,” said Lesley Harding of Northville. “As a camper, counselor and parent of kids who go to Willoway, there is no better place to learn and grow.

“My camp memories are days filled with swimming, waterskiing, cooking, arts and crafts, overnights, ghost stories, campfires, hanging with friends and doing things I would never have had the opportunity to do without Willoway.

“I’m proud that my kids (Myley and Huston Smith) are longtime Willoway campers and are excited to become counselors in the next year or two.”

Proud of her decision to send her eldest to Willoway, Marni Katz said, “Willoway isn’t just camp, it’s a family. Willoway is a place that fosters independence, understands that kids need a place to just be kids and will instill in you a love of camp that is unmatched.”

Possible is Everything

your summer neighborhood

N

WALDE

To learn more about Willoway, visit Willowaydaycamp.com. Jonathon Koenigsberg is associate director at Camp Willoway.

CHEBOYGA

N

www.campwaldenmi.com 248-225-1256 summer@campwaldenmi.com Family-owned since 1959

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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CAMP GUIDE ESSAY

Rachel Ruskin during her camper days at Camp Young Judaea Midwest.

Teen Mission 2022

My Home in the Wisconsin Woods Rachel Ruskin is camp life director at Camp Young Judaea Midwest.

RACHEL RUSKIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

grew up at Camp Young Judaea Midwest (CYJ) in Waupaca, Wisconsin. I spent many summers there as both a chanicha (camper) and member of the tzevet (staff).

Rising through the ranks each summer, I couldn’t wait to be in the oldest age group as a camper and was Rachel Ruskin just as excited if not more to become a merakezet (unit head) when I was old enough in college. Then it was time to grow up, or that’s what I thought — since that’s what so many people around me said (not my family, though!).

When it came time for me to pursue my professional career, it also led me to other summer camps. I learned so much and was so grateful for those years.

But still, I felt this whisper and push to find something

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that would have me be home in the summers and something with more regular hours while living at home in Michigan. Then came this past fall when I had the opportunity to return to the Wisconsin woods for my summers.

Being older and a bit wiser, I know how precious this opportunity is. I am so proud to be back with the CYJ family. So thrilled to be able to live at my house in Michigan during the year and spend my summer with a new crop of campers and staff each summer to help create memories that will last a lifetime. There is no better resume builder and teacher than summers spent working at camp.

This place shaped me into who I am today. The lens that I look through for every aspect of life was especially formed during those summers at CYJ. The friendships I gained, the people I met

from Israel and all over this country, the lessons learned, and the conversations had all helped me to grow. The pride, comfort and support that was there in everything we did.

Whether it was singing or dancing, swimming or debating, it shaped us all. Every camper and staff not only knew one another’s names, but also looked out for everyone at that camp all summer long. Good lessons indeed.

It’s nearly an indescribable feeling to know that my niece and nephew now attend CYJ with their friends. I am overjoyed to see friends my sister and I have from our years spent at camp send their children off to Waupaca each summer. It’s the next generation’s turn to experience this magic and fun. To start their journey and to return for many summers as chanichim and future tzevet.

Want to join us? Give us a call at (224) 235-4665 or email rachel@cyjmid.org.

Rachel Ruskin is camp life director at Camp Young Judaea Midwest.

Calling all participants, families and interested members of the Teen Mission to Israel!

The Federation has been accepted as a RootOne grantee for summer 2022. The new initiative helps lower the price of Teen Mission 2022 (June-20-July 15) by offering each registered participant a voucher for $3,000. “We are so excited to be working with RootOne in sending more teens to Israel and investing in quality educational experiences,” said Zach Goldberger of Federation.

Teen Mission is open to ninth12th graders to strengthen their Jewish identity and pride as a Detroiter. The educational, experiential itinerary allows teens to see, feel and touch Israel, and create personal relationships with Israeli teens from the Partnership Region.

The trip provides quality programs with attention to health and safety standards; and emphasizes a community building experience with sensitivity toward individual needs.

According to a former participant: “Teen Mission was a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for me and helped shape who I am today. I made incredible friends, saw magnificent sights and was challenged every single day. I feel so lucky to be able to call Israel my home and am so grateful for the experience.”

The cost of the trip — now $4,095 — includes room and board, program activities, flights to Israel and back, and laundry. An itinerary of the trip can be found at https://teenmissiondetroit.org/ trip-overview.

To learn more, visit https://teenmissiondetroit.org. For questions, contact Zach Goldberger at zgoldberger@teenmissiondetroit.org.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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CAMP GUIDE

Where else in the world can you take a silly picture like this?

A Great Chapter in One’s Book of Life Under unprecedented circumstances from COVID, Camp Tamakwa shows its real colors in overcoming challenges.

I

f the pandemic has played havoc with most businesses, it’s thrown an oversized wrench into the works for summer camps. For those in Canada, like Camp Tamakwa, for whom U.S. kids are an important segment of their camper population, COVID19 has been a major test.

It wasn’t long ago I thought I had seen it all in my 52 years at Tamakwa and experienced just about every possible scenario that can happen at camp.

That was until the pandemic hit and subjected Tamakwa to a new reality of how camp had to be conducted these past two

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COURTESY OF CAMP TAMAKWA

VIC NORRIS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

Tamakwa’s Senior Director Vic Norris and Camp Directors Leslie Hartsman and Jamie Kudlats, circa 2003

summers. Of course, compared to how COVID-19 afflicted the entire world, most members of our Tamakwa community were fortunate to endure as they did. Talk about keeping perspective!

WHEN BORDERS CLOSED In 2020, for the first time in my life since 1967, I couldn’t be at Tamakwa or, for that matter, in Canada, after public health authorities ordered all camps closed and the government shut

the national borders.

Despite my many years at Tamakwa, it still boggles my mind how labor-intensive it is to administer camp, particularly one as ambitious as Tamakwa, to achieve so many tangible and intangible goals. It’s ultimately about providing our campers and staff not just the best camp experience possible, but the best life experience. We must do everything we can so one of the best chapters in the book of life of our campers and staff will be their time at Tamakwa.

True to Tamakwa’s philosophy, we turned COVID’s negative situation into a positive outcome. In 2020, with camp closed, owners Michael Budman and Diane Bald spearheaded a major capital improvement campaign to upgrade and replace many of camp’s facilities, infrastructure and equipment.

As the 2021 season approached, we closely followed government updates on whether camps would be allowed to open and, if so, under what restrictions. With

valuable input from Tamakwa’s medical staff, we discussed staffing and quarantine challenges.

It wasn’t until the 11th hour that camps learned they could open, but, unfortunately, the Canadian-U.S. border remained closed. With little time, we had to address multiple tasks to ensure camp could open — modifications to our facilities, health center, medical staff orientation, kitchen and food service, sanitation facilities, quarantine protocols, creating a “bubble,” masking, regular testing, cohort training ...

COVID-SAFE To make Tamakwa COVID-safe, we transformed aspects of camp life like never before. Everything had to be re-thought. All the while, our U.S. campers and families lamented not being able to come to camp.

None of this would have been possible but for an incredibly dedicated staff in 2020 and 2021.

Our leadership and administrative team, led by Les Hartsman and Jamie Kudlats, also rose to the occasion, proving an inspiration to all.

Fast forward. Camp progressed through the summer, constantly pivoting. Masks came off, cohorting ceased as celebrations, activities and trips ensued with life lessons learned. Little surprise our kids and parents appreciated the Tamakwa experience more than ever after more than a year of isolation.

On Aug. 9, I was finally able to enter Canada and be at camp.

I observed and participated in some of Tamakwa’s greatest traditions — the final camp play, return of long trips and Color War. Particularly memorable was the final Friday night service honoring six staff with their 13th summer bar and bat mitzvahs.

There was the traditional staff gathering in Loon Lodge filled with thank-yous and acknowl-

Tamakwa’s Annual Junior Tamakwan (JT) Triathlon

edgments for giving every camper that good ol’ traditional Tamakwa summer.

Then, the final day of camp with the summer-ending CIT Banquet, award presentations, the unveiling of a magnificent 2021 summer plaque. Notwithstanding all the challenges and adversity encountered there was that same summer’s-end Tamakwa glow exuded by everyone for an unprecedented, magical, if not miracle summer. Camp prevailed.

And … not one case of COVID! There are golden days on the horizon as enrollment is at

an all-time high for Tamakwa 2022. Waiting lists have started.

Planning, recruiting and hiring are underway. All our campers and staff from the U.S. and Canada and our international staff will unite again on the “sunny shores.”

Looking back is important. But we’re more excited about what’s ahead, as we advance to next summer and then on to our 90th anniversary. I can’t wait.

Vic Norris is senior director of Camp Tamakwa.

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CAMP GUIDE

Dr. Amanda Alexander, center, with Walden 2021 camp health officers Danica Stenzel, left, and Ellie Ackerson, right.

‘Summer of the Swab’

Careful plans addressed physical and mental health of Camp Walden campers.

LIZ STEVENS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

I

t was “the summer of the swab.”

For Camp Walden in Cheyboyan, Michigan, as for many overnight summer camps, “swab” was the four-letter word of 2021. But testing for COVID-19, by repeatedly sticking thousands of Q-tip-like swabs up the noses of campers and staff, was also key to how this northern Michigan camp completed last season without one case of the COVID virus.

“I knew the directors would make the campers’ and staff ’s safety their No. 1 priority, and they absolutely delivered,” says Sheri Marcus, parent of two Detroit-area Walden campers.

The plan for running a physically and mentally healthy camp in 2021 was a year in the making. It involved not just Walden’s own team of administrators and health professionals, but collaborations with many

Emy Beckett, right, daughter of Sheri Marcus, and friend Sarah Kaplinsky of Dallas.

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camp directors, both in Michigan and nationally. The monumental effort paid off: Not only was camp safe, say parents and campers, it was fun.

Walden’s leadership “struck what I truly believe was a perfect balance between caution and safety, and a recognition that camp still had to be camp,” says Jessica Fink, a Walden parent in San Diego, “with lots of testing and precautions leading up to camp … and then easing into what — according to my son — felt like a pretty normal camp experience.”

But Walden had to completely rethink how camp was going to function while cohorting and distancing were required.

Typically, Walden’s 200-plus campers create their own individual activity schedules and by the second full day of camp, they are crisscrossing the woods, heading to activities on their own.

“This intentional mixing of young and older, boys and girls, is really integral to Walden’s feel,” Director Scott Ruthart says. “We were really focused on making that first week — where you could only be with a small group — a meaningful and exciting one.”

For some campers, the added precautions were less a nuisance than they were a comfort. “The

mask-wearing and testing made my child feel safe,” says suburban Chicago parent Shira Gaule. “Her anxiety is sky high right now with COVID, so knowing the camp is taking COVID seriously is extremely important to me and my daughter.”

The most challenging aspect of managing the virus was confronting unexpected situations, says Dr. Amanda Alexander, a Walden camp doctor and Metro Detroit pediatrician, who spent most of last summer managing Walden’s COVID response.

“We came into the summer with certain plans and policies, most of which continued, but there were also many unforeseen circumstances to address.”

Walden’s directors understood that the pandemic’s mental-health toll meant campers and staff would need additional support in 2021. They reached out to three social work professionals, all Walden alums: Brooke Bendix in Detroit, Alison Chroman in Chicago and Amy Shafer in Pittsburgh.

Each spent a week to three weeks living and working at camp.

“Giving staff and campers a safe space to reflect on their thoughts and emotions from the year … was incredibly rewarding,” says Chroman, whose children attend Walden.

“In many instances, just being an active listener seemed to help.”

Liz Stevens is the director of Camp Walden.

Spend the summer on the adventure of a lifetime!

June 20 to July 15, 2022 Hike, surf, eat and tour your way through Israel with other Detroit community teens and teens from our Israeli Partnership region.

Cost: $7,095 $4,095*

Registration is now available!

Find out more at Need proof that these three-weeks in Israel will be amazing?

Scan the QR code to watch the video from past Teen Mission travelers.

teenmissiondetroit.org or contact Zach Goldberger

at zgoldberger@teenmissiondetroit.org (919) 830-7944.

*with $3,000 voucher from RootOne. Visit teenmissiondetroit.org for details.

22_IO_FLYER_TeenMission22-PRINT.indd 1

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FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

39

CAMP GUIDE Sunshine and laughter.

Music and art.

Sports and water play.

Exploration and discovery.

Some things are simply

better together.

CAMP FUNTABULOUS Like sunshine and laughter, come experience why Summer Camp and Hillel are better together. For campers 2-5 years old.

