Island was refuge for Jews in the

Arts&Life books

To Cuba, With Gratitude

In a new book, local author Ruth Behar recalls the island as a haven for Jews.

MADELINE HALPERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

TOP: Agramonte Street in Havana, Cuba. Baby Ruth with her grandparents in Havana. CENTER: Goworowo map from Memorial Book.

Last December, Ann Arbor resident Ruth Behar returned to Havana, her place of birth, to put the finishing touches on her newest novel, Letters from Cuba. She stayed in the same apartment building where she lived her first five years until 1961 — when her family left the island two years after Fidel Castro took over.

During her visit, the author worked in the nearby park she went to as a child, using public Wi-Fi to go over final editorial changes. The neighborhood is just a half-block from Temple Beth Shalom, also known as the Patronato Synagogue, a major hub of the Jewish community built just years before Behar’s birth.

She said the nostalgic location for the visit was intentional.

“I wanted to feel the island right before my book went to press,” said Behar, a writer, anthropologist and the Victor Haim Perera Collegiate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan. She is the first Latina to receive a MacArthur “Genius” Grant.

“I wanted to be there in Cuba again as I was letting the book go,” she said.

For Behar and her family, Cuba is not only a place of birth, but a site of refuge. Her great-grandfather Abraham Levin journeyed there from Poland in 1924 during the rise of antisemitism in Europe. He lived in the rural Cuban village of Agramonte.

Behar’s Letters from Cuba, geared toward middle-grade students, was inspired by the true story of her maternal grandmother, Esther, a Polish Jew who journeyed by ship alone at age 17 in 1927 to join her father in Cuba. There, she helped make enough money to bring over the rest of her family from Poland, on the eve of the Holocaust.

The book features fictional letters from Esther to her younger sister, Malka, and imagines the experience of Esther as a young Jewish immigrant in a foreign country. Behar said that fiction became the perfect outlet for a Jewish immigration story that history does not have much record of. Instead, she used details heard in family stories, like the bread and bananas her great- grandfather sustained himself on upon arrival. “That was a clue to how these new immigrants were taking care of themselves,” Behar said. “It showed how they were gently immersing themselves, trying the fruit of this new culture, while still trying their best to follow the kosher traditions of the old country.”

In addition to her grandmother’s story, Behar said she was motivated to write the book by the climate of hostility toward immigrants exhibited by the Trump administration. She saw connections between her family’s migration patterns and current events.

“It brought the past and the present together for me,” said Behar. “I thought, ‘My own family went through this.’”

In the 1920s, when Behar’s family was trying to escape persecution, the U.S. continued on page 36

Arts&Life

celebrity jews

Maya Rudolph

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

LOTS OF PREMIERES

The new season of Saturday Night Live begins Oct. 3. Five episodes will air this October. All will be filmed, live, on stage, in front of a small audience. The first episode features a sketch about the presidential election. Host Jim Carrey will play former VP Joe Biden. Of course, Alec Baldwin will play President Trump. Maya Rudolph, 48, will play Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic VP nominee. Rudolph portrayed Harris in three SNL sketches last year and just won an Emmy (guest actress, comedy) for one of those sketches.

Last month, I briefly noted that the Showtime documentary series The Comedy Store would premiere in October. But, that was not absolutely certain. Now, it is certain: The five-part series will start 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. The director and main writer is Detroit native Mike Binder, 62. Binder, a sometime actor, was a former stand-up comedian himself. The series features never-before-seen footage of famous comedians. Interviewees include David Letterman and Howie Mandel, 65.

Mitzi Shore (1930-2018) co-founded The Comedy Store, a Los Angeles nightclub, in 1968. She had a truly great eye for young talent and is credited with giving many great comics their start or big break (a partial list: Robin Williams, David Letterman, Andy Kaufman, Jay Leno and Garry Shandling). Mitzi was the real talent in the family. She effectively ran the club from its inception because her husband and club co-founder, “so/so” comedian Sammy Shore, was usually on the road. Mitzi became the club’s sole owner after she and Sammy split in 1974. Their son, comedian

Pauly Shore, now 52, had a miniburst of fame in the ’90s.

