DJN December 9, 2021

THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS

200 Dec. 9-15, 2021 / 5-11 Tevet 5782

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100 Years IN MOTOWN Downtown Synagogue celebrates centennial and plans to enhance its future.

Page 10

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contents Dec. 9-15, 2021 / 5-11 Tevet 5782 | VOLUME CLX, ISSUE 18

PURELY COMMENTARY 4-9

Essays and viewpoints.

OUR COMMUNITY 10

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100 Years in Motown

Downtown Synagogue celebrates centennial and plans to enhance its future.

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Response to Tragedy

The Jewish community lifts up the Oxford community in prayer and support.

Dealing with Trauma

Crisis expert shares guidance on how to help kids navigate the aftermath of the Oxford shooting.

The Jewish Bubbie

Detroit-born journalist and comedian Norma Zager will judge new NBC show Baking It.

Replacing the I-696 Plaza

MDOT experts seek community input into 1-696 bridge renovation.

Helping Kids Love Reading

Through read-alongs and a new magazine, siblings inspire kids with learning disabilities.

Out of the Box

Archivist keeps Michigan’s most fascinating Jewish stories alive with Facebook Live history show.

30 SPIRIT 39

Torah portion

40

What Story Do You Tell?

42

Synagogue Directory

ARTS & LIFE 44

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NATIONAL 28

Accountability for Violent Hate

Charlottesville jury awards $25 million in damages to those harmed by white supremacists.

FACES & PLACES 29

Turkeys for All

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Menorah in the D Returns to In-Person Celebration

SPORTS 36

She Digs Volleyball

Meet the Olim

Paul Karlin: ‘Absolutely Come; It’s Worth It’

A Fuller Story

New WSU book offers essays about the role of women in Jewish history.

Celebrity News

EVENTS 49

Community Calendar

BUSINESS 50 50 52

Novi High School coach says standout Sarah Calanchi ‘has a heart of gold.’

ERETZ 37

48

Waiting for Goffman

Jersey Boys launches its national tour in Detroit.

ETC.

A Place for Women

New Midtown Detroit social club BasBlue is made for women, by women.

Here’s To Vehicle Cyber-Security

Israeli startup Upstream sets up shop in Motown.

The Exchange 53 Obituaries 55 Looking Back 62

20 Shabbat Lights

Shabbat starts: Friday, Dec. 10: 4:41 p.m.

Shabbat ends: Saturday, Dec. 11: 5:47 p.m.

Asarat b’Teves fast: Tuesday, Dec. 14: 6:42 a.m.-5:48 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

ON THE COVER: Cover photo/credit: Photos provided by the Downtown Synagogue Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

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MAZEL TOV 38

Moments DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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PURELY COMMENTARY essay

Argue, Don’t Fight

T

here’s an enormous difference between an argument and an attack. Calling someone a liar or a traitor is not an argument; it’s an attack. If you marshal facts and reason to make your case, that’s an argument.

Have you noticed how so many arguments these days quickly unravel into nasty fights?

OK, be honest: When David Suissa you get an email, what kind of “information” gets your adrenaline pumping — a personal attack on someone or a reasoned argument about a serious issue? For most people, the personal attack, like juicy gossip, is simply irresistible. It’s like watching the aftermath of a car wreck or seeing someone being arrested — there’s a weird thrill in witnessing trouble of any kind.

In the same way that popcorn tastes better than Brussels sprouts, it’s a bigger thrill to see a fight than a civil debate. It appeals to our primal appetites.

As much as the Jewish tradition values reasoned argument, in the hard reality of communal life that tradition often succumbs to the thrill of the fight. I see it all the time. When people are outraged, they’re more inclined to take the gloves off than to think in Talmudic ways.

I call it the “curse of being right.” Some people are so sure of themselves, so blinded by their passions, they will violate their own norms of decency. In that state, a polite person may become rude; a friendly person may become hostile; a calm person may become enraged.

That is the curse of righteousness — it can bring out the worst in us. It can even make us forget who we are.

But, you ask, when the stakes are so high, and if your opponents are so wrong and you must teach them a lesson, why not attack them if you think you’re right?

Because it’s ugly, divisive and boringly empty.

People who attack others — publicly, anonymously or otherwise — don’t enlighten but offer cheap thrills that

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!#?@

spread gossip and division and leave everyone feeling empty and dirty.

Try listening to some juicy gossip at a Shabbat table, or at any moment. It might give us a quick sugar high, but when we put down others to elevate ourselves, all we feel is emptiness.

One of my favorite Jewish teachings is the idea of transcending our appetites.

We’re not supposed to settle for quick hits and cheap thrills. Our tradition encourages us to be thoughtful at all times, even when (especially when!) our passions are inflamed.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to civil dialogue is when people are hypnotized by a cause. If you despise Donald Trump, if you think the Iran nuclear deal is an existential threat, if you feel violated by vaccine mandates — and on and on — you’re vulnerable to the curse of being right.

The antidote to that curse is the blessing of curiosity. Open any page of Talmud and you’ll see the glorious offshoots of curiosity — careful listening, knowledgeable arguments, delightful complexity and a relentless commitment to civility.

It’s not a coincidence that in determining Jewish law, our Sages took the side of the Hillel school over the uncompromising school of Shammai. As the Talmud explains in Tractate Eruvim: “On what

basis did the School of Hillel merit that the law should be determined in accordance with its positions? Because they were gentle and kind, and they studied their own rulings plus those of Shammai.

They were even so humble as to place the words of Shammai before their own.”

There are more than five centuries of civil, complex debate gathered in our Talmud. Those 40 volumes are as much a Jewish treasure as the Five Books of Moses because they bring the Torah into our everyday lives and help us refine our characters. Of course, our Sages had a big advantage over us: They weren’t distracted by smartphones, email and social media, so it was much easier for them to dig deep and be thoughtful.

Today we must make a greater effort.

Whether it’s in our personal or communal relations, let us not succumb to the curse of being right. Let us instead do the hard work of seeking knowledge, valuing complexity and arguing with decency.

If you disagree, I’m open to a reasoned argument. I’ve learned over the years to love Brussels sprouts. I hear they’re really good for you.

David Suissa is editor-in-chief and publisher of Tribe Media Corp and the Jewish Journal. This article was first published by the Jewish Journal.

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PURELY COMMENTARY

I

am a member essay of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. As you may be aware, the Commission is responsible for drawing the U.S. Congressional, State House and State Senate maps for the State of Michigan.

The Commission has proposed several maps for comment by the public, with the intention of adopting one of each type of map at the end of December (Dec. 28-Dec. 30).

Rebecca The Commission Szetela has proposed two maps (the Chestnut and the Birch v2) for the U.S. Congressional districts that divide Oakland County very differently.

The Commission’s proposed maps have been given tree names to assist the public in identifying the maps.

The Commission has received very limited feedback from

Garden City.

The other U.S. Congressional map (the “Birch”) places Southfield, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Bingham Farms and Beverly Hills into an Oakland County-centric district with Farmington Hills, Farmington, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Township together with other Oakland County communities.

The Birch map also places Oak Park and Huntington Woods together in a separate district with the remaining Oakland County communities, including Rochester and Troy, along with portions of Macomb County.

I am actively seeking public feedback regarding the proposed maps. Readers can provide comments and feedback on the maps before the end of December.

I am particularly interested in feedback regarding the Chestnut’s Southfield-area/Dearborn-area combination vs. the Birch v2’s

Feedback Needed on Redistricting Map

either Oakland County or from Jewish communities of interest in Oakland County that may desire being grouped together. I believe this feedback is needed in order to evaluate the draft proposed maps.

One proposed U.S. Congressional map (the “Chestnut”) removes Southfield, Lathrup Village, Franklin, Bingham Farms and Beverly Hills from Oakland County and places them into a primarily Wayne County district, consisting of the communities of Detroit, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Redford, Inkster, Westland and | Editorial DIrector of Editorial:

Publisher The Detroit Jewish News Foundation

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Southfield placement. Any feedback will assist me in evaluating which maps are the most appropriate for approval.

Comments can be provided in several ways, including via our public comment portal at www. michigan.gov/micrc. On that same page, individuals can click on the “Proposed Maps” link to be taken to the list of proposed maps.

Comments can be “dropped” directly on the individual proposed maps following those links.

In addition, all of the maps are available at the following link: https://michigan.mydistricting. com/legdistricting/michigan/comment_links. Both the Chestnut and Birch v2 are accessible under the U.S. Congressional tab.

I request that any feedback or comments be submitted either on the public comment portal or the maps themselves so that all Commissioners will receive them.

Rebecca Szetela is a commissioner with the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

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PURELY COMMENTARY

The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Jaffa

essay

Peace, Innovation and the Synergy Between Them

T

ELZA FIÚZA/WIKIPEDIA

wenty-five years ago, ful and prosperous future for the Peres Center for Israel and across the Middle Peace was established East. Finding himself in the and since then it has completunfamiliar position of being ed amazing work, which is out of elected office, Peres unfortunately sought to answer the question not known to of how he could promote peace the public. with other means.

I would like to Thinking innovatively as take this opporusual, and as a lesson learned tunity to highfrom his work on the Oslo Nadav Tamir light the Center’s Accords in 1993 and from the accomplishassassination of Prime Minister ments, and to Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, Peres answer the questions of many of came to realize that peace my friends in the field of peace could not be achieved solely activism as to why the Center from the top down and that doesn’t promote political views political efforts must be comor policy recommendations to plemented with a bottom-up end the conflict. The answer is approach that promotes perthat while Shimon Peres dedison-to-person connections to cated his career to promoting a build passionate constituencies political solution to the conflict, for the political peace. the Peres Center was established Seeking to promote peace to complement the political in an apolitical manner, the approach not to replace it, as I Peres Center began connecting will explain below.

Arabs and Jews, Israelis and Many think that we turned Palestinians, on the ground, our focus to innovation because building relationships between peace was too hard and too would-be strangers based on controversial. The truth is very common interests and shared different; we never stopped pro- challenges. Through a variety of moting peace and the immersive programs addition of innovation aimed at breaking to the mission of the down the existing Center was not meant barriers to peace, to replace the efforts the Peres Center to promote peace but developed unique rather to enhance methodologies that them. today remain a In 1996, Peres world-class example founded the Peres of impact-focused Shimon Peres Center for Peace as peace and capacity a nonprofit NGO in order to building. advance his vision for a peaceDuring its 25 years of exis-

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tence, the Peres Center conducted projects in the fields of medicine, education, business and the environment. The Peres Center brought more than 13,000 Palestinian children for lifesaving treatment in Israeli hospitals; trained hundreds of Palestinian physicians in Israeli hospitals, where they specialized in medical fields that they could not learn in Gaza or the West Bank; enabled thousands of youth, Israelis and Palestinian, Arab and Jews to connect through “Education for peace” programs developed and managed by the Peres Center using sports, art and innovation; constructed a network of young people from across the Middle East and North Africa to study journalism and innovation together; led projects to identify obstacles for the Palestinian economy and how to overcome them by business relations between Palestinians and Israelis; and is now helping to develop the innovation ecosystem in Palestine and to connect the geographic and demographic periphery in Israel with the high-tech sector.

START-UP NATION Shimon Peres is indeed wellknown all over the world primarily as a result of his Nobel prize-winning work in the pursuit of peace, but his legacy

is not complete without recognizing his role as one of the founding fathers of the StartUp Nation. During his prolific career in government, he promoted Israel’s transition from an agricultural and centralized economy to a technological and economic powerhouse.

Throughout his career, he pushed Israel to be at the forefront of science and technology.

In developing Israel’s defense infrastructure, in saving Israel from hyperinflation and in peacemaking, Peres’ mind was constantly innovation-oriented. Throughout his career, he pushed Israel to be at the forefront of science and technology.

He always said that though our nation was too small to offer a significant market or industry to the global economy, we could export our ideas to the world.

After seven years as president and 70 years serving the Israeli people in government, Peres took office at the Peres Center for Peace for the first time in 2014. That year, the Center expanded into “The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation.” Innovation was always a clear part of Peres’ vision for peace, and he strongly believed in the synergy between peace and innovation. He believed that peace is made possible not only through innovative diplomacy, but that inno-

vation in science and technology could help subdue the underlying motivations for conflict itself.

With approximately 60% of the Middle East’s population aged under 30, Peres believed that a vastly more innovative landscape in the region would ensure a prosperous future for all. If we can help our neighbors create an ecosystem of innovation similar to what we have in Israel, they will be less attracted by the influence of extremists and jihadists, and instead harness the energy of future generations and channel it toward positive and constructive causes. Peres strongly believed that both morally and strategically, it is not good for Israel to be an island of prosperity in a sea of poverty.

By expanding the mission of the center, Peres was able to realize his vision of an educational hub for innovation. The Innovation Center also filled a gap felt during Peres’ presidency.

When hosting world leaders, Peres had many places to exhibit Israel’s past, but nowhere to showcase the modern, future-oriented Israel.

The Peres Center had an amazing facility in Jaffa that was underutilized then, due to the bulk of programming being implemented in hospitals, schools, businesses and on sports fields across the country and not in the building. There was an opportunity to transform its headquarters on the shores of Jaffa into the Israeli Innovation Center, which today stands as a unique “one-stop shop,” showcasing the role of Israeli innovation in making the world a better place and in shaping a peaceful future.

EXPANSION OF IDEAS Peres strongly believed that the world is transitioning away from an understanding of growth based on expanding physical territory to a new reality based on the expansion of the human

mind, science, technology and innovation. He believed that the new world could be more peaceful if it abandoned the zero-sum rationale of old paradigms in which countries needed to conquer new territory and exploit natural resources from others in order to grow themselves. In this new “win-win” world of science, one does not become great at the expense of others; everyone can grow simultaneously. Peres was adamant that Israel has all the tools to lead this paradigm shift and succeed in this new world.

Israel is indeed considered the “Start-Up Nation” because it has more start-ups per capita than any other country in the world, more companies registered on NASDAQ outside the U.S., and more patents registered per capita, among many more amazing achievements. The three driving forces behind Israel’s creative and innovative spirit are necessity, diversity and audacity — or as we call it, chutzpah.

The necessity to innovate can be traced back to our arrival in our ancient homeland. We made our way out of Egypt only to find that what was written in the Bible was not exactly true — Israel wasn’t the “Land of Milk and Honey,” but more a land of swamps in the north and deserts in the south. If Moses had a GPS, he would probably have taken the Jewish people anywhere else, rather than bringing us to the only place in the Middle East without natural resources. While most of our neighbors are “oily” countries, we got stuck with being a “holy” country, which is not helpful economically. In the end, however, it was a blessing in disguise, because without natural resources, we were forced to be creative and focus on our human capital.

Israel is a country of a multitude of people of diverse backgrounds who must be entrepreneurial by nature. In order to address the many needs

and challenges facing them, they must have been able to start from scratch and develop a can-do attitude against all odds.

Because of our diversity, we have a remarkable fusion of people speaking different languages and offering new perspectives, which enriches and contributes to our creative energy.

ISRAEL’S AUDACITY The final piece of the puzzle is Israelis’ audacity — our rebellious spirit and our undisciplined character. Israelis don’t respect authority and don’t like to play by the rules. We don’t pay too much attention to titles and rank, and we challenge absolutely everything. All these characteristics may make us quite obnoxious some of the time, but very innovative most of the time.

More than 360 multinational technology companies have established their R&D centers in Israel because they know that Israelis will challenge even the most basic assumptions of the company, which is exactly what you need to disrupt and innovate.

In its inaugural year, the Israeli Innovation Center drew 100,000 visitors — from Israelis and tourists of all ages, genders and backgrounds, to heads of state and esteemed business delegations — inviting them to explore the past, present and future of Israeli innovation through an immersive state-of-the-art experience.

Serving as a national and international hub for knowledge and innovation, we promote innovation-collaboration agreements with international partners and

serve as a bridge between the global community and the Israeli ecosystem, offering a direct channel to Israel’s leading experts and most innovative startups, and to opportunities for business development and mutual learning.

A big emphasis is put on the values of diversity and inclusion, as well as an effort to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in younger generations through the development of educational tools for students, providing them with the skills they need to become agents of positive change in their communities.

Peres believed that the correct formula for a more peaceful world is the combination of the values of peace and tikkun olam, alongside science and technological advancements.

These are two sides of the same coin because technology without values can be very dangerous and values without technology don’t lead to progress.

You are invited to visit the Center and witness firsthand how we are utilizing the Israeli innovative spirit to promote peace and the values of tikkun olam. We invite all our visitors to partner with us in our peacemaking projects. When you visit, I promise that you will find an inspiring experience and an energizing call for action.

Nadav Tamir is the executive director of J Street Israel, a member of the board of the Mitvim think-tank, adviser for international affairs at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. He was an adviser of President Shimon Peres and served in the Israel embassy in Washington and as consul general to New England.

CORRECTION The wrong art accompanied the name of Ava Federman, the secondplace winner of the JN Chanukah Art Contest in the ages 10-12 category.

(Nov. 25, page 15).

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OUR COMMUNITY

100 Years Downtown Synagogue celebrates centennial and plans to enhance its future.

ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

V

adim Avshulamov moved to Downtown Detroit after finishing grad school in 2012.

One Friday night, “after a difficult day,” he happened upon the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (IADS) on Griswold Street and walked in.

Knowing not a soul, “I was asked to lead the Maariv service during Kabbalat Shabbat,” Avshulamov said. His immediate impression was that “IADS is a very inclusive community.”

Avshalumov quickly plugged into synagogue life and completes his three-year term as IADS president in December.

Celebrating its centennial (100 years of existence) during Chanukah, IADS is a congregation with a decidedly youthful demographic. The current 404 affiliated families include 612 adults and 97 children.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF IADS

IN MOTOWN

By comparison, IADS counted just 286 families as members in 2014-2015.

Not so long ago, when IADS was struggling to stay solvent, young Jewish adults started moving into Detroit.

“These were young people looking for Jewish experiences, spirituality, and finding it at the Downtown Synagogue,” Avshulamov said. An attraction for some members, he added, is that “we are a ‘post-denominational’ synagogue, not affiliated with any particular stream of Judaism.”

Synagogue namesake Isaac Agree himself

IADS HISTORY Synagogue founders and brothers, Nathan and Charles Agree, however, were Orthodox Jews.

They honored their recently deceased father

People Of IADS Staff

RABBI ARIANA SILVERMAN Spiritual Leader “When IADS launched a national search for a fulltime rabbi in 2016, they ultimately chose the one who lives 2 miles away. I am so glad they did. I am committed to Detroit, committed to the values that IADS espouses, and committed to serving a congregation that reflects the diversity of Jews and their families.”

ARLENE FRANK Executive Director “The synagogue’s commitment to the city itself, to those who find a place in our community, along with its commitment to creating a welcoming, engaged experience of Jewish life for everyone, with no financial barrier to belong, and with a respect for the diversity of Jewish expression, are deeply held values that resonate with me.”

TOP: A Simchat Torah celebration. BOTTOM LEFT: Children work at Eden Gardens.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Members meet in fellowship and prayer.

by starting the charitable Isaac Agree Memorial Society with other family members on Dec. 28, 1921. Isaac, a pioneer in Jewish education, was born in 1863 in the Ukraine. He came to the U.S. in 1904 with his wife Rachel (Kaplan) Agree and their eight children.

