2024 Spring Newsletter

Spring 2024

WHAT'S INSIDE

Honoring Rabbi Daniel Syme

Remembering Natalie Charach

Lean On Me:

JFS TODAY

Shining a light on mental health and suicide prevention

Many people experience depression. Not many take to the stage to talk about it.

It was at JFS’s 2022 Spotlight Event where stand-up comic Gary Gulman shared his mental health struggles through his authentic storytelling and brilliant humor. As the voice of millions who, like him, have struggled with mental health, Gary captivates audiences by bringing levity to what is most assuredly a difficult subject.

We look forward to his unique style of comedy when he performs at our Spotlight Event.

The nationally renowned talent and star of two HBO comedy specials, Born on Third Base and The Great Depresh, Gary will share from his new book, Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ‘80s. The memoir details his life from kindergarten through twelfth grade as he continually tries to fit in, whether it’s at grade school

show-and-tell, a high school football game or Hebrew school.

JFS couldn’t shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention without recognizing the work of Rabbi Daniel Syme. Rabbi Syme was the vision behind A Single Soul, an initiative of JFS, that works to prevent suicide by offering trainings and education to the community.

Our Spotlight Event, generously sponsored by the Reva Stocker Lecture Series, will be chaired by Gail Danto & Art Roffey and Jordon & Alex Wertheimer. We hope you’ll join us on May 22 at the Flagstar Strand Theatre and share in what will be a meaningful and entertaining evening.

For registration and sponsorships, visit jfsspotlightevent.org or call 248.592.2339.

Chairs: Gail Danto & Art Roffey Jordon & Alex Wertheimer

Gail Danto and Art Roffey

Ask Gail Danto why she and her husband, Art Roffey, are excited to serve as co-chairs for this year’s Spotlight Event, and she’ll tell you it’s because of Danny.

Danny is Rabbi Daniel Syme, a dear friend of Gail and Art. It’s his dedication to the field of suicide prevention that led to the creation of A Single Soul, Jewish Family Service’s suicide prevention initiative, for which he’ll be honored at this year’s Spotlight Event.

“Danny transformed his personal loss and tragedy [after losing his 21-year-old brother to suicide] into steps that would help others,” says Gail. “He felt that if he had been better able to recognize his brother’s intention to ease his pain at any cost—even to the extent of taking his own life—he may have been able to intervene. He made it one of his life’s missions to take what he had learned at such a personal cost and provide tools for others to appropriately intervene in a similar situation.”

It’s no surprise Gail and Art have such a strong connection with Rabbi Syme; Art is a psychologist who, at one stage in his career, specialized in working with suicidal and homicidal patients. Gail was a former hospice volunteer who brought comfort and support to individuals as they readied themselves for their transition. Like Rabbi Syme, they have both worked to make lives easier for others.

But it wasn’t just her friendship with the rabbi that attracted Gail to JFS. Her sister-in-law Sandy Danto, board president from 2007-2010, invited her to the agency’s annual meetings.

“That’s when we really learned what JFS does to help people,” she says.

Impressed by the breadth and depth of the agency, Gail joined the board in 2013 and has been

an ardent supporter ever since. She’s passionate about JFS’s mission and excited for community members to attend Spotlight and see firsthand how JFS helps others.

“You can, of course, learn about A Single Soul by reading a brochure,” she says. “But attending Spotlight will give you a deeper look inside the program and the agency, so you can see just how special JFS is. There probably isn’t any aspect of your life that JFS couldn’t help with and that is a gift to our community.”

In addition to her dedication to JFS, Gail has also been a past chair of the Jewish Women’s Foundation. She currently serves on the board of Kids Kicking Cancer and is involved in inSIGHT, a non-profit funding Holocaust education in southern Florida, where she and Art now reside. When she’s not busy giving her time to causes she is passionate about, Gail enjoys attending concerts and shows, playing golf and traveling with her and Art’s adult children, Jessica and Brian.

ight Event Chairs

Jordon and Alex Wertheimer

If you ask Jordon Wertheimer how he first got involved with JFS, you’ll hear echoes of Gail Danto.

“I received a call from my friend Rabbi Dan Syme asking if I would be interested in getting involved with JFS,” says Jordon. “I immediately said yes, and three years later, here we are.”

An active member in the Jewish community, Jordon has been the president of Temple Beth El (the youngest in their 170+ year history), an ORT board member and a NEXTGen Detroit executive board member. He was accustomed to attending board meetings in person. But he joined the JFS Board in 2021 (at the height of the COVID pandemic) and got used to seeing his fellow board members on Zoom.

“This was quite a different experience,” he says.