June 13-August 12 (no camp week of July 4) For more information, contact Robin Pappas, Director of Early Education, at 248-539-1489 or rpappas@hillelday.org.

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CAMP LISTINGS FOR 2022

CAMP WALDEN

5607 South River Cheboygan, MI 49721 summer@campwaldenmi.com 817-923-WLDN (9536) FAX: 817-923-7992 Celebrating our 63rd summer, Walden provides an inspiring environment that challenges campers to step outside their comfort zones. Our program combines elements of individual choice and group dynamics, building confidence, character and resilience.

At Walden, college-age counselors raise the bar when it comes to staff maturity and commitment.

Nationally accredited by the American Camp Association.

HILLEL DAY SCHOOL

32200 Middlebelt Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 851-3220 www.hillelday.org Join us for a fabulous summer! Camp Funtabulous is for children ages 2-5 beginning June 13-Aug. 12 (no camp week of July 4). Weekly themes involve hands-on learning, exploration in our outdoor nature center, gardening in our greenhouse and our garden, creative play on our playground, water play and indoor fun.

Fun in-camp field trips or visitors each session.

Activities foster social

and emotional growth, and lifelong friendships begin. Our trained staff encourages, nurtures, teaches and supports campers every day.

Registration is now open.

For more information, contact rpappas@ hillelday.org.

INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP

4000 J. Maddy Parkway Interlochen, MI 49643 (231) 276-7472 interlochen.org The nation’s premier multidisciplinary summer arts program, where emerging artists transform passion and potential into purpose. Guided by internationally renowned artists, campers ages 8 to 18 study music, theater, dance, visual arts, creative writing and film in a glorious, natural setting with like-minded peers.

LAWRENCE TECH SUMMER CAMPS

21000 W. 10 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48075 (800) 225-5588 summercamps@ltu.edu ltu.edu/summercamps Academic summer camps for high schoolers interested in engineering, design, technology and science are taught by professors in modern labs and studios on LTU’s 107acre Southfield campus.

Programs for Every Young Artist Deep in the woods of northern Michigan, arts collide and unbreakable bonds form. An experience at Interlochen won’t just make you a better artist—it will transform the course of your future.

Through our innovative programs, students build creative confidence and develop a sense of wonder, curiosity, and perseverance.

CREATIVE WRITING INTERLOCHEN ARTS CAMP | Grades 3-12 World-renowned summer arts programs INTERLOCHEN ONLINE | Grades 2-12 Live virtual instruction and master classes with experienced arts educators

DANCE FILM & NEW MEDIA INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS MUSIC THEATRE VISUAL ARTS

interlochen.org

CAMP GUIDE

CAMP LISTINGS FOR 2022

ROEPER SUMMER CAMPS

41190 Woodward Ave. Bloomfield, MI 48304 (248) 203-7370 roeper.org From lacrosse to coding to theater, Roeper Summer Programs offers a variety of enriching and rewarding camp experiences to children throughout Metro Detroit.

Diversity and respect for everyone’s potential are central characteristics of the community.

TAMARACK CAMPS

6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 380 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (248) 924-1249 bfishman@tamarackcamps. com tamarackcamps.com Tamarack Camps, Michigan’s premier Jewish summer camp, is home to 1,100 acres of woods, private lakes and nature trails. But more than that, it’s home to your next adventure.

TEEN MISSION

6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 380 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (248) 924-1249 zgoldberger@ teenmissiondetroit.org www.teenmissiondetroit. org Teen Mission is a 24-day trip to Israel for high schoolers from the

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FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

Detroit community. The trip is an opportunity to experience Israel as a means to strengthen Jewish identity and pride as a Detroiter. The Teen Mission has an educational, experiential itinerary allowing teens to see, feel and touch all aspects of Israel, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, The North, The Negev and more!

WILLOWAY DAY CAMP

P.O. Box 250933 West Bloomfield, MI 48325 (248) 932-2123 www.willowaydaycamp. com Willoway Day Camp has been offering the best summer ever for generations of campers.

Our mature staff of teachers and leaders and acres of outstanding facilities combine to create lasting memories.

The fun starts the moment the campers board the Willoway bus (or van). Whether it’s making a splash or learning to swim in our two pools or enjoying our varied athletic fields, pond and lake programs, animal farm, nature trails and fishing or drama, dance, kayaking, go-karting, archery, tennis, golf and ga ga ga — at Willoway, it’s summer fun for everyone.

American Camp Association-accredited.

Pucks and Patience

Three years after playing hockey in the JCC Maccabi Games, they’ll finally be back on the ice in San Diego.

STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

t’s August 2019.

Detroit is hosting the annual JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest. Hundreds of teenage Jewish athletes and artists are in the area competing, creating and socializing.

Brennan Gesund and Lucas Hutten are playing for the Detroit “B” hockey team.

They’re defensive partners and team leaders.

They’re having a great time even though their team isn’t winning because it’s facing teams with older and more experienced players.

Gesund and Hutten are looking forward to playing hockey for Detroit for as many as three more years

SARA YUNKER

Detroit hockey player Brennan Gesund, right) shares a moment with David Brandes and Josh McGuin from Toronto at Novi Ice Arena during the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest hosted by Detroit.

before they become too old Hutten, 16, a junior to participate in the Maccabi forward on the Novi High Games.

School hockey team, echoed That opportunity was those sentiments. ripped away from them by a “I understand why global pandemic. it happened, but it was Concerns about COVID-19 disappointing to have two caused the JCC Association years of playing hockey in the of North America, which Maccabi Games taken away organizes and conducts the from me,” he said.

Maccabi Games, to cancel the “My family hosted event in 2020 and 2021. two hockey players from Those decisions were Cleveland when the Maccabi historic. The Maccabi Games Games were held here. had never been canceled That was great. I’m looking since they began in 1982. forward to staying with a It’s now 2022. The dead host family when I go to San of winter. But here’s a warm Diego. thought. There will be a “Participating in the Maccabi Games this summer Maccabi Games was fun [in in San Diego.

2019] because I It looks like got to meet a lot of Detroit will have 22 other Jewish hockey athletes in California players I otherwise during the July 31 would have never through Aug. 5 had the opportunity event. to meet,” he said.

Gesund and Gesund and Hutten will be in Hutten said they Brennan Gesund San Diego for the became friends Maccabi Games, through playing playing hockey. hockey for Detroit in Detroit doesn’t the Maccabi Games have enough players three years ago. for its own hockey Mark Berke was team, so Gesend the coach of the and Hutten will join Detroit “B” hockey players from other team at the 2019 delegations to form Lucas Hutten Maccabi Games. a team.

He remembers That doesn’t matter.

Gesund and Hutten. He “It’s my last year for the named Gesund the team’s Maccabi Games. I want captain and Hutten an to go,” said Gesund, 15, a alternate captain along with sophomore defenseman/ forward Spencer Werner. forward on the Walled Lake “It was very, very, very Western High School hockey easy to name those three team. kids the captain and alternate “I love hockey. I play it captains,” Berke said. “I saw anytime I can. It was so cool their leadership qualities to play with and against immediately and I could tell other Jewish kids when they were talented hockey the Maccabi Games were players. in Detroit. I want to do it “Our team didn’t win any again,” he said. games and I think we scored LAURA HUTTEN

TODD GESUND

SPORTS

continued on page 44 FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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SHAELYN CARROLL

continued from page 43

only six goals in our five games. But that was a super fun team to coach and the parents were great.”

Gesund, a Commerce Township resident, and Hutten, who lives in Novi, each played travel hockey until they went to high school.

They enjoy playing hockey now for Walled Lake Northern and Novi, respectively.

“I love it. We have really good crowds for our home games at the Lakeland Ice Arena,” Gesund said.

Gesund said he was about 5-foot-2 and weighed 110 pounds when he played hockey for Detroit at the 2019 Maccabi Games.

He’s now 5-7, 130, not a big guy, “but I’m super quick on the ice, like a rocket,” he said with a laugh.

Hutten also isn’t one of the bigger guys on the ice when he plays for Novi.

He’s 5-foot-8, 140.

Detroit athletes also will compete in 14U baseball,

14U boys basketball, 14U boys soccer, girls soccer, girls basketball, tennis, swimming and dance at the Maccabi Games in San Diego.

There also are opportunities for Detroit athletes to compete in 16U boys basketball and 16U baseball.

Detroit teens ages 13-16 interested in participating in the Maccabi Games should contact Detroit delegation head Karen Gordon at karengordon44@ icloud.com.

There also is information at www.maccabidetroit. com.

All Maccabi Games participants in San Diego including athletes must be vaccinated against COVID19. Host family members who can be vaccinated must be vaccinated.

Other COVID-19 mitigations will be announced later.

Please send sports news to stevestein502004@yahoo.com.

MARE MEDITERRANEAN FACEBOOK

NOSH

DINING IN THE D

T

he crustaceans and line-caught fish flown daily to Mare Mediterranean in Birmingham are so fresh that some of the catches “come in with the fishhook still in their mouth,” said Jay Feldman. He is partners with his longtime friend, Nino Cutraro, and wife, Liz Cutraro, in the distinctive Greek seafood restaurant with Italian, Spanish and Portuguese influences.

monochromatic decor makes use of quality materials. Commanding attention at check-in is Nino Cutraro’s own creation: projected black-and-white footage of his native Sicily and water flowing down three vertical screen panels.

Cutraro estimates 90% of guests prefer selecting their own fish from the Fish Market area, in front of the glass-enclosed open kitchen. I noticed labels for Golden Emperor, Wild Dover Sole, Dorado and Pink Corgi. The Crudo (Raw) Bar offers seafood

Mare Mediterranean Esther Allweiss Ingber

Contributing Writer

MARE MEDITERRANEAN 115 Willits Birmingham (248) 940-5525 Maremediterranean.com Dinner-only $$$½ out of $$$$$

The Cutraros also operate Bella Piatta, an Old World-style Italian eatery in Birmingham.

Feldman is primarily occupied as chairman/CEO of the local Feldman Automotive Group and Ohio-based Mark Wahlberg Automotive Group.

The Feldman family belongs to Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield.

“Having the restaurant has been a lot of fun so far,” Feldman said, “but maybe more for me because Nino is the one toeing the line every day.”

When he and Cutraro dined at a Miami restaurant known as Milos, they were blown away by its Mediterranean food and ambiance. Agreeing that “there was nothing like it here,” Feldman said they enticed Milos manager Vladimiro Speranza to join their new venture.

Open since Nov. 9, construction of the Mare (MAH-ray, or sea, in Latin) Mediterranean restaurant started in mid-July 2021. The 6,800-square-foot space replaces the shuttered Cameron’s Steakhouse.

Offering seating for 199 in three dining rooms, a lounge and a bar, Mare Mediterranean is a comfortably contemporary restaurant such as found in Los Angeles, Manhattan or Miami. Jeff Fontana’s fresh,

dishes, like Branzino Ceviche.

I had a light repast accompanied by delicious, house-made focaccia and ciabatta bread and fine olive oil. Mare Tower was stacked razor-thin and lightly battered slices of eggplant and zucchini, with Kasseri cheese and tzatziki sauce, best eaten warm. I dived first, unaware, into a delightful, finely diced Greek salad with fresh oregano. The best part was feta cheese cut into large triangles.

Chef Sean Force, formerly with Ocean Prime in Troy, offers a Risotto Primavera that can be made vegan. For meat eaters, he’s got grilled Colorado lamb chops and 30-day-aged Wagyu filet mignon and New York strip steak.

Returning to the Fish Market, the treatment called Aqua Pazza bakes fish in white wine. For an extra $10, Under Salt treatment will make fish with scales moister. Salt will not soak in as the fish is baked, 15 minutes per pound. I enjoyed watching dining room server Katya cut away the hard salt layer covering a striped bass, roll off the skin and debone the fish. She drizzled olive oil and lemon, then added capers, over pieces on a communal platter.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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MAZEL TOV! NOV. 8, 2021 Ethan Perlman and Meghan Weber of Novi are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Cole Asher. Grandparents are Carrie and Peter Perlman of West Bloomfield, and Ronald and Alexia Weber of South Lyon. Cole is named in loving memory of his great-grandfather Charles Perlman.

Nathaniel James Emery was called to the Torah on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. He is the son of Carolyn and Jerrold Emery; grandchild of Judith and William Martz, the late James Sanders, Arlene Blum, the late Judge Jerome Blum and the late Dr. Allan Emery.

Nate is a student at Power Middle School in Farmington Hills. His most meaningful mitzvah project was volunteering at Temple Israel’s Fresh Food Pantry.