Monsterland is an original Hulu series that begins streaming Oct. 2. It is an eight-episode anthology series (each episode stands alone) about “broken” people who have encounters with mermaids, fallen angels and other strange beasts. Jonathan Tucker, 38, who has many film and TV credits, co-stars in the first episode. Tucker, whose mother is Jewish, will also co-star in the NBC sci-fi series Debris, which will premiere sometime early next year. The seventh episode of Monsterland co-stars Michael Hsu Rosen, 30ish. He is just breaking into TV/film work following years as a ballet dancer and stage actor. His father is Jewish. His mother is Chinese.

The Good Lord Bird, a Showtime series, starts Oct. 4. The focus of the series is the (fictional) relationship between famous abolitionist John Brown (who was real) and Onion, a fictional slave he frees. Onion rides with Brown and his followers as they violently battle (1856) pro-slavery forces in Kansas. The series’ climatic moment comes when Brown leads a famous raid (1859) on a Virginia federal armory.

Hamilton star Daveed Diggs, 38, has a large role as Frederick Douglass (1818-95), a famous African American leader who was an ally of Brown. Wyatt Russell, 33, appears as J.E.B. Stuart, an American army officer who helped repel the armory raid and later became a famous Confederate general. Wyatt’s mother is Goldie Hawn, 74.

CUBA continued from page 35 Immigration Act of 1924 set quotas on how many people could come to the country from Southern and Eastern Europe.

“My family was unwanted here, so our American lives began in Cuba,” she said.

After Communist revolutionary Castro seized power in 1959, Behar said 94 percent of the Jews in Cuba left. Until her immediate family could obtain American passports, they spent a year in Israel living on a Spanish-speaking kibbutz. The family then immigrated once more to join her maternal grandparents in Queens, N.Y.

“I can actually remember looking out [the] ship’s window and seeing the Statue of Liberty when we arrived,” Behar said.

There, they joined a sizeable community of Jewish Cubans, and Behar worked hard to learn English. Still, she held onto her love of Spanish, and eventually pursued a career that allowed her to engage with her passion for language and diversity.

“As a cultural anthropologist, I have this intellectual passport that not only allows but encourages me to connect with the places I write about,” she said.

As part of her anthropological research and writing, she has lived and worked in Mexico and Spain. She has also made many return trips to her native Cuba.

“I do research there on the Jewish community, art and literature, and try to reconnect with the place I was born,” she said.

HAVEN FROM THE HOLOCAUST

Now, Behar enjoys a home base in Ann Arbor, where she teaches courses on Cuba and its diaspora and the concept of home at the University of Michigan. For herself, the concept of home evokes feelings of gratitude. She recognizes Cuba as the sanctuary that saved her family from a possible death in the Holocaust.

In Letters from Cuba, Behar aims to repaint this picture of the island as a center of welcome for many Jews. She said when it comes to Jewish migration to Cuba, scholars focus on the story of the SS St. Louis, a German luxury ship that carried more than 900 Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany in 1939. Only a handful were allowed entry into Cuba upon arrival. Behar believes this tragedy is out of character for the diverse country.

“I wrote this book in contrast to those stories,” Behar said. “I wanted to show that Cuba did offer sanctuary to very many Jews, that the majority, in fact, did find refuge.”

Behar also hopes the book will fill a gap in children’s learning, to deliver them the diverse kind of anthropological material she teaches to her students at the University of Michigan.

“They’ve read a lot of World War II stories,” Behar said. “They’ve read a lot of immigrant stories. But they don’t know the stories of Jews who went to Cuba.”

In sharing this history, she believes the novel will teach young readers to have compassion toward other immigrant children and hopefully make her readers better citizens of the world.

Perhaps most integral to Behar’s newest literary adventure, however, is remembrance. As remaining Holocaust survivors pass on, and as Behar worries about what she sees as a new climate of fascism, the author wants to make links between past and future traumas.

“We have to do everything we can to bring this historical memory into the present so young people can see it in relation to the contemporary struggles occurring,” she said. “We have to be able to connect all these things and understand how past and present are always in relation to one another.”

On The Go people | places | events

HEALTH & WELLNESS NOON-4 PM, OCT. 3 This activity is presented by Yoga Moves MS. Attend all or select sessions. Event is free of charge; $25 donation appreciated For more information and to register visit: yogamovesms.org/holistichealthandwellnessforum.