Still, he was excited to be a part of Jewish Family Service and is now looking forward to chairing the Spotlight Event and seeing Gary Gulman perform. But, more than that, it’s the recognition of Rabbi Syme for his dedication in the field of suicide prevention that he is most excited about.

“Rabbi Syme is so deserving of this tribute,” says

Jordon. “I can’t wait for us all to rally together to thank him for his devotion to suicide prevention and for being a steward of our community.”

Why should people attend the Spotlight Event? The reasons are two-fold, according to Jordon.

“First of all, it will be fun!” he says. “Come enjoy yourself. Secondly, we’re here to raise money for JFS so we can continue doing the most honorable work of serving our community in times of need. There is no greater mission than anonymously helping those who need assistance with nothing expected in return.”

When his job as a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual isn’t keeping him occupied, he and his wife are busy taking care of their three kids, Everly, 7, Ruby, 5 and Beck, 2.

“We are in the ‘drive our kids around business’ these days,” he says. “Between dance, gymnastics, baseball, soccer, afterschool activities and birthday parties, there’s not much time for me and Alex to put our feet up and relax. On those rare occasions when we have time to ourselves, we enjoy traveling, playing tennis, going to great restaurants and being with our friends and family.”

Honoring Rabbi Daniel Syme

Ever since Rabbi Daniel Syme lost his 21-year-old brother, Michael, to suicide, he’s made it his mission to spare other families the same devastation.

“I have come to learn that one who saves a single life, in truth, saves generations,” he says. “My life is devoted to saving generations.”

This passion led Rabbi Syme to create A Single Soul, a suicide prevention initiative which eventually found a home at JFS and for which he’ll be honored at the JFS Spotlight Event on May 22 at the Flagstar Strand Theatre.

While addressing suicide has always been a component of JFS’s mental health services, A Single Soul focuses on resources specifically for prevention and education efforts. This ultimately led to the agency adopting a Zero Suicide framework, with the vision of zero suicides within JFS and the community it serves. Rabbi Syme worked together with JFS’s growing suicide prevention team to blend A Single Soul with the Zero Suicide initiative.

“The work JFS does in suicide prevention owes much to Rabbi Syme,” says Perry Ohren, Chief Executive Officer. “His involvement gave A Single Soul more focus, brought in more resources and helped it to reach more people. Danny’s insistence to think bigger helped JFS establish and cement partnerships in the broader community.”

Rabbi Syme was instrumental in building the relationship between JFS and Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI). Both agencies have been active partners in suicide prevention work in the region.

“A significant portion of these efforts is funded by congressional directed spending, also known as an ‘earmark,’ through SAMHSA,” says Dini Peterson, Chief Program Officer of Mental Health and Safety Net Services. “It was Rabbi Syme’s influence that supported both agencies in receiving this grant award.”

JFS is working with community partners to offer trainings, provide clinical consultation and help develop and implement policies that support a stronger system of care for people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and suicidal behaviors. In just the past two years, JFS has partnered with 29 organizations, trained over 1,000 people and helped place JFS as a local leader in the realm of suicide prevention.

“Statistics indicate that at any given time, one in 20 people are experiencing thoughts of suicide,” says Mayim Meyers, Suicide Prevention Coordinator. “While it is sad

that this work needs to be done, we are blessed to be able to do the work, and we are indebted to Rabbi Syme and his tremendous contributions.”

“Danny is a very special man,” says Art Roffey, Spotlight Event co-chair. “He cares about every single soul and, even in his ‘retirement,’ works tirelessly to make lives easier for others.”

Art’s wife, Gail Danto, agrees wholeheartedly.

“He doesn’t need or want the recognition,” says Gail. “But Danny more than deserves it. People should be aware of, and support, the work of A Single Soul. It literally saves lives.”

Join us in honoring Rabbi Daniel Syme at the Jewish Family Service Spotlight Event on May 22.

For Spotlight registration and sponsorships, visit jfsspotlightevent.org or call 248.592.2339.

Before

After

Yay for a New Play Therapy Room

If you have never been in therapy, you might imagine a cozy room with a comfortable couch, plenty of throw pillows and maybe a candy dish alongside the box of tissues.

There probably wouldn’t be a dollhouse, board games or any toy trucks.

Therapy for kids looks a lot different than it does for adults. Rather than talking about their feelings, a child might reveal theirs by drawing a picture. How they engage with a dollhouse can offer information into their home life. And being able to conduct this play therapy requires a conducive space that encourages kids to play.

While we had such a space in our Oak Park office, the toys in the metal cabinet weren’t easily accessible. The table and chairs were too bulky for the space. The carpet had seen better days. It was in desperate need of a little love.