Brady Hunter Feld, son of Jodi and Dr. Michael Feld, was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022. He was joined in celebration by his sister Bryce. Brady is the loving grandchild of Andy and Steven Weiss, and Ann and Jeff Feld.

Brady is a student at Berkshire Middle School in Beverly Hills. His most meaningful mitzvah project included making and selling LEGO keychains to raise money for Camp Tamarack’s Campaign for Change.

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Ava Elizabeth Friedman, daughter of Pamela and Elon Friedman, will lead the congregation in prayer on the occasion of her bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. She will be joined in celebration by her sister Scarlett. Ava is the loving grandchild of Cindy and Jeffrey Madgy, and Lorraine and Yacov Friedman.

Ava attends West Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. As part of her mitzvah project, she collected donations for continued research, family support and advocacy and awareness for PraderWilli Syndrome.

Noah Jacob Sapeika, son of Amy and Daniel Sapeika, will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. He will be joined by his brothers Ethan and Benjamin Sapeika. Noah is the grandson of Linda and the late Harry Applebaum, Raphael and Karen Sapeika, and the late Gillian Cohen.

Noah is a student at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit in Farmington Hills. As part of his mitzvah project, he collected supplies for Almost Home Animal Rescue.

Loyd-Papenheim

L

isa Shapiro of Farmington Hills with Erich and Michele Papenheim of Greer, S.C., announce the engagement of their daughter Sydney Marilynn Papenheim to David Adam Loyd, son of Jane Moskola of Port Orange, Fla., and the late John Loyd.

Lisa is employed at Rocket Homes. David is employed at Traverse City Whiskey Co. An October wedding is planned at the Detroit Golf Club.

Gerger 70th

R

enee and Jerry Gerger of Novi were married Feb. 3, 1952, with Rabbi Morris Adler officiating. Their lives have been blessed with three wonderful sons, Zach and wife, Pili, Stuart and companion, Beth, David and wife, Denise.

There are four grandsons and five granddaughters who bring great joy to their lives. To celebrate, a family gathering will take place this summer.

Bea & Woody Kisses are still sweeter than wine!

HAPPY 70th ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!

Love forever, your mishpocheh

SPIRIT

TORAH PORTION

Epstein-Peri

A

nita and Avi Peri and Suzi and Stuart Epstein are thrilled to announce the marriage of their children, Neilly Peri and Jason Epstein. The marriage ceremony took place in September 2020 at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. Due to the pandemic, a celebration party was held later, in October 2021. Neilly and Jason were thrilled to have their grandmother Nanny Dorie Wallace participate in their wedding ceremony.

Jason received his undergraduate degree from U of M and his J.D. from Florida State College of Law. He is the co-founder of CTC, a recruiting and consulting firm.

Neilly graduated from MSU and works for a digital advertising agency.

The couple look forward to spending many more happy years together.

Willens 100th

B

orn and raised in Detroit, Jean Willens lives an active life with family and friends in Franklin.

She will be celebrating her milestone on Feb. 6, 2022, in her winter home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Enjoying this exciting event with her will be her daughter, Joan Abraham, and her significant other, Ken Matasar; her daughter and son-in-law, Amy Willens and Ben Rosenberg; her grandchildren, Geoffrey and Jill Abraham, and Leslie Rosenberg; and greatgrandchildren, Joey Rose and Sam Abraham. Joining them will be nieces and nephews from Modesto, Calif., and family from Los Angeles, including Jeffrey and Roya Sklar. At 100, Jean is still reading the Jewish News every week.

Finding Success

W

hen one lives in a us to recognize two paradoxical time of mass inno- realities: 1) That we are tasked vation, it becomes with putting in the requisite increasingly easy to believe we effort, and 2) That no matter can do things all by ourselves. how much effort we exert, Gone are the days when one we cannot succeed without would have to travel help, whether it be from to a store or call up an HaShem or from others. expert to find a soluThe Sfas Emes’ grandfation for day-to-day ther, the Chidushei HaRim predicaments. “Just (Rav Yitzchak Meir Alter) Google it,” “look it up similarly comments on on YouTube,” and “ask Rabbi Shaya the Talmudic dictum, “If Katz Siri” have replaced “go someone says, ‘I toiled and check out a book from found no success,’ do not Parshat the library,” “call a believe him; ‘I have not Terumah: plumber” and “watch toiled and found success,’ Exodus the weather on the do not believe him; ‘I have 25:1`-27:14; evening news.” toiled and found success,’ I Kings Besides the war of believe him” (Megilah 6b).

5:26-6:13. attrition against everyBut why does it say “found one’s humility, this success”? Should it not phenomenon breeds an altohave said “I achieved success,” gether new challenge: distrust. since they’ve toiled for it? In HaShem instructs Moshe, truth, explains the Chiddushei “You shall make the menorah HaRim, every success we enjoy out of pure gold, from one is due to others’ contributions, piece it shall be made” (Exodus no matter how much effort 25:31). At first, the menowe exert; some of it is always rah was meant to be actively “found.” formed, “you shall make,” but The more technology then the process seems passive, advances, the more we feel “it shall be made.” Rashi (Rabbi like we’re in control. But as Shlomo Yitzchaki, 11th centudriving on the roads, meeting ry, France) explains that Moshe our deadlines and fighting first attempted to make the COVID has taught us, we menorah on his own until he have to trust and rely on othrelented due to the difficulty of ers if we want to truly “find the task; after which, HaShem success.” If we can avoid the created the menorah Himself. instinctive trappings of our The Sfas Emes (Rabbi modern-day lifestyles and Yehudah Leib Alter, 19th find room to seek out others, century, Poland) asks why, if including HaShem, to rely HaShem was willing to make on, then we will not only find it Himself, did He instruct success and develop caring Moshe to do so in the first communities, but we, too, can place? Surely, Moshe could illuminate the world, like a have been involved with other menorah. pursuits that needed his attenRabbi Shaya Katz is rabbi of Young tion! The Sfas Emes explains Israel of Oak Park. that HaShem asks from all of FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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SPIRIT

Synagogue Directory CONSERVATIVE Adat Shalom Synagogue Farmington Hills (248) 851-5100 adatshalom.org

Temple B’nai Shalom Benton Harbor (269) 925-8021 tbnaishalom.org

Ahavas Israel Grand Rapids (616) 949-2840 ahavasisraelgr.org

INDEPENDENT Grosse Pointe Jewish Council Grosse Pointe Woods (313) 882-6700 thegpjc.com

Congregation Beth Ahm West Bloomfield (248) 851-6880 cbahm.org Congregation Beth Israel Flint (810) 732-6310 cbiflint.org Congregation Beth Shalom Oak Park (248) 547-7970 congbethshalom.org Beth Tephilath Moses Mt. Clemens (586) 996-3138 bethtephilathmoses.com B’nai Israel Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 432-2729 bnaiisraelwb.org Congregation B’nai Moshe West Bloomfield (248) 788-0600 bnaimoshe.org Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue Detroit (313) 962-4047 downtownsynagogue.org Congregation of Moses Kalamazoo congregationofmoses.org Congregation Shaarey Zedek Southfield (248) 357-5544 shaareyzedek.org

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Kehillat Hatzhav Hagadol Mackinac Island (906) 202-9959 mackinacsynagogue.org

Beth Tefilo Emanuel Tikvah Southfield (248) 559-5022 Birmingham-Bloomfield Shul Birmingham (248) 996-5818 bbchai.org B’nai Israel-Beth Yehudah Oak Park (248) 967-3969 bi-by.org B’nai Zion Oak Park (248) 968-2414

ORTHODOX Agudas Israel Mogen Abraham Southfield (248) 552-5711 aymadetroit.org

Chabad House-Lubavitch of Eastern Michigan Flint (810) 230-0770 chabad.org

Ahavas Olam Southfield (248) 569-1821 Ahavasolam.com

Chabad Jewish Center of Commerce-Walled Lake Commerce Township (248) 363-3644 jewishcommerce.org

Ahavas Yisroel Oak Park (248) 298-2896 Learntorah.info Aish Hatorah in the Woods Oak Park (248) 327-3579 Aishdetroit.com Bais Chabad of Farmington Hills (248) 855-2910 chabad.org Bais Chabad of North Oak Park (248) 872-8878 chabad.org Bais Haknesses Hagrah Oak Park (248) 542-8737 Balfour Shul – K’Hal Rina U’Tefila Oak Park (732) 693-8457

Chabad Jewish Center of Novi-Northville (248) 790-6075 novijewishcenter.com Chabad Jewish Center of Troy Troy/Rochester Hills (248) 873-5851 jewishtroy.com Chabad-Lubavitch of Bingham Farms Bloomfield Hills (248) 688-6796 chabadbinghamfarms.com

Etz Chayim of Toledo Toledo, OH (419) 473-2401 Etzchayimtoledo.org First Hebrew Congregation South Haven (269) 637-1603 firsthebrewcongregation.org Kehillat Etz Chayim Huntington Woods etzchayim-detroit.org Kollel Institute of Greater Detroit Oak Park (248) 968-1891 kollel@kolleldetroit.org Mishkan Israel, Nusach H’ari, Lubavitch Center Oak Park (248) 542-4844 theyeshiva.org Ohel Moed Shomrey Emunah West Bloomfield (248) 737-2626 ohelmoed.org Or Chadash Oak Park (248) 819-1721 or-chadash.org Sara & Morris Tugman Bais Chabad Torah Center of West Bloomfield (248) 855-6170 baischabad.com Shaar Hashomayim Windsor (519) 256-3123

Chabad of Western Michigan Grand Rapids (616) 957-0770 chabadwestmichigan.com

Shaarey Zedek Windsor (519) 252-1594 shaareyzedekwindsor.com

Dovid Ben Nuchim-Aish Kodesh Oak Park (313) 320-9400 dbndetroit.org

Shomer Israel Oak Park (248) 542-4014 godaven.com

Shomrey Emunah Southfield (248) 559-1533 congregation-shomreyemunah-105705.square.site The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch West Bloomfield (248) 788-4000 theshul.net Yagdil Torah Southfield (248) 559-5905 Young Israel of Oak Park (248) 967-3655 yiop.org

Congregation Shaarey Zedek East Lansing (517) 351-3570 shaareyzedek.com

Temple Israel West Bloomfield (248) 661-5700 temple-israel.org

Yeshivat Akivah Southfield (248) 386-1625 farberhds.org

Temple Benjamin Mt. Pleasant (989) 773-5086 templebenjamin.com

Temple Jacob Hancock templejacobhancock.org

ANN ARBOR

Temple Beth El Battle Creek (269) 963-4921

Temple Kol Ami West Bloomfield (248) 661-0040 tkolami.org

Temple Beth El Bloomfield Township (248) 851-1100 tbeonline.org

Temple Shir Shalom West Bloomfield (248) 737-8700 shirshalom.org

Young Israel of Southfield (248) 358-0154 yisouthfield.org

Temple Beth El Flint (810) 720-9494 tbeflint@gmail.com

RECONSTRUCTIONIST Congregation Kehillat Israel Lansing (517) 882-0049 kehillatisrael.net

Temple Beth El Midland (989) 496-3720 tbe_midland@yahoo.com

Congregation T’chiyah Ferndale (248) 823-7115 tchiyah.org Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit (313) 567-0306 reconstructingjudiasm.org REFORM Bet Chaverim Canton (734) 480-8880 betchaverim@yahoo.com Congregation Beth El Windsor (519) 969-2422 bethelwindsor.ca Congregation Beth Shalom Traverse City 231-946-1913 beth-shalom-tc.org Congregation B’nai Israel Muskegon (231) 722-2702 cbimkg@gmail.com

Temple Beth Israel Bay City (989) 893-7811 tbi-mich.org Temple Beth Israel Jackson (517) 784-3862 tbijackson.org Temple Beth Sholom Marquette tbsmqt.org Temple B’nai Israel Kalamazoo (269) 342-9170 Templebnaiisrael.com Temple B’nai Israel Petoskey (231) 489-8269 templebnaiisraelofpetoskey.org Temple Emanuel Grand Rapids (616) 459-5976 grtemple.org Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org

CONSERVATIVE Beth Israel Congregation (734) 665-9897 @BethIsraelCongregation ORTHODOX Ann Arbor Chabad House (734) 995-3276 jewmich.com Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan annarborminyan.org

REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org

RECONSTRUCTIONIST Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (734) 445-1910 aarecon.org

SECULAR/HUMANISTIC Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 chj-detroit.org

REFORM Temple Beth Emeth (734) 665-4744 templebethemeth.org

Sholem Aleichem Institute West Bloomfield (248) 865-0117 secularsaimichigan.org SEPHARDIC Keter Torah Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 681-3665 rabbisasson.wixsite.com/keter Ohr Hatorah Oak Park (248) 294-0613 Ohrhatorah.us

RENEWAL Pardes Hanah pardeshanah.org SECULAR HUMANISTIC Jewish Cultural Society (734) 975-9872 jewishculturalsociety.org Please email factual corrections or additional synagogues to list to: smanello@thejewishnews.com.

