DJN February 17, 2022 by The Detroit Jewish News

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200 Feb. 17-23, 2022 / 16-22 Adar 1 5782

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A Titan of the Bench

The life and legacy of Judge Avern Cohn, 1924-2022. See page 12

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contents Feb. 17-23, 2022 / 16-22 Adar 1 5782 | VOLUME CLXI, ISSUE 1

PURELY COMMENTARY 4-11

Essays and viewpoints.

OUR COMMUNITY 12

A Titan of the Bench

The life and legacy of Judge Avern Cohn, 1924-2022.

Spreading Warmth

Lawmakers Convene Hearing on Protecting Houses of Worship

Renee Kaplan began work in August on blankets for shelter animals.

Texas Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker testifies on need for security grants.

22 23

‘Comedy for Peace’

Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department will hold traveling comedy show.

Highlighting Local Heroes

Hillel holds “Heroes Panel” for fifth graders.

Jewish Disability Awareness Event

JCC’s Opening the Doors holding virtual event with award-winning Broadway guest speakers.

Davidson Foundation Announces $6.5 Million in Grants

These new Detroit arts and culture grants are in memory of Byron and Dorothy Gerson

FACES AND PLACES 26

Adat Shalom’s ‘Volunteer Day in a Box’

JSL Celebrates Betty White

HOME 30

The Color Purple

Color us delighted with Pantone’s choice for 2022.

SPORTS 32 33

Jack of All Trades

Sophomore athlete is making a name for himself at his high school.

Quick Hits

MAZEL TOV 35

Moments

30 JEWISH@EDU 36

Bridges over Boycotts

Community Reflection

Finding Our Place at Hillel

Spartans for Israel hosted Palestinian journalist Bassem Eid. Hillel at Kalamazoo College sponsors program on antisemitism. Students create new group for Jewish pre-law students.

SPIRIT 41

Torah portion

A Stiff-Necked People

Synagogue Directory

ARTS & LIFE 46

BBAC Celebrates 65th Anniversary

Honorees from the Jewish community selected to showcase their work at annual Current Student Works Show.

The Next Great Read

Celebrity News

See what’s coming to the JCC Book Fair.

EVENTS 52

ETC.

Community Calendar

Spotlight: HFL Entrepreneur Debt Repayment Opportunity 54 The Exchange 54 Obituaries 56 Looking Back 62

46 Shabbat Lights

Shabbat starts: Friday, Feb. 18, 5:50 p.m. Shabbat ends: Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:53 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

ON THE COVER: Cover photo: Judge Avern Cohn. Courtesy of Eastern District of Michigan U.S. District Court. Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

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FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

PURELY COMMENTARY column

A Better Start

n the throes of a new year, it is tempting to think about all the ways we will become “new.” To start a new hobby or a new workout regimen; become a new person with a new start. What if this year we just set out to be better? To double down on Paul Blatt the things we are already great at; to invest more deeply into the things we know we love. To square up to what we considered our best, look it in the eye and challenge it to be more in 2022. In 2019, the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit organized the Collaboratory, a series of ground-breaking discussions between seven Jewish social services agencies looking at ways to improve the continuum, quality and integration of services to

better serve people in need. An exciting synergy was realized between JVS Human Services — a vocational and human services agency — and Kadima — a supported housing and mental health support agency. Aside from us both being rooted in Jewish values and having eerily similar missions, it was quickly apparent that we could yield better outcomes and further strengthen our capabilities, together. By coming together, we could offer a more robust continuum of care for people with an array of disabilities with services spanning vocation, residence, recreation, and clinical and supports coordination. We could be a bridge to services and support that give people an equitable opportunity to succeed at work, at home and in the community. And so, we entered 2022 as JVS+Kadima — our temporary

moniker until we finalize our new name and brand identity. We are so excited to hit the ground running alongside our sister organizations, including the Jewish Federation, Jewish Senior Life, Jewish Family Service, JARC and others, to continue to make a positive impact on our community. More than ever, we are able to put our money where our heart is: into services and programs that directly benefit our participants, rather than into operational costs. We have brought on a vice president of clinical integration who is overseeing our integration process and ensuring that best practices are in place from a clinical perspective. We are hiring additional compliance and quality improvement staff and instituting new training and benefits for employees. We are full steam ahead on planning community events you all have come to know and love such as Trade Secrets, Strictly

Business, the Lois Zussman Golf Classic and Frame of Mind. Electronic medical records are being used in Kadima’s homes, and people traditionally served by JVS are benefiting from the Kadima Creative Expressions Program. This list of “wins” goes on and on! Maybe most importantly, by coming together we can ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital services in the future even as the mental health landscape continues to change. It gives us utmost peace of mind to know that our people will be taken care of for many, many years to come. With the support of our new Board of Directors, our talented and passionate team, and our invaluable community, better is possible. Everything is possible. We look forward to showing you in practice what we can do together. Paul Blatt is president and CEO of JVS+Kadima.

column

Nazi Salute? Blame the Jewish Student

magine a classroom full of high school students standing in front of a flag and raising their right hands, in unison, outstretched with palms facing down — the classic Nazi salute. Imagine the teacher is the one who instructed the students to do Jonathan A. this. Imagine that the Greenblatt classroom has only one Jewish student, who along with others refused to do the salute, and that student is the only one punished afterwards. Sounds like something out of 1930’s Germany, right?

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

Wrong. This is what reportedly occurred only days ago at Mountain Brook High School just outside of Birmingham, Alabama. If you are currently scratching your head and wondering, “Mountain Brook schools and antisemitism, why does that sound so familiar?” It might be because they made headlines across the state, and even the country, two years ago when students were caught on video with swastikas drawn on their backs. Or it might be because last fall they made headlines once again after ending training with ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), the continued on page 10

Facebook screenshot of the incident posted by one of the students.

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PURELY COMMENTARY opinion

here is no simple way to describe “Jewishness,” even among Jews. For better or worse, how others define us seems to be what really matters. When Whoopi Goldberg commented that Robert L. the Holocaust Kern was “not about race” during the ABC television show The View, she set off a firestorm of anger as her words went viral. Subsequently she was branded an antisemite and ABC suspended her from the show for two weeks so that she could reflect upon her words. Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS later that day she attempted to explain her words by observing

that both Nazis and Jews were white. Hitler and Nazi Germany defined Jews as a race. They asserted a blood-based philosophy which viewed Jews as racially inferior, sub-human or Untermenschen, as opposed to their self-perception as being the “Master Race” or the Aryan Herrenvolk. They went to great lengths to scientifically “prove” that Aryans were physically and intellectually superior, that Jews posed a biological threat to pure Germans, possessed a hereditary, unpleasant odor and had distasteful physical characteristics. Neo Nazis and white supremacists also see Jews as a race and adapted the basic Nazi doctrines. They also make it clear that they regard Jews as non-white. Contrary to what

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How Others See Us Really Matters

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi and others may think, not everything is black and white. Even when Jews look

white, there are those who see us as “others.” Goldberg also ignored, or was unaware, that many Jews do not appear white. For example, Jews from Cochin, India (also called “Malabar” Jews or Kochinim) are not white, nor are Ethiopian Jews. Yet, DNA testing has shown that despite differences in appearance, all Jews are “related.” Two surveys, using genome surveying devices, published in 2010, found that Jewish communities from Europe (Ashkenazi) and Middle Eastern, central Asian and Caucasus (Sephardi) countries all share genetic ancestry that can be traced back to Israel. In fact, studies have shown that Jews are the genetic brothers and sisters of Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese Arabs. continued on page 11

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PURELY COMMENTARY opinion

U.S. Failure on Ukraine Could Lead to a Conflagration in the Middle East, Asia

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

SEAN GALLUP/GETTY IMAGES VIA JTA

t is not clear yet whether the Ukraine crisis will end peacefully or whether war will again erupt on European soil. Nevertheless, several observations are in order. For years, many in the West have celebrated the reduced role of military force Efraim Inbar in international relations. Scholars heralded “the end of history” and the reign of a norm-based international liberal order. Yet, whatever progress there was, human nature did not change. As Thucydides aptly pointed out, fear is a basic and powerful instinct. A fearful Russia amassed many troops along the Ukrainian border to draw U.S. attention to its demands. Indeed, the tacit threat of military invasion got the United States to listen to Moscow’s security concerns. Russia wants to be treated like the Soviet Union, so it wants a voice in the European security structure. The turn of events was not a surprise to the old-fashioned, still clinging to a real-politic view of world politics, particularly after Russia swallowed Crimea and encouraged irredentism in eastern Ukraine. In the face of the expansion of NATO and the European Union eastward and the Western encour-

Ukrainian troops seen during exercises in Kyiv, Jan. 22, 2022.

agement of the color revolutions, Russia could not remain aloof. On the contrary, the democratic crusade frightened a Russia that was neither invited to join nor consulted. Russia also resurrected the notions of buffer zones and spheres of influence. It signaled that it might resort to violence to secure larger margins of security, to enforce its demand that states along its border, nominally independent, remain within its security orbit. Considering past invasions from the West, Russian fears are reasonable. America’s sensibilities leading to the Monroe Doctrine were similar. The Ukraine crisis reminds us of the limits of diplomacy. The United States and its European allies only emboldened Russia by reiterating their strong commitment to diplomacy. It is hardly

effective without a credible option to use force. Ukraine happens to be the first serious international test for the United States after Afghanistan. Washington, unwilling to get involved militarily, has only warned of dire economic consequences, with little impact so far on Russian President Vladimir Putin. A slip of the tongue by President Joe Biden assured him that even a “limited incursion” would be tolerable from the U.S. point of view. But Putin wants more, and it remains to be seen who will prevail in this game of poker. Everybody, friends and foes of America alike, looks at Washington and sees a feeble administration. The crisis confirms the observed trend of America’s decline in global affairs. As in the past, the United States could leap out of its lethargy and act forcefully, but the world sees such a scenario as unlike-

ly, and perception dictates behavior. Washington would probably like an opportunity to reset relations with Moscow and dramatically change the global balance of power. Instead, perhaps America should enlist Putin to push back against China, America’s true international challenge. It would seem advisable to resolve the U.S.Russia tensions over Eastern Europe, allowing Washington to focus on its primary challenge. The United States should entice Russia to rejoin Western civilization. After all, Russia is culturally part of the West in many ways, including its literature, music, ballet and Christian heritage. In addition, the United States could recognize Crimea as Russian territory and lift sanctions against Russia. The West could accept the “Finlandization” of Ukraine to allay Russia’s fears. Moscow tolerated a democratic Finland in the Russian security orbit during the Cold War. Détente with the United States might be preferable in Moscow over an embrace by a rising China. Switching sides could signal Russian centrality and prowess in global affairs. For Europe, the crisis is an eye-opener. Despite talk of a European army and “strategic autonomy,” Europe still needs an American

continued on page 11

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PURELY COMMENTARY opinion

Time Is on Israel’s Side

ositive momentum in Israel’s regional standing is underway, as can be seen by the visits of senior Israeli officials — among them its previous and present prime minister, and the foreign and defense ministers — to Dan Saudi Arabia, Schueftan the United Arab jns.org Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and Morocco, and the visit of a military delegation to Sudan, as well as a military flight over Saudi airspace. Following the signing of the Abraham Accords, legitimization of ties between Israel and Arab states have moved from being barely justifiable,

and only in exchange for the return of lands captured in 1967, to the opposite pole of close defense ties and use of Israel’s strength, credibility and capability as an important component of Arab national security. The ties and normalization that were offered in the “Arab peace initiative” as a reward for the territorial and political dictates of the Arabs and the Palestinians are now seen as an Israeli contribution to the defense and welfare of the Arabs. Deep-rooted, multigenerational national conflicts, with a highly emotional cultural component, are examined through the prism of a key historical component regarding the perceptions of the sides on the question of which

has time on his side: of which party holds the upper hand in the accumulative historical trend in the balance of power; which gets stronger over time; and which loses important components of its bargaining power. The crux is the motivation to continue the struggle. The side that sees its optimal expectations reinforced draws, as a result, the resilience required for a resolute stand. The side that experiences constant failure loses its ability to persuade the public to bear the cost of ongoing mobilization. The radical forces that have operated over the past 100 years to mobilize the Arab public “from the [Atlantic] ocean to the [Arab] Gulf ” to fight Israel, managed for many

long years, despite Israel’s impressive achievements, to maintain expectations for an Arab victory by drawing on the historical dimension. They relied primarily on the enormous gap in resources between the sides and took comfort in the deep-rooted perception of the Arabs as a people who, from time immemorial, were “destined for greatness.” From their point of view, even if the Jews had managed to establish a state in 1948, to defend it in 1967, to maintain its conquest of “Palestine” and Jerusalem, and to build a modern and developed state, its resources were still pitiful when compared to those of the hundreds of millions of Arabs surrounding it, while

era by another student and that the Jewish student was reportedly disciplined after refusing to identify who recorded the incident. Rather than recognizing the trauma this poses to the Jewish student, the Birmingham Jewish community, and society writ large, the school went into cleanup mode. It wasn’t the Nazi salute, seems to be the company line; it was the Bellamy salute. Let’s be clear about what the Bellamy salute is — it is a severely outdated flag salute that ceased being used around 1940 because it precisely mimics the Nazi salute up until the end when palms get rotated upward. We no longer teach the Bellamy salute precisely because of the

Nazi salute and instead place our hands over our hearts to honor our nation and our flag. It is a relic of the past and has no place being taught in our school systems. Rather than doing damage control, what the school should be doing is taking meaningful action. An outside investigation should begin immediately, and appropriate action should be taken to hold anyone responsible accountable. The student should not be disciplined, but instead lauded as a profile in courage. And serious efforts must begin to make amends.

NAZI SALUTE? continued from page 4

preeminent century old organization fighting antisemitism, citing as their excuse “divisive concepts” in the diversity training. There are so many aspects of this story that are deeply disturbing, but most disgusting is the apparent reaction from the school — revealing a systemic issue that threatens the local Jewish community and the entire community as well. When the sole Jewish student in the school reported the incident, he was not met with understanding. The teacher was not disciplined. ADL or any other organization that might be able to help address the issue never received a call. Instead, the student was reportedly told, “If this blows up there will

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

be more disciplinary action, because you are making Mountain Brook look bad.” Wait, disciplinary action against the sole Jewish student because he spoke up about an antisemitic incident in a public school system? Yes, you read that correctly. According to the student’s parents, Assistant Principal Jeremy Crigger insisted their son apologize to the teacher, Joe Webb, who apparently is also a coach. Furthermore, the student was forced to move desks — closer to the teacher — and was not allowed to use his phone anymore when other students still could. It is important to note, at this point, that the salute was caught on tape using a smartphone cam-

Jonathan A. Greenblatt is CEO and National Director of the AntiDefamation League.

the Jewish state was vulnerable and its durability was shortlived. The Arabs not only possessed oil and international status; most of all, they had an unlimited ability to absorb blows and possessed boundless determination. Over time, Israel would not be able to stand up to the tenacity of the Arabs in boycotting it in the region, the violent threats to the lives of its citizens and its survivability in the face of its delegitimization in the international arena and among Western democracies. The Arab struggle had many operative successes. The radicals indeed managed to mobilize the Arab countries to boycott Israel for generations. This went on for decades after the revolutionary peace agreement with Egypt and the accords with Jordan. The Arabs’ oil resources succeeded, primarily in the 1970s, to sabotage important Israeli interests. The repeated

wars, ongoing terrorism and recognition that the existential and daily threats were a permanent fixture harmed Israel’s society and economy. Delegitimization in international organizations has been a challenge and is worsening. The absurd defamation of Israel has found a receptive audience among the mainstream in Europe, and even among groups that are no longer on the fringes in the United States. But these operative successes paradoxically shine a light on the depth of the strategic failure. Israel’s regional isolation is dissipating in front of our very eyes in the Gulf and Morocco, and relations with Egypt and Jordan are undergoing a marked improvement. The principal Arab oil producers are de facto members of a coalition with Israel. The big wars have come to an end. The Iranian threat is grave, but primarily it threatens the Arabs and moves them closer

to Israel. The ultimate terrorist war (the “Second Intifada”) was initiated by the Palestinians but didn’t do much to further their cause. Isolation in international organizations has not dented Israel’s firm standing among the countries that set the tone in the international arena, and the effects of defamation among the Western democracies are limited. Above all, Israel is, in the eyes of its residents, in the eyes of the leading countries in the world, and, to a growing extent among the Arabs themselves, an outstanding success story that consistently proves its ability to deal with enormous challenges. Time, therefore, is on Israel’s side. Dan Schueftan is the director of the International Graduate Program in National Security Studies at the University of Haifa’s National Security Studies Center. This article first appeared in Israel Hayom.

