DJN April 22, 2021 by The Detroit Jewish News

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200 April 22-28, 2021 / 10-16 Iyar 5781

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A Passion for Healing Detroit Meet Jodee Raines, New Detroit Inc.’s new Jewish ally. Page 12

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contents April 22-28, 2021 / 10-16 Iyar 5781 | VOLUME CLIX, ISSUE 12

22 OUR COMMUNITY 12 17 18

A Passion for Healing Detroit

Meet Jodee Raines, New Detroit Inc.’s new Jewish ally.

Backlash at MSU

Jewish students get nasty pushback for efforts to define antisemitism.

Albion College Student Suspended After Antisemitic, Racist Graffiti Found The student is believed to have been acting alone.

Mother’s Day Art Excursion

25 26

27 28

30 34

The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

Daniel Horwitz joins Adat Shalom clergy.

Congregation Shir Tikvah launches shoe drive fundraiser.

Federation to Honor Community Leaders Annual awards night takes place May 3.

Moments

Torah portion Synagogue Directory

HOME & GARDEN

Rabbi Dan Returns to Hometown

Best Foot Forward

Faces & Places

SPIRIT

Custom Mother’s Day cards mailed to loved ones while helping people in need.

MAZEL TOV!

Take a virtual tour of the Western Galilee with JNF.

Sky Foundation’s online event to feature updates from experts.

Send a Little Joy

20 EVENTS 43

Community Calendar

SPORTS 44

Quick Hits

ETC.

The Exchange Obituaries Raskin Looking Back

45 47 53 54

Tapping into Joy

Rediscovering her creative passion, painter turns home into work of art.

4 Easy Ideas to Enhance Your 2021 Garden Home & Garden Resources

Shabbat Lights

Shabbat starts: Friday, April 23, 8:06 p.m. Shabbat ends: Saturday, April 24, 9:11 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

ARTS & LIFE 38

40 41

Lag b’Omer Blast

Four groups join for outdoors celebration.

Cabaret 313

ON THE COVER: Cover photo/credit: Jodee Raines. Photo by Jerry Zolynsky Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

Our Arty Town

thejewishnews.com

The Most Complete Guide to Jewish Oscar Nominees: 2021 Musical couple stages Broadway songs for digital viewers. Birmingham Community House’s online show highlights creativity.

Celebrity News

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PURELY COMMENTARY for openers

Boisterous Kids? – Just Love Them!

ithin a few weeks of the world shutting down, my children and I had finally gotten into a quarantine groove with Zoom school, schedules and routines. This morning, though, my Erin Stiebel eldest suggested that I go relax because he had “something really, really great” planned for his brothers. Trust my 6-year-old and have a few minutes of quiet productivity? Sure! Why not? I sat down on the sofa and, for the first time in days, drank

coffee that was not yet lukewarm. After catching up on some work emails and paying a few bills, I headed toward the basement to see how the new “teacher” was doing with his students. The lights were off. The basement was silent. I panicked. “Boys? Are you OK?” Silence. It had only been a few minutes. What could have gone wrong?? I bolted down the stairs, slammed on the lights and heard a loud, “SURPRISE!” There in front of me, our little table was set with plates, drinks and snacks (read: all the candy we owned). “It’s a “WE LOVE MOMMY” party!” my eldest

explained. “Because we love you, Mommy!” my 3-year-old chimed in. I was stunned. How amazing are my children? How am I the luckiest mother in the universe? They even hung a sign on the wall that read “HAPPY LIFE, YAY!” on the wall … on the wallpaper … the “let’s splurge on fancy wallpaper” wallpaper we put up when we moved in. “Wow! How did you get that sign to hang so beautifully on the wall?” I casually inquired. “Oh! We glued it! Glue really is so sticky.” I took a deep breath and tried to calculate my response. Fancy wallpaper, children’s

feelings. Fancy wallpaper, children’s feelings. Those seconds felt like eternity as they looked toward me, awaiting my reaction. While there are countless parenting books on the market, I read one recently that truly spoke to my heart, though I don’t know that it was intended to be a parenting book. The book recounts the life of Rabbi Dovid Trenk z”l, a popular Jewish educator who is credited with teaching and inspiring tens of thousands of students by implementing his mantra, “Just Love Them.” No matter who the student was, no matter what the circumstances, he always found it in continued on page 10

guest column

The CCAR Convention from my PJs

h, how I was looking forward to breakfasting on beignets at Café du Monde in New Orleans, wandering the streets of the French Quarter and sampling sweet pralines and fiery hot sauces last month at the Central Conference of American Rabbis’ (CCAR) annual Rabbi Marla convention. Alas, Hornsten it was not meant to be. The Reform Rabbinic convention that was originally scheduled to be held there from March 14-17, like everything else these days, became a virtual one as a result of the COVID19 virus. But despite missing

out on the excitement and delicacies that NOLA has to offer, this year’s CCAR convention, “Strengthening, Connecting, Reimagining,” turned out to be one of the best. Through the power of technology from large Zoom webinars to smaller workshops, from an app called Remo, which allowed us to feel as though we were mingling in the hotel lobby, to gathering in breakout rooms, we studied together, connected with old and new friends and revitalized ourselves — body and soul — just as we would have had we been together in person. More than 700 Reform rabbis attended at least a piece of the program, which was a new record for our conference.

Plus, we had a large Detroit contingent in attendance! To accommodate the time changes throughout the country (and the world), we started each day at 11 a.m. Eastern time and filled practically every hour with different sessions, interactive discussions, tefilah, business meetings and healing breaks. One morning, there was even a rabbinic Peloton ride and another, a JOGA session (Jewish Yoga and Kabbalah) led by our own Rabbi Paul Yedwab. Being together with so many rabbis from the Reform movement reminded me of the importance of this kind of gathering. It helped me to recognize that we aren’t alone in dealing with the crises this last year has wrought; that we’ve all

been struggling with many of the same issues, some weighty and some mundane, such as the technical difficulties we’ve all seen during this pandemic (why is it so hard to get folks to mute during Zoom services?); and how we have always supported each other, and must continue to do so, through this. That’s what the CCAR does, and it’s what we did during those four days. Though it’s hard to spend so much time on the computer, I left feeling renewed and reinvigorated. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONVENTION Looking back over the programs, for me, one highlight was the keynote address on Sunday afternoon by Isabel continued on page 8

APRIL 22 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY analysis

The U.S.-Iran Talks at Vienna Between deja vu and detente for the Middle East.

JNS

hile some may regard the current multilateral talks in Vienna that include the Biden administration and Iran as a reboot of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), much has changed for the United Saeed A. States and its Khan presence in the Middle East since the Trump administration withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The geopolitical realities facing America require a pragmatic approach that may elude the ideologically and politically charged but affirm that

Negotiations in Vienna, Austria, between Iran and European Union, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia and China. Source: European External Action Service/Twitter.

Washington’s primary motivation lies beyond the accord itself, and as a way to reassert American foreign policy both regionally and globally. There are three critical impetuses for the Biden administration’s reentry

to talks with Iran, none of which suggest an Obamaera redux. The first is to demonstrate to America’s European allies that the U.S. is returning to a multilateral mode of geopolitics. Great Britain, France and Germany

— the so-called E3 European members of the P5+1 (U.N. Security Council members and Germany) Iran deal — felt that the U.S. had abandoned not only the JCPOA, but also NATO and other long-standing trans-Atlantic continued on page 10

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PURELY COMMENTARY guest column

Judaism After the Pandemic brought about in the past year deserve to continue. What remains clear, however, is that Judaism holds the potential to address the greatest ills facing humanity and, in a post-pandemic world, participating actively in synagogue life offers the most direct path to a life of meaning, purpose and joy. THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY Following the shutdown of synagogue buildings, the tools that create digital gatherings revolutionized notions of community. Zoom and similar programs created opportunities in which Michigan synagogues might grant aliyot to members wintering in Florida; for families in mourning around the world to join virtually with their loved ones in reciting Kaddish together; and for those with illness or disability to engage more fully in communal life. Synagogue members reported connecting more

deeply with prayer services by seeing their clergy up close and by eliminating the distraction of other worshippers around them. In a post-pandemic world, synagogues and temples will continue to utilize online tools as a complement to in-person adult education opportunities, religious school and committee meetings. However, for prayer in particular, synagogues and temples will need to decide the extent to which they utilize technology. After all, a fine line exists between

explained: “Caste focuses on the infrastructure of our divisions and the rankings, whereas race is the metric that’s used to determine one’s place in that.” Caste, rather than racism, is a better definition, and I was surprised to learn that the concept of race didn’t exist until 400 years ago, as an American invention. For the rabbis in my breakout room, being able

to engage in deep on Saturday night conversation with and a totally entercolleagues about taining perforcaste and race was mance by comedian incredibly powLiz Glazer, the fun continued the next erful, and all of night as our chief us left inspired to executive, Rabbi bring the conversaHara Person, invittion home. ed us into her kitchThat same kind of inspiration en to demonstrate pervaded the con- Rabbi Harold Loss her family seder was celebrated for ference, though recipes. marking 50 years not always on such in the rabbinate. Class reunions a serious level. are always a blast, Starting out with Havdalah and this year we honored

THE CCAR continued from page 4

Wilkerson, the author of the bestselling book Caste, and then following it up the next day with a smaller workshop called “Bringing it Home: Exploring the Caste System in Our Communities.” It was absolutely eye opening. We are quick to attribute caste systems to other countries, but she helped us to recognize that the same kind of system exists here in the United States. As she

APRIL 22 • 2021

SCREENSHOT

n countless conversations, the same words arise to describe this past year: loss, loneliness, fear, as well as opportunity, gratitude and “silver linings.” Mourners grieved alone. Parents suffered exhaustion. Children Rabbi Aaron regressed. Teens Starr and adults battled depression and anxiety. Divorces multiplied. Yet also, among the Jewish community in particular, adult education flourished; the numbers of people participating in prayer services grew; and innovation took hold. Synagogues adapted. People reported renewed focus on their most important priorities, including family, community and compassion for those in need. As COVID-19 transforms from an acute crisis to a chronic condition, Jewish leaders are wrestling with which institutional changes

A Shabbat service at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, available for those in person and on Zoom.

technology serving as an aid to building community and enhancing faith, and on the other side, technology serving as a distraction or impediment to religious life. WE NEED TO BE TOGETHER Indeed, suffering through the pandemic for more than a year emphasized for us that technology cannot replace real-life human companionship; in-person community is as vital to sustaining life as food, water and shelter.

Moreover, the pandemic exacerbated humanity’s greatest challenges, such as confronting loss and powerlessness; recognizing suffering and inequality; searching for balance between individual freedoms and moral obligations toward others; and battling existential loneliness. Judaism, in general, and synagogue life, in particular, are uniquely capable of addressing the human condition and providing moral guidance in a complex world. Suffering through the pandemic made clear that despite the advantages of modern technology, we still need to journey together, sharing in each other’s lives. We need to hug, to kibitz, to dance, to grow, to heal, to learn, to sing and to help others … together in person. At Congregation Shaarey Zedek, we opened our sanctuary on Shabbat mornings, with mask and distancing requirements in place, and we innovated a wonderful Shabbat morning, outdoor “Pray-ground” service for children and families. Lifecycle events continue in person. The renewed human connection has been, in a

word, redemptive. At the same time, we continue to offer on Zoom all services, fully participatory, seven-days-a-week. Come fall, our religious school will meet in-person on Sundays and online Tuesday afternoons. In this last year, our lives became a hybrid of online and in-person interaction, so it makes sense that our synagogue experiences are, too. Confronting the pandemic reminds us, too, that quality of life is as important as quantity of life, and that what synagogues offer — family and friendship, sages and storytellers, rituals and routines, music and memories — imbues our days with significance. As COVID-19 transforms from an acute crisis to a chronic condition, Jewish leaders will differ over which institutional changes brought about in the past year deserve to continue. What we all agree upon, however, is that, especially in a post-pandemic world, active participation in synagogue life is an essential element in living a life of meaning, purpose and joy.

our colleagues for 50 and 51 years in the rabbinate, including our beloved Rabbi Harold Loss, who is celebrating 50 years this year. And on a more somber note, we remembered those who had passed away in the two years since last we met. Like every conference, we always say the convention is less about the place we gather or the actual program and more about the people. This year, it was all of the

above. Engaging from my home and dressed in my PJ bottoms, while still learning from colleagues and connecting with old friends, certainly made this convention one to remember. I just wish that I could have had an authentic New Orleans beignet with my coffee!