TRADITIONAL Woodward Avenue Shul Royal Oak (248) 414-7485 thewas.net MINYANS Fleischman Residence West Bloomfield (248) 661-2999

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SPIRIT

A WORD OF TORAH

Holy Space

H

uman beings have a unique and fundamental attachment to place and space. Animals have lairs and mark their territory, but people add layers of significance to the spaces they occupy.

Our homes are particularly significant to us. They provide us with security, privacy, Chief Rabbi belonging, identity.

Warren They are the center Goldstein of our existence — a central place from which to look out at the world. And they give our lives meaning, well-being and happiness.

Home is the place we feel safest. Where we build a lifetime of memories. Where we raise our children and entertain family and friends simply to celebrate being together. Above all, our homes are sanctuaries — a physical safe harbor, but also a place of emotional and even spiritual refuge.

Ultimately, a home isn’t just where you are, it’s who you are.

In this week’s parshah, we read

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of another sacred space, a literal sanctuary — a spiritual home for the Jewish people and a “resting place” for the Shechina, God’s Divine presence.

Parshah Terumah deals with God’s instruction to build the Mishkan — most often translated as the “Tabernacle” or the “Sanctuary” in the desert. It was the place where the Jewish people gathered together to connect to God in an intimate way. Though built to extraordinarily intricate and detailed specifications, the Mishkan was a temporary structure that was disassembled and then reconstructed as the Jewish people journeyed from place to place.

Later on, when the Jewish people took possession of the land, it took a more permanent form — becoming a forerunner to, and receiving its ultimate expression in, the Beit HaMikdash — the holy Temple in Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem itself is a holy space, and within it the Temple Mount, on which the Temple stood, is a place where the spir-

itual pulse is at its most intense — to the extent that the Beit HaMikdash embodies the very notion of the holiness of space: Kedushat HaMakom.

Jewish history and destiny is inextricably entwined with the Temple. It was the focal point of our identity when it stood and, 2,000 years later, we continue to mourn its destruction and pray fervently for its rebuilding.

Yet, in a certain sense, the Mishkan/Beit HaMikdash remains in existence today — as the prototype and model for two other key institutions in Jewish life, the shul and the beit hamidrash — the house of learning. According to the Talmud (Megillah 29a), even after the destruction of the Temple, God’s presence continues to dwell in the shuls and Torah study halls we create, which are called a Mikdash Me’at — a miniature sanctuary. These two fundamental institutions, so permeated with holiness even amid the darkness of exile, are a microcosm of the Mishkan and the holy Temple.

THE SANCTITY OF PHYSICAL SPACE We see that this concept of the sanctity of physical space has characterized Jewish life for thousands of years. Let’s now journey deeper into the root meaning of the Mishkan.

The Sefer HaChinuch, one of the classic works from the Middle Ages, argues that the purpose of the Mishkan wasn’t really to provide a home for God. The author cites the words of King Solomon spoken at the dedication of the Temple he himself built: “Behold the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain You, and surely not this Temple that I have built” (Kings 1:8:27).

The Sefer HaChinuch, therefore, instead focuses on the Mishkan’s significance to people. He says the Mishkan’s painstakingly detailed building specifications were geared toward constructing an intensely holy space within which God’s presence — the Shechinah — could be felt viscerally, enabling those who entered its confines to be uplifted

and spiritually purified, and to draw close to the Creator in an unprecedented way.

Friends, God is everywhere, but there are certain places on Earth where we feel His presence with greater intensity. The Mishkan and the Temple were places imbued with God’s presence in this intense manner. And, even today, the land of Israel retains this spiritual potency, as do the “miniature temples:” the shul and the beit hamidrash.

The effect of these physical spaces is deeply felt. In general, human beings are strongly influenced by the places they occupy.

A home, with its architecture and furniture, but, more importantly, its atmosphere and values, has a profound impact on those who occupy it. So, too, the physical space of a shul or a house of Torah learning directly influences those who enter it. These holy spaces, dedicated purely to the service of God, are so important to us. They inspire us to be better — to be holy ourselves, and to strive for spiritual greatness and Godliness.

And, through them, we connect not just with God, but with each other, because these are not just spiritual places, they are communal spaces. The enterprise of building the Temple was a communal one, as is, today, the enterprise of building a shul or a beit hamidrash. These are places in which, and through which, we feel closer to God and closer to the people who gather there with us.

According to the Ramban, the Mishkan had a very specific function: to keep the flame of the Sinai experience alive. When the Jewish people stood at the foot of Mount Sinai and received the Torah, they had an unprecedented and intense prophetic experience; they heard the “voice” of God Himself. Says the Ramban, the Mishkan brought the intensity of the Sinai experience into the day-to-day lives of the Jewish people. Just as the Shechinah rested on Mount Sinai, it rested in the Mishkan. And just

as the Jewish people experienced Divine revelation at Sinai, they experienced it in the Mishkan.

HOLY PLACES And, of course, we can extend this concept to the modern-day shul and beit hamidrash. These, too, are places where the presence of God is concentrated, where we can access the Shechinah and be sanctified and inspired by their holy atmosphere, where we can reconnect with the original Sinai experience that has always defined the Jewish people, and from which we draw our identity and our spiritual vision as Jews. Hearing the voice of God at the mountain gave us a mission for all times and all places — to live in accordance with His will and bring light and sanctity into the world through His Torah. The Mishkan, and later, the Holy temple, and today, the shul and the beit hamidrash, are the places we enter to re-ignite that sense of vision and mission.

Crucially, however, the Temple or Mishkan, or shul or beit hamidrash should be places that inspire us to lead a sanctified life and serve God outside their walls. In his commentary on the Book of Isaiah, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that God destroyed the Temple because people were using it as a vehicle to justify what they were doing outside of it. Their outlook was that you could do whatever you wanted outside the walls of the Temple — be unethical in business, do harm to people, neglect your responsibilities to God, to other human beings and to society — and then come to the Temple to offer your sacrifices of atonement. Essentially, they had inverted the entire purpose of the Temple. They’d forgotten that the real arena for the service of God takes place “on the outside,” and that the role of the Temple was to inspire us to live up to that task.

Rav Hirsch explains that in today’s times, when there is no Temple, the shul performs precise-

ly this role. It’s not simply a place where we express our Jewishness; it’s a place to be inspired so we can become great Jews and live a full Jewish life outside of shul. We come to shul to reconnect with the values of Sinai — and then we go out and implement those values in our daily lives. In so doing, we infuse our homes, our workplaces, wherever we happen to be at any given point, with the holiness of space.

The same principle applies to the beit hamidrash. We gather in shul and in the beit hamidrash, as a minyan, as a community, praying together, learning together, enveloping ourselves in the Shechinah, immersing ourselves in the holiness of space. And we emerge as people more inspired and closer to God, closer to our fellow human being, more connected to the mitzvot and mission God gave us at Sinai. We emerge as people ready to infuse every aspect of life with Godliness and sanctity.

A DEEPER DIMENSION There is a deeper dimension. Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik says rather than building a home for God, the Mishkan is really about creating a home for man. According to Rav Soloveitchik: “God is not homeless; man is homeless. God feigned homelessness in order to induce man to build a home.”

He says that as human beings, we all feel a sense of homelessness born from our vulnerability and a certain helplessness. He puts it this way: “Man is vulnerable, exposed to disease and death. The beast is similarly vulnerable, but he is not homeless because he is unaware of his existential situation.”

Furthermore, says Rav Soloveitchik, the human being is besieged by a “restlessness and boredom ... searching without finding, yearning without achieving,” thereby compounding this sense of rootlessness and alienation.

So, what do we do? What is the

solution to our dislocation? Where do we go to find a refuge from our homelessness? Rav Soloveitchik’s answer: the Mishkan/Beit HaMikdash, and in today’s world — the shul. When we enter these places, we come home. Within these sanctified walls, through the process of prayer, we reconnect with our Creator. In doing so, we soothe those feelings of homelessness, because through kindling our connection to God, we feel that we have roots in this world and that we aren’t just adrift in an existential void. Through calling out in communal prayer in shul, through immersing ourselves in Torah learning in a beit hamidrash, we connect to the One who is Eternal and reconnect with our own eternal selves. In a world of existential loneliness, we find a sense of stability, comfort and rootedness.

Rav Soloveitchik says one of the reasons people become disenchanted with shul in today’s times is that they don’t see it as a place of connection. He remarks how, in pre-war Europe, Jews would walk into shul and there would be that sense of coming home, of putting all of one’s troubles aside and feeling held in God’s warm embrace.

“Why do we need a synagogue at all?” he asks. “Why not pray in the field? The Jew does not need a house in which to pray ... We need a structure not for its architectural value, but for its psychological effect. We do not need a house; we need a home. The synagogue should be called not the House of God, but the Home of God, or more accurately, the Home of Man ... The synagogue as an idea represents man’s home on Earth.

‘And they shall build for me a sanctuary and I shall dwell in their midst’ (Exodus 25:8). The synagogue is God’s home because it is man’s home.”

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, who has a Ph.D. in Human Rights Law, is the chief rabbi of South Africa. This article first appeared on aish.com.

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ARTS&LIFE MUSIC

Young Composer

Jonah Cohen mentors other young musicians as he looks forward to hearing his commissioned work performed live.

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

J

onah Cohen likes to hum but not just melodies heard on recordings or performed on stages. Often, core melodies originate in his own mind, and he hums away while developing them into full compositions.

Working with instruments and composing software, the 17-year-old senior at Interlochen Arts Academy has earned significant recognition for pieces he created.

“Vis Viva,” an example written for orchestra, was selected a winner in the Young Composers Challenge and will be recorded by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra before its performance at the NYCC Composium in April. “Hineni,” an example of a piece for cello choir, was inspired during Temple Israel services and elevated him to Merit Winner in Classical Music by the National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists in the organization’s YoungArts programming.

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Cohen had been looking forward to having Metro Detroiters experience a January concert that featured his first commissioned piece, but the pandemic caused a postponement with the presentation now anticipated for spring.

His piece was to be played by the award-winning Akropolis Reed Quintet in a program hosted by Pro Musica of Detroit.

“I was completely overjoyed to have the privilege of writing for Akropolis,” said Cohen, commissioned by the Detroit Composers’ Project. “Akropolis is one of the real superstars in the quintet world, where reed groups are kind of a new invention.”

While looking forward to the concert, Cohen gives special attention to nonprofit program-

ming communicated through a website he founded and directs with the participation of other Interlochen students. It’s called The NowBeat Project and promotes a platform for young composers around the world to showcase their talents.

“We’re trying to spread a wealth of experience by having teen mentors work with composers under age 16,” said Cohen, aiming for a career that includes formal presentations of his pieces combined with university teaching opportunities.

Each young composer accepted into the program, as decided by Cohen and a teacher/adviser, submits a piece later mentored and played by Interlochen students in a virtual concert offered on

YouTube. The program, in its second year, has chosen 16 finalists for 2022.

A LOVE OF MUSIC Cohen’s interest in music started when he was 6 years old as he enjoyed the results of taking piano lessons. When he was in sixth grade at Warner Middle School in Farmington Hills, the cello caught his attention with students being encouraged to play orchestral instruments.

“They were playing music that was written recently, and I thought I could do it,” he explained. “I started composing in seventh grade and went to Summer Arts Camp at Interlochen in 2019, when I had my first formal instruction in

composition.

“As soon as I came home that summer, I begged my parents to let me have a private teacher and then went on to the Interlochen Academy to finish high school after two years at North Farmington.”

Cohen, the son of psychologist Dana Cohen and technology sales specialist/hobby guitarist Andrew Cohen, uses a cello gifted by a great-aunt, Californian Laurie Ordin, who had played harp and cello professionally.

“For the upcoming Pro Musica concert, I worked on a piece titled ‘Limitation and Locomotion,’ based expressly around the instruments and audience I was writing for. Because Pro Musica was going to put my piece first on

COURTESY OF JONAH COHEN

continued on page 54

Jonah Cohen composes on the piano. FACING PAGE: Cohen started playing the cello in sixth grade.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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Fiddler on the Roof in Concert

ARTS&LIFE MUSIC

Sat Feb 19 // 8 pm Sun Feb 20 // 4 pm Hill Auditorium

In this theatrical concert performance, professional Broadway singers Chuck Cooper (Tevye) and Loretta Ables Sayre (Golda) star alongside phenomenally talented U-M Musical Theatre students to create a special event that features the first live performance of John Williams’s orchestral arrangement of the movie score.