In 1922, a house on Rosedale Court, east of Woodward, was remodeled to serve as a Talmud Torah (Hebrew school) and makeshift synagogue. By 1927, a second enhanced location was chosen on the same street. Under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Elmer Kline, the Agree Society members moved in 1937 to their first location on Griswold Street near Capitol Park

Historic District. The congregation was named the Downtown Synagogue in 1940. It became a Conservative house of worship in 1961-62, and “Isaac Agree” was added to the synagogue’s name in 1963. Rabbi Herman Rosenwasser served IADS from 19381955.

After losing their building to fire, the congregation worshipped in locations that included upstairs in Kosins Clothes store. During the uncertain 1950s, Rabbi Leo Steinhauser provided spiritual leadership.

Rabbi Noah M. Gamze served from 1963-2001. In 1964, IADS found its permanent home inside the former continued on page 12

ELIZABETH KANNON Administrative Assistant Joined 2011 “Les [Kannon] and I met at IADS in July 1977, when we stood up in a wedding for friends. Unfortunately, their union did not last long, but we have been married for 42 years. We remember doing shots with Rabbi [Noah] Gamze in the social hall before the intended couple and their families arrived.”

NICOLE FEINBERG Development & Program Manager

“With our upcoming building renovation, we will have the opportunity to serve the unique and growing needs of our valued community in new and innovative ways.”

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OUR COMMUNITY

continued from page 11

Members

RICK AGREE Board; Isaac Agree descendant Joined 1951 “Isaac Agree was my great-grandfather.

I never met him but heard wonderful things about him from my grandfather, Nathan Agree.”

VADIM AVSHALUMOV Board President Joined 2012 “The Centennial will be a celebration of the individuals who built our community over the last 100 years.”

LEOR BARAK Former President (two terms), 2010-2015 Joined 2008 “With a renovated building, the Jewish community will have a long-term place in Downtown Detroit to be a beacon for Judaism throughout the region. While we can conduct activities anywhere, having a polished, renovated space goes a long way to welcoming a diverse group of people and holding a wide variety of programming.”

OREN GOLDENBERG Board VP; 100 Years Committee Joined 2008 “100 incredible years, getting ready for 100 more! Because of its vision being accessible and inclusive, I felt IADS was a Jewish space worth committing my time to — a place where I felt comfortable and at home in the city, and a place where I felt I could think about what it means to be Jewish in Detroit.”

JAY HACK Board; Capital Campaign; great-greatgrandson of Isaac Agree Joined 2013 “The vision for the remodeled synagogue, that includes collaborative space for Jewish organizations, better facilities for children and families, a proper environment for the rabbi and staff, and, of course, space for Jewish life cycle events, is inspiring.”

DR. MARTIN HERMAN Former president and board member; former Ritual Director Joined 1989 “I am gratified to have been one of a small

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Longtime leader Martin Herman, circa 2015

Rabbi Silverma

continued from page 12

Fintex Men’s Clothing store.

Board member Rick Agree said his parents, George and Shirley Agree, led the group that purchased the four-story building.

Located at 1457 Griswold Street, between Clifford Street and Grand River, IADS is memorable for its brightly colored window squares.

Walking distance from numerous Jewish-owned clothing shops and professional offices, the Downtown Synagogue served residents and transients alike until the

1967 civil disturbance hastened the flight of the city’s Jewish population to the suburbs. The synagogue began to falter. IADS then became an egalitarian congregation and gained additional new members for weekly services.

Dr. Martin Herman, retired from Wayne State University, served as the Downtown Synagogue’s de facto ritual director after Rabbi Gamze retired. Still a member in his 90s, Herman has provided steady leadership. But, by 2000,

100 Years of IADS

continued from page 12

number of members who worked extremely hard and succeeded — against substantial odds — in keeping IADS a viable organization during an extremely difficult period of its history. Its future now belongs to the next generation, and I wish them every success.”

bi Silverman talks with young people.

the congregation dwindled to the point that the board contemplated selling the building.

The year 2008 is notable for the Great Recession, but also for bringing a new cadre of optimistic young Jewish professionals to Detroit and IADS. Those acquainted with social media and crowdfunding raised funds to keep the congregation going.

“I was a member long before the influx of newer, younger members — but I welcomed it,” said board member Rick Wiener. “The influx has brought a revitalization and

M

etro Detroiters were invited recently to #EngageforEight with the Downtown Synagogue, “and be the miracle this Chanukah,” said Jaemi Loeb, co-chair with Carrie Reinis of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue 100 Years Committee.

“On the third night of Chanukah, 1921, IADS was born,” Loeb said. “So, we began a year of celebrations of our first 100 years with an eight-night Chanukah party.” Each night of Chanukah, members and friends of the Downtown Synagogue could “share the fire of our future” at short outdoor gatherings held at roving locations

regeneration and, without it, there is little doubt in my mind that the city would have lost its last freestanding Jewish congregation with its own home.”

INTO THE FUTURE As a sign of growing prosperity, the synagogue’s executive director, Arlene Frank, was hired in 2015 and, after years of being lay-led, the congregation brought aboard Rabbi Ariana Silverman in 2016. Now, the Downtown Synagogue board, staff and lay leaders have successfully

CHAVA KAREN KNOX Board; Eden Gardens director, an IADS partner Joined 2009 “I have so many good memories about the relationships that have been built between Eden Gardens Community Association and IADS, and the support I have been given throughout the years.”

EMILY LEVINE Board; Governance Committee chair Joined 2013 “Having a Jewish community of young families has been invaluable. Even though they may live in different neighborhoods or go to different schools, many of the Jewish children in Detroit know each other and have begun to form their own community.” continued on page 14

continued on page 14

in Detroit or by watching the doings on Zoom.

The plan, Loeb said, was “to light our flame-thrower menorah, sing songs and engage in general merriment.”

The selected stops during Chanukah all held significance for IADS, including 121 Rosedale Court, the original site of the Isaac Agree Memorial Society, and 8801 Woodward, home of Bethel Community Transformation Center, where IADS holds High Holiday services.

For the latest details about upcoming 100 Years Centennial events, visit downtownsynagogue.org/our-centennial.

ABOVE: The flame-thrower menorah with all lights burning brightly. FACING PAGE: IADS when it was over Kosins Clothes on Griswold, before moving across the street DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OUR COMMUNITY continued from page 13

JAEMI LOEB 100 Years Committee co-chair Joined 2018 “IADS is like my Jewish home. It’s a community that is supportive, engaged, rooted in tradition but working in the now, and always reaching for the stars.”

JODEE FISHMAN RAINES Former Board President, 2016-2018 Joined 2013 “I have the deepest respect for the board and volunteers who continue to pour such passion and hard work into making the synagogue the hub of Jewish life in the City of Detroit.”

CARRIE REINIS Board; 100 Years Committee co-chair Joined 2015.

“It’s important to have a physical location in the city where Jews can come together. It is pretty incredible that IADS has been that beacon for the past 100 years and has a membership that is preparing to be that lasting presence for the next 100.”

RUBY ROBINSON Former Board Joined 2011 “The synagogue was and still is a primary place for us to make friendships and relationships in the city. In fact, Rabbi Silverman married us [wife Yifat Clein] in 2018. Most of the Jews who we are friends with in the city we met at or through the Downtown Synagogue.”

RICK WIENER Board; Capital Campaign Joined 2011 “I’m bullish about the future of IADS. It has an active board and a dynamic rabbi.

The Capital Campaign is nearing completion and the physical renovation of the synagogue will enhance its ability to both expand partnerships with additional Jewish organizations and provide services to the Jewish community as a whole.”

SAMANTHA “SAM” WOLL Board Secretary; 100 Years Committee Joined 2012 “The synagogue is now my second home for celebrating Shabbat and holidays. It also allows for meaningful engagement with both Jewish and non-Jewish partners in the city.”

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BBYO members at the Downtown Synagogue continued from page 13

raised more than $4.7 million in a capital campaign to totally renovate IADS. “We’ve had over 200 donors to the campaign at various levels, from $36 (double chai) to more than $1 million,” Avshalumov said.

Plans call for increasing space from 12,000 to 15,000 square feet, bringing opportunities to network with diverse partners; creating a rooftop space for weddings and special events; installing a glass wall to separate a children’s play area from the sanctuary, and adding ramps, an elevator and security features. The top floor will feature the rabbinic study and views of the Detroit skyline.

Swapping out glass for the brick exterior will make the building appear more welcoming.

The congregation celebrates in the sanctuary.

An anticipated grand reopening of the building by Chanukah 2022 will conclude the yearlong Centennial celebration. IADS leader and filmmaker Oren Goldenberg also expects to premiere his documentary about the Downtown Synagogue.

“During my six years at the synagogue, I have seen an increasing membership, a focus on social justice, a return to Detroit for High Holidays services and an expansion of staff,” Frank said. “As we beautifully renovate our building and welcome Jewish organizations to share our space and collaborate in programming, we will deepen our connections and commitment to our synagogue community, to the larger Jewish community and to the City of Detroit.”

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OUR COMMUNITY

O

n Tuesday, Nov. 30, the unthinkable became reality as a disturbed teenaged boy opened fire at Oxford High School in Oakland County, killing four teenagers and wounding seven others, including one teacher.

The 15-year-old suspect has been charged as an adult with terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond at the Oakland County Jail.

Response to Tragedy The Jewish community lifts up the Oxford community in prayer and support.

JACKIE HEADAPOHL DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL

Columbine. Sandy Hook.

Parkland. Now Oxford.

Parents and students’ worst nightmare has come to our own doorstep, and Detroit’s Jewish community is doing all it can to lend prayers and support to the Oxford community, and comfort to local parents and students who are understandably filled with fear and sadness because of this tragedy.

PRAYERS FOR THE VICTIMS Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield posted this prayer on social media: “Our God and God of our ancestors, be with us as we heal from yet another shooting tragedy. Comfort the families of those murdered children and those injured, and may those who survived know a full and speedy recov-

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ery. Lift up the students, faculty, administration and staff of Oxford High School, dear God, that they will know good days again.

“Grant wisdom to the gun owners, legislators and mental health professionals among us, that they will be wise enough to know how to keep guns out of children’s hands. Heavenly Parent, raise Your shelter of peace over our children and their families throughout our land, that we will know a day when each and every person shall sit under his vine and fig tree that none — nothing and no one — will make them afraid. And let us say, through the anger, the tears and the fear, Amen.”

Head of School Dr. Joshua Levisohn at Farber Hebrew Day School in Southfield spoke to the high school students at the end of davening the day after the shooting:

“One of our core values is acharayut/responsibility, responsibility for the communities we live in, responsibility for the communities around us. In order to feel a sense of responsibility, we must first feel a sense of connectedness.

When a shooting occurs in a high school not all that far from here, we feel it in our insides, we feel the pain, the horror and sadness.

“When Jews feel pain and sadness, when they feel like they are in the depths, we reach out to Hashem for help.

Sometimes, we don’t even know how we want Him to help us — to heal the suffering in Oxford, to comfort the relatives of the victims, to assuage our own fears, to help us feel less alone and helpless.

We recite today the chapter in Tehilim that begins with the words, ‘from our depths, we call out to you Hashem’ — in

memory of those who died, in empathy with those who are suffering, in hopes of Hashem helping us create a better world.”

Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills shared the following message on social media: “Our thoughts, prayers, comfort, love and strength go to our neighboring community. May the memories of those who perished be a blessing and may those who were injured have a speedy recovery and return to full health.”

OFFERING SUPPORT Jewish communal agencies are offering support to those people who need it.

Jewish Family Service shared: “Our hearts are broken over the tragedy at Oxford High School and our sympathies go out to the parents, students and staff. When lives are lost in such a senseless act, it affects all of us, whether or not we are part of the Oxford community. So it is critical that we stand together and support one another during this traumatic time.

“Jewish Family Service is here to help in any way we can and is offering a one-time mental health consultation to anyone who feels impacted by this act of violence. Please contact us at (248) 592-2313 to set up an appointment.”

The Jewish Community Center also offered support for people traumatized by the event. They posted: “Our hearts are with our neighbors in the Oxford community at this devastating time. When precious lives are lost in such senseless violence, it impacts us all.

“Our JTeen team is available to assist any of our impacted community members at jteen@jccdet.org.”

Hillel Looking for Distinguished Alumni

Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit takes great pride in the accomplishments of its graduates. Hillel’s alumni are the school’s living legacy; they are role models in their careers and communities, dedicated humanitarians, and courageous leaders.

Hillel invites the community to nominate the next recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award. Recipients are invited to speak to the school’s students and are recognized at its Annual Gala. To nominate a candidate, complete the nominating form found online at www.hillelday. org/alumni/distinguishedalumni. Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 1, 2022.

JFS Provides Healthcare Navigators

Now through Jan. 15, 2021, community members can work with a Certified Healthcare Navigator at Jewish Family Service to explore their health insurance options.

The Certified Healthcare Navigators at JFS will answer all your Affordable Care Act questions and help you enroll, whether through the Healthcare Marketplace or through Medicaid, through Zoom or over the phone. This free service is open to all.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Jewish Family Service at (248) 592-3973 or navigation@jfsdetroit.org.

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OUR COMMUNITY

Dealing with Trauma

Aliza Bracha Klein

Crisis expert shares guidance on how to help kids navigate the aftermath of the Oxford shooting.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

n the wake of the Oxford High School shooting on Nov. 30 that left four students dead and seven others injured, the Oxford community and the surrounding Metro Detroit area are navigating the aftermath. Students, parents and the general population alike are now dealing with the effects of trauma, an experience — like the Oxford High School shooting — that is deeply distressing or disturbing.

To help youth in particular cope with trauma, shock and the days to come, general education social worker Aliza Bracha Klein, who works with Oak Park School District in crisis intervention and also with Jewish Family Service as a case aide, offers advice on what parents should know about trauma, the after-effects and how to talk to your kids about what they’re experiencing.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA Some effects of trauma can present themselves right away, while others may take shape in more delayed forms that begin to appear over time. Symptoms of psychological trauma, which people may be experiencing now, can include: • Shock, denial or disbelief • Confusion or difficulty concentrating • Anger, irritability and mood swings • Anxiety and fear • Guilt, shame and self-blame • Withdrawing from others • Feeling sad or hopeless • Feeling disconnected or numb Every child will have different coping skills, Klein explains. “Not every person is going to cope in the same way that somebody else is,” she says. “These are things that we have to look out for.”

Some kids, she continues, may develop a mindset of “why me,” or of wanting to take the place of a victim. Others can develop what’s known as secondary trauma, or indi-

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rect exposure through a firsthand account or narrative of a traumatic event (such as hearing a story about the shooting through a friend).

Students in other school districts who were home from school as a result of county-wide school closures in Oakland County following the shooting might also fear the idea of going back to school.

This trauma, Klein describes, can take the form of layers. “You have trauma on top of trauma,” she says.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP KIDS NAVIGATE TRAUMA Encouraging kids to feel safe is the biggest step parents can take in helping their children navigate trauma and its after effects.

“Allow them to process their feelings in a healthy way,” Klein advises. “It’s important to let them know that they’re safe. Always let them talk the way they want to talk and to process emotions in a healthy way.”

Klein also recommends being patient.

Because everyone reacts differently to trauma, she suggests acknowledging feelings and the events that occurred in a simple, easy-to-understand way so children can process their emotions. Sometimes, it may take time for that process to occur.

Going over safety procedures is also key to helping kids feel safe, says Klein, 36, of Oak Park. “Make sure they know what to do and that there are resources out there,” she advises.

Lastly, Klein suggests regularly checking in on your kids and how they’re feeling.

It’s important to keep an eye on things like behavior, sleeping patterns and eating habits or appetite, which can change due to increased anxiety or discomfort — a sign that your child may need support.

“Even though they don’t display any symptoms, weeks or months from now they could possibly be feeling emotions from the event,” she says. “It’s really important to

make sure that we continue to get kids and students the help they need to make sure we’re one step ahead of it.”

HEALING FROM TRAUMA AS A COMMUNITY With 28 school shootings in 2021 alone, the deadly Oxford High School shooting brought the national crisis home — and shook up the entire community. “It hit close to home, especially in Oakland County,” Klein explains. “It impacted us.”

Many people in Metro Detroit have friends or family who attend or have kids who attend Oxford Community Schools, creating just one degree of separation at times between themselves and those who experienced the shooting firsthand.

Helping kids understand the resources around them can go a long way in both preventing and healing from tragedy. “Kids don’t usually know that there’s somebody they can speak to,” Klein says. “Kids can internalize things. They have trauma; they have different things that they go through that they may not tell their parents.”

That’s why making these resources known matters. “They could be struggling alone,” she adds.

Now, as the community heals, safety and mental health are of paramount importance, especially for youth. “People are more aware about the need for safety plans,” Klein says. “People are more concerned. Parents are scared; kids are scared. This opens up a [new] topic of mental health.”

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OUR COMMUNITY

The Jewish Bubbie

Detroit-born journalist and comedian Norma Zager will judge new NBC show Baking It. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

O

n the new NBC show Baking It, Detroitborn journalist and comedian Norma Zager is known as the “Jewish bubbie.”

The former Detroit Jewish News contributor will be one of four hosts judging the new baking series produced by Amy Poehler, which will stream on NBC’s streaming service Peacock beginning Dec. 2 and began airing on NBC Dec. 3.

“I am Bubbie Norma,” Zager, 74, of Beverly Hills, California, jokes.

The six-episode show, co-hosted by Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg, will feature eight teams competing for a chance to win $50,000.

Zager will help play a role in determining which team goes home with the grand prize, tasting their extraordinary baking creations along the way.

“The food was so delicious,” Zager says. “They really made some unbelievable food.”

One team, Zager reveals, even made an edible menorah just in time for Chanukah. “I had never seen anything like it before,” she explains. “That really was one of the standouts of the show.”

Each episode will feature a different baking theme, while the entire show has a holiday feel thanks to its December release. Zager says her three co-judges are fellow “grandmas” who have decades of experience when it comes to food, seriously raising the bar for the competition.

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Norma Zager and Andy Samberg

“You’re talking about bringing foods to a bunch of old grandmas who pretty much have seen and ate it all by now,” she says. “Yet we were constantly surprised by the originality of these bakers.”

Zager, who grew up in northwest Detroit, graduated from Mumford High School in 1964 and studied at Michigan State University and Wayne State University, graduating from the latter in 1969.

She began her career working at the now-defunct Oak Park News as a journalist, later freelance writing for the Detroit Jewish News.

After developing a love for comedy and writing jokes, Zager sold her work to some of the biggest stars of our time, including Joan Rivers. “She was paying $10 a joke,” Zager recalls.

Encouraged to move forward with her comedy career, she tried a night of standup at Royal

Maya Rudolph and Norma Zager

Oak’s Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. It was a bust, but Zager wasn’t deterred. She tried again, using leftover jokes that Rivers didn’t buy on her second attempt at standup comedy.

“They got laughs and that was it,” she remembers of the jokes she told. “I was hooked.”

For 14 years, Zager did standup comedy. Eventually, she made her way back to journalism, moving to California in December 1993.

She became a reporter and then an editor at the Beverly Hills Courier, covering major stories such as the activism of Erin Brockovich.