Rabbi Aaron Starr is a rabbi at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield.

Rabbi Marla Hornsten is a rabbi at Temple Israel. She is a member of the CCAR and served on the planning committee for the CCAR Convention.

My STORY Ann Mendelsohn is a retired nurse whose husband, as he aged, developed a memory condition known as Organic Brain Syndrome. “As time went on, I found he wasn’t paying bills, and because of his condition, he didn’t remember. He didn’t remember how to do so many things, and I was left to figure it out,” Ann said. “He died having accrued a lot of debt during his illness. He was a sweet, kind man, but at the end, he left me with a bunch of headaches. I found that in order to keep my condo, I was going to need a loan. I was working at Fleischman Residence, and one of the Rabbis mentioned Hebrew Free Loan.” Ann, originally from New England, had no idea what Hebrew Free Loan was, but she looked it up and called. “I was shaking in my shoes when I approached HFL, not knowing if they would take me seriously,” Ann said. “Instead, everyone was so kind. It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world to have people understand what you’re going through. I needed help, and as tough as things were, I managed to get back on my feet, with their assistance.” Ann paid off her loan and used HFL again, this time when she was notified by her condo association that her doorwall would need replacing. “HFL was kind enough to help me again, which was a relief, because $1,500 doesn’t just come in by airmail,” Ann said. “It also helps that there is no interest to pay, which made a big difference to me. I can’t say enough kind things about Hebrew Free Loan, and I’m truly grateful for what they do.”

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@HFLDetroit APRIL 22 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY JUST LOVE THEM! continued from page 4

US-IRAN TALKS continued from page 6

conventions. Trump administration actions — additional sanctions and the assassination of Qassim Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 2020 — were viewed by the E3 as heavy-handed and unilateral. The Biden administration sees Vienna as the venue for America to “return” to the world stage as a team player. The ongoing negotiations are also putting the nonE.U. members of the P5 — Russia and China — on notice that the U.S. is still very much engaged with the Middle East. Over the past five years, both superpowers have made substantial and unprecedented inroads to the region, expanding greatly their influence among several countries, including Iran. Beijing’s recent 25 year/ $400 billion infrastructure development pact with Tehran furthers China’s burgeoning Belt & Road Initiative and gives Iran a powerful patron to stanch the impact of sanctions and external threats, as the Chinese will strive to protect their investment. The Biden administration seeks to counter Beijing’s growing dominance in the region by offering Iran what it craves: greater access to U.S. and Western markets as well as recission of its pariah status. The danger of increased Chinese regional influence, in fact, was a driving force behind the original JCPOA, to prevent Iran from gravitating toward the welcoming arms of

APRIL 22 • 2021

Beijing, something, ironically, accelerated by America leaving the agreement. REASSERTING INFLUENCE Lastly, along with Russia, China and our European allies, the third audience for the Vienna proceedings is Washington’s regional allies. The negotiations are intended to show Israel, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and others that America is still firmly committed to the region through direct involvement instead of outsourced and ambiguous policies. The U.S. was the sole superpower in the Middle East for over seven decades; that is no longer the reality. With Russian and Chinese presence in the area, America’s allies will seek U.S. presence as a visible, audible and engaged counterweight, which will rely upon non-military forms of engagement. Many of America’s regional allies were highly and vocally critical of the 2015 JCPOA. Today, reaction from the same parties is noticeably more muted. Israel and the Gulf States certainly anticipated President Biden’s reengagement with Iran, being consulted on the process throughout. The “waitand-see” approach out of Jerusalem, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi may be seen as a realization that the JCPOA was more effective as a containment strategy of Iran than what the past three years have yielded. At the same time, these

same allies are understandably concerned that the U.S. may be returning to diplomacy impetuously, without preconditions on Iran, and with the proposed lifting of sanctions. In reality, President Biden removed only those sanctions deemed “inconsistent” to the original agreement, and that had been enacted by the prior administration after it withdrew from the JCPOA. This indicates a reset to use the 2015 accord as the starting point to rebuild trust and confidence among the parties. While former President Trump’s left his pledge to strike a comprehensive deal with Iran unfulfilled after withdrawing from the JCPOA, a new deal on the nuclear issue can serve as a first step toward addressing broader issues such as Iran’s toxic rhetoric toward Israel and its support of regional proxies. While no one is expecting U.S. talks with Iran in Vienna to produce miracles or a grand bargain to fix all the myriad conflicts and concerns in the Middle East, America’s rejuvenated diplomatic mission sends the right message to all the important players, both ally and adversary. The return to multilateralism by way of the Iran nuclear negotiations signals a return to America’s traditional geopolitical role, to the relief of a world that has been waiting.

his heart to see the good and love them. The message rang so true with me as a parent, especially in this moment. How many times have I been interrupted while on a work call, had my perfectly clean shirt decorated by little ketchup-covered fingers or been unable to do everything I intended to do because some little person just needed a dose of TLC. Yelling only makes loud situations louder; losing patience or getting angry resolves nothing, but pausing to take a deep breath and repeat Rabbi Trenk’s mantra puts everything back in perspective. We are reminded that parenting is a privilege, and even during those moments where our nerves are thin and our patience is short, especially in those moments, we must choose love. It will make us better, calmer parents and will cushion our children with confidence and a deeply rooted foundation in family. So, I have borrowed Rabbi Trenk’s mantra and made it my own. I whispered his magic words to myself that morning and turned to my boys, “This party made me feel so very special! Thank you for making me so happy.” The boys beamed as I sat down on the tiny chair to enjoy their feast of Mike & Ikes and already-sticky marshmallows. As for the little rips and ripples that the glue left behind on my wallpaper? I still notice them every time I’m in the room, but now when I look at them think to myself, “My gosh, I’m so blessed.”

Saeed A. Khan is a lecturer in the Department of Near East & Asian Studies at Wayne State University.

Erin Stiebel of Southfield is an educator in the young adult division for Partners Detroit.

THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS 200 Feb. 11-17, 2021 / 29 Shevat-5 Adar 5781

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Meet the cohort of 2021 — young Jews making a difference in our community. See page 8

THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS

200 Feb. 18-24, 2021 / 6-12 Adar 5781

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Sense of

Duty Young Detroiters serve in the IDF to “give back” to Israel. See page 12

THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS 200 Feb. 25-March 3, 2021 / 13-19 Adar 5781

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THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS

200 March 4-10, 2021 / 20-26 Adar 5781

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Floating Cloud ON A

With Detroit’s help, Israeli firm creates app to give your car a smoother, more efficient ride. See page 12

Todah Morim! Thank you, teachers! An appreciation of our day school educators during this pandemic. See page 13

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OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER

A Passion for Healing Detroit Meet Jodee Raines, New Detroit Inc.’s new Jewish ally. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

JERRY ZOLYMSKY

Jodee Raines Is New Detroit’s first COO.

APRIL 22 • 2021

odee Fishman Raines has a passion for bringing people together. In 2006, she helped organize the Tri-Synagogue Women’s Night at the Oak Park JCC. Women from Orthodox, Conservative and Reform congregations came together to socialize, have dinner and share ideas. “We’re all Jewish, but with the different streams of Judaism, sometimes differences might tend to pull us apart,” Raines said at the time. “A Reform woman growing up in Huntington Woods might not even typically get to know a young Orthodox woman from Oak Park. We’re one people; there’s really a need for this.” That passion for bringing people together and the issues of inclusion, equity and fairness in Detroit has led Raines to a new position after 25 years in philanthropy; joining New Detroit Inc., a racial justice coalition, as the organization’s first COO. Raines’ journey to the new role includes leading significant organizational growth and transformation as a professional and volunteer at some of Detroit’s most prominent institutions, making lasting connections and holding her values close along the way.

RAINES’ JOURNEY Growing up in West Bloomfield, Jodee Raines didn’t have a plan for a career in philanthropy. She graduated with a history degree from the University of Michigan but found out it wasn’t the most employable field. Out of college, she got her start in philanthropy at the Skillman Foundation — in an unconventional way. “I didn’t know what philanthropy was. I didn’t know what a private foundation was, and I found the job in the help wanted ads in the Detroit News,” Raines said. Skillman was brand new, and Raines was its first-ever program associate. “I learned about philanthropy and the nonprofit world from the leadership there.” Raines then went to law school at Wayne State and practiced for a few years at Bodman PLC, a corporate law firm in Detroit. “A lot of what I did there was work with nonprofits and foundations,” Raines said. “That helped build my legal understanding.” Raines decided she wanted to go

back to philanthropy, returning to Skillman after four years of practicing law. It was then that Raines combined her legal and philanthropic skills and greatly helped Skillman, whose focus was on children and families in Detroit, to grow. By 2001, a job as executive director at the Jewish Fund became available, and Raines

Detroit’s Most Influential Women. The Jewish Fund was an effective place to build more skills and relationships for Raines and, though not the main mission of the organization, working on relations between the Jewish community and Detroit was a connection she kept within her core values.

Jodee Raines outside the New Detroit Inc. offices in Detroit’s New Center area

JERRY ZOLYMSKY

“IT WAS NICE TO WORK IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY PROFESSIONALLY AND TO WORK WITH AND BE SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE THAT UNDERSTOOD THAT SIDE OF ME. THERE WAS A COMFORT THERE.” — JODEE RAINES

jumped at it. Her motivation for the move was to build her professional skills by leading a foundation while working with some of the top lay leadership in the Jewish community. “It was nice to work in the Jewish community professionally and to work with and be surrounded by people that understood that side of me,” Raines said. “There was a comfort there.” Raines helped refine funding strategies and strengthened the Jewish Fund’s reach beyond the Jewish community through personal and institutional relationships, improved communication strategy and diversification of the board of directors. It was during her time at the Jewish Fund that Raines got recognition by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of Metro

ENHANCING SKILLS After seven years with the fund, Raines left to focus on a primary passion that’s always followed her: Detroit itself. A job opportunity opened at the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, which was brand new in 2008. Raines was the foundation’s first full-time employee and helped build its mission, vision, values, grants process and overall growth. “It was a really incredible experience, and the skills I developed there that brought me to where I am today. I learned how to build an organization’s operations and actually be the one to administer that,” Raines said. “That’s why at New Detroit, I can help with the internal operations as well as the mission and vision.” Raines served as vice president of programs and execu-

tive vice president of programs at the Erb Foundation, helping to adjust the program and operations as the foundation’s endowment tripled from $100 million to $300 million. With part of its mission focusing on water quality and other environmental issues, the foundation allowed Raines to bring environmental justice to the forefront, “recognizing that people of color are disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and other kinds of environmental issues, just like everything else,” Raines said. During all this, Raines was a president at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (she is still on the board). While president, Raines hired an executive director and a rabbi, which the synagogue hadn’t had in many years. As president, she was

able to get foundation grants, building the budget and building the staff. “It was an important place to spend my time because it brought together that Jewish side of me and the Detroit side of me,” Raines said. “It was one place where the two could come together, and I could take a leadership position and advance both of those interests.” JOINING NEW DETROIT After 12 years at the Erb Family Foundation, an opportunity to join New Detroit came about, but Raines initially wasn’t sure about the leap. “When I saw this opportunity, I said, ‘As a white person, is this something I should do?’ I called someone on the board, and they said absolutely, we need to increase our diversity,” continued on page 14 APRIL 22 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER

continued from page 13

Raines said. “That gave me the courage to apply. The fact that it’s a support role as COO, not CEO, is a good place for me to be as a white ally.” New Detroit, which was formed in response to civil unrest in 1967 that uncovered a host of entrenched social and community ills, works to fight racism by improving interpersonal relations, collaboration and policy. New Detroit is shifting how it works toward racial equity, focusing on addressing structural racism in more tangible, measurable ways with a coalition of leaders from civil rights and advocacy organizations, human services, community health organizations, business, education, media and more. “I think my experience working with nonprofit organizations and also understanding how systems work is what I bring to bear,” Raines said. “We have to rebuild the internal infrastructure of the organization, the technology, the processes. The whole world is changing around us, and we need to keep up with it.” Working alongside CEO Michael Rafferty, Raines will help to redefine New Detroit’s future strategies and approaches to eliminating racism. Raines also plans to partner with other nonprofit organizations, aided by all the relationships made in her years of working in philanthropy. In her first year with New Detroit, Raines said her main goal is to listen and learn. She said she hopes to serve as an inspiration to people looking for a way to plug in and help. “I thought it was the perfect place for someone like me who cares and wants to do

something,” Raines said. “A lot of people really care about this issue but can’t find their place. To me, this was the perfect place.” Raines’ values have played an integral part in her own personal evolution, just as New Detroit is undergoing an evolution itself. “I do hope people can be inspired by what I’ve done and the choices I’ve made in my life,” Raines continued. “I want people to think about the importance of always growing and changing. No matter how successful you are, you cannot just continue to do what you’ve been doing. But as you

our relationship transcends race. She’s sincere and she’s intentional about learning and really making a difference.” Cole believes people can be Andrea positioned to Cole make a difference but not necessarily “get it” or understand the challenge at the level they need to, but she feels Raines does. “She listens to learn, not to respond,” Cole said. “She has the skillset and the temperament to be open and receptive to do the job the way it needs to be done.”