U.S. FAILURE ON UKRAINE continued from page 8

security umbrella to face a more assertive Russia, also a European major energy supplier. The American behavior in the Ukraine crisis also affects the nuclear talks in Vienna. Tehran, already convinced that America is weak, gets even greater leeway and can further procrastinate. Iran could unleash its proxies against American allies in the Middle East. Israel could decide to avoid notifying Washington before acting forcefully. A Russian victory in Europe could precipitate a conflagration in the Middle East. Similarly, China could learn that U.S. determination is melting away, and that its threats can be ignored. An

attack on Taiwan could follow. The Ukraine predicament again demonstrates the uselessness of international guarantees. The 1994 Budapest Memorandum, signed by the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, provided security assurances against threats or force against the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan in exchange for them giving up their nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the memorandum was not respected when Russia conquered Crimea in 2014. International institutions failed similarly. The United States called a U.N. Security

Council meeting to discuss Moscow’s troop build-up on its borders with Ukraine, knowing that Russia had veto power. In Washington, this so-called “preventive diplomacy” ended in futile angry clashes between Russian and American envoys. Ukrainians probably realize that we still live in a Hobbesian world where every state is on its own and life is often “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” Professor Efraim Inbar is president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security. This article was first published by the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.

HOW OTHERS SEE US continued from page 6

(For the record, one study was conducted by Gil Atzmon of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Harry Ostrer of New York University and the other was the work of Doron M. Behar of the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa and Richard Villems of the University of Tartu in Estonia, publishing in the American Journal of Human Genetics and Nature respectively). Whoopi Goldberg’s assertion that the Holocaust was “not about race” was wrong. Whether or not one can define Jews as a race, the Nazis singled us out for extermination based on racial grounds. Moreover, according to our genes and geographic origins, we are Semites and not Caucasians, which is how white people are usually classified. So how do you classify Judaism? In the western world, if not the entire world, it is regarded as a religion and by all appearances it is. However, Judaism predates western civilization, and it does not fit as neatly into that designation as it seems. Is it also a race? That is an issue for another day. What is clear is that regardless of how Jews see ourselves, the way others see or define us is the reality we must deal with. Robert L. Kern has served as director of marketing and communications for several “American Friends,” Zionist and Jewish organizations. He is a former President of the American Jewish Public Relations Society and a member of the Executive Committee of the American Jewish Press Association.

CORRECTION: The names of Ashley Schnaar and Zack Slabotsky were misspelled in “36 Under 36” (Feb. 10, page 10). The JN regrets the error. FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

A Titan of the Court The life and legacy of Judge Avern Cohn, 1924-2022. JACK LESSENBERRY SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

vern Cohn was, simply, a giant in many ways. Cohn, who was a federal judge in Detroit for more than 40 years and presided over nationally famous cases, including the intermittent windshield wiper saga that was made into a movie and two landmark free speech rulings, was a legend in the legal and political as well as the Jewish communities. He was a prolific writer on legal issues, as well as a highly accomplished amateur historian. He was a tremendous philanthropist whose philanthropy was too little recognized because he seldom sought recognition for the good that he did. Avern Cohn was many things but being Jewish was central to them all. “My Jewish values, the values of compassion and the need to seek justice, inform the way I see the world and the law,” he said.

Judge Avern Cohn in his chambers. chambers

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

There were, he often observed, judges who just happened to be Jewish, and those who were truly Jewish. While Avern Cohn had friends of every variety, there was never any doubt which he was. Cohn was, indeed, a huge personality with a volatile temper. He could be, at any moment, brilliant and caring or cranky, even irascible. Many a lawyer who practiced in his courtroom, especially those who were ill-prepared, got a high-decibel “verbal spanking,” in the words of his close friend Eugene Driker, that they never forgot. But many a frightened defendant found that he was a judge with a heart. Nada Nadim Prouty, a native of Lebanon and a naturalized citizen, served in both the FBI and CIA before the government accused her of a host of crimes including naturalization fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

“AVERN COHN WAS A GIANT IN PUBLIC LIFE AND IN THE LIFE OF OUR EXTENDED FAMILY. HE HAD A GIANT VOICE, LITERALLY. THE BREADTH OF HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISSUES OF THE DAY, OF HISTORY, OF THE LAW WAS OVERWHELMING. HIS CURIOSITY GOBBLED UP TOPICS OF AN ASTONISHING VARIETY. HE WAS INTERESTED IN PEOPLE, AND HE KEPT UP RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL MANNER OF COURTHOUSE BUILDING STAFF, CLERKS, ATTORNEYS, SCHOLARS AND LEADERS. HIS COMMITMENT TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY WAS SO DEEP AND BROAD THAT HE SEEMED TO HAVE A HAND IN MORE THINGS OVER MORE YEARS THAN WAS POSSIBLE FOR A SINGLE PERSON. WE DEEPLY MOURN THE PASSING OF OUR BELOVED COUSIN WHOSE VITAL LEGACY WILL PERSIST FOR THE AGES.” — CONGRESSMAN ANDY LEVIN AND FORMER CONGRESSMAN SANDY LEVIN

The media labeled her “Jihad Jane,” and she was doubly worried when she learned her case would be before Judge Cohn, a pillar of Detroit’s Jewish community. But after studying the case, the judge tore into the government and the media and praised her for “rendering extraordinary service to the United States.” In the end, Prouty was totally exonerated. “I was ecstatic that the judge had seen through the smoke to the real facts in my case,” she told me. “Judge Cohn was very fair. He stood apart from the rest. He had a heart,” she added. That heart was stilled forever late on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, when Avern Cohn died in Beaumont Hospital after a brief final illness, less than six months short of his 98th birthday.

AN AMAZING LIFE “I am very sad,” said his wife, Lois Pincus Cohn. “This is devastating for all of us. But he had the most amazing life.” That he did. Avern Levin Cohn was born on July 23, 1924, at the old St. Mary’s Hospital at Clinton and St. Antoine, the first child of a young lawyer named Irwin Cohn and his wife, Sadie Levin Cohn. Although he was a lifelong Detroiter, he was born into a world which no longer exists. Calvin Coolidge was president; and America had less than a third of its present population. Ford was still selling Model T’s, open antisemitism was widely acceptcontinued on page 14 FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

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ed, and that Fourth of July, 100,000 Ku Klux Klan members marched in Jackson. His father did very well in law and real estate, and Avern grew up in an upper-middle-class Jewish neighborhood that he later called the “golden ghetto.” Later, he said “I don’t think I ever had any non-Jewish friends until I was in the army.” One of his first memories was being at a meeting in 1930, where he went around with a bucket collecting donations to build what would be a new Sharrey Zedek on West Chicago Boulevard. Avern spent summers at Camp Tamakwa in Ontario, graduated from Central High School in January 1942, and immediately went to the University of Michigan, intending to become a lawyer like his father. “I didn’t know there was any other school or any other thing you could be,” he liked to say. But World War II intervened. After a year, Avern, still just 18, was drafted into the U.S. Army, and was selected for a specialized training program in engineering. When that program was eventually canceled, he transferred to another program designed to train doctors. “It was either that or get sent in as a replacement and get shot. I didn’t want to get shot.” He went to the Loyola University School of Medicine in Chicago and did well, but a few weeks after he was discharged from the army, he decided to go back to law school and U-M. Cohn graduated in 1949, and immediately went into practice with his father; the men would later merge their firm with a much larger one, to form Honigman, Miller, Schwartz and Cohn. In those early years, Avern Cohn had two professional passions: To really learn all facets of the law and to give back to the community in terms of public service. While he eventually had quite a few more lucrative cases, early on “I took all sorts of pro bono assignments for indigent defendants; defended a murder case once,” he said. He had a personal life as well; he married the former Joyce Ann Hochman in 1954, with whom he soon had three children — sons Sheldon and Tom and daughter Leslie Magy, who between them have given him seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Cohns were a close and politically and

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“AVERN COHN WAS AN ICON OF MICHIGAN JURISPRUDENCE. HE LED THE MICHIGAN CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION DURING A TUMULTUOUS TIME OF RACIAL RECKONING WHEN LEADERS LIKE JUDGE COHN EMBRACED THE CORE PRINCIPLES OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND FOUGHT TO SEE THEM REFLECTED IN POLICY AND PRACTICE. IN HIS TIME, AS IN OURS, DISPARITIES IN EDUCATION WERE A PARAMOUNT CONCERN. DURING HIS TENURE, THE COMMISSION ISSUED A SCATHING REPORT ON SEGREGATION IN MICHIGAN SCHOOLS. JUDGE COHN CONFRONTED THE INTRANSIGENCE IN STATE GOVERNMENT TO REMEDYING THE PROBLEM, SAYING, ‘EVIDENCE IN OUR STUDY INDICATES THEY HAVE DONE MORE TO OPPOSE DESEGREGATION THAN TO AID IT.’ HE ALSO WAS A VOCAL AND PERSISTENT ADVOCATE FOR COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FROM DISCRIMINATION.” — PORTIA ROBERSON, CHAIR OF THE MICHIGAN CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

socially prominent couple until her death from cancer in 1989; three years later, he married the former Lois Pincus, who survived him. Professionally, Avern Cohn’s ambition was set the day he first walked into federal court. “I knew I wanted to be a federal judge,” he told me. He also knew it would take a long time to get there, and it would be a path that involved major public service, politics and some luck. DEVOTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE Public service, to both Detroit and the Jewish community, was in his DNA. “Politically, I was a liberal Democrat,” Cohn said. He rang doorbells for Adlai Stevenson’s futile 1952 campaign and served as treasurer of Citizens for Kennedy-Johnson in 1960. He would later serve as treasurer or chairman of many different Democratic campaigns. He ran for office once, and only once, when he attempted to become a delegate to the “Con-Con,” the state constitutional convention that wrote the current Michigan constitution, but he ran in a heavily Republican area and lost badly. His last brush with elected office came later that same year, when Michigan’s attorney general resigned and the choice of a successor came down to Cohn or Frank Kelley, then a lawyer in Alpena. Kelley was chosen and served a record 37 years. Years later, Kelley told Cohn: “Avern, you got the job you should have had, and I got the one I should have — you just had to wait longer,” something with which the future federal judge totally agreed. That didn’t mean he stayed completely out of politics, however; he served as treasurer for many Democratic campaigns before going on the bench and was a behind-thescenes adviser to many more. Meanwhile, Cohn went on practicing law and getting more deeply involved in public service. Republican Gov. George Romney appointed him to a seat on the Michigan Social Welfare Commission, which he held until the commission was abolished by the new constitution. From 1972 to 1975, he served on the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, soon becoming its chair. Civil rights always had been vitally important to Avern Cohn. Early in his career, he fired a secretary on the spot when

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Lois and Avern Cohn, c. 2000

she said something racially disparaging about a visitor to the office. In the aftermath of the 1967 Detroit riot, which coincidentally began on the young lawyer’s 43rd birthday, he represented defendants accused of looting free of charge. Detroit Mayor Coleman Young appointed him to the Detroit Police Commission, and he strongly backed the mayor’s efforts to integrate the force. Avern Cohn’s father, Irwin, (1896-1984) was extremely successful in law and real estate, and was also a generous man. “I don’t think anyone with a worthy cause ever asked my father for money and came away empty-handed,” Cohn once told me. But much the same could be said of Irwin’s only son. “Not enough has been said about Avern’s philanthropy,” said Mary Ellen Gurewitz, a prominent labor and election law attorney. “I have no idea of the complete breadth of it.” Perhaps no one did. But besides the many Jewish organizations he helped, Cohn was a generous contributor to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Chamber Music Society, and was instrumental in the founding — and funding — of Michigan’s chapter of the

American Civil Liberties Union. Even as a busy federal judge, he found time to be president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit in 1982-83 and helped raise funds for a variety of causes. THE FEDERAL BENCH His professional dream was finally fulfilled in 1979, when five new federal judgeships were created for the Eastern District of Michigan, and then-U.S. Sen. Don Riegle recommended to President Jimmy Carter that one of his appointees be Avern Cohn. He was easily confirmed by the Senate and was sworn in on Sept. 26, 1979. “I had no idea how to be a judge,” he told me years later. “But John Feikens (1917-2011) took me under his wing and helped me. He was my model of what a judge should be.” Yet as David Ashenfelter, a Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter who is now an information officer for the federal courts, observed, “he worked hard and eventually got the hang of it, earning the respect of lawyers and prosecutors.” Avern Cohn took all his cases by luck of the draw; he believed “that any judge who wants a case shouldn’t have it.” But over continued on page 16

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Biography

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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said the core of his judicial philosophy was “you have to think about the other fellow.” By that, he meant you have to be devoted to justice, but also have empathy for the human beings whose cases come before you. Those words exactly describe Avern Cohn’s career throughout seventy years as a lawyer and federal judge during a life devoted to the law, justice and his community.

- Jack Lessenberry

Auld Classic Books 13165 Ludlow Ave. Huntington Woods, MI 48070

Judge Avern Cohn looks at an old photo of himself and his late wife, Joyce, participating in the 1963 Walk to Freedom.

Did You Know? • Avern Cohn and his father, Irwin, were the first father-son recipients of the Fred M. Butzel Award for Distinguished Community Service: Irwin in 1961; Avern in 1988. • He was the founding chair of the Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. • In 1965, he chaired the Yeshiva Beth Yehudah Building Committee. • In 2000, he established a $1 million fund to benefit Orthodox Jewish education called the Samuel and Maly Cohn Millennium Fund, named for his paternal grandparents who died in 1936. • In 2014, Avern and Lois Cohn received the Jewish Community Relations Council Activist award. 16

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Thinking About

Jack Lessenberry Elizabeth Zerwekh

AVERN COHN’S REMARKABLE LIFE AND CAREER spanned most of a century, and included thirty years as one of Detroit’s most respected lawyers and forty years as a prominent federal judge. Born in Detroit when Calvin Coolidge was President and segregation was taken for granted, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, went on to college and law school at the University of Michigan. In 1949, he began both practicing law and working in a wide range of communities in Detroit and Michigan, at various times serving on everything from the Michigan Civil Rights Commission to Detroit’s Board of Police Commissioners, both of which he chaired. He also served as President of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and was a major force in the Jewish community and in the Democratic Party for decades. But the best-known part of his career really began in 1979, when President Jimmy Carter appointed him a federal judge. For more than forty years he presided over cases that included the trial of a spy for the CIA whose employers turned on her, landmark and controversial free speech cases in the early years of the internet, difficult police and racial issues, a product liability case that potentially affects every woman who has ever used birth control pills, and a world-famous patent case that inspired a book and a movie, Flash of Genius. This book looks at the importance of those decisions, the sweep of his career, and how others saw the judge and his legacy—as well as how he sees it himself. It also contains some remarkable articles that show that the judge is a versatile historian.

Thinking About ‘the Other Fella’

His “first case.” Judge Cohn’s children present him with a case of Stroh’s beer at ceremonies celebrating his becoming a federal judge in 1979.

40 years, he had many significant and high-profile cases. In Doe v. University of Michigan (1989) he struck down a hate speech code his alma mater had instituted, saying it was vague, too broad and violated people’s First Amendment rights. In U.S. v. Jake Baker (1995) one of the first landmark cases involving free speech and the internet, he dismissed charges against a student who posted stories about raping, torturing and murdering women, saying there was no evidence Baker intended to commit a crime, and that he had a free speech right to his fantasies. That ruling was bitterly denounced in some circles, but never reversed. Probably his most famous cases were the lawsuits that intermittent windshield wiper inventor Robert Kearns filed against a series of auto manufacturers for infringing his patents. The story was made into a 2008 movie, Flash of Genius. Though Cohn was famously ‘the Other Fella’ hot-tempered on the bench, attorney Jules Olsman said “while the tone of Avern Cohn’s his voice may have seemed harsh, Life and the Law Avern Cohn was not in any way mean-spirited or malevolent. I always found him to be deeply emphatic and determined to reach a result that was fair and just.” Jack Lessenberry Elizabeth Zerwekh Avern Cohn said, in fact, that empathy was the key to understanding his judicial philosophy. “Louis Brandeis said once that the core of his philosophy was ‘thinking about the other fella,’ putting himself in the place of those before him on the bench.” “Well, ‘thinking about the other fella’ was what I tried to do. I may not have had a perfect heart — but I hope it won’t be said that I had an imperfect heart.” Nobody who knew Avern Cohn, now of blessed memory, would say he had anything but a giant intellect, and a heart to match. and

Avern Cohn was the beloved husband of Lois Pincus Cohn and the late Joyce Cohn; cherished father of Sheldon Cohn, Leslie Magy, and Thomas Cohn; also survived by Lois’ daughters, Lisa (Kent Kleinman) Pincus and Julie Pincus. He was the loving grampa of Harrison Magy, Ilyse Magy (Justin Hall), Daniel (fiancée Lauren Alexander) Magy, Bennett Magy, Hannah Magy, Jonathan Cohn, and Jeremy Cohn; proud great-grandfather of Delia Maghally and Emmett Maghally. It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Judge Avern Cohn may do so by making a contribution to Jewish Historical Society of Michigan, 33228 W. 12 Mile #349, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, michjewishhistory.org/donate/tribute-donation; American Civil Liberties Union, 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201, aclumich.org; Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201-2444, https://tickets.dso.org/support/donate; or to the Michigan Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. Jack Lessenberry is the co-author and editor, with Elizabeth Zerwekh, of Thinking About the Other Fella: Avern Cohn’s Life and the Law. (Auld Classic Books, 2021)

Jack Lessenberry has been a writer and editor and political analyst for numerous publications, has hosted radio and television shows and taught journalism for many years at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. He is the author of The People’s Lawyer: The Life and Times of Frank J. Kelley, the Nation’s Longest-Serving Attorney General (Wayne State University Press, 2015) and Reason vs. Racism: A Newspaper Family, Race, and Justice (BCI Press, 2020). Elizabeth Zerwekh is a professional librarian and archivist, specializing in rare books and private collections. She has worked with Judge Cohn for years, and in addition to this book, played a major role in researching Reason vs. Racism. They live in Huntington Woods and Charlevoix with their dogs Ashley and Chet, in homes overflowing with books.

