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Camp Mom Michigan Mission?
Create a fun summer for the kids. See page 14.
contents July 30-Aug. 5, 2020/ 9-15 Av 5780| VOLUME CLVII, ISSUE 26
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34 Shabbat Lights
On the cover:
Shabbat starts: Friday, July 31, 8:35 p.m. Shabbat ends: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9:40 p.m.
Cover photo/credit: Courtesy of the Gotlib family Cover design: Kaitlyn Schoen
* Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.
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Spirit
5-13
Torah portion
Cover Story: Camps! Camp Mom Michigan
Yiddish Limerick: Tisha B’Av
14 Mission? Create a fun summer for the kids.
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Camp in a Box
Jews and Arbor Trees
20 Everything kids need, delivered to their door.
37 Reflections on Tisha B’Av.
A Place to Connect
Arts&Life
23 Therapyology Camp gives tweens and teens a place to socialize and talk about feelings.
Life-Affirming Expression
Jews in the D Thirsty to Learn
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Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook @DetroitJewishNews Twitter @JewishNewsDet Instagram @detroitjewishnews
30 Poet brings impact of grief in ‘The Plague of the Tender-Hearted.’
Canceled!
22 Detroit educators enjoy virtual NewCAJE Conference at reduced cost.
31 West Bloomfield revokes permit for Orchard Lake Fine Art Show.
Signed into Law
Celeb Jews
24 Local Hadassah members advocated for Never Again Education Act.
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Michigan Courts Rule Against Oakland County in $8.41 Foreclosure Case
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26 County says it will investigate treasurer over auction profits as primaries loom.
Survivor Outreach
thejewishnews.com
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Online Events Health Front Porch Medicine 34 Urologists add no-contact testing layer to patient care.
27 COVID care packages for Holocaust survivors.
Etc.
Moments
The Exchange Soul Raskin Looking Back
Moments 28
38 41 45 46
OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to reflect diverse community viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. As an independent, responsible, responsive community member, we actively engage with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. JULY 30 • 2020
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Views for openers
Unexpected Consequences of the Pandemic
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ast year, we were fortunate to be the proud owners of a new car. (Well, new for us.) My kids promptly named our new set of wheels “Marshmallow” — which wasn’t nearly as creative as the family who named their big red van “Clifford,” but not bad. Rochel Burstyn Anyhow … Life was good. Life was GRAND. All car doors open. The wheels fairly glide over potholes, unlike my previous car, which was known to induce labor. The windows are not (yet) decorated in stickers from the doctor’s office. And most importantly, it drove like a dream. Until suddenly it didn’t. A few weeks ago, I stuck the key in and, oh no, déjà vu. It
wouldn’t start. Marshmallow was duly towed to the mechanic who did some digging — and surprise— turned out a critter had made its home underneath the engine and spent happy hours chewing on the wires, which shorted out my car. A few weeks ago, the Detroit Free Press ran an article that warned about this very issue. Apparently, it’s become extremely common because when cars sit in driveways for months at a time, not going anywhere at all, animals tend to think, Hmm, that would be the perfect place to park my fancy tail after a hard day of foraging for nuts and racing around tree trunks. Who knew the “staying home/ staying safe” guidelines would have such unexpected consequences? The article also said some
car brands like Toyota use a soy-coated wiring for the cars. Another fun fact I discovered from this fascinating article by Jamie L. LaReus was this: Critters who move in under car hoods tend to have exceptionally good teeth! He quoted University of Michigan psychology professor Ben Dantzer, who
said, “All rodents have these ever-growing teeth and they need to chew on things to keep them from getting long … Never once do you find a wild squirrel that has teeth that are screwed up … But rats used in biomedical research, their teeth are long and out of control because they haven’t had anything hard to continued on page 8
essay
Three Cheers for Detroit Lions’ Romeo Okwara One local sports figure has gotten it right, and we should applaud his stance. On July 13, Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara took on a fellow football play- Romeo Okwara er and Nation of Islam (NOI) leader Louis Farrakhan at the same time. In case you missed it: Over the past few weeks, a flurry of commentary and social media posts have surfaced regarding Farrakhan’s July 4 address marking the 90th TOM HANNY, WIKIPEDIA
S
ocial media has made it simple to make one’s thoughts known. With a digital platform and a few keystrokes, anyone can disseminate their viewpoint, regardless of tone, facts or accuracy. The truth is, on social media, there are very few Carolyn arbiters of truth. Normandin But we must insist on veracity and we must call out hate — even when the sheer number of social media posts makes it seem like we are fighting a losing battle.
anniversary of NOI. In the speech, Farrakhan referred to Jews collectively as “Satan” and the “enemy of God” and repeated the false claim that Jews are enjoined by their religion to “poison prophets” and that Jews had “broken their covenant relationship with God.” This rhetoric is sadly not unusual for Farrakhan. But that was just the beginning. A number of Black celebrities and influencers — from Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson to TV host Nick Cannon — lauded
Farrakhan’s speech and even doubled down when their comments were depicted as antisemitic. Jackson was fined by his team and Cannon was fired by Viacom CBS. But Romeo Okwara showed he’s not afraid to take on fellow NFL players. His Instagram caption on the subject said: “Antisemitic comments towards the Jewish community are and will always be completely unacceptable. As a fellow member of the NFL, I am incredibly embarrassed for the huge mistake DeSean Jackson made. We must all continue to educate ourselves and fight continued on page 8 JULY 30 • 2020
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Views essay
Making an IMPACT!
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ast October, while on my 16th trip to Israel, I had an experience that I will never forget. I got to meet two veteran IDF soldiers whose lives were changed forever, thanks to the IMPACT! scholarships that my husband Norm and I had provided. Here’s a little background that led to this Susie Pappas meeting. On our second trip to Israel in 1980, our group had the privilege of being the first mission to be able to spend the night at an IDF army base. It was very exciting, and a little scary as well. We met several of the officers there and the one that stood out was Yaya — Yair Yaron, the head of the Paratroopers Unit. In 1996, Yaya asked Norm if he would help to set up a new chapter of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) in Detroit, which he did. My involvement with FIDF at that time was attending the annual dinner every year. Then, in the summer of 2015, we attended a gathering where I learned about the IMPACT! Scholarship Program. Norm and I were so impressed with what we heard about this unique program that we decided to become donors in support of a scholarship that night. FIDF’s IMPACT! Scholarship Program grants full four-year scholarships to Israeli combat and combat
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support soldiers in need, following their military service. The IMPACT! scholarship is unique: 100% of contributions go directly to the student for payment of tuition and related expenses, such as textbooks, as well as living experiences while they study so they can fully focus on their academics at an accredited university. To be eligible, the soldiers must come from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, which would prevent them from getting a college education. Any IDF soldier that meets the criteria can receive an IMPACT! scholarship. Every scholarship student must complete 130 hours of community service during each year of his or her scholarship as a way to give back and help others in need in return for this opportunity. Soldiers from every socioeconomic level enter the IDF after they complete high school. Many have the aptitude and desire to continue their studies after their army service but lack the financial means to do
so. That’s why the IMPACT! Program is so special. This is the 18th year of the program and over 16,000 students have benefited from it. Donors receive an initial letter and photo from their scholarship student followed by a letter yearly with an update on their academic progress, volunteer placements and life in general. Many of the families sponsor more than one student. Some families develop very close relationships with their students and celebrate family simchahs together. They may get together in Israel and, in some cases, have brought their students to the United States for a visit. The connections continue long after graduation. We looked forward to receiving letters from our soldier, Barak, but we didn’t meet him in person because we did not go to Israel during that time. In the intervening years, my involvement with FIDF increased, as I chaired the Women of Valor Luncheon in 2018 and 2019, which successfully raised funds for
the IMPACT! Scholarship Program. Then in the fall of 2019 I decided to go on a Women’s Mission to Israel. Paula Lebowitz, FIDF Michigan Chapter director, asked if I would like to meet my student. She encouraged me to find the time because all the donors who have met their students in the past have said it was a highlight of their trip — and so it was for me as well. When the day came for our lunch meeting, I was very pleased and surprised to learn that we had not one but two scholars: one who had completed his scholarship and was involved in his career and another who was in the middle of his schooling. Both came to meet me, bringing me gifts and lots of gratitude. I will never forget their expressions of appreciation and how grateful they were that we had changed their lives. Hearing about their experiences changed my life as well. I came home with the determination and goal of encouraging more Detroiters to participate in this life-changing program. As much as you will be giving to a soldier in need, you will personally receive even more and, hopefully, sometime in the future, you too will be able to meet someone whose life was changed by your generosity. Community leader and philanthropist Susie Pappas lives in Bloomfield Hills.
JULY 30 • 2020
JVS
GETTING OUR COMMUNITY BACK TO WORK JVS Human Services is open and ready to help you navigate the new challenges we face. More of us than ever are uncertain about our careers and ƓQDQFHV DQG WKDW LV XQGHUVWDQGDEO\ VFDU\ -96 LV KHUH WR KHOS \RX SUHSDUH IRU \RXU QH[W RSSRUWXQLW\ DQG EXLOG D EHWWHU IXWXUH IRU \RXUVHOI DQG WKRVH \RX ORYH $Q\RQH FDQ JLYH DGYLFH -96 WDNHV LW D VWHS IXUWKHU HTXLSSLQJ \RX ZLWK WKH NQRZOHGJH DQG WRROV \RX QHHG WR ZULWH D great resume SUHVHQW \RXUVHOI LQ WKH EHVW ZD\ SRVVLEOH IRU D =RRP interview HQHUJL]H \RXU QHWZRUNLQJ DQG PDQDJH \RXU money ,Q WRXJK WLPHV DQG DQ\WLPH -96 RIIHUV FREE HPSOR\PHQW DQG ƓQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV LQFOXGLQJř • The Road Ahead webinars every Tuesday and Thursday on the JVS Facebook page. We cover a variety of topics that will help you succeed in this changing job market. Ř 2QH RQ RQH FRXQVHOLQJ WR KHOS \RX ƓQG solutions to your unique problems. 7R PDNH DQ DSSRLQWPHQW RU OHDUQ PRUH DERXW WKHVH VHUYLFHV DQG HYHU\WKLQJ HOVH -96 FDQ GR IRU \RX FDOO XV DW 248.233.4245 RU HPDLO EmploymentHelp@jvshumanservices.org
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against ignorance and hatred of all types. As we fight for equality in the Black community, we can’t step on the necks of another. It is important to speak up in times like these and I want to thank @zbnfl for his leadership on this very important matter. There is no place for hate in this world!” At ADL, we couldn’t agree more. In fact, our K-12 school cultural framework is actually called “No Place For Hate,” and schools in the Metro Detroit area have used the platform to take control of the narrative to establish diverse and inclusive speech, actions and proactive school-wide programming. I have often cited “Oppression Olympics” as a reason one minority will practice indifference toward another minority. We like to think we have the market cornered on oppressive history. But this is dangerous because none of us are safe until we are all safe. And let’s face it: Until we acknowledge it is wrong to act with indifference toward another marginalized group, we will continue to flounder as a human race. Is there a way to separate Arthur M. Horwitz Publisher ahorwitz@renmedia.us F. Kevin Browett Chief Operating Officer kbrowett@renmedia.us | Editorial Editor: Andrew Lapin alapin@thejewishnews.com Associate Editor: Jackie Headapohl jheadapohl@renmedia.us Social Media and Digital Producer: Nathan Vicar nvicar@renmedia.us Multimedia Reporter: Corrie Colf ccolf@renmedia.us
PANDEMIC from page 5
fact from fiction on social media? And doesn’t every American have a right to say what is on their mind? The answer is yes and yes. But we must not excuse away our due diligence because of the fast-paced timing of Twitter or Instagram. Do your homework. Take time to actually know what a person stands for before you weigh in on a topic. Understand what you are putting forth before you hit send. Mark Twain once said, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” It’s tough to write concisely; it often takes much longer to craft one sentence than it does to write a paragraph. But the power of a 280-character tweet can send shockwaves worldwide. And please remember: Celebrity status does not equal authority on a subject. This is a time of unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down, and the murder of George Floyd has ignited passion for change in tens of thousands of people in our country. We must not waste this moment. We must actively pursue eduEditorial Assistant: Sy Manello smanello@renmedia.us Senior Columnist: Danny Raskin dannyraskin2132@gmail.com Contributing Editor: Robert Sklar rsklar@renmedia.us Contributing Editor: David Sachs Editorial Intern: Yael Eichhorn yeichhorn@renmedia.us Contributing Writers: Nate Bloom, Rochel Burstyn, Suzanne Chessler, Shelli Liebman Dorfman, Stacy Gittleman, Maya Goldman, Esther Allweiss Ingber, Elizabeth Katz, Barbara Lewis, Mike Smith
The Detroit Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Hwy., #110, Southfield, MI 48034.