“I WANT PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ALWAYS GROWING AND CHANGING. NO MATTER HOW SUCCESSFUL YOU ARE, YOU CANNOT JUST CONTINUE TO DO WHAT YOU’VE BEEN DOING.” — JODEE RAINES

grow and change, you also can’t forget your history. It’s really important to be respectful and cognizant of your history and build on that.” WALKING THE WALK Andrea Cole, CEO of the Flinn Foundation, started with Raines at Skillman and has been a close friend since 1988. Cole said Raines is the perfect person for the role due to her personal makeup, which renders her a natural ally. “Having known Jodee for 30-plus years and as a Black person, Jodee and I are true friends,” Cole said. “I feel like

Bob Naftaly, president of the Jewish Fund when Raines was there, believes Raines will help New Detroit move forward and is the right person at the right time. “Her experience in running a grant operation, focusBob Naftaly ing a group on its goals and getting different organizations to work together in order to further those goals are her strengths,” Naftaly said. Naftaly also understands how monumental it is that a Jewish person is the first COO of New Detroit, with all the

Jewish history New Detroit has, including Max Fisher being its first chairman. Naftaly also said that Raines’ living in Detroit shows how she’s willing to walk the walk. “I think she chose to live in the city of Detroit as a statement of solidarity with the community,” Naftaly said. “A lot of people talk about helping Detroit and trying to be a part of Detroit. Well, she made a statement and moved her family into the city. It’s always been a part of her belief system to help others and to make the world a better place.” Naftaly believes Raines’ new role is a “great culmination of her career.” Naftaly adds, “We need more people in the world who want to help tikkun olam, and that’s been Jodee’s vision and mission as she helped us at the Jewish Fund and continued that at the Erb Foundation. I think she’s going to help reinvigorate New Detroit.” IDEAS AND STRATEGY Anika Goss, the CEO of Detroit Future City (DFC), worked closely with Raines when she was at the Erb Foundation. Raines was Goss’ main point of contact on the work around DFC’s Land + Water WORKS Coalition, formed in 2017 to provide Detroit residents with the resources needed to become better stewards of the environment, as well as operate as a liaison that engages residents around green stormwater infrastructure opportunities. “It was really her idea. She was the one who convened everyone, provided the funding but also encouraged us continued on page 16

APRIL 22 • 2021

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APRIL 22 • 2021

to really think differently about how we take on environmental sustainability in Detroit,” Goss said. Goss said she relied on Raines heavily for the thought leadership strategy of the coalition and support during the process. “I’ve seen Jodee take vague concepts that are unclear to everyone else and get it done Anika Goss — make sure all the voices are at the table and be really clear about what is needed to actualize a vision.” Goss, who is Black, believes Raines serves as a strong ally in the fight against racism. “She is certainly empathetic, inclusive and action-oriented,” Goss said. “At this time, for a lot of us who are focused on anti-racism and racial equity, having allies who are focused on being action-oriented while making sure all the voices are heard is how you get this done. “All voices in the process matter to her, and when there are moments where people are excluded or where there’s a point of inequity, she does anything she can in her power personally to rectify that,” Goss said. DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP Eugene Driker, past president of JVS and a past board member of the Jewish Federation, is a neighbor of Raines and is fully aware of how important her appointment is as a Jew. “It couldn’t be more

important at this time,” Driker said. “Jews share important places in our society with the African American community, the Asian American community and with minority communities who are feeling the pain of being attacked by white supremacists, racists and antisemites. “To have someone of Jodee’s stature take on this important position and a newly created role at an organization that’s been around for over 50 years is very important for that organization and for the Jewish community,” he added. “It’s another indication of how active younger people in the Jewish community are in reconnecting to Detroit.” Driker believes the values and leadership qualities that have carried Raines through her career will contribute mightily to her work with New Detroit. “I don’t think she’s frightened off by difficult issues,” Driker said. “I think all of her different jobs have conEugene fronted seriDriker ous problems, whether she was dealing with water quality at the Erb Foundation, or philanthropic needs at the Jewish Fund, or taking an organization like the Downtown Synagogue — that was very much on life support 10-15 years ago — and helping turn that around to being an extraordinarily dynamic and exciting place to be. “She’s not frightened off by a challenge, and that’s what you need in leaders.”

Backlash at MSU

Jewish students get nasty pushback for efforts to define antisemitism on campus.

SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ewish students at Michigan State are estimated to number between 3,000 and 3,500. During the past several years, a number of antisemitic incidents have occurred — threatening phone messages, a defaced mezuzah and a swastika painted in front of a fraternity house. In addition, Hillel’s sukkah was damaged and Jewish students have experienced some casual antisemitic remarks. While these were not considered major problems, Jewish student leaders thought that being proactive by defining antisemitism would be helpful. Maddi Jackson, MSU Hillel’s director of Israel Education and Programming, explains that MSU has a broad anti-discrimination policy. However, without a clear official definition of antisemitism, she thinks that some incidents on campus probably go unreported. The Jewish Student Union decided to propose adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) “working definition” of antisemitism, which has been approved by 30 countries and many universities. While approved by many entities, it has generated criticism for allegedly focusing too much on anti-Israel actions rather than white supremacists, who some contend pose a more immediate threat to American Jews. Jordan Robinson, 20, an undergraduate from West Bloomfield, is the Jewish Student Union representative to MSU’s student governing body — Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU). The antisemitism proposal (see excerpt on this page) was submitted to ASMSU’s Policy Committee, which passed it by a voice vote and sent it on the full governing body. The proposed definition was approved as a resolution by 81 percent of members on March 18, 2021, and was scheduled to be signed. However, Jewish student leaders were soon told that some student government representatives claimed that they hadn’t

had time to read it. According to Jules Levy, MSU’s Jewish Student Union president, Students United for Palestinian Rights (SUPR) at MSU posted a statement on Instagram opposing the proposal. This was posted and reposted online, reports Levy, a 21-yearJules Levy old senior from New Jersey. MISINFORMATION SPREAD According to Jackson, several student organizations, including SUPR and the Black Students Alliance, started spreading misinformation about the proposed definition of antisemitism. “They claimed that Jewish students were trying to silence them, which is not true at all,” she says. “Criticism of Israel is not antisemitic. Hillel has brought Palestinian speakers to campus. We don’t protest at Palestinian events. They are politicizing this and trying to make students take sides on the Palestinian-Israeli issue.” ASMSU contradicted its official policies by scheduling a “re-vote” to be held after public comment sessions on Zoom on April 1 and 8. Jordan Robinson says that Jewish student leaders were assigned the initial comment period. Then a flood of criticism and negative comments followed from students who chose not to identify themselves on Jordan Zoom. Robinson According to Jules Levy, opponents claimed that the antisemitism definition would prohibit any campus events that were critical of Israel, which was inaccurate. “People were really attacking us on Zoom. It was not expected, and students felt very unsafe and upset about this,” she explains. “It was a very intense night. I had never gone through anything like that before and don’t want any other students to experience it.”

As a result of the intense pushback, the Jewish Students Union decided to rescind the proposed resolution. When asked in retrospect if the antisemitism definition was a good idea, Robinson focuses on the positive side. “It was a huge learning experience,” he says, adding that there was a lot of empathy for Jewish students from others on campus. “This whole process shows that there are a lot of areas that need work,” Jackson states. While there have been conversations with MSU administration about the situation, university officials have not commented about it publicly. Robinson says that the Jewish Student Union plans to form a working group of students and faculty to work on the issue over the summer. Read the official statement from the MSU Jewish Student Union, signed by 42 students, at thejewishnews. com/2021/04/12/jewish-students-at-msu-speak-out-onrecent-harassment.

An Excerpt from A Resolution for: ASMSU to adopt the official definition of Antisemitism as stated by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) WHEREAS, On May 26, 2016, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) adopted a “working definition” of antisemitism that reads “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities”; and, WHEREAS, the IHRA definition includes numerous examples of antisemitic acts, including delegitimization, dehumanization, and demonization of the Holocaust, Jewish self-determination, and accusations of dual loyalty that, in its totality, are inextricably linked with, and cannot be severed from, what constitutes modern antisemitism.

APRIL 22 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY

Mother’s Day Art Excursion Take a virtual tour of Israel’s Western Galilee with JNF. STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

s a prelude to Mother’s Day, the Jewish National Fund and JNFuture Detroit invite mothers and daughters to a virtual artist tour of the Western Galilee region in the chapter’s kickoff event “Mimosas in the Marketplace” noon Sunday, April 25, over Zoom. Israeli tour guide Karmit Arbel will introduce

northern Israeli artists who create Judaica sculpted from recycled kitchen countertop Karmit materials. Arbel Participants will chat with a world-renowned perfumer who creates scents like “first rain” from sustainable sources. They will also tour

a graffiti-wall art mural created along the security barrier with Lebanon by an international group of artists that speaks to the hope of peace and coexistence with Israel’s neighbors. While they sip on mimosas prepared in their own kitchens, Detroit mothers and daughters, or parents and children, can get a peek in the art scene that is growing in the ancient Arab port town of Akko. And if they like what they see, they can shop at the JNF online “mitzvah marketplace.” “I love to take people to off-the-beaten-track places that promote sustainability and co-existence,” Arbel

said. “The Western Galilee region is full of opportunity for Israelis and tourists alike, from wineries to goat farms and the country’s only culinary institute. By taking this virtual tour of places, the JNF is helping support the many artists and food and wine artisans who now live in this area and where 40% of the economy depends upon tourism.” Co-chairs and motherdaughter team Laura and Dana Goldberg say they hope the event will attract to the chapter the next generation of philanthropists ages 20-40 who are interested in continuing JNF’s mission to fund environmental and

Student Suspended In Albion for Racist, Antisemitic Graffiti

Albion College campus

The suspect is believed to have been acting alone. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

Black male student at Albion College who admitted responsibility for anti-Black and antisemitic graffiti in the stairwell of a campus dorm last week has been temporarily suspended. Albion College released a statement April 14 saying it identified the individual

responsible for the graffiti. The student, who was acting alone, acknowledged responsibility for the incidents and was removed from campus and placed on temporary suspension. A full investigation is still being completed. Albion is located west of Jackson. The antisemitic graffiti

found was the Star of David with “666” around it. Also included was pro-KKK graffiti, including use of the N-word. The 21-year-old Black male was brought in for questioning by Albion

police on April 6, according to Chief Scott Kipp. The student admitted to creating most of the graffiti, and video evidence confirmed the statements made by the student, Kipp said. “We know the acts of continued on page 19