Winning awards for her reporting, Zager even wrote a book about the experience titled Erin Brockovich and the Beverly Hills Greenscam.

In addition to comedy and journalism, Zager has a love for baking. While working in comedy, she started her baking

business Norma’s 14K Cookies in 1994, selling baked goods to shows like Roseanne and Seinfeld.

She also hosted a cooking and comedy show in Las Vegas.

Through her diverse career, which also included appearances on HGTV and daytime talk shows, Zager eventually landed a spot on a Food Network show called Clash of the Grandmas in 2015.

When casting was being held for Baking It, the staff remembered Zager from her time on the Food Network show.

“They called and asked if I would be interested in auditioning for a new baking show,” she laughs. “I said, ‘Yes, as long as I don’t have to cook.’

So they said, ‘No. We want you as a judge.’

“I got the show and they hired me to be one of the grandma judges on Baking It.”

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OUR COMMUNITY

MDOT

A view from above of Victoria Park and Church Street.

Replacing the I-696 Plaza MDOT experts seek community input into 1-696 bridge renovation.

LOUIS FINKELMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

L

ooking east from Church Street north of 10 Mile Road, you can see a gleaming playground. Around the playground is a wide grass-covered field with curved paved walkways shaded by low trees. You could enjoy this bucolic scenery without suspecting that a major highway runs right beneath your feet.

You are standing on an exceptionally wide bridge, an overpass of the I-696 freeway, but it feels like standing in a park.

That feeling is no accident; it is a feat of civil and social engineering.

Fifty years ago, the planned route for the new freeway would rip through the heart of the

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Jewish neighborhood centered in Oak Park. In 1979, activists challenged the government to accommodate the needs of its Orthodox Jewish community.

They needed connectivity.

Observant Jews from either side of the highway needed to get to the other side easily, on foot, every festival and Shabbat. The highway threatened to destroy one or both sides of the neighborhood.

The wide overpass, opened in 1988, solved that social problem beautifully and continues to do so. The Jewish community has not abandoned this neighborhood. On any Shabbat, families stroll from one side to the other of Victoria Park. Parents sit on

benches around the playground and watch their children at play.

The civil engineering solution has not lasted as well. The unusual and innovative wide bridge covered in soil, has had persistent drainage problems.

An extensive remodel of the bridge covering, undertaken in 2016, did not end the problem. In the winter, icicles hang down from the underside of the bridge, threatening to fall onto the traffic below.

At a virtual public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 18, presenter Matt Chynoweth, chief bridge engineer at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), explained that the bridge “is not dangerous, but

that it is reaching the end of its useful life.”

Chynoweth explained that the process of demolishing and rebuilding will take place in segments so pedestrians and motorists will still be able to get from one side to the other even

Icicles hang down from the bridge over the highway, presenting a danger to traffic.

Pitt also stated that many of the amenities can be salvaged and reused, such as the lighting and playground equipment that was upgraded in 2016.

The National Environmental Policy Act gave clearance to the original bridge after considering how it would mitigate damage to the community from the construction of the freeway.

The project must accommodate intended uses in the original NEPA clearance.

To that end, the project manager is asking the general public for input on what is working and what can be improved?

Input into the design process can be made through a link to an online comments form: forms.office.com/g/4vbzHQ0cQR. Title VI of the 1965 Civil Rights Act requires that Michigan give everyone the opportunity to comment

PHOTO COURTESY OF MDOT

during the construction, anticipated to last from 2024-2025.

Monica Monsma, public involvement and hearings officer of MDOT, opened the meeting by stressing that MDOT wishes to gather as much input as possible from the public in the process of designing the replacement bridge.

Jeff Pitt, senior contracts engineer at MDOT and project manager, explained the constraints on designing the replacement bridge. Some of the bridge will need to have the more traditional model of concrete over the superstructure. He asked his audience to consider where, in addition to the parking lot, concrete could be placed without hurting the aesthetics of the bridge. Perhaps a section with vertical elements providing shade and picnic tables below? Would grills be allowed? Or put in fitness stations?

Children enjoy the playground equipment, which was improved in 2016. This equipment will likely be repurposed on the new bridge.

on transportation projects.

Here is a link to the Title VI survey: forms.office.com/g/ DDBmu3U9Ka In addition, the presenters can be reached via email: Jeff Pitt, Pittj@Michigan.gov; Matt Chynoweth, ChynowethM@ michigan.gov; and Monica Monsma, monsmam@mch.gov.

Interested parties can

Q

also attend future meetings.

Monsma explained that this virtual meeting was the first of an anticipated round of six meetings to gather input from the public and from stakeholders.

Jeff Pitt added that the MDOT leadership could schedule even more meetings if that seems useful.

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OUR COMMUNITY

Helping Kids Love

Reading

COURTESY OF THE BLUMENSTEINS

Read-alouds being conducted by the Blumenstein siblings and KidsRead2Kids volunteers.

Through read-alongs and a new magazine, siblings inspire kids with learning disabilities.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

G

rowing up, Alana Blumenstein didn’t understand why she and her younger brother, Jacob, were struggling in classes. Now 21, Blumenstein, who attends Oberlin College in Ohio, knows that they were navigating learning disabilities without knowing for many years.

“We didn’t understand what learning disabilities were,” she recalls. “We had no idea.”

It wasn’t until high school that the Blumenstein siblings (which also include brothers Reuben and Benjamin) and their mother, Carol, realized that the kids simply had different learning needs.

From there, it was like a curtain was lifted.

“We saw that we had these differences, and we were able

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to embrace them,” Alana Blumenstein says. “We realized we had so many incredible resources.”

To help bring that same level of understanding and acceptance to other kids with learning disabilities, the Blumenstein family developed the nonprofit KidsRead2Kids in 2015 as an outlet for custom learning materials, content and everyday inspiration.

The idea initially got off the ground thanks to BBYO’s Building Entrepreneurship program, which Alana Blumenstein presented her idea to while in high school in a Shark Tank-like competition. There, she won $250 in seed money that would help create KidsRead2Kids.

“It’s an educational resource for kids with learning disabilities

founded by kids with learning disabilities,” Alana Blumenstein explains. “We’re most passionate about providing a safe space for kids who feel daunted, alone and ashamed because they learn differently.”

IDENTIFYING ROLE MODELS For many kids, it’s important to have someone relatable to look up to. That’s why KidsRead2Kids made it a mission to involve role models all over the world with learning disabilities, in addition to the Blumenstein siblings, who could be a part of the nonprofit.

“We really tried to provide role models that kids can not only look up to, but also see themselves in,” Alana Blumenstein says. One role

model, for example, is a boy from Iceland with autism who broke the world record for building the largest Titanic out of LEGOs. “It’s very hard when you’re growing up with a learning disability,” she continues. “They’re not talked about very much.

And we wanted to change that.”

Through the digital website, children and families can access read-alongs to classic novels, which come with custom lesson plans tailored for kids who have different learning needs. Read by other kids and young adults who have overcome learning disabilities to go on and achieve great things, the read-alongs serve as both educational resources and sources of inspiration.

Yet for Blumenstein, promoting reading and literacy was a personal, lifelong passion.

“Growing up, my dad used to always read to us,” she recalls.

“Many kids with learning disabilities initially struggle [with reading], so by listening to these stories, we were able to learn how to appreciate reading and practice our active listening skills.”

Anne of Green Gables, in particular, is a book that Blumenstein loves and is one of the many read-along selections offered on the KidsRead2Kids website. “It’s my favorite book,” she says.

A NEW FORM OF CONTENT In addition to the lesson plans and read-alongs, Alana Blumenstein knew another component was necessary to round out the offerings provided by KidsRead2Kids: a free digital magazine.

With dozens of pages filled with articles, videos and crafts to empower kids to dream big, the KidsRead2Kids Magazine,

CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE The real-life impact of the website, she explains, encourages her and her family to keep the mission going strong. Now, the Blumenstein siblings — Alana, 21; Jacob, 19; Reuben, 15; and Benjamin, 24 — continue to work on inspiring kids around the world with learning disabilities.

“In one read-along, we have comments from parents saying that their kid would not pick up reading, that they hated reading,” Alana Blumenstein says. “They thought it was something that they could never enjoy.

“Then they would come across a read-along book like Anne of Green Gables,” she continues, “and they couldn’t stop reading chapter after chapter. That’s why we do it.”

It’s not too late to save a life in Israel this year.

Photo by Kobi Gideon / FLASH90

launched in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a custom digital publication directly made by and for kids with learning disabilities.

“At that time, we were all home together,” Blumenstein recalls. “We thought a magazine would be a great opportunity to provide a [safe] space for kids and take our mission one step further.”

The free digital magazine features parent advice columns, spotlights of different career fields kids may be interested in and youth with learning disabilities making a difference around the world.

Eventually, Blumenstein hopes the magazine can one day become a print publication.

She also wants to see learning materials from KidsRead2Kids distributed in schools and other places of education.

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OUR COMMUNITY

Out of the Box

Archivist keeps Michigan’s most fascinating Jewish stories alive with Facebook Live history show.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

L

aura Gottlieb spends her days combing through archives that contain decades of Metro Detroit Jewish history, much of it seldom told.

Yet the 28-year-old director of cultural resources at Temple Beth El, who oversees the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives and the Prentis Memorial Library, wants to change that by bringing those stories to the public.

Through Out of the Box, a program launched by Temple Beth El during the COVID-19 lockdown in spring of 2020, Gottlieb shares bits and pieces of local Jewish history through Facebook Live segments, where she presents interesting or unusual information that she finds in the archives.

Founded in 1850, Temple Beth El houses one of the most robust Jewish archives in the U.S. and the largest of its kind in Michigan. In Gottlieb’s day-to-day job, she answers research requests, works with volunteers to bring information online and helps people study genealogy.

ALL ROADS LEAD BACK TO TEMPLE BETH EL “I actually grew up at Temple Beth El,” says the Southfield resident, who graduated from the temple’s high school program in 2011 and has worked there since 2017. In addition to her role managing the archives, Gottlieb also oversees a book club and an early childhood program.

Her Jewish identity was reinforced in middle school, when she spent her summers attending Tamarack Camps (she would later go on to work there

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Laura Gottlieb

as a counselor and supervisor).

“My connection was really through camp and through temple,” Gottlieb says.

“They were important lifelines to me and to our community.”

Gottlieb’s interest in Jewish history, however, blossomed during her time at Michigan State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in social sciences with a specialization in Jewish studies.

“I was in a Jewish history course that led me back to the archives here at Temple Beth El, which I didn’t know we had growing up,” she explains, having learned about the vast collection through the course. She also grew a passion for libraries and archives, continuing her education at Wayne State University, where she received a master’s of arts in library and information science.

Her world having come full-circle, Gottlieb kept learning about Jewish history, specifically Metro Detroit Jewish history, which she and her family have a personal connection to. She also worked at the Holocaust Memorial Center as a membership coordinator prior to Temple Beth El. “My family has a classic generational story,” she says. “We’ve been in Detroit for a long time, and I feel a really

deep connection to the Jewish community here.

“As I’ve been learning the history, it feels both personal and interesting. It keeps me hooked.”

BRINGING DETROIT’S JEWISH HISTORY TO THE PUBLIC When COVID-19 hit Michigan in March 2020, Temple Beth El needed to find new ways to connect to their congregation while people stayed at home to quarantine. Facebook Live was brought up as an initial suggestion, but Gottlieb wondered what she could talk about each week.

“I was a little nervous with the idea,” she admits. “Then the idea came to talk about things in the archives. What might I tell [people] about what’s in the archives that I just found?”

That idea was the beginning of Out of the Box, which now releases episodes weekly on Facebook Live.

In the short segments, Gottlieb talks about everything from the Fresh Air Society (now Tamarack Camps) to the connection between Prohibition and Passover.

“It happened organically,” she says of the program falling into place.

“Fortunately, we have a lot of different pictures and documents that have been digitized onto our servers throughout the years.”

Gottlieb begins most segments

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Robbie Terman and Laura Gottlieb

by finding a document or a picture hidden in the archives, then adds context around its history by bringing in things like newspaper articles or other items. “I take people on this journey with me and through the discovery of more information,” she says.

In Temple Beth El’s archives, Gottlieb says there is no shortage of interesting stories. With about 1,500 linear feet of archival material housed in hundreds of different collections, she’s able to comb through rabbinical, family, building and affiliate group collections, among others.

“Our collection expands into early Michigan Jewish history, not just Temple Beth El,” she explains. “It has photographs, movie reels, audiotapes and oral histories.”

EXPANDING OUT OF THE BOX WITH ON-THEGROUND SEGMENTS Now, Gottlieb and Temple Beth El are partnering with Robbie Terman, director of the Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives of the Federation, to expand the Out of the Box program.

A new on-the-ground segment “Out of the Box: A Bisel of History” captures short snippets of Metro Detroit Jewish history around town, which are then shared on Facebook Live, Instagram and TikTok. They’re rotated out every other week with traditional Out of the Box segments.

Together, Gottlieb and Terman work to bring Jewish culture to new audiences, particularly young followers who engage with TikTok. So far, they’ve gotten more than 300,000 likes, 2 million views and nearly 6,000 followers since the TikTok account was created two months ago.

“Archives have long been thought of as places with dusty, old boxes filled with dull documents,” Terman says. Through Out of the Box, she continues, Gottlieb has proven otherwise while sharing the fascinating, surprising and even wacky stories that she finds.

“With her creative thinking and passion for Michigan Jewish history, she has found new ways to bring stories to the public,” Terman says, “as well as educate them on the importance of archives.”

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NATIONAL

Accountability for Violent Hate Charlottesville jury awards $25 million in damages to those harmed by white supremacists.

SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

t took more than four years, but nine individuals who were injured and traumatized by white supremacists have now achieved a measure of justice.

More than four years ago, hundreds of white nationalists from a dozen “alt-right” white supremacist organizations joined together in Charlottesville, Virginia, to march with tiki-torches and flags, shouting antisemitic and racist slogans. They opposed the city’s plans to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Carrying shields, some wearing body armor, they punched and pepper-sprayed students and local clergy — peaceful protesters — along with innocent bystanders during their “Unite the Right” weekend of Aug. 11-12, 2017.

One person — Heather Heyer — was killed when James Fields Jr. drove his car into protestors; he is serving a life sentence in a Virginia prison.

Dozens of others were hurt and traumatized that night — some suffering lasting physical and emotional pain and dis-

Steven Winter

ability — without anyone being held accountable until a civil suit was filed on their behalf in October 2017 by Integrity First for America, a nonprofit organization.

After a trial that lasted almost a month, 11 jurors ruled Nov. 23 that the defendants conspired to deprive the plaintiffs of their civil rights under Virginia law.

Extensive evidence, comprising online posts, cell phone records and texts, convinced jurors that the racially motivated violence that weekend was planned.

However, the jury deadlocked on charges of a federal conspiracy under the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871.

The nine plaintiffs of Sines v Kessler were awarded more than $25 million in damages to be paid by 12 individual defendants,

Temple Emanu-El’s Adult Education Committee

Invites You to Attend our Dec & Jan Events Sunday, December 12, at 10 a.m. ET DR. JOEL KAHN, MD, FACC, Founder, Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, and Clinical Professor, will be speaking via Zoom on: “Living to a Healthy 100” Sunday, January 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET ANAT HOFFMAN, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) will be speaking via Zoom on: “Securing Civil Rights for a Just and Egalitarian Israel Based on Israeli Law and Jewish Tradition”

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Amy Spitalnick

The Adult Education Committee organizes and sponsors speakers and educational programs for all members and our friends in the community.

Please join us! There is no charge.

Temple members will receive links to attend.

Others may RSVP to templefamily@ emanuel-mich.org or call 248-967-4020 to be added to the event mailing list.

including James Fields Jr., and five white nationalist organizations (Vanguard America, the League of the South, Identity Evropa, the Traditionalist Worker Party and the National Socialist Movement).

Steven Winter, Walter S. Gibbs Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at Wayne State University Law School, describes the outcome as a win with a “high verdict.” The defendants may have their personal assets, such as houses, seized to pay the judgments against them and may face garnishment of their wages, he explains.

According to Amy Spitalnick, executive director of Integrity First for America, even before the jury verdict, the case has resulted in costly legal fees and recruitment difficulties for the white nationalists that are defendants.

“This case has sent a clear message: Violent hate won’t go unanswered. There will be accountability. These judgments underscore the major financial, legal and operational consequences for violent hate — even beyond the significant impacts this case has already had,” said Spitalnick.

Integrity First for America stated in a news release:

“It has been a long four years since we first brought this case. Today, we can celebrate the jury’s verdict finally holding defendants like [Jason Kessler, Richard Spencer and Christopher Cantwell] accountable for what they did to us and to everyone else in the Charlottesville community who stood up against hate in August 2017. Our single greatest hope is that today’s verdict will encourage others to feel safer raising our collective voices in the future to speak up for human dignity and against white supremacy.”

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faces&places

Turkeys for All On Sunday, Nov. 21, Yad Ezra staff and their families distributed more than 500 turkeys to clients at a Thanksgiving turkey pickup drive-through.

Approximately another 150 turkeys were distributed in the immediate days after.

“We did our best to make sure that if a client wanted a turkey, they had a way to get one. Our goal, as always, was for our clients to be able to enjoy the holiday regardless of financial means,” said Ruth Nadler, volunteer and client coordinator.

Clients drove in at a steady stream throughout the cold and drizzle all afternoon. Yad Ezra staff enjoyed reconnecting with clients they haven’t seen much in person since the onset of the pandemic, as groceries are still being delivered to client homes. Yad Ezra gives holiday-appropriate foods to clients for all Jewish and major U.S. holidays. Generous grants and individual donations from the community make this important part of the food pantry possible.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF YAD EZRA

Yad Ezra volunteers load turkeys into clients’ trunks.

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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faces&places

Menorah in the D Returns to In-Person Celebration

View from the crowd of thousands who came to celebrate.

PHOTOS BY NATHAN VICAR

Danny Fenster lights Chanukah candle as thousands gather Downtown.

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

M

enorah in the D on Sunday represented a Chanukah miracle all around, not only for the holiday itself, but for journalist Danny Fenster’s homecoming two weeks after being freed from jail in Myanmar.

Fenster, Huntington Woods native and managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, helped light the Chanukah candle on the giant menorah. Fenster said he’s doing great and is thankful to be back home with family.

“I can’t imagine a better community to come home to,” he said. “It’s just made an already great, joyful situation even more joyful. I’ve just had a lot of love and appreciation back home here in Detroit

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and Metro Detroit, in the Jewish community and the wider community. It’s just been incredible.”

Fenster was grateful that lighting the menorah capped off what the last two weeks have represented, a homecoming.

“It’s great. It’s one of several communities that have shown incredible support, and if they want to honor me, that’s humbling, and if I can help them by participating, I’m happy to do that,” he said.

“To see the support all over the world, it’s just been humbling and filling me with gratitude.”

Thousands of Detroiters gathered at Campus Martius, celebrating the first night of Chanukah with gratitude in the

air after last year’s virtual-only event due to the pandemic.

Mendel Pinson, an 11th-grade student at Lubavitch Yeshiva, and his peers dressed in dreidel costumes and danced the night away. Pinson is happy they could return to celebrating in person.