Jacket design by Anne Zimanski Jacket photographs courtesy of Avern Cohn Printed in the U.S.A.

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Spreading Warmth Renee Kaplan began work in August on blankets for shelter animals. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS COURESY OF JARC

TOP: JARC person served Renee Kaplan and one of the blankets she’s made and donated to Michigan Animal Rescue League. BELOW: Renee Kaplan and her JARC Direct Care Worker Shoshana Rubenstein display a selection the blankets Renee made for the dogs and cats at Michigan Animal Rescue League.

enee Kaplan, a person with developmental disabilities being assisted by a JARC independent living skills (ILS) program, has used her hobby of making blankets during the pandemic to help others. On Jan. 29, Kaplan donated 25 handmade blankets to the Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) located in Pontiac. The washable, tie fleece blankets will be used for rescue kittens and puppies, adult dogs and cats, and any other use MARL has for them. Kaplan, 60, paid for all the supplies used to make the blankets and started working on them around August. Kaplan’s passion for giving back was instilled by her parents who, she said, showed her the importance of volunteering by volunteering a lot when she was growing up. Shoshana Rubenstein, the JARC direct care worker who regularly works with Kaplan, encouraged her to continue this passion project throughout the pandemic. This was Kaplan’s first time donating blankets somewhere, though she learned to make blankets in the 1980s. It’s been an on-and-off-again hobby ever since. Kaplan has been involved with JARC ILS for more than 25 years and worked at the JCC for over 40 years. Kaplan decided to start the project as she just wanted to do something for animals in shelters. She also had a rescued dog growing up. She has also set aside more blankets for foster kids at Orchards Children’s Services to be donated for Valentine’s Day. “I want to keep the animals warm and the kids warm, just to help them stay out of the cold,” Kaplan said. KEEPING BUSY Rubenstein says the main reason for Kaplan deciding to make blankets is because during

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

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CHUANG CHE Renee Kaplan and Shoshana Rubenstein present a new blankets to the Michigan Animal Rescue League puppy “Rose.”

the pandemic, every volunteer activity she was involved in had been shut down. “We sat here, and it was very difficult for everybody, and still is,” Rubenstein said. “And I think sometimes we just have to look for the light in the darkness, about what we can do, what we can contribute, instead of thinking of all the things we couldn’t. “We had to go forward and find a light in there, and I think the blankets are symbolic of warmth from our hearts and warmth in embracing the animals and children who are going

through very rough times.” Kaplan designed the blankets with many different patterns, including football, dogs and cats, elephants, Spider-Man and rainbows. Kaplan said she would like to make more blankets and donate more in the future and hopes to see others contribute to similar causes. “Even in the depth of darkness, we can find something out there and do good in the world,” Rubenstein said. “And I think by doing this, Renee has felt really good, and it empowered her to do something beautiful and good in the world.”

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ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS YEAR-ROUND A collection of several of the 25 blankets made by Renee Kaplan and donated to Michigan Animal Rescue League.

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Lawmakers Convene Hearing on Protecting Houses of Worship Texas Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker testifies on need for security grants.

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

n Tuesday, Feb. 8, the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Emergency Preparedness and Communication met to discuss the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and protecting houses of worship, this Elissa Slotkin following the wake of the antisemitic terrorist attack on Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, last month. The hearing was led by Chairwoman Val Demings (D) of Florida. Members of Congress, along with a diverse group of Jewish leaders, shared testimonies and thoughts Rabbi Charlie about what the federal government Cytronshould be doing to respond to the rise Walker in antisemitic terrorism and violence

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

during the virtual panel discussion. The witnesses included Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel; Rabbi Yosef Konikov, of Orlando, Florida, where recent neo-Nazi rallies were held; Eric Fingerhut, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America; and Michael Masters, CEO of the Secure Community Network. From Michigan’s 8th District, Chairwoman Elissa Slotkin (D) said that as a Jewish woman, the issue felt deeply personal to her. “Rabbi Charlie is a native Michigander. He’s from the Lansing area, which I represent. His mom

still lives there. Actually, he went to summer camp with my brother,” Slotkin said. Ahead of their testimonies, panelists shared their support of the Jewish community. Slotkin cited statistics stating that in the last five years, there has been a 60% increase in antisemitic incidents nationwide. “2020 marking the third highest amount of [antisemitic incidents] since the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) began tracking these incidents in the 1970s,” she said. In Michigan, Slotkin says she has seen a 21% increase of antisemitic incidents — everything from graffitied swastikas on buildings to “Zoom bombings.” The witnesses shared what they have seen throughout their Jewish communities and explained why having the necessary funds to protect Jewish lives, and those of all faiths, is crucial. “All of us need to feel safe in our sacred space and our communities — and too many people, of every background, don’t always feel safe. And that’s heartbreaking,” Cytron-Walker said. “And that’s our reality. Even though the chances are so remote that violence will be visited upon any one congregation — our recent past has shown that tragedy and trauma can happen. That’s our harsh reality and it’s

been our harsh reality. And we can’t ignore that reality. We have to confront it.” Members of Congress followed up with questions asking what more they could do to help. Representative Clay Higgins (R) of Louisiana expressed how he and the members of the subcommittee and representatives on both sides of the aisle are dedicated to help find solutions so that places of worship can peacefully gather. He asked CytronWalker about the recent attack at the temple, and the relationship between the Jewish community and the local law enforcement. Cytron-Walker replied that during the entire hostage situation he was communicating with the Colleyville Sheriff by texting and emailing, saying that the relationship with the department is very important to him. “It really takes all of us on all sides of the aisle to come with that sense of curiosity and come with that sense that our status quo is not okay,” Cytron-Walker said. “This kind of violence is happening in our religious communities and in our schools, and our religious institutions and nonprofits. We need that sense of security. We need these grants. We need these programs.” “And we also have to do more to work together to change that overall reality. Because what we’re going through right now, I don’t believe it’s sustainable,” he added. To watch the hearing, visit https:// homeland.house.gov/activities/hearings/the-nonprofit-security-grant-program-and-protecting-houses-of-worship-a-view-from-the-american-jewish-community.

‘Comedy for Peace’ Federation’s Israel & Overseas Department will hold traveling comedy show.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Dotan Malach (Erik Angel), Tehran Von Ghasri, Reem Edan and Steve Marshall

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ederation’s Israel & Overseas Department announced the upcoming Comedy for Peace, a traveling comedy show that combines Muslim and Jewish stand-up comedians for a fun and inspiring night out. The event takes place Wednesday, March 2, at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Comedy for Peace is the first of a series of three “Shared Society” events, each with the goal of bringing people together to create a stronger shared community. “Detroit has a diverse community,” says Yiftah Leket, Federation’s community shaliach (Israeli emissary). “Shared Society is aiming to take a step toward bringing down the walls between Jews and Muslims to form a peaceful and meaningful relationship. Comedy for Peace, our first event, does this through the art of comedy and the sound of laughter.” The Comedy for Peace lineup, which has been touring since 2019, features a number of seasoned performers, including:

DOTAN MALACH (ERIK ANGEL) An Israeli-Jewish comedian and the founder/producer of the Comedy for Peace Show. Born and raised in Israel, he is now based on the Upper West Side where he is getting to know the American comedy scene. As a new transplant to New York, he is now dealing for the first time with the fact that he is a Jew, an immigrant and that no one around him understands Hebrew. Since his arrival in New York a year and a half ago, he performed in clubs around the city including West Side Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club and the Broadway Comedy Club, as well as internationally. TEHRAN VON GHASRI Meet one of the hottest rising comedians on the comedy scene. With a diverse contrasting background of Black, Persian, Muslim and Jewish, street smarts and educated, Tehran brings a fresh, unique perspective to comedy and humor. As seen on Comedy Central, HBO and Fox. He performs regularly in the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.

REEM EDAN Edan is an Iraqi-American comedian, writer, actress and digital content creator known for her unique brand of “Muslim-Ennial” humor. She has performed at venues and colleges across the U.S., Europe, Japan and the Middle East. She’s opened for Arsenio Hall and is an alumni of the 2020 NBC Late Night Writing Workshop. She was recently named on Bustle’s list of “5 Muslim women comedians to get you through social distancing.” STEVE MARSHALL Marshall is a New York-based Jewish American comedian, actor and writer. He’s a wild, unique, energetic and smart performer, with 25 years’ experience in the biggest clubs in the city and tours regularly throughout the United States. The Comedy for Peace event is co-hosted by Federation’s NEXTGen Detroit Department, The Well and JCRC/AJC. Tickets are $20 and include one complimentary beverage. Register at jewishdetroit.org/comedy.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

COURTESY OF HILLEL

Rabbi Harold Loss with Hillel students Cailey Levine, Mia Levine and Sydney Dolgin.

Highlighting O Local Heroes Hillel holds “Heroes Panel” for fifth graders.

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

n Feb 1, Hillel Day School held its sixth annual Heroes Panel, where Hillel fifth-grade students hear stories about and get inspired by local heroes. Among the speakers at the panel was Joanne Lukasik, financial controller at Hillel, who told her life story and passion for playing hockey ever since she was a young girl, even after having both legs severed just below the knees at 16 years old in a farming accident. Other panelists included Tom Fitzgerald, who gave his father one of his kidneys in 2019; Hillel teacher Amy Piesz, who told the story of a neighbor saving her dog from a house fire; Rabbi Harold Loss, telling the story of Bill Farber, a philanthropist and businessman who transformed the Metro Detroit Jewish community by giving away all of his money before his passing in 2017; and Nicole Miller, a Hillel faculty member and close relative of Tate Myre, a student who LEFT: Financial controller at Hillel, Joanne Lukasik, whose passion for playing hockey continues decades after an accident. RIGHT: Tom Fitzgerald, along with his father, John, who he gave one of his kidneys to in 2019.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

was tragically killed in the Oxford High School shooting. The program is part of Hillel’s fifth grade project-based learning unit on heroes. Students study the qualities of everyday heroes in their Tanach class through a close analysis of Exodus 2. In the biblical text, students learn about the heroic qualities of the midwives who defied Pharaoh’s order to kill all firstborn boys and kept the children alive. They then learn about the daughter of Pharaoh and her willingness to go against her father’s decree and save baby Moses. As the year progresses, students write formal pieces in their Language Arts class about their own heroes. The learning unit culminates in the spring when the students’ heroes are invited into the school for a celebratory reading of the students’ writing. The panel was a huge hit, with many of the fifth-grade students feeling inspired. “I think you can really achieve anything you want to — it’s what you put into it,” said student Eli Panza. “Do better in the world and make it a better place.” Student Reemone Chudnow said, “I found out

people I could walk by every day, people I could walk by on the street are heroes.” “The main takeaway is we’re really surrounded by heroes, and sometimes you just have to look close enough to see them,” said student Esther Matthies. Clara Gaba, longtime Jewish Studies teacher who launched this learning unit many years ago, said, “It started with our Bible studies, and teaching the kids that heroes are not necessarily born but can grow up to be heroes.” Gaba said one student last year told her that all they want to do is to grow up and have a lot of money. When Gaba asked them why, they said they wanted to be like Bill Farber and be able to give it back to the community. “That’s a lesson by itself,” Gaba said. Added Renee Liberman, Hillel language arts and social studies teacher, “It’s all about taking that time to look at humanity and all the moments we can rise to the occasion and really support each other. And that’s what we look to instill in our students, that value of community and supporting anyone who may need it in any way that you can.” Hillel faculty member Nicole Miller, a close relative of Tate Myre, a student who was tragically killed in the Oxford High School shooting.

Jewish Disability Awareness Event JCC’s Opening the Doors welcomes award-winning guest speakers. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

Opening the Doors strives to n celebration of Jewish do; by providing Jewish educaDisability Awareness, tion classroom experiences for Acceptance, & Inclusion children of all abilities. Month, JCC’s Opening the “When (Dodge) creates a Doors is holding an inspirplay or musical, she ing virtual event, really doesn’t want to “Changing The replicate what’s already Norm: Celebrating been done,” Maiseloff the Beauty of said. “She likes to Different Abilities,” rebrand and reimagine, on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and when she does that, The event she really looks to find a features Tony Marcia Milgrom way to be inclusive of all Award-nominated Dodge races, ethnicities, body director and choshapes and abilities in reographer Marcia her casting.” Milgrom Dodge Maiseloff says Dodge and award-winning believes any child dancer and actor should be able to come Evan Ruggerio. to the theater, look at Dodge will discuss the actors and believe creating her own Evan Ruggiero they might play any authentic producrole, even if they have tions, celebrating different abilities. inclusivity in all forms, includDodge, who grew up in ing in her recent take on Olney Southfield, won a Tony Award Theatre Center’s Disney’s nomination for Best Director Beauty and the Beast. Ruggiero, of a Musical for her revival of who portrayed “Beast” in her Ragtime in 2010. production, will highlight his “I was thrilled and honored triumphs on the stage when that she would share with us returning to dancing and perwhat she’s done in the world forming after losing his leg, and how our world’s go togethwhich was amputated above er in recognizing, including, the knee after he was diagcelebrating and helping peonosed with osteosarcoma, a ple with different abilities to type of bone cancer, at age 19. Ellen Maiseloff, senior direc- belong,” Maiseloff said. “I would like people to tor of Opening the Doors, has known Dodge for years. When recognize there shouldn’t be barriers for people with difMaiseloff spoke with Dodge fering abilities to be included, about her take and casting and that they can do anything,” on Disney’s “Beauty and the Maiseloff said. Beast,” she was impressed with the choices she made and her To register, visit https://jlive.app/ philosophy, and also how it events/1520. The fee is $5. mirrored so much of what

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

Davidson Foundation Announces $6.5 Million in Grants These new Detroit arts and culture grants are in memory of Byron and Dorothy Gerson.

he William Davidson Foundation announced two grants to honor the life and memory of Byron and Dorothy Gerson, the brother-in-law and sister of the Foundation’s founder. Totaling $6.5 million, the grants to the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will support two of Michigan’s arts and cultural institutions that held special significance to Mrs. Gerson and her late husband, Byron. Mrs. Gerson died in April 2021 at age 99. “These grants, in memory of my mother and father, are a reflection of both family and Foundation priorities,” said Ralph Gerson, treasurer and director of the William Davidson Foundation. “My mother and my uncle had a very close relationship throughout their lives, going back to their time growing up as children living in Detroit. Together, they were introduced to worldclass art, music and creative talents beginning at a young age. It was important to them that families across the region enjoy similar experiences for generations to come.” Ralph Gerson also serves as vice chair of the DIA Board of Directors and as officer at large on the DSO Board of Directors The grants include $5 million to the DIA. Mrs. Gerson was a longtime board member of the DIA and, along with her husband, Byron “Bud” Gerson,

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

Dorothy Gerson

Byron Gerson

who passed away in 2013, donated and funded the acquisition of many pieces for the museum’s collection. The Foundation’s new grant to the DIA’s endowment will support the museum’s American Art department and its position of curator, which will now be named the Byron and Dorothy Gerson Curator and Department Head of American Art. The gift will also establish a new lecture series to bring prominent speakers to Detroit for free events to benefit the DIA and metropolitan Detroit communities. “The Detroit Institute of Arts is fortunate to have had the Gersons as dedicated and passionate leaders,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA director, president and CEO. “They were devoted and active members of the museum for more than 40 years, who generously donated a wide variety of objects to our permanent collection in addition to providing financial support. “We are grateful for this new gift from the William Davidson Foundation that will help continue the work that

Ralph Gerson

Ethan Davidson

Bud and Dottie loved so much, and allows us to commemorate their legacy in the art world.” The grants also include $1.5 million for the DSO. Mrs. Gerson served as a member of the symphony’s Development Committee, as she and Mr. Gerson were active fundraisers, life-long classical series subscribers and regular attendees of other performances at Orchestra Hall. This gift, to the DSO endowment, will help ensure the symphony’s continuing artistic excellence — by attracting and retaining the best musicians and guaranteeing education and youth programs in the future. It also secures naming, in memory of Byron and Dorothy Gerson, for the DSO’s principal bassoon. “My father and my aunt grew up going to youth concerts at the DSO, which created memories that lasted for their lifetimes,” said Ethan Davidson, grants committee chair and director of the William Davidson Foundation. “Our family and Foundation’s commitment to music in Detroit spans three generations,

and we want to maintain that in my aunt’s memory.” “Dorothy and Byron Gerson were cherished members of the DSO family for decades,” said Erik Rönmark, DSO president and CEO. “They shared our belief in the power of music to change lives, and for the DSO to be a powerful cultural beacon for the city and region. “We are grateful for this new gift from the William Davidson Foundation that will have a transformational impact and allow us to maintain a high level of excellence both onstage and in the community, and we thank the foundation and Ralph Gerson for their continued partnership and leadership.” Darin McKeever, president and CEO of the William Davidson Foundation, said, “Dorothy Gerson lived a remarkable life of service. As we seek to build on William Davidson’s legacy of generosity, it is fitting that our Foundation honors the memory of his only sibling — an extraordinary leader, not only for her family, but for this community.”