Supported by: Menakka and Essel Bailey, The Lester Family, Don and Judy Rumelhart (exclusive supporters of music director Andy Einhorn), and Elaine and Peter Schweitzer

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Jonah Cohen’s composition will be played during a Pro Musica concert this spring.

continued from page 53

the program, I wanted to create a really driving sense of motion.

“For any project, I usually start composing at the piano, thinking about rough sound texture and what I want to create with the piece. I next turn to my notation software so I can notate music online. That’s when I play around with the material the most.”

Cohen’s commissioned piece is being joined with another premiere piece as well as well-known compositions.

Before The NowBeat website, Cohen designed his personal website and maintains it himself as he To get updated enters composing competitions information on the Pro through formal organizational Musica concert, go to websites. promusicadetroit.com.

“My site helps me keep track of For information on the all the different programs I paryoung composers’ ticipated in and all the different programming, go to happenings in my compositional thenowbeatproject.org. life,” he said. “I wanted to get an early start in having a professional composer’s presence online.

“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be working with Pro Musica if that website (jonahcohenmusic.com) didn’t exist. I intend to keep it running because that’s how opportunities present themselves, especially with this pandemic.

“When I submit my materials, I think if I don’t get first prize or honorable mention, it’s still useful because submitting my music means more people are hearing my music and hopefully will take a liking to it.”

Details

ARTS&LIFE

Gary Weinstein and co-star Cynthia Tupper during a run-through.

DAVE REINKE

THEATER

Last-Minute Lead Local jewelry store owner takes on lead role with three-weeks’ notice.

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

J

ust three weeks before opening night of the Farmington Players’ upcoming production, Tokens of Affection, plans changed in the biggest of ways. One of the leads of the play, Dorne Lefere, dropped out due to a family emergency.

Director Dave Reinke had to make a decision. Reinke made only one phone call for someone to take on the role and learn the entire production in just a few weeks: Gary Weinstein, owner of Weinstein Jewelers of Novi.

Weinstein has a background in theater acting going back to high school and has worked on various productions with the Farmington Players since 2004. Weinstein’s store will also sponsor the show.

Weinstein originally tried out for the role in early November but didn’t get the

part. Two months went by, and he received the replacement call from the director on Jan. 18, just 25 days before opening night. “(Reinke) expressed to me that I was the only phone call he made to take the role,” Weinstein said. “I took a couple hours to think about it, what it was going to entail and what I needed to do to be ready within three weeks, and I told the director I was in. I really jumped at the chance.”

There are 230 lines Weinstein must memorize, though he says the memorization actually hasn’t been too hard after practicing each day since he got the call.

“Repetition, repetition, repetition” is key, Weinstein said.

Tokens of Affection, written

by Topher Payne, runs from Feb. 11-26 at the Farmington

Gary Weinstein

Players Barn in Farmington Hills. The romantic comedy follows Frank Garrett, who’s stunned by his wife Jackie’s decision to leave him after 37 years of marriage, and siblings Charlie and Claire who team up to try and save their parents’ relationship.

“He’s a father of the family and he’s been providing well for them for years, but the wife is feeling like she’s not being acknowledged, seen or fulfilled,” Weinstein said.

“So, she wants a divorce. The metaphor ‘he doesn’t bring me flowers,’ that’s the background.”

Since 1953, the Farmington Players have staged more than 200 different musicals, dramas, mysteries and comedies, all as a community theater with 100% volunteer membership. Weinstein’s store has sponsored many Farmington Players produc-

tions in recent years.

Weinstein’s store is also running a special promotion involving 50-50 ticket sales.

There will be three winners every night, with one person taking home the monetary prize and all three receiving gift cards to Weinstein Jewelers. They’ll have a chance to win jewelry displayed in the theater’s lobby showcase, or a free service from Weinstein, including a battery or a cleaning and inspection. The 50-50 winners will also be entered into a final drawing at the Weinstein store for a chance to win a brooch valued at $1,800.

In just a few weeks of practice, Weinstein can already feel the connection to the character, as it spills over to his real life.

“I’m often used by the character I perform,” he said.

“In other words, you take on some of the persona of the character. Every day right now I find myself thinking how I can express my love to my wife, how I can help out a little more, and how I can bring her flowers, like the metaphor the show is really pointing at.”

DETAILS

Tokens of Affection runs Feb. 11-26 at the Farmington Players Barn in Farmington Hills. Tickets ($22 for adults, $20 for seniors) are available now at farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office: (248) 553-2955. You can also send an email to boxoffice@ farmingtonplayers.org.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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ARTS&LIFE CELEBRITY NEWS

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

Noah Emmerich

Noah Emmerich, 56, has a big supporting role.

You might not recognize his name, but you’ll probably know his face. He has worked steadily in TV and films since the late 1990s.

He played Jim Carrey’s best friend in the film The Truman Show and Stan Beeman, a major character on The Americans TV series.

His father, Andre Emmerich, was a famous art dealer. He fled Nazi Germany at age 7, with his parents, and arrived in New

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York in 1940. Noah’s aunt was a classmate of Anne Frank. Noah’s brother, Toby Emmerich, 58, is the CEO of Warner Bros. Pictures.

On Feb. 7, most PBS stations will premiere The History of Jeans, a new American Experience documentary. Much of it is about Levi Strauss (1828-1902) and tailor Jacob Davis (1831-1908). Davis invented the jeans we know by putting copper rivets in them so they would stand up to hard use. Davis bought his cloth from Strauss. He asked Strauss to cofinance a patent application.

Strauss agreed and they shared the patent (1873).

I imagine that the episode will mention that Strauss was Jewish. I am not sure that they will note that Davis was Jewish, too. Davis was born Jacob Youphes in Riga, Latvia. He came to America in 1854 and soon headed West. In 1869, he was living in the mining town of Virginia City, Nevada. A woman asked him to make really strong pants for her “big” husband.

Davis had some copper rivets in his shop that he used to attach leather straps to horse blankets. He used them to hold the pants’ seams together and that worked beautifully!

Levi Strauss was universally viewed as an honorable businessman. His good treatment of Davis is but one example. Strauss hired Davis to be his head of manufacturing. Davis worked for the Levi Strauss company until his death in 1908. Strauss and Davis are buried in the same San

Francisco-area Jewish cemetery.

Jacob’s son, Simon Davis, struck out on his own and, in 1935, founded the Ben Davis clothing company with his young son, Ben. The company made “tough” clothes (including jeans) for working folks. It is still very much in existence and actually became chic in the ’90s when hip hop musicians, including the Jewish Beastie Boys, touted Ben Davis clothes.

Ben Davis is still “hip” and still makes some clothes in America. Ben’s son, Frank, 70, has been head of the company since 1995.

Here’s one detail I recently read. Today, the Napa Valley is a playground for the vintage-sipping rich.

But, in the late ’30s, it was a disaster area. Prohibition (1920-33) virtually destroyed the vineyard business. Then the Great Depression (192939) hit the Valley hard. The Valley got a lifeline when the Davises opened a (unionized) factory in Napa in 1937. It quickly employed 10% of the Valley’s workforce.

The Levi Strauss company is, of course, also still in existence and it is still controlled by the descendants of Levi Strauss (they are direct descendants of his sister. Levi never married and had no children).

Notable descendants include Daniel Goldman, 45, who served as the chief Democratic counsel during the former president’s first impeachment trial.

A new evening tournament game show, Jeopardy!: National

College Championship, will premiere on Feb. 8 (ABC, 8 p.m.). The series will be hosted by Mayim Bialik, 46. Bialik is also the co-host for the “regular” daily Jeopardy! until the end of the 2021-22 season (unclear what happens then). No matter what, Bialik will host “special events,” like the college championship, for the foreseeable future.

Inventing Anna is an original, nine-part Netflix mini-series that will stream (whole series) on Feb. 11. It’s based on the real-life story of fraudster Anna Delvey, a non-Jewish woman who was born in Russia (1991) and grew up in Germany.

She moved to New York City in 2013. Until her arrest in 2017, she pretended to be a rich heiress, and she cleverly used this façade to scam banks and friends out of about 200K. Julia Garner

BY HARALD KRICHEL VIA WIKIMEDIA

BY REG2600 VIA WIKIMEDIA

KIDNAPPING; JEWISH JEANS, COLLEGE JEOPARDY, A CLEVER SCAMMER Suspicion is an original eight-episode Apple TV+ series that begins streaming on Feb. 4. It’s based on False Flag, an Israeli series.

Uma Thurman plays a businesswoman whose son is kidnapped. If Suspicion follows False Flag, as I expect it will, several “totally ordinary” persons will be accused of being involved in the crime, and the mystery will be — are they innocent or just good liars?

Julia Garner, 27, stars as Delvey. Garner has won two best supporting actress Emmys for her work on the Netflix series Ozark.

ON THE GO

PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS

CONCERT SET 8 PM, FEB. 5 CAREGIVER SERIES 2 PM, FEB. 3 Taking care of a loved one can be difficult. So can ensuring your own needs are being met during this challenging time. It’s easy to feel isolated, but Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Life are here to offer family caregivers support, comfort and a sense of community. Learn how to “Take a Breath Brake” with Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg, a virtual presentation. Info: jfsdetroity.org/caregiver or 248-5922313.

“QUINTS” CONCERT SET 3 PM, FEB. 5 “Quints at the Kirk,” Kirk in the Hills, 1340 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township. Featuring the world premiere of Monuments by Adolphus Hailstork, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings’ next concert presents two quintet performances. Hailstork’s piece, written for trombone and strings, is commissioned for the Resonate series, exploring the African diaspora through chamber music. The piece is followed by Franz Schubert’s Trout Quintet. General admission: $30; senior (60+), $25.

Inquire: info@detroitchamberwinds.org MICHAEL BROWN CONCERT SET 8 PM, FEB. 5 Michael Brown has been hailed by the New York Times as “one of the leading figures in the current renaissance of performer-composers.” Once registered at cameramusic.org, check your inbox for an email from noreply@ticketspice. com. Open the email and look for the 9-digit access code and link. (Hint: Save the email.) The access code and link will work only from the first location where you use it. Go to CameraMusic.org/live at the scheduled concert start time and select “Watch Now.” Enter your unique code or just click the link in the email you saved; watch in full-screen mode

and turn on the sound for best experience. For technical support, call 313335-3300.

SLEDDING & SNOWFLAKES 10:30-NOON, FEB. 6 Hosted by Congregation Beth Ahm at 32500 Shiawassee, Farmington Hills, at the sledding hill. Kids with their parents and grandparents are invited for sledding fun, to learn about how God made each of us unique and have a winter snack. Free and open to the community, but advanced registration is required.

Visit cbahm.org/event/sledding2022 to register.

TIME WITH THE RABBI 7 PM, FEB 7 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman via Zoom for a discussion of things he finds interesting about Judaism. There is no fee to attend. To RSVP and receive the Zoom link, contact Kellie Yost, kyost@adatshalom.org; 248-8515100, ext. 246.

ONLINE LEARNING 7:30-8:45 PM, FEB. 7+ The Jewish Theological Seminary of America will present this 8-week course: “Jews and the Left: A History’ with Dr. David Fishman, professor of Jewish history.

His course will focus on the relationship between Jews and left-wing politics in Europe, the Land of Israel and the United States from the French Revolution until the fall of Communism. Cost: $240. Info: jtsa.edu.

NOSH & KNOWLEDGE NOON-2 PM, FEB. 10 Featuring Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch, director of spiritual care at Adat Shalom Synagogue. Self-care may be

SLEDDING & SNOWFLAKES 10:30-NOON, FEB. 6 a buzzword, but that doesn’t make it easy to achieve. Would it surprise you to hear that Judaism views self-care as an essential value? Only by starting with the self can we strive to show up for others. Register at https://ncjwmi. org/nosh-knowledge-caring-capacity.

You’ll receive Zoom link information after registration.

CHADD MEETING 7:30-8:30 PM, FEB. 7 CHADD of Eastern Oakland County will hold a combined parent and adult meeting. Dr. Fran Parker will explain how individuals with ADHD can use Mindfulness Meditation and similar techniques to cope with stress and improve their daily functioning.

Meeting will take place online with Zoom. Check: CHADD.org/events-calendar. Meeting ID: 830 7037 8907.

Passcode: 580586.