“It’s the perfect timing; Chanukah is the time of spreading light and warmth and that’s really what we’re doing today. We’re spreading joy and happiness,” he said.

Dignitaries from all over attended this year’s event, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Michigan State Sen. Jeremy Moss, Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Michigan

PHOTO BY DANNY SCHWARTZ

faces&places

Students from the Lubavitch Yeshiva dressed up and danced the night away.

Danny Fenster joined other dignitaries on stage for a Chanukah prayer.

Thousands gathered on a chilly evening Nov. 28 at Campus Martius to kick off Chanukah.

Danny Fenster lit the menorah.

Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, State Rep. (D-37th) Samantha Steckloff, State Rep. (R-39th) Ryan Berman, Federation CEO Steve Ingber, Federation President Matt Lester and NEXTGen Detroit President George Roberts.

Justice Bernstein and Ingber were lamplighters along with Fenster.

State Sen. Moss said Fenster’s return is a miracle, fitting of the holiday.

“Today is the culmination of a miracle, a miracle for many reasons, number one that Danny’s home,” Moss said. “The second miracle is for the whole Fenster family, an incredible display of organiz-

of years.”

Lopatin was grateful to be celebrating Chanukah with Fenster and his family and agrees Fenster’s return is a Chanukah miracle.

“It shows that our prayers are heard, we prayed for him in synagogue that God should release those who are captive, and it’s amazing when you realize there’s hope, things can change, and you can go from the abyss of an 11-year sentence to freedom,” he said. “And this holiday really is about freedom of religion and freedom to speak the truth.”

ing, communicating and getting everyone together. We are all an extension of the Fenster family because of your efforts to keep this amplified, to keep it going and to keep the story out there in every corner of the world.”

Rabbi Asher Lopatin, JCRC/AJC executive director, said returning to celebrating Chanukah in person means a lot to him.

“It means that Chanukah is alive, still meaningful and that there is still light and hope,” he said. “Whether it’s a holiday of shining light on the good or some of the issues we have on antisemitism, the holiday is still sparkling after thousands

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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Blumberg Lynda Lynda Lynda & &Conrad Conrad & Conrad Giles Giles Giles Carol Carol Carol & &Ricky Ricky & Ricky Blumenstein Blumenstein Blumenstein Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer & &Lionel Lionel & Lionel Glancy Glancy Glancy Hilary Hilary Hilary & &Stuart Stuart & Stuart Borman Borman Borman Paula Paula Paula & &Louis Louis & Louis Glazier Glazier Glazier Marlene Marlene Marlene & &Paul Paul & Paul Borman Borman Borman Marla Marla Marla & &Jason Jason & Jason Golnick Golnick Golnick Stacey Stacey Stacey & &Alan Alan & Alan Borsen Borsen Borsen Becca Becca Becca Goodman Goodman Goodman Christopher Christopher Christopher Brochert Brochert Brochert Enid EnidEnid & &Gary Gary & Gary Goodman Goodman Goodman Lisa LisaLisa & &Richard Richard & Richard Broder Broder Broder Teri TeriTeri & &Mark Mark & Mark Goodman Goodman Goodman Dina DinaDina Brodsky Brodsky Brodsky Lyn Lyn& Lyn &Leslie Leslie & Leslie Gorback Gorback Gorback Kathy Kathy Kathy Broock Broock Broock & &Company Company & Company Tamara Tamara Tamara & &Bruce Bruce & Bruce Gorosh Gorosh Gorosh Building Building Building Beds Beds Beds 44Kids Kids 4 Kids Karen Karen Karen & &Kenneth Kenneth & Kenneth Goss Goss Goss Susan Susan Susan & &Matthew Matthew & Matthew Burnstein Burnstein Burnstein Alexis Alexis Alexis & &Scott Scott & Scott Grabel Grabel Grabel Gayle Gayle Gayle & &Richard Richard & Richard Burstein Burstein Burstein Reva Reva Reva Grace Grace Grace Linda Linda Linda Katzman Katzman Katzman & &Fred Fred & Fred Cahn Cahn Cahn Jenna Jenna Jenna & &Milton Milton & Milton Greenman Greenman Greenman Maxine Maxine Maxine & &Robert Robert & Robert Carson Carson Carson Greystone Greystone Greystone Commodities Commodities Commodities Natalie Natalie Natalie Charach Charach Charach Steel Steel Steel Company Company Company Elyn ElynElyn & &Larry Larry & Larry Charlupski Charlupski Charlupski Cheryl Cheryl Cheryl Guyer Guyer Guyer Molly Molly Molly & &Aaron Aaron & Aaron Chernow Chernow Chernow Rose Rose Rose & &David David & David Handleman Handleman Handleman Susan Susan Susan Chyette Chyette Chyette Raina Raina Raina Ernstoff Ernstoff Ernstoff & & & Marlene Marlene Marlene & &Jeffrey Jeffrey & Jeffrey Cohen Cohen Cohen Sanford Sanford Sanford Hansell Hansell Hansell Annie Annie Annie & &Rob Rob & Rob Cohen Cohen Cohen Pamela Pamela Pamela & &David David & David Haron Haron Haron Lois LoisLois & &Avern Avern & Avern Cohn Cohn Cohn Jan Jan& Jan &Mark Mark & Mark Hauser Hauser Hauser Harry Harry Harry Colburn Colburn Colburn Deborah Deborah Deborah Tyner Tyner Tyner & & & Jacqueline Jacqueline Jacqueline & &Jason Jason & Jason Coleman Coleman Coleman Richard Richard Richard Herman Herman Herman College College College For ForCreative For Creative Creative Studies Studies Studies Hersh-Beattie Hersh-Beattie Hersh-Beattie Orthodontics Orthodontics Orthodontics Connie Connie Connie & &James James & James Colman Colman Colman Julie JulieJulie & &Edward Edward & Edward Hersch Hersch Hersch Barbara Barbara Barbara & &Jerry Jerry & Jerry Cook Cook Cook Caryn Caryn Caryn & &Henry Henry & Henry Hirsch Hirsch Hirsch Couzens Couzens Couzens Lansky Lansky Lansky Nancy Nancy Nancy Hodari Hodari Hodari Sandy Sandy Sandy & &Jim Jim & Danto Jim Danto Danto Joan JoanJoan & &David David & David Hoese Hoese Hoese Gail GailGail & &William William & William Dauer Dauer Dauer Honigman Honigman Honigman David David David Horodoker Horodoker Horodoker Organization Organization Organization Hunter Hunter Hunter Pasteur Pasteur Pasteur Homes Homes Homes Margie Margie Margie Dunn Dunn Dunn & &Mark Mark & Mark Davidoff Davidoff Davidoff Renee Renee Renee & &Earl Earl & Earl Ishbia Ishbia Ishbia Lindsay Lindsay Lindsay & &Ryan* Ryan* & Ryan* Dembs Dembs Dembs Shayna Shayna Shayna & &Andrew Andrew & Andrew Jacob Jacob Jacob Tammy Tammy Tammy & &Steven Steven & Steven Dines Dines Dines Andrea Andrea Andrea & &David David & David Jacobson Jacobson Jacobson Melissa Melissa Melissa & &Joel Joel & Joel Dorfman Dorfman Dorfman Lilly LillyLilly & &Howard Howard & Howard Jacobson Jacobson Jacobson Norma Norma Norma & &Michael Michael & Michael Dorman Dorman Dorman Nancy Nancy Nancy & &Joseph Joseph & Joseph Jacobson Jacobson Jacobson Elaine Elaine Elaine & &Eugene Eugene & Eugene Driker Driker Driker Linda Linda Linda & &Stephen Stephen & Stephen Jacobson Jacobson Jacobson

Sheri Sheri Sheri & &David David & David Jaffa JaffaJaffa Northern Northern Northern Michigan Michigan Michigan University University University Jaffe JaffeJaffe Raitt RaittRaitt Heuer Heuer Heuer & &Weiss Weiss & Weiss Joanne Joanne Joanne & &Fred Fred & Fred Novice Novice Novice Jewish Jewish Jewish Federation Federation Federation of of of Barbara Barbara Barbara Nusbaum Nusbaum Nusbaum Metropolitan Metropolitan Metropolitan Detroit Detroit Detroit Jo JoElyn Elyn Jo Elyn & &George George & George Nyman Nyman Nyman Jewish Jewish Jewish Hospice Hospice Hospice & &Chaplaincy Chaplaincy & Chaplaincy Sally SallySally Orley Orley Orley Network Network Network Susie Susie Susie & &Norman Norman & Norman Pappas Pappas Pappas JP JPMorgan Morgan JP Morgan Phyllis Phyllis Phyllis & &Robert Robert & Robert Pilcowitz Pilcowitz Pilcowitz Terry Terry Terry & &David David & David Kahan Kahan Kahan PNC PNCPNC Bank Bank Bank Judith Judith Judith Etkin Etkin Etkin & &Bruce Bruce & Bruce S. S.Kahn Kahn S. Kahn Lori LoriLori & &Maurice Maurice & Maurice Pogoda Pogoda Pogoda D. D.Dan Dan D. Dan & &Betty Betty & Betty Kahn Kahn Kahn Sonia Sonia Sonia & &Keith Keith & Keith Pomeroy Pomeroy Pomeroy Foundation Foundation Foundation Karen Karen Karen & &David David & David Propis Propis Propis Ilse Ilse& Ilse &Ira Ira &Kappy Kappy Ira Kappy Judith Judith Judith & &Steven Steven & Steven Rapp Rapp Rapp Barbara Barbara Barbara & &Irvin Irvin & Irvin Kappy Kappy Kappy The TheThe Ravitz Ravitz Ravitz Foundation Foundation Foundation Pamela Pamela Pamela Applebaum Applebaum Applebaum & & & Tracy Tracy Tracy Tener Tener Tener & &Steven Steven & Steven Riga RigaRiga Gaal GaalGaal Karp KarpKarp Eunice Eunice Eunice Ring RingRing Rhoda Rhoda Rhoda Katzman Katzman Katzman Gail GailGail Danto Danto Danto & &Arthur Arthur & Arthur Roffey Roffey Roffey Sue SueSue & &Alan Alan & Alan Jay JayKaufman Kaufman Jay Kaufman Rosalie Rosalie Rosalie & &Bruce Bruce & Bruce Rosen Rosen Rosen Shari Shari Shari Ferber Ferber Ferber Kaufman Kaufman Kaufman & & & Fay FayRosen Fay Rosen Rosen Alon AlonAlon Kaufman Kaufman Kaufman Lucinda Lucinda Lucinda & &Sanford Sanford & Sanford Rosen Rosen Rosen Hilary Hilary Hilary & &Edan Edan & Edan King KingKing Janie Janie Janie Roth RothRoth Linda Linda Linda Z. Z.Klein Klein Z. Klein Susan Susan Susan & &Richard Richard & Richard Roth RothRoth Stacy Stacy Stacy & &Ronald Ronald & Ronald A. A.Klein Klein A. Klein Karen Karen Karen Meyers-Rottman Meyers-Rottman Meyers-Rottman & & & Sharon Sharon Sharon Klein Klein Klein Morris Morris Morris Rottman Rottman Rottman Shoshana Shoshana Shoshana & &Daniel Daniel & Daniel Kohn Kohn Kohn The TheThe Bruce Bruce Bruce & &Mindy Mindy & Mindy Ruben Ruben Ruben Leah Leah Leah Kohn Kohn Kohn Charitable Charitable Charitable Contribution Contribution Contribution Fund Fund Fund Zina ZinaZina & &Michael Michael & Michael Kramer Kramer Kramer Peggy Peggy Peggy & &Mark Mark & Mark Saffer Saffer Saffer Barbara Barbara Barbara & &Michael Michael & Michael Kratchman Kratchman Kratchman Jeff JeffSakwa Jeff Sakwa Sakwa Dawn Dawn Dawn & &Jason Jason & Jason Kulongowski Kulongowski Kulongowski Rose Rose Rose & &Steven Steven & Steven Sallen Sallen Sallen Lisa LisaLisa & &Daniel Daniel & Daniel Kurzmann Kurzmann Kurzmann Dorothy Dorothy Dorothy & &Hershel Hershel & Hershel Sandberg Sandberg Sandberg Samantha Samantha Samantha & &Ryan Ryan & Ryan Lash Lash Lash Bluma Bluma Bluma Schechter Schechter Schechter Judy* Judy* Judy* & &Michael Michael & Michael Layne Layne Layne Susie Susie Susie & &Marc Marc & Marc Schechter Schechter Schechter Gloria Gloria Gloria Leader Leader Leader Eli EliScherr Scherr Eli Scherr Nathan Nathan Nathan Leader Leader Leader The TheThe Schostak Schostak Schostak Family Family Family Debbie Debbie Debbie & &Ronald Ronald & Ronald Lederman Lederman Lederman Sandy Sandy Sandy & &Alan Alan & Alan Schwartz Schwartz Schwartz Annie Annie Annie & &Michael Michael & Michael Lehmann Lehmann Lehmann Elaine Elaine Elaine & &Michael Michael & Michael Serling Serling Serling Susan Susan Susan & &A. A.&Bart Bart A. Bart Lewis Lewis Lewis Serta Serta Serta Simmons Simmons Simmons Bedding Bedding Bedding Lainie Lainie Lainie & &Kenny Kenny & Kenny Lipschutz Lipschutz Lipschutz Nancy Nancy Nancy & &Sam Sam & Sam Shamie Shamie Shamie Beverly Beverly Beverly & &Arthur Arthur & Arthur Liss LissLiss Sherry Sherry Sherry & &Steven Steven & Steven Shanbom Shanbom Shanbom Rena Rena Rena Littman Littman Littman Stewart Stewart Stewart Shear Shear Shear Marilyn Marilyn Marilyn & &Dov Dov & Dov Loketch Loketch Loketch Abbe Abbe Abbe & &David David & David Sherbin Sherbin Sherbin Stephane Stephane Stephane & &David David & David Lubin Lubin Lubin Jane JaneJane & &D. D.&Larry Larry D. Larry Sherman Sherman Sherman Christine Christine Christine & &David David & David Lustig Lustig Lustig Robbie Robbie Robbie & &Scott Scott & Scott Sherman Sherman Sherman Maddin Maddin Maddin Hauser Hauser Hauser Mara Mara Mara & &Alexander Alexander & Alexander Shiffman Shiffman Shiffman Betsy Betsy Betsy & &David David & David Madorsky Madorsky Madorsky Lois LoisLois Shiffman Shiffman Shiffman Cis CisMaisel Cis Maisel Maisel Betty Betty Betty Chu ChuChu & &Navot Navot & Navot Shoresh Shoresh Shoresh Diane Diane Diane Klein Klein Klein & &Jeffrey Jeffrey & Jeffrey Maisels Maisels Maisels Renee Renee Renee & &David David & David Silbert Silbert Silbert Jolanta Jolanta Jolanta & &Edward Edward & Edward Malinowski Malinowski Malinowski Claudia Claudia Claudia Sills SillsSills Rhonda Rhonda Rhonda & &Shlomo Shlomo & Shlomo Mandel Mandel Mandel Susie Susie Susie Sills SillsSills Rhodie Rhodie Rhodie & &Harold Harold & Harold Margolis Margolis Margolis Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer & &Paul Paul & Paul Silverman Silverman Silverman Debbie Debbie Debbie & &Eli Eli&Mayerfeld Mayerfeld Eli Mayerfeld Ora OraOra & &Michael Michael & Michael Singer Singer Singer Miriam Miriam Miriam & &Bruce Bruce & Bruce Milen Milen Milen Sheri Sheri Sheri Mark Mark Mark & &Abraham Abraham & Abraham Slaim Slaim Slaim Judith Judith Judith & &Bernard Bernard & Bernard Mindell Mindell Mindell Donna Donna Donna & &Robert Robert & Robert Slatkin Slatkin Slatkin Ellen Ellen Ellen & &Jerold Jerold & Jerold Minkin Minkin Minkin Jacqueline Jacqueline Jacqueline & &Joel Joel & Joel Smith Smith Smith Karen Karen Karen & &Richard Richard & Richard Minkin Minkin Minkin Jayne Jayne Jayne & &Lawrence Lawrence & Lawrence Steel Steel Steel Candice Candice Candice & &Andrew Andrew & Andrew Mitchell Mitchell Mitchell Karen Karen Karen & &John John & John Stein Stein Stein Kimberley Kimberley Kimberley & &Peter Peter & Peter Molnar Molnar Molnar Lisa LisaLisa & &Scott Scott & Scott Stern Stern Stern Michael Michael Michael Morse Morse Morse Richard Richard Richard K. K.Stoler Stoler K. Stoler Mara Mara Mara & &Andrew Andrew & Andrew Moss Moss Moss Debra Debra Debra & &Jeffrey Jeffrey & Jeffrey Supowit Supowit Supowit Joy Joy& Joy &Allan Allan & Allan Nachman Nachman Nachman Andrea Andrea Andrea & &Ely Ely &Tama Tama Ely Tama Sandra Sandra Sandra & &Martin Martin & Martin Nessel Nessel Nessel Tapper’s Tapper’s Tapper’s Fine FineFine Jewelry Jewelry Jewelry DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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Barbara Barbara&&David DavidWallace Wallace Robin Robin&&Mitchell MitchellWayne Wayne Lori Lori&&Michael MichaelWayne Wayne Dana DanaZakalik Zakalik&&John JohnWeber Weber Gwen Gwen&&S.S.Evan EvanWeiner Weiner Adela AdelaWeisman Weisman Trudy Trudy&&Arthur ArthurWeiss Weiss

Arthur ArthurJ.J.Weiss Weiss Sandra Sandra&&Michael MichaelWeitz Weitz Nancy NancyKatzman Katzman&& Randy RandyWertheimer Wertheimer Julie Julie&&Marty MartyWiener Wiener Margo Margo&&Douglas DouglasWoll Woll Marilyn Marilyn&&Walter WalterWolpin Wolpin

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Susan Susan&&Harold HaroldLoss Loss Lubavitch LubavitchCheder Cheder&&Yeshiva Yeshiva Sander SanderLurie Lurie Donna Donna&&Michael MichaelMaddin Maddin Roberta Roberta&&Erwin ErwinMadorsky Madorsky Phoebe Phoebe&&Harris HarrisMainster Mainster Elaine Elaine&&Mervyn MervynManning Manning Francine Francine&&Aaron AaronMartin Martin Judy Judy&&John JohnMarx Marx Michelle Michelle&&Jody JodyMendelson Mendelson Beth Beth&&James JamesMichelson MichelsonJr.Jr. Karen Karen&&Joseph JosephMinc Minc Sheila Sheila&&Mayer MayerMorganroth Morganroth Morris-Phillips Morris-Phillips Philanthropic PhilanthropicFund Fund Anita Anita&&Robert RobertNaftaly Naftaly NBS NBSCommercial CommercialInteriors Interiors Oakland OaklandUniversity University Shereen ShereenSilver Silver&&Eric EricPazner Pazner PCI PCIOne OneSource SourceContracting Contracting Deborah Deborah&&Bruce BrucePodolsky Podolsky Program Programfor forHolocaust Holocaust Survivors SurvivorsatatJewish JewishSenior SeniorLife Life Ronald RonaldRasansky Rasansky Charles CharlesOtis Otis&&Jeffrey JeffreyReider Reider Cheryl Cheryl&&Ronald RonaldRiback Riback Joyce Joyce&&Stuart StuartRobbins Robbins Maryann Maryann&&Franklin Franklin Rosenbaum Rosenbaum Beverly Beverly&&Robert RobertC.C.Rosenfeld Rosenfeld Deborah Deborah&&Steve SteveRosenthal Rosenthal Harriet Harriet&&Norman NormanRotter Rotter Lynn Lynn&&Harvey HarveyRubin Rubin Karen Karen&&Todd ToddSachse Sachse Michele Michele&&Eli EliSaulson Saulson Barbara Barbara&&Laurence LaurenceSchiff Schiff Shaarit ShaaritHaplaytah Haplaytah Organization Organization Lois Lois&&Mark MarkShaevsky Shaevsky Patti PattiFinnegan FinneganSharf Sharf Lisa Lisa&&Joshua JoshuaSherbin Sherbin The TheSherr SherrFamily Family Fayth FaythYoshimura Yoshimura&& Anthony AnthonyShields Shields Fay Fay&&Leon LeonSiegel Siegel