FILM FESTIVAL OCT 4-30 This year, the Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival will partner with the Detroit Film Theatre. The virtual festival will be a mix of things to do together and things to do on your own. Anyone can participate in all aspects. Films will be available for rent on-demand throughout the entire festival to watch any time. No more worrying about missing a film because it’s being shown when you’re busy. Festival Pass holders will have access to a Netflix-like premium streaming area beginning on Oct. 4. where they can scroll through movies and watch as they please. Those without a pass can purchase virtual tickets to each film individually beginning on Oct. 4. Virtual tickets are single-use codes for watching a film that expire in 24 hours. All can gather in real time for live virtual film discussions. Anyone can watch and participate in these either on the JCC of Metro Detroit’s YouTube channel or through the Detroit Jewish Film Festival’s smart TV app. Preview the film lineup and get a pass at culturalarts.jccdet.org/filmfest. Info: call 248-609-3303.

AFA CONFERENCE 10 AM-12:30 PM, OCT. 6 The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host a free virtual educational conference as part of its national Educating America Tour to help Michigan residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease during the COVID-19 crisis. The conference, which is free and open to everyone, will provide information and advice from health and caregiving experts. To register, go to alzfdn.org/tour. Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of The Dr. Oz Show, will be a guest speaker and share his family’s personal Alzheimer’s story regarding the diagnosis of his mother, Suna Oz, last year. SISTERHOOD PROGRAM 6:30-9 PM, OCT. 6 Temple Israel Sisterhood virtual paid-up membership event will feature global psychic/medium sensation Thomas John, who has wowed audiences across the world with his impressively accurate messages from the “other side.” He will do a presentation and live readings. Free for paidup sisterhood members; $36 for non-members (you do not need to be a member of Temple Israel to attend). Info: temple-israel.org or 248-661-5700.

ZOOM PLAYS 8 PM, OCT. 7-11 Theatre NOVA will present 15 juried plays written specifically on Zoom to be performed live and available for streaming after the performances. Three different new short plays each night will be performed live online over the course of five nights. Tickets are $5 per person per evening, or $20 for a festival pass which admits ticket holders to all 15 plays. Prior to the event, ticket holders will receive a link to click on to view. Purchase tickets online at www.TheatreNova.org. For more information, email a2theatrenova@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Theatre NOVA’s ongoing efforts to stay alive through the pandemic.

JLEARN CLASSES BEGIN OCT. 9 The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit will present this year’s JLearn classes. For a catalogue go to jccdet.org/JLearn. Register at jlearn.online or call 248-205-2557.

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

Speaking Truth to Power: The White Rose Student Anti-Nazi Resistance

A virtual program by Dr. Jud Newborn with stirring music, powerful images and suspenseful storytelling

3KRWRFUHGLW*HRUJH:LWWHQVWHLQ

Register at www.holocaustcenter.org/October THURSDAY, OCT. 8 Q 7:00 PM

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTER ZEKELMAN FAMILY CAMPUS

248.553.2400

Q holocaustcenter.org

Stay in the know with all things Jewish...

Get The Detroit Jewish News print edition delivered to your door every week for less than $ 2 per issue.

S ubscribe T oday!

thejewishnews.com/subscription

Th k Rugiero Promise Foundation along with the University of Michigan Medicine Center Present the Virtual 2020 CASINO ROYALE Silent Auction & Raffle. OCT. 22-24

HELP US FIND A CURE FOR DIABETES!

We invite you, your family and friends to join our virtual event with a Silent Auction, Raffles, Prizes and Direct Donations!

R For more info visit www.rugieropromise.org or

Register at https://Rugiero20.givesmart.com to join this exciting-FUN-virtual event!

Soul

of blessed memory

RICHARD KEITH

BARNETT, 85, of Birmingham, died Sept. 22, 2020. Mr. Barnett owned and operated Chrome Craft Corporation, a chrome plating and finishing company. He enjoyed traveling and had a passion for his family, the Michigan Wolverines and a Saturday round of golf with his friends.

He is survived by his son, Anthony Barnett; daughter and son-in-law Amanda Barnett Pedigo and Chris Pedigo; grandchildren, Mayah and Adam Pedigo; many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Barnett was the devoted son of the late Arthur Barnett and the late Lillian Greenberg Barnett; the loving brother of the late Virginia Barnett Warren and the late Stanley Warren.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MARGARET “MARGIE”

CHARNES, 83, of Commerce, died Sept. 22, 2020. She is survived by her daughters and son-inlaw, Ellen Charnes, Marilyn Engel, and Sandy Simmons and Steve Rymal; grandchildren, Samantha and Daniel Edgar, Sydney Simmons, Alex Engel and Michelle Engel; brother, Howard Ellias; brother-in-law, Jerry Glassman; nieces and nephews, Lenore and Alan Deutch Singer, George and Sherri Glassman, and Judith G. Etkin. She is also survived by Zona and Richard Ribiat, Norman and Barbara Herbst, Alan and Elaine Herbst, and many loving great-nieces, great-nephews, other loving and special family members and friends. She was also loved by Chloe and Lucy.