APRIL 22 • 2021

FACEBOOK

continued on page 19

EXCURSION from page 18

sustainability projects in Israel. For the Goldbergs, involvement in JNF has long been a family affair. Laura’s husband, Andy Goldberg, who serves as JNF’s Michigan president, said he is excited that the emerging chapter of JNFuture will draw more attention to this region in Israel, which hopes to attract 300,000 Israelis to live up away from the central Tel Aviv-Jerusalem corridor. “By introducing people here to the artists and others who are already living in this part of Israel, we are helping to support and sustain their livelihood,” Dana said. “We figured that sharing

aspects of Israel such as its art, cultural and natural resources is something appealing to younger generations. We know we cannot travel to Israel now because of the pandemic, but we can virtually be there with hopes to visit, hike and explore Israel’s northern regions in the future.” According to Andy, JNFUSA’s Go North initiative is designed to strengthen and grow the Galilee region and JNF Detroit is especially invested in growing Israel’s new Galilee Culinary Institute that houses a culinary school. JNF is also building a Food Technology and Innovation

Center on the Greenbaum campus in Kiryat Shmona that will further establish Israel’s north as the food and technology capital of the region, he added. “In this region, we are investing in technology, business management, cooking, restaurants, agricultural research and development, hospitality and hotels,” said Andy. “We want to see the Galilee become a destination place for tourists and Israelis alike, and for those in search of steady employment.”

president of the college, Dr. Mathew Johnson. Normandin said ADL Michigan is taking this very seriously and looks forward to working with Albion and have already provided some resources for them. “It’s a little too soon to tell what’s going to happen, but we’re definitely aware of it, and it will be tracked the way every incident that’s reported to us is tracked,” Normandin said. “We’re quite concerned.” Abby Calef, Jewish Student Life coordinator for HCAM, said similar graffiti was seen at Albion last year, but the Star of David was misidentified as a five-

pointed pentagram, which Calef met with the former president about. “It’s been a recurring issue for Jewish students to feel heard on campus,” Calef said. “I’ve been working with the administration this past week and the new president seems a lot better with his response. I feel like this president is dedicated to making things better.” On April 5, approximately 450 people, including Albion students, faculty, staff and community members, marched on campus after multiple incidents that have taken place on campus in the last few weeks, including this latest one.

Candlesticks made from Corian leftover from construction jobs that would otherwise wind up in a landfill.

GRAFFITI from page 18

racism that have occurred this week are not about one particular person or one particular incident,” the college stated. “We know that there is a significant history of racial pain and trauma on campus, and we are taking action to repair our community. We will change and heal together as a community, because we are committed to doing the work.” Carolyn Normandin, regional director of ADL Michigan, says it has taken a report about the incident and been in contact with the Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan (HCAM) along with outreach to the new

Calef says there have been community healing sessions, including a day of community conversations along with the protests, where students had opportunities to speak. “One of our Jewish students was asked to speak, which was really awesome to see,” Calef said. Calef said she’ll be meeting with the president to talk again about ways to educate their administration about what Jewish symbols look like, how to identify things that are antisemitic, possible changes and more. “I think the community needs time to heal,” Calef said.

APRIL 22 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY

‘Rabbi Dan’ Returns to His Hometown Daniel Horwitz joins Adat Shalom clergy. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

abbi Daniel S. Horwitz, a product of the Metro Detroit Jewish community, has been hired by Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. “I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to return home in order to join the Adat Shalom community,” Horwitz said in a statement from the synagogue. “In addition to having the

chance to work alongside world-class colleagues and committed lay leaders, as someone who thrives on being in meaningful relationships with others, I’m excited to connect (and in some cases, reconnect) deeply with those who make up the Adat Shalom family.” Before joining Adat Shalom, “Rabbi Dan” served as the CEO of the Alper JCC in Miami since May

2020 and was the founding director of The Well, a Jewish community-building, education and spirituality initiative geared for young adults and those who haven’t connected with traditional institutions. The Well has been recognized as one of the most innovative Jewish organizations in North America, including being selected as a “10 to Watch” organization by Slingshot, a national group of young Jewish philanthropists. Due to his work with The Well, Horwitz was selected by the Forward as one of the most inspiring rabbis in North America and was selected as one of four inaugural cohort members of the Open Dor Project — a

national accelerator for Jewish spiritual startup leaders. WIDE EXPERIENCE Before founding The Well, Horwitz served in several professional roles including as the rabbi and director of immersive learning for Moishe House, heading the Jewish education department, and as a rabbi at Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy. He also spent time as the senior Jewish educator for Michigan State University Hillel and the Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan. Horwitz has completed the ELI Talks Speaker Fellowship and has been a featured educator at gatherings including Jewish Federations of North America’s Tribefest, Hillel

FLORES PHOTO DESIGN

continued on page 21

The Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer Sky Foundation’s online event to feature updates from experts. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

ky Foundation, a Bloomfield Hillsbased nonprofit seeking to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and early detection methods to increase survival rates and save lives, will present its 13th Annual Women’s Event

at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 29. This year’s virtual event will include cutting-edge research updates, a silent auction and ticket raffle, with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s mission to fund education and research for pancreatic cancer.

Sheila Sky Kasselman

The one-hour livestream will include updates from two Sky-funded researchers, a leading local gastroenterologist and a panel of pancreatic cancer survivors. Main speakers for

the event include Eileen Carpenter, M.D., Ph.D., clinical instructor, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan; Nikki Lytle, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow gene expression, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego; and Eva Alsheik, M.D., gastroenterologist, Henry Ford Health System. In 2021, more than 60,000 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — the third-deadliest cancer. Sheila Sky Kasselman, founder of Sky Foundation and a 13-year pancreatic cancer continued on page 21

APRIL 22 • 2021

ADAT SHALOM

“I’M EXCITED TO CONNECT (AND RECONNECT) WITH THE ADAT SHALOM FAMILY” — RABBI DANIEL HORWITZ

Rabbi Daniel Horwitz CANCER from page 20

International’s Engagement Institute and the Masa Leadership Summit in Israel. Horwitz is a member of OHALAH: The Association of Rabbis and Cantors for Jewish Renewal, the

Michigan Board of Rabbis and the State Bar of Michigan. He is a trained mediator who has mediated numerous disputes in courts and resolution centers. Horwitz is also an alumnus

of the Clergy Leadership Incubator housed at Hazon. In addition to rabbinic ordination, Horwitz graduated cum laude from Brandeis and received three master’s degrees: one in Jewish studies from Gratz College in Melrose Park, Pa.; another in Jewish education from Hebrew College in Newton Centre, Mass., and a third in sports management from the University of Michigan, where he also received a law

degree. Horwitz and his wife, Miriam, a certified American Sign Language interpreter, have three children. Horwitz said he prides himself as an avid basketball player, violinist, trained vocalist and Detroit sports enthusiast. Dan Horwitz is the eldest of three children of longtime JN publisher and Detroit Jewish News Foundation founder Arthur Horwitz.

CANCER from page 20

survivor, knows the realities of the disease all too well. Kasselman was first diagnosed in September 2007 and started the foundation in June 2008. A big priority for Kasselman with the foundation and the Women’s Event’s is breaking the stigma of the cancer. “I felt that it was a silent disease, and it’s not anything to be ashamed of,” Kasselman said. “I decided that if I live and I have the ability to think straight, I was going to be the person to talk about pancreatic cancer. I have been doing that for the past 13 years.” Each year, the foundation

“PANCREATIC CANCER IS A SILENT DISEASE, AND IT’S NOT ANYTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF.” — 13-YEAR SURVIVOR SHEILA SKY KASSELMAN

awards seed-money grants to scientists and clinicians around the country who are pursuing research of great promise in the areas of early detection, prevention or treatment. ADVISING PATIENTS In addition to advocacy and fundraising, Kasselman spends time with newly

diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients and works closely with Henry Ford Health System, Karmanos Cancer Institute and the University of Michigan to match patients with the physician that best fits them. Another goal of Kasselman’s is encouraging people to see a gastroenterologist in general,

but especially if they have a certain symptom of pancreatic cancer in hopes of early detection. “I’m hoping they know that getting to the doctor as soon as possible is a lifesaving situation,” Kasselman said. Ticket levels for the Women’s Event range from $35-$1,000 and include access to the auction and ticket raffle. Sponsor opportunities are also available. To register or for more information, visit the event page at e.givesmart. com/events/kAD/ or the nonprofit’s website at skyfoundationinc.org.

APRIL 22 • 2021

SHIR TIKVAH

OUR COMMUNITY

Best Foot Forward Congregation Shir Tikvah launches shoe drive fundraiser. JN STAFF

Northfield Parkway, Troy, (off of Wattles Road, between Crooks and Coolidge). All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.

Jewish Federation to Fete 6 Leaders for Devoted Sevice

Awards night will be May 3 on Zoom.

APRIL 22 • 2021

Each year, Federation recognizes a group of exceptional individuals for their contributions to the community. Jeannie Weiner and Neal Zalenko will receive the 2021 William Davidson Lifetime Achievement Awards. The awards were established in 2000 to honor those individuals who have devoted a lifetime of service to the Jewish community of Detroit and the Jewish people. In 2016, the awards were named to honor

economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.” By donating shoes to Congregation Shir Tikvah, they will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world. Every pair of shoes counts. For more information, visit shirtikvah.org.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Executive Director Lorelei Berg. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for the important work we do as a congregation, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need

Jeannie Weiner

JN STAFF

he Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit will honor Jewish leaders in our community at its annual Awards Night on May 3 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. For more than 100 years, the Jewish Federation has been a lay-led organization, whose success has always been made possible due to the incredible leadership of community members. Its success is a result of the partnership between its professionals and lay-leaders.

Director of Lifelong Learning Sarah Chisholm, Executive Director Lorelei Berg and Rabbi Alicia Harris

Neal Zalenko

Brooke Bendix

Jonathan H. Ilana Schwartz Goldberg Block

the life and legacy of William Davidson (of blessed memory). Also, being honored at the annual Awards Night are three young people being recognized with Federation’s Young Leadership Awards. Brooke Bendix will receive the Sylvia Simon Greenberg Award; Jonathan H. Schwartz will receive the Frank A. Wetsman Young Leadership Award and Ilana Goldberg Block will receive the Mark-Lis Family Young Leadership Award. Risa Berris, a communal professional at Jewish Family Service, will receive the

Risa Berris

Mandell L. & Madeleine H. Berman Award for Outstanding Professional Jewish Communal Service Driven by their connection to our Jewish heritage and history, each honoree exemplifies the ideal of exercising positive and productive leadership for our community. The Jewish Federation invites the entire community to join May 3 as it celebrates these incredible individuals. To register, visit www. jewishdetroit.org/awards.

PHOTOS COURTESY FEDERATION

ongregation Shir Tikvah in Troy is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser with drive-thru, contactless drop-off collection dates noon-1 p.m. Sundays, April 25, and May 16 and 23. Shir Tikvah will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. The funds will go toward social action initiatives, arts and culture education, community outreach, membership support and facility enhancements. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at Shir Tikvah, 3900

Lag b’Omer Blast! DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

our Jewish Detroit organizations are teaming up to create an interactive community event for Lag b’Omer on Thursday, April 29. Hillel of Metro Detroit (HMD), Chabad in the D, NextGen Detroit and The Well are coming together to create an event for Lag b’Omer in an elevated camp-style evening of bonfires, food, archery, lanyard and tie dyeing, arts and crafts,

as well as a bar for 21+ guests. The evening will be held entirely outdoors at Chabad in the D’s house in Detroit, socially distant and kept to 50 people. For those who can’t partake in person, a Lag b’Omer kit for at-home bonfires will be provided as well as a Zoom link to join remotely. “It’s a collaborative event,” said Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh of The Well. “We worked together

Downtown Synagogue Seeks Memories In December of 1921, Charles and Nathan Agree, along with the Canvasser, Kaplan, Rosin and Zatkin families, announced the founding of the Isaac Agree Memorial Society. The society was named in honor of their father, a Russian immigrant who came to Detroit in 1904. The society held its first services in a home on Rosedale Court and, as they say, the rest is history. As the growing congregation at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (IADS) in the heart of Detroit looks forward to celebrating its 100 years serving the community, it wants your stories. Did your grandfather come to services at IADS? Was your brother’s bar mitzvah in the sanctuary above Kosin’s?