Karen Karen&&Keith KeithSimmons Simmons Sherrie Sherrie&&Danny DannySinger Singer Linda Linda&&Scott ScottSircus Sircus Nancy Nancy&&Harvey HarveySolway Solway Marion Marion&&Bert BertStein Stein Kim Kim&&Adam AdamStern Stern Barbara Barbara&&Milton MiltonStern Stern Ruth Ruth&&Owen OwenStern Stern Lorraine Lorraine&&Howard HowardStorchan Storchan Anita Anita&&Ronald RonaldTaylor Taylor Teamsters TeamstersLocal LocalUnion UnionNo.337 No.337 Lynda Lynda&&Douglas DouglasThal Thal Teri Teri&&Roger RogerThornburg Thornburg Tietex TietexInternational International Valerie Valerie&&Geoffrey GeoffreyTrivax Trivax Judy JudyVine Vine Anita Anita&&Kenneth KennethVolk Volk Diane Diane&&Dave DaveWallen Wallen Lauren Lauren&&David DavidWeinberg Weinberg Linda Linda&&Joe JoeWeinberg Weinberg Joanne JoanneDanto Danto&& Arnold ArnoldWeingarden Weingarden Sandra SandraVine Vine&&Jeffery JefferyWeinger Weinger Deena Deena&&Barry BarryWeisberg Weisberg Gabriela GabrielaWeiss Weiss Shana Shana&&Allen AllenWeiss Weiss Melanie Melanie&&Marty MartyWest West Robin Robin&&Gary GaryWine Wine Richard RichardWinkelman Winkelmanand andFamily Family Laura LauraHirschhorn Hirschhorn&&Ron RonYolles Yolles Mindy Mindy&&Joel JoelYoung Young Brianna BriannaYuille Yuille Helaine Helaine&&Andrew AndrewZack Zack Esther Esther&&Neal NealZalenko Zalenko Laura Laura&&Mark MarkZausmer Zausmer Milton MiltonY.Y.Zussman Zussman

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A.D. A.D.Transport TransportExpress Express Beth Beth&&Jeff JeffApplebaum Applebaum Carrie Carrie&&David DavidAronow Aronow Julie Julie&&Larry LarryAugust August Nora Nora&&Guy GuyBarron Barron Henry HenryBaskin* Baskin* Elizabeth ElizabethRiga Riga&& Gabriel GabrielBedoya Bedoya Maurice MauriceBelkin Belkin Carolyn Carolyn&&James JamesBellinson Bellinson Ruth Ruth&&Aaron AaronBergman Bergman Leslie Leslie&&Jonathan JonathanBerlin Berlin Nancy NancyBerman Berman Michele Michele&&Mitchell MitchellBleznak Bleznak Lee Lee&&Paul PaulBlizman Blizman Paul PaulD.D.Borman Borman Lisa Lisa&&Warren WarrenBrandes Brandes Marion Marion&&Harvey HarveyBronstein Bronstein C.H.A.I.M. C.H.A.I.M.- -Children Childrenofof Holocaust-Survivors Holocaust-Survivorsinin Michigan Michigan Robyn Robyn&&Robert RobertCanvasser Canvasser Allan AllanChernick Chernick Susan Susan&&Robert RobertCitrin Citrin Barbara BarbaraCohen Cohen Dorothy Dorothy&&Arnold ArnoldCollens Collens Comerica ComericaBank Bank Suzi Suzi&&Larry LarryDell Dell Kori KoriBelzer Belzer&&Andrew AndrewEcht Echt Barbara Barbara&&Gary GaryEisenberg Eisenberg Barbara Barbara&&Mark MarkEisenberg Eisenberg Colleen Colleen&&Blake BlakeEllis Ellis Nadine Nadine&&David DavidFarbman Farbman Susan Susan&&David DavidFeber Feber Cynthia Cynthia&&Ralph RalphFinerman Finerman Amy Amy&&Jack JackFolbe Folbe Lainie Lainie&&Larry LarryFreed Freed Michael MichaelFreedman Freedman Terri Terri&&David DavidFriedman Friedman Clara ClaraGarbon-Radnoti Garbon-Radnoti Helen Helen&&Jeffrey JeffreyGarden Garden Susan Susan&&Abraham Abraham Gershonowicz Gershonowicz Steven StevenH.H.Glickman Glickman Barbara Barbara&&Fred FredGoldberg Goldberg

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Alan AlanM. M.Greene Greene Robin Robin&&Jason JasonGreisdorf Greisdorf Caryn Caryn&&Steve SteveGross Gross Frances Frances&&David DavidGrossman Grossman Fenei FeneiGreenwald Greenwald&& David DavidGumenick Gumenick Elizabeth Elizabeth&&Brian BrianGuz Guz Charlene Charlene&&Howard Howard Handelman Handelman Rebecca Rebecca&&Andrew AndrewHayman Hayman Sandra Sandra&&Michael MichaelHermanoff Hermanoff Gordon GordonHollander Hollander Jill Jill&&Lee LeeHurwitz Hurwitz Connie ConnieJacob Jacob Joel JoelE.E.Jacob Jacob Katherine Katherine&&Robert RobertJacobs Jacobs Marjorie Marjorie&&Maxwell MaxwellJospey Jospey Foundation Foundation Helen Helen&&Martin MartinKatz Katz Lisa Lisa&&Daniel DanielKlein Klein Lisa Lisa&&Jason JasonKlein Klein Susan Susan&&Jeffrey JeffreyKlein Klein Zieva Zieva&&Marc MarcKonvisser Konvisser Michal Michal&&Howard HowardKorman Korman Donna Donna&&Ernest ErnestKreger Kreger Lynn Lynn&&Ari AriKresch Kresch Jody JodyLipton Lipton&& Geoffrey GeoffreyKretchmer Kretchmer Sally Sally&&Richard RichardKrugel Krugel Liz LizLaKritz LaKritz Lisa Lisa&&Gary GaryLangnas Langnas Judy Judy&&Noel NoelLawson Lawson Melissa Melissa&&Larry LarryLax Lax Susie Susie&&Scott ScottLeemaster Leemaster Melanie Melanie&&Steven StevenLefkofsky Lefkofsky Laurie Laurie&&Jeffrey JeffreyLeflein Leflein Leggett Leggett&&Platt Platt Lynne Lynne&&Jerold JeroldLevine Levine Nancy Nancy&&John JohnLevy Levy Judee Judee&&Richard RichardLewis Lewis Susan Susan&&Mark MarkLichterman Lichterman Ronald RonaldLipson Lipson Lisa Lisa&&Hannan HannanLis Lis Load LoadOne OneTransportation Transportation&& Logistics Logistics

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Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourgenerous generoussupport supportof ofthe the Holocaust HolocaustMemorial MemorialCenter’s Center’s37th 37thAnniversary AnniversaryBenefit.

Benefit.

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28123 28123Orchard OrchardLake LakeRoad, Road,Farmington FarmingtonHills, Hills,Michigan Michigan48334 48334• •(248) (248)553-2400 553-2400• •holocaustcenter.org holocaustcenter.org

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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SPORTS Novi High School volleyball star Sarah Calanchi goes all out to dig up a shot.

RICK CUMMINGS

DEBBIE CALANCHI

Sarah Calanchi

She Digs Volleyball Novi High School coach says standout Sarah Calanchi ‘has a heart of gold.’

STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

S

arah Calanchi left her mark on the Novi High School volleyball program, and not just on the stat sheet.

Her energy, enthusiasm and unending positivity will be remembered as long as her 519 digs this season that rank No. 10 all-time in the team’s record book.

The 5-foot-1 senior was a two-year team captain and three-year starter for the Wildcats at defensive specialist and libero, perfect positions for her volleyball skill set.

“I’m an energetic player. I love running all over the court,” she said.

Novi volleyball coach Kacy Byron agreed with that assessment.

“Sarah’s description of how she plays hits the nail right on the head,” she said.

“She’s also a great teammate. She was always uplifting everyone. She even sent texts to the coaches, thanking them for helping the players get better. This girl has a heart of gold.”

Calanchi’s never-ending energy resulted in 910 digs during her Novi volleyball career, along with 265 assists, 83 aces, three kills and one block.

Her energy hasn’t been confined to the volleyball court.

She’s earned three Scholar-Athlete awards (minimum 3.25 grade-point average) from the Kensington Lakes Activities Association.

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Also, she’s a member of leadership and recycling clubs at Novi, has just begun working with the school’s unified basketball team, and has jobs outside of school.

Novi won its second consecutive KLAA volleyball championship this season, but the No. 9-ranked Wildcats didn’t get past the regionals in the Division 1 state tournament.

There was a good reason for that.

Three of last year’s four Division 1 state semifinalists were in the regional last month that Novi hosted. The Wildcats lost to eventual state champion Birmingham Marian in four sets in the regional semifinals.

Novi was a Division 1 Final Four team during the 2020-21 season, a bizarre season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a never-ending season; but it was a season of a lifetime,” Calanchi said. “The strangeness actually started in the summer with having to hold team tryouts on our school’s baseball diamond because we couldn’t be in the gym.”

The season started late, then Novi had to stop playing and practicing for two weeks and quarantine in September 2020 because of COVID-19 infections on the team.

The Wildcats’ season was halted again in November 2020, this time as part of a statewide high school sports shutdown ordered

by the Michigan High School Athletic Association just before the volleyball state quarterfinals because of rising COVID-19 cases across the state.

After a nearly two-month layoff, Novi beat Ann Arbor Skyline in the quarterfinals.

The Wildcats lost to Lowell in a five-set match in the state semifinals in Battle Creek.

“We played Lowell in Kellogg Arena, which has a capacity of 6,200,” Calanachi said.

“Because of COVID restrictions, there were probably 50 people in the stands.”

The long season and pandemic restrictions did provide plenty of time for Calanchi to hang out with her teammates. That was a plus.

“Our team became real close, and it showed on the court,” she said. “Some of my best friends are girls who graduated last year.”

Family and friends are very important to Calanchi.

“I love the way Sarah treats her family and friends. They always come first,” Byron said.

Reuben and Debbie Calanchi, Sarah’s parents, are middle school teachers in the Walled Lake and Farmington school districts, respectively. Sarah’s brother Ryan, 14, is a freshman at Novi High School.

Sarah, 17, wants to play volleyball in college, most likely at a Division II or Division III school, while pursuing a career in marketing or advertising.

Her recruiting process started when she was a sophomore.

She hopes to make a college decision in the next couple months as she completes her career with the West Bloomfield Townshipbased Team Detroit Volleyball Club.

Send sports news to stevestein502004@yahoo.com.

ERETZ

MEET THE OLIM

PAUL KARLIN: ‘Absolutely Come; It’s Worth It’ AVIVA ZACKS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Gladys and Paul Karlin

COURTESY OF THE KARLINS

P

aul Karlin, 81, made aliyah in August 2007 with his wife, Gladys.

They initially lived in Modiin and then moved to Jerusalem to be near their daughter, Rachel. They would like to visit Michigan soon, but not when it’s snowing.

Q: Tell me about your first trip to Israel.

PK: It was right before the Gulf War. Rachel was here for her last year of high school at Akiva [now Farber Hebrew Day School]. They organized a trip for the parents in the winter, and we came here for a two-week visit to see the country. Saddam Hussein decided he was going to shoot some Scud missiles at Israel.

Q: It must have been very difficult for you to have Rachel here during that time.

PK: It was. Eventually we brought her home for a short time, but we sent her back while he was still shooting Scuds.

Q: What motivated you to make aliyah?

PK: Gladys has been wanting to come for years, and I was very resistant because I didn’t think I could make a living here, especially because of the language barrier.

When I got to the age where I was considering retirement, we wanted to spend time with our grandchildren, so we followed Rachel, and it’s been a great experience.

We never would have been such a big part of their lives if we hadn’t come. Since we moved, they come over during the week to spend time with us, we have lunch together sometimes, spend time with them in the afternoons; of course, every Shabbat we see them for meals, and we’ve been here for all their big moments — graduations, birthdays, army ceremonies.

There’s a bakery that I always go to in the neighborhood — they make a great cup of coffee — and sometimes when the kids are home from college on Friday morning, they’ll surprise me by showing up there and having breakfast with me. At least once a week, I play golf in Caesarea with my

grandson, Natani.

Q: What have you been doing since you’ve been here?

PK: We started off with Ulpan for about six months, which was every day from early in the morning until 1 p.m. with homework assignments. Then we decided to do a little traveling.

I’m also an avid golfer and taught golf lessons to kids in Modiin for five years, which was quite an experience! I also became a member at the Kibbutz Gaash golf club and eventually worked there parttime in the pro shop.

Q: Is there anything you miss about Detroit?

PK: I miss my family and my old friends.

We try and keep in touch by email and by phone. My son, David, who has two children, lives in West Bloomfield. He comes to visit about once a year. We haven’t gone back to Michigan in about four years but are hoping to take a trip there soon.

I also miss being able to speak and be understood and not having to wonder what people are saying. We still struggle with the language, especially on a professional basis when we’re talking to a doctor or to people at the bank. I can get by in a restaurant or in a café, but, for the important things, you

really need to make sure that you’re not missing something and that makes it a little tough.

Anytime we have something special to do, I usually check the dictionary for a few words, so I can at least get by. We rely on Rachel and our son-in-law, Nathan Bigman, to help us out in the really difficult areas.

Q: What do you love about living in Israel?

PK: The weather is great. I don’t miss the snow whatsoever. We’re amongst Jewish people all the time. I go to restaurants a lot; I’m always reading restaurant reviews and trying great new places. In the supermarket, I don’t worry that I won’t find kosher products. I love that I can walk everywhere.

I take my market cart and walk all over the neighborhood to all the small shops, where everyone knows me, and have my pick of amazing fruits and vegetables and, of course, great baked goods and coffee.

I love the freedom of it.

Q: Do you have a message for anybody who is back there in Detroit and thinking about making aliyah?

Paul: Absolutely come! It’s tough in the beginning but in the end, it’s well worth it.

Let me know when you get here, and we can meet for coffee!

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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MAZEL TOV! Isabel Sophie Bloom, daughter of Jennifer Cohen and Gregory Bloom, will become a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. She is the grandchild of Annie and Robert Cohen, and Adrienne and Norman Bloom, and the great-grandchild of Bobbie Miller. She will be joined in celebration by her siblings Olivia and Nathaniel Bloom.

Isabel is a student at Derby Middle School in Birmingham. For her mitzvah project, she participated in Service with a Purpose through Brilliant Detroit, where she made videos of herself reading books for young children; she also conducted a book drive to donate to children in need.

Gillian “Gillie” Ainsley Charnas, daughter of Laura and Craig Charnas, will become a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. She is the grandchild of Ruth and Bruce Aaronson, and Bobbi and Dale Charnas. She will be joined in celebration by her sister Maddie Charnas.

Gillie is a student at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit in Farmington Hills. For her mitzvah project, she collected donations and packed Balance Boxes for seventh-grade students.

Emily Jane Rosenberg, daughter of Beth and Brad Rosenberg, led services and became a bat mitzvah at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. Emily was joined by brother Ian and proud grandparents Mardi and David Rosenberg of Las Vegas, Nev., and Kay and Bob Weprin of Toledo, Ohio.

Emily is a seventh-grader at Cranbrook Kingswood girls’ middle school in Bloomfield Hills. Her mitzvah project was making and donating blankets and other needed supplies to a homeless shelter in Wayne County. ( The wrong photo ran on Nov. 25. We apologize for the error.)

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.

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Correll-Farber

J

ill Farber of Wixom, David and Nanci Farber of Bloomfield Hills, and Bethany and Ray Correll of Waterford are thrilled to announce the engagement of their children Hailey Jessica Farber and Jordan Matthew Correll.

Hailey graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of arts in child development and elementary education and a master of arts in special education.

She is a special education teacher at Westfield Charter Academy in Redford Township.

Jordan graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of science in human biology at Lyman Briggs College and a minor in nutritional science. He graduated from Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and earned the title doctor of osteopathy. Jordan is completing his residency for family medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills.

Hailey and Jordan reside in Commerce Township. A wedding is planned on Sept. 18, 2022, in Detroit.

Danto 90th

C

harlotte Rubin Danto turned 90 Nov. 2, 2021; but due to COVID, the cold weather and Charlotte’s fragile health, her daughters and grandchildren decided to ask her large, loving group of extended family and friends to send cards containing memories and good wishes, hoping that she would receive a deluge of birthday cards (which she did). These have been made into an album that she will treasure for years to come. Charlotte is the daughter of Frances and Louis Rubin, and the widow of Richard Danto. She is lovingly surrounded by daughters and sons-in-law, Alison (Danto) and Richard Greenhouse, Valorie (Danto) and Robert Sharpe, and Ronna (Danto) and Gary Stencel. She is also blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and dear friends.

SPIRIT

TORAH PORTION

Make Pain Thy Teacher

S

omething about Joseph’s character impresses me every time we come upon his story. His experiences are so painful. He is betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, framed by his master’s wife and imprisoned. He could have so easily become a broken person, but he doesn’t.

Torah sets up this week’s pivotal moment when the sons of Israel hold an audience to request relief from famine from Pharaoh’s representative, who happens to be Joseph in disguise. When he reveals himself, his brothers are terror stuck, expecting Joseph to exact revenge from them.

Instead, Joseph says, “Don’t be distressed or reproach yourselves ... It was to save life that God sent me ahead of you;” and the broth-

ers embrace in love (45:4-5). us. Pain teaches, but we don’t get “Don’t be distressed …” Jewish to choose the lesson.” mysticism associates Joseph with Each of us has experienced the attribute of beauty. Perhaps pain in this pandemic of plans this is a reference to him canceled or delayed, of time being Jacob’s favored son lost or attenuated. We’ve felt or to the beauty of his anxiety in our communiornamented coat. I like to ties, our schools, our workthink it is in reference to places and our families. We his seeming inexhaustible cannot control the pain that faith and charisma or his Rabbi Brent is inflicted upon us, but we Gutmann perseverance in the face can control our reaction. In of animosity. so many ways, the story of Parshat Dr. Betsy Stone recentour patriarchs and matriVayigash: archs throughout Genesis is ly wrote in eJewish Genesis a story of family dysfuncPhilantropy, “Pain can 44:18-47:27; tion. Not only dysfunction make us kinder or pain Ezekiel generationally, but the cycle makes us harder. Pain can 37:15-28. tends to repeat itself until it open our hearts or close ends with Joseph. Despite all the them. Pain shows us that we are pain passed down to and inflictpart of a whole that we cherish, or that no one matters more than ed upon him, he is able to short circuit the cycle. Joseph is able to me. Pain warms us or it freezes

repair his relationships with his brothers and they are able to be a family again. He is gracious, giving them permission to forgive and see the good in the wrong they did. Joseph is able to put aside the price he paid personally in being separated from his family in order to secure shalom bayit, peace at home, equilibrium for his family.