Answer the Call. Your donation supports our Jewish community. On Sunday, March 6, our community volunteers will be making calls to secure donations to Federation’s 2022 Annual Campaign. Every day, Federation’s partner agencies are taking care of older adults, children and other vulnerable individuals. Providing emergency financial assistance for families in need, and educational supports for our day schools. Delivering mental health services for those that are struggling.

This is all possible thanks to more than 10,000 donors to our Annual Campaign. Please join the effort. Answer the call or make your donation now at jewishdetroit.org/donate. Interested in volunteering for our Super Sunday Team? jewishdetroit.org/supersunday2022 Other questions? Contact Marianne Bloomberg at bloomberg@jfmd.org.

faces&places

Adat Shalom’s ‘Volunteer Day in a Box’

Enthusiastic and talented volunteers of all ages participated in Adat Shalom’s Volunteer Day in a Box, supporting 10 organizations throughout Metro Detroit. Boxes full of hands-on projects and step-by-step instructions to create more than 1,000 items to benefit those in need were put together, picked up and delivered. Each project was designed with the event’s core values in mind: Repair the world: tikkun olam; feeding the hungry: ha’akhalat re’evim; big hearted: lev tov; kindness to animals: tzaar ba’alei Chayim; and working as a community: kehillah tov. While acts of kindness are not saved for one day a year, Volunteer Day is always very special thanks to the community that plan, implement and get creative during the event. Individuals, grandparents and grandchildren, cousins, friends and neighbors all had fun while spreading kindness.

Director of Adult Learning and Youth Engagement at Adat Shalom Jodi Gross works with Adat Shalom student and project volunteer Olivia Herskovic on creating a scarf.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAT SHALOM FAMILIES

Micah Issner, second grade, and his grandfather Jim Issner engineered a system for making the tug toys.

Madeline Friedman and her dad, Jaron Friedman, picked up their box of projects.

Rabbi Aaron Bergman and volunteers Geula Rapp, Charm Levine, and Clara Elinger sorting fleece for the dog tug toys that went to the Michigan Animal Rescue League.

Elliana and Gabriel Shayne are enthusiastic about the projects they created to donate to those in need.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

Cousins Leah Levin and Benjamin Elkus of West Bloomfield baked for the Detroit Community Fridge.

JSL Celebrates Betty White Jewish Senior Life’s Oak Park residents commemorated the life and legacy of the inimitable Betty White with a night of celebration, TV and fundraising: residents raised $300 in donations for All About Animals Rescue in Warren. Betty was a true animal lover, the First Lady of Television and a shining example that life is fun and fabulous at every age. JSL residents and employees embrace her core

values of compassion and collaboration. All About Animals is a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to making sure there are no more homeless pets. They’re a great resource for animal adoption, rescue, vet care and affordable spaying/neutering. “Our residents are proud to support All About Animals in Betty’s memory,” said Oak Park Campus Administrator Jennifer Staniszewski.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JSL

Thursday, May 12, 2022 T E M P L E I S R A E L O U T D O O R PAV I L I O N 6:15 PM REGISTRATION 7:00 PM PROGRAM ADMISSION $65 After being a finalist on the NBC show Last Comic Standing, comedian Gary Gulman is shining a spotlight on mental health in his HBO special, The Great Depresh, from executive producer Judd Apatow. With humor, vulnerability, and honesty, Gary destigmatizes mental illness, normalizes treatment and offers hope. Join us as he takes the stage for a night of comedy and connection.

For registration and sponsorship information, visit jfsspotlightevent.org or call 248.592.2339. Dollars raised enable JFS to address the greatest needs of the community and continue serving the most vulnerable. Jewish Family Service will follow guidelines from the CDC regarding COVID-19.

SPONSORED BY THE REVA STOCKER LECTURE SERIES Diane Pliskow holds a furry friend.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISION TDS METROCOM, LLC’S NOTICE OF DISCONTINUANCE OF BASIC LOCAL EXCHANGE SERVICE TDS Metrocom, LLC (“TDS”) is providing notice that on or after May 12, 2022, TDS will discontinue Internet and basic local exchange phone service in the Ann Arbor, Detroit Zone 5, Farmington, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, Romulus, Southfield, Wayne, and Ypsilanti Michigan exchange areas. Impacted customers will receive a letter, including the date their service is being discontinued and a listing of other area service providers to consider for future service. These customers will need to select a new provider as soon as possible, to avoid an interruption in service. TDS has made a filing with the Michigan Public Service Commission, docket U-21168, regarding this discontinuance of service. A customer of TDS may request that the Commission investigate the availability of comparable voice service with reliable access to 911 and submit comments to the Commission via mail to the Executive Business Section, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI 48909, referencing docket U-21168. Electronic comments may be emailed to: mpscedockets@ michigan.gov. All comments submitted to the Commission in this matter will become public information, posted on the Commission’s website and subject to disclosure. Comments should not include information a customer wishes to remain private.. For additional residential support, dial 877-638-6726. For business support, contact deb.nordman@tdsmetro.com or dial 1-855-837-2455 to reach TDS Customer Support.

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FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

75 Years of Holocaust Cinema

here are hundreds of films about the Holocaust in dozens of languages and from scores of countries. Rich Brownstein has lectured at Yad Vashem’s International School for Holocaust Studies in Jerusalem since 2014, specializing in the history and pedagogy of Holocaust films. The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC) will be hosting a 75 Years of Holocaust Cinema lecture by the author on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. The program will be presented virtually on Zoom. Suggested donation for the program is $10. To register, visit HolocaustCenter.org/ February. The genre of the Holocaust has been explored in film so often that, since 1946, one Holocaust film has been nominated for an Academy Award every other year, including 20 for Best Foreign Language Film. More than 440 narrative Holocaust feature films and made-for-TV movies have been produced in this time, with more than 25% of all American-made Holocaust films having been nominated for an Academy Award. Brownstein’s new book, Holocaust Cinema Complete: A History and Analysis of 400 Films, with a Teaching Guide, was recently published by McFarland Press. In it, he explores the genre beyond documentaries — the successes and failures that the film industry has experienced on this topic by discussing specific examples: drama, comedy, science fiction, animation and more, but not inclusive of documentaries or miniseries over

Rich Brownstein

three hours in length. “Rich Brownstein has expertly viewed and critiqued an astonishing amount of cinema on the topic of the Holocaust,” said Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO, The Zekelman Holocaust Center. “In a unique combination of detached professionalism and his personal feelings, he manages to present each film’s unique perspective — and provide thought-provoking insights regarding the topics of both life and cinema. We are honored to have him provide his insights on Feb. 23.” Brownstein’s lecture will explore many aspects of Holocaust cinema. He will discuss the specific criteria he used in classifying Holocaust films, such as Schindler’s List and JoJo Rabbit — as well as classics like The Sound of Music, which he does not consider a Holocaust film. Program sponsors are The PNC Foundation, Robin & Leo Eisenberg, Linda & Robert Finkel, Patricia & Robert Frank, Garry Kappy and Stewart Shear. The HC’s Community partner is The Maple Theater. For more information, visit www.holocaustcenter.org or call (248) 553-2400.

Please join us for an informational meeting: Sunday, February 27th • 10:30am Soul Cafe RSVP: Partnersdetroit.org/m4m-israel-2022-informational-meeting

HOME COURTESY OF PANTONE

The Color Purple Color us delighted with Pantone’s choice for 2022.

Pantone paint chips show Veri Peri.

LYNNE KONSTANTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New York City-based Alex Papachristidis Interiors layered shades of purple for a fresh take on a monochromatic look.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

PHOTO BY MIKKEL VANG

f you’ve tired of the weary mood the pandemic has brought on, you’re not alone — the world of interior design and everything it touches is over it, too. Case in point: Last year’s twopronged Pantone Colors of the Year, Ultimate Gray and CanaryYellow Illuminating, evoked a shared moment of isolation and the hope of brighter days. Last month, the Pantone Color Institute named the 2022 Color of the Year — Very Peri. A vibrant shade of periwinkle with undertones of violet-red, the color is the strong, outstretched arm that will lead us to happier days, colorwise at least. The Pantone Color Institute has provided color reports and forecasts since 1962 (the year of Cerulean Blue). From its palette curation, interior designers, fashion designers, beauty companies — basically any business having to do with

color — take their cue from the global color authority for products for the following year. “Blending the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red, this happiest and warmest of all the blue hues introduces an empowering mix of newness. As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.” Jill Schumacher, designer and a founder of Rariden Schumacher Mio in Birmingham, is excitGold-toned cerused ed about this fresh take on purple. oak accents periwinkle fabric on “Periwinkle, once a staple of a certain Miami the Frances Armchair set, is finding its way to current times and youngby Liz O’Brien. er eyes. Very Peri is a very soothing color — it resonates a bright, peaceful tone, much needed in these darker days,” Schumacher says. “More often than not, I would use Very Peri as an accent — possibly for a lady’s dressing room — mixed with a shade of peach for a look that is very current. In your mind it may scream Miami Vice — instead, think California-girl [designer] Kelly Wearstler. Or mix Very Peri with metallic silver and golds and you will be chic off the charts.” Another option for using the color in your home is in small accents, like pillows, pottery and accessories, says Carrie Long,

UR TE

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ABOVE: Fabrics and paper by Pierre Frey — “Fontaine et animaux barbouillage” fabric, in blue otremere, is based on an 1803 design; “Ouistitis & co,” in Guimauve, evokes the classic Toiles de Jouy — is “legal anywhere,” Jill Schumacher says. “Pillows, whole sofa, ottoman, drapery — it just depends on the weight and wearability and what strikes your fancy. It is the most chic!”

PHOT O

VE & JUNE

designer and owner of Carrie Long Interiors in Royal Oak. “Or, the color is stunning in a bathroom and creates a sense of elegance. I would do a high-gloss lacquer in a powder room and do an accent wall in a bedroom with a great textured wallpaper that has a thread of the Very Peri color in it,” she says. “This creates such a happy mood in the room.” Lois Haron has a different take on the color, suggesting using it as “a whole wall accent where you want to call attention to an area, or you want your eye to go directly there.” The owner of Farmington Hills-based Lois Haron Designs adds that she would accent with lighter shades of blues or purples and white on the other walls of the room. “I’ve used Benjamin Moore Athens Blue in a very shiny gloss — my painter added texture to it, adding shimmer and movement.” Any shade of purple runs the chance of being polarizing — you either love it or hate it. But Very Peri seems to have the ability to tow the line, making it as powerful or subtle as you choose it to be. After all, Carrie Long says, “I’m in the mood for the mood!”

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COURTESY CARRIE LONG INTERIORS

Designer Carrie Long added soothing Very Peri upholstery to a client’s four-season sunroom “for a year-round punch of spring.”

Olive & June’s Nothing Rhymes With Purple set starts with a Very Peri statement.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

sports HIGHlights brought to you in partnership with

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Jack Chudler has Carter Mlynarek of Macomb Lutheran North in trouble during a 130pound semifinal match at the Catholic League wrestling tournament. Chudler pinned Mlynarek in 1:39.

Jack of All Trades

Sophomore athlete is making a name for himself at his high school. STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ack Chudler is a sophomore, but he’s an elder statesman on his high school wrestling team. “Jack came here with a lot of club wrestling experience. That isn’t the case with many of our guys,” said Tyler Fenzel, the wrestling coach at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. “He’s willing to help anyone on our team who wants it, both in wrestling itself and what it’s like to be a wrestler,” Fenzel said. Chudler is definitely happy to

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

help his teammates. “I like teaching guys the right moves to make during a match, and it’s great to see them get better,” he said. “Wrestling is a tough sport. You have to have a lot of mental strength to be out there all by yourself.” Like many of his teammates, Chudler has gotten better this season. He went 10-6 wrestling at 119 pounds last season. He was 19-9 this season following his second-place finish at 130 pounds

Feb. 5 in the Catholic League tournament at Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Chudler won his first two tournament matches, then he was pinned in the weight class championship match by Catholic Central’s Clayton Jones, who is ranked No. 2 in the state at 130 pounds. “Clayton is a better wrestler than I am right now. More skilled,” Chudler said. “I did my best against him, and I’ll learn from that match.” Chudler, 16, also plays football and lacrosse at St. Mary’s. He said he likes playing those sports, but wrestling is his favorite sport. His older brother Nick Chudler was a football player and wrestler at St. Mary’s before joining the Michigan State University football team in 2017 as a preferred walk-on long snapper. Nick was on the St. Mary’s wrestling team that won a team

district championship in 2017, Fenzel’s first season as coach. “My brother (Nick) loved going to St. Mary’s. That was a big reason why I decided to go there, along with the good academics and athletics,” Jack said. It’s not unusual for a Jewish student, especially a student-athlete, to attend a Catholic high school. Jack said he feels comfortable at St. Mary’s and is enjoying playing sports there. He’s doing well academically. He has a 3.8 grade-point average. Fenzel is Jack’s teacher in world history and religion classes. “Jack is a good student. He comes into the classroom ready to learn every day,” Fenzel said. “He really knows his world history because he’s done a lot of traveling with his family.” Please send sports news to stevestein502004@yahoo.com.

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Find a Home You Love

BY STEVE STEIN

Want to Be a Maccabi Games Athlete? There’s still time to join the Detroit delegation that will compete at the JCC Maccabi Games this summer in San Diego. “There’s no deadline to register ... yet,” said Detroit delegation head Karen Gordon. Twenty-two athletes have signed up to represent Detroit from July 31 through Aug. 5 in San Diego. There aren’t enough Detroit athletes to form a team in any sport, so Detroit athletes will be on teams with athletes from other delegations. Individual sports also are offered. Prospective Detroit athletes ages 13-16 should contact Gordon at karengordon44@icloud.com for more information, including the vaccination requirement. The Maccabi Games weren’t held in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Detroit was a Maccabi Games host in 2019.

Hartje’s Numbers: 12 Goals, 28 Assists in 24 Games

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It’s been a record-breaking season for the Yale University women’s hockey team, and Elle Hartje is a big reason for that. The sophomore forward from Bloomfield Hills and Detroit Country Day School had 12 goals and 28 assists through the team’s first 24 games. No. 9-ranked Yale was 18-5-1 overall and 12-4-1 in the ECAC after shutting Elle Hartje out ECAC opponents Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 3-0 and Union 7-0 in road games in early February. The Bulldogs’ 18 wins set a team record for victories in a season, one more than the previous mark of 17 set during the 2019-20 season when Hartje was a freshman. Yale didn’t play in the 2020-21 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hartje scored what proved to be the game-winning goal vs. RPI, a power-play goal in the second period that broke a scoreless tie. “That goal by Elle gave us the jump we needed,” Yale coach Mark Bolding told the Yale Daily News. Fans -- actually only vaccinated fans -- were allowed to attend Yale indoor sports competitions like women’s hockey starting Feb. 11. Ingalls Rink, the Yale women’s hockey team’s home venue, is operating at 75% fan capacity.

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continued on page 34 FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

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There’s an extra incentive for high school lacrosse players to participate in Israel Lacrosse’s annual Summer Service Trip. RootOne will provide a $3,000 travel voucher to help cover the cost of the trip for those who complete pre-trip educational programming. “We’re thrilled to have been accepted as a RootOne grantee,” said David Lasday, chief operating officer of Israel Lacrosse. “RootOne is a new initiative that’s helping connect Jewish teens to Israel by lowering the financial barrier to participate in immersive summer trips and investing in the educational quality of those trips,” Lasday said. David Lasday, chief operating “Israel Lacrosse is a per- officer of Israel Lacrosse, speaks at a 2017 news conference fect partner for RootOne that the 2018 World because of our shared val- announcing Lacrosse Championships would ues, mission and vision.” be held in Netanya, Israel. The July 4-25 Summer Service Trip includes touring, volunteering, and coaching and playing lacrosse. Participants will play with and against top Israeli club lacrosse teams, and make school visits, work at clinics and coach team practices to promote lacrosse to Israeli youth. Cost for the trip is $7,400 for boys, $7,000 for girls field players and $7,400 for girls goalies. While the cost includes round-trip flights from New York City to Tel Aviv, ground transportation in Israel, housing, meals, apparel, lacrosse equipment, touring and insurance, it does not include travel to NYC. An $800 deposit is required. Send an email to Seth Mahler at seth@lacrosse.co.il for more information on the trip and RootOne voucher. There’s a local connection to Israel Lacrosse. Lasday is the son of Jeffrey Lasday, former senior director of community development at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield who was named senior chief of external affairs at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia in December.