We were fortunate to make a connection with interior designer Joanne Aronovitz, who put her whole heart into the project and generously donated

her services, as well as a generous anonymous donor who funded the updates.

“We started talking about updating the room back in 2022,” says Amy Newman, Chief Development Officer. “But it took some time to find just the right donor—and we did. It was someone whose family received services many years ago, so they were thrilled to give back.”

The room now boasts fresh paint, a colorful mural, new laminate flooring, a washable rug, storage units and a table and chairs. A new play kitchen, activity center for the wall and colorful modular seating were also brought in.

“The space now feels open, cozy and encourages children to explore the contents of the room more openly,” says Kerri Lanoue, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health.

JFS therapists report that the kids were very surprised and excited when entering the room. “They are exploring it in a new way and interacting with toys that they hadn’t previously used,” says Kerri. “One enthusiastic child said, ‘All this for me!’”

Fall Fix Up Leaves an Impression

Jennifer Maxbauer’s three-yearold, Carl, loves raking and using a leaf blower.

“He requested a toy leaf blower, weed whacker and rake to play with,” she says. “He likes that the blower and weed whacker make noise, but he’s upset that they don’t actually work.”

Jennifer and her kids participated in last year’s Fall Fix Up. But the decision to do so was about more than just entertaining Carl.

“I wanted to show my children firsthand the importance of giving back to our community in a way that they could participate and understand,” she says. “Fall Fix Up gave us that opportunity.”

Carl and his five-year-old sister, Betsy, were just two of the 345

community members who came together to prepare 57 homes for the winter months ahead. Older adults served by JFS had their leaves raked, their windows washed and their days brightened by the smiling volunteers in their yards.

"I looked out the window and saw a group of young people clearing leaves from my yard," said one Fall Fix Up recipient. "My husband and I are both 86 years old and it's no longer easy [actually impossible] for us to do this ourselves. The volunteers worked and laughed and everything was so wonderful that I even started to cry. I was so touched."

It takes the efforts of so many to make this kind of impact each year: volunteers, Fall Fix Up committee members and JFS staff. But we couldn't do any of it without Jack Cherney.

Jack has been involved with the program for over 20 years and has certainly raked his fair share of leaves. But he has also been a driving force behind the program’s

existence, serving on the Fall Fix Up committee and generously donating space in his Detroit warehouse to store all the supplies.

“We can't begin to convey the magnitude of Jack's contributions,” says Alyah Al-Azem, Volunteer Service Coordinator. “He's helped make Fall Fix Up a success year after year and we're so grateful."

It’s not only his commitment to JFS and Fall Fix Up, but that of his family and staff who work alongside him, ensuring the program runs smoothly.

And it’s that dedication that has earned Jack and his business, Universal Bearing Company, the 2024 Jewish Family Service Community Partner of the Year award, which he will receive at our Annual Meeting on June 6. And after over 20 years of service to JFS, it’s an honor that’s a long time coming.

Please join us in honoring Jack, and others, at our Annual Meeting, held at Temple Israel on June 6. Stay tuned for details.

The Power of Participation

The wish lists of children receiving gifts through our Adopt a Family program tend to be predictable: Dolls. Art supplies. Games. So, we were surprised by what we found on one five-year-old’s list:

An American flag.

The community member shopping for him was so moved by the request, that she told her son about it. A member of the U.S. Air Force, he offered to put the flag, with the child’s name on it, on the jet he flies. The flag would be given to the child, along with an official certificate stating that it had been flown in his honor.

Thanks to this serendipity, that child received a gift far beyond his expectations.

The 829 other Adopt a Family recipients were just as appreciative of the boots, blankets and Barbies they

received. One grateful recipient shared her heartfelt appreciation (see note below) to those who made the holiday special for her and her children. And we want to thank the hundreds of community members who participated on their own, with families and friends, with their synagogues and with their businesses through the Adopt a Family program.

Sarah Roth is one such community member whose generosity made the holidays special for a struggling family. She’s been participating in Adopt a Family since 2010.

“Adopt a Family is a fabulous opportunity to give to others in need and get your whole family involved,” says Sarah. “These families we are giving to ask for so little and appreciate so much.”

Sarah also likes how easy it is to

participate in the program and that she can do it on her own time.

“It’s something simple we can do to help others feel loved while helping to support their needs. We feel the love when we give.”

The holidays may be over, but the need for assistance with basic needs never is. We need your help all year round. Visit jfsdetroit.org to learn more about the many ways you can help make a difference. Or contact Amy Newman at 248.592.2327 or anewman@jfsdetroit.org.