We are at our best when our lives are lived graciously and without anxiety, but a more accurate picture of our character is revealed in moments of pain.

May we find a way to respond like Joseph with beauty and grace to all that is challenging in the present.

Rabbi Brent Gutmann is rabbi at Temple Kol Ami in West Bloomfield.

Stories OF HOPE

Helping to write the next chapter with your support.

Over 15,000 people come through Jewish Family Service’s doors each year.

Each with their own unique story and struggle.

You can make a difference by supporting our Friends of the Family Campaign.

Make a donation and read the stories of those you’ve helped at

jfsdetroit.org/friends To donate by phone, call 248.592.2339.

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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39

SPIRIT

A WORD OF TORAH

What Story Do You Tell?

I

f someone asked you to summarize your life in a few sentences, how would you do it? What if you had just one sentence in which to do it — what would you say?

The truth is, these days, the scenario is not just hypothetical. People give pithy accounts of themselves all the time on social media. But that’s more of a marketing blurb than a forthright answer, which we search for deep within Chief Rabbi ourselves.

Warren If we’re really honest, Goldstein thoughtful and reflective about this, what is the story we’d tell of our lives?

It’s an interesting question to

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contemplate because it touches on one of the central aspects of the human condition: storytelling. In fact, in many ways, storytelling is what makes us human.

Our sages refer to the human being as the medaber, “the speaker.” Animals also communicate with one another through sounds and gestures, but it is human beings alone who construct narratives and interpret events. This could be what our sages meant when they described the human being as the medaber — the speaker.

Interpreting events and constructing narratives about our lives is something we all do, all the time. Things happen to us — the basic, factual elements of a story — but as humans, we have unique perspectives that determine how a story is

relayed, which give shape and meaning to our experiences.

Of course, the plain facts, the raw data, what actually took place, cannot be changed. But what is in our hands is the narrative we draw on to interpret those facts, the story we tell ourselves about what took place.

Positive and negative experiences happen to us all the time, but it is within our power to construct the narrative around these experiences. We make a choice every day about how we tell the story of our lives, whether we construct a narrative that is pessimistic or choose to be optimistic in how we see life. To construct a positive narrative is not to deny the pain or the difficulties — it is to frame those experiences in a broader context,

appreciating our blessings and finding meaning even in the darkness.

The sages of the Talmud highlight an episode from this week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, to emphasize the importance of constructing a positive narrative.

In the wake of famine, Jacob and his family journey to Egypt where they join Jacob’s son, Joseph, who has risen up the ranks to become viceroy of Egypt and is shepherding the country’s economy through the years of famine. The episode in question sees Joseph introducing Jacob to Pharaoh. When Pharaoh asks him about his life, Jacob responds: “Few and bad were the days of the years of my life.”

(Bereishit 47:3) The Talmudic sages are critical of Jacob’s negativity. Of course, Jacob was greater than we can begin to understand, but let’s understand this: Jacob indeed objectively had a very difficult existence.

He had to uproot his life and flee from his vengeful brother, Esau. He lands up in the household of Laban, who deceives him and manipulates him in countless ways. He gets married and has children, but then on his return suffers the anguish of losing his beloved wife, Rachel, the abduction of his daughter and the complete disappearance of his dear son, Joseph. His entire life is a study in trauma, so you could say he is entirely justified in reflecting on those experiences with an element of sadness.

Yet our sages say that even under such circumstances, we need to find a way to maintain a positive outlook. This does not mean repressing the pain and difficulty we’ve endured — it’s important that we let it out, relay it and not bottle it up. But maintaining a positive outlook means seeing the big picture, counting our blessings, appreciating our lives in a holistic sense — not allowing negativity to overwhelm the narrative. Obviously, the sages of the Talmud make this point not to be critical of Jacob, but rather to teach us how to live.

The counterexample is that of King David, who also endured many trials and tribulations — he was pursued by King Saul and later by his own son, Avshalom, who attempted to overthrow him. He also lost a child at birth. And yet, despite these unimaginably difficult circumstances, King David writes: “How can I repay God for all of His kindness to me?” (Psalms

116:12) Granted, it’s an incredible level — to maintain that poise and positivity, that serenity and tranquility, and that sense of simple appreciation for the gift of life.

Nevertheless, it’s something we can strive for, something we can choose to do if we meditate deeply enough on it.

But the power of narrative goes beyond positivity and negativity. Storytelling has the capacity to transform our lives, to make everything we do meaningful; it can tell us who we are and why we are here.

And this is the true power of the Torah.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A JEW The Torah tells the story of what it means to be a human being, what it means to be a Jew, what it means to live with purpose.

Through the narrative of the Torah, we can infuse every moment of every day with meaning and inspiration. What does this mean?

The Torah tells us that the world we live in is not a random accumulation of molecules that came about in an ad hoc and haphazard way. It tells us there is structure and intentionality to reality, that an all-knowing, all-loving Creator created everything with purpose. That there is a grand design to the world and grand meaning to our existence.

God created each of us with a purpose.

He created us for the purpose of doing good, doing mitzvot, making the world a better place. Living in accordance with our higher calling means living a life that is ethical and upright, a life filled with compassion and kindness, a Godly life in which everything we do — even the most mundane undertaking — is infused with sanctity and significance. This is the life set out by the Torah.

Our sages coined the phrase: “leshaim shamayim” — “for the sake of heaven” — and state that everything we do should be guided by this ideal: We should eat in order to have the energy to do good deeds; sleep in order to refresh our minds and bodies so that we are able to go out and earn an honest living, support our families, pay for a Torah education for our children and give charity; use our God-given mental faculties for learning Torah; and our God-given soul for pouring out our hearts in prayer.

The idea of the narrative also frames Jewish identity. What does it mean to be a Jew? The Torah tells the story of who we are, where we come from and why

we are here. The story of how, through God’s miracles, we came into existence as a nation and that He gave us His Torah at Mount Sinai and brought us into the land of Israel, and that He gave us a Divine mission to live in accordance with His will and to spread His light in the world. It’s a narrative that defines us both as individuals and as the Jewish people. All of Jewish history, with all of its tragedies and triumphs, has been part of this Divine mission and destiny.

And so this narrative gives meaning to the experiences of Jewish history and meaning to the project of continuing to ensure a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.

The Torah itself is a framework for understanding the mission and meaning of our lives. Why is the mitzvah of learning Torah so important? Why is it referred to by our sages as the gateway to all the other mitzvot? Why is it that our sages declare that the merit of learning Torah is equal to the merit of all the mitzvot combined? It could be because, through the mitzvah of learning Torah, we understand the story of our lives and the context and the meaning of all the mitzvot. When we learn Torah, we learn to understand our world, our society and ourselves. When we learn Torah, we learn to see the world through a Divine lens, through the eyes of God Himself.

The Mishna says: “Turn it [Torah] over and over for everything is in it.” (Pirkei Avot 5:26) The Midrash says God used the Torah as the blueprint for the creation of the world. This means that every aspect of creation is contained within the framework of the Torah; that the Torah gives us the framing narrative for how to understand and relate to the world, and how to locate ourselves within the context of creation.

That is the power of learning Torah.

That is the incredible gift we have — the vocabulary, the philosophy, the conceptual framework that tells the story of our lives. The Torah — God’s blueprint for life — lends direction, guidance and purpose to our existence.

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein, who has a PhD. in Human Rights Law, is the chief rabbi of South Africa.

This article first appeared on aish.com.

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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SPIRIT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shomrey Emunah Southfield (248) 559-1533 congregation-shomreyemunah-105705.square.site The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch West Bloomfield (248) 788-4000 theshul.net Woodward Avenue Shul Royal Oak (248) 414-7485 thewas.net

Congregation Beth El Windsor (519) 969-2422 bethelwindsor.ca

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

Temple Beth El Battle Creek (269) 963-4921

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

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

Temple Jacob Hancock templejacobhancock.org

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

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

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

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

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

Temple Beth Israel Bay City (989) 893-7811 tbi-mich.org

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

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

Temple Beth Israel Jackson (517) 784-3862 tbijackson.org

Yagdil Torah Southfield (248) 559-5905 Young Israel of Oak Park (248) 967-3655 yiop.org

Congregation T’chiyah Ferndale (248) 823-7115 tchiyah.org Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit (313) 567-0306 reconstructingjudiasm.org REFORM Bet Chaverim Canton (734) 480-8880 betchaverim@yahoo.com Temple Benjamin Mt. Pleasant (989) 773-5086 templebenjamin.com

Congregation Beth Shalom Traverse City 231-946-1913 beth-shalom-tc.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 Lathrup Village (240 865-0117 secularsaimichigan.org SEPHARDIC Keter Torah Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 681-3665 rabbisasson.wixsite.com/keter

Ohr Hatorah Oak Park (248) 294-0613 Ohrhatorah.us MINYANS Fleischman Residence West Bloomfield (248) 661-2999 Yeshivat Akivah Southfield (248) 386-1625 farberhds.org

ANN ARBOR

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

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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ARTS&LIFE THEATER

Waiting for

Goffman Jersey Boys launches its national tour in Detroit.

JULIE SMITH YOLLES CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Devon Goffman

D

evon Goffman got the best present of all for Chanukah. After being displaced from New York to Florida during the pandemic and taking a gig as a drama teacher, Goffman got the call to play his dream role. The actor returns to the D next week for the kick-off relaunch of the Jersey Boys national tour Dec. 12-18 at the Music Hall.

The Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical, Jersey Boys chronicles the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and features all their show-stopping hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Sherry” and “Oh What a Night.”

Goffman’s been in four productions of Jersey Boys since 2011 and is now taking a star turn as Tommy DeVito, one of the Four Seasons.

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“I’m beyond excited to bring back live theater to the country and play the most favorite role of my life. How many times as an actor do you get to portray a living legend on stage?” asks Goffman, who is no stranger to playing musical icons and performing in Detroit, including roles in The Buddy Holly Story, Motown: The Musical and On Your Feet!, about the lives of Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

The real Tommy DeVito died of COVID on Sept. 21, 2020, at age 92. Frankie Valli (played by Jon Hacker) and Bob Gaudio (played by Eric Chambliss) are the only two surviving original members of the group who went by the Variatones, The Four Lovers and Variety Trio before settling on Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Growing up in Buffalo, New

York, Goffman was one of the only Jewish kids in town. He played football in high school and was in bands when he was younger.

“Jersey Boys is an amazing story that connects to our story as actors. You had these guys from the streets of Jersey having a dream of being rockstars. And for a musician like myself, portraying this role is so special,” says Goffman who plays guitar onstage.

What’s also special is that Goffman gets to be in a show together for the first time with his wife, Katie, who is the dance captain and a swing in Jersey Boys. Katie was already touring with Jersey Boys when all theater productions were shut down in March 2020.

The two met at an audition in 2012. Their dating history consisted of flying to see each other over the years while

DETAILS: Jersey Boys, Dec. 12-18 at Music Hall, 350 Madison Avenue, Detroit.Tickets start at $25 (includes facility fee) and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-9822787 and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office. Patrons will be required to show photo identification and proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the performance date or proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

Additionally, all patrons will be required to wear a mask while inside the theater regardless of one’s vaccination status.

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they were each on different tours. They married in 2015 in Katie’s hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“It’s so nice that we finally get to do this show together every night and travel together. It’s a dream come true,” says Goffman, who played Amelia’s father in the Lincoln Rhyme series on NBC. “And Detroit’s a great city for us to launch the tour. It’s a blue-collar town like where I grew up in Buffalo and like Jersey in the show. And it’s a music town — Hitsville USA — Detroit’s the centerpiece of amazing music.”

Goffman says that heritage and family are core values of Jersey Boys, just like how he was raised.

“My character, Tommy, tells Frankie Valli, ‘Don’t forget where you came from...

Make sure you represented your family well,’’’ Goffman says. “That rings true for me as a teacher and mentor to young kids, where I encourage teamwork, community and being good humans first.

My grandfather taught me that, in Jewish heritage, we should leave the world better than when we came into it.”

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ARTS&LIFE BOOK REVIEW

T

A Fuller Story New WSU book offers essays about the role of women in Jewish history.

LOUIS FINKELMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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he field of history has its own history. Not long ago, historians took as their subjects “kings and their wars.” What great men accomplished became the subject of the history books; children, women and even most men appeared in history books as objects, acted upon by the true figures of history, the leaders. A few reigning queens and exceptional female leaders also counted as actors on the stage of history.

Historians, nearly all of them male, wrote that history. And then a group of historians, most of them female, focused on those great female leaders who deserved more attention.

A little later, historians became interested in the lives of the rest of us: The everyday life of ordinary families in historic times seemed as rich and important a study as the decisions of potentates. At the same time, gender studies seemed consequential. Historians wanted to understand how different societies attempted to regulate gender roles, and how individuals made history as they navigated their lives, conforming to or rebelling against the norms of their societies.

All of this set the stage for reconsidering the role of Jewish women in history. In 1991, Judith Baskin edited a vast survey of the topic, Jewish Women in Historical Perspective (Wayne State University Press; second edition 1998), covering the entire span from the biblical text

through the most modern developments. Since that publication, the field of Jewish women’s studies has mushroomed. Scholars have found new sources and new perspectives on old sources. Newly found materials from various locales and times overturn the assumption that no records exist of women’s lives.

Now Frederica Francesconi, professor and head of Jewish studies at the State University of New York at Albany, and Rebecca-Lynn Winer, associate professor at Villanova University, have brought understanding of the history of Jewish women up to date, gathering essays by an impressive range of scholars in Jewish Women’s History from Antiquity to the Present (Wayne State University Press, 2021).

In chronological order, each essay addresses Jewish women at the next period and in another geographic area. Together, the essays provide new insights into the lives of Jewish women throughout history. The essays form not a complete history of Jewish women but highlights from nearly all periods of that history.

Federica Francesconi

Rebecca Lynn Winer

A SAMPLING OF THE CONTENTS In an opening essay, Rachel Adelman, associate professor of Hebrew Bible at Hebrew College in Boston, surveys approaches to the roles of women as presented in the Hebrew Bible. The legal material generally assumes a patriarchal

society, but narratives often show women subverting male leadership. God appears as a king, husband, male lover, but also has a woman in mourning and as a mother who loves us as her children. Adelman quotes the late Tikva Frymer-Kensky (professor of Semitics at Wayne State University), who noted that stories of atrocities committed against women might serve as “critiques of the social situations that they portray.”

Tal Ilan (professor of Jewish Studies at the Freie University in Berlin and editor of volumes of a feminist commentary on the Talmud) considers “Gender and Women’s History in Rabbinic Literature.” Ilan begins with the observation that the classic rabbinic texts are prescriptive, rather than descriptive: They describe how the rabbis believe that people should behave, rather than how people do behave. Composed by one group of men — the rabbis — for study by men, the texts deal with theoretical women as they properly relate to men. And yet, the texts do, from time to time, disclose information “about real women and what they actually did.”

After surveying texts about women throughout the Tosefta, Mishnah and both Talmudim, Ilan admits that “the gender historian must be resourceful and look for evidence outside Rabbinic texts in the Greco-Roman world at large, at other sources reflecting Jewish society (such as inscriptions and papyri) and the observations of gender historians the world over.”

Moshe Rosman (professor emeritus of Jewish History at Bar-Ilan University in Israel) reconstructs the history of Jewish women in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which lasted from 1569

until the end of the 18th century. Religious documents written by men intended for men’s reading, Rosman shows, praise obedient women who enable their husbands to study Torah and who behave modestly.

The texts praise women who manage their households well and who excel in business.

During this period, women become more involved in synagogue attendance, and a growing literature for women presents Jewish religious learning in the Yiddish language. A learned woman in the 18th century, Leah Horowitz, writes Yiddish prayers for women, prefaced by her Hebrew and Aramaic essays declaring that women must take responsibility for their own observance of commandments, including Torah study.

Women in this period did operate a variety of businesses, as revealed in contracts, wills, court records, rabbinic decisions and communal legislation. Married Jewish women often worked in their husbands’ businesses; widows either sold their assets or continued the business.

A fascinating essay by Frances Malino (professor emerita of Jewish Studies at Wellsley College) considers the impact of the Alliance Israelite Universelle schools on girls across the Sephardic world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Young women from North Africa, the Ottoman Empire and across the Middle East acquired both a Jewish and a French education in these schools. Some of the outstanding students went to France to prepare to become teachers at the same schools. Many also became outspoken feminists (they used the word), advocating more challenging studies for their students. They sometimes defied the male administration of the program,

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insisting that girls must learn real history, not just moralizing stories.

More than one set of teachers ordered sewing machines, against the instructions of the administrators, so that their schoolgirls could run ateliers of French fashion, learning skills to support themselves and also raising funds for the schools. Jacques Bigart, secretary of the Alliance, maintained a correspondence with each of the dozens of women who taught in these schools (and with each of the men who taught in the boys’ schools). He kept the teachers’ deeply personal letters to him, which now give scholars an extraordinary insight into the lives of these brave women.

Natalia Aleksiun (professor of Modern Jewish History at Touro College Graduate School of Jewish Studies) presents “Coming of Age During the Holocaust.” She builds on diaries of adolescent girls, only some of whom survived, and memoires of their adolescence by survivors.

In the final essay in this collection, Sylvia Barack-Fishman (professor emerita of Contemporary Jewish Studies at Brandeis University) considers “Choices and Challenges in American Jewish Women’s Lives Today,” including intermarriage, alternatives to marriage, opportunities for religious leadership by women in all Jewish movements and the “inverse Jewish gender gap,” in which men have become less prominent in many Jewish roles as women have become more prominent.

Anyone with an interest in Jewish history, gender studies or, indeed, the history of any place where Jews have lived, will find much of value in Jewish Women’s History from Antiquity to the Present.

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ARTS&LIFE CELEBRITY NEWS

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

Corey Stoll

team was “all Jewish”: Robbins directed and choreographed; Arthur Laurents penned the “book” (story, dialogue); Leonard Bernstein wrote the music; and Stephen Sondheim, who died on Nov. 26, age 91, penned the lyrics. The Broadway musical (1957) was a hit, as was the 1961 film. The new film is “still” set in the ’50s and it retains the original score.

Corey Stoll, 45, has a supporting role as police lieutenant Schrank and Ansel Elgort, 27, co-stars as Tony. Elgort has an “interesting” Jewish background. My sense is that he’s secular. Ansel’s mother is of non-Jewish background. His mother’s mother was sent to a Nazi concentration camp for saving Jewish children.