Mrs. Charnes was the beloved wife of the late Allen Charnes; the loving sister of the late Phillip Ellias, the late Stanley Ellias and the late Naomi Dallen; the dear sister-in-law of the late Debbie Glassman; the devoted daughter of the late Meyer and the late Esther Ellias; the loving daughter-in-law of the late Saul and the late Martha Charnes; and the proud aunt of the late Harvey Deutch.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Colon Cancer Foundation, 201 N. Charles St., Suite 2404, Baltimore, MD 21201, coloncancerfoundation.org; Michigan Animal Rescue League, 790 Featherstone, Pontiac, MI 48342, michigananimalrescueleague.org; or Leader Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48308-5000, leaderdog.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

LISA KRAFT

DORF, 45, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 23, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Stuart Dorf; sons, Alec Gabriel Dorf and Zachary Samuel Dorf; mother and father, Joanne and Robert Kraft; sisters and brother-in-law, Ellen Kraft, and Andrea and Stephen Taub; mother-in-law and father-inlaw, Myra and Larry Dorf; brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw, Robert and Denise Dorf, and Joseph and Erica Dorf; many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, tons of cousins, and a universe of friends.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Temple Israel, Susan and Rabbi Harold Loss Early Childhood Center Scholarship Fund, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, temple-israel.org/ tributes. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

KAREN

JACOBSON, 72, of Birmingham, died Sept. 21, 2020. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Logan Jacobson Most. She was the adoring “Kiki” of Oakley and Brighton Most; loving sister of Stanley “Bowie” Jacobson, and Scott and Roz Jacobson; beloved auntie of Lacey and Elliot Foon, Maxwell, Charlotte, Emilia, Luke and Cole Jacobson. She is also survived by dear cousins, Sheryl and Bob Anderson, Lori Brooks, Steven Perlman; and their children; adored by Ronnie and Jodi Weiss; and her loyal support team, Theresa Zemke, Bozena Walat, Debi Weinstein, and Esteline Johnson.

Ms. Jacobson was the devoted daughter of the late Mark “Ted” and Mildred Jacobson.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, 200 1st St. SW, Development Dept., Rochester, MN 55905, philanthropy. mayoclinic.org/donateMC; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

EVELYN KEPES, 89, of Birmingham, passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2020. She was a strong, intelligent, beautiful person.

Mrs. Kepes is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Fred Jacobs; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Dorene Kepes; son-in-law, Scott Silver; grandchildren, Joshua Silver, Ariel Silver, Benjamin (Tracey) Silver, Gabe Silver, Alyssa Silver, Allison Jacobs, Mickey Jacobs, Heather Kepes; great-grandchildren, Yael and Ryan Silver; sister and brotherin-law, Mitzi and Ron Brown; many other loving family members and friends.

She was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Kepes; the mother of the late Jan Silver; the grandmother of the late Cindy Kepes.

Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

SEYMOUR

KLEIMAN, 87, of West Bloomfield, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Sept. 17, 2020.

He was born in Newark, N.J., before moving to Michigan with his mother and father.

His wife, Estelle, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joys in life. He was a generous and loving person and willing to do whatever his wife, children and grandchildren might need.

Mr. Kleiman was involved for 64 years as a Mason and for 58 years as a Shriner. He was a member of Temple Israel for 50 years. He belonged to the Detroit Zoo, Holocaust Memorial Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and he was a longtime member of the JCC. He worked as a salesman for Covington Fabrics and was a co-owner of Mattress Warehouse.

He is survived by his beloved

wife of 64 years, Estelle Kleiman; daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Paul Walter; daughter-in-law, Susan Binder; grandchildren, Mallory (Matthew) Shiffman, Dr. Ari Walter, Zachary Walter; great-grandchildren, Emerson and Morrison Shiffman.

Mr. Kleiman was the father of the late Dr. Michael Kleiman; grandfather of the late Max Walter.

Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the Penrickton Center for Blind Children or to JARC. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

AGNES

LUGOSI, 82, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 21, 2020. She was active at the Holocaust Memorial Center as a docent and speaker. She and her husband had many meetings at their home for Children of Holocaust Survivors, and she participated with the Spielberg interviews of Holocaust survivors.