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MAZEL TOV! Benjamin Jacob Corin (Reuven Yitzhak), son of Michele and Seth Corin of Cumming, Ga., will read from the Torah as he becomes a bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Israel on Saturday Feb. 19, 2022. Proud grandparents are Paula and Melvin Menuck of West Bloomfield, and Shiela and Alan Corin of Cumming. He is also the grandson of the late Sharon Corin. He will be joined in celebration by his sister Natalie Corin. Benji is a student at Otwell Middle School in Cumming. He is fulfilling the mitzvah of remembrance with the Daffodil Project, twinning his bar mitzvah with Aizik Korin, who perished in the Holocaust in 1942 at age 9.

Loyd-Papenheim

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

HOW TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Mazel Tov! Announcements are welcomed for members of the Jewish community. Anniversaries, engagements and weddings with a photo (preferably color) can appear at a cost of $18 each. Births are $10. There is no charge for bar/bat mitzvahs or for special birthdays starting at the 90th. For information, contact Editorial Assistant Sy Manello at smanello@thejewishnews.com or (248) 351-5147 for information or for a mailed or emailed copy of guidelines.

The Well Receives $25,000 Grant to Support the #Friendseder Initiative

he Well received $25,000 in grant funds from the Donald R. and Esther Simon Foundation to be used for this year’s #Friendseder initiative (powered by The Well). #Friendseder, created in 2019, is to Passover what Friendsgiving is to Thanksgiving — a chance to gather with friends and chosen family leading up to the holiday to celebrate in creative and new ways. Friendseder aims to empower young adults to lead a seder that is authentic and relevant to them, integrating new ideas and rituals that enhance the experience and demystify the skill set of leading the seder, which is often left to older generations. Since 2019, Friendseder.com has hosted the #Friendseder Haggadah, which is available to download for free, in addition to other resources from organizations across the country. In 2021, Friendseder took a physical form with the #Friendseder Box Experience, with innovative ritual items and a custom-designed board game, which is still available for digital download on Friendseder.com.

Between the in-person and virtual options, a Friendseder experience was held in more than 200 homes, on three college campuses, and in 20 states in the U.S., plus Canada. This year, Friendseder is expanding yet again, with new partnerships in the works with Zingerman’s Delicatessen out of Ann Arbor and Mongers’ Provisions in Berkley and Detroit. “The Well is a place for inclusive gatherings, intentional conversations and innovative programs, and Friendseder is just one amazing example of that,” said Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh, executive director of The Well. “I’ve been inspired by the concept of Friendseder since I arrived a year and a half ago, and I’m so excited at the opportunity the Donald R. and Esther Simon Foundation is giving us to elevate this initiative and build deeper relationships in this community.” More information will be available from The Well at meetyouatthewell.org and on Friendseder.com as the Passover season approaches. For further questions about Friendseder, emails can be sent to info@friendseder.com. FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

for college students by college students

Feb. 17 2022 / 16 Adar I 5782

Spartans for Israel hosted Bassem Eid (center) on Feb. 9.

Bridges over Boycotts Spartans for Israel hosted Palestinian journalist Bassem Eid. Ethan Price } jewish@edu writer

n Feb. 9, Spartans for Israel were fortunate enough to host Bassem Eid at Michigan State University, where he gave his unique perspective on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Eid is a Palestinian journalist and human rights activist who was born and raised in the United Nations Refugee Works Agency (UNRWA) refugee camp of Shuafat in East Jerusalem. He rose to prominence during the first Intifada as a senior field researcher for B’Tselem. In 1996, in response to the deterioration of the human rights situation under the Palestinian Authority (PA), he founded the Jerusalem-based Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group, which is a nonpartisan human rights organization dedicated to exposing human rights

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

Bassem Eid

violations and supporting a democratic and pluralistic Palestine. In 2016, Eid assumed the role of chairman of the Center for Near East Policy Research. Bassem Eid has spent 26 years researching UNRWA policies and has written extensively on the subject of UNRWA reform. He also is an outspoken critic of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, otherwise known as BDS.

During the conversation, Bassem explained how the BDS movement actually harms Palestinian civilians more than it helps them, and he described his decision to take Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Company to court after it announced its removal of factories and goods from Israel. While the BDS movement is active in the United States and around the world, Eid argues that their victories are actively eliminating jobs for Palestinians who work in Israel. “I don’t believe that these people are seeking any peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” said Bassem in reference to the motives of the BDS movement. Spartans for Israel is very grateful to Bassem Eid for coming to campus and sharing his personal experiences and perspectives with Michigan State students. @ Ethan Price is a sophomore at Michigan State from Sterling Heights.

THERE’S A SMARTER WAY

If you’re planning on attending a four-year college or university, become a Schoolcraft College Dual Enrollment student in high school. You can earn credits that transfer to your four-year school, saving you time and money. Registration for Spring and Summer 2022 classes begins Saturday, March 26. schoolcraft.edu/DE

CRAFT YOUR FUTURE ™

for college students by college students

Community Reflection

WHATEVER IS

Hillel at Kalamazoo College sponsors program on antisemitism. Ali Randel } jewish@edu writer

For Grand Valley students, next is opportunity and innovation. Next is global, connecting and uniting us. It’s local, shaping the spaces in which we work and live. It’s a commitment to progress. Next is where minds are free to imagine what could be. At GVSU, next is now. And whatever’s next for you, we will help you get there.

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engage. inspire. achieve. 38

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

s a sophomore at Kalamazoo College, I have felt outcasted as a Jew and enraged by the uneducated opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and did not know what to do about it. During the first week of our winter trimester, Kalamazoo College’s Office of Religious and Spiritual Life hosted a community reflection centered on antisemitism, sponsored by Hillel at K College. The entire student body was invited to hear from Hillel members about their experiences with antisemitism and how to make changes. Topics included Zionism, the Holocaust and finding your Jewish identity. “During the reflection I felt empowered to finally share my worries and my fears with a community that knows so little about what we, as Jews, experience on a daily basis,” said senior and president of Hillel at K, McKenna Schilling. “I felt incredibly proud of my peers for being able to stand up in a way that many people aren’t able to, and for representing the Jewish community.” I spoke about my March of the Living trip when I spent one week touring Holocaust concentration camps in Poland and one week celebrating the fortitude of the Jewish people in Israel. When people ask me about my experience, I still do not have the words to describe it. Nothing can match the magnitude of the

Ali Randel is pictured in Israel on the March of the Living program.

uncomfortable, gut-wrenching pain of standing in those camps. I left the march feeling surprisingly happy. None of the survivors we met let the sadness and fear dictate their lives. They choose to tell their stories so that something like the Holocaust never happens again. After hearing stories from survivors about the darkest moments in their lives and the success and happiness that they have now, I felt inspired, a strong sense of responsibility and desire to continue sharing and educating the community at large so that we, as the Jewish people, can continue to prosper and flourish. Proud is an understatement to describe the feeling I had after my peers and I shared our stories during our community reflection. @ Ali Randel is a sophomore at Kalamazoo College from West Bloomfield.

WHERE LIVING IN THE MOMENT MEETS PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE. At Wayne State University, our campus is alive 24/7. With thousands of students living here and over 500 student organizations, there’s always something happening. There’s incredible food, art, culture and music all around Detroit, and everyone who experiences our campus knows one thing: Warriors live here.

SPRING OPEN HOUSE: MARCH 12 Register for this event at go.wayne.edu/openhouse-22 To experience campus life, scan here or visit go.wayne.edu/yourfuture

WARRIOR STRONG

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

for college students by college students

Top: Eve Wasvery, Nicole Golenberg, Olivia Yates. Bottom: Jacob Hankin, Henry Altman, Jacob Abudaram, Casey Wright.

Olivia Yates, Nicole Golenberg, Eve Wasvery

Finding Our Place at Hillel SEAN MORGAN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, U-M HILLEL

eing a student is a fulltime job, no matter the university you attend. Finding time for extracurricular activities can be challenging with the amount of schoolwork that needs to be done. Yet, students feel that if they want to get ahead in school or in life, they must find the extra time to join this club or that club. There are additional challenges that students face along the way. Many clubs on campus are extremely competitive. Olivia Yates, a sophomore from Metro Detroit, said, “Most professional law organizations at University of Michigan are super selective.” Many students were finding themselves on the outside looking in when it came to getting into those clubs. So, what does one do? Olivia teamed up with some of her other pre-law friends, Nicole Golenberg, a sophomore from Los Angeles, and Eve Wasvary, a sophomore from Metro Detroit, and they reached out to the University of Michigan Hillel. “When one thinks about Hillel on campus, you think about Shabbat and High Holidays and Birthright Israel. You don’t think of a pre-law club or engineering club,” says Nicole. But when you stop to see all

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

the different groups and opportunities at Hillel, you realize there is something for everybody. Not only does Hillel have MedX, a Jewish pre-med group, and JEngA, a Jewish engineering group, they have groups for students interested in sustainability, philanthropy, sports and so much more. Hillel even has their own A Capella group and club hockey team. With that in mind, the three students met with staff at Michigan Hillel and came up with a plan. They were going to start their own Jewish pre-law club. “Hillel has served as a place where we all immediately felt the sense of community we had been looking for, and we know it would serve as the perfect backbone for our club,” said Eve. To create a club at Michigan Hillel, the group must present their club’s mission and goals to the Hillel Governing Board composed of six undergrad officers, three grad members and four community members. The board must approve the group with a simple majority vote.

Oliva, Nicole and Eve wasted no time working alongside staff at Michigan Hillel to develop a rock-solid presentation. The students created their mission statement: “Our mission is to cultivate a space for members of the Jewish community to learn, grow and enhance their knowledge in the field of law and public policy. We want to foster professional development, embody Jewish values, facilitate interpersonal connections and establish leadership opportunities.” Their presentation blew away the Governing Board. Their club, Jewish Pre-Law Association (JPLA) was approved unanimously. Now the hard work was about to start. How do they grow their membership? What types of events should they consider? Guided by Michigan Hillel staff, the club planned interest meetings, created a logo and put together a leadership structure. To their amazement, more than 85 students showed interest. Olivia was shocked, “We knew there were other students out

there like us, but never imagined there were so many.” With a bona fide club, they started planning events to achieve their mission and goals. They also hosted information sessions to share more about their organization and hear from students what they were interested in getting out of this group. For their first major event, they collaborated with the Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA), which is composed of University of Michigan Law students. JPLA invited law students from JLSA to speak on a Law Student Panel to undergrads about their experience applying to law school and now as students. The event was a great success. More than 40 students showed up to nosh, connect and learn. Moving forward, the JPLA students continue to plan events and feel grateful to have found a home at Hillel. “We found it difficult to get involved on campus with other law groups and find our place on campus. Thankfully our Hillel was able to create the space needed to help our idea thrive,” shared Olivia. @ If you are interested in learning more about this club or any other Michigan Hillel club, please reach out to michiganhillel@umich.edu.

SPIRIT

TORAH PORTION

A Unique Census Tally

idea put forth by the forn the Torah portion this mer chief rabbi of Great week, we are instructed Britain, the late Rabbi to count the Jewish peoLord Jonathan Sacks. He ple in a unique way. asks why it is that a counEach person must give a try takes a census? Why is half-shekel coin. When the Rabbi it important for them to coins are counted, we will Chaim Fink know how many people know how many people there are? The answer there are. To deviate from Parshat Ki invariably is based on the this and count the people Tisa: belief that the strength of a using a standard method Exodus can lead to calamity. 30:11-34:35; people lies in its numbers. I Kings The more people there This seems to be a 18:1-39. are, the stronger a nation strange command. Census is, both militarily and ecotaking is a normal thing nomically. A greater popufor any nation or country lation means more potential solto do, yet the Torah is telling us diers to be drafted into an army that for the Jewish people it is a dangerous endeavor. Why is it so and more tax-paying citizens. If the Jewish people shared dangerous to count the Jews? with the rest of the world that There are many explanations given, but here is a very beautiful our strength is in our numbers,

then we would fall into despair. We have always been a tiny nation. Toward the end of Moses’ life, in the Book of Deuteronomy, he tells the people, “It is not because of your numbers that Hashem has desired you and chose you, for you are the fewest among the nation.” Today, we stand at only one-fifth of 1% of the world population. If the power of a nation is determined by numbers, the Jewish people would have given up a long time ago. What then accounts for our strength? The Torah tells us in one word, v’nasnu, and they shall give. They should contribute the half-shekel coins and we will count the contributions and thereby know their strength. Though we are small, our contributions are vast. Look at what the Jewish peo-

ple have given to the world. The percentage of Nobel Prizes won by Jewish scientists, mathematicians and economists is starkly disproportionate to our size, with numbers like 20%, 30% and 50%. The values that the Jews have taught the world are of immense importance. Social responsibility as put forth by the Torah’s charity requirements. The importance of human life and education, and a belief in one God, are all ideas and contributions that the Jewish people have made. The lesson is clear. Our strength lies not in how many we are, but in how much we have given. It lies in all the contributions that we’ve made to the world and in our readiness to help those in need. Rabbi Chaim Fink is a rabbi and educator at Detroit Partners in Torah.

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SPIRIT

A WORD OF TORAH

A Stiff-Necked People

RABBISACKS.ORG

t is a moment of the very highest drama. The Israelites, a mere 40 days after the greatest revelation in history, have made an idol: a Golden Calf. God threatens to destroy them. Moses, exemplifying to the fullest degree the character of Israel as one who “wrestles with God and man,” confronts both in turn. To God, he prays for mercy for the people. Coming down the mountain and facing Israel, he smashes the tablets, symbol of the covenant. He grinds the calf to dust, mixes it with water and makes the Israelites drink it. He commands the Levites to punish the Rabbi Lord Jonathan wrongdoers. Then he Sacks re-ascends the mountain in a prolonged attempt to repair the shattered relationship between God and the people. God accepts his request and tells Moses to carve two new tablets of stone. At this point, however, Moses makes a strange appeal: “And Moses hurried and knelt to the ground and bowed, and he said, “If I have found favor in Your eyes, my Lord, may my Lord go among us, because [ki] it is a stiff-necked people, and forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.” Ex. 34:8–9 The difficulty in the verse is self-evident. Moses cites as a reason for God remaining with the Israelites the very attribute that God had previously given for wishing to