Ansel’s father, Arthur Elgort, 81, is a well-known fashion photographer.

Arthur’s father was Jewish, and his mother wasn’t born Jewish. Arthur made comments in an interview that make me believe he was raised Jewish and that it’s possible his mother

converted to Judaism.

Sam Mendes, 56, an Oscar and Tony-winning director, spoke to the British newspaper the Guardian about Sondheim right after his death.

Mendes directed revivals of several Sondheim musicals, and he eloquently described the things which made Sondheim so great.

He dropped one nugget that makes me think that the script of the new West Side Story film may have many changes from the original Laurents’ “book.” Mendes said that Arthur Laurents had legal veto power over script changes in West Side Story until his death in 2011. He didn’t allow any changes and, in Mendes’ opinion, stage revivals became very stale. Last year, Mendes said, there was an innovative stage revival and, he implied, the new film will also have interesting changes. By the way, Mendes, a Brit, was knighted on Nov. 30, and he’s now “Sir Sam.” Right after Sondheim died, I looked up how many Tonys he won (seven)

Ansel Elgort

BY EVA RINALDI FROM SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

MOSTLY WEST SIDE STORY, SOME SEX AND THE CITY A film re-make of West Side Story opens on Dec. 10. It was directed by Steven Spielberg, 74, and the screenplay was written by Tony Kushner, 65. They first worked together on Spielberg’s acclaimed film Lincoln (2012). Kushner was Oscar-nominated for his Lincoln screenplay, and Spielberg earned a best director nomination.

They also teamed-up for The Fabelmans, a semiautobiographical film about Spielberg’s “coming-ofage” years that will open in 2022. Spielberg directed and he co-wrote the original screenplay with Kushner.

Here’s West Side Story’s “very Jewish” origin story. Around 1955, choreographer Jerome Robbins “pitched” the idea of a modernized musical version of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo would be a young Irish Catholic guy, and Juliet would be a Jewish teenage Holocaust survivor. “Everybody” eventually agreed that this update didn’t work. It was too much like Abie’s Irish Rose, a schmaltzy hit play about a Catholic/ Jewish couple. Not long after, news stories appeared about gang fights between “white kids” and recent Puerto Rican immigrants. They decided to make Juliet (Maria) Puerto Rican and Romeo (Tony) a native-born white guy.

The Broadway creative

BY GAGE SKIDMORE VIA WIKIPEDIA

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

and how many he was nominated for (11). While doing so, I came across a list of all the winners of the Tony for best musical and I did a quick check: 70 musicals have won the “best” Tony since 1949.

Fifty of these winners had their score (music) and/ or their lyrics written by someone Jewish (including two Jewish women).

Clearly, Broadway musical theater is a crown jewel in the history of Jews in the diaspora and more people should know this.

This “gentle dominance” explains Stephen Sondheim’s reaction when asked in a documentary (many years ago) if he ever faced antisemitism in his work. He was taken aback, and he asked, “You mean in the theater?” The questioner said, “Yes.” He replied, “No.” You could tell that Sondheim found the question absurd. It was like asking a guy who works at a famous Jewish deli if he faced antisemitism at work.

The HBO Max series, And Just Like That (a “reboot” of Sex and the City), begins streaming on Dec. 9. Sarah Jessica Parker, 55, who plays star character Carrie, is in the reboot, as is Evan Handler, 60, who plays Harry, the Jewish husband of star character Charlotte (who converted to Judaism before marrying Harry). Sad to note: Willie Garson, who played Stanford, Carrie’s gay friend, was reported to be in the reboot earlier this year. But it’s unclear if Garson filmed any episodes before he died (Sept. 17) of pancreatic cancer.

ON THE GO

PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS

EVENING AT THE RINK 6:30-8:30, DEC. 9 NEXTGen Detroit Couples will present this event. Cost: $10. At Campus Martius in Detroit. After skating head to a nearby bar for a drink.

This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 45.

Info: jlive.app/events/1238; 248-203-1489.

MEDITATION 9:30 AM, DEC 12 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites adults of all ages to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman for Meditation & Mindfulness, designed to help individuals find their internal spirituality and realize how Judaism can make them happier. There is no charge. Info: call 248-8515100.

Dar Williams

Dar Williams will take the stage at The Ark in Arbor.

She is a singer/guitarist.

She has also written a middle-school children’s novel, Amalee. Tickets: $35. Info: darwilliams.com; facebook. com/TheArkAnnArbor.

FEATHER BOWLING 7-9 PM, DEC. 13 Join NEXTGen Detroit for a visit to the famous Cadieux Café where we’ll try our hand at the favorite Belgium pastime of feather bowling (think a little bit horseshoes, a little bit bocci ball and a whole lotta fun). An instructor will teach us how the game is played and give pointers before we take to the court. Your first drink is on us. Cost: $10. Info: jlive.app/events/1164; Ken Schneider, 248-203-1489.

Rabbi Hanoch Teller

Tommy Emmanuel

Barry Prizant

FAMILY CIRCLE CONFERENCE 1-3 PM, DEC. 12 Opening the Doors presents “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” with Barry Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. A virtual event. Info: Shoshana Baruch, sbaruch@jccdet. org.

THE ARK PRESENTS 7:30 PM, DEC. 12

LEARNING FROM OUR PAST 7 PM, DEC. 13 The Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills will host this in-person event with Rabbi Hanoch Teller.

Admission: $10 or free with HMC membership. Rabbi Teller is a globetrotting storyteller and the son of a Holocaust survivor. Through stories of personal encounters and by identifying the failures of bystanders he portrays the lessons of the Holocaust in relatable ways that empower contemporary audiences. For information, call (248) 553-2653; holocaustcenter.org.

CERTIFIED GUITAR PICKER 7 PM, DEC. 14 The Ark in Ann Arbor and AEG present Tommy Emmanuel at Royal Oak Music Theatre. He is a legendary guitarist, whose professional career spans five decades. A noted fingerstyle guitarist, Emmanuel frequently threads three distinct parts simultaneously into his material, operating as a one-man band who handles the melody, the supporting chords and the bass all at once. Tickets: $35-$75. Info: tommyemmanuel.com; facebook.com/ TheArkAnnArbor.

FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM 4-5 PM, DEC. 15 “Combatting Antisemitism’s Resurgence” is the title of a program on Zoom from the American Friends of Rabin Medical Center.

Robert Siegel (former senior host of NPR’s All Things Considered) is the interviewer. Free registration: rb.gy/vzfvcb. After the initial program, it can be viewed on JBS TV and on AFRMC’s YouTube and Facebook. Learn more at afrmc.org. For more information: afrmc@afrmc.org or call 212-279-2522.

MUSICAL TRIBUTE 8 &10 PM, DEC. 16 A tribute to Abbey Lincoln will be performed by Sky Covington at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, 20510 Livernois, Detroit. Two shows. Tickets are priced at $30; order online at theofficialbakerskeyboardlounge.com; 313-315-6300.

NEXTGEN IN CORKTOWN 5-7 PM, DEC. 19 At Detroit Axe Corktown, 1375 Michigan Ave. Detroit.

Nothing says date night like hurling an axe at a wooden target while being cheered on by the one you love. Meet other local interfaith couples. $40 per couple includes axe throwing and your first round of drinks. Register by Dec. 14: jlive.app/events/1237.

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

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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business SPOTlight

BIRMIN GH A M

BAS BLUE

brought to you in partnership with

Bas Blue has a café.

A Place for Women

New Midtown Detroit social club BasBlue is made for women, by women.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

B

asBlue Detroit is a new nonprofit social club created specifically for women and non-binary individuals.

Opened this fall, the three-story, 8,000-square-foot mansion was revamped from its former days as the Heritage House, a children’s art center in Midtown Detroit located on Ferry Street.

The mansion, built in the 1800s, is now serving as a networking space for Metro Detroit women designed to

foster connections and build relationships. Founded

by Jewish community member and entertainment Nancy executive Nancy Tellem Tellem, alongside community entrepreneur Natacha Hildebrand, the new social club is entirely operated by women.

In fact, the term “bas bleu” is defined as “a woman having intellectual or literary interests,” a phrase “rooted

in generations of trailblazers gathering in studios, shops and salons.” Pulling from these definitions, BasBlue aims to achieve that same idea.

Centering on the belief that “women are strongest when together,” BasBlue Detroit will come with a host of amenities and programming. The mansion will include a cafe and bar, meeting and coworking spaces, health and wellness areas, and private event spaces that include multi-sized con-

ference rooms, a screening room and cocktail areas.

The health and wellness amenities feature Peloton bikes, a shower and locker area, and special programming designed around promoting and practicing self-care. The cafe and bar, on the other hand, will feature a seasonal farm-to-table menu, homegrown coffee and signature drinks for its members.

Yet BasBlue isn’t just a safe space for women. The mansion will also be home to a

here’s to David Klein Gallery announced that Robert Schefman has been selected as one of the finalists in the National Portrait Gallery’s 2022 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. His work will be presented in “The Outwin 2022: American Portraiture Today,” premiering at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 2022. The exhibition, featuring the work of the 42 finalists, will travel to additional cities in 2023.

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

Bloomfield Hills-based Michigan Bank announced the election of Warren Rose as lead director. He is the CEO of Edward Rose Building Enterprise, a construction and property management company founded in Detroit in 1921. He is one of the original organizers of the bank and is the first to hold the Lead Director position, a two-year term.

membership fees can apply for a scholarship or grant opportunity. There is also an option to gift a membership.

In addition, members can take part in a special member match program that offers mentorship to women in all levels of their careers.

They can also opt to be connected to someone in their career fields to further network and build professional relationships.

Upcoming events at BasBlue include a holiday trunk show on Dec. 9 and 10, weekly yoga classes with Citizen Yoga and a BasBlue holiday party on Dec. 14. To learn more about membership or scholarship opportunities, visit basblueus.com.

The building includes meeting and co-working spaces.

BAS BLUE

number of events and get-togethers, like monthly member happy hours, female chef dinner series, a book club and informative sessions discussing everything from how to rebrand your career to how to engage in social impact investing, among other topics.

To keep membership affordable, the 501c3 nonprofit is aiming to offer membership rates at a lower cost than other area social clubs.

Women 35 and younger can pay an annual fee of $600 to join, or $158 quarterly, while women ages 35 and up can pay an annual fee of $1,200, or $315 quarterly.

Those who want to join BasBlue but can’t afford the

CENTERING ON THE BELIEF THAT “WOMEN ARE STRONGEST WHEN TOGETHER,” BAS BLUE WILL COME WITH A HOST OF AMENITIES AND PROGRAMMING.

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51

UPSTREAM

BUSINESS

Upstream’s headquarters in Herzliya

Vehicle O CyberSecurity Israeli startup Upstream sets up shop in Motown.

AMIR SHOAM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Yoav Levy and Yonatan Appel

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

ne of the companies using the WeWork space on Clifford Street in Detroit is an Israeli startup that may be protecting your car from cyber-attacks.

Yoav Levy had worked for several startup companies and the executives that purchased them before founding Upstream Security in 2017 with Yonatan Appel, the company’s chief technology officer.

“We had been looking at the IoT [internet of things] world for a long time,” said Levy, who serves as the company’s CEO. “We were looking for the segment that, on one hand, was growing the most, and, on the other hand, had a complicated problem to solve with a real need.

“Today’s vehicles are connected to the internet and can be updated over the air. All sorts of apps and services rely on that connectivity.

We help identify and protect against cyber attacks and threats very early, before the attackers can get into the vehicles, and from there, the entire vehicle fleet. We work mostly with chief security officers of automakers to protect their products.”

A United Nations Economic Commission for Europe regulation from last year requires automakers to use a cyber-security monitoring solution to “detect and respond to possible cyber security attacks” on all

of their connected cars.

PREVENTING VEHICLE HACKING “A very large portion of vehicle thefts today is made with cyber tools,” Levy said.

“Today’s vehicles are computers on wheels,” he added. “They have wireless connectivity with Bluetooth or a SIM card. We help recognize vulnerabilities and anomalies that indicate that someone is trying to hack the vehicle. It can be for taking control of it, stealing data from it or stealing the vehicle itself.”

He gives this scenario: “If the car key is in a living room and the car itself is in the garage, they take a repeater and a transceiver, receive the key’s signal and transmit it to the car to make it think that the key is near it, or they hack the connectivity and simulate a key near the vehicle.”

The company’s technological approach has made it stand out from the competition. “The other companies took the approach of installing a component inside the vehicle,” Levy said. “We’ve built a cloud solution that can protect vehicles from remote attacks, which are high-scale.

Someone from China, Russia or North Korea can attack vehicles in the U.S., for example.”

The cloud-based approach has also

made Upstream more immune to the vehicle chip shortage caused by the pandemic. “We have clients that we’ve never met physically. The whole deployment process is remote,” Levy said. “Of course, the chip shortage affects the entire industry. Producing less vehicles isn’t good for anyone in it.”

Upstream’s CBO Roy Bachar

COMING TO DETROIT So far, the company has raised $105 million in three rounds, including $62 million in this year’s round. Its investors include Alliance Ventures, operated by Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi; the Volvo Group Venture Capital; Hyundai; Salesforce Ventures and Nationwide; as well as financial investors, including Israeli ones.

Upstream’s chief business officer, Roy Bachar, joined the company in 2019. One of the first things he did was establish the office in Detroit, which he had never visited before, not long before the pandemic hit.

“We intend to make Detroit our central hub in the U.S.,” Bachar said. “The vehicle industry is headquartered in Detroit, and it’s very important to us to be close to the main actors.”

In addition to automakers, the company works with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and collaborates with Microsoft,

Amazon and system integrators.

The company has hired several local workers, and one executive has relocated to Detroit from Israel. “We are planning to expand into our own office,” Bachar said.

“Michigan as a state has all sorts of aid options for startups. Their WeWork space was very convenient for us. They had saved us a lot of headaches in the initial process.

“Investing in Detroit is part of the commitment that we’ve made to our clients in the area,” Bachar continued. Indeed, the company’s Detroit office is looking to hire technical people, and specifically from the Jewish community: That’s our layer of Zionism,” Bachar said. “In the cultural aspect, anyone who has worked with other Israeli companies has an advantage. Working at startups is a bit different from corporate America.”

Today, the company has about 100 workers, mostly in its headquarters in Herzliya, Israel, but also in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Those include software engineers, data analysts and cyber researchers, in addition to sales, marketing, finance and HR people.

Levy shared his plans for the company’s future: “We are going to develop from cyber-only areas into additional applications, mostly in the areas of insurance, predictive maintenance, and helping automakers make a better and more efficient monetization of the data from their vehicles.

“Detroit is a very important location in Upstream’s development. Our goal is to build a center of excellence in Detroit that would become a cyber-security and data analytics center for the automotive industry.”

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25

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

Devoted to Family and Faith

M

yron L. “Mynie” Milgrom, 94, of Southfield, died Nov. 28, 2021.

Mynie was a strong-willed Jewish family man. He believed in shalom bayit (peace in the home) and was truly the happiest when his family was together.

He was a gregarious and charismatic, a natural schmoozer whose personality drew people to him.

Born Sept. 27, 1927, Mynie was the beloved third child of the late Max Milgrom and the late Fannie Berman Milgrom Cooper. He was close to all his aunts, uncles and cousins, all of whom helped connect him to the most important person in his life, his father, who died when Mynie was 5.

Even with losing his father so young, Mynie connected to strong and inspiring men in his life including his grandfather, Shmuel Milgrom, family friend, Jacob Soberman, and stepfather, Meyer Cooper.

Mynie grew up with older siblings Lillian and Louis, and later welcomed Jack and Thelma into the family.

After graduating from Central High School in 1945, Mynie was drafted into the Army but never saw active service.

He was stationed in Kentucky until his honorable discharge in 1947. When he returned home, he earned his degree in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan.

Mynie was the vice president of sales at the Soberman and Milgrom Paint Company, created by his father and Jacob Soberman, which ultimately became Mercury Paint Company.

Mynie and his beloved late wife, Jacqueline, met at a party for returning veterans. They got engaged in 1949 and were married Oct. 15, 1950, at Shaarey Zedek on Chicago Boulevard.

They were married for 70 years and had four daughters together, Paula, Marcia, Marianne and the late Carole Jo. “They were devoted to each other, and they loved their life together. She made things perfect for him, and he took care

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

Mynie Milgrom

of her,” said youngest daughter Marianne Milgrom Bloomberg.

Throughout the years, Mynie and Jackie traveled the world — to Europe and the Far East and Israel many times, several times with Federation.

Mynie had a deep connection to Congregation Shaarey Zedek. He became president of the Men’s Club and, ultimately, president of the synagogue.

Mynie was also proud of being a co-founder of the Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation in 1984.

He believed strongly in philanthropy and giving back, and supported Jewish education at Hillel Day School, where he was among those who started the Endowment Fund.

He was honored by the Jewish Theological Seminary for his involvement. He was also involved with JARC, the Technion, Israel Bonds and the Holocaust Memorial Center. Being honored as an “8 over 80”‘ by Jewish Senior Life was among his proudest moments.

Mynie was instrumental in founding enrichment funds at Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network, including the Carole Jo Lasser, z’l, Music Fund, after his daughter’s death in 2016, so future JHCN clients would benefit from personalized, interactive visits that provide comfort and enrichment through music.

“People are remembering him as a great guy and someone that helped them,” Bloomberg said. “Someone wrote to me that he put them on the path to their career. He changed lives, it sounds like to me. It’s really warming that he made an impact on people. I think in this life that’s all you want, to know you changed one life, that’s everything.”

Mynie Milgrom was the beloved husband of the late Jacqueline Milgrom; dear father of Paula Milgrom and Jim Barnett, Marcia and Tony Dodge, Marianne and Robert Bloomberg, and the late Carole Jo Lasser; devoted grandfather of Samuel Lasser and Lauren Miller, Rachel Lasser, Max and Rebecca Appelman, Michael and Lindsey Barnett, Brie and Vincent Hesano, Natasha Sydney Dodge, Allison Bloomberg and Will Bloomberg; proud great-grandfather of Adam, Owen and Norah Lasser, Olivia Appelman, Stella, Lucy and Henry Barnett, and Hailey and Brayden Hesano.

He was the dedicated brother of Sally and the late Nathan Soberman, the late Lillian and the late Jack Perlman, the late Thelma and the late Louis Milgrom; loving son of the late Max Milgrom, the late Fannie Milgrom Cooper and the late Meyer I. Cooper; and son-in-law of the late Lillian and the late Morris D. Pushkin.

He’s also survived by nieces, nephews and many loving family members and friends as well as devoted caregivers, Shantel Tran, Margo Sliwinska, Sandra Walker, Doris Poprawa and Brittany Drzinsky.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions in his honor can be made to Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, Carole Jo Lasser Music Fund, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice. org; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

Rabbi Joseph Krakoff contributed to this obituary.

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

LORRAINE BLANCK, 100, of Bloomfield Hills, died Dec. 2, 2021.