Dear Hanukkah angels, Thank you so much for all your generous gifts! It means so much to me and my children to receive such beautiful gifts at a time when I can not afford to give them these moments of joy myself. Wishing you a beautiful Hanukkah!

-A very happy family

Lev Detroit is at the Heart of the Community

For a department of just two, Lev Detroit gets a lot done.

Created in 2019 to better serve members of the Orthodox community, Lev Detroit (Lev, heart in Hebrew) is constantly evaluating the needs of the community and responding with new programming. In 2023, that included workshops on ADHD in children, ADHD in adults, anxiety, family caregiving and a one-day conference for local Orthodox mental health professionals.

“We look at the calls that come in,” says Bentzion Belen, Director of Lev Detroit. “We pay attention to the things people are struggling with, we survey the community and we consult with rabbis and schools

to see what the hot topics are so we can find ways to help.”

It’s that finger on the pulse of the Orthodox community that will direct future programming.

“Last year, we wanted to focus on parenting issues,” says Siona Margrett, Lev Detroit Coordinator. “We offered workshops on ADHD and anxiety in kids. We felt that Orthodox parents needed a place to turn for help and we want to be that resource. In 2024, we want to provide even more resources for parents that focus on them as an individual rather than their role as a parent. Workshops may include topics such as financial literacy, family caregiving and self-esteem.”

Meet the staff… Bentzion Belen

I’ve been at JFS…since June of 2021.

What I like most about my job is…the opportunity to help people within the community and seeing the incredible impact that Lev Detroit is making.

In the future, I’d like to…continue to develop many more community programs that keep benefitting the entire community.

When I’m not working…I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, reading and traveling.

Additional services offered by Lev Detroit include welcome baskets for new Orthodox neighbors who join the community, assistance with school uniforms, backpacks, Passover food, the Safety Kid child abuse prevention program and much more.

“People are sometimes hesitant to call,” says Siona. “But asking for help doesn’t reflect poorly on you. We are all going through something, especially these days, and it’s nice to have someone who can help you through that.”

For more information on the services Lev Detroit offers, contact 248.970.2040 or levdetroit@jfsdetroit.org.

Meet the staff… Siona Margrett

I’ve been at JFS…since November of 2022.

What I like most about my job is…planning programs that I feel will be beneficial to the community and seeing the positive responses.

In the future, I’d like…Lev Detroit to be an integral part of the Orthodox community and known to everyone as a place to come to for help.

When I’m not working…I’m taking care of my 6 kids (ranging from 2-18) and enjoying the odd night out with my husband.

Remembering Natalie Charach

You’ve undoubtedly passed one of the 16 JFS vehicles or been driven by one of the 15 drivers on the road at some point. How could you not have? Last year alone, they provided more than 26,000 rides.

And Natalie Charach (z”l) was the one behind the wheel.

Over the years, she and her husband, Manny (z”l), generously supported the JFS transportation department, donating funds to purchase new cars on a regular basis. This is in large part due to the relationship the Charachs and JFS had with Jonathan Lowe, who works in philanthropy at the Jewish Federation of Detroit. Jonathan helped steer them to a cause he knew would help them meaningfully accomplish their philanthropic goals, while also filling a need at JFS.

In 2018, she made a $1 million gift to the department. Today, the Charach Fleet escorts older adults and people with disabilities to jobs, doctor appointments, religious services and social events who otherwise would be unable to attend.

“She thought the work of getting people to essential appointments was important and she liked how we did that,” says Perry Ohren, Chief Executive Officer. “She appreciated that we Jews were taking care of ourselves.”

Taking care of those in need was a guiding force throughout Natalie’s life, and the entire Jewish community felt her loss when she passed in November of 2023. She left, however, a far-reaching legacy.

Locally, she supported Kadima/Gesher Human Services, Tamarack Camps, Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network and Congregation Beth Ahm, where she and Manny created a fund to help single parents who couldn’t afford High Holiday tickets. Internationally, the couple purchased ambulances for Magen David Adom, Israel’s primary provider of emergency medical services.

While some donors are content to put a check in the mail, Natalie preferred to present her gift in person. She didn’t want to just blindly give; she wanted a personal connection with the people who were

stewarding her contribution.

“Just the fact that we were able to get to know her and hear her stories made our relationship so much more meaningful,” says Amy Newman, Chief Development Officer. “She was one of my favorite people to talk to and I miss her greatly.”

Those who knew Natalie describe her as a fireball. A pistol. She told it the way it was, so one would be wise to stay on her good side.

“I’m like an elephant. I don’t forget,” Natalie said in a 2013 interview with the Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. “I have lists. And no one wants to be on my lists.”