Did you blow the shofar at High Holy Day services at the Veteran’s Memorial Building? What about the Chanukah celebrations and epic dance parties, have you been to any of those? IADS wants to hear about your or your family’s connection to the synagogue over the years and how it has been a part of your lives. They’d also like to grow their collection of archival materials, including photographs and other memorabilia. Stories, video and digital photographs can be submitted at https://tinyurl.com/ p46pkysc. If you have questions or would like to submit physical items, contact the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue at (313) 3248006.

to figure out how we could safely gather outside with outdoor activities in a space that could handle it.” HMD spearheaded and organized the event and got the other organizations on board. “We wanted to get some of our community organizations together to celebrate Lag b’Omer in-person, outdoors, safe and physically distant,” said Brittany Begun, associate director of HMD. “Now that the weather is getting nice, we want to be able to celebrate together. “I hope our four organizations coming together shows the community that we’re here to support one another during a time of need and celebration and to create something that can be safe during this time,” she added. Begun said the virtual experience will mirror the in-person event. A coupon code is available for

HMD students to get 50% off the event. They can reach out to Begun at brittany@hillel-detroit. org for more details. Rabbi Yisrael Pinson of Chabad in the D, who is hosting the event, says two major factors led to an increase in capacity compared to prior events i. “We feel like between the weather and the fact we have a high rate of vaccination, we can accommodate a few more people,” Pinson said. “Until now, we were limiting ourselves to 25 people for outdoors, but now we’re probably going to have around 50 people.” The event takes place Thursday, April 29, at 8 p.m. Cost is $10 for one person and $18 for couples, along with $5 to attend at home with the virtual option. Those interested can sign up on the JFMD website: jewishdetroit.org/event/ lag-bomer-bash.

B’nai Israel Hires Full-Time Rabbi B’nai Israel Synagogue of West Bloomfield has hired Rabbi Michael Gilboa as its full-time rabbi. Gilboa received his M.A. in rabbinic studies and his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, American Jewish University of Los Angeles. He has served as the rabbi of Ahavath Achim Hebrew Rabbi Michael Gilboa and family. Congregation in Wichita, The congregation has Kan., and Congregation Beth expressed its appreciation Jacob in Fresno, Calif. He is to Rabbi Mitch Parker for the founding rabbi of “The serving as its rabbi since 2016. Footpath,” a community Parker, a longtime member conversion program started in and teacher at B’nai Israel, will partnership with Anshe Emet continue in those roles, as well Synagogue in Chicago, which as his practice as a clinical child now continues online. Gilboa will join the B’nai psychologist. His leadership was especially meaningful to the Israel community on May 1, shul during the challenges of along with his wife, Emily, and the COVID-19 pandemic. three children. APRIL 22 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY

Send a Little Joy

Custom Mother’s Day cards mailed to loved ones while helping people in need. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

his Mother’s Day, there’s a meaningful way to bring joy to mothers and other women alike that also gives back to the local Jewish community. Via the Joy Project, people throughout Metro Detroit can send the special women in their lives a custom-made card that donates proceeds to women and families in need. Running through Mother’s Day, the seasonally held program has taken place each year since 2009 except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was launched by entrepreneur and philanthropist Elanah Nachman Hunger in honor of her mother, Joy Nachman, as a way to say thanks for everything her mother had done for her throughout the years. Created in partnership with Jewish Family Service (JFS), the Joy Project has raised more than $350,000 to date. “It’s a way to honor special women in your life on Mother’s Day while also helping to provide critical services to Jewish Family Service for women and children in need,” said JFS senior director of marketing and communications Lindsay Leder. “It’s a win-win.” Through the Joy Project, people can choose any number of cards they want sent out to the women in their lives. Leder explains that this isn’t limited to only mothers, but can also

APRIL 22 • 2021

include sisters, friends or anyone else. Cards can then be customized and are delivered to recipients by mail. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has limited connections, Leder believes these small but valuable actions are more important than ever. “There are tons of women and children in the area that can be helped,” she says. JFS estimates that the project assists some 3,000 people in need each year. Money raised by the Joy Project is used by the

Debbie Feit and her Aunt Vicki

Though the Joy Project can be supported yearround, the program’s Mother’s Day campaign is at the heart of their movement. “It’s a nice way to get a gift for your mom,” Leder says. “Rather than getting flowers or something that she may not need, this is something that helps the community and other people’s loved ones to get the services they need.”

“I THINK THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE NEED, ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR … A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE IN THEIR MAILBOX.” — LINDSAY LEDER

organization several ways. It provides funding for counseling, access to food, transportation and other critical services. One card, for example, can help provide medication to a community member in need, while two cards will cover the costs of a social worker visit to assist an elderly individual.

She says that this year, with fewer people shopping in-person due to the pandemic, sending cards by mail is a safe and unique way to show loved ones you are thinking of them, even if the celebrations can’t be had in-person. It will also further support JFS, which is increasing its services to

help more people in need impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Joy Project also partners with Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, a partner since the program’s 2009 launch. Through the partnership, Tapper’s provides gifts to the women served by JFS. THOUGHTFUL ‘THANKS’ As a bit of a lost art, Leder believes sending cards by mail is a classic and thoughtful way to say thanks to special women in the local Jewish community. At the same time, it helps put food on the table for others, among other essential services that have become more critical due to COVID-19’s financial and medical impact. “We would love for more people to get inspired and to send cards to their loved ones,” Leder says. “We’re hoping to spread more joy throughout this [tough] time.” She adds that joy is what is needed the most right now. “I think that’s what people need, especially this year,” Leder continues. “A little bit of love in their mailbox.” To purchase Joy Project cards, go to jfsjoyproject.org.

faces&places

Remembrance at JSL

PHOTOS COURTESY JSL

On April 8, Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies took place at both Fleischman Residence and Meer Apartments of Jewish Senior Life. Holocaust survivors were joined by residents and staff who remembered the 6 million Jews who perished in the Shoah. In 1959, Israel established Yom HaShoah to honor the heroism of the Warsaw Ghetto

fighters. Dr. Charles Silow, director of JSL’s Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families, commented on the heroism and resiliency of all Holocaust survivors. Survivors lit memorial candles and read moving passages from Elie Wiesel and Anne Frank. The service concluded with the singing of “Hatikvah” led by survivors Gabriella Weiss and Laurette Levadi. Dr. Charles Silow

Survivor Laurette Levadi and JSL Chaplaincy Program Associate Joanne Kristal

New Course Explores the Future This April, Rabbi Levi Dubov opportunity to finally appreciof Chabad Jewish Center of ate, in a realistic and down-toBloomfield Hills will offer earth manner, what Judaism This Can Happen, a really means when it new six-session course talks about a “Messiah.” by the Rohr Jewish The six-week course Learning Institute will be offered with three (JLI) that will address class options: Wednesday pressing questions: Is afternoons, noon-1:30 the current situation p.m., beginning April 28, Rabbi Levi Dubov going to get any betvia Zoom; Wednesday ter? Can we realistievenings, 7:30-9 p.m., cally rectify the world? What beginning April 28, via Zoom; does the future hold in store and Thursday mornings, 11 for us? a.m.–12:30 p.m., beginning “It’s common for people to April 29, which will hopefully feel that matters are getting be offered safely in-person progressively worse and, to a limited audience at the fostered by much hysterical Farber Soul Center in West media and general dialogue, Bloomfield, with the option an environment of fear and of ordering lunch from the despair is all too rampant,” Soul Café for a special course Dubov told the Jewish News. discount. “Exploring world history and The course fee is $80, and the actual facts from a larger includes the course textbook, perspective and context paints with discounts available an eye-opening picture, one for couples and groups. that can provide real, practical Scholarships are available understanding and hope.” upon request. This course will explore one Register at bloomfieldof the most misunderstood hillschabad.org/canhappen, and maligned topics in the or contact Dubov at (248) Jewish canon — the future 949-6210 or rabbi@ redemption, presenting an bloomfieldhillschabad.org.

Music Shabbat at Temple Kol Ami Judy Martin, widow of survivor Andrew Martin, and Joanne Kristal

Audience at Fleischman Residence

The annual Music Shabbat at Temple Kol Ami takes place Friday, April 30, at 7:15 p.m. The service has been prepared by Nathalie M. Conrad, pianist, who served as director of music at the temple since its founding in 1966 until being named music director emerita in 2009. She is marking her 55th year of making music at Temple Kol Ami, and several of her own compositions will be included in the service. The worship will be a “Sermon in Song,” a

retrospective collection of synagogue music which has been heard and sung for so many years: ancient, Sephardic, Ashkenazic, Chassidic, Israeli and contemporary. Miles Eichenhorn and Marci Shulman will serve as cantorial soloists, and Rabbi Brent P. Gutmann will conduct the service. The public is invited to view this service on Facebook at the Temple Kol Ami Facebook page. APRIL 22 • 2021

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Weekly Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox.

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APRIL 22 • 2021

MAZEL TOV! Lyla Camryn Acrich, daughter of Darci and Bryan Acrich, will chant from the Torah on the occasion of her bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, April 23, 2021. She will be joined in celebration by her brother Ari and proud grandparents Susanne and Ruben Acrich, and Shirley and Robert Oles. She is the great-grandchild of the late Charlotte and Leo Simko. Lyla attends Clifford H. Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. She gathered donations and raised funds for Good Karma Puppy Rescue as part of her most meaningful mitzvah project. Merrick Joseph Bartlett, son of Jennifer Lulkin Bartlett and Clifford Bartlett, will chant from the Torah on the occasion of his bar mitzvah at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on Saturday, April 24, 2021. He is named after his late great-grandfather Morris Lulkin and his late uncle Robert Joseph Bartlett. Merrick is the loving grandchild of Linda and Richard Lulkin, Dorothy Bartlett and the late John Bartlett. He is a student at Frost Middle school in Livonia. His mitzvah project, Building Beds 4 Kids, was so meaningful he plans to continue working on it.

Stacey and Joe Bernson are proud to announce the bar mitzvah of their son, Logan Bernson, on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township at a Havdallah service. He is the brother of Sammy Bernson and the grandson of his beloved late grandparents Marlene and Harvey Goodman, Alan Bernson; and Charlotte Bernson who is still with us today. Logan is an eighth-grader at Geisler Middle School in Walled Lake. For his mitzvah project, he volunteered his time at a soup kitchen with his friends at Temple Beth El. Maya Lauren Klepaski, daughter of Erin and Randy Klepaski, will lead the congregation in prayer on the occasion of her bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, April 24, 2021. She will be joined in celebration by her siblings Nigel, Noah and Zachary. Maya is the loving grandchild of Sandy and Paul Schwartz, Mary and Greg Charland, and Jean and John Klepaski. She is attends West Bloomfield Middle School in West Bloomfield. For her mitzvah project, Maya participated in Peer Corps during the pandemic and was able to reach people less fortunate than she. These projects included making sandwiches for people in need of food, gathering art supplies to donate and collecting school supplies for children in need.

SPIRIT

TORAH PORTION

Amelia Jane Lippitt will chant from the Torah on the occasion of her bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, April 24, 2021. She will be joined in celebration by her proud parents, Denise and Ron Lippitt, and siblings Maureen and Caroline. She is the loving grandchild of Elaine and David Lippitt, Marjie and Steve Ziff, Linda and Ken Rudisel, and the late Don Messing. Amelia attends Clifford H. Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. As part of her mitzvah project, she found joy in participating in a letter-writing campaign for residents of assisted living via the United Way of Michigan. Emma Claire Schwartz, daughter of Naomi and Nicholas Schwartz, will chant from the Torah as she becomes a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, April 24, 2021. She will be joined in celebration by her siblings Levi and Avi and her proud grandparents Sandy and Paul Schwartz, and Mary and Robert Garver. She is a student at West Bloomfield Middle School in West Bloomfield. For her mitzvah project, Emma partnered with the United Way and raised donations to purchase essential baby supplies for local needy families. She was able to provide two months of baby supplies to 30 area families.