AUTHOR SPEAKS 7 PM, FEB. 10 The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan will present, on Zoom, author Charles R. Gallagher discussing his book The Nazis of Copley Square: The Forgotten Story of the Christian Front.

Gallagher will guide us as we look into an often-forgotten chapter in the history of America’s far right. JHSM members: $10; non-members: $18. Please register by 9 pm on Feb. 9. A Zoom link for the program will be sent 24 hours before.

Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews.com.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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the exchange exchange the

SPOTLIGHT

communitybulletin bulletin board board || professional community professional services services

For information regarding advertising please call 248-351-5116 or For information regarding please call 248-351-5116 248-234-9057 or emailadvertising salessupport@thejewishnews.com Deadline forfor ad ad insertion is 10am Friday prior toprior publication.

Deadline insertion is 9 on a.m. on Friday to publication.

Barnes & Noble Removes ‘The Protocols of the Elders of Zion’ from its Website (JTA)

F

ollowing a social media outcry, Barnes & Noble has removed The Protocols of the Elders of Zion from its website.

Twitter users began tweeting Jan. 25 about an online listing on the booksellers’ site, which had been offering the famously fabricated antisemitic text for $24.95. The retailer said in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the book was fed automatically to the website from “standard industry databases” and that the company took “prompt action to remove” the title.

Twitter users also objected to the description of the book on the site, which summarized at length the book’s fictional description of a Jewish plan for global domination and suggested that its authenticity is still an open question. The description justified its sale as “an interesting book which deserves to be studied in the same way the War of the Worlds radio broadcast duped many thousands…. We neither support nor deny its message, we simply make it available for those who wish a copy.”

“Like what is even this synopsis?” responded Rachel Kaplan, a San Diego-based

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writer, on Twitter. “We neither support nor deny it’s message what??”

“Nothing like watching major corporations distributing long discredited antisemitic forgeries for profit,” tweeted Jeremy Burton, executive director of the Boston Jewish Community Relations Council.

In their statement to JTA, a representative for Barnes & Noble wrote that the bookseller draws on industry databases and does the “utmost to diligently monitor such submissions for violations of our content policy.”

According to the statement, the book was never stocked in their bookstores.

“We regret that it was listed inadvertently. As soon as we are made aware of any such offending titles, we take prompt action to remove the offending titles in accordance with our policy, as we did with this title,” said the representative.

While Barnes & Noble was the main focus of social media users’ outrage, other top online booksellers such as Walmart, Book Depository, Thrift Books and Hudson Books were selling dozens of versions of the Protocols, the Jerusalem Post reported.

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

GARY ABRAMOVITZ, 79, of Farmington Hills, died Jan. 26, 2022.

He is survived by his beloved wife, SueAnne Abramovitz; daughter and son-in-law, Robyn and Timothy Klouse; son and daughter-inlaw, Michael and Tammy Abramovitz; grandchildren, Harry Abramovitz, Isaac Abramovitz, Benjamin Klouse; sister and brother-inlaw, Eileen (Bill) Glogower; many other loving family members and friends.

Gary was the grandfather of the late Gabriel Klouse.

Interment took place at Nusach Hari Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

BARBARA BARRON, 91, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 27, 2022.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Harriet and Marc Weiner; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Judy Barron, Kenneth and Mary Barron, and Martin Barron; grandchildren, Dana (Damon) Blumenstein, Laura (Josh) Stack, Jeffrey Weiner, Nicole Haney, Mark (Kristy) Barron, Stacy (Euredes) Cepeda, David (Sarah) Barron, Benjamin (Lauren) Barron, Spencer (Susan) Barron, Samuel (Beth) Barron, William (Betsy) Barron, Jesse Barron, Leah Barron, Joseph Barron; great-grandchildren, Mark, Christopher, Faith, Evan, Easton, Emett, Christian,

Isaac, Josh, Alisa, Analise, Luci, Lilly, Joseph, Stella, Genna, Logan, Ellie, Ada, Arthur, George, Henry, Elena, Luke; many other loving family members and friends Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Leonard Barron; the devoted sister of Fred (Sandy) Lane and the late Paula (Karl) Blair.

Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia.

Contributions may be made to the Hermelin Brain Cancer or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

BARRY COHEN, 78, of Orchard Lake and Key West, Fla., died Jan. 23, 2022.

He always said, “You are what you eat” and enjoyed a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and vegetarianism.

Barry was an early adopter of alternative energies. Most recently, he relished driving a Tesla. He loved traveling with his family and friends and visited many places, including Mexico, Russia, Europe, Israel and Thailand, to name a few.

Barry loved people and had a knack for finding a common ground with everyone he met. He was a unique individual and embraced curiosity and creativity, especially in his hobby of electronics. He had a long and distinguished career as a C.P.A. and made strong connections with his clients.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carole; his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Corie Cohen;

daughter and son-in-law, Lisa (Josh) Cohen; grandchildren, Rebecca (John) Cuschieri, Evelyn and Zach Urist; greatgrandchildren Olivia and Declan Cuschieri; sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan and Jules Myerson, Ruthie and Ken Sriro Dixon, Harriet Finn and Linda Kunin.

Mr. Cohen was the loving son of the late Mollie and Henry Cohen.

Interment took place at Beth Abraham Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to Iamals. org or the ALS Association.

Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

DONALD DAVIS, 80, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 21, 2022.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts and became a Scout Master.

He was a past president and an active member of Adat Shalom Synagogue’s Men’s Club, where he made visits to Jewish nursing homes for more than 40 years. He was also active with the Michigan Society for Suicide Prevention since 2000.

Mr. Davis is survived by his wife of 19½ years, Judi Davis; daughter and sonin-law, Michelle and Stuart Newman; son and daughterin-law, Jeffrey and Laura Davis; grandchildren, Moshe and Chava Newman, Talli and Aliza Newman, Levi Newman, Dassi and Yisroel Levine, Benyomin Newman, Menachem Davis, Tsiporah and Peter Blair, Eli Davis and fiancee, Allie Kanan; great-grandchildren, Ben, Ella, Ruby Mae, Kayla, Yael,

Rafi, Gavriel, Elimelich, Malkiel, Evani Rose; he is also survived by Marcia Tuck and other loving relatives and good friends, including Harold Baker.

Contributions may be made to Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile Road, Berkley, MI; Juvenile Diabetes, 24359 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, MI 48075; or Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334.

A service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park in Livonia.

Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

TOD KERNER FYNKE, 63, of Troy, died Jan. 20, 2022.

He was a corporate executive for EHIM, a national pharmacy benefit management company, specializing in healthcare solutions.

Mr. Fynke is survived by his wife, Laurie Fynke; son, Adam Fynke; daughter, Julie Fynke; father-in-law, Michael Rosett; brother and sister-in-law, Max and Ilona Fynke; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mindi Fynke and Howard Wright; sisterin-law, Lynn Chio; nieces and nephews, Nicole and Matthew Lester, Alexandra and Joel Browning, Rachel and Levi Strauss, Alex Chio and Ryan Chio; great-nieces and great-nephews, Elliah Lester, Asa Lester, Neve Browning, Chase Browning, Leo Strauss and Goldie Strauss; many loving cousins, friends and colleagues; and continued on page 62

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He Had a Passion for Law

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rigadier General Norman Ralph Thorpe (USAF Ret.), 87, of Birmingham, died on Jan. 24, 2022.

He was born in 1934 in Carlinville, Ill. In his early years, he was raised by his mother, Imogene Thorpe, and grandmother, Carrie Hayes. These strong women instilled in him an incredible work ethic and an appreciation of equality and fairness. Although the family was small and came from modest means, Norm loved to share happy memories of growing up with them and his brother, Dr. Robert J Thorpe (“Jay”) and his pop, Red Thorpe.

Norm was a lifelong learner.

He attended the University of Illinois on an ROTC scholarship and, in 1956, received a bachelor of arts degree in economics with a minor in international affairs. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Illinois Law School and received a juris doctor degree.

In 1967, he received a master of laws degree in international law from the George Washington University. Norm also attended The Hague Academy of International Law, Netherlands; Air Force Procurement School at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; and the Northwestern University Law School course for prosecuting attorneys.

Following law school, Norm was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1956. First at Pepperell Air Force Base, Newfoundland, and later at Stewart Air Force Base, N.Y. This was the beginning of an incredible 30-year military career. From 1964 to 1966, he served in Ankara, Turkey, where he met his beloved Elaine Pritzman. Though both Norm and Elaine were from Illinois, they met in Turkey, where Elaine was stationed as

a teacher for the Department of Defense Schools. From 1969-72, he was detailed to the Department of State to serve as legal adviser for the U.S. Ambassador in Manila, Philippines. It was here that Sarah and Andrew Steven were born.

From 1972-76, Norm served as the chief of the Air Force’s International Law Division, based in Washington, D.C. Daughter Carrie joined the family on this assignment.

From D.C., Norm, then a colonel, and family moved to McGuire AFB and on to Ramstein AFB, Germany. Now Brigadier General Norman Thorpe was the USAF Europe Staff Judge Advocate General, where his duties included, among other things, supervising military justice and other legal matters at 39 legal offices in 11 countries throughout Europe and exercising major responsibilities for the protection of U.S. service members under foreign criminal charges.

Norm’s final USAF assignment was at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. He was the commander of the Air Force Contract Law Center and the staff judge advocate, Air Force Logistics Command.

Although Norm retired from the USAF in 1988, he most certainly did not slow down. Norm served as a senior member of the GM legal staff for 18 years. While at GM, he handled the public contracts division and many international contracts for the company. During this time, he was active in the American Bar Associations International Law and Public Contracts Groups, serving as section chief for the latter. Norm’s passion and skill for international law took him to Prague where he helped to found the Central and Eastern

European Law Institute or CEELI, immediately following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Norm Brig. Gen. Norman Thorpe represented the U.S. State Department International Law Division while sitting on the board at CEELI. At the CEELI Institute, he taught lawyers, judges and high court justices from former eastern bloc countries how to practice law in a constitutional democracy. He also assisted these fledgling democracies in drafting their own new constitutions.

Following his retirement from GM, he worked on the legal team at USCAR, a consortium of the Big Three, working on hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Additionally, USCAR created a safe and legal environment for U.S. automakers to work together to address the increasing demands of ever-changing environmental legislation.

Norm’s passion for education and his storied career do not tell a complete picture of what an incredible man he was. He was an accomplished musician, playing clarinet in the Fighting Illini Marching Band, a concert pianist, and he sang in choirs for years.

He and Elaine loved to travel and cook together, and having children did not slow them down. Every opportunity was spent on road trips and adventures. Together they traveled all over Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

Later, when Sarah and Carrie were older and living abroad with their own families, Norm and Elaine visited and traveled extensively in Brazil, China and

Qatar. In every country where he lived or traveled, without fail Norm made dear friends. He never missed an opportunity to listen and learn and hear people’s stories.

Norm was an amazing family man and devoted husband. He is known to have said he not only had two daughters, but also two additional sons. He loved and cherished the time spent with his sons-in-law talking cars, sports and the politics of the day. Even with all of his incredible accomplishments, Norm’s greatest pride was spending time with his beloved grandchildren. ÜberPoppy would take them to rehearsals, Scouts, practices and games, never wanting to miss an opportunity to tell a “Norm” story. And it wasn’t just his immediate family that benefited from the love and attention of this amazing man. Norm was a parent, adviser and friend to countless peers and young people throughout Metro Detroit and the world. He was always available for whatever people needed, and he gave freely and generously of his knowledge gained in a life well lived. It is this giving spirit and wealth of knowledge that will live on in everyone who was blessed to have been touched by Norm.

Interment was at Oakview Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Democracy Fund, 1200 17th St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036, democracyfund.org; Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201-2444, dso.org; Michigan Opera Theater, 1526 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226, michiganopera.org; or Congregation Shir Tikvah, 3900 Northfield Pkwy., Troy, MI 48084, shirtikvah.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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OF BLESSED MEMORY

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his best four-legged friend, Teddy.

Mr. Fynke was the devoted son of the late Iris Ann Fynke and the late Richard Fynke; dear son-in-law of the late Joyce Rosett.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Dr. Dennis D. and Flora Kerner Kovan Memorial Fund, Children’s Hospital of Michigan-Main Campus, 3901 Beaubien, Detroit, MI 48201, yourchildrensfoundation.org/ ways-to-give. If you choose to make your donation online, please go to the “In Memory” box and add Tod’s name; or give to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MARLENE GITELMAN, 75, of Ann Arbor, died Jan. 14, 2022.