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JULY 30 • 2020
cating ourselves about our privilege, our diversity and our commonalities. And we must rally together against those — like Louis Farrakhan and the people who repeat his vile homophobic and antisemitic hatred — to ensure we stand up to hate of all marginalized groups, not just our own. One final reflection about the evolution of thought: With all the “communication” swirling around our electronic devices and making its way into our heads, let us remember the act of forgiveness. If you sense contrition, at least accept the idea that people can change their minds about a topic. Both DeSean Jackson and Nick Cannon have apologized and have vowed to learn more. Will they? Only time will tell. But before we write them off, let us give them a chance for growth. We must help each other reach common understandings. And that goes for all of us. Carolyn Normandin is the regional director of the Michigan ADL. To obtain No Place For Hate programming information, contact Michigan.adl.org.
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chew on.” So not only did we provide some animal with a cozy new dwelling, with edible chocolate-covered wires, but we also provided him with preventative dental care. A few days later, and several hundred dollars poorer, we were able to pick up Marshmallow from the mechanic. The good news: The animal had been evicted. The bad news: The car reeked. At first, we suspected that our unwanted tenant had died somewhere in the car, but nope, turned out it was one of those tiny bottles of milk we’d picked up from a food distribution area the week before. One had somehow lodged itself under a seat, where it sat for a jolly few days while the mechanic worked his expensive magic. And then the 90-degree weather turned up. Things turned ugly fast. The milk fermented and a most horrific shade of the most fetid odor filled the car. Yet another unexpected consequence of the pandemic! So if you happen to see a white van gliding smoothly down the street, with a bunch of kids gagging out the wide open windows, with about 25 of those tree shaped vanilla-scented air fresheners flapping in the breeze, that would be me. Beep and say hi! | Production By Farago & Associates Manager: Scott Drzewiecki Designers: Jessica Joannides, Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen, Michelle Sheridan
| Detroit Jewish News Partner: Arthur M. Horwitz ahorwitz@renmedia.us Partner: F. Kevin Browett kbrowett@renmedia.us Partner: Michael H. Steinhardt How to reach us see page 13
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In these troubling and uncertain times staying safe takes on several meanings: staying safe from the virus, staying safe from the predators and scammers, staying safe from the hate mongers and staying safe from the grossly misinformed. Empty rhetoric, exaggerations and fanfare won’t keep you safe. 5PP PGUFO JO QBSUJTBO SBDFT DIBMMFOHFST MJLF UIF POF JO UIJT SBDF mYBUF PO NBOVGBDUVSJOH TFOTBUJPOBM allegations against the incumbent that have no foundation in fact. They do this because they have no experience and no credentials for the job. You need a prosecutor with proven leadership, legal expertise and whose work and reputation you trust. A prosecutor who helps keep young people out of the system, but who has the experience and expertise to make sure this community remains safe. You need to vote for Jessica Cooper.
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Views letters
Thoughts on Rashida Tlaib Many readers have submitted reactions to our July 16 cover story, which featured an interview with Rep. Rashida Tlaib, accompanying article about her upcoming primary and an editor’s note explaining our decision to publish the pieces. The JN received more than a dozen letters to the editor and more than 100 Facebook comments. Here is a selection of the responses. Some have been edited for space and clarity.
‘Outraged’ Myself, many of my friends and family members were outraged to see the picture of Rashida Tlaib on the cover of the Jewish News. Indeed, what is the purpose of placing a picture of one of only two lawmakers to back the BDS movement on the cover of the Jewish News? Do we not have enough prominent advocates of the State of Israel and of the Jewish community who are more deserving of appearing on its front page? Moreover, the extensive, fivepage interview of Rep. Tlalib failed to question her about the “hardcore”, essential questions relative to her views of such basic, salient issues as her accusation that Israeli settlers murdered a young Arab boy, when in actuality the boy drowned and Israeli first responders found him and tried to revive him. This is known in Jewish history as “blood libel”. I would suggest that the Jewish News focus its content to be a strong advocate of the Jewish people and of the State of Israel. During these crazy times, we really need to relay positive, valuable views and ideas, as they relate to Judaism and our Jewish State. — Daphna Feldman West Bloomfield
‘Shining a Light’ It is always fascinating to see
the stars line up. I saw that happen on Aug. 9, 2018, when I learned that my friend of 15 years, Rashida Tlaib, had done the impossible. She would soon become a member of Congress. It was an incredible honor for a woman many like to talk negatively about yet have never actually met. Too often, we’re exposed to information that repeats inaccuracies and lacks context. For the past two years, I found myself as a lonely voice among my Jewish family and friends defending this person I’ve known and admired. A person with good in her heart. A person who I’ve seen stand up against evil. And there is plenty of evil in this world. I thank the Jewish News for shining a light on Rashida Tlaib. Clearly, we have a complicated world today that is energized by chaos. It is a difficult world for any new Congresswoman to navigate. We need the stars to align and bring us elected leaders who really do have a pure heart. There are such people who serve the public and they have “good” in their heart. — Irwin Danto West Bloomfield
‘Shameful’ Rashida Tlaib on the cover of the Jewish News? Really? The same Rashida Tlaib, supporter of BDS, who spews her disdain for Israel? The same Rashida Talib, supporter of Hamas as they fire rockets into Israel? The same Rashida Talib, supporter of Hezbollah? The same Rashida Tlaib who glorifies terror against Israel? The same Rashida Tlaib who has refused to denounce Antifa? Is this deplorable Congresswoman now a role model to be displayed on the front cover of our local Jewish newspaper? Could you not find a worthier person for this? Many come to mind — Alan
Dershowitz, Bari Weiss, Mort Klein, to name a few. Are there not enough platforms for our enemies (and make no mistake about it, Rashida Tlaib ranks high among these) to spout their loathing? Is it now the role of the Jewish News to provide yet one more stage? A shameful, shocking and appalling decision! — Malka Littman, Ilana Berris, Tami Brown, Faye Krut Jewish Educators West Bloomfield, MI
Can Jews Speak Out? Rashida still comes to community meetings in my east side Detroit neighborhood. Of course, I have some differences with her — as with most politicians (I don’t think Israeli academics should be sanctioned). But if people heard her story without knowing her religion — immigrant parents; first in her family to graduate from high school and college; works her way through law school; an activist who fought for civil rights and just causes — you’d think she was Jewish. I was moved to read her reply to a Muslim woman who asked why people aren’t speaking out against Trump and what he says about Muslims: “What were you saying when Mexicans were called rapists?” Jews used to be able to speak out like that — can we now? Speak out against the racism of Israel’s government to others without the tired trope of being “against Israel?” I can speak out against racism in this country without being seen as anti-American. I’d say we are better Americans for that. It’s not people like Rashida who will destroy Israel or damage the Jewish position in the world. It’s from within us, our behavior. Your children will see that. Many of us adults understand that. Jews were in the diaspora for many
years — it wasn’t unethical behavior that held us together. We had laws. We had beliefs. We thrived in this country fighting ethical battles when we first arrived. What happened? We must relearn lessons we once understood, now from people who are closer to that suffering, whether they be Black, Muslim or immigrants. I look forward to more in-depth articles that explore the difficult truths, and the joys, of our history and our current situation. — Sharon Luckerman Detroit
Warning Was Needed What? Are you kidding? On the cover? What next — Farrakhan? Nasrallah? Hitler? So much for your series on antisemitism. I thought the purpose of that series was to expose and prevent it, not justify and accept it. Interviewing her and thereby allowing her a platform to publicly and shamelessly extoll her abhorrent attitude toward Jews and Israel would have been objectionable enough, but to honor and promote her by putting her on the cover is beyond my ability to understand. I am torn between a consideration to cancel my subscription in protest vs. my desire to “keep my enemies closer.” It is so blatantly obvious that, after lying to you that she and her staff were unaware of your past attempts to talk to her, she only chose to speak to you now because she is in a fight for her political life in a close primary in two weeks. So she used you to influence public opinion and to try and placate the people she has most offended and alienated since taking office, and you took the bait faster than a hungry goldfish. Furthermore, your Editor’s Note column that offered a sheepish defense of the decision that you admittedly knew would continued on page 12
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spark controversy was also terribly misplaced. That should have been in last week’s issue so we knew what was coming, but that would have ruined the sensationalistic shock value of the blindside when we first saw the cover photo (I won’t even ask about the purpose of the inside photo spread of her smiling and laughing as if we are and have always been best friends). Had your communication come first, I might have accepted it as an explanation; when it came after the fact, it sounded more like an excuse if not an apology. I know there are many who would label me close-minded and xenophobic. I accept those compliments graciously but they are irrelevant to this matter. The issue here is that nobody who is antisemitic should have a place in our democratic government, and if your photo-op, interview and presentation influence even one person to consider supporting her, you have caused inexcusable and irreparable damage to the people who you are supposed to represent. Some of my friends already refer to the JN as the “non-Jewish News” because of its watered-down Jewish content. I fear that they may now begin calling it “the anti-Jewish News.” Only three words repeatedly come to mind — shame on you! — Joseph Greenbaum
Leaving Our Bubble The job of a newspaper isn’t to make the community it serves comfortable. Its role is to write stories that inform, inspire and even provoke. The team at the JN did that this week by devoting a cover package to Rashida Tlaib. She’s controversial, but they used their platform to talk to her about whatever they wanted and she accepted! Change is possible only if we look within ourselves and try to learn from whom we may not understand. If we leave our bubble, we will be better, stronger and wiser because of
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it. Props to the JN team and Andrew Lapin for starting a necessary conversation. — Erin Ben-Moche Former Metro Detroiter, currently Digital Content Manager at Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
‘Soft-Pedaled’ Nothing wrong with interviewing our enemies. Hearing what we are up against. As you said: “After all, dialogue is a sacred Jewish value.” But a reader immediately can see where this “interview” is headed by your choice of photos to use, showing a soft, non-aggressive, smiling Rashida Tlaib; and beginning with an elbowbump greeting. You, the interviewer, can frame the interviewee, by the questions you DO ask, and in this case, the questions you DO NOT ask. Your obvious intent was to “soften” the persona of Rashida Tlaib. Unasked questions included: Why do you single out Israel for condemnation and boycott, and give a “pass” to Syria gassing fellow Muslims, Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus, Hamas’ treatment of fellow Palestinians and many other mistreatment issues in the Middle East? Why do you ignore that Palestinians are blocking a peaceful resolution by refusing to sit at a negotiating table, or even to recognize Israel’s right to exist? Why do you support the Black Lives Matter organization and their stated antisemitic views and actions? African-Americans deserve equal protection under the law and protection from individual police racism, but why do you choose an organization like BLM, which hypocritically supports, and acts out, harm to the Jewish people? You “soft-pedaled” Tlaib’s persona by giving her a platform, with multiple smiling photos, hands on heart, to claim that she’s only against Netanyahu’s policies, and favors boycotting
Israel’s products as a protest against Israel — not Jews. You allowed Tlaib to come across as a woman who simply is fighting for human rights for everyone: Why should we Jews consider her Local Public Enemy No. 1? A comparison would be you interviewing Orville Hubbard, former Mayor of Dearborn, and allowing him to come across as a good mayor who just made sure the garbage was picked up on time. Your “interview” was disingenuous to your readers, by only asking questions that hide the true Rashida Tlaib. — Lawrence Freedman
the boycott of Israel and demand that American military aid be withheld. What has she done for her 13th district? Has she improved their lives or is her voice more turned toward criticizing and ostracizing us? She should stick to helping the district that voted her into Congress and stop criticizing Israel. You mention that Jewish Voice for Peace supports her, but do people know that JVP is a radical anti-Israel group that advocates the boycott of the State of Israel? I am disappointed with the JN giving her such a big voice. — Lorry Cooper
‘Commend’ I commend our JN and its leadership for the Andrew Lapin interview with Rep. Rashida Tlaib and its quite unusually wide cover story, in spite of her known blatant anti-Israel opinions, which since her election she is not shy to confess. I hope and pray that this kind of respect and outreach shown her by the Jewish community will help her perhaps to be willing to take a look at the other side, the Kstaeli side, of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Only by the recognizing each other’s claim for the land, the land both love, can there finally be a solution of this seemingly endless problem. This, aside from the fact that Rep. Tlaib has to remember that she was elected to care for her Michigan constituents and not to advance the Palestinian cause, as much as the latter is dear to her heart. — Rachel Kapen West Bloomfield
‘Was It Necessary?’ I read your reason for interviewing Rashida Tlaib, but was it necessary to give her a frontpage platform and such a big voice in the JN? She is no friend to Israel and the Jewish people. She and her cronies advocate for
‘Thank You’ Thank you for the Rashida Tlaib interview. It allows for a comparison between her words and reality. She says that she is united with Jews in battling the same enemy. In reality, she allowed her Congressional office map to be “corrected” with the erasure of Israel. She tried to use the murder of Jews in New Jersey as a political tool. She rewrote history, bizarrely claiming her ancestors suffered through giving refuge to Jewish Holocaust survivors. In reality, local Arabs had been murdering Jews since the 1920s and worked with the British to keep survivors out. She celebrated “Nakba Day” with a tweet mourning the failure of five Arab armies to push the Jews into the sea. She’s accused Jews of dual loyalty. This is siding with our enemies. Her claim of “In Congress, I was instantly ‘the Palestinian,’” is also dubious. It was Tlaib who constantly reminded us of her background. She wore a Palestinian thobe to her swearing-in. She speaks frequently about her grandmother, but still used her as a political tool when refusing to visit her under conditions set by the Israeli government.