Benjamin Elliott Sherman, son of Lisa and Mark Sherman, will chant from the Torah on the occasion of his bar mitzvah on Friday, April 23, 2021, at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. He is the loving grandchild of Carol and Gary Kushner, the late Sandy Brenner, the late Denny Brenner and the late Murray Sherman. Benjamin is a student at West Hills Middle School. He organized a raffle to raise funds for an animal rescue organization as part of his mitzvah project. Skylar Alexandra Thurswell, daughter of Jennifer and Larry Thurswell, will lead the congregation in prayer as she becomes a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Joining in her celebration will be her brother Luke and proud grandparents Lynn and Harvey Rubin, and Gerald Thurswell. She is also the granddaughter of the late Galina and Alexander Pavlov. Skylar is a student at Derby Middle School in Birmingham. As part of her most meaningful mitzvah project, she created a Facebook event to raise funds for the Reuben Phoenix Schostak Congenital Heart Center Research Fund.

A Time to Mourn and Find Strength

e stand today at a confronted with the death of liminal moment, his sons the Torah is very terse a moment that is in describing his response: neither here nor there. vayidom Aharon. Most Every day, somewhere translations render these between 3-4 million two words as “Aaron people are getting vacwas silent.” He was silent cinated in the United because he needed to States, and we are bury his own feelings moving closer to the in order to fulfil his job Rabbi Shalom day when we can begin of leading the people Kantor a “post-pandemic life” in prayer. In this heart(whatever that may wrenching episode, Parshat be for each of us). At Aaron is silent. Achrey Mot/ the same time, we are Yet, as R. Shai Held Kedoshim: still in the thick of a teaches, the root of vayLeviticus 16:1pandemic that has 20:27; Amos idom is d-m-m, which 9:7-15. destroyed so much and can mean to be still/ taken so many lives. silent and can also mean In this week’s parshah, we to mourn, moan or wail. Is it receive what is one of the key possible that Aaron reacted as pieces that makes up the DNA we might expect any parent of the Jewish soul. Parshat whose children die? He cries Kedoshim begins with the out in utter agony. words: “Speak to the whole In this moment of liminalIsraelite community and say ity, we must find a way to live to them: ‘You shall be holy, with both meanings of vayfor I, the Lord your God, am idom. We all must acknowlholy.’” Holiness can have many edge what has been taken manifestations, but they all from us, mentally, physically share in that they are ways that and spiritually. We must be we, through our actions, reveal able to see and empathize with God’s light in the world. the pain that each of us feels at So, how do we, in this time different times. of liminality, continue to find At the same time, we must holiness and God’s light? Do drive forward, recognizing the we mourn and focus on all task which we have been given that we have lost, bringing as we recite in the second comfort to one another, or do paragraph of the aleinu l’taken we charge forward looking at ha-olam b’malchut Shaddai how we can rise stronger and — to repair and build a better more brilliant than we were world filled with God’s light before? and a holiness that we can all Part of the answer is found share into the future. in a new understanding of the Rabbi Shalom Kantor is the rabbi of Torah portion we read two Congregation B’nai Moshe in West weeks ago, where Aaron’s two sons are killed. When Aaron is Bloomfield. APRIL 22 • 2021

SPIRIT

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

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

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

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

Congregation Beth Ahm West Bloomfield (248) 851-6880 cbahm.org

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

Beth Israel Flint (810) 732-6310 cbiflint.org Congregation Beth Shalom Oak Park (248) 547-7970 congbethshalom.org Beth Tephilath Moses Mt. Clemens (586) 996-3138 bethtephilathmoses.com B’nai Israel Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 432-2729 bnaiisraelwb.org Congregation B’nai Moshe West Bloomfield (248) 788-0600 bnaimoshe.org Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue Detroit (313) 962-4047 downtownsynagogue.org Congregation Shaarey Zedek Southfield (248) 357-5544 shaareyzedek.org Temple B’nai Shalom Benton Harbor (269) 925-8021 tbnaishalom.org

APRIL 22 • 2021

Ahavas Olam Southfield (248) 569-1821 Ahavasolam.com Ahavas Yisroel Oak Park (248) 298-2896 Learntorah.info Aish Hatorah in the Woods Oak Park (248) 327-3579 Aishdetroit.com Bais Chabad of Farmington Hills (248) 855-2910 chabad.org Bais Chabad of North Oak Park (248) 872-8878 chabad.org Bais Haknesses Hagrah Oak Park (248) 542-8737 Balfour Shul – K’Hal Rina U’Tefila Oak Park (732) 693-8457 Beth Tefilo Emanuel Tikvah Southfield (248) 559-5022

Birmingham-Bloomfield Shul Birmingham (248) 996-5818 bbchai.org

First Hebrew Congregation South Haven (269) 637-1603 firsthebrewcongregation.org

B’nai Israel-Beth Yehudah Oak Park (248) 967-3969 bi-by.org

Kehillat Etz Chayim Huntington Woods etzchayim-detroit.org

B’nai Zion Oak Park (248) 968-2414 Chabad House-Lubavitch of Eastern Michigan Flint (810) 230-0770 chabad.org Chabad Jewish Center of Commerce-Walled Lake Commerce Township (248) 363-3644 jewishcommerce.org Chabad Jewish Center of Novi-Northville Novi (248) 790-6075 novijewishcenter.com Chabad-Lubavitch of Bingham Farms Bloomfield Hills (248) 688-6796 chabadbinghamfarms.com Chabad of Western Michigan Grand Rapids (616) 957-0770 chabadwestmichigan.com Dovid Ben Nuchim-Aish Kodesh Oak Park (313) 320-9400 dbndetroit.org Etz Chayim of Toledo Toledo, OH (419) 473-2401 Etzchayimtoledo.org

Kollel Institute of Greater Detroit Oak Park (248) 968-1891 kollel@kolleldetroit.org Mishkan Israel, Nusach H’ari, Lubavitch Center Oak Park (248) 542-4844 theyeshiva.org Ohel Moed Shomrey Emunah West Bloomfield (248) 737-2626 ohelmoed.org Or Chadash Oak Park (248) 819-1721 or-chadash.org Sara & Morris Tugman Bais Chabad Torah Center of West Bloomfield (248) 855-6170 baischabad.com Shaar Hashomayim Windsor (519) 256-3123 Shaarey Zedek Windsor (519) 252-1594 shaareyzedekwindsor.com Shomer Israel Oak Park (248) 542-4014 godaven.com

Shomrey Emunah Southfield (248) 559-1533 congregation-shomreyemunah-105705.square.site The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch West Bloomfield (248) 788-4000 theshul.net Woodward Avenue Shul Royal Oak (248) 414-7485 thewas.net Yagdil Torah Southfield (248) 559-5905 Young Israel of Oak Park (248) 967-3655 yiop.org Young Israel of Southfield (248) 358-0154 yisouthfield.org RECONSTRUCTIONIST Congregation Kehillat Israel Lansing (517) 882-0049 kehillatisrael.net Congregation T’chiyah Oak Park (248) 823-7115 tchiyah.org Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit (313) 567-0306 reconstructingjudiasm.org REFORM Bet Chaverim Canton (734) 480-8880 betchaverim@yahoo.com Temple Benjamin Mt. Pleasant (989) 773-5086 templebenjamin.com

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

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

MINYANS Fleischman Residence West Bloomfield (248) 661-2999

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

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

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

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

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

ANN ARBOR

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

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

Beth Isaac Synagogue Trenton (734) 675-0355 bethisaac.org

REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org

Temple Beth Israel Bay City (989) 893-7811 tbi-mich.org Temple Beth Israel Jackson (517) 784-3862 tbijackson.org Temple B’nai Israel Kalamazoo (269) 342-9170 Templebnaiisrael.com Temple B’nai Israel Petoskey (231) 489-8269 templebnaiisraelofpetoskey.org Temple Emanuel Grand Rapids (616) 459-5976 grtemple.org Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org

SECULAR/HUMANISTIC The Birmingham Temple Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 birminghamtemple.com Jewish Parents Institute West Bloomfield (248) 661-1000 jccdet.org Sholem Aleichem Institute Lathrup Village (240 865-0117 secularsaimichigan.org SEPHARDIC Keter Torah Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 681-3665 rabbisasson.wixsite.com/keter Ohr Hatorah Oak Park (248) 294-0613 Ohrhatorah.us

CONSERVATIVE Beth Israel Congregation (734) 665-9897 @BethIsraelCongregation ORTHODOX Ann Arbor Chabad House (734) 995-3276 jewmich.com Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan annarborminyan.org RECONSTRUCTIONIST Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (734) 445-1910 aarecon.org REFORM Temple Beth Emeth (734) 665-4744 templebethemeth.org RENEWAL Pardes Hanah pardeshanah.org SECULAR HUMANISTIC Jewish Cultural Society (734) 975-9872 jewishculturalsociety.org Please email factual corrections or additional synagogues to list to: smanello@thejewishnews.com.

APRIL 22 • 2021

HOME & GARDEN

Tapping

Joy

into

Rediscovering her creative passion, painter turns home into work of art. LYNNE KONSTANTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Hillary Levin painted a mural on the kitchen bar of her Commerce home. Each project is hand-painted in acrylic and coated in polyurethane.

APRIL 22 • 2021

long to dry,” she says. “I love working with acrylics, watercolors. Anything that dries fast. I love textures. I’m very tactile — I love to touch everything and smell everything, and I want others to feel comfortable approaching and touching my work, too.” Levin eventually took classes in everything from basket weaving and jewelry making to pottery — she even learned how to knit (from her future mother-in-law) and created the chuppah under which she married her husband, Jordan. And though she earned a bachelor’s in fine arts with an emphasis in painting from Western Michigan University and even eventually worked as assistant director at the Janice Charach Gallery at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, at some point Levin fell away from her passion of painting. She found other passions that made her happy, too. Cooking became a creative out-

Hillary and Jordan Levin

COURTESY OF HILLARY LEVIN

illary Levin was scared of bugs when she was a little girl. “I didn’t like being in nature. I didn’t play sports — I was not athletic,” she says. “I liked being inside.” And she liked doing art projects. Growing up in New Jersey, she liked watching a TV show that showed people drawing characters while telling stories about them. “I thought that was the coolest thing,” Levin says. “I started doing the same thing. My mom would walk in the room and be like, ‘Who are you talking to?’ I remember it being the first time that I drew something, and I felt like it came alive — I could see the process, and others could see the process based on my telling of the story.” Levin’s mother enrolled her daughter in private oil-painting classes at age 8. She learned that she loved creating but didn’t have the patience for oils — “they took too

“IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT, FIND A WAY TO DO IT.” — HILLARY LEVIN

let. Her husband, Jordan, a fitness trainer and motivational speaker, owned CrossFit Bloomfield, and Levin soon found that it was her own golden ticket to overcoming her distaste for sweating and achieving mental and physical empowerment. She became a trainer at and co-owner of CrossFit as well as a yoga instructor. “I thought, ‘I’m a coach, this is what I am now,’” Levin says. But she didn’t realize how much she missed her first passion. Levin transformed a garden flamingo into a hand-painted indoor work of art.

BACK TO FIRST LOVE Before the COVID pandemic hit, Levin had already made a conscious return to art, painting abstracts, portraits (of people and of pets) and baby gifts (like wooden

rocking chairs). But when forced into quarantine, Levin realized something. “When the pandemic hit, like many people, I had time. And I thought, ‘If I’m going to live like a hermit inside my home, I need color and joy,’” Levin says. “Outside, it was misery. Inside, I wanted my home to be rainbows and kittens.” The mostly white interiors of the Commerce home she shares with Jordan was just a blank canvas waiting to happen. Standing in front of a pair of French doors one day, Jordan came across his wife just staring. “He knew I was up to something,” Levin says. “He could see the wheels turning. He said, ‘You want to paint those, don’t you?’” Levin set to work on the French doors, continued on page 32 A free-hand painted coat closet

The acrylic-painted French doors were Levin’s first “living art” project.