An active member of Congregation Beth Ahm, she also belonged to B’nai B’rith.

Mrs. Lugosi is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas Lugosi; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Matthew Burnstein of West Bloomfield, Dianne and Dr. Stewart Baroff of Commerce; grandchildren, Samantha Burnstein, Sydnie Burnstein, Dr. Brandon Baroff, Kaila Baroff; sister-in-law, Gabriella Karp; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; four wonderful caregivers.

She was the dear sister and

NO ONE LIKES TO PLAN A FUNERAL.

BUT YOU CAN PLAN TO LIKE THE GUIDANCE AND SERVICE YOU GET FROM A FUNERAL HOME .

Arranging a funeral is an emotional process. But choosing the right funeral home can help alleviate the stress. That’s why people turn to us. We understand the wants and needs of families from all walks of Judaism. Our fresh look and feel make everyone feel welcome. We’re centrally located, and our pricing is fair. Our care—and our caring—help ease the burden of a SVZZ4HRPUNH+VYMTHUKPќLYLUJL everyone will appreciate.

30440 W. TWELVE MILE ROAD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 248.406.6000 | THEDORFMANCHAPEL.COM

The sooner you call, the more we can help.

Our State. Our Town. Our Hospice.

888-247-5701 www.hom.org

Caring for Detroit's Jewish community since 1980

PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE JEWISH HOSPICE & CHAPLAINCY NETWORK

Monument Center “Same Location Over 80 Years”

Monuments and Markers Bronze Markers

Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning

Inc.

www.MonumentCenterMichigan.com

Some days seem to last forever… We’re offering one that actually will.

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. 16 Tishrei Oct. 4, 2020 Samuel Kief Edward Borray

Elizabeth Brown Tillie Koss Leah Budnick

Julius Corman Sol Kwartowitz Bernice Cole

David M. Edelman Abraham Sender Lipson Herbert H. Freedland

Harold Kaplan Tania Safran Mary Guterman

Allen Krakow Fannie Warsen Harry Jaffin

Harry Levine Sam Weintraub Pearl Kind

Celia Margolis 19 Tishrei Oct. 7, 2020 Morris Lubkin

Phillip Rossen Henry Benach Elka Rutzimring

Morris Silverstein Isadore Berkowitz Shiah Rutzimring

Esther Rose Smith Tova Goldstein Morris Saham 17 Tishrei Oct. 5, 2020 Berko Iger Rose Schwartz

Leon N Cutler Robert Jonas Fanny Unrot

Joseph Hess Ida Katzman 22 Tishrei Oct. 10, 2020

Sadie Kaufman Harry Levin Sollie Antman

Minnie Kideckel David Levine Sam Bernstein

Dora Strom Rothenhaus Bella Raim Michael Berris Simon Shlom William Solomon Rose Weingarden 18 Tishrei Oct. 6, 2020 Jack Blue-Bluestein Dorothy Bodzin Stanley Brawer Sadie Ettinger Shirley Feldman Jack Franks Harry Nathan Goldman Samuel Granitz William Morris Isenberg Isadore Rolnitzky Sol Stein George Raymond Terebelo Richard Neal Wayne 20 Tishrei Oct. 8, 2020 Jack Beckwith Sam Bielewitch Harry A. Davidson Benjamin Eizelman Charles Rubel Harry Wexler 21 Tishrei Oct. 9, 2020 Meyer Beigler Charles Binder William Bordelove Betty Cohen Louis Julius Cohen Howard Robert Cornfield Kate Gormezano John Sidney Ketchen Louis H. Levine Hilda Lezell Goldie Mendelsohn Abraham Oakman Gertrude Rosenberg Harry Shulman Edward Simon Fred Spindel School for Boys • Beth Jacob School for Girls • Bais Yehudah Preschool Weiss Family Partners Detroit • Kollel Bais Yehudah • Maalot Detroit P.O. Box 2044 • 6RXWKoHOG0, • 248-557-6750 • www.YBY.org

continued from page 41

sister-in-law of the late Irving and the late Helen Biel, and the late Alex Karp.

Contributions may be made to Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; or Congregation Beth Ahm, 5075 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

LEONARD

MEISEL, 67, of Bay City, died Sept. 17, 2020. He is survived by his dear companion, Bobbie Nichols; sons, Alex Meisel and Austin Meisel; sister, Shelly Meisel. He is also survived by his former spouse, Karen Meisel; and many other loving family members and friends.