She and Rep. Ilhan Omar planned to visit Palestine under the direction of Miftah, a Palestinian group that has published articles accusing Jews of using Christian blood to bake matzah and claiming Israeli rabbis instruct their followers to destroy Palestinian farms. Tlaib never once mentioned Palestinians, Palestinian terrorism or Palestinian leadership’s multiple refusals of the state they claim to want. It was Mahmoud Abbas who told the world Jews “have no right to desecrate” Islamic and Christian holy sites “with their filthy feet,” yet Tlaib calls Netanyahu a racist. To Tlaib it’s always the Jews. It’s clear she accepts some Jews, the ones who share her pathological hatred for Israel. — Harry Onickel Ferndale
BDS is the Big Issue Very interesting to hear her interviewed by the JN … but it’s too hard to get past her support of BDS. I do agree with the Mark Bernstein quote in the article … I appreciate much of what she has to say, but BDS is the big issue that makes fully supporting her not really an option. — Doug Cohen West Bloomfield Township Facebook comment
‘Inadequate’ This piece would have been fine for someone coming into their first House term, but for a national legislator about to complete their first term, it is inadequate and at best so-so: definitely not great, certainly not even good, but also not horrible. Andrew Lapin’s questions for her were remarkably gentle to the point of being over-cautious. This gets compounded by the fact that he lets her off without any particularly rigor-
ous follow-up, allowing her to get away with dodging on a few pretty important points. Of particular note to me were the questions and answers around BDS, JVP and Zionism. As well, there’s a striking, complete omission of any discussion of the racism and other failures of Palestinian leadership (either Fatah or Hamas), even when Ms. Tlaib somehow manages to make a (deserved) space for calling out the racism of Netanyahu’s policies. When Lapin introduces the terms “Zionist” and “Zionism”, she replies to the questions without even acknowledging the terms. By steering her answers so far away from those words, she avoids accepting Zionism’s legitimacy and Israel’s right to exist, and also avoids condemning them as illegitimate. That’s an enormous omission. On the questions touching on JVP there’s no mention of tokenism, nor does she even acknowledge that the JVP points of view represent a tiny fraction of the Jewish population — and Lapin doesn’t point this out. When anti-Semitism in BDS gets raised, she dismisses it by falling back, pointing out that some Jews support it, essentially using tokenism to justify that dismissal rather than demonstrating she’s actually hearing the complaint at all, let alone as a legitimate one. If the goal of this piece was to provide clarity to her voting constituency, then I believe it fails to do so and actually raises new questions. If the goal of this piece is to create a relationship between the DJN and Rep. Tlaib that opens the door to subsequent interviews, then only time will tell. — Noah Tepperman Windsor, Ontario Facebook comment
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Detroit Jewish News | 29200 Northwestern Highway, Suite 110 | Southfield, MI 48034 OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to reflect diverse community viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. As an independent, responsible, responsive community member, we actively engage with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan.
JULY 30 • 2020
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Jews in the D cover story
Camp Mom Michigan NAOMI GARDIN
Mission? Create a fun summer for the kids.
ROCHEL BURSTYN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I
t’s a typical day in the new normal that is summer 2020. Parents want their kids to have fun and get outdoors, all while staying safe, social distancing and wearing masks. That can be a tall order, but there’s a new, highly active Facebook page that helps hundreds of local parents make it possible: Camp Mom Michigan. Back in March, Shirli Gotlib of Southfield realized she’d be on her own with her kids as schools closed; her husband, Ari, is an ER doctor at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac. Gotlib was determined her four kids — Max, 10, Alex, 8, Sophia, 8, and Jacob, 4 — would not be indoors and watching TV all day, even though, she said, “I knew they’d be perfectly happy with that.” She attempted an at-home schedule, which she quickly discovered was unrealistic. Gotlib, who moved here from her hometown of
Memphis in 2009, was not intimately familiar with the area and turned to technology for help. She downloaded the AllTrails app, which allows users to find and track their own hikes, and stayed up late every night, searching on Facebook for recommendations, Googling places to work out if they were appropriate for her kids for the next day’s outdoor activity. Whenever she was on social-distancing hikes with her kids early in the pandemic, Gotlib would post pictures on Instagram Stories. Immediately her friends started messaging her questions. “They’d write, ‘Where are you? How much does it cost? What’s the parking like?’ I started tagging the location and posting answers to those questions with the pictures,” Gotlib said. “I figured, we’re all in the same boat — why keep this information to myself?” One of those friends was Naomi Gardin, also of
Naomi Gardin and her children
Southfield, who became an ardent follower of Gotlib’s Instagram posts. She even created a list on her phone of places she too wanted to visit with her family. “It became a joke,” Gardin said. “Whatever Shirli did one Sunday, I’d do the following Sunday.” Gardin tried downloading the AllTrails app Gotlib recommended but found it too complicated, and the hundreds of reviews too overwhelming. “It was much easier for me to
follow in the steps of someone I know and trust,” Gardin said. As June approached, Gardin realized the hours of distance learning would be ending, and knew she’d be entertaining her four kids between the ages of 7 and 14 for the next eight weeks. The idea was extremely intimidating. Gardin, who moved here from Canada five years ago, saw how much she’d benefited from Gotlib’s posts and had an idea. “I messaged Shirli, saying we should start a page about continued on page 16
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JULY 30 • 2020
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Jews in the D
Shirli Gotlib and Max, Alex, Sophia and Jacob
The Goldner family: Mordy, Shayna, Dovid and Eva
SHIRLI GOTLIB
SHAYNA GOLDNER
cover story
continued from page 14
successful activities local parents can do with their kids.” On June 15, they created a Facebook page, shared it on their shul’s WhatsApp page — both attend Young Israel of Southfield — and many members joined immediately. Word quickly spread and, within two weeks, the group had over 500 members. Within one month, it had 800 members. Moms (and dads!) post their daily outings and trips with their families, which takes, as
the group’s description says, “the guesswork out of figuring out your summer plans.” Posters are encouraged to include the ages of kids the activity was successful for, distance, cost and what pandemic precautions are in place, like social distancing, mask wearing and regular sanitizing of equipment. Shayna Goldner of Oak Park, mother of Dovid, 7, and Eva, 7 months, said, “This group saved our summer. I love all
the pre-tested ideas to make our trips go smoothly, especially with a tiny baby aboard for the ride. Now I get to be a fun mom with half the work!” Goldner grew up in Michigan and even she didn’t know about some of the places that parents posted on the Facebook page. Some new places she explored with her family were St Clair Metro Park and the Port Huron Lighthouse. Jenny Schwartz of West
“This group saved our summer. I love all the pre-tested ideas to make our trips go smoothly, especially with a tiny baby aboard for the ride. Now I get to be a fun mom with half the work!” — SHAYNA GOLDNER
Bloomfield joined the page when overnight camp was canceled for her kids, Eli, 13, Jonah, 10 and Kayla, 8. Though her kids were disappointed, with the help of the ideas from Camp Mom Michigan, they’re still having a fun summer. “Thanks to the group, we’ve been to Dodge #4 State Park, which I never knew existed, even though it’s only 15 minutes from our house! We went fishing at Spring Valley Trout Farm, which was fun, and then we ate the fish we caught for Shabbat dinner,” Schwartz said. Not every day brings great outdoor weather, so Camp continued on page 18
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JULY 30 • 2020
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JULY 30 • 2020
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Jenny Schwartz, her husband, Brian, and her kids Eli, Jonah and Kayla
Jews in the D cover story
JENNY SCHWARTZ
Hunny Khodorkovsky and kids, Alexander, Olivia, Alliyah and Judah, 6
continued from page 16
Mom Michigan also has ideas from parents for easy, affordable and fun at-home crafts and projects. Schwartz tie-dyed T-shirts with her kids after being inspired by a tie-dying-made-easy post by Gardin. Hunny Khodorkovsky of Southfield is naturally crafty and has posted a few of the craft projects she’s done with her kids, Alexander, 12, Olivia, 9, Alliyah, 8, and Judah, 6. During one forest hike, her kids bought axes, chopped down branches, shaved the bark and varnished, stained and sandpapered them to create their own impressive hiking sticks. Her friend, Joey Roberts, who was widowed over three years ago, got two therapy dogs when his wife was sick with cancer, and he always brings them over to play with the Khodorkovsky kids. Roberts is also a fourth-generation furrier (retailer of furs) who does woodworking, and he started giving the family craft ideas and helping them with different fun projects, which Khodorkovsky in turn
shares with the group. With his help, the Khodorkovsky kids have made fur keychains and are working on a fur bomber jacket for their mom, as well as fur scarves and earmuffs. Khodorkovsky has also been visiting new locations with her kids. Water Warrior Island in Lake Orion, a floating island on a lake, was a huge hit with her family. “Every day is a new adventure, thanks to this page,” Khodorkovsky said. As admins, Gotlib and Gardin constantly receive positive feedback and messages about how the page alleviated so much anxiety for what could have been a stressful summer. “We’re just giving each other tips and ideas; that’s all,” Gotlib said. “The main point is to get through this together.” Camp Mom Michigan has even managed to unearth a small silver lining in the midst of the pandemic. Gotlib said, “Michigan is such a beautiful state with so many magnificent places to hike and explore that were in our backyard all
“Michigan is such a beautiful state with so many magnificent places to hike and explore that were in our backyard all along, but it took a pandemic to make us go out and find them.” — SHIRLI GOTLIB
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JULY 30 • 2020
along, but it took a pandemic to make us go out and find them.” Gardin, too, has been enjoying this unique opportunity with her kids and hopes they’ll have many positive memories. At the very least, the 3,000+ pictures she’s taken in the last few months of their hikes and day trips should help them remember the good times. “My parents have been begging me to come back to Canada, but I keep telling them that we are managing just fine,” Gardin said. “I never realized how beautiful Michigan is and wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore it the way I have been otherwise. A different summer than we had planned, but a special one nonetheless.”
HUNNY KHODORKOVSKY
The Khodorkovsky kids,and their friends with Joey Roberts
JULY 30 • 2020
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Jews in the D SHELLI LIEBMAN DORFMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I
Camp In-A-Box Bringing the fun of summer home.
6-year-old Eliana Triest and her brother Aryeh, 9, show their excitement at receiving their Camp In-A-Box.