APRIL 22 • 2021

HOME & GARDEN

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Levin creates commissioned pet portraits, tapping into the animals’ personalities with playful use of color and brushstrokes. continued from page 31

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creating a colorful, joyous frame to what has become her reading room, akin to a man cave. She next turned her eye to a wooden bannister, which now dances with lively details. “I’m inspired by a lot of things,” Levin says. “It could be a person that I love, a color, a texture. A lot of my pieces have repetitive black and white checks and dots on them. Creating repetitive patterns is very relaxing and calming for my mind as well.” AN UPLIFTING HOME Now, over a year into the pandemic, Levin’s home has become a “living, breathing work of art,” she says. “It’s not a gallery where pieces are hanging on the wall, but the home itself is the art. We live within the artwork, and it is so inspiring while life has been so challenging. The process has been therapeutic and living with it is so uplifting.

“I realized you don’t have to shut off part of your life or go into a different career path to realize that your passions don’t have to stop,” she says. “You are your own individual person before you are a spouse, an employee. You are your own human being before you are any of your tasks. I am a coach. And I am an artist.” She now sees her art as a safe haven — and wants others to realize their own passions, too. “If you have something you’re passionate about, find a way to do it. The world needs more people who are not scared to be honest about themselves, whether you garden, cook, paint, whatever,” Levin says. “We need to tap into these things to express ourselves, even if you haven’t done it since you were a kid. Especially now, we need to tap back into our joy, and share it with each other.”

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HOME & GARDEN

Easy Ideas 4 to Enhance Your

2021 Garden

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ardening enthusiasm is surging thanks to our increased time at home — whether on a small patio or in a larger backyard. In fact, people spent 42% more time gardening in 2020 than the year before, according to Axiom Marketing’s 2021 Gardening Insight Survey, and it is estimated the pandemic contributed to creating nearly 20 million new “gardeners.” Many experts agree the trend toward nurturing flowers, plants and vegetables will continue into 2021 and beyond. If you’re looking to test your new green thumb or bring this year’s garden to the next level, consider these top trends and simple ideas from the experts at Ball Horticultural Company: THE YEAR-ROUND FRESH AND HEALTHY GARDEN Gardening can provide fresh access to produce that can help encourage healthy eating. You can feel confident knowing

APRIL 22 • 2021

exactly where your food comes from and enjoy the satisfaction of growing it yourself. Plus, it doesn’t get fresher than picking something from your own garden just minutes before preparing a dish. You don’t need an expansive garden to enjoy the many benefits of fresh, healthy vegetables and herbs. In fact, you don’t need a garden at all! Check out Kitchen Minis from PanAmerican Seed and enjoy a variety of peppers and tomatoes that can be grown inside on a sunny windowsill, countertop or outside as patio tabletop plants. You can grow and harvest your own Kitchen Minis flavors most of the year. THE MULTI-PURPOSE FLOWER AND HERB GARDEN Don’t be afraid to mix your flowers and herbs. Trending in 2021 is bundling your plants together to save space and make a multi-functional showcase. Start with a tiered fruit stand, line it with coco

liner cut to fit inside each bowl space, and then add soil and plants of your choice. The handle and lightness of the stand make it easy to hang as a basket or decorate a patio or table for a beautiful and functional addition wherever you garden. Be sure to select plants that have a lot to offer in a compact space. For example, herbs from Burpee Plants are ideal for small gardens, so you can enjoy fresh flavors like mint, rosemary and parsley at a moment’s notice.

If you’d prefer a centerpiece or accent decor for entertaining, petunias from Wave Petunias are low-maintenance and stunning, easily adding a punch of color to your container. THE BEAUTIFUL GARDEN FOR A BOLD AND COLORFUL OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE As people spend more time enjoying the outdoors from the safety and comfort of home, they are taking a new look at their exterior spaces. Colorful blooms brighten the outdoors and elevate the mood, which is why flower gardening is flourishing. However, people want this outdoor beauty without extensive maintenance, so ease is essential when planning your flower garden. When it comes to pairing beauty and simplicity, Beacon Impatiens are a great choice, especially for those whose outdoor spaces don’t get a lot of sun. Available in bright, bold colors, you can fill baskets, window boxes, patio containers and shade landscapes with Beacon to add vivid, dramatic color to your

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spaces and have confidence in their performance. These impatiens are lowmaintenance and have high resistance to impatiens downy mildew, a disease that has caused plant loss in recent years. THE FUN FAMILYFRIENDLY GARDEN Having a family garden comes with many benefits. Whether it’s you and your partner at home or the entire family, gardening has proven to be a fun and safe hobby that people of all ages can do together. Enjoy spending quality time while breathing fresh air and learning important lessons from nature and the environment. Gather everyone’s input on a plan for your family garden and work together as a team to make it a success. One plant that’s particularly fun for families to include is Lavender Primavera from Darwin Perennials. The rich purple color is visually stunning, plus lavender attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, so you’re enhancing the natural world

Free preliminaryls art appraisa ’s Wednesday 12-4 with Terri

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SUMMER STORE HOURS “THE ABILITY SUMMER STORE HOURS TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closed TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closed TO EXPLORE SUN and by appointment only SUN and evenings by evenings appointment only INTERESTS LIKE Lake Rd, Keego 3325 Orchard3325 LakeOrchard Rd, Keego Harbor, MI Harbor, MI 248-481-8884 248-481-8884 GARDENING IS WWW.LESHOPPETOO.COM WWW.LESHOPPETOO.COM th th CENTURY ICONIC 20th FURNITURE, ICONIC 20 CENTURY FURNITURE, ICONIC 20 CENTURY FURNITURE, A SILVER LINING HOME & LIGHTING FINE-ART,FINE-ART, HOME DECOR &DECOR LIGHTING LIGHTING Let our experienced team Let our experienced team OF SPENDING HOURS HOURS at Le Shoppe Too & at Le Shoppe Too & LocalSupport Local MORE TIME AT Support Changing Hands TUES–SAT Noon–5 pm | MON closed Changing Hands TUES–SAT Noon–5 pm | MON closed Businesses Businesses handle your your Estate Sale SUN & evenings byEstate appointment SUNhandle & evenings by appointment only Sale only HOME” needs. needs. Your itemsYour can items can 5 O E GR O 3 3 2 5 O R C H3A3R2 D L AR KC EH A RR DD , KLEAEKGEORHDA, RK BE O , MHI A R B O R , M I

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APRIL 22 • 2021

750 FOREST

a Robertson Larson Group Development 750 Forest, Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 633-8169 www.750Forest.com New, luxury mid-rise condominium building offering two- and three-bedroom condos within a short walking distance to downtown Birmingham. Enjoy carefree living with a concierge service, indoor parking and a fourthfloor rooftop terrace. Furnished model open by appointment only.

BRIGHTER CLEANING SERVICES

40080 Hayes Road Clinton Township, MI 48038 (586) 630-5311 brightercleaningservice.com Brighter Cleaning Services strives to provide our clients with a spotless cleaning experience. We foster lasting relationships with each of our clients and find every way possible to service the requests and needs of everyone that chooses us. Our name is synonymous with trust, reliability and family. Whether it’s your household or commercial space, we’ll always leave it a “Brighter” place.

CEMENT & TILE LAB STUDIO

Aaron Davis (248) 595-6555 cementlabstudio.com and tilelabstudio.com Not your average neighborhood cement and tile company! Featuring services for tile/stone, cement/hardscape, drywall/paint and hardwood/refinishing, from floor to ceiling, we’ve got you covered. With over 20 years of experience in home renovation and construction, our experts are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service, quality products and skilled craftsmanship.

EPIC AUCTIONS & ESTATE SALES

169 S. Main St. Leslie, MI 49251 (517) 927-5028 epicauctionsandestatesales.com We are a provider of auction and estate sale services in the Mid-Michigan area. We have helped families manage life transitions from downsizing to moving to assisted living and helping families handle the estates of loved ones. We settle estates!

APRIL 22 • 2021

EPIPHANY STUDIOS

770 Orchard Lake Road (248) 745-3786 epiphanyglass.com Michigan’s premier state-of-the-art hot glass studio and gallery owned and operated by glass artist April Wagner. Creating one-of-akind sculptures and gift items from paperweights and decanters, to large-scale wall and atrium sculptures. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment.

CRANBROOK

HOME & GARDEN RESOURCES

LAFATA CABINETS

50905 Hayes Road Shelby Township, MI 48315 (586) 247-1140 AND 6335 Orchard Lake Rd West Bloomfield, MI 48323 (248) 851-1140 lafata.com LaFata Cabinets, a family-owned business, is the largest custom cabinet manufacturer in Michigan. With two state-of-the-art showrooms our cabinets are distributed through independent dealers throughout Michigan and neighboring states. We are celebrating nearly 50 years of creating beautiful cabinetry and are proud to have earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship. We’d love to work with you!

LE SHOPPE TOO

3325 Orchard Lake Road Keego Harbor, MI 48320 (248) 481-8884 leshopperetail@gmail.com www.leshoppetoo.com www.facebook.com/leshoppetoo www.instagram.com/leshoppetoo We are an upscale consignment shop, specializing in iconic 20th-century furniture and art, with estate sale, auction and appraisal services, all under one roof.

ZOLMAN RESTORATION

3285 Martin Road, Suite N-106 Walled Lake, MI 48390 (800) 799-8560 zolmanrestoration.com Zolman Restoration, a Sachse Construction Company, is a full-service restoration company committed to rapid response. When disaster occurs, our goal is to swiftly alleviate your property damage through rapid mobilization, effective recovery knowledge and extensive insurance experience.

Wild geranium

Cranbrook Plant Sales

Are you looking to add to your landscape? Native plants attract pollinators, birds and other wildlife that help sustain the ecosystem. Since they are well-adapted to the area, native plants also require less maintenance than non-native species. This year, Cranbrook’s Native Plant Sale is online only and opens to the public May 10 at 10 a.m. and ends May 12 at noon. Curbside pickup (380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills) for orders takes place March 14-16 (date and time scheduled at checkout). RSVP at housegardens. cranbrook.edu/events/springplant-sale/native-plant-rsvp to get your link to the sale. Join Cranbrook in-person to purchase perennials potted by its volunteers, tropical plants grown in its Conservatory Greenhouse, and herbs selected by the Herb Society of America – Southern Michigan Unit Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23, from 10 a.m.3 p.m. You do not need to reserve a shopping time, but face masks and social distancing are required.

JewishNews Forest 2021 Half Page Horizontal 04.22.21 copy.pdf 1 4/13/2021 1:34:49 PM

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APRIL 22 • 2021

ARTS&LIFE FILM

The Most Complete Guide to Jewish Oscar Nominees: 2021

he Academy Awards will be presented on ABC on Sunday, April 25 (8 p.m.). Again, this year there will be no host. There are fewer Jewish nominees than usual. The pandemic caused a reduction in the making and/or release of big-budget American films. Here are the verified Jewish nominees in all but the technical categories. BEST PICTURE/ACTORS The best picture award goes to the film’s principal producers. Three of the eight nominated films (Mank, Nomadland and The Trial of the Chicago 7) have a Jewish producer. Eric Roth, 76, is a co-producer of Mank, a Netflix film. The title refers to the nickname of Herman J. Mankiewicz, and the film chronicles how he co-wrote the classic movie Citizen Kane (1941). Roth is a top screenwriter himself, with an Oscar win for Forrest Gump and five other screenwriting “noms” (including Munich and the 2019 version of A Star is Born). Mollye Asher, 43, is a co-producer of Nomadland, a gritty film about an older woman who is forced to take to the road and live in her van after her financial supports disappear. Asher is a leading, award-winning producer of indie films. Her father is Jewish. It’s not clear if her mother is. Asher and Roth compete with Marc Platt, 63, a leading film and Broadway stage producer. He’s a co-producer of The

APRIL 22 • 2021

Trial of the Chicago 7, a Netflix film. This is his third “nom” for best pic (others: La La Land and Bridge of Spies). A practicing Jew, Platt and his (Jewish) wife have five children, including well-known actor Ben Platt, 37. Unlike most years, no Jewish actor or actress is nominated for a best actor or actress Oscar. However, Gary Oldman is nominated for best actor for playing a Jew, Herman Mankiewicz, in Mank. As I’ve written in my column, nine out of the 17 main, real-life characters in Mank were Jewish, but none are played by a Jewish thespian. (I guess you could call Mank a “kosher-style” movie) Sacha Baron Cohen, 49, is nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for playing real-life ’60s radical Abbie Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago 7. In 2020, Cohen told a Hollywood Reporter video roundtable (posted on YouTube) how he learned about Abbie Hoffman and how he got the film role. While a student at Cambridge University (U.K.) Cohen traveled to Atlanta (1992) to research a thesis on American Jews’ role in the Civil Rights movement. Hoffman came up in his research because Hoffman was a Civil Rights ‘Freedom Rider’ (1963). Five years later, Hoffman became a famous anti-war activist. In 2007, Steven Spielberg announced he was going to make virtually the same Chicago 7 movie (written by Aaron Sorkin) that was ultimately made in 2020.