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

abandon them: “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave Me alone so that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” Ex. 32:9 How can Moses invoke the people’s obstinacy as the very reason for God to maintain His presence among them? What is the meaning of Moses’ “because” — “may my Lord go among us, because it is a stiff- necked people?” The commentators offer a variety of interpretations. Rashi reads the word ki as “if ” — “If they are stiff-necked, then forgive them.” Ibn Ezra and Chizkuni read it as “although” or “despite the fact that” (af al pi). Alternatively, suggests Ibn Ezra, the verse might be read, “[I admit that] it is a stiff-necked people — therefore forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.” These are straightforward readings, though they assign to the word ki a meaning it does not normally have. THE BRIGHT SIDE OF OBSTINANCE There is, however, another and far more striking line of interpretation that can be traced across the centuries. In the 20th century it was given expression by Rabbi Yitzchak Nissenbaum. The argument he attributed to Moses was this: “Almighty God, look upon this people with favor,

because what is now their greatest vice will one day be their most heroic virtue. They are indeed an obstinate people … But just as now they are stiff-necked in their disobedience, so one day they will be equally stiff-necked in their loyalty. Nations will call on them to assimilate, but they will refuse. Mightier religions will urge them to convert, but they will resist. They will suffer humiliation, persecution, even torture and death because of the name they bear and the faith they profess, but they will stay true to the covenant their ancestors made with You. They will go to their deaths saying Ani ma’amin, ‘I believe.’ This is a people awesome in its obstinacy — and though now it is their failing, there will be times far into the future when it will be their noblest strength.” The fact that Rabbi Nissenbaum lived and died in the Warsaw ghetto gives added poignancy to his words. Many centuries earlier, a Midrash made essentially the same point: “There are three things which are undaunted: the dog among beasts, the rooster among birds and Israel among the nations. R. Isaac Ben Redifa said in the name of R. Ami: “You might think that this is a negative attribute, but in fact it is praiseworthy, for it means: ‘Either be a Jew or prepare to be hanged.’” Jews were stiff-necked, says Rabbi Ami, in the sense that they were ready to die for their faith. As Gersonides (Ralbag) explained in the 14th century, a stubborn people may be slow to acquire a faith, but once they have done so they never relinquish it. We catch a glimpse of this extraordinary obstinacy in an episode narrated by Josephus, one of the first recorded incidents of mass non-violent civil disobedience. It took place during the reign of the Roman emperor Caligula (37-41 CE). He had proposed placing a statue of himself in the precincts of the Temple in Jerusalem and had sent the military leader Petronius to carry out the task, if necessary, by force. This is how Josephus describes the encounter between Petronius and the Jewish population at Ptolemais (Acre): “There came 10,000 Jews to Petronius at Ptolemais to offer their petitions to him

that he would not compel them to violate Jew among them who struggled on afoot the law of their forefathers. ‘But if,’ they together with his wife and two children. said, ‘you are wholly resolved to bring the The wife grew faint and died… The husstatue and install it, then you must first kill band carried his children along until both us, and then do what you have resolved on. he and they fainted from hunger. When he For while we are alive we cannot permit regained consciousness, he found that his such things as are forbidden by our law…’” two children had died. Then Petronius came to them (at In great grief he rose to his feet and said: Tiberius): “Will you then make war with “O Lord of all the universe, You are doing Caesar, regardless of his great preparations a great deal that I might even desert my for war and your own weakness?” They faith. But know You of a certainty that — replied, “We will not by any means make even against the will of heaven — a Jew I war with Caesar, but we will die before am and a Jew I shall remain. And neither we see our laws transgressed.” Then they that which You have brought upon me threw themselves down on their faces and stretched out their throats and said that they were ready to be slain … Thus, they continued firm in their resolution and proposed themselves to die willingly • Is it good or bad to be a stiff-necked rather than see the statue dedicated. people? Is it good or bad to be a Faced with such heroic defiance on stubborn child? so large a scale, Petronius gave way • Do you think Jews are stubborn? Can and wrote to Caligula urging him, in you think of examples? Josephus’ words, “not to drive so many 10,000 of these men to distraction; that • What is the message behind the if he were to slay these men, he would be Midrash that says God held Mount publicly cursed for all future ages.” Sinai over the heads of the Israelites and threatened to drop it unless they accepted the Torah? RESISTANCE TO CONVERSION Nor was this a unique episode. The rabbinic literature, together with the chronicles of the Middle Ages, are full of stories nor that which You may yet bring upon of martyrdom, of Jews willing to die rather me will be of any avail.” Nahum Glatzer, A than convert. Indeed, the very concept of Jewish Reader Kiddush Hashem, sanctification of God’s One is awestruck by such faith — such name, came to be associated in the halaobstinate faith. Almost certainly it was this chic literature with the willingness “to die idea that lies behind a famous Talmudic rather than transgress.” passage about the giving of the Torah at The rabbinic conclave at Lod (Lydda) Mount Sinai: “And they stood under the in the second century CE, which laid mountain… Holy One blessed be He, down the laws of martyrdom (including overturned the mountain above them like the three sins about which it was said that a barrel and said, ‘If you accept the Torah, “one must die rather than transgress”) it will be well. If not, this will be your burimay have been an attempt to limit, rather al place.’ Said Rava, even so, they re-acthan encourage, the phenomenon. Of cepted the Torah in the days of Ahasuerus, these many episodes, one stands out for for it is written, ‘the Jews confirmed and its theological audacity. It was recorded took upon them,’ meaning, ‘they conby the Jewish historian Shlomo ibn Verga firmed what they had accepted before.’” (15th to 16th centuries) and concerns the Shabbat 88a Spanish expulsion: One of the boats was The meaning of this strange text seems infested with the plague, and the captain to be this: at Sinai the Jewish people had of the boat put the passengers ashore at no choice but to accept the covenant. They some uninhabited place … There was one had just been rescued from Egypt. God

Questions for the Shabbat Table:

had divided the sea for them; He had sent them manna from heaven and water from the rock. Acceptance of a covenant under such conditions cannot be called free. The real test of faith came when God was hidden. Rava’s quotation from the Book of Esther is pointed and precise. Megillat Esther does not contain the name of God. The rabbis suggested that the name Esther is an allusion to the phrase haster astir et panai, “I will surely hide My face.” The book relates the first warrant for genocide against the Jewish people. That Jews remained Jews under such conditions was proof positive that they did indeed reaffirm the covenant. Obstinate in their disbelief during much of the biblical era, they became obstinate in their belief ever afterwards. Faced with God’s presence, they disobeyed Him. Confronted with His absence, they stayed faithful to Him. That is the paradox of the stiff-necked people. Not by accident does the main narrative of the Book of Esther begin with the words “And Mordechai would not bow down” (Esther 3:1). His refusal to make obeisance to Haman sets the story in motion. Mordechai, too, is obstinate — for there is one thing that is hard to do if you have a stiff neck, namely, bow down. At times, Jews found it hard to bow down to God — but they were certainly never willing to bow down to anything less. That is why, alone of all the many peoples who have entered the arena of history, Jews — even in exile, dispersed, and everywhere a minority — neither assimilated to the dominant culture nor converted to the majority faith. “Forgive them because they are a stiffnecked people,” said Moses, because the time will come when that stubbornness will be not a tragic failing but a noble and defiant loyalty. And so it came to be. The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks served as the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, 1991-2013. His teachings have been made available to all at rabbisacks.org. This essay was written in 2019. FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

SPIRIT

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

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FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

Kehillat Hatzhav Hagadol Mackinac Island (906) 202-9959 mackinacsynagogue.org ORTHODOX Agudas Israel Mogen Abraham Southfield (248) 552-5711 aymadetroit.org Ahavas Olam Southfield (248) 569-1821 Ahavasolam.com

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Bais Haknesses Hagrah Oak Park (248) 542-8737

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

Dovid Ben Nuchim-Aish Kodesh Oak Park (313) 320-9400 dbndetroit.org 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 Shaarey Zedek Windsor (519) 252-1594 shaareyzedekwindsor.com

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

Congregation B’nai Israel Muskegon (231) 722-2702 cbimkg@gmail.com

Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org

Shomrey Emunah Southfield (248) 559-1533 congregation-shomreyemunah-105705.square.site

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

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

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

Temple Jacob Hancock templejacobhancock.org

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

CONSERVATIVE Beth Israel Congregation (734) 665-9897 @BethIsraelCongregation

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

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

ORTHODOX Ann Arbor Chabad House (734) 995-3276 jewmich.com

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

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

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

ANN ARBOR

Temple Beth El Battle Creek (269) 963-4921

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

Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit (313) 567-0306 reconstructingjudiasm.org

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

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

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

Congregation T’chiyah Ferndale (248) 823-7115 tchiyah.org

MINYANS Fleischman Residence West Bloomfield (248) 661-2999

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

REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org SECULAR/HUMANISTIC Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 chj-detroit.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

Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan annarborminyan.org RECONSTRUCTIONIST Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (734) 445-1910 aarecon.org REFORM Temple Beth Emeth (734) 665-4744 templebethemeth.org 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

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

ARTS&LIFE ART

BBAC Celebrates 65th Anniversary T Honorees from the Jewish community selected to showcase their work at annual Current Student Works Show. RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ROBIN SERVO

“You did what,” casted sterling silver, by Jodi Galperin

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

he Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) has reached a milestone, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. The art center has provided, “art for all” since 1957 and will be honoring some of its students at its annual Current Student Works Show that is open now through March 3. Works by 25 BBAC student artists were selected by Ani Garabedian, artist and community arts coordinator at the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum. The show features 185 works (chosen from 300+ entries) across four BBAC galleries. The winners selected will share in cash prizes, tuition certificates and gift cards for art supplies totaling nearly $3,000. Annie VanGelderen, president and CEO of Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, told the Jewish News in an email, “The Exhibition represents the incredible talent of our adult students — in all mediums — that emerges from our studios and also the dedication and expertise our instructors have that nurtures their creativity. The show encompasses all our galleries and gives the viewer an opportunity to see many forms of art that have been completed in the

LESLIE MASTERS

JEWISH ARTISTS Among the honorees are a handful of artists from the Jewish community. The JN caught up with three of them: Barbara Bayson, Jodi Galperin and Marlene Galperin. Bayson of West Bloomfield says the painting itself makes her happy and the fact it was selected to be showcased means so much to her. “I’ve always been interested in arts. I’ve taken classes all my life and I was not an art major in college. I had been a special education teacher as my career, but I always knew that once I retired, I would go to art school,” she said. “I realized doing the art and being in classes with other very talented people just made me happy. The BBAC is a very welcoming non-judgmental place for people of all levels. I felt like I was in the kindergarten of painting learning basics. I feel like I have learned a lot, and I’m not in kindergarten anymore. Now I take advanced classes and I’m

able to just paint the way I see it the world,” Bayson said. Bayson says she’s been taking classes with BBAC for about 10 years. She is taking two classes with the art center and usually takes four but has eased up since the pandemic. She says she plans to continue to take classes for as long as she can. Jodi Galperin of Farmington Hills says this isn’t the first time one of her pieces has been selected for a show. After roughly five years with the art center, Galperin says she feels honored to be selected again. “This award is significant to me. It just shows that I’m making a lot of progress in my pursuit of learning. You’re always learning the craft,” she said. Jodi’s mother-in-law, Marlene Galperin, also had an art piece selected to be showcased. She told the JN that a love of art runs in the family. “I first started out upstairs with drawing. I just happened to walk downstairs to sculpture. And I said, ‘Oh, this is for me.’ I’ve always said it’s my happy place and it’s good therapy. It’s always been good therapy,” she said.

“Swimming,” acrylic, by Barbara Bayson

The exhibition runs until March 3 at the BBAC in Birmingham. For more information about the BBAC and a complete list of artists, visit https:// bbartcenter.org.

SUE O’CONNOR

past year. “Whether you are drawn to paintings, ceramics or fiber, this exhibition showcases what can be accomplished if you just take the leap to explore your artmaking potential,” she wrote.

“Sister,” clay, by Marlene Galeperin

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

The Next Great Read

ARTS&LIFE BOOKS

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

rom fun-resulting secrets of magicians to serious strategies for those with autism, the 70th anniversary year of the Detroit Jewish Book Fair continues its mission of featuring a range of Jewish authors and subjects through new additions to the literary market. Because of the pandemic, the presentations are accessible virtually. “I always look forward to the many different authors and topics featured during Book Fair, and in some ways, Zoom makes it better for me,” said Suzanne Simon, co-chairperson. “The presentations are all on the web after the live appearances, so I can watch all of them. I don’t have to choose between sessions scheduled at

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

sions for stage and screen with a recent assignment for TV’s Game of Thrones, intends to enlarge his presentation with talk about mystery and deception encountered in life and looks forward to answering audience questions. This Book Fair presenter was chosen the 2020 Magician of the Year by the Society of American Magicians Parent Assembly.

one time as I did when the fair ran live for two weeks instead of virtually throughout the year.” A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN Magician Joshua Jay, who regularly appears on late-night talk shows, will discuss his latest book, How Magicians Think: Misdirection, Deception and Why Magic Matters, at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7. Jay believes this book is one of the only truly honest accounts about his craft written for the public. “Magicians are extremely secretive, and the few who write books about magic for the public romanticize or distort things for personal gain,” said Jay, whose talents have

been performed around the world, including throughout three visits to Israel. “This is my love letter to magic, and I think readers will have a good understanding of the creativity and hard work involved.” Jay, who has designed illu-

LEARN ABOUT LIVING WITH AUTISM It took decades for Tracey Cohen, 50, to be diagnosed with autism, but along the way, she graduated from Berkley High School as well as the University of Michigan and filled many hours writing three books about her experiences.

B’nai Moshe Dedicates Shabbat to Asylum Seekers

Cohen’s presentation will be about her most recent writing project, My Life on the Autism Spectrum: Misunderstandings, Insight & Growth, set for 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, and will be in conversation with Katie Oswald, executive director at the Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults. “I don’t like revealing things about my life that are less than successful, but I believe it’s important to hear about struggles,” said Cohen, who has served with the Peace Corps in Namibia. “Nobody’s perfect, and it’s important to push on. I will touch on different coping strategies and resources.”

FANS OF FICTION Brenda Brook, Book Fair co-chairperson, was instrumental in choosing a presen-

tation of the novel that won the National Jewish Book Award’s Goldberg Prize for Debut Fiction — A Play for the End of the World by Jai Chakrabarti. The author will first appear at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5. “This is one of my favorite books especially since I’ve traveled to India,” said Brook, who considers the Book Fair an important event for the community. “It’s beautifully lyrical.” The theme is based on resilience as it moves from 1940s Warsaw to 1970s New York City and rural India. At the center of the story is a children’s play and the surrounding circumstances of its presentation as young people are confronting the likelihood of brutal end-oflife conditions. MORE INSIDER FAVORITES Lauren Marcus Johnson, assistant director of Cultural Arts at the Jewish Community Center, tells about two choices — fiction and nonfiction — and her enthusiasm for them. “As part of the Mitten Moments program of the Jewish Book Fair, we spotlight Jewish Michigan authors like Beth Kirschner, whose novel, Copper Divide, introduces readers to a small

Jewish community in the early 20th century mining town of Calumet in the upper peninsula,” Johnson said. “Book Fair is excited to have Catherine Cangany, executive director of the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan, interviewing Beth as part of this dynamic virtual discussion.” The originating session is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22. “What better time than Women’s History Month to welcome Jennifer Armstrong to talk about her new book, When Women Invented Television: The Untold Stories of the Female Powerhouses Who Pioneered the Way We Watch Today,” Johnson said. “As a dynamic storyteller, Armstrong takes us on a ride through American television history, including the many-decades history of Betty White. Local veteran journalist Laura Berman will moderate this lively talk.” The presentation about television is scheduled at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 13. For information on the free Detroit Jewish Book Fair programs and updates, go to culturalarts.jccdet.org\bookfair. Registration for each event is necessary through the website by clicking on the image of the book.

Congregation B’nai Moshe will be joining together for HIAS Shabbat on Saturday, March 5, at 9 a.m. to dedicate a Shabbat to refugees and asylum seekers. The congregation will welcome Jennie Mizrahi Lieberman who, as a child, with the help of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), escaped Cuba to the U.S. A question-and-answer period will follow morning services. “This past year our hearts have swelled at the massive global effort to evacuate and find safe homes for Afghans fleeing for their lives; and they have broken seeing people whose lives are in danger of being turned away at border crossings around the world. This is a critical moment for all of us to reaffirm our support for refugees and asylum seekers,” said Executive Director Steve Fine. B’nai Moshe will also be purchasing and packing school supplies for Afghan refugee children. They have created an Amazon HIAS refugee registry list where you can purchase school items to be delivered directly to B’nai Moshe. If you would rather make a monetary donation, you may do so by contributing to the Rabbi Kantor Discretionary Fund and including “HIAS” in the notes or memo section. On Sunday, March 13, at 10 a.m. volunteers are welcome to join in stuffing backpacks with the school supplies for refugee children. These backpacks will be delivered to Jewish Family Services in Ann Arbor during the following week. For more information or to donate, visit www.bnaimoshe. org or call the synagogue office at (248) 788-0600.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

ARTS&LIFE CELEBRITY NEWS

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FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

MRS. MAISEL RETURNS The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the hit Amazon Prime series about a Jewish comedian, returns for a fourth 8-episode season on Feb. 18. The pandemic long delayed filming, and new episodes of Maisel were last released in December 2019. Two episodes will, as they say, be “dropped” on Feb. 18 and each following Friday two more episodes will “drop.” Most of the Maisel main characters are supposed to be Jewish. Here, first, are the Jewish actors playing Jews: Michael Zegen, 42 (Joel, Mrs. Maisel’s ex-husband); Kevin Pollak, 64 (Joel’s father); Caroline Aaron, 64 (Joel’s mother); and Alex Borstein, 50 (Susie Myerson, Mrs. Maisel’s manager). I long wondered if Myerson is supposed to be Jewish. Then Borstein confirmed that Myerson was Jewish in a 2019 interview — noting that Myerson, unlike almost the other Jewish characters, came from a working-class background.