For information or to purchase Camp In-A-Box, getaboxnow.com or send an email to 2sistersboxitup@gmail.com. Cost: $45, Boxes ordered out of delivery area can be picked up in Orchard Lake or shipped at a cost.
n the conventional, once-upon-a-time sense, 9-year-old Issabella Chappell and her 5-year-old sister, Rosie, did not go to camp this summer. But after their parents found an innovative stay-at-home, alternative-world substitution, they actually did. “We were originally going to sign them up for a local day camp,” said their mom, Amanda. “But this year the circumstances changed because of COVID-19, and we were concerned about how our kids would follow the safety rules. There is a lot to think about and sanitizing is tough when they are out having fun all day. We needed them in a controlled environment.” In a search for a way to provide the girls with a constructive and fun summer, Amanda and her husband, Chad, came across a Facebook post for what she described as “an amazing lifesaver” called Camp In-A-Box. They purchased two of the 12-by-10-by8-inch cartons, each filled with 20 activities highlighting camp pastimes including outdoor fun, arts and crafts, drama, quiet time and snack suggestions for one child between the ages of 4 and 10 with counselor support. All are touted as “back to basics” and technology-free. The Chappells, who live in Clarkston, turned the cardboard container’s contents — including directions and materials —into their own two-camper summer program, acting as counselors for the girls’ daily creative play. BLENDING TALENTS Camp In-A-Box is the creation of sisters Laurie Keil Leeb, a parent educator and early childhood specialist who is currently a home consultant for the PLAY Project, and Debbie Keil Landau, a teacher and semi-retired overnight and day camp professional who was a director and associate director for Tamarack Camps. “I’m always thinking camp in the summer months,” said Landau, who lives in West Bloomfield. “With the possibility of all camps being canceled, I thought, ‘Why not bring camp to children at home in a bag or a box or in some packaged way and give
them camp fun at home this summer?’” Leeb was actually involved in the business even before there was a business. “I have four grandchildren and since March I have created ‘theme’ boxes for them to enjoy,” she said. “These boxes were dropped off each week so they could have fresh and new activities to do while quarantined inside their home. When the weather improved, I brought over the boxes and we had more interactive activities I created for us to enjoy together — socially distanced, outside.” In May, Leeb and Landau blended their ideas and founded Camp In-A-Box. Now that the official boxes are in play, Leeb’s grandchildren have received the completed version but enjoyed being the ‘test kids.’ “My mom and my aunt are so creative, and playing with kids and making something fun out of nothing is so natural for them,” said Leeb’s daughter, Jessica Triest of Oak Park. “When they come over to visit, I have to tell them when it’s time to leave,” she joked. “My mom’s house is the best outing for my kids. It is half filled with
Haylie and Brooklyn Elson are engrossed in an art activity.
toys from when I was a kid and she is constantly adding to them. She plays with kids for her job and knows how to engage them in different ways.” UNEXPECTED BUSINESS Debbie Steinberg’s three boxes were purchased for her great-nieces in two different states. She shipped one to the 5-year-old in Texas but made an in-person delivery to 6-year-old Haylie and 4-year-old Brooklyn Elson in Birmingham. “I knew the girls were home for the summer, not going to camp because of the coronavirus, and I wanted to be able to bring them something fun and educational that they could spend their time on as an alternative to camp,” said Steinberg of Huntington Woods. “I actually went there just to drop them off, but I ended up staying for two hours. When they opened the boxes, they were so excited about finding so many creative things inside. They took out an arts and crafts project with crayons and glue and feathers first, and I ended up doing it with them.” Steinberg was impressed that the boxes’ activities were chosen
Rosie and Issabella Chappell create a Tic-Tac-Toe game with Camp In-A-Box instructions and materials.
to be enjoyed, at different levels, by children of various ages. “My nieces can do some of them by themselves, which is a bonus, and some with the help of an adult, which is a great connection for all of them.” Camp In-A-Box is headquartered in Leeb’s Orchard Lake home, with “offices” in her dining room, living room and kitchen. “At first we did all our prep work and assembly outside on the porch and patio as we kept our social distance,” Leeb said. “At night we would each type up ideas that we were brainstorming and come back together the next day to share our visions. We then ‘Shark Tanked’ our individual ideas to my husband, Fred, our volunteer assembler.” The sisters now work both inside Leeb’s house, in face masks, as well as individually in each of their homes. “This is our first business together,” said Leeb, who refers to the June 29 launch date as “the first day of camp.” “We share a common interest in children. We love to be creative and always thought it would be fun to do something together. We never imagined COVID would give us the opportunity to come up with this idea. But it did. “Both of us have been working with children for decades,” she
said. “We have grown children and grandchildren. Debbie has endless camp ideas and I adapted some ideas from the COVID boxes I made for my grandchildren.” The two will continue to work together, selling Camp In-A-Box as long as stock lasts, with a plan to debut a new and different box of fun in the fall. For the Chappells, the boxes they purchased are a jumping-off point for expanded activities, with many new ideas coming from Chad, a former camp director, who coincidentally worked with Landau at Tamarack. In addition to taking guidance from suggestions in the boxes, they added a dining hall, theme days and camp away from home days, like on a lakefront visit. “We are totally using this for everyday camp,” Amanda said. “Our girls loved making treasure boxes and finding treasures in scavenger hunts. There is this sponge game that allows the girls to have fun in the water on hot days. “Camp In-A-Box truly helped us make a great summer for our girls. We don’t know what we would have done if it didn’t arrive just when we needed it. Sending them to camp wasn’t in the cards this summer. Bringing camp to them at home was a huge hit.”
JULY 30 • 2020
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Jews in the D
Thirsty to Learn Detroit educators enjoy virtual NewCAJE Conference at reduced cost. BARBARA LEWIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
M
ore than 70 Southeast Michigan Jewish educators have been participating in a month-long online educational conference organized by NewCAJE, the New Coalition for Advancement in Jewish Education. The conference began July 6 and continues through Aug. 2. Normally held “live” over five days on a college campus, the annual conference was moved online because of the COVID-19 crisis. Because the usual $1,500 registration fee was reduced to $250, many more educators could participate. Instead of its usual 200 registrants of day school and religious school teachers, the trans-denominational conference attracted more than 900. Lectures, panel discussions and workshops are held throughout the day and recorded for
later viewing. Evenings feature concerts, games and other entertainment. The organizers also set up frequent “job alike” sessions where participants could chat informally with others doing similar work. Rabbi Abi Taylor-Abt, president of the Metro Detroit Board of Jewish Educators and a member of the NewCAJE program committee, helped make it possible for so many local teachers and administrators from conRabbi Abi gregational religious Taylor-Abt schools to attend. Few Detroit religious schools could afford to send their teachers and administrators to previous NewCAJE conferences, said Taylor-Abt, who also heads the Yachad religious school sponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom
Free Virtual Jewish Summer Day Camp Camp Fox, an all-new, all-virtual Jewish day camp for kids in grades K-5, features virtual programs on Broadway theater, quarantine cooking classes, improv and comedy, sports trivia, breakdancing, yoga, songwriting, karate, Legos, art, music lessons, challah baking, zoology, American Jewish history, Summer Reading Book Club, and much more. Camp Fox runs online every weekday from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., from now through Aug. 14. Best of all, it’s free.
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JULY 30 • 2020
Camp Fox is a collaborative effort involving nonprofit organizations, including the Kaiserman JCC, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, National Museum of American Jewish History, Elmwood Park Zoo, Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Museum, Wolf Performing Arts Center, The Bible Players, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, PJ Library, jKidPhilly and many other corporate partners.
and Temple Emanu-El, both in Oak Park. She negotiated a reduced fee for Detroit-area educators, then secured a grant from the Hermelin/Davidson Center for Congregation Excellence to cover the cost. In the current crisis, Jewish educators have come to see themselves as essential workers, said Rabbi Cherie KollerFox, president of the Newton, Massachusetts-based NewCAJE. “Who knew that people who don’t come to sit in the pews would suddenly appear on their Zoom screens on a Friday night? Who knew that people who saw their Jewish identity as second or third or fourth priority would suddenly turn toward that identity to keep their feet on the ground and give them hope in dark times?” Conference presenters included Melissa Ser, director of education at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, and Rabbi Asher Lopatin, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC and spiritual leader of Kehillat Etz Chaim in Oak Park.
Detroit-area NewCAJE participants enjoyed the experience. “This has been an amazing conference,” said Carrie Keogh of Bloomfield Hills, who teaches teens at Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy. She especially liked the variety of offerings. “I love that I am able to not only learn for my students’ sake but also for my own curiosity and self-improvement,” she said. Hilary Duberstein of Waterford, director of the Sholem Aleichem Institute in West Bloomfield and religious school teacher at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, said she liked the flexibility. “If I have a conflict with a session, I am able to go back and watch the recording,” she said. “I literally could attend all of the sessions if I so desired.” Francie Fruitman of Southfield, who teaches first grade Sunday school at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township, said attending NewCAJE has made her feel more confident, connected and inspired to engage her students online.
A virtual program from Camp Fox
“With the economic downturn, it is a wonderful resource for families who would otherwise not be able to offer a Jewish camping experience to their children,” says Camp Director Wendy Armon. “With the COVID crisis, this is an espe-
cially timely resource available to our community to support families in a variety of ways given the economic and social issues of our current environment.” Visit campfoxjcc.org for details or contact campfox@ phillyjcc.com with questions.
Therapyology Camp gives tweens and teens a place to socialize and talk about feelings. Brooke Bendix
STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
J
THERAPYOLOGY.COM
A Place to Connect
ennifer Sobol’s 13-year-old twins Ezra and Ruben arrived home from their first morning at Therapyology, a new outdoor day camp program wearing the biggest smiles they have shown since before the pandemic. Sobol and her husband, Louis, are both physicians who have best managed their practices, patients and family life as their sons coped with distance learning and missing their social life. “I saw the spark going down out of them from the isolation,” said Sobol of West Bloomfield. “When summer came and Tamarack was canceled, I could not bear to encourage my sons to have more screen time. When I learned about this all-outdoor day camp program, I saw Therapyology as a great change of scenery for them.” Taking place in designated parks around West Bloomfield and Birmingham, Therapyology was hatched by family therapist and social worker Brooke Bendix. Therapyology meets three mornings a week for
tweens and teens and includes the usual friendship bracelet making, water balloon tossing and even team-building activities with toys provided by Toyology. Campers also participate in facilitated discussions that touch upon building healthy relationships and coping with the anxiety and uncertainty that we all are facing in coronavirus times. If in-person school is canceled for the fall, Bendix said the program may continue as a limited after-school program. Bendix cherishes her memories as a camper and counselor at Camp Walden. She and her staff were months into rebranding her family therapy practice when coronavirus began to send children into physical and social isolation. Bendix said while many families held out hope that overnight summer camps would not be canceled, she and her staff brainstormed about safe ways kids could meet and socialize outside in person. “When April came around, my staff and I scrambled to come up with a plan,” Bendix said. “Could we provide them with a safe in-person social outlet as well as a cool way to address mental health practices to help them deal with all the uncertainty?” Bendix and her staff facilitate discussions modeled after group therapy classes she has taught for the last four years at the School of Social Work at Wayne State University. “After being in social isolation for so many months, kids need a platform to talk about what’s been going on in the world and around them,” Bendix said. “Kids can feel safe to say they are nervous, that they don’t know what the future is going to hold and to know they can feel the connection of others who are feeling the same way. The camp is designed for kids to make trusting connections and to let them know they are not alone.”