WARNER BROS.

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

A scene from Judas and the Black Messiah

Cohen begged Spielberg for an audition to play Hoffman. Spielberg agreed to the audition if Cohen could master Hoffman’s mix of a Boston accent with a sort-of-Jewish intonation. Cohen worked incredibly hard, mastered the accent and got the Hoffman role. But, not long after, a 100day writer’s strike led to a cancellation of the whole project. By 2020, Cohen was a lot more famous than he was in 2007 and he was a shoo-in for the Hoffman role. SCREENPLAY WRITERS, SHORT LIVE FILM, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC Will Berson is nominated for co-writing the original screenplay for Judas and the Black Messiah. Nominated for the same Oscar is Aaron Sorkin, 59, the writer of The Trial of the Chicago 7. Black Messiah, a best film nominee, is based on the life of Fred Hampton, a charismatic Chicago Black Panther leader in the late ’60s. He was heavily targeted by the FBI, and a black informant (a ‘Judas’) was planted in his organization. The informant (who decades later told what he’d done), helped the Chicago police set up their unjustified killing of Hampton in 1969. Hampton’s family got a $1.85 million legal settlement from the FBI in 1982. The Black Messiah nomination for the

IMDB

A scene from The Trial of the Chicago 7

original screenplay Oscar says: Screenplay by Will Berson and Shaka King [who also directed the film]; Story by Berson, King, Keith and Kenny Lucas. Berson, who has several minor writing credits, began “shopping” a script about the death of Hampton in 2014. The Lucas Brothers, identical African American twins, began shopping their own Hampton script around the same time and got Shaka King interested. In 2017, a black friend of Berson told King about Berson’s script and everybody “joined forces.” Berson, 43ish, a Manhattan native, is described by Variety as a secular Jew. His parents are both Jewish. As noted above, Aaron Sorkin wrote the Chicago 7 script in 2007, but the production was long delayed. Sorkin is very famous, so I won’t say much here. I am just hoping that the success of Chicago 7 will lead, fairly soon, to a film version of a new play Sorkin wrote (2018) based on To Kill a Mockingbird. It was a huge Broadway hit and many say it ranks with his best work. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, an Amazon Prime film starring Sacha Baron Cohen as Borat, is nominated for best adapted screenplay. Nine Moviefilm writers are nominated. I am sure four of the nine nominees, including Cohen, are Jewish: Jena Friedman, 38, a comedian and TV show producer. She grew up in a Conservative Jewish household in New Jersey; Dan Mazer, 49. He met Cohen when they went to the same “fancy” U.K. private school. Like Cohen, he’s a Cambridge grad, and he shared, with Cohen, a best original screenplay Oscar “nom” for the first Borat movie (2007); and Dan Swimer, 48, a veteran U.K. comedy writer.

A scene from Mank

IMDB

A scene from My Octopus Teacher

SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

A scene from Nomadland

IMDB

Nomadland, now streaming on Hulu, is also up for a best adapted screenplay Oscar. The nominee is Chloe Zhao, who also directed the film. The nomination notes that Zhao’s script is based on the book Nomadland by Jessica Bruder. While Bruder isn’t up for an Oscar, I’m sure she’ll be thanked from the stage if, as expected, Nomadland picks up awards. Bruder, 44, has written for the N.Y. Times since 2003. For several years, she traveled thousands of miles to follow people, mostly older, who were displaced by the Great Recession and took to a life on the road. In 2017, Bruder’s nonfiction book Nomadland was published to great acclaim. Chao’s film script has some fictionalizations. Bruder’s father, a major businessman and philanthropist, is Jewish. Her mother is Catholic. It’s pretty clear she was raised Jewish or secular. In 2011, Bruder wrote a Times article describing how the 5% of the American population who do not celebrate Christmas, in any way, keep busy on Christmas day. Bruder included herself in that 5%. White Eye, directed and written by Israeli filmmaker Tomer Shushan, 40ish, is nominated for best short live action film (producer Shira Hochman shares the nomination). It’s a poignant story about a Tel Avivian who finds his stolen bicycle in the street. In 20 minutes, he has conversations with 10 Israelis of different ethnic backgrounds. These conversations reveal a lot about the biases and class structure of Israeli society. The original Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher is nominated for best documentary feature. It was co-directed by South African Pippa Ehrlich, 33. This film

has become almost a phenomenon — huge viewing numbers and even parody videos. Here’s the capsule plot: a (real) “burnedout” documentary maker returns to South Africa and “heals” via snorkeling in an ocean kelp forest, where he encounters an octopus that, in effect, befriends him and demonstrates astonishing intelligence (this is all real!). The photography and dramatic storytelling are just superlative. Ehrlich is the secular daughter of a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother. A (South African) Jewish Report article says that Ehrlich is close to her Jewish grandmother and that Ehrlich’s happiest moment (since the film opened) came when her “bubbie” said how much nachas she was getting from the film’s reception. Ehrlich’s filmmaking has been supported by the South African ORT. Including this year, James Newton Howard, 69, has been nominated for seven Oscars for best score and two more for best song. He hasn’t won yet. He’s nominated this year for his score for the Tom Hanks’ film News of the World. Long after his father died, Howard discovered his father was born Jewish. This led to him embracing his Jewish background and he is a practicing Reconstructionist Jew. Diane Warren, 64, is another “always a bridesmaid” story. Including this year, she has been nominated 12 times for best song and hasn’t won yet. She’s nominated for co-writing the song “Seen” from the film The Life Ahead (in which Sophia Loren played a Holocaust survivor). Every time she’s nominated, some writer says, “It is Warren’s year.” I won’t repeat that here. As my mother would say, Kinehora! (Meaning, don’t say it aloud and invite bad luck!) APRIL 22 • 2021

ARTS&LIFE

MUSICAL THEATER

Emily Padgett and Josh Young

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Details

osh Young, a Tony Award nominee, often performs in cabaret style on prestigious stages. He sometimes appears in cabaret shows with his wife, Emily Padgett, also with Broadway credits, and he regularly teaches cabaret entertainment at Oakland University in Rochester. Although the couple’s live performances have been sidelined during the pandemic, Young and Padgett will be onstage at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield, joined by pianist Frank Pitts, to give the sense of a live show although there will not be a live audience. The performance, hosted by Cabaret 313, will be taped and presented online at 8 p.m. Friday, April 30. “We’re doing an evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs with stories of how his music has affected my career and my life and how it has affected my wife’s career as well. “We go from my first interaction with Andrew Lloyd Webber music, which was when I was working at the Stratford Festival in the musical Evita, and move into the next year, when the festival cast me in Jesus Christ Superstar, which eventually became my debut on Broadway. Emily’s first big Webber show was Cats, and she will be debuting a medley of Cats songs.” Although neither appeared in Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, they will be presenting the song “All I Ask of You,” which continues its popularity apart from the production. Other Webber shows providing plentiful material include School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

APRIL 22 • 2021

The Josh Young and Emily Padgett performance will be shown online at 8 p.m. Friday, April 30. To purchase pay-what-you-can tickets, go to Cabaret313.org and then receive a private link to the show. Suggested prices: $15$40.

CABARET 313 Musical couple stages Broadway songs for digital viewers.

“We talk a bit about backstage fun and insight,” Young explained about the kinds of behind-the-scenes experiences of a performance. “I was working for Andrew and did well by him, but he wouldn’t cast me in Phantom of the Opera because they have different height restrictions. [Audiences] wouldn’t know about the industry without these stories.” TEACHING CABARET Young, who grew up in Philadelphia and attended synagogue services, graduated in theater studies from Syracuse University and soon toured with Les Misérables, which brought him to the Fisher Theatre. Besides accepting Broadway

roles, Young has worked in regional theaters including the La Jolla Playhouse, Baltimore Center Stage and North Carolina Theatre. He is the cofounder of “Cutting-Edge Composers,” a concert series on broadwayworld. com to spotlight young theater songwriters.“If I appreciate music, I want to sing it,” Young said. “All the songs that we’ve chosen for Cabaret 313 are songs that we appreciate and enjoy performing.” Young, assistant professor of theater at Oakland U. since 2019, uses his international stage background to establish curriculum as he teaches Advance Song Analysis, Acting the Song and Professional Practices as well as Constructing the Cabaret: Conception to Concert. “Performing has brought ful-

fillment, but my long goal was to settle down with a family,” said Young, 40, whose time in Michigan has included celebrating the birth of two children, ages 2 years and 4 months. “Teaching has given me stability. “Because Oakland is a research university, it gives me the ability to still perform. We actually have to keep working in our industry so we have the best of both worlds.” Although the couple had to cancel live performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra because of pandemic closures, they look forward to performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in March 2022, when they will feature songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein. “We actually ended up being one of the only universities that taught in person,” said Young, who has traveled to Jerusalem to portray Shlomo Carlebach in Soul Doctor. “I used the Meadow Brook Theatre’s loading dock, exhaust fans and video and audio technology to have students tape live while following COVID restrictions. Most universities did oneon-one Zoom [programming].” As Young and Padgett present their Webber programming, he will be demonstrating a critical lesson about cabaret. “The most important thing is that there’s some kind of through line,” he explained. “It doesn’t have to be so much a story as long as there’s some kind of theme. Whatever connects the songs also has to be engaging with some kind of humor.”

ARTS&LIFE ART

Our

Arty

Town

Birmingham Community House online art show features 200 works. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

wo longtime artists and one emerging artist are among those juried into this year’s digital “Our Town Art Show and Sale,” the 36th, sponsored April 22-May 6 by the Community House of Birmingham. Their entries, introducing new individual directions, will be among 200 chosen with a goal of having a mixture of art forms. Steffanie Samuels, a nationally recognized ceramist for 20 years, has turned to oil pastels over manipulated photography to explore a different dimension in her creativity. Paula Zaks, who taught various art forms at Akiva Hebrew Day School and was an arts and crafts supervisor at Camp Tamarack, has zeroed in on encaustic (utilizing heated wax) prints. David Bloom, whose career has been based in purchasing for an automaker, hadn’t thought about art since junior high school but recently felt inspired when contemplating additional pursuits. He turned to multi-media for an enhancement to painting and came up with abstracted work. For Samuels, the “Our Town” exhibit offers a popular platform to spotlight her

David Bloom works in mixed media.

evolution. “I’ve moved from three-dimensional to two-dimensional,” said Samuels, a resident of Royal Oak and member of the National Council of Jewish Women. “I’m showing two pastel paintings enhanced by other media — Taking Shelter After the Rains and Shrouded Trees. “I said what I had to say with clay and took a break from art by working for the University of Michigan as director of development for specific medical services. As time went on, I missed the creativity of the art world and discovered the joys of oil pastels and photography.” Samuels, whose sculptural work has been featured in exhibitions at the White House and Smithsonian Institution, starts her newer projects with photographs taken in rapid succession, digitally manipulates the images, prints them on archival cotton rag paper and uses colored inks as base tones before layering oil pastels in a variety of methods. While Samuels gives her personal touch to the two-dimensional techniques, her

Details “Our Town Art Show and Sale” can be viewed online April 22-May 6 at communityhouse.com/event/our-townart-show-sale.

European Graffiti by Paula Zaks

sculptural projects still can be