Mr. Meisel was the loving son of the late Irvin and the late Yetta Meisel.

Interment took place at Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery in Clinton Township. Contributions may be made to Keeping the Blues Alive or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

HERBERT

MILLER, 94, of Northville, died Sept. 22, 2020. He retired after 30 years at General Motors Livonia Spring and Bumper.

Mr. Miller will always be remembered as the guy who loved to tell jokes and make others laugh. He had a passion for music and loved to sing and record music, which will be cherished by his family for years. He also loved to write poetry.

He had a gift for making others feel welcome and appreciated no matter who they were, and he made friends easily. He was always complimenting others and asking how he could help them, even in his final days. He never wanted to burden anyone with his needs and he never complained about anything. He loved the simple life. His favorite thing to do was just spending quality time with his wife, Shirley. They were content with their simple daily routine, which included lunch at Panera and a trip to TJ Maxx or the mall. Half of his heart went with Shirley the day she died.

The family will miss this dad, grandfather and great-grandfather, but will always hold him close to their hearts and will remember all the ways he made them feel special. They are very grateful to have had him in their lives for 94 years.

Mr. Miller is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Howard E. and Heidi Miller; daughter and son-in-law, Donna S. Miller and David Hawrylak; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Dehaan, Rebecca (Stephen) Crews, David and Erik Hawrylak; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Ava DeHaan, Jacob Crews and Lily Crews; many other loving family members and friends.

He was the beloved husband of the late Maxine Frank Miller and the late Shirley Gorney Goldsmith Miller; son of the late Rose Reifler Roth and the

late Phillip Miller.

Interment took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Lupus Foundation of America. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

BARBARA

PEARL, 82, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 19, 2020. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Randi and Harry Glanz, Debbie Yendick and her life partner, Corey Haber, and Jill and Steve Dean; grandchildren, Eric Glanz, Sydney and Nicholas Bierwirth, Darin Gross, Jake Gross, Taylor Yendick, Josh, Samantha, Nicole and Hayden Dean; former daughter-in-law, Lindsay Gross; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Barry and Vera Pearl; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Pearl was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Conrad Pearl; the dear mother-in-law of the late Michael Yendick; the loving twin sister of the late Richard Weiner; the devoted daughter of the late David and the late Faye Weiner; the dear daughter-in-law of the late Joseph and the late Sadie Pearl.

Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MICHAEL

PERLMAN, 72, of New York, N.Y., formerly of Bloomfield Hills, died Sept. 22, 2020.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana Perlman; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Elizabeth Perlman; granddaughter, Lily Dee Perlman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Peter and Carrie Perlman, and Dr. Owen and Sheila Perlman; brother-in-law and sisters-inlaw, Dr. Jeffrey and Sharon Lipton, and Naida Simon; many loving nieces, nephews, caregivers and a world of friends.

Mr. Perlman was the beloved husband of the late Diane “Dee Dee” Perlman; the devoted son of the late Elaina and the late Charles Perlman; the dear sonin-law of the late Dr. Benjamin and the late Ida Bader.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the Dee Dee and Michael Perlman Caregivers

WE ARE THE COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME

We combine tradition and personal service in a modern world

Fund, 6735 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, jewishdetroit.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

DR. MARTIN

ROSENBAUM, 82, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 20, 2020. He had many passions in life. First, being with his wife Eileen for 66 years and family. Then on to dentistry, which included a long tenure at U of D, being a captain in the Army and amassing a large group of lifelong friends.

He was also a true car enthusiast, enjoying car shows and often visiting Woodward Ave. as a teen with his wife and, up to a few months ago, meeting old and new friends to discuss and enjoy their love of automobiles.

Dr. Rosenbaum is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eileen

continued on page 44

ENTERING OUR SECOND CENTURY OF CARING AND RESPECTFUL SERVICE

HebrewMemorial.org | 248.543.1622 | 800.736.5033 | 26640 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237

Soul

of blessed memory

continued from page 43

Rosenbaum; son, Andrew Rosenbaum; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Mark Merian; grandchildren, TJ Kirschner, Matthew and Athena Kirschner, Michael Kirschner, Kyle Merian and Taylor Cordone; brother and sister-in-law, Jan Rosenbaum and Dora Galitzki. He was the dear brother-inlaw of the late Leslie Rose.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be to American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076, cancer.org; Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 260, P.O. Box 2030, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303, jewishdetroit.org/send-a-tribute; or Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MARTIN

SUMMER, 83, of Independence Township, died Sept. 16, 2020. A retired veteran, Martin Summer was a captain in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He was also an attorney, an avid stamp collector and an all-around nice guy.