She is survived by her husband of 52½ years, Professor Zvi Gitelman; son and daughter-in-law, Yitzhak Gitelman and Jennifer Bernstein of Engelwood, N.J.; daughter and son-in-law, Miriam Gitelman and Uri Sobel, also of Englewood; brother and sister-in-law, Yehuda and Rivka Cern of Israel; sister and brotherin-law, Naomi and Mayer Rubin of Allentown, Pa.; grandchildren, David Gitelman, Yakira Gitelman, Benjamin Gitelman, Eitan Marks, Noah Marks, Sarah Marks.

Contributions may be made to Amit, Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor; or Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan. A graveside service will be held at Beit Shemesh Cemetery in Israel. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

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FRIDA GRINER, 81, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 25, 2022.

She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Stephan and Andrea Taub, and Philip Taub; grandchild, Jane Taub; sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Sara and Dr. David Braunstein; brother, Reggie (Tony Topolsky) Griner; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

NORMAN HYMAN, 88, of Bloomfield Hills, passed away on Jan. 18, 2022.

He is survived by his most beloved wife, Carole; children, Nicole Hyman and partner, Brian Aaron, Matthew Hyman, Eli Hyman and partner, Robin Vaive, Mara Hyman; grandchildren, Ari Beard, Alex Beard, Logan Bowers.

Mr. Hyman was the loving son of the late Samuel and the late Lilllian Hyman; dear brother of the late Lawrence Hyman.

Contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, 6735 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301; or Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 200, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.

A private service was held at Adat Shalom Memorial Park in Livonia. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

BARBARA KING-HERBST, 73, of Novi, died Jan. 21, 2022.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Ryan and April Keen, Bradley and Merrie Herbst, and Jonathon and Maryanne Herbst; grandchildren, Jack, Theo and Arden Herbst; sister, Donna Rosenberg; nieces and nephews, Marni Millard, Jodi Abels, Steven and Marcie Rotenberg, Mark and Terry Rotenberg, David and Cindy Rotenberg, Nikki and Jeremy Dunn, and Ashley Herbst; great-nieces and greatnephews, Chloe Millard, Mia Millard, Emma Quail, Ava Quail, Jared, Olivia, Max, Sidney and Logan Rotenberg, Sabrina, Sawyer and Ivy Dunn; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Zona and Richard Ribiat, and Alan and Elaine Herbst; many other relatives, dear friends and her dear dog, Sadie.

Mrs. King-Herbst was the beloved wife of the late Norman Herbst; the dear sister-in-law of the late Sidney Rosenberg.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, NCO6DS, Detroit, MI 48201, karmanos.org; Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice. org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

DAVID J. LEVY, 96, of Southfield, died Jan. 23, 2022.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Gayle and Sandy Roberts, Carol and Bill Bator, Donna and Barry Fishman; grandchildren, Joel (Jen) Roberts, Jeremy (Emily) Roberts, Jacob Roberts and Daniel (Staci) Bator; great-grandchildren, Emma, Ashlyn, Hudson and Becca; many other loving family members and friends.

Mr. Levy was the beloved husband of the late Joyce Levy; father of the late Nancy Levy; brother of the late Audrey Gibson; uncle of the late Bruce Gibson.

Interment took place at Great Lakes National Memorial Cemetery in Holly.

Contributions may be made to SHAEF. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

SHARON LIPTON, 81, of Boca Raton, Fla., died Jan. 24, 2022.

She was a strong and devoted wife and mother, always running the show and keeping her children in check (no easy task).

Mrs. Lipton was a bright, modern woman: She raised her family, ran the household, started and ran businesses, and had many, many friends who loved her.

Sharon loved to travel, loved sports, clothes, jewelry and playing cards with her friends. She taught her children the value of family, and she always looked on the bright side of life.

She is survived by her sons continued on page 65

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

Judging with ‘Rachmones’ — Compassion JN STAFF

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or nearly a quartercentury, Arthur Tarnow was a United States District Court Judge in Detroit. A person of great empathy who cared about the disadvantaged, Judge Tarnow would daily box half his lunch and give it to homeless people on nearby Downtown streets.

The judge’s empathy would also extend to the criminal defendants he sent to prison, explains his wife, Jackie Tarnow. “When my husband sentenced people, he talked very compassionately and told them, ‘This offense is one thing that happened in your life that you have to take responsibility for.’”

But the judge didn’t forget about the people he sent to prison. He also established a unique Meet-and-Greet program where he would assist former prisoners who had just completed their terms so they could find a place back in society.

“It was an act of kindness,” his wife said.

“My husband and the supervisory officers of the Court worked with the former prisoners to help them find jobs, health care, a place to live and whatever they needed.

“Art has received letters from many former prisoners who were successful in returning to the community — thanking him for saving their lives and giving them direction,” his wife said.

“Art Tarnow was the

exemplification of rachmones — compassion,” said longtime friend and Detroit criminal defense attorney Steve Fishman.

Judge Arthur Tarnow, 79, of Detroit, died of heart disease on Jan. 21, 2022.

LEGAL CAREER Judge Tarnow was a native Detroiter who graduated from Mumford High School and Wayne State University Law School. As a young attorney, he worked in Detroit’s Legal Aid and Defender office under future city councilman and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. In 1970, Tarnow became the first full-time director of the State Appellate Defender Office.

Afterward, he established a 26-year career as a criminal appellate attorney.

“Art Tarnow was the No. 1 criminal appellate attorney in the state of Michigan,” Fishman said. In 1998, Tarnow began a 24-year tenure on Detroit’s federal bench after being appointed

by President Bill Clinton.

“I think Art was born to be a conflict-resolution person,” Jackie Tarnow said. “He was born to bring people together, to settle things in peaceful ways.”

Fishman noted Judge Tarnow’s tremendous intellect and added, “He was a great judge who treated everyone who came before him fairly and equally.”

Fishman said the judge was also very helpful to up-and-coming lawyers.

“Art Tarnow did not believe in waxing eloquent,” Fishman said. “He got right to the point. There’s a lesson in there for young lawyers — say what you have to say and be done. Art was a practitioner of that.”

Judge Tarnow had a positive, ongoing sense of humor, his wife said. “He used it everywhere to relax people.

“In court, when someone was speaking on and on, he would say, ‘Excuse me, please, you are ‘alligating’ — because when an alligator opens its mouth, its ears close.”

Besides being a resident of Detroit, Judge Tarnow was a man of the world. He traveled extensively as a young man and, early in his career, taught at law schools in Melbourne, Austrailia, and Papua, New Guinea. After he had a family, they traveled when possible and hosted a dozen exchange students, several of them Jewish, from Brazil, Europe and Japan.

“Art would talk to our sons about Maimonides, about the values of integrity and ethics,” his wife said. “He was secular, but very spiritual in the way he lived his life.”

HIGH HONORS Judge Tarnow’s career was much appreciated. In 2018, after serving on the bench for 20 years, he was feted at a ceremony where his courtroom portrait was unveiled. He was acclaimed in speeches by his successor, Judge Terrence Berg, and by his former mentor, Sen. Carl Levin.

“It was wonderful — Art

Judge Arthur Tarnow

got to hear people praise and celebrate him,” said sister-inlaw Kathy Tarnow.

Asked that year how he would like to be remembered, Judge Tarnow said, “Being a public servant with great power is a large responsibility.

It requires patience, the ability to listen to the parties, lawyers and law clerks — and a sense of fairness.”

Judge Arthur Tarnow is survived by his wife, Jackie; sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Andrea, and Andrew and Vita; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Kathy Tarnow; sister, Adrienne Goldbaum; and grandchildren, Lucien and Julia.

He was the son of the late Nate and the late Rose Ginsburg Tarnow.

For those who wish to honor his memory, his wife notes that Judge Tarnow would say, “Find someone who needs help or an organization that you feel helps people and take care of other people and their needs.”

Depending on the course of the pandemic, the family hopes to conduct a memorial gathering this summer. continued on page 65 FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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‘The Finest of Men’ DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

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aul Shepsol Saulson, 93, of Franklin, died Jan. 13, 2022.

A friend described Saul as “The finest of men. A man’s man balanced with sensitivity and humility. A gem. Very dignified, never haughty. Grace, kindness and values to the highest degree. Tall in stature and in morals.”

His family saw him as “optimistic and adventuresome, fun-loving and curious, determined and disciplined, a great listener, always interested in others and grateful for everything.”

Saulson had an exceptionally happy childhood, growing up in Detroit with a large extended family. He lived in a duplex with his parents, Fanny and Morse Saulson, and his bubbie and zayde, Bessie and Joseph Wetsman. He had fond memories of spending all day Sunday at the family’s movie theaters — the Linwood and the Avalon — where he nurtured his interest in building things — an electric motor, an intercom, lead soldiers and more. As a teenager, he bought a car for $25 just to take it apart and see how it worked.

Summers were spent with his cousins at “the cottage” in Port Huron. Dorothy and Bill Davidson, Jonathan Uhr, Bill Saulson and Bill Wetsman were raised as “siblings” with three mothers — Sal, Fan and Mary. These were the best days of their lives — swimming, boating, shooting bb guns and slingshots, playing horseshoes, horseback riding, eating ice cream and cookies and more.

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Saulson experienced significant challenges — the deaths of his father, Morse, and uncle, Ralph Davidson, in an auto accident when he was 12, being jailed in Argentina for “financing a revolution” against Peron at 23 and losing his first wife, Laela Miller Saulson, during childbirth at 38 were the most profound.

“Shep” as he was known by some, would only focus on the positive. He would frequently say things like, “I’m a lucky guy.” “I’ve always been an optimist.” “When there is a problem, I see it as a challenge.”

“Every day is a good day.” “I don’t borrow trouble.” And “the secret to life is learning to adjust.”

When it came to kids, Saulson was a force of nature, determined to make his home a happy place after the death of Laela.

He loved to give “great big bear hugs and squeezes,” would threaten to “hoot and holler and stomp his feet” at a performance, or if a kid was misbehaving, “go to the woodshed to get his hickory stick with lots of knots in it.”

He declared that their house was “a benevolent dictatorship and that he was the benevolent despot.”

Saulson also loved swimming, tennis, and adventures.

He enjoyed taking walks in the woods as well as trips to far-off destinations.

As a single man, he developed a 64-acre wetland near South Lyon into an island getaway where he held parties with his friends. He took

Saul Shepsol Saulson

a trailer over on the ice, cut down some trees, installed a gas generator and dug a well.

Somewhere in the middle of the island lay “Bare Ass” mountain, which required a compass to find.

Saulson saw himself as a problem solver. At Frank W. Kerr Chemical, he called on hospitals, asking customers about their challenges — to which he worked to find solutions. This led to marketing an umbilical antiseptic for newborns and developing the first ready-to-use charcoal suspension for overdoses. He felt very good knowing that his products saved thousands of lives.

In his mid-30s, Saulson wed Laela Miller, whom he’d dated for several years. They were very happily married when tragedy struck — a resident doctor gave her an overdose of anesthesia during their son Eli’s birth. After 12 days in a coma, she died, leaving him with a young daughter, Melinda, newborn Eli, a 3-month-old collie, a new house and two businesses.

Two years later, he married Marjorie Shuman with whom he spent the next 52 years — raising their children, traveling the world and enjoying the beautiful home they built together.

During the last two decades, he mentored fifth graders on goal-setting and gave lectures to seniors on adjusting to retirement. He also became a painter and sculptor, bragging that he was the least talented in his class. Once, when two of his paintings were selected for a show, he was shocked.

Saulson loved spending time with his four grandchildren — Laela, Isaac, Sophia and Fara.

He would take them individually on adventures and was always there for school events.

He was proud that they were kind, honest and good-hearted — “the most important characteristics in a person.”

Saul was the beloved husband of 52 years of Marjorie Shuman Saulson, and the late Laela Miller Saulson.

Cherished father of Melinda Saulson and Eli (Michele) Saulson. Loving Grandpa of Laela, Isaac, Sophia and Fara Saulson. Devoted son of the late Fannie and Morse Saulson. Brother of the late William Wetsman Saulson. ​​Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery, which was founded by a group led by his grandfathers, Isaac Saulson and Joseph Wetsman.

He will be missed by many.

Arrangements were by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

continued from page 62

and daughters-in-law, Marc and Ellen Lipton, Craig and Miriam Lipton, Eric (John Gormley) Lifschitz; daughter and son-in-law, Jody (Geoff Kretchmer) Lipton; grandchildren, Corey, Celia, Noah, Emma, Eli and Esme, who all loved and will miss her.

Mrs. Lipton was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill Lipton; brother, Sheldon (Rhonda and Carli) Levine; her parents, Elkan and Betty Levine.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham.