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Jews in the D
Signed into Law Locall H L Hadassah d h members b advocated d t d ffor or Neve er Ag gain E duc catiion A ct. Never Again Education Act. ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
T
HADASSAH GREATER DETROIT REGION
wo life members of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, are the toast of the Hadassah Greater Detroit Region. Diane Brody of Beverly Hills and Suzanne Lowe of East Lansing, co-chairs of the region’s Advocacy Committee, successfully interacted with Michigan’s congressional delegation to back bills implementing Holocaust education in school districts nationwide. The “Never Again Education Act” was signed into law on May 29. The 302 co-sponsors of the House of Representatives’ bill, passed on Jan. 27, included nine from Michigan: Democrats Debbie Dingell, Dan Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, Andy Levin, Elissa Slotkin, Haley Stevens and Rashida Tlaib, and Republicans John Moolenaar and Fred Upton. A Senate bill, nearly identical to the House version, had 79 co-sponsors (not including either Michigan senator) when passed on May 13. The Never Again Education Act expands the educational mission of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Department of Education will authorize distribution of $2 million annually, through 2024, to the USHMM Holocaust Education Assistance Program Fund. The funding will “equip educators with the resources for training and materials they need to ensure that comprehensive
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Suzanne Lowe and Diane Brody
JULY 30 • 2020
Holocaust education is made available in our schools,” said Fran Heicklen, the Greater Detroit Region president. National Hadassah stated on May 13: “The Never Again Education Act is our last best chance to make a significant and lasting impact against the rising tide of hatred in our country.” “Hadassah spent more than two years seeking congressional support for the Never Again Education Act,” said Lowe, a Hadassah member since 1997 and president of the former Hadassah Lansing. Lowe is also co-chair of Greater Detroit Region’s Attorneys & Judges Council and co-vice president of Education. Lowe worked more than 30 years as legal counsel in a nonpartisan Michigan Senate office. Originally from Muskegon, she moved to Lansing in 1970. She and her husband, David, are members of East Lansingbased Congregation Shaarey Zedek. Former Southfield resident Brody is a third-generation Hadassah member, joining in 2006. She is Community Service co-vice president and on the Fundraising Committee for Aviv Hadassah Group. She formerly served on the board of Ruach Hadassah. Brody is employed as an account manager at Cox Automotive in Troy. She and her husband, Todd Schafer, belong to Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield. The women brought passion to their pursuit of passing the Never Again Education Act. Anti-Semitism was brought home for Lowe when her little sister was called “a dirty Jew.” Lowe remembered their grandmother’s lament for the six million and said a book by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel “changed my outlook on humanity.” Holocaust education is “essential to teach people what can happen when intolerance and hatred are allowed to go unchecked,”
HADASSH.ORG
Lowe said. “In many cases, it is not only schoolchildren who need to be taught, but educators as well.” As survivors pass from the scene, Brody said, “it becomes even more imperative to educate students about what occurred, to make them less susceptible to the falsehood of Holocaust denial and distortion.” Hadassah Greater Detroit leaders invited Brody to represent the region at last year’s JCRC/AJC’s annual Congressional Reception. She enjoyed the opportunity to speak directly to Slotkin, Levin and Stevens about the Never Again Education Act. Brody soon joined Lowe in advocacy work. National Hadassah provided their tools and resources. A constituent of Levin, Brody visited him in his office, seeking support for the education bill. Lowe credited her pre-retirement career as an attorney for giving her “an understanding of the political and legislative process.” She conferred with senior staff of Slotkin and also Republican Rep. Tim Walberg. Brody and Lowe attended meetings held in the Detroit offices of Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, both Michigan Democrats. After the House bill passed, Lowe followed up with both “to stay on their radar.” Hadassah tracked the bills’ progress on the congressional website. Lowe said she experienced a sense of “accomplishment and relief ” when the Never Again Education Act became law. “It may sound cliché,” Brody said, “but it made me feel like one person really can make a difference.” Approximately 4,000 area women belong to Hadassah Greater Detroit, headquartered in West Bloomfield. For information, visit hadassah.org/detroit.
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JULY 30 • 2020
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PIXABAY
Jews in the D
Michigan Courts Rule Against Oakland County on Foreclosure Auctions Ruling stems from an $8.41 foreclosure case involving Treasurer Andy Meisner. MAYA GOLDMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
T
he Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Michigan counties can no longer keep profits from foreclosure auctions, according to the July 17 ruling. The state Supreme Court’s ruling is the result of a lawsuit filed earlier this year against Oakland County by 85-year-old Southfield resident Uri Rafaeli. Rafaeli accidentally underpaid property taxes on a home Andy owned by his business by $8.41 Meisner in 2014, causing the county to foreclose on the home. When the property sold in an auction for $24,500, the county kept the profits. Because state law dictates that counties should keep these profits, the matter now goes on to the state legislature, which will replace the current law with a new one. Foreclosures in Michigan are managed
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by county treasurers. In Oakland County, that role belongs to Meisner. He is currently running a primary campaign for Oakland County Executive against David Coulter, who currently holds the position. Coulter’s office said it was appointing a special committee to investigate Meisner’s management of property tax foreclosures. Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman David Woodward (D-Royal Oak) and Republican Caucus Chairman Michael Gingell (R-Lake Orion) put out a statement against Meisner following the ruling last Friday. “The Oakland County Board of Commissioners is gravely concerned that County Treasurer Andy Meisner violated the constitutional rights of an elderly homeowner, and other residents, as determined by the unanimous Michigan Supreme Court today,” the statement reads. “This carelessness and
ineptitude will likely cost Oakland County taxpayers more than $34 million. In light of this ruling, the Board will have to evaluate what steps need to be taken to protect taxpayers and ensure the treasurer does not make this mistake again.” But Meisner said he’s just been doing his job. State law has dictated since 2002 that counties should keep foreclosure profits, he said, and treasurers currently have no discretion under state law to prevent a foreclosure for small unpaid property tax balances. Meisner is currently drafting a bill with State Rep. Robert Wittenberg that would give treasurers the ability to pull a property from foreclosure if it has a small balance. “I’ve been very proactive as a treasurer to try to improve this law while at the same time, as the county treasurer and somebody that swore an oath to administer the law and to be a fiduciary for the county, I’m obligated to take the county’s position under the law,” Meisner told the Jewish News. Furthermore, Meisner doesn’t foresee this ruling costing Oakland County much money, let alone the $34 million mentioned in the Board of Commissioners’ statement. He said the money that’s come into the county from the sale of tax-foreclosed properties has gone into a restricted account in the general fund. About 90 percent of the money collected as a result of this policy is still there, according to Meisner. “The short version is there’s not a major fiscal impact on the county,” he said. “It’s money that’s been largely set aside. And as soon as we figure out the new law, I am making job No. 1 getting that money back to the previous owners in accordance with the law that the legislature adopts.” Meisner, who has held the role of treasurer since 2008, said he ran for the office because of his family’s own experience with financial vulnerability in Oakland County during his childhood. “That’s not only an element of my life’s experience but it certainly is an element of my faith as a practicing Jew,” he said. He hasn’t received any details on the Board of Commissioners’ investigation into his practices yet. In the meantime, he said he plans to stay compassionate and flexible. “I’m looking forward to … a new law that incorporates the lawsuit and the finding of the Michigan Supreme Court and to do it in a way that’s fair to property owners, to the local cities, villages and towns in the county and the state,” Meisner said.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHARLES SILOW
Jews in the D
‘You Not Alone’ Are
Holocaust survivors rvivors receive phone calls, gift bagss during COVID-19. CHARLES SILOW SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
M
ichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe initiative was designed to help save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for many, being physically isolated from others has created emotional hardships as they are separated from their families and loved ones. For many survivors of the Holocaust, the difficulties of social isolation can also be emotional triggers that link the present situation to memories of being separated from and losing loved ones during the Holocaust. It has meant a great deal to survivors to receive phone calls letting them know they are not alone, that they are cared for. Being in touch with survivors has been an important supportive project of the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families (PHSF), a service of Jewish Senior Life. Through collaboration with
Jewish Family Service and a special COVID-19 grant from the Claims Conference, survivors have been in contact with one another in virtual groups and through individual phone calls. This communication helps survivors know and feel that they are not alone. Psychosocial supports for Holocaust survivors have been significant during this difficult time. Relatedly, another socialization project was recently initiated: the provision of gift bags to survivors. These gift bags, provided by Leo Eisenberg and his family, let survivors know they are cared about during these challenging times. The gift bags held various items to help brighten their days and put a smile on their faces and included facemasks donated by Shari Ferber Kaufman and her family. The survivors were thankful to receive the gift bags. One survivor wrote, “I greatly appreciate the gift and the thought that came with it. During this
time, when loneliness is a great part of our lives, it feels good that someone out there thinks of our well-being.” Another wrote, “Thank you for the lovely gift. This is a challenging time for all of us. We shall overcome this, too.” Another happy survivor wrote, “Thank you for the big surprise! I don’t know what I did to deserve this. It’s so nice what you’ve done for the Holocaust survivors. It’s good to know that we are not forgotten. Believe it or not, I never had a stuffed animal before! Better late than never!” Second Generation volunteers delivered the gift bags from CHAIM-Children of Holocaust-Survivors Association in Michigan. “Doing this made me feel good,” said one of the volunteers. “The real beneficiaries were us.” Dr. Charles Silow is director of the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families.
It’s good to know that we are not forgotten. — SURVIVOR
Survivor Sandor Adler enjoys the adult coloring book that came in his gift bag. JULY 16 30 •• 2020 2020 JULY
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Maya Grace Belen, daughter of Andrea and Jeffrey Belen, will lead the congregation in prayer as she becomes a bat mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. She will be joined in celebration by her brother Casey and her proud grandparents Kenneth Korotkin, and Donna and Jack Belen. Maya is a student at Derby Middle School in Birmingham. For her most meaningful mitzvah project, she raised the funds needed to grant a wish for a child to go to Disney World. In addition, she attended the special send-off for the trip.
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JUNE 17, 2020 Danny Devries and Courtney Asker, currently posted at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, are grateful to announce the birth of their daughter, Shayne Frances. Shayne is named for her paternal grandmother Sheri Lynne (Shayna Etta) Traison Devries and her maternal great-grandmother Frances Mayhew Zammiello. Proud grandparents are Jeffrey (the late Sheri) Devries of Farmington Hills, Brian and Karin Asker of Bradenton, Fla., and Jennifer Asker and George Kozminski of New Hartford, N.Y. Adoring great-grandparents are Larry and Barbara Traison of Bloomfield Hills.
Emily Brooke Feinstein will chant from the Torah on the occasion of her bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. She will be joined in celebration by her proud
parents, Lisa and Ken Feinstein, and sisters Maddie and Olivia. Emily is the loving grandchild of Ron and the late Judie Klein, Al and the late Millie Feinstein. She is a student at Clifford Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. For her most meaningful mitzvah project, Emily made and sold soap to raise funds for Operation Smile. Abigail Sydney Klein, daughter of Jessica and Dr. Daniel Klein and sister of Andrew, will lead the congregation in prayer as she becomes a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. Abigail is the loving grandchild of Judith and the late Alan Miller, Ron and the late Judie Klein. She is a student at James R. Geisler Middle School in Commerce Township. For her most meaningful mitzvah project, Abigail volunteered at the Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield.
Spirit torah portion
Fulfilling Desires
M
oses places an God and receiving the divine entreaty before the words. He did not have the Lord at the end of his interest or patience to get into life concerning the leadership of the small talk, the necessary the Jewish people in the Land public relations of establishing of Israel: He asks that he be personal ties and convincing allowed “to cross over and see each Hebrew that it was worththe good land beyond the while to rebel against Jordan River” and preEgypt and conquer the sumably continue to lead Land of Israel. He was the Israelites. a God-person, not a This entreaty to lead, people-person or even a although not made directfamily-person. Rabbi ly, is implied in God’s In the final analysis, Sholomo response: “You must comwhy was the prayer Riskin mand Joshua, strengthen denied the greatest Parshat him and give him resolve, leader in Jewish history? V’etchanan: for he shall cross before Apparently, it is because Deuteronomy this nation and shall bring 3:23-7:11; the very source of Moses’ them to inherit the land” Isaiah 40:1- greatness — his lofty (Deuteronomy. 3:28). 26. (Shabbat spirit and closeness Nachamu) Moses’ request to enter to God — was what the land is denied. But prevented him from after all his sacrifices and difgetting down to the level of his ficulties with an unwilling and congregation and family to lift backsliding Israelite nation, them up. Moses succeeded like does he not deserve to reach his no one else before or after him life’s goal? in communicating God’s word Remember that when God for all future generations; but he had originally asked Moses did not do as well with his own to assume the leadership of generation. the Israelites the great prophIn addition, perhaps Moses’ et demurred, claiming to be request was denied in order “heavy of speech” (literally, to teach us that no mortal, kevad peh). Then the Bible testinot even Moses, leaves this fies that “the [Israelites] did not world without at least half of listen to Moses [about leaving his desires remaining unfulEgypt] because of impatience filled. And perhaps he was and difficult work.” refused merely to teach us that Most commentators explain no matter how worthy our that the Hebrews were impaprayer, sometimes the Almighty tient and had no energy to answers “no” and we must resist their slavery. But Ralbag accept a negative answer. (1288–1344) explains this to Faith, first and foremost, mean that it was because of implies our faithfulness to God Moses’ impatience with his peo- even though at the end of the ple (the Hebrews) because of his day, He may refuse our request. (Moses’) difficult work in making himself intellectually and Rabbi Shlomo Riskin is chancellor of spiritually close to the Divine. Ohr Torah Stone and chief rabbi of Moses was into the “heavy Efrat, Israel. talk” of communication with
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Cindy Frenkel
Arts&Life poetry
W
riting out her emotional reactions has long been one way of bringing personal insight and solace to Cindy Frenkel, and she often chooses poetry as her expressive form. As a child, Frenkel’s interest in creative writing, hers and others, intensified while attending Cranbrook Schools during the late 1960s and into the 1970s, and her interest developed into a wide-ranging career. She worked as an editorial assistant at the New Yorker in the 1980s and has been an instructor at Lawrence Technological University for the past seven years. As the last century moved into this one, a series of overlapping family tragedies, divorce and death, repeatedly brought Frenkel to her home desk as the setting for writing about the enduring impact. Her decision to offer a group of poems for publication — some appearing in literary journals — succeeded last year, and her first chapbook, The Plague of the Tender-Hearted, will be released by Finishing Line Press in September. Besides telling about the difficult hurdles Frankel has faced, the book is offered as motivation for others wanting to advance beyond sadness. “I didn’t want to just survive all I experienced,” said Frenkel, 61, a resident of Huntington Woods. “I wanted to thrive, and that’s what’s happening now. My work has given me meaning. I wanted to teach, and I wanted to write.” Frenkel, the only daughter in a family with three older brothers, explains that she was
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Life-Affirming Expression P Poet brings b i iimpact off grief i f in i The Plague of the Tender-Hearted. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
raised in a loving way but was discouraged from talking about relationship difficulties and troubling feelings. The conversational focus of her parents was on what people did, and a youthful portrait by her dad, which became the book cover, keeps with that focus by showing her at ballet. “I wanted a deeper connection with people,” Frenkel said. “I wanted to talk about ideas and feel that there was safety in that exchange. My parents avoided difficult subjects and believed people shouldn’t talk about grief.” As Frenkel coped with a brother’s addiction and suicide amid her mother’s terminal illness, she also was coping with her own divorce. The most important part of her ability to thrive was in being motivated to raise her daughter with understandings she gained after her own frustrations. Her poem “Raising her is better than” lists outstanding pastimes and ranks each day of parenting above other dramatic experiences: the Holy
Wall in Jerusalem, cold water on a sweltering day, French gardens … In contrast, “How You Said Goodbye” recalls the last conversation with her beloved brother.