She is survived by her children, Stuart Blank, Stanford and Roz Blanck, and Fred Blanck and Andree Joyaux; grandchildren, Lisa and Peter Ehrlich, Adam and Lauren Blanck, and Jenna Blanck and her fiance, Jacob Gutner; great-grandchildren, Mia and Alexandra Ehrlich, and Jesse Blanck. She is also survived by her caregivers, Margaret, Glennis, Mandy and Donna; as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Mrs. Blanck was the beloved wife of the late Martin M. Blanck; the loving sister of the late Getrude Beerbohm, the late Marbel Hackelman and the late

Sidney Denenburg; the devoted daughter of the late Jacob and the late Yetta Denenburg.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice.org; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

PHYLLIS RANA EHRLICH, 73, of Livonia, died Nov. 26, 2021.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Jack and Ida Ehrlich; dear mother of Jamison (Shannon) Pollack and Amy Pollack; loving grandmother of Michael Aguilar and Matthew

Aguilar; cherished sister of the late Michael Ehrlich.

Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Interment was at Hebrew Memorial Park. Arrangements

by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

DANIEL FELDMAN, 96, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 26, 2021.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Dr. Jeffrey Ingber; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Richard and Laurie Feldman, Dr. Randy and Cheryl Feldman; grandchildren, Dr. Jason (Rebecca) Ingber, Stacy (Jorey) Chernett, Dr. Michael (Dr. Lori) Ingber, Jessica (Jason) Berman, Jaime (Josh) Goldman and

Alex (Karen) Feldman, Dr. Jeremy (Randal) Feldman and Matthew (Alyssa) Feldman; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Janet Feldman; companion, Rhoda Raderman; sisters-in-law, Rosalie Dean and Judy Roth; 17 great-grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Mr. Feldman was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn Feldman; brother of the late Marilyn Berman; brother-inlaw of the late Harold Dean and the late Sanford Roth.

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

Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

WE R E ME MB E R & MOU R N OU R DE AR FRIEND

MYRON MILGROM

Z’L

BELOVED PATRIARCH OF THE MILGROM FAMILY AND A PIONEER OF JHCN’S MUSIC ENRICHMENT FUND.

Myron was a gregarious and charismatic man who loved to schmooze and make new friends wherever he went. He felt blessed to have been married to Jackie z’l, the love of his life, and to have raised four wonderful daughters. Mynie cherished his Jewish identity, loved being a Levi and was invested in countless causes that emphasized Jewish education. Following the death of his beloved daughter Carole Joz’l, Mynie and Jackie established the Carole Jo Lasser Music Fund to bring the power of music to patients and their families at end of life. Because of Mynie’s vision, thousands of JHCN’s patients have benefited from the joy of Jewish and popular music.

THE JEWISH HOSPICE & CHAPLAINCY NETWORK OFFER WISHES OF COMFORT AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO MYNIE’S FAMILY: Beloved husband of the late Jacqueline Milgrom. Dear father of Paula Milgrom and Jim Barnett, Marcia and Tony Dodge, Marianne and Robert Bloomberg and the late Carole Jo Lasser. Devoted Grandfather of Samuel Lasser and Lauren Miller, Rachel Lasser, Max and Rebecca Appelman, Michael and Lindsey Barnett, Brie and Vincent Hesano, Natasha Sydney Dodge, Allison Bloomberg and Will Bloomberg. Proud great-grandfather of Adam, Owen and Norah Lasser, Olivia Appelman, Stella, Lucy and Henry Barnett and Hailey and Brayden Hesano. Dedicated brother of Sally and the late Nathan Soberman, the late Lillian and the late Jack Perlman, the late Thelma and the late Louis Milgrom. Loving son of the late Max Milgrom, the late Fannie Milgrom Cooper and the late Meyer I. Cooper and son-in-law of the late Lillian and the late Morris D. Pushkin. Also survived by nieces, nephews and many loving family members and friends. The family of Jacqueline and Myron L. Milgrom extends heartfelt gratitude to their devoted caregivers – The Fab 5 - Shantel Tran, Margo Sliwinska, Sandra Walker, Doris Poprawa and Brittany Drzinsky.

Myron “Mynie” Milgrom

z’l

SEPTEMBER 27, 1927 – NOVEMBER 28, 2021 MAY HIS MEMORY BE FOR A BLESSING

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STEVEN FRIEDMAN, 72, of Winter Haven, Fla., formerly of Oak Park, died Nov. 27, 2021.

He was the cherished brother of Karen (Keith) Kalish, Michael Friedman, Robert (Debbie) Friedman. He was the loving uncle of three nieces and nine great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Friedman was the son of the late Calman and Marvelle Friedman.

Contributions may be made to Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072, yadezra.org/donate.

JON ERIC GRAY, 60, of Wixom, died Nov. 26, 2021.

He fought a valiant battle against COVID, but it was too high a hill to climb. His suffering is over, and he joins his family in heaven. He will be remembered by family and many, many friends for his happiness, smile, devotion, kindness, humor and love for the Vikings, Tigers and Red Wings.

Mr. Gray is survived by his son, Jordan Gray; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Paul Delaney; cousins, Arnie and Sharyn Cohl, Lisa (Israel) Cohl Hertz; aunt, Claudia.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

MARTHA HAAS, 95, of Beverly Hills, died Dec. 2, 2021.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Gabriel and Marian Haas; grandchildren, Gabriel Haas, Adam and Emily Haas, and Alexander Haas.

Mrs. Haas was the beloved

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8 Teves Dec. 12 Fayga Gittel Chesluk Seymour Collen Elsie Katz Sadie Kessler Harry Keys Edith Lewis Marx Esther Newman Celia Rabinowitz Henry Roth Reva Schoichit Sam Siegel Minnie Taylor Alexander Weiss 9 Teves Dec. 13 Edis Bordoley David Fleischer Max Glass Morris Hoffman Chaim Yossel Kazerinsky Mendel Stawis Bonnie Torgow

10 Teves Dec. 14 Lawrence Beigler Sam Lippa Brady Hyman R. Cohen Menachem M. Cohen Jack J. Eason Lena Grossman Bessie Katzman Lenamyra Margules Dr. Robert Eric Mills Jacob Kopel Palman Yenta Schochet Henri Wagmann 11 Teves Dec. 15 Max Goldman Julius Green 12 Teves Dec. 16 Cantor Rubin Boyarsky Arthur A. Cutler Hyman I Kaplan Joseph Katz Fayga Kuhn

Levi Kuhn Eva Landsman Leo Lubetsky Laura Nagler Sarah A. Nederlander Morris Schechter Charles J. “Chickie” Sherman Bertha Zeff 13 Teves Dec. 17 Rose E Chayet David Ben Rafael Moshe Rebecca Farhy Phylis Hertzberg Herbert Mendelsohn 14 Teves Dec. 18 Henry Cohen Sam Daniels David Lebenbom Josephine Jeanette Rodnick Sylvia Shapiro Oskar L. Wolf

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 57

wife for 62 years of the late Dr. Peter Haas.

Contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders-USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030, donate.doctorswithoutborders. org/onetime.cfm. Arrangements

by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

RICHARD MOSS, 88, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 17, 2021.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judie Moss; son and daughter-in-law, David and Jerri Moss; daughter and sonin-law, Sue and Michael Barash; grandchildren, Amanda Moss, Isabel Moss, Xinsheng Moss, Peninah Barash, Moshe Barash, Yoni Barash; sister-in-law, Sue

Donahue; many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Moss was the dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Arthur Moss, the late Samuel and the late Edith Moss, the late Adelle and the late Sy Robbins.

Contributions may be made to Na’amat Midwest, 10024 Skokie Blvd., #226, Skokie, IL 60077; or American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076.

A graveside service took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

DARRYL SCOTT ROGERS, 61, of Franklin, died Nov. 26, 2021.

He was born in Detroit on Aug.

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21, 1959, and was a unique and special human being.

Darryl was a family man who cherished, first and foremost, the time he spent with his wife and sons. As a father, he was always present and available and made it a point to instill in his sons the importance of hard work, reaching for their goals, and that nothing/nobody was more important than family.

Darryl was a devoted friend to many. He touched people’s lives in a way that was unforgettable and a true inspiration to all who knew him. May his memory forever be a blessing.

Mr. Rogers is survived by his cherished wife of 37 years, Dr. Shari Rogers; his loving sons and daughter-in-law, Seth and Anna Rogers of Bloomfield Hills, Chase Rogers of Los Angeles, Calif., and Ross Rogers of Franklin; adored grandchildren, Slade and Steele Rogers;

loving father, Denni Rogers of Bloomfield Hills; brother and sister-in-law, Irvin (Mong) Rogers of Troy; father-in-law, Dr. Joel Dreyer of Bloomfield Township; mother-in-law, Barbara (Michael) Wildstein of West Palm Beach, Fla.; sistersin-law and brothers-in-law, Nicole and Alan Weissman of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dara and Reuven Phillips of Jerusalem, Israel, and Jade and Justin Burton of Los Angeles, Calif.; uncle and aunt, Ron and Fran Rogers of Oak Park; aunt, Helen Klar of Farmington Hills; nephews and nieces, Joshua and Blake Weissman of Las Vegas, Atara, Dov Bear and Elimelech of Jerusalem; many loving cousins and dear friends.

Darryl was preceded in death by his dear mother, Leslie Rogers.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions

may be made to Building Relationships Inc., Spill the Honey, 23179 Telegraph Road, Southfield, MI 48033, spillthehoney.com/donate; Kadima, 15999 W. 12 Mile, Southfield, MI 48076, kadimacenter.org; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

ZLATA ROSE, 88, of West Bloomfield, died Dec. 1, 2021.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Ron Lederman; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Lori Rose; grandchildren, Nicole Lederman, Jenny Lederman and Matt Scheppele, Meghan Lederman, Rachel and Matt Goreshnik, and Aaron Rose and his partner, Amber Fleming; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Leah Goreshnik.

She is also survived by her loving caregiver, Becky Jones; and many other loving relatives and friends.

Mrs. Rose was the beloved wife of the late Morris J. Rose.

Interment was at B’nai Israel Memorial Gardens.

Contributions may be made to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, parkinsonsmi.org; Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, temple-israel.org/tributes; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SOL ROSSMAN, 92, of Farmington Hills, died Nov. 24, 2021.

He is survived by his son and continued on page 60

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DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 59

daughter-in-law, Josh and Julie Rossman; grandchildren, Jacob and Sofia.

Mr. Rossman was the beloved husband for 62 years of the late Donda Rossman.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1150, Southfield, MI 48034, heart.org/en/ affiliates/michigan/detroit.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

JACK H. SCHECHTER, 94, of Highland Beach, Fla., died Nov. 25, 2021.

He is survived by his wife, Linda (Vinocur)

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Schechter; daughters and son-in-law, Sandy Adler, and Ruth and Robert Pomish; sons and daughters-in-law, Marc and Marcie Schechter, and David and Lori Schechter; stepchildren, Steven Sherman and Stacy Sherman; grandchildren, Robert and Michelle Adler, Jeffrey Adler, Dayna Adler, Erin Schechter and Matt Rocco, Alex and Ali Schecter, Jessica Pomish and her fiance, Kory Manuel, Nicole Pomish, Julie Schechter and her fiance, Andrew Kerr, Jody Schechter and Jason Baldachino, Sam Egar and Sophie Egar; great-grandchildren, Edison, Cassidy and Shiloh Adler, Harper and Jake Rocco, and Graham Schechter. He is also survived by his devoted care-

giver, Flore Jeffson.

Mr. Schechter was the beloved son of the late Julius and the late Hilda Schechter; the dear father-in-law of the late Edward Adler.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Kadima, Julius A. Schechter Home, 15999 W. 12 Mile, Southfield, MI 48076, kadimacenter.org; or JARC Schechter Home, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, jarc.org/give. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MICHAEL USHER, 75, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 24, 2021.

He is survived

by his sons, Matthew Usher and Andrew Usher; daughter, Lori-Anne Usher; granddaughter, Ava Usher; sisters and brother, Sam Butterfly, Misha Bowman, Larry and Lucinda Usher, and Sunny Haack and Michael McInerny.

He is also survived by Arlene and Tony Adelson.

Mr. Usher was the devoted son of the late Morris and the late Sophie Usher.

Contributions may be made to Elara Caring, 3010 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy., Suite 1100, Dallas, TX 75234, elara.com/ services/hospice-care; or Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI 48201, karmanos.org.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

A Life of Adventure & Caring

E

ugene Neugebohr, 78, of Bloomfield Hills, died peacefully at home on Nov. 21, 2021.

He was born in Russia in 1943 and immigrated to Israel in 1956. In 1965, he immigrated to the United States.

Eugene was larger than life and truly enjoyed life to the fullest. He had many interests and was an avid sportsman, enjoying ski trips to Colorado with family and friends, helicopter skiing with his grandson Josh, motocross racing and auto racing with his son Oren and others at the M1 racecourse and scuba diving with his wife, Ina. He loved to push his family to be as adventurous as he was and enjoyed visiting his grandson Itai at his hockey games, his granddaughter Paityn at her horseback riding shows and his eldest granddaughter Zoe at her swim meets and soccer games.

Eugene also loved attending Pistons home games with Ina or daughter Claire. He was very familyoriented and loved to spend every moment that he could with his loved ones. He was incredibly proud of all his grandchildren and was looking forward to attending his grandson Josh’s wedding and granddaughter Zoe’s graduation from college in 2022. He always looked forward to receiving new artwork from granddaughter Paityn and hearing about the latest news in grandson Itai’s life at school.

Eugene was always ready for the next adventure. He

loved to have fun and members. explore new places, Eugene was very interests, foods and philanthropic. He art with his family and Ina always and friends. The looked forward to Neugebohr family attending FIDF traveled the world functions with extensively with their son Oren, Eugene Neugebohr Eugene leading the his wife, Kristen, group throughout and their daughter Europe and Israel. Almost Claire; Eugene had a special every Sunday Eugene would connection with FIDF as go to lunch with Ina and a board member. He was his grandchildren Paityn a veteran of the Israel and Itai to his favorite Defense Forces Armored restaurant and to the movies Corps Division as a tank afterward. On Sunday commander. He and Ina afternoon, Eugene and supported many students in Ina would visit Jordan, his the FIDF impact program, special needs grandson, and allowing soldiers to obtain Jordan’s friend, companion college educations. He often and caregiver, Marion. stayed connected with and Eugene and Jordan had a visited with the soldiers that very special relationship. he and Ina supported. The Jordan loved his Saba with couple also supported the all his heart and would Friendship Circle, JARC light up whenever Eugene and Variety the Children’s walked into the room. They Charity among others. communicated in a way that Eugene was an astute was very special to them. businessperson. He founded When granddaughter Auto Electric International Zoe began studying film in the basement of his Oak production in high school, Park home and built it into he never missed a screening an international supplier of or film festival in which remanufactured starters and she was involved. He never alternators to the automotive missed an opportunity to aftermarket. He was so attend a rock concert with proud when his son Oren his daughter Claire or an joined the business and opera, play or musical with helped grow it even further. his Ina. Eugene and Ina often Eugene was loved and would take Josh and Zoe on adored by everyone he trips to Europe, where they crossed paths with. He loved to visit museums and was a bright star with historical sites. a big smile. He had a Eugene also looked magnetic personality that forward to Sunday morning was irresistible. A true motorcycle rides with the mensch, Eugene was loved local chapter of the Chai by his family, friends and Riders. Those rides were employees and respected in special to him, and he made his industry as a leader and many friends among the visionary. He was a man of

great integrity, determination and always had a positive mental attitude. His attitude and encouragement impacted so many people in a positive way.

Eugene will be sorely missed by everyone fortunate enough to know him. His life ended too soon, but it was a very full and happy life.

Mr. Neugebohr is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ina Neugebohr; daughter, Claire Kahn and her fiancé, Aubrey Tobin; son and daughterin-law, Oren and Kristen Neugebohr; grandchildren, Joshua Kahn and his fiancée, Mirtha Echeverria, Jordan Kahn and his loving caregiver and companion, Marion Frazine, and Zoe, Paytyn and Itai Neugebohr; brother and sister-in-law, Avi and Ada Neer; brotherin-law and sister-in-law, Hanan and Magi Puterman; nieces and nephews, Noam Neer, Tal and Dror Neer Kastel, Sharon and Anat Puterman, Sagi Puterman, and Dan Puterman. He is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Friendship Circle, Meer Family Friendship Center, 6892 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, friendshipcircle.org/donate; JARC, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301; Friends of the IDF, Michigan Chapter, P.O. Box 999, Walled Lake, MI 48390, fidf.org/donate; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

DECEMBER 9 • 2021

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Looking Back

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

Remembering a Champion of Liberty

O

nce in a while, when researching a particular topic, I cannot find anything in the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History.

This is rare, but one topic often leads to another interesting subject … or to a person of note.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of landmark legislation in Michigan. In 1976, the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) was passed. It is an act with a wide focus, prohibiting discrimination in the state based on “religion, race, color, national origin, Mike Smith age, sex, height, weight, Alene and Graham Landau familial status or marital Archivist Chair status” in employment, housing, education and access to public accommodations.

For Jewish Detroit, the prohibition of discrimination based on religion is the key phrase. Indeed, the ELCRA was a big leap forward for Michigan law in the 1970s. However, the Act is increasingly relevant in today’s political climate of rising antisemitism and extreme right-wing prejudice against others of various types of “religion, race, color, national origin, etc.”

Despite the path-breaking nature of the ELCRA, I was surprised to find that it was only mentioned on two pages of JN. These were more recent stories about the efforts of the NJCW to make sure the Act enforced its sex discrimination provisions regarding pay equity and health care (JN Dec. 27, 2007, and March 28, 2013). Nevertheless, I did learn a few things about the Jewish nature of the Act’s foundation. I also learned that the work of one Jewish lawyer was instrumental in laying the foundation of the ELCRA in the 1960s: Professor Harold Norris (19182013).

The act itself was built upon civil rights provisions incorporated in the new state constitution produced by the Michigan Constitutional Convention, 1961-1962.

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Approved by the voters in 1963, it became the basis for Michigan law in January 1964.

The new constitution featured a national “first.” It enacted a Michigan Civil Rights Commission with investigative powers not found in any other state constitution.

Publisher Emeritus Arthur Horwitz’s essay “Turning Point for Civil Rights” (Jan. 24, 2013, JN) summarizes this signature accomplishment, and noted that Professor Norris played a salient role in crafting its civil rights provisions, which underlie 1976’s ELRCA. In the Archive, I found no shortage of pages citing the work of Norris. A native of Detroit, as soon as he began practicing law in Michigan, Norris concentrated on constitutional, labor and civil liberties law. He taught more than 6,000 students about these legal doctrines as a professor at the Detroit College of Law (DCL), now a school of Michigan State University, for 37 years.

During his tenure at the DCL, Norris was elected to Michigan’s Constitutional Convention in 1961, received two Lifetime Achievement Awards in 1988 and 2011 from the State Bar of Michigan, a special award for “25 Years of Outstanding Service” from the Detroit Jewish Chronicle, and was honored by the Michigan Supreme Court in 1987, to name just a few accolades.

Norris was also an author of several books, a celebrated poet and a popular speaker. His famous poem, The Liberty Bell, is still on display at the Detroit Public Library.

The obituary for Professor Norris in the Oct. 24, 2013, JN was aptly titled “Champion of Liberty” and it described him as one of “Michigan’s most celebrated civil liberties advocates.” Today, we all benefit from his wisdom.

Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation. org.

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