Here are the non-Jews playing Jews: Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Mrs. Midge Maisel (the title character); Marin Hinkle, who plays Midge’s mother; and Tony Shalhoub, who plays Midge’s father. Also worth noting: real life ’60s comedian Lenny Bruce, who had a big recurring role in seasons one and two, will have a big role in season four. Luke Kirby, who plays Bruce, isn’t Jewish. Reports say that the comic material that Maisel uses on-stage will get more explicit and “hip” as the series timeframe moves further into the “culture-changing” 1960s. When the series started, I thought the main “real” sources of the Maisel character would be three comics who emerged in the early ’60s as the first women to be well-known solo stand-ups: Phyllis Diller, Totie Fields and Joan Rivers. But I was wrong. These three made fun of their “not-beautiful” looks and all three pretty much avoided any “edgy” mate-

rial (politics and/or sex). Obvi-ously, the very attractive Rachel Brosnahan (Mrs. Maisel) can’t make fun of her looks, and Mrs. Maisel did “edgy” stuff the very first time she took the stage. If I had to pick a realistic “avatar” for Maisel, it would be Elaine May, now 89. Her “nice” looks and quick comic mind made all her male comedian colleagues fall in love with her. She never made fun of herself. More to the point: with her stand-up partner, Mike Nichols, May wrote and performed (1959-62) hip material that was a clear “content forerunner” of edgy shows like Saturday Night Live (SNL). Mrs. Maisel’s “real forerunners” are May and the women in the original SNL cast (Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner). These four women definitively proved that women could be funny and edgy. (Check out May/Nichols videos on YouTube.). PANDEMIC THRILLER AND MORE Kimi, an original HBO film, began streaming on Feb. 10. Zoe Kravitz, 33, stars as Angela, an agoraphobic tech worker who works at home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discovers evidence of a violent crime while reviewing a data stream, but her discovery is ignored by her company. She realizes she may have to go outside to contact people who will take her seriously. (Next month, look for Kravitz as Catwoman in the new Batman movie series “re-boot”, entitled The Batman.)

Lincoln’s Dilemma is a four-part documentary that will be released in its entirety on Apple TV+ on Feb. 18. It follows Lincoln’s complex journey to end slavery and his evolving views about the status of African Americans. The story is told by a panel of distinguished historians, educators and journalists. Emmy-nominated actors Bill Camp and Jeffrey Wright provide the voices of Frederick Douglass and Lincoln, respectively. The documentary was directed by Barak Goodman, 57. Over the last 20 years, he has directed and/or produced 34 documentaries and has won two Emmys. Many of his films first aired on the PBS series The American Experience. His wife, Rachel Dretzin, 55, has also produced and/ or directed many documentaries, including 14 PBS Frontline documentaries. Her mother is Joanna Merlin, 90, a busy character actress. She is the last living “credited” actor or actress in The Ten Commandments (1956). Uncharted opened in theaters on Feb. 11. Tom Holland (the newest Spiderman) and Mark Wahlberg co-star as partners who fend off bad guys as they go after a long-sunken Spanish treasure ship. The film was directed by Ruben Fleischer, 47. He directed the two Zombieland films. They were critical and box-office smashes. His other films got so/so reviews. I have to note that I think of deli meats when I hear his name. Fleischer means butcher in Yiddish and, you know, a Rueben is a famous deli sandwich.

NICELY THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY COLE PORTER ORIGINAL BOOK BY P.G. WODEHOUSE & GUY BOLTON AND HOWARD LINDSAY & RUSSEL CROUSE NEW BOOK BY TIMOTHY CROUSE & JOHN WEIDMAN

All Aboard! MARCH 3 & 4 7:30PM

MARCH 5

2:00PM & 7:30PM THE BERMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI

FOR TICKET INFO VISIT: www.nicelytheatre.org OR CALL 248.406.6677 ANYTHING GOES IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CONCORD THEATRICALS ON BEHALF OF TAMS-WITMARK LLC WWW.CONCORDTHEATRICALS.COM

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

ON THE GO

live at the scheduled concert start time and select “Watch Now.” Enter your code (or just click the link in the email you saved). Watch in full-screen mode and turn on the sound for best experience. Virtual “Doors Open” half hour before the concert start time; use this time to get connected. For technical support, call 313335-3300.

PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS

PULSE, BEAT, RHYTHM 3 PM, FEB. 18 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS 7 PM, FEB. 17 “Human Trafficking: A Different Perspective” will be presented on Zoom sponsored by NCJW | MI and featuring Eli Zucker, MSW Accountability Director of the Lantern Project. To register visit NCJWMI.org. PULSE, BEAT, RHYTHM 3 PM, FEB. 18 Detroit Chamber Winds Society presents a quartet of percussionists, led by Detroit Symphony Orchestra Principal Joseph Becker. The program will consist of modern repertoire for percussion and will focus on duets and trios across a variety of instruments and styles. Taking place at Hagopian World of Rugs, 850 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham. Tickets: General | $30; Senior (60+) |$25; info@detroitchamberwinds.org.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

SOULFUL YOGA 10 AM, FEB. 19 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch, director of spiritual care, and yoga instructor Mindy Eisenberg. Connect body and soul as they apply the wisdom of Torah to the gentle practice of yoga. No yoga experience is necessary. There is no fee to participate. For info, contact 248-851-5100. CONCERT SET 8 PM, FEB. 19 For more than 15 years, Third Coast Percussion has forged a unique path in the musical landscape with virtuosic, energetic performances. Once registered at cameramusic.org, check your inbox for an email from noreply@ticketspice.com. Open the email and look for the nine-digit access code and link. Save this email. This access code and link will work only from the first location where you use it. Go to CameraMusic.org/

BOOK DISCUSSION 2-3 PM, FEB. 20 The Sholem Aleichem Institute will present this event on Zoom. Biography of a Language: Yiddish by Jeffrey Shandler, distinguished professor in the Department of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University. Shandler relates the multifaceted history of Yiddish in the form of a biographical profile. Info: secularsaimichigan.org.

no fee to attend. To register and receive a Zoom link, contact Mikki Shenkenberg, mshenkenberg@adatshalom.org or 248-851-5100. HEALTH WORKSHOP SERIES 1-3 PM, FEB. 22 Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) is a fun, interactive program designed by Stanford University to provide the necessary skills and tools to help people manage chronic pain and other persistent health conditions live a healthier life. This six-week workshop is conducted by certified leaders. Open on Zoom to adults, their family and friends, as well as caregivers. Reservations required as space is limited. Series covered by Medicare (nominal copays may apply) Contact Joely Lyons at 248592-1995 or jlyons@jfsdetroit.org with questions or to register.

HOW TO SERIES 7:30 PM, FEB. 21

HOW TO SERIES 7:30 PM, FEB. 21 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch, director of spiritual care, teaching “How to Celebrate” on Zoom. On Purim we are commanded to have fun. This might sound nice, but it can be difficult to fulfill. Come learn about this mitzvah and reflect on you own relationship to fun. There is

Victoria Garrick

HEALTH ADVOCACY 7 PM, FEB. 22 This Zoom talk for Tweens, Teens and Young Adults is organized by Jewish Family Service. Victoria Garrick,

HOW MAGICIANS THINK 7-8 PM, FEB. 23

volleyball player and Ted Talk speaker, will discuss personal experiences with depression, anxiety and body image issues. She hopes to help other young people overcome similar challenges. Info: jcohen@ jfsdetroit.org. COOKING CLASS 6-7 pm, Feb. 23 An online event hosted by NEXTGenDetroit. Gray Table Cuisine is a plantbased personal chef and boutique catering service that focuses on health-forward yet still beautiful, delicious and approachable cuisine. Founder Natalie Brodsky is a self-taught, plant-based chef. She will take you step-by-step in preparing a delicious and nourishing plant-based meal while sharing some of the secrets of the Blue Zones and how we can incorporate them into our weekly meal plans and our daily lives. Register by Feb. 18: jlive.app/events/1573. $10 per person includes a cooking kit complete with all the ingredients needed to make the dishes along with Natalie at home. Kits can be picked up at the

Federation Building in Bloomfield Township prior to the event. Pick-up time options will be emailed after you register. All ingredients in the kit are certified kosher. When you pick up your kit, drop off a can and help Federation collect canned kosher food for Yad Ezra. This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 45. Questions? Contact Lauren at soifer@jfmd.org. ARTISTS SERIES 7 PM, FEB. 23 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman and Hazzan Daniel Gross on Zoom to look at the motivations and insights of artists (Rembrandt to Warhol), composers and musicians (Beethoven to The Roots) who were not Jewish and see whether their images, compositions and portraits of Jews help us understand the Jewish people better. There is no fee to attend. To RSVP and receive the Zoom link, contact Kellie Yost, kyost@adatshalom.org | 248-851-5100, ext. 246.

HOW MAGICIANS THINK 7-8 PM, FEB. 23 In How Magicians Think, professional magician and bestselling author Joshua Jay not only opens that door, he also brings us inside and turns on the light, revealing the artistry, inside history and fascinating traditions of a subject long shrouded in mystery. He reveals the mindset behind the magic and what it’s like to practice an art that so many love, yet so few understand. After registering, check your email for the link to join the Livestream. Register: jlive. app/events/1014.

HOLOCAUST CINEMA 7-8 PM, FEB. 23 Organized by the Zekelman Holocaust Center, this is a virtual presentation. Visit: holocaustcenter.org/ February.

FIGHTING SEGREGATION 7 PM, FEB 23 The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan will sponsor, on Zoom, “Riding in Solidarity: Jewish Americans, African Americans, and the Fight against Interstate Bus Segregation” with MaryElizabeth Murphy, Ph.D., associate professor of history at Eastern Michigan University, discussing segregation in interstate busing. She reveals how Jewish solidarity with Black bus passengers laid the foundation for the iconic Black-Jewish partnership in the modern Black freedom struggle. Cost: JHSM members $10; Non-members $18. Register by 9 pm on Feb. 22; a Zoom link for the program will be sent 24 hours before.

FRANKEL CENTER EVENT NOON-2 PM, FEB 24 The University of Michigan Frankel Center for Judaic Studies will host, on Zoom, “Is Spinoza Still Salient? Are the Rabbis Really Relevant? Thinking in the Era of Instrumentalized Knowledge-Making” with Dr. Gilah Klentenik and Dr. Rachel Rafael Neis. Register for the Zoom stream: myumi.ch/y99w4.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS 7 PM, FEB. 23 Temple Kol Ami Sisterhood is hosting this Zoom presentation. Two guest speakers: Rabbi Lindsey Danziger, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; Jarrell Wilson, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. Contact Rondi Brower, rbrower17@yahoo. com.

EATING DISORDERS 7 PM, FEB. 24 This Zoom talk is organized by Jewish Family Service for parents and youth professionals. Two doctors will discuss signs, symptoms of disordered eating. Info: jcohen@jfsdetroit.org. Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews.com.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

the exchange

SPOTLIGHT

community bulletin board | professional services

Partners Detroit Moms Informational Meeting

For information regarding advertising please call 248-351-5116 or 248-234-9057 or email salessupport@thejewishnews.com Deadline for ad insertion is 9 a.m. on Friday prior to publication.

Partners Detroit is inviting moms to an information meeting for a 10-day journey of exploration and selfdiscovery to Israel May 15-24. Please join them for an informational meeting on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. at the Soul Café in West Bloomfield. RSVP to: Partnersdetroit.org/m4m-israel-2022-informationalmeeting.

HFL Entrepreneur Debt Repayment Opportunity As part of the William Davidson Jewish College Loan Program (WDJCLP), Hebrew Free Loan Detroit (HFL) and the William Davidson Foundation will incentivize qualifying Jewish entrepreneurs to stay in Michigan by repaying part of the student debt they incurred from their interest-free college loans. Both the William Davison Foundation and Hebrew Free Loan support entrepreneurship in Michigan. This debt repayment incentive will be another strong factor in keeping Jewish entrepreneurs in our region. Qualified new business owners who have loan debt from the WDJCLP may have up to one year of their remaining loan balance forgiven, a maximum per-person debt repayment amount of $7,500 for an applicant who received undergraduate loan support, or $10,000 for an applicant who received loans for graduate school. This amount would be repaid by the William Davidson Foundation Centennial Fund at United

54 | FEBRUARY 17 • 2022 54 | FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

Jewish Foundation, and the new total would be re-amortized over the same repayment period of 10 years (post-graduation date). To qualify, applicants must be at least five years post-graduation, be full-time Michigan residents, and majority owners of active and sustainable for-profit businesses who have been making regular monthly repayments to HFL on their WDJCLPincurred student debt during their first five years post-graduation. Also, applicants’ businesses must have been actively operating for more than one year and employ at least one full-time employee (or two part-time employees working at least 10 hours per month). Each borrower’s situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by HFL. Applications will be considered on a first-come, firstserved basis. If you think you qualify, contact Hebrew Free Loan Executive Director David Contorer at dcontorer@ hfldetroit.org.

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An Admired Jurist

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF REPORTER

he Honorable Benjamin Jacob Weekend outings with the family were a regFriedman, 91, of Huntington Woods, ularity, along with Friedman never missing his died peacefully at home on Friday, Feb. children’s school events. That trickled down to 4, 2022. his grandchildren, even going out of state for Born in Detroit on Jan. 19, 1931, to Mary and dance recitals, concerts, school plays and sports Max Friedman, Ben, the youngest of four sibgames. lings, was his parents’ “American Dream” as the Friedman’s oldest son, Jerry, says his father first member of his family born in the would consider his children and United States. grandchildren as his legacy, though it After graduating from Central doesn’t end there if you ask others. High School, Friedman enlisted in “I think the legal community the Air Force, serving for four years would list his legacy as a mentor to as a chaplain’s assistant in Amarillo, young attorneys to help them learn Texas, where he met his lifelong how to be better at their job. I think friend, Bernie Mintz. While on leave the Jewish community would list him in Detroit, Friedman went on a douas a pillar of the community who ble date and met Annie Guyer, even did everything from helping to raise though she wasn’t his date. money to awareness and supporting Ben and Annie married on Dec. leadership from behind the scenes, Benjamin Friedman 25, 1955, the start of a more than and the legacy from his friends would six-decade partnership filled with love, music be that there was never a better friend; if Ben and Yiddishkeit. He attended Wayne State Friedman was your friend, he would be there University, earning his undergraduate and law and you knew you could count on him.” degrees in five years. While attending classes, Friedman is survived by his wife of 66 he drove a taxi, sold real estate, taught Hebrew years, Annie Friedman; his children, Jerry school and tutored students to support his (Gail) Friedman, Rabbi Avi (Jodi) Friedman, growing family. Honorable Michelle (Jeffrey) Appel and Susan “He was fearless, confident in what his goals (Mark) Lichterman; grandchildren, Andrew were,” said his daughter, Michelle. “Once he (Lauren) Appel, Gabe Appel, Sam (Ariel) decided he was going to do something, he did it.” Appel, Sarah (Piotr Gorecki) Friedman, Jason “He knew how hard he had to work to overFriedman, Yossi (Katy) Lichterman, Allie come his early years, and he wanted to help Lichterman, Eden Lichterman, Gabi Friedman, others to not have to work that hard and find Jonah Friedman, Jessica Friedman and Ilana success a little easier,” his son Avi added. “And Friedman. He is also survived by his sisters-inhe brought that to every aspect of his life.” law, Sheila Guyer and Cheryl Guyer; many niecAfter building a successful law practice, es, nephews and dear friends. Ben was initially elected in 1969 as Oak Park Friedman was the cherished brother to Municipal Judge. When the court was merged the late Irving (Helen) Friedman, the late Eli into the 45-B District Court, he was appointed (Ethelene) Friedman and the late Ann (Nelson) as one of the court’s first district judges, and Dembs. he served for 34 years as an admired jurist. He To further honor his memory, you may do was succeeded on the bench by his daughter so by making a contribution to Yad Ezra, 2850 Michelle. W. 11 Mile, Berkley, MI 48072; Jewish Hospice An active member on the board of and Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple Road, Congregation Beth Achim, Ben shared his love West Bloomfield, MI 48322; Congregation Ohr of Judaism and holidays with family and friends, Shalom, 67 Kent Place Blvd., Summit, NJ 07901; presiding over countless Shabbat and holiday Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard dinners. Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. Ben never missed a simchah and was happiest A funeral service took place at Hebrew surrounded by family and friends discussing his Memorial Chapel. Interment was held at grandchildren’s most recent achievements, the Adat Shalom Memorial Park in Livonia. latest political news and the inevitable disapArrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. pointment from the Lions, Tigers and Pistons.