— Galway Kinnell and Joseph Brodsky. She has included some of their instruction methods, such as memorizing a favorite poem, into classes she teaches, some of which were in urban elementary schools. Frenkel’s first book project, 100 Essential Books for Jewish Readers, was a partnership with Rabbi Daniel Syme, who also experienced a brother’s suicide. In working together, they moved away from family problems and into a variety of reviews. Frenkel, who has written for newspapers, submitted an article about her late brother to the JN in 2018, connecting to the suicide of designer Kate Spade. Wanting to reach out in many ways to help others feeling des-
“Part of writing poetry became my way of processing grief.” — CINDY FRENKEL “Part of writing poetry became my way of processing grief,” Frenkel said. “I wanted my brother’s life to have meaning, and if this poetry could be presented in a way that was compassionate, real and helpful to someone, then the book was worth doing,” Frenkel studied writing at Bennington College in Vermont before getting a bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan. Although enrolling in master’s studies at New York University, she moved into a degree program at Columbia University because her father encouraged Ivy League credentials. Important to Frenkel’s studies was attending classes taught by award-winning favorite poets
perate, she was on the founding board of the group A Single Soul, started by Rabbi Syme to prevent suicide. “I’ve had the great privilege of lifelong friends and even some of my brother’s friends who were in recovery and really heartbroken when he died,” she said. “They helped keep me afloat after his death. “I try to pay it forward for all the people who have been so kind to me, and this book is about a woman claiming her power. It’s about my life and having a voice. I think it’s a life-affirming manuscript in that regard.” The Plague of the Tender-Hearted and information about the author are available on her website, cindyfrenkel.com.
Arts&Life
JOAN MICHLIN
section
Canceled! West Bloomfield revokes permit for Orchard Lake Fine Art Show. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
M
arried couple jewelry designers Joan Michlin and Skip Ennis are among some 100 disappointed artists who had planned to exhibit their latest works at this year’s Orchard Lake Fine Art Show, which had been scheduled July 25-26 in West Bloomfield Township. It would have been the show’s 18th year, offering everything from paintings to glass sculptures, but confusion in carrying out Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders led to its cancellation, announced July 16. “This is one of the worst emails I have to send,” show producer Patty Narozny wrote to participants, including food vendors and entertainers. “With deep regret, the permit got pulled.” The cancellation came after the Oakland County Health Division learned of the fair and called attention to Executive Order 2020-110, which limits outdoor gatherings to 100 people. “The permit for the fair was granted before the executive order was issued,” said Steven Kaplan, township supervisor. “Permits require that holders are responsible for following state law, and so we were forced to revoke the permit. As much as we wanted the event, we could not have it.” Narozny, whose Hot Works organization runs outdoor fairs in Florida that were also can-
celed because of the pandemic, believes she got faulty advice from West Bloomfield Township and Oakland County. Although Narozny tried to remap the event into sections, that approach did not get approval. “I feel we were discriminated against with this outdoor show when the Detroit Zoo, flea markets, big-box stores and malls are open,” Narozny said. “We had many safety measures in place, and I felt comfortable about protecting the vulnerable. “As we were planning the event, with executive orders provided to me, we spoke with representatives from Oakland County and West Bloomfield Township. The cancellation is a big hit on my small business and the small businesses of the artists. I’ve had to refund $45,000.” To help her artists, Narozny has posted their websites on her website (hotworks.org) so that potential customers can do online shopping. She also will be awarding prizes in the Bath Planet Youth Art Competition. “Patty did her utmost to make the show happen,” said Michlin, who grew up in Michigan, was active in Congregation Shaarey Zedek and now lives in Sarasota. “The world is a bit strange right now, and it’s a bit jarring.” As Narozny takes care of closing out the event, she is trying to think ahead to next year. She hopes to bring happy times through the local show scheduled July 23-24, 2021.
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Arts&Life
Gail Zimmerman and Adam Lambert
NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST
AT THE HELM OF A HUGE STREAMING HIT; FREDDIE’S BIG SHOES Greyhound, a new big-budget film starring Tom Hanks (who also wrote the film), began streaming on Apple TV+ on July 10. It had the largest debut audience in Apple TV+ history and is now a summer streaming blockbuster. The title refers to the code name of a WWII U.S. Navy destroyer that escorted cargo ships crossing the Atlantic. These cargo ships and their war ship protectors were the subject of many Nazi sub attacks. The action centers on a three-day period in which all the Allied ships have to cope with many vicious attacks from a so-called “wolfpack” — four Nazi subs teamed up together. Reviews are mostly positive. Hanks plays the captain of the Greyhound, and some critics kvetched that the script didn’t flesh out Hanks’ character enough. However, praise was universal for way the director, Aaron Schneider, 55, shot the film’s action sequences and how he kept the film “taut.” Remarkably, by using a variety of new special effects, Schneider was able to make the film without a single scene actually being shot in the water. I was only recently able to confirm that Schneider is Jewish. Bio was scarce because even though he has long worked in Hollywood, he has directed just one other feature film (the well-received, 2009 black comedy Get Low). After Greyhound began streaming, there was bio coverage in the
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JN FILE PHOTO
celebrity jews
local media near where Schneider grew-up (a small town near Peoria, Illinois). It mentioned that his father is Delwin Schneider, and that he is a 91-year-old Korean War veteran. Online family history records disclosed that Schneider’s parents are Jewish. By the way, Aaron credits Billy Crystal, 72, with giving him great advice. Thirty-five years ago, he was an unhappy college sophomore. He was studying engineering but wanted to get into film special effects. By chance, he met Crystal on a Florida beach and told him his ambition. “A very nice” Crystal, Aaron says, told him to go to film school. Schneider says that “go to film school” was not common advice 35 years ago, but it was the right advice. The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story is a documentary now streaming on Netflix. Lambert, 38, first rose to fame as an American Idol finalist in 2009. Not long after the Idol finale, he was interviewed by Gail Zimmerman, then the arts editor of the Jewish News. He told Gail that he was raised in his mother’s Jewish faith, and she told me that Adam couldn’t have been more charming (find the interview in the archive at djnfoundation.org). In 2011, Lambert began periodically touring with the surviving members of the rock band Queen. He is their lead singer, and that role inevitably leads to comparisons with the late Freddie Mercury, the band’s legendary lead singer. The film covers this “issue” and much more. Lots of live concert footage.
On The Go virtual events | learnings
Ron Brooks Trio
STAYING CONNECTED At this time of social distancing, the Jewish News will try to bring awareness to events/ learning situations offered online by synagogues, temples and community organizations. CHOCOLATE MAKING 8 PM, AUG. 6 Celebrate Tu b’Av, with NEXTGen Detroit, Chabad of Greater Downtown Detroit and Hillel of Metro Detroit by creating chocolatey treats. Jodie Polk and Jessica Barris of Culinary Combo will show us how to transform a couple of our favorite everyday snacks into chocolate-covered works of edible art. Register in advance by Friday, July 31, to have your chocolate making kit delivered to your home. Note: Delivery is only available in the Metro Detroit area. Kits are certified kosher parve and are $5 each. This online event is intended for young adults ages 18 to 45. Info: Hallie at eisenberg@jfmd.org.
VIRTUAL PUPPERT THEATER 11 AM, SATURDAYS Carrie Morris Arts Production and the Detroit Zoological Society will present three new performance commissions in addition to special behind-thescenes footage exploring the creative collaboration between CMAP and DZS staff, geared toward all ages and all audience members who are young at heart. All performances originally envisioned as in-person shows will be streamed on the Detroit Zoo’s Facebook page.
Carrie Morris Arts Production
YOUTH THEATRE PROGRAM 10 AM-3 PM, AUG. 3-14 For ages 8-18, the JET Theatre in association with Actors Equity Association will hold daily outdoor instruction, culminating in an outdoor performance sponsored by the city of Walled Lake. Cost: $500; early drop off and latchkey available. Reservations: 248-788-2900 or administration@jettheatre.org.
FILMS ON RIGHTEOUS GENTILES AUG. 3-24 The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR) is launching an online movie series featuring its award-winning documentaries about Righteous Gentiles who saved Jews during the Holocaust. The films will premiere as Facebook “Watch Parties” on the JFR’s Facebook page on Monday evenings at 8pm ET. The films focus on the heroism of rescuers Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds (Knoxville, TN), airing Aug. 3; Krystyna Jakubowska (Poland), airing Aug. 10; and Helena Weglowska (Poland), airing Aug. 17. The page will also screen the documentary celebrating the life of Roman Kent, the Holocaust survivor and president of the JFR on Aug. 24. Visit the page at facebook.com/ JewishFoundationForTheRighteous.
TRIVIA NIGHT 8:30 PM, AUG. 3 NEXTGen Detroit and Tamarack Camps present program for young adults 21-45. Host Tomer Moked
(NEXTGen Detroit director and former Tamarack Camps assistant director) and Carly Weinstock (associate director of Camp Maas) will throw out head-scratchers to test your knowledge about all things Tamarack. There will be two 30-minute games. For each game, there will be a first-, second- and third-place winner. First-place wins a $30 gift card; second wins a $20 gift card; third wins a $10 gift card. On your phone, go to crowd.live/ NEXTGEN; on a computer or tablet, go to: zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_N_J8XLrTAC9NG0cULNdjA. Info: bean@jfmd.org.
FILM FESTIVAL THROUGH AUG. 7 The Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival and Detroit Film Theater will show The Tobacconist. Info: jbloeg@ jccdetroit.org.
HOLOCAUST FILM 10 AM-10 PM, JULY 30 The Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills will present the film Hidden: Jewish Children Concealed During the Holocaust. View: holocaustcenter.org.
SURVIVOR SPEAKS 7 PM, JULY 30 The Holocaust Memorial Center will present an interview with Holocaust survivor Miriam Ferber on holocaustcentrer.org.
JHSM
Chocolate making with Jessica Barris of Culinary Combo
Marc Dollinger
TOUR ISRAEL NOON - 1PM, AUG. 4 Temple Shir Shalom offers a live, virtual tour of Jerusalem and the Christian Quarter with Rabbi Daniel Schwartz and Israeli tour guide Beni Levin. Join them on the path of the Via Dolorosa and learn about the Christian connection to the land of Israel. To register: shirshalom.org/ form/livefromtheholyland or call 248737-8700.