Mr. Summer is survived by his wife of 52 years, Madelyn Summer; children, Meredith Summer of Oak Park, Stephanie and Jason Pollak of West Bloomfield, and Alison Feiler of Huntington Woods; grandchildren, Josh Pollak, Hudson Leo Pollak, Sophie Feiler and Sammy Feiler; sister, Jeannie Ross of San Diego, Calif.; brother and sister-inlaw, David and Betsy Summer of McClean, Va.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Hilary and Dr. Robert Weisman; many other loving family members and friends.

Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

GERALDINE

ZACKS, 72, of Farmington Hills, died Sept. 16, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Howard Zacks; children, Matthew Mercadante of West Bloomfield, Daniel and Valerie Mercadante of Rochester Hills, Matthew and Lisa Zacks, Stephen Zacks, Michele Zacks; brothers and sister-in-law, Lee and Dawn Gayer, Mitchell Gayer; sister and brother-in-law, Diane and David Scheingoltz of West Palm Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Oliver Mercadante, Aria Mercadante, Dylan Zacks; loving nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to Partners Detroit, 15751 W. Lincoln Road, Southfield, MI 48076; or Yeshivah Beth Yehudah, P.O. Box 2044, Southfield, MI 48037. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel;

CORRECTION

The obituary for Yetta Pomerantz (Sept. 17) should have indicated her date of death as Sept. 3, 2020.

Raskin

the best of everything

From Siberia to Southfield

Sid Neuman transformed a tiny deli into something magnifi cent.

People never had to wear in 1956 after coming to the face masks or be afraid United States from Poland. to leave the house as During World War II, Sid ordered by a higher up … but was sent to Siberia by the residents were lucky then to Russians … And after six years, even get a piece of bread … they finally allowed him to And tuna salad? return to Poland only because … Forget it! … of his being a Polish citizen … The closest they He ran away to the American came to any occupation sector in Germany kind of fish was and received permission to go an occasional to the United States.

Danny Raskin Senior Columnist drawing of what it looked like. Sid bought Star Deli on 15 Mile Road, west of Telegraph, They didn’t coming here from Chicago have corned beef sandwiches to take over a little carryout in Siberia either … The closest operation whose kitchen, 500 that people living there, such as square feet, was as big as the Sid Neuman, came to a corned entire front. beef sandwich was his first one But oh, what that tiny STAR DELI FACEBOOK 1,200-square-foot carryout delicatessen had become … eventually ranking, today, as one of the largest volume carryout-only Jewish delicatessens in the nation … open seven days a week with regular hours. Imagine this little carry

Sid Neuman out deli selling almost 1,500

@]pflXi\efkn\Xi`e^`k¿j\cc`k%%% fi9FIIFNfe`k

Pfl can’t enjoy jewelry if it’s sitting in your safe

deposit box. Sell or borrow on it for immediate cash. We deal in jewelry, watches, diamonds and coins.

A Service to Private Owners, Banks & Estates

Coins & Jewelry

Contact Larry Allan

**.''Nff[nXi[8m\%›9\kn\\e(+D`c\8[Xdj›9`id`e^_Xd#D@

248-644-8565

pounds of white Albacore tuna a week … a salad that continually received rave notices.

Sid changed all that … remodeling it with four refrigerated cases … a large walk-in cooler …and everything imaginable in Jewish traditional foods among many other items that could be jammed into its crowded but neat areas.

Those refrigerated cases are now filled with tradition Jewish dishes … smoked fish, sable, kippered salmon, herring in both cream and wine sauce, etc.

Star cooks its own corned beef, pastrami, tongue, roast beef, etc. … Makes its own seafood salad and potato salad … plus coleslaw, pasta salad, rice pudding, fruit salad, etc.

The story of Star Deli is an amazing success tale … No one could ever foresee that this little operation would someday produce so much volume surrounded by enough

food now to feed that entire camp in Siberia.

Certainly, Sid can only shake his head when looking around at the untold amount of food carried by Star Deli and recall those lean days in Poland and Siberia.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES… The doctor held a stethoscope up to a man’s chest. The patient asks, “Doc, how do I stand?” … The doctor says, “That’s what puzzles me!