Natalie’s memory will live on in every ride JFS provides. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family. May her memory be a blessing.

“She was quite a force and she will be missed,” says Perry. “I am heartened that we have these vehicles with the Charach name on them. It’s a nice legacy.”

Lean On Me: Women supporting women during the war in Israel

How do you take care of yourself, and tend to your young children, while the world is suddenly on fire?

This was a question that JFS Clinical Therapist Rina Hennes Sabes, LMSW, realized needed an answer. And fast.

“It was about a week after October 7, and our regular postpartum support group was scheduled to meet,” says Rina. “We thought we should open it up to all moms, not just those who are postpartum, as a space to process what was happening in Israel.”

Rina, along with her colleague Julia Cohen, LMSW, PMH-C, and in partnership with JFamily, welcomed 15 people to that first Zoom meeting. And what was thought to be a one-time session turned into a weekly group for several months.

“It’s been a powerful space for these women to talk about their fears, worries and sadness…what it’s like to be a Jewish woman, and a mom, in

the world right now,” says Rina, who opened the group to all Jewish women. “Not everyone attending was a mother, but everyone was struggling with concerns with antisemitism and trying to make sense of the trauma.”

The women, like most of us, were closely monitoring the traumatic events taking place in Israel.

As mothers, their feelings of horror were amplified as it was impossible not to envision themselves as the ones whose children were being kidnapped.

And that’s where the power of support groups comes in.

"Having a space where we could connect and hold space for each other has been everything for me,” says one participant. “The world as I knew it collapsed, but then I was able to take part in this special group to help slowly rebuild a new world that was stronger because we all did it together."

“It’s one thing to be validated by

your therapist, but it’s another to be validated by your peers,” says Rina. “It’s a powerful space. And I saw a lot of growth and hopefulness in those who attended, just by being in community with other women.”

If you have any questions or would like to propose a topic for a new support group, please contact the JFS Resource Center at 248.592.2313 or resourcecenter@jfsdetroit.org.

While this group was running at the time this newsletter went to press, all JFS support groups are constantly being evaluated in order to meet the evolving needs of its members. Please contact us to see which groups are currently being offered.

2023-2024 Board of Directors

Officers and Executive Committee

Marc Bakst - Chair

Shelly Rubenfire - Vice-Chair

David Gach - Treasurer

Amy Singer - Secretary

Julie Teicher - Immediate Past Chair

Rhonda Brown

Danielle DePriest

Jerry Frohlich

Jason Page

Julie Rothstein

Andi Wolfe

Perry Ohren– CEO

Board

Anita Blender

Emily Camiener

Rabbi Levi Dubov

Jeri Fishman

Michelle Freeman

Jenny Fritz

Allan Gale

Bill Goldstein

Sue Hersh

Rabbi Marla Hornsten

Melissa Orley Lax

Randy Orley

Todd Schafer

Elana Schwartz

Nachy Soloff

Marvin Sonne

Becca Steinman-DeGroot

Carolyn Tisdale

Renee Unger

Allison Weinmann

Jordon Wertheimer

David Witten

Past Presidents

Mina Bargman*

Jerry Bielfield*

Susan Citrin

Albert M. Colman*

Suzan F. Curhan

Marvin C. Daitch

Sandy Muskovitz Danto

Arnold Faudman*

Marcy Feldman

Janice B. Friedlander

Joseph Garson*

Edward D. Gold

Amy Hoffman Haimann

Merle Harris*

Edythe Jackier*

John E. Jacobs*

Benjamin E. Jaffe*

Sylvia Jaffe*

Mary Lakoff*

Terran Leemis

Samuel L. Levin*

Theodore R. Levin*

John D. Marx

Mark Milgrom

Milford R. Pregerson*

Donald Rochlen

Lawrence H. Seltzer*

Max M. Shaye*

Helen Dante Shevin*

Herbert P. Sillman*

Gilbert B. Silverman*

Abraham Srere*

Bernard Stollman

Sheldon Stone

George M. Stutz*

Brent S. Triest

Stewart Weiner

Belle Welt*

Melville S. Welt*

Kathleen Wilson-Fink

Betsy G. Winkelman

*Of Blessed Memory

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West Bloomfield, MI 48322

Our Services

OLDER ADULTS

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Mind University

Transportation

SAFETY NET

Domestic Abuse Intervention

Family Support Services

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MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A Single Soul Suicide Prevention

Community Education

Counseling

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We Need To Talk

Youth and School-Based Services

ORTHODOX COMMUNITY*

Lev Detroit Resource Line

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School-Based Services

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RUSSIAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY*

Translation and Interpretation

*Members of these communities have access to all JFS resources, as well as these specialized services.