JEWS & CIVIL RIGHTS 7 PM, AUG. 6 The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan will host this virtual meeting on ZOOM. San Francisco State University Professor Marc Dollinger will talk about the consensus politics of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the conflict-centered era of Black Power and ethnic nationalism. Cost: $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Register by 9 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Instructions for joining the Zoom call will be sent the day before.
JAZZ CONCERT 4:15 PM, AUG. 9 The Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor will present the Ron Brooks Trio, featuring jazz hero and bassist, Ron Brooks, with Rick Roe on piano and Pete Siers on drums. View: Live@the415. Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@ thejewishnews.com.
JULY 30 • 2020
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Korman is president. As a urologist, he said most of his patients require urine testing to diagnose possible conditions, some of which, if left untreated, could be life-threatening. “We had many patients who were afraid to come to the office,” Korman said. “But the problem was, how else do we get urine to check for blood, protein, glucose or signs of infection?” In response to the challenge, Korman, along with Comprehensive Urology pathologist Dr. Rajan Dewar and Issam Atoussi, the group’s COO, created a way for patients to provide urine samples without leaving their homes and with limited or no contact with another person.
Health
Dr. Howard Korman and Issam Atoussi in the Royal Oak Comprehensive Urology office.
Front Porch Medicine Urologists add no-contact testing layer to patient care.
SHELLI LIEBMAN DORFMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I
n late April, the son of one of Dr. Howard Korman’s patients called his urology office to describe symptoms of a recurring condition that in the past had been treated with medication. “I dreaded thinking that in the midst of the COVID situation I would be taking my almost 92-year-old dad from his home in Chesterfield all the way to Royal Oak and have him go inside a doctor’s office,” said his son, who asked to remain anonymous. “We
knew the doctor would want to do a urinalysis, and were very pleasantly surprised to learn that he could make arrangements for my dad to be treated without leaving his house.” After a telemedicine videoconference, Dr. Korman included his patient in what he described as “a grassroots urine specimen home pickup method” provided by Comprehensive Urology, a group of 50 urologists and advanced practice providers, of which
DROP OFF AND PICK UP After a urinalysis is ordered, patients are contacted by Mai Her, a medical assistant and technical trainer for Comprehensive Urology’s lab who also serves as the office dispatcher. She then arranges for a courier to drop off a urine sample kit on the patient’s front porch. “They are so appreciative that they don’t have to come into the office when they don’t feel well and are concerned about COVID,” Her said. In some cases, the courier would wait in their car in front of the patient’s home until the specimen was placed outside. “If they needed more time, the driver would leave and the patient would call when they were ready and I would arrange for the courier to go back, usually within 12-24 hours,” Her said. At the start of the COVID shutdown, four drivers were making a total of 40 daily trips to patients’ homes, with Her mapping out stops including those in Novi, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn, Troy, Southfield, Oak Park, Grosse Pointe, Macomb, Birmingham, Royal Oak and Rochester. Now about 75% of the group’s
patients are booking appointments in their CDC guideline-adherent offices with appropriate PPE and social distancing. Home drop offs and pickups are down to about 10 daily, with only one individual, Dr. Korman’s son Jonathan, continuing as a courier, having driven as far as 200 miles in a day. “Samples are picked up within 30 minutes of the time they are placed outside, and I process them immediately in the Comprehensive Urology lab,” said Jonathan Korman, who is also working as a laboratory technician. “From time to time, I get to talk to the patients from a distance, wearing gloves and a face mask.” A dipstick analysis is performed on each sample by an automated machine, with results immediately sent to the ordering physician. “We are also using an innovative kind of urine culture from Pathnostics using PCR techniques which analyze the DNA of the bacteria in the urine to yield identities and sensitivities of bacteria much faster than a conventional urine culture,” Dr. Korman said. “This enhances our ideal of a fast turnaround time for results.” STAYING SAFE Until the COVID-19 outbreak, Dr. Korman primarily saw patients in his Royal Oak and Farmington Hills offices. By April 1, like others in the healthcare sector, he needed to find a way to continue to treat his patients while keeping them — and his staff — safe. He reduced in-office appointments to the 10% with emergency needs. The rest were seen by telemedicine. “But analyzing urine is a critical part of the checkup for urologists,” Korman said. “The new program allows us to add that to our no-contact continued on page 36
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Health continued from page 34
patient care.” The service, provided at no charge to patients, is available to all physicians who are part of the mega multi-specialty Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP), of which Comprehensive Urology is a division. There are 328 multi-discipline physicians and 122 advanced practice providers in MHP’s 167 locations. Korman said the plan is to offer both telemedicine and the courier service long term. “Both eliminate a barrier to care,” he said. “Over 50% of our patients utilizing the home pick up had an abnormal urinalysis and required treatment. They may have gotten septic and even died because they feared going to the hospital or the office and
would have missed out on treatment.” For his 91-year-old patient, the new service not only provided extreme convenience, it also allowed for quick treatment that required medication. “Once the culture was done and the best course of action was determined, the doctor followed up with the necessary medication,” said the patient’s son. The prescription was filled at one of MHP’s two pharmacies and was delivered to his home at no charge. “This made it doubly easy for us,” said the son, who normally would have driven his father to the doctor’s office and also picked up the prescription. More than 1,000 patients have been included in the new
Awaken the Beauty Within...
Jonathan and Dr. Howard Korman
program since its inception. “Some of them are young, but most are seniors who are really at risk,” Korman said. “This is really a homerun for the elderly. It keeps them out of the ER and urgent care centers. “There is no reason for someone to come into the office to get tested and then come back again for test results when it is
difficult or unsafe for them,” he said. “It should not come down to someone having to decide, ‘Is it more dangerous to come in or to stay home untreated?’” Contact Comprehensive Urology at: (248) 336-0123 or access the website at: www.urologist.org
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JULY 30 • 2020
Mir vel veynen un vel zogn vey iz Mir We lost the Beit Hamikdash, a place so dear. Di Beit haMikdash hot gevayn zayer shayn Un azay grays, mine kind,is undzer pain. Dos iz Tisha B’Av, der tog is almost here. Mir vel veynen- we will cry Un vel zogn- and will say Vey iz mir- an exclamation of sorrow Beit HaMikdash- the Temple Hot gevayn zayer shayn- was very beautiful Un azay grays- and so great Mine kind- my child Undzer- our Dos is- this is Der tog- the day — Rachel Kapen
“DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM,” BY FRANCESCO HAYEZ
Tisha B‘Av
Spirit
Jews and Aspen PIXABAY
Thoughts on Tisha B’av.
M
y first Tisha B’Av memory took place at Camp Ramah, just outside Santa Barbara, California, the summer after third grade. I was a precocious seven-year-old in edah aleph (group one, the youngest class of campers). Our edah worked together to fashion a beautiful outdoor beit k’nesset (synagogue) beneath a sprawling oak tree with cusSam Glaser tom painted benches and our artwork hanging from the aron hakodesh (holy ark). One fateful morning, we awoke to find someone had upended our precious prayer space. The aron was on its side, benches strewn about, our works of art scattered on the ground. I was shocked to the core. Who could do such a thing? Then our counselors explained the destruction in Jerusalem transpiring three millennia earlier on that very day. This re-creation of the tragic events of the past created an indelible memory and allowed our bunk to bond during the rebuilding process. The Jewish people are connected more profoundly than any of us realize. In many ways we’re like the aspen, one of the largest organisms on earth, famous for decorating mountain ranges with brilliant autumnal radiance. Aspen groves are not collections of disparate entities. They are typically distinct expressions of a single subterranean root system, sometimes stretching over a hundred feet from the parent tree. Deciduous aspens occupy a
precarious niche in a coniferous forest, swelling their collective sunshine-yellow glory wherever the colony can obtain enough light. Similarly, the Jewish people are an interconnected family weathering the storms of history, shining the light of peace, love and innovation into the world whenever given the chance. The fires of the destruction of Jerusalem, European pogroms or the Holocaust may rage, but they cannot extinguish the spark animating the collective Jewish soul. We all feel the pain of our fellow Jew because in essence we are one entity. Tisha B’Av is hard on even the hardiest individuals. In the waning hours of the holiday, everyone is disheveled and drained. Jewish law stipulates we can’t don tallis and tefillin until the sun is about to set, having been denied the glory of these crowns earlier in the day. We lumber into a Mincha minyan where we are comforted by the words of divine forgiveness in the Torah reading, which depicts the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf. Then in the Haftorah, the prophet Isaiah proclaims: “For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Even when all seems lost, God is with us, guiding us and giving us hope. Even on this most mournful day, we must serve God with joy. We then utter the Amidah and special insertions with an intensity only possible when ravenous
and parched, poignantly aware of one’s mortality. Tisha B’Av is the saddest day of the year for those steeped in the joy of Judaism. Our collective primal scream echoes throughout history like rolling thunder from the original lightning bolt of destruction, the obliteration of our faith by the spies in the desert. Even at the nadir of our joy continuum, there is a kernel of hope. By the end of the fast we teeter on shaky legs, ashen faced and cotton-mouthed. Finally, at the conclusion of Ma’ariv services we drink delicious gulps of water and step outside the synagogue to celebrate the end of the three-week mourning period with Kiddush Levana (Blessing the New Moon), dancing together in the darkness. May we continue to dance together like aspen trees shimmering in a gentle alpine breeze. May our unity be as self-evident as the aspen’s subterranean inter-connectedness. May our miraculous survival mimic that of the age-old grove of this hearty species, with roots so deeply intertwined it can withstand the heat of any conflagration. May we bring life, love, peace and the awareness of the Creator to all nations. Sam Glaser is a performer, composer, producer and author in Los Angeles. He has released 25 CDs of his music and his book “The Joy of Judaism” is an Amazon bestseller. He produces albums and scores for media in his Glaser Musicworks recording studio. Visit him online at www.samglaser.com. Tisha B’Av runs from sundown July 29 to sundown July 30.
JULY 30 • 2020
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the exchange community bulletin board | professional services
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Pierce David Movitz MAY 11 – J U LY 21, 2020 Kathryn Starr and Brandon Scott Movitz welcomed this beautiful blue-eyed boy into our world with love and hope on a perfect Michigan Monday morning at 9:30am at Troy Beaumont Hospital. Surrounded by Kate’s friends and co-workers, they were all smiles with the glow from this amazing young man and promise for what the future held. Pierce was a joyful baby whose face lit up the room and made you glad to know him. He was a beautiful boy with a sunny disposition and a happy heart. He loved being swaddled by his Daddy for his naps and had a healthy appetite. He rested peacefully in Mommy’s arms creating a permanent bond transcending our temporal reality. He never cried and had a wide-open, full-mouth grin for everyone who met him. He and his two year old brother Jude were instant best friends and promised to be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Even though his time here on earth was brief he was loved by many and will leave an indelible imprint on our hearts. Pierce David Movitz is survived by his loving parents Brandon Scott and Kathryn Starr Movitz, his brothers Jude Michael and Bear; Grandparents Norri Gluck and Bob O’Reilly; Grandparents Beth and Scott Steigerwald; Great Grandparents David and Janet Gibb; Great Grandmother Jackie Steigerwald; Uncles Brent and Aaron Page; Aunt Katina and Uncle Blake Movitz, and cousins Miklos William and Georgianna Rose; Aunt Breanna Movitz; Uncle Kyle Steigerwald and Aunt Jennifer Vollstedt, and cousin Julian Raymond; Godparents/Aunt and Uncle Stephanie and Ryan Steigerwald, and cousin Henrik Scott; Uncle Tyler Steigerwald and Mary Liesveld. Pierce was also the great grandson of the late Michael and Shirley Gluck and Charles Steigerwald.
Tis a Fearful Thing by Yehuda HaLevi (1075 – 1141)
‘Tis a fearful thing to love what death can touch. A fearful thing to love, to hope, to dream, to be –to be, And oh, to lose. A thing for fools, this, And a holy thing, a holy thing to love. For your life has lived in me, your laugh once lifted me, your word was gift to me. To remember this brings painful joy. ‘Tis a human thing, love, a holy thing, to love what death has touched.