A drunk is in front of the judge … The judge says, “You’ve been brought here for drinking” … The drunk says, “OK, let’s get started.”

There is a big controversy on the Jewish view of when life begins … In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from medical school.

CONGRATS …To Denice Dunn on her birthday.

Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.

Looking Back

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

Fighting Hunger

Iread the cover story in the Sept. celebrating its 30th anniversary this 10 issue of the JN with great interyear. est. In 2020, like antisemitism, Yad Ezra’s vision is succinct but hunger is still with us. With the panpowerful: “A Jewish Community demic and its accompanying severe Without Hunger.” And, for the past economic woes, unfortunately, hunthree decades, “Michigan’s Kosher ger, like antisemitism, will be on the Food Pantry” has provided millions rise in the near future. of pounds of food to Jewish families

It was therefore heartening to read in need around Southeast Michigan. Madeline Halpert’s My search for “Yad Ezra” in the recent story about William Davidson Archive showed Hazon and Chad that its name appeared on 4,371 pages Techner doing their best of the JN since 1990. In short, there to “rescue” extra food are many stories about and photos around the city and use of Yad Ezra volunteers and the good

Mike Smith it to alleviate hunger. deeds they performed. Several of

Alene and Graham Landau This is an admirable these stood out. The Sept. 29, 2005,

Archivist Chair partnership, to say the issue of the JN that launched its least. campaign has excellent stories by

I was also very interested in the Shelli Liebman Dorfman about then “Food Rescue” story for another 15-year-old Yad Ezra. I also like that reason. Recently, while on one of my issue’s cover photo of Lea Luger, Paul frequent (one might say, obsessive) Finkel and Elaine Ryke in the Yad searches in the William Davidson Ezra warehouse. Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit The Feb. 16, 1990, issue of the JN History, I ran across two related hunreported the opening of Yad Ezra, ger stories from the past. with very nice photos of its first

First, I read about the launch of director, Jeanette Eizelman, and volthe JN’s yearlong campaign to fight unteer Rabbi A. Irving Schnipper. I hunger in Metro Detroit in 2005. The also liked the photo of volunteers in campaign was launched to coincide the Dec. 6, 2018, JN when Yad Ezra with Rosh Hashanah, the beginning celebrated over 20 million — yes, that of the Jewish New Year and the High is 20 million — pounds of food disHolidays. An editorial by then-Story tributed to needy Jewish families. Development Editor Keri Guten Cohen Hunger is still an issue in Metro introduced the campaign in the Sept. Detroit. However, the efforts of 29, 2005, issue of the JN. organizations such as Hazon and

Much like the current focus on Yad Ezra, to name just two, and of antisemitism throughout 2020, the individuals like Chad Techner and all JN published stories that year about those who volunteer their time and efforts made by organizations and effort, and because the Detroit Jewish individuals to combat hunger, and community as a whole provides supsponsored events that raised awareport in a myriad of ways, fewer famness and resources. All proceeds ilies will go hungry this year. Tikkun were donated, non-kosher items to olam in action, I would say. Gleaners food bank and kosher items to Yad Ezra, which leads to my secWant to learn more? Go to the DJN ond point of interest — Yad Ezra is Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT, CREDIBLE JEWISH JOURNALISM

Dear valued reader,

Let’s get right to it.

During these very diffi cult times, why does the Jewish News matter more than ever? • It connects us when we feel separated and surrounded by chaos. With the Jewish News, we are not alone. We are all in this together as a community. • It is our trusted, distinctive, independent news source. With fake news, conspiracy theories and half truths rampant, the Jewish News provides us with facts, not sensationalism.

• It updates online content multiple times a day, always having a Jewish Detroit focus. The Jewish News and its www.thejewishnews.com website provides us with free access. • It helps us continue to purchase goods and services from local friends and neighbors whose businesses are struggling. The Jewish News brings us to who’s open for business. However, like other small businesses and especially media companies that depend on advertising, the Jewish News continues to suffer from the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

That’s Why Your Help Is Needed Today. Please go to www.thejewishnews.com/contribute and give generously in support of independent, credible Jewish journalism. Help the Jewish News continue to matter – more than ever during these turbulent times — to all of us and Jewish Detroit.

Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy and sweet New Year.

Sincerely, Arthur Horwitz Publisher

thejewishnews.com/contribute