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

MICHAEL ATLER, 54, of Commerce Township, died Feb. 2, 2022. He is survived by his daughters, Lexi Atler and Ally Atler; sister, Margaret Atler; mother, Sandra Pizer. Mr. Alter was the loving son of the late Arnold Atler. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076, cancer.org; or Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 110, Southfield, MI 48033, epilepsymichigan.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. GLORIA ELCHONEN, 93, of Oak Park, died Feb. 6, 2022. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Avraham and Rochel Elchonen of Oak Park, Hirsh and Chaya Rochel Elchonen of Oak Park; daughters and sons-in-law, Yaffa and Yossi Kohen of Brooklyn, N.Y., Malka and Yitzchok Goldstein of Toronto, Ontario, Brynde Berkowitz of Lawrence, N.Y., Sara Golda and Chaim Garfinkel of Monsey, N.Y.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rabbi Avraham and Shoshana Gold of Oak Park, Nachum and Judy Gold of Lakewood, N.J., Shlomo and Nechama Gold of Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a very special grandmother, great-grandmother and greatgreat-grandmother to many. Mrs. Elchonen was the beloved wife of the late Yehudah Elchonen. Contributions may be made to Yeshiva Gedolah, 24600 Greenfield Road, Oak Park, MI 48237; or Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, P.O. Box 2044,

Southfield, MI 48037. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at Har Hamenuchot Cemetery in Israel. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. BARBARA KEIDAN, 93, of Beverly Hills, died Feb. 6, 2022. Barbara was a loving wife, fun mother and amazing Grammy to five grandchildren besides being an extremely talented painter. She had a positive attitude her whole life, was fun-loving, open-minded, creative, had a generous and caring heart and made friends wherever she went. She was recognized for her paintings that were exhibited at galleries, museums, universities, restaurants, hotels and in private homes. Barbara will be missed by a world of friends and wonderful family. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Mitchel Myerson, and Lynn Keidan-Segel and Lenny Segel; son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Betsy Keidan; grandchildren, Gayle Myerson and Aime Morrison, Marco Myerson, Ari K.M. Segel, Rachel and Joel Rackliffe, and Micah Keidan. Mrs. Keidan was the beloved wife of the late Herbert Keidan; the loving sister of the late Robert Becker. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Detroit2Nepal Foundation, 2035 Bayou Drive, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, detroit2nepal.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by

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arriet Schiff, 86, died in the loving presence of family on Feb. 8,

chologists on how to help families whose children had died. She went on to write 2022. Living through Mourning: She was born in the Bronx, Finding Comfort and Hope N.Y., to Helen (Rubenstein) When a Loved One Has and Reb Irving Sarnoff. When Died, and The Support Group she was 5, the family moved Manual: A Session-By-Session to Detroit, where Harriet Guide. She authored two lived until two months before novels, Wellspring and Love’s her death. Her Journey. Her books parents frequently were translated into offered hospitality several languages to Holocaust surviand touched the vors as they resetlives of hundreds of tled in the United thousands of peoStates. Bearing ple. witness to their Harriet’s depth stories left a lasting of compassion impression on her. prompted her to Harriet attended return to work Harriet Schiff school in Detroit, in her 60s. While where, at Central working with staff High School at age 16, she and marketing in nursing met Sander (Sandy) Schiff. homes, she authored How Harriet turned 18 on their Did I Become My Parent’s honeymoon. They were marParent, based on her keen ried for 53 years. Through awareness of the challenging struggles and joyous times, dynamics for adult children Harriet and Sandy, both caring for aging parents. She strong-willed, faced life with presented signed copies to determination. Sander died in her children saying, “Here are 2006 with Harriet by his side. your instructions.” They have three children, Harriet was a beloved Dale; a daughter by marriage, daughter, sister, wife, mother, Sharon of Dayton, Ohio; the sister-in-law and aunt to her late Robert; Chava (Stacie); nieces and nephews, who and son by marriage, Karl adored her and remained Bahle of Suttons Bay, Mich. in touch to the end of her The death of Sandy and life. Her grandchildren, Harriet’s son Robby in 1968, Robyn (Paul) Revelson and when Harriet was a writer for Samantha (Josh) Beren, were the Detroit News, launched the delights of her life. Robyn her book writing career with and Paul’s children, Jacob (7) The Bereaved Parent, the first and Jocelyn (5), enjoyed a book to address the issues close and truly special relaof parents who survive their tionship with Harriet. children. To Harriet’s many friends, For many years, she and the family wishes to thank Sandy traveled the world to you for all the love, joy and work with doctors, nurses, support you gave her for funeral directors and psymany years. Strong, deep

relationships and compassion are two of the great lessons from Harriet’s life. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers, Vitas Hospice and the Ira Kaufman Chapel for their loving assistance. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Harriet’s memory are invited to make a donation to the Society of Compassionate Friends, a self-help organization offering friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved families who have experienced the death of a child (compassionatefriends.org); the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network (jewishhospice. org); or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 57

Ira Kaufman Chapel. HOWARD KRAVITZ, 80, of West Bloomfield, died Feb. 5, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife, Paula (Tauber) Kravitz; sons and daughter in-law, Grant and Lisa Kravitz, and Aaron Kravitz; granddaughters, Jordyn and Sari; brother in-law, Marshall Tauber; sister-in-law, Sandy Saussman; nephews, Adam and Miles. He will be greatly missed by friends and other relatives. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

CHARLOTTE ROSENBERG, 102, of Los Angeles, Calif., formerly of Detroit, died Feb. 1, 2022. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ronna Rosenberg Gross and Eric Gross; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Victor and Beverly Gordon. Mrs. Rosenberg was the beloved wife of the late Jack Rosenberg; the loving sister of the late Morris Gordon and the late Miriam Lupiloff. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ROBERT A. STEINBERG, 90, of Bloomfield Hills, died Feb. 8, 2022. A native Detroiter, Bob grew up surrounded by family and love. As an only child, he lived a

floor above his cousin Audrey; and the two of them were raised as brother and sister. Their Grandma Blumberg cared for them while the parents worked. Thus began a treasured relationship between Bob and Cynthia and their kids, and Audrey and her family. From the youngest of ages, Bob was a talented leader. In addition to captaining at Central High School both the baseball and basketball teams, he served on Student Council, the Lettermen’s Club and was co-chair of the Graduation Ceremonies. Bob went on to become the youngest president of Congregation Shaarey Zedek. In 1953, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he became a supply expert and radar contact for a domestic anti-aircraft base as well as a trainee of the Cycle at Fort Knox. After his military discharge, continued on page 60

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FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 59

Bob began in the insurance business with his uncle; in 1970, Bob became president of the independent Insurance Agents of Metro Detroit. Among other positions, Bob would also go on to become president and CEO of Sinai Hospital, executive director of Hillel Day School and the interim director of Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Bob devoted countless hours to his work and volunteer causes, but his greatest love was reserved for his beloved bride and for his family. Mr. Steinberg is survived by his wife of 66 years, Cynthia Steinberg; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. David

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

and Charlotte Steinberg, and Jonathan and Susan Steinberg; daughter and son-in-law, Miriam and Lou Spezio; grandchildren, Erin and Michael Priebe, Jane and Josh Haskell, Samuel and Katie Steinberg, Mel Caroline Steinberg, Rachel Spezio and Jacob Spezio; great-grandchildren, Ella and Clara Steinberg, Max and Justine Priebe, and Lev Haskell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stephen and Janet Malerman. He is also survived by Stephen and Janet’s children and grandchildren. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to JARC, 6735 Telegraph, Suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, jarc.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MARCIA TUCK, 79, of Michigan and Sarasota, Fla., died Feb. 2, 2022. Marcia was a member of the “Bunny Hugs” at Mumford High School. She was a very active member of Congregation Beth Achim and the Mr. and Mrs. Club of the synagogue. In later years, Marcia went back to school at Wayne State and received a degree in psychology. Mrs. Tuck is survived by her husband of 20 years, JohnNorman Tuck; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Stuart Newman of Southfield; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Laura Davis; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Ralph Yamron; grandchildren, Moshe and Chava Newman, Naftalli and Aliza Newman, Levi Newman, Dassi and Yisroel Levine, Benyomin Newman,

Menachem Davis, Tsiporah and Peter Blair, Eli Davis and fiancée, Allie Kanan; great-grandchildren, Ben, Ella, Ruby Mae, Kayla, Yael, Rafi, Gavriel Shalom, Elimelich, Malkiel, Evani Rose; nieces and nephews, Shelley and Otto Dube, Mark and Lisa Sherman, Amy Yamron and John Carter, Philip and Heather Yamron, Debra and Brian Yamstein; other loving relatives and good friends. She was the loving sister of the late Sandy Brenner. Contributions may be made to Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile, Berkley, MI 48072; or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 21311 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at B’nai Jacob Cemetery in Clinton Township. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

A Zest for Life

lroy Robert Woolf, D.D.S., struction company. of Jacksonville, Fla., passed Roy was an early member away quietly in his sleep and served as president of the with his family at his side Birmingham on Feb. 7, 2022. Temple, where He was born July 26, Humanistic 1936, in Passaic, N.J., Judaism was the son of Sammy and founded. In his Ann Woolf. His was a early years, he large and loving famloved boating on ily of first-generation Cass Lake then, Americans mainly from later, on Lake Detroit. He spent sumCharlevoix and mers in his youth with Lake Michigan and cousins at Woodhull Lake Elroy Woolf finally on the Gulf and at a Catskills resort Coast of Florida. owned by his family. He was an early Roy’s mother was a gymadopter of technology. His family nast/acrobat; his father was a had the first TV on the block and much-cherished local Detroit Roy owned the first digital watch entertainer. Roy doted on his sisand the first Mac computer. In ters, Margo and Bunny, and they his later years, Roy was highly remained close to him throughactive on social media. He also out their lives. was an engaged, hands-on father He met his wife, Jackie, when to his three sons before being a she was 15 and he was 17; and hands-on father was the norm, they became engaged to marry at tossing them through the air in her high school prom. Roy’s love swimming pools, attending their of Jackie was legendary — they sports events, teaching them to were “joined at the hip.” Jackie’s drive when they were in their artistic talents complemented early teens and attending musical her husband’s mechanical skills. events of his son, composer and Together, they shared their love pianist Randy, and his daughterof family, friends, their dogs, din- in-law, pianist Kathy Supové. ing, the arts and boating. With A natural teacher, Roy also Jackie’s fashion sense, Roy was provided valued wisdom and always sharply dressed. advice to his grandchildren A practical joker in high school and many nieces and nephews. who did not fully apply himself “Uncle Roy” was the go-to peracademically, Roy excelled in son when they were afraid to tell team sports and bodybuilding. their parents about something He became a more serious stugone awry. dent in college and then entered Retiring at 62 to Florida left the University of Detroit Dental Roy time for boating and conSchool. necting with his five grandchilHe served in the Michigan dren, teaching them to ride bikes, National Guard reserve as a to swim, to drive cars and pilot medic for seven years. A “dentist’s boats. His son Tod and daughterdentist,” Roy was a perfectionist in-law Laura, along with their whose work was deeply apprecichildren, Hannah, Jake and Max, ated by his many patients. After and son Randy and his wife 27 years of dentistry, Roy stepped Kathy traveled from Boston or away from his medical career to N.Y. to Florida in the winters and help operate his son Scott’s conto Charlevoix in the summers to

visit Jackie and Roy, who were also very active in helping to raise the grandchildren, Emily and Sam, who lived in Florida. They spent three months living in hotels with Sam, serving as chaperones during Sam’s journey with the American Idol Top Five. Roy relished the doting grandfather role for the cameras to boost online votes for Sam. Roy fought hard to maintain his health for years longer than doctors expected and enjoyed many good times with his friends and family in his last years. Roy had an infectious zest for life and lived the American Dream. He was a constant source of guidance and enthusiasm to help his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews find their paths in life. Dr. Woolf was the beloved husband to his wife of 63 years, Jacqueline (“Jackie”) Woolf; son-in-law of the late Joe and Goldie Miller; beloved brother of Margo Cohen Feinberg and the late Bunny Nickamin; beloved brother-inlaw of Bob Feinberg, the late Maurice Cohen, the late Alan Nickamin, Bernice Miller and the late Melvin Miller; beloved father of Randy, Scott and Tod Woolf; father-in-law of Kathleen Supové, Mary Lamar and Laura Woolf; cherished “Papa Roy” to Emily, Sam, Hannah, Jake and Max Woolf; beloved uncle to Leslie Cohen, Eaden and Deva Shantay, Jeffry Jay Cohen, Andy and the late Leah Mondry, Susan

and Todd Richheimer, Melissa and Chris Spence, David and Angie Nickamin, Aaron and Weina Nickamin, Adam and Anne Nickamin, Debbie and Jon Kurtzman, Kim and Stuart Rich, Pamela Miller and her husband Brad Osterweil; granduncle to all 23 children of his nieces and nephews; beloved cousin to more than 50 others from the extended Woolf and Miller clans; beloved life-long friend of Sherry Wittenberg, Barbara and the late Marty Kopitz, Florence and the late Sidney Cohen, Sonny and Marcia Moss, Norman and the late Barbara Olson, Gayle Jaffe, Gail Young and the late Sam Young; honorary “Uncle Roy” to all of their children; beloved friend of Anita and the late Harvey Zalesin, Rhoda and the late Jordan Raider, Dave and Anita Lieberman, Saul and Laura Fineman, Bob Lischetti, Herb and Sherry Green, Paul Cutcliffe, Del Couch, Martha and Alan Deverone, Sandra Cutcliffe and her partner, Sally Lehto; and his many friends from Brookdale Southside in Jacksonville; his home care aids, Kyle and Justin. A Zoom-accessible memorial service will be held at a time to be announced and an in-person celebration of his life will be held in Charlevoix this summer. Contributions are recommended for the Michigan Dental Association Foundation (Ways to Give - MDA Foundation (michigandental.org).

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Looking Back

From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org

(No) Smoking Section

ne subject that I have never addressed in a Looking Back column is smoking. Smoking? More to the point, I’m writing about a bygone cigarette culture. Just to be sure, let me make a disclaimer — I am not advocating that anyone take up smoking cigarettes or anything else. Well, smoked fish can be tasty. And, I hold nothing against those who smoke. Indeed, smoking has a historic role in America. During cruises through the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History, I have seen thousands of advertisements for cigarettes. Mike Smith Some of them are works of art. Alene and Graham Landau The Detroit Jewish Chronicle Archivist Chair first published such ads in 1916 and they remained a constant presence in the JN until the 1990s. It is good to remember that, until the 1970s and 1980s, one could smoke just about anywhere. Since then, restrictions slowly reduced public smoking areas. The first issue of the Chronicle on March 3, 1916, had an interesting ad for A.B. Newman Co. It stated that Newman was the “sole agent for The Imperial and Royal Austrian Hungarian and Bosnia-Herzegovinian Tobacco Monopolies.” Quite the title there! In subsequent ads, Newman Co. touted its real specialty: manufacturing paper and cork cigarette holders. The first ads for a cigarette brand were for Murad in 1917. They made claims such as “while most men smoke, it is one man in ten that knows tobacco.” Obviously, the one in ten chose Murad cigarettes. By the way, this was also the year that witnessed the first cigarette ads geared toward women. The heyday of cigarette advertising might be the 1930s and 1940s. This was an era that featured physician recommendations for particular brands. Interestingly, in opposition to this, a Dec. 24, 1943, ad in the JN for Old Gold claimed that “A good cigarette is a treat ... not a treatment,” and was against “Cureclaims” or using the “coattails of doctors” in

FEBRUARY 17 • 2022

ads for cigarettes. Most ads, however, used more tried-andtrue methods such as celebrity endorsements. Skater and movie star Sonja Henie and bandleader Glenn Miller were featured in an ad for Chesterfield (Aug. 19, 1941). Likewise, actress and pin-up star Betty Grable was the focus of a Chesterfield ad (June 6, 1941). With the advent of World War II, cigarettes became a serious matter for America’s armed forces. The American Zionist Association and the JN established a campaign that shipped hundreds of thousands of donated cigarettes overseas. A report about the campaign in the May 21, 1943, JN, cited a letter from General Douglas McArthur where he states that “personal comforts are most difficult to obtain here [Pacific Theater of operations].” Cunningham’s Drug Stores would also ship cartons of cigarettes free to troops overseas (May 29, 1942). The 1960s was another interesting era. For one example, the makers of Kent, Newport and Old Gold cigarettes used the story of Shalom Aleichem to push its brands (Nov. 15, 1963). Cigarettes could also be political. Brown & Williamson, makers of Lucky Strike and Pall Mall cigarettes, joined the Arab Boycott of Israel in 1956. See Boris Smoler’s column from July 28, 1961. Cigarettes now come with a warning from the U.S. Surgeon General, and the JN no longer publishes advertisements for them. But they do have an interesting history. Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

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Lunch & Learn: 11:30 a.m. Dine & Discover: 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2 Lunch & Learn: 11:30 a.m.

Call today to learn about our limited-time Charter Residency program and RSVP for an upcoming Information Seminar.

248-716-1887

3300 Crumb Road  Commerce Township, MI 48390  RollingHillsRetirement.com

Schmidt’s

Auctioneers Since 1911

We are now accepting select items for our upcoming auctions. Including Fine Art, Contemporary and Decorative Art, Mid Century Modern, European and Asian Art, Estate Jewelry and more.

A few highlights from our

Jan. 1st, 2022 Auction:

Our Auctions offer online access to national and world-wide markets, competitive consignment rates, local pickup and on-time payments without excuses.

Schmidt’s Antiques Inc. Since 1911 5138 West Michigan Ave. | Ypsilanti, Michigan. (734) 434-2660

DJN February 17, 2022

Articles inside

Community Calendar

Moments

Torah portion

BBAC Celebrates 65th Anniversary

A Stiff-Necked People

The Next Great Read

Bridges over Boycotts

Finding Our Place at Hillel

Jack of All Trades

Lawmakers Convene Hearing on Protecting Houses of Worship

Jewish Disability Awareness Event

JSL Celebrates Betty White

‘Comedy for Peace’

Adat Shalom’s ‘Volunteer Day in a Box’

Highlighting Local Heroes

The Color Purple

Spreading Warmth