Contributions may be made to the Volen Center.

Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

SHEILA MILLMAN, 77, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 27, 2022.

She is survived by her former spouse, Arthur (Robin) Millman; daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Bruce Nosanchuk; loving grandchildren, Brooke Nosanchuk and Tessa Nosanchuk; brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Vera Falik; sister-in-law, Leah Falik; many other loving family members and friends.

Sheila was the dear sister of the late Donald Falik; sister-in-law of the late Marilyn Falik.

Interment took place at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements

by Dorfman Chapel.

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 65

MARVIN ALAN OLESHANSKY, 75, of Silver Springs, Md., died Jan. 20, c. 1980 2022.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (nee Schoenheimer); children, Jacob, James and Celia; brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Marlene, and David and Deborah; and their families.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

DON RICE, 81, former Detroiter of Palm Harbor, Fla., died on Jan. 19, 2022.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Rice; his identical twin brother, Ron Rice; son and daughterin-law, Jason and Saundra Rice; grandsons, Jordan and Andrew Rice; nieces and nephews, Carrie, Erik, Ellen, Julie, Isaac and Ari Rice; stepsons, Ken, Marty and Alan; many other relatives and friends, who will greatly miss him, his humor and his kindness.

Contributions may be made to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research at alexslemonade.org.

CONNI MICHELLE RING, 56, of China Township, died Dec. 16, 2021.

A consultant for L’Bri, Conni was also active with March of Women’s Life Organization.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Robert Ring; parents, Carole and Bruce August; sons, Josh Ring of Hazel Park, Dylan Ring of China Township; daughters and son-in-law, Jenni Ring of Hazel Park, Karleigha and Kyle Engelhardt; brother, Brian August; grandson, Wrigley Engelhardt; she is also survived by her fur babies, Piper, Tiny, Vinnie, Wednesday.

Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

Interment took place at Hebrew Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

JOYCE ELAINE ROSENTHAL, 77, of Troy, died Jan. 24, 2022.

She is survived by her sister, Linda Rose; nieces and nephews, Rachel, Curt and Eric Pulleyblank, Lisa and Steven Rosenthal; many other loving family members and friends.

Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. Marvin James and Madolyn Rosenthal; sister of the late Gary Rosenthal.

Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia.

Contributions may be made to Temple Emanu-El or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

GAIL RUBY, 78, of Oak Park, died Jan. 24, 2022.

She is survived by her sons, Irwin Ruby and Brian Ruby; daughter, Jodi Ruby; grandchildren, Whitney Ruby, Ryan Ruby and Jake Aguilar; great-grandchildren, Madison Ruby and Rylee Ruby; sisters and brothersin-law, Sandra and Mike Goodman, and Hannah and Dave Sterngast; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Elissa Dishell and Richard “Rick” Ruby.

Mrs. Ruby was the beloved wife of the late James Ruby; the loving sister of the late Barry Weisz; the dear sister-in-law of the late Don Dishell.

Interment was at Oakview Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Friends of the IDF, Michigan Chapter, P.O. Box 999, Walled Lake, MI 48390, fidf.org/donate; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

GLADYS LEE SAMPSON, 91, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 24, 2022.

She was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Sampson; devoted mother of the late Gayle Ellen Lasky Edelson; and sons-in-law, Alan Edelson and the late David Lasky; loving Monnie of Julie and Sam Lasky Beznos, Brooke

and Jeffrey Lasky Margulies, Dylan, Elle and Blake Beznos and Whitney Margulies; dear sister of Victor and Jane Spear; daughter of the late Ida and the late Bernard Spear; cherished friend of the late Roz and Mel Foster. She is also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

Interment was at Hebrew Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, the David Lasky Memorial Fund, NC06DS, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI 48201, karmanos. org/karmanos-foundation/ tribute-gifts-karmanosfoundation; Temple Israel, Zachary M. Talan Edelson Maccabi Scholarship Fund, 5725 Walnut Lake Road,

West Bloomfield, MI 48323, temple-israel.org/ tributes; Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice. org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

JANE SCHILLER, 71, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 21, 2022.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert Schiller; daughters and son-in-law, Amanda and Foster Whitworth IV, and Rebecca Schiller; grandchildren, Foster Whitworth V, and Orson Whitworth; brother, Steven continued on page 68

For the peace you need . . . for the respect of the life you treasured.

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 67

Ferguson, and his partner, Ailsa Wonnacott; sister and brother-in-law, Ginny and Michael Thorp; mother, Jacqueline Joyce Ferguson.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, michiganhumane. org/tributes; Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033, alz. org/gmc; or Optimist International Foundation, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, oifoundation.org/ donate.html. Arrangements

by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

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LOIS SHIFFMAN, 90, of Birmingham, died Jan. 22, 2022.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Gail and Mark Hennes, and Audrey Shiffman and Peter Langmaid; son and daughterin-law, Gary and Lisa Shiffman; grandchildren, Matthew and Mallory, Alex and Mara, Adam and Amanda, Rina and Josh, Asher and Adina, Gila, Menachem and Aliza, and Jessica and Elizabeth; greatgrandchildren, Emerson, Morrison, Harlan, Rocky and Matan Lev; loving sister of Rosalie and the late Burt Gold, Terran and

Roger Leemis, Doreen and the late David Hermelin, and Henrietta and the late Melvin Weinberg. She is also survived by numerous other family members, including nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends.

Mrs. Shiffman was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Milton M. Shiffman; the devoted daughter of the late Rose and the late Joseph Gold.

Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jfsdetroit. org; Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills,

MI 48334, holocaustcenter. org; Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice. org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

LEO SZLAMKOWICZ, 59, of Farmington Hills, died Jan. 24, 2022.

He is survived by his son, Todd Szlamkowicz; brother and sister-in-law, Issac and Linda Szlamkowicz; nephews and nieces, Adam and Lauren Szlamkowicz, Danielle Szlamkowicz, Julie and Brian Dowgiallo, Stefanie and Jon Tuzman; many great-nieces

and great-nephews. He is also survived by many other loving family members and friends.

Mr. Szlamkowicz was the loving brother of the late Dov Szlamkowicz and the late Abraham Szlamkowicz.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 43097 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, hom.org/donations.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SHEILA WEINBERG, 84, of Delray Beach, Fla. and West Bloomfield, died Jan. 22, 2022.

She was born in Detroit.

Sheila was a devoted wife and mother and took great pleasure in singing, dancing, sewing, knitting, playing cards, cooking and baking.

Norman and Sheila cherished socializing with their very dear lifelong friends. She also volunteered her time at numerous charitable organizations throughout her retirement and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in both Michigan and Florida.

Bringing her family together for any occasion brought her so much joy.

She left the world a much better place than she found it. She gave it more love than she took. She will be missed but not forgotten.

Mrs. Weinberg is survived by her husband of 35 years, Norman Weinberg. They had three children, Steven Weinberg (Tammy), Kevin Weinberg (Jennifer) and Laura Silber (Steve). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lindsay and Melissa Weinberg, Sam Weinberg, Natalie and Jamie Silber, Adam, Noah and Amanda Schlussel.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents, William and Bertha Goldstein; and her brother, Jerry Goldstein.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements

by Dorfman Chapel.

OBITUARY CHARGES The processing fee for obituaries is: $125 for up to 100 words; $1 per word thereafter. A photo counts as 15 words. There is no charge for a Holocaust survivor icon.

The JN reserves the right to edit wording to conform to its style considerations. For information, have your funeral director call the JN or you may call Sy Manello, editorial assistant, at (248) 351-5147 or email him at smanello@ thejewishnews.com.

WE REMEMBER & MOURN OUR DEAR FRIEND

LOIS SHIFFMAN

Z’L

Beloved matriarch of the Shiffman family and cherished mother-in-law of Lisa Shiffman, a Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network board member Lois, along with her beloved husband, Miltonz’l, embraced philanthropic giving by making leading gifts to numerous causes at home and abroad. Their generosity changed the face of Jewish education in Detroit, and they were among the earliest supporters of the Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network.

In 1994, they helped create and fund the Shiffman Hospice of the Valleys in Israel. We will fondly remember Lois for her quiet leadership of the causes she embraced, the grace and warmth she extended to everyone she encountered, and the unconditional love she displayed for her large, close-knit family.

THE JEWISH HOSPICE & CHAPLAINCY NETWORK OFFER WISHES OF COMFORT AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO LOIS’S FAMILY: Beloved wife of the late Dr. Milton M. Shiffman. Loving mother of Gail (Mark) Hennes, Audrey (Peter Langmaid) Shiffman, and Gary (Lisa) Shiffman. Proud Nonny of Matthew and Mallory, Alex and Mara, Adam and Amanda, Rina and Josh, Asher and Adina, Gila, Menachem, and Aliza, Jessica and Elizabeth, and greatgrandchildren, Emerson, Morrison, Harlan, Rocky, and Matan Lev. Loving sister of Burtz’l (Rosalie) Gold, Terran (Roger) Leemis, Doreen (Davidz’l) Hermelin, and Henrietta (Melvinz’l) Weinberg. Devoted daughter of the late Rose and the late Joseph Gold. Lois was also loved by numerous family members, nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.

z’l Lois Shiffman JUNE 16, 1931 – JANUARY 22, 2022 MAY HER MEMORY BE FOR A BLESSING

RABBI JOSEPH H. KRAKOFF

RABBI E.B. (BUNNY) FREEDMAN

CEO

FOUNDING DIRECTOR

NO JEW IS EVER ALONE 6555 W. Maple Road

•

West Bloomfield, MI 48322 • 248.592.2687

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www.jewishhospice.org

FEBRUARY 3 • 2022

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Looking Back

From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org

Hero I Rabbis

t was another shocking occurrence.

In Colleyville, Texas, a deranged person, spouting antisemitic tropes and slanders, took four people hostage at the Congregation Beth Israel.

One of the hostages was Rabbi Charlie CytronWalker. The crisis began when the rabbi decided to aid a seemingly peaceful stranger at the Mike Smith door of the synagogue.

Alene and Graham Landau That person was anyArchivist Chair thing but peaceful.

The situation soon became a national and international story, and we all nervously waited for news as the event unfolded. The 11-hour ordeal ended when Rabbi Cytron-Walker threw a chair at the hostage-taker, a brave act that allowed two congregants and himself to escape without harm; one hostage had been safely released earlier. The FBI finally admitted that the act was “committed by a terrorist exposing an antisemitic world view.”

It is disquieting — an understatement — that, once again, Americans and, in particular, Jewish Americans, experienced an act of domestic terrorism. Of course, this is in the wake of recent shootings in 2019 at the Chabad of Poway, California, and at the Tree of Life or L’Smicah Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvaia, in 2018. Sad to say, these are just two of a long list of antisemitic acts over the past few decades, with a notable resurgence over the last few years.

“Hero” is an overused word in modern times. But, if anyone deserves hero status, it would be Rabbi CytronWalker. He was in a tough situation, but his calm resolve and decisiveness saved the lives of the remaining hostages, his congregants.

During the interviews with and reports about the actions of Rabbi Cytron-Walker, I was reminded of the

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tragic circumstances surrounding the assassination of Rabbi Morris Adler.

There are several similarities between the events and, more to the point, the actions of the rabbis. In each case, there was a deranged, disgruntled perpetrator and the setting was a synagogue. At Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Rabbi Adler’s synagogue in Metro Detroit, however, the outcome was tragic.

What stands out to me is the nature of the rabbis as leaders. Both demonstrated kindness toward a person in need. Rabbi Cytron-Walker attempted to provide aid to a stranger at the door. Rabbi Adler met several times with Richard Wishnetsky in an effort to help the mentally ill, 23-year-old Jewish man who eventually shot him on Shabbat morning, Feb. 12, 1966.

Most of all, when faced with imminent danger, both showed their courage and put the safety of their congregants first. Like Rabbi Cytron-Walker, Rabbi Adler was also courageous.

When Wishnetsky approached the bimah and shot his pistol in the air, there were hundreds of people in the pews. Rabbi Adler’s first reaction was to get members out of harm’s way: “I know the boy. I’ll handle him,” he said.

Unfortunately, after the bimah was cleared, Wishnetsky shot Rabbi Adler and then himself. The full story of this horrific event can be found in the pages of the JN in the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History.

In the aftermath in Colleyville, Rabbi Cytron-Walker said, “We have to be hospitable, and we have to be secure. And we have to find ways to strike that balance.” This is an honorable and generous perspective, one which shows the best of the human spirit that both rabbis had and have in abundance.

Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

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An appreciation of our day school educators during this pandemic.

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