Donations can be made by credit card online at www.sids.org or checks can be made out to American SIDS Institute: American SIDS institute Pierce David Movitz 528 Raven Way Naples, FL 34110
Soul
of blessed memory
MAXINE FEIG, 87, of West Bloomfield, died July 18, 2020. She is survived by her daughters and sonsin-law, Susan and Larry Adler, Andrea and Rick Berman; grandchildren, Stephanie Adler, Evan Adler (fiancée, Marina Pulik) and Pamela Weinberg; many other loving family members and friends. Mrs. Feig was the beloved wife of the late Leon Feig; sister of the late Doris Broder. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. PAUL FOLTYN, 74, of Bloomfield Hills, died July 22, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Leah Foltyn; sons and daughter-in-law, Brian Folyn and Liz Cohen, and Bradley Foltyn; grandchildren, Rafael Cohen-Foltyn, Sophie Foltyn and Miles Foltyn; brother and sisterin-law, David and Elyse Foltyn; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Perry and Cherie Krauss, and Michael Krauss; loving nieces, nephews, cousins and a world of friends. Mr. Foltyn was the devoted son of the late Ella and the late Andrew Foltyn. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park.
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Some days seem to last forever‌
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You can honor the memory of a loved one in a most meaningful way by sponsoring a day of Torah learning at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah.
During the coming week, Kaddish will be said for these departed souls during the daily minyan at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. Your support of the Torah learning of our children and our Kollel’s Torah Scholars brings immeasurable heavenly merit. Please call us at 248-557-6750 for more information.
12 Av August 2, 2020 Max Blinder Ben Chessler Elmer Ellias Anna Kawa Joseph M. Seigle Helen Stebbins Rose Weintraub
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Detroit’s Ambassador hen Detroit desperately needed a boost, Ron Sherr was one of its biggest boosters. For 38 years, Ron was the jovial people-person who greeted thousands of out-of-town visitors to the Motor City. Ron and his wife, Linda, formed Action Tours in 1979, and their business became a vital part of the local tourist industry, entertaining guests with bus trips to all the region’s attractions. Ron would talk up Detroit to visitors who had heard only discouraging things about the city. Ron Sherr, of Farmington Hills, Ron Sherr died July 22, 2020, at age 81. He had been in failing health for the past few months. “Dad was so proud of his hometown,� said daughter Robin Davids of Los Angeles. “When he would visit us in California, he’d stop anyone he saw wearing a Michigan or Detroit T-shirt and engage them in memories of the city.� In addition to his tourist business, Ron was dedicated to the children of Detroit, working 33 years as a physical education teacher in Detroit Public Schools, including a stint as a counselor at Cooley High. “My dad would feel so much joy when, years later, former students would reach out to thank him for setting them on the right path,� said Robin. In addition to his simultaneous careers, Ron was active in B’nai B’rith and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Friendship Circle. Ron, tall and muscular, lettered in baseball at Central High in
Detroit and even had a tryout with a Major League team. He did, eventually, become a slugging and pitching star on the local amateur softball circuit. One of the most charming elements of Ron’s persona was his sense of humor. He’d entertain people on the tour bus with well-tested lines like, “What’s the difference between outlaws and in-laws? Outlaws are wanted.� Another favorite was, “My wife enrolled me in a memory class, but I forgot to go.� Ron adored his three daughters and six grandchildren. “He was always there for us,� said daughter Bonnie Sherr Flood of Huntington Woods. “He called us every day,� said grandson Jack Flood. “He opened his heart to all,� said daughter Dawn Menning of Costa Mesa, Calif. “Everyone was welcome.� Ron Sherr is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Linda Sherr; daughters and sons-inlaw, Bonnie Sherr Flood, Robin and Danny Davids, and Dawn and Jeff Menning; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Rita Sherr; grandchildren Justin, Jack, and Emily Flood, Jonas and Georgie Davids, and Hudson Menning; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Hadassah, 5030 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, (248) 6835030; Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072, (248) 548-3663; or Jewish National Fund, 78 Randall Ave., Rockville Center, N. Y. 11570, (800) 542-TREE. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.
Soul
of blessed memory continued from page 41
Contributions may be made to Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ARLENE GOLDBERG, 91, of Southfield, died July 20, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Ted Goldberg; son, Robert Goldberg; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Winnie and Aaron Krieger, Cynthia Borby and Ruth Goldberg; many loving nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Goldberg was the cherished mother of the late Jeanette Goldberg; the loving sister of the late Jerome and the late Sylvia Rosen. Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Wayne State University School of Social Work, Ted and Arlene Goldberg Scholarship Fund, 5447 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48202, cardinal.wayne.edu/ wsugiving/give.cfm; or Kadima, Jeanette Goldberg Activity Fund, 15999 W. 12 Mile, Southfield, MI 48076, kadimacenter. org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
MYRNA MARION ZACK MORRISON passed away on July 19, 2020. She was born Feb. 27, 1926. Her mother, Ethel, passed away when Myrna was a young girl; Myrna and her sister, Evelyn, were raised by loving relatives. Myrna had abundant love for her family and close friends. She taught many important life lessons to her family in the examples she set in the way she lived. She kept her independence throughout her 94 years; and when was asked how she was doing, she would often respond that she “is dancing as fast as she can.�
Mrs. Morrison is survived by her daughter and son-inlaw, Joanne and Paul Lederer; daughter-in-law, Marla Zack; daughter and son-in-law, Ronna and Richard Rutowicz; grandchildren, Cortney Lederer Teodosic and her husband Stefan Teodosic, Danny and Michelle Zack, Blake Zack, Josh Zack, Sam Zack and Rebecca Conroy; great-grandchildren, Micha and Levi Teodosic, Layla Zack, Beatrix and Liam Conroy. She was predeceased by her first husband, Sam Zack; second husband, Bernard Morrison; son, Steven; sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Herbert Getner; sister-inlaw and brother-in-law, Carol continued on page 44
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Soul
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and Teddy Gell. The family requests that any contributions be made to Trustbridge Hospice/Pallative Care at Trustbridge.com or to the Steven E. Zack Memorial Fund at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. EDWARD SHAPIRO, 84, of West Bloomfield, died July 21, 2020. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Amy Shapiro, and Beth and Andy Isola; son, Ronald Shapiro; grandchildren Jennifer, Benn, Rebecca, Jaclyn, Adam and Max; great-grandchild, Zara; many nieces, nephews and friends.
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JULY 30 • 2020
Mr. Shapiro was preceded in death by his wife, Golda Shapiro; parents, Harry and Sophie Shapiro; brother, Irwin Shapiro; sisters, Rita Feinstein and Barbara “Bobbi” Weisberg. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute or to Jewish Family Service. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. CLARA B. SHOWFER, 93 of Novi, died July 18, 2020. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Saundra
Showfer Josephson and Ralph Josephson; son, Steven Showfer; grandchildren, Kirby (Stephen) Valenti and Haleigh Josephson; great-grandchild, Eleanore Claire Valenti; many other loving family members and friends. Mrs. Showfer was the beloved wife of the late Robert
Showfer. Interment took place at Radomer Aid Society section of the Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Radomer Aid Society or the Jewish Ensemble Theatre. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.
OBITUARY CHARGES The processing fee for obituaries is: $125 for up to 100 words; $1 per word thereafter. A photo counts as 15 words. There is no charge for a Holocaust survivor icon. The JN reserves the right to edit wording to conform to its style considerations. For information, have your funeral director call the JN or you may call Sy Manello, editorial assistant, at (248) 3515147 or email him at smanello@renmedia.us.
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LEFT TO RIGHT: Executive Chefs Aldo Ottaviani, Milos Cihelka and Leopold Schaeli
D
ining in the cellar of a restaurant has a certain charm … and the Mushroom Cellar of the noted Golden Mushroom was in a class its very own. Under the prestigious Golden Mushroom, with its own entrance off 10 Mile, Southfield, Danny Raskin Mushroom Cellar Senior Columnist was much more than just a downstairs to go to … and certainly upheld the high standards its upstairs grownup had earned. Going down the Golden Mushroom stairs where walls were decorated by GM honors
and awards, Mushroom Cellar was like a private club, although open to the public … It had been a banquet area until the spring of 1973, a year after opening of the Golden Mushroom … It became very popular after being converted into a cocktail lounge with banquet chairs and a standup bar. The bar was a story in itself … where regular customers were recognized with bronze plaques … Owner Reid Ashton came up with the idea of remembering retiring customers, among others. The clubby New York-ish Mushroom Cellar wasn’t just another downstairs operation … It was comfortable, intimate and casual … Guests came in wearing anything from jeans and casual dresses to suits and sat amid high-backed padded booths. There was all kinds of pizza and sandwiches … but also dinner courses of grilled chicken, rock shrimp, fettucine, broiled scrod, etc. … Also, lobster
bisque, Golden Mushroom soup, etc. … And appetizers of house smoked salmon, escargots, oysters, salads and desserts and more. There was its own wine list, and a bundle of single malt scotches, one of Michigan’s largest collection … Lunch from its own menu satisfied many … with a little bit of Golden Mushroom favorites. Mushroom Cellar at Golden Mushroom had many wellgroomed faces … and the necessary ingredients to stand on its own, but chose to be just a cozy, intimate bit with all the ingredients to stand on its own two feet as an excellent neighborhood spot to go to for a most inviting casual good time well spent. WHEN TALK COMES turns to executive chefs, few restaurants can be classed with those many times heading the kitchens at Detroit and its suburban restaurants … Aldo Ottaviani, Milos Cihelka, Leopold Schaeli and others … They may have the
higher educations, but their own out-of-the ordinary presentations are numerously of another world … Metro Detroit can and are mighty proud of them … They and many local chefs, although not masters, are also always looking for ways of improvement. OLDIE BUT GOODIE … Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of Tampax and proceeded to the checkout counter … The man at the counter asked the older boy, “Son, how old are you?” “Eight,” the boy replied, “but these are for my brother. He’s four. We saw on television that if you use these you would be able to swim and ride a bike. He can’t do either one!” CONGRATS … To Ray Horenstein on his birthday … To Joe Horenstein on his birthday. Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.
FRESH Daily Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox. thejewishnews.com/newsletter JULY 30 • 2020
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Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org
Call Me A Cab …
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JULY 30 • 2020
WIKIPEDIA
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recently wrote about an early Jewish automobile leader that you may not have known, F. L. Klingensmith, first president and founder of the Gray Motor Corporation. I also mentioned Max Grabowski, creator of what is now GMC Trucks, and Meyer Prentis, longtime treasurer of General Motors. In response Mike Smith we received a letter Alene and Graham Landau from David Flaisher, Archivist Chair who mentioned another Jewish auto pioneer: Morris Markin. Flaisher is spot-on. While Markin is not as famous as Henry Ford or Walter Chrysler, he did make his mark on the early automobile industry. He founded and ran the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company. Based in Kalamazoo, Checker was the premier maker of taxi cabs in America for 60 years. The Checker company should not be confused with “Checker,” the cab company still operating in Detroit today. More on that later … Like many early automakers, the Checker Cab Manufacturing Co. was derived from a combination of manufacturing enterprises. One of was Markin’s own Markin Auto Body Corporation in Joliet, Illinois, which made bodies for vehicles produced by the Commonwealth Motor Company. Markin, however, had a better idea. He would concentrate on making one product — taxi cabs. Markin took over the Commonwealth Motor Co. in 1922 and renamed it as the Checker Cab Manufacturing Co. He moved the company to Kalamazoo a year later. By 1925, it was producing 1,000 Checker taxis a year. Checkers, known for their roominess and durability, were the taxi cabs of choice for decades in New York City, Chicago and many other American cities. The last Checker rolled off the assembly line in 1982. The big two-ton taxis could not compete with more modern, cheaper and more fuel-efficient competitors. I searched for “Checker Cab” in the William
Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit it History. This resulted in 640 hits in the Archive, rchive, but only an obituary for Markin in the Julyy 10, 1970, issue of JN that cites the Checker Cab b Manufacturing Co. Almost all of the entries es were ads for “Checker,” the Detroit cab commpany established in 1921. Although the Archive only yields a bit of information, it appears that the Checkerr cab company may have been another earlyy Jewish-owned automotive enterprise. A story about Edward Fleischman in the Feb. 2, 1964, issue of the JN cites him as a founder of Checker cabs. More research is needed on this topic. Two other Checker-related articles were iinteresting. An article on actor David Gorenstein, in the Sept. 1, 1989, issue of the JN pictured him sitting on the hood of his favorite car, a Checker. In a March 3, 1995, JN article, local Detroit artist Morris Rosin is also cited as a proud Checker owner. I wish to thank Mr. Flaisher for his letter. It was the catalyst for another Michigan Jewish history adventure in the William Davidson Digital Archive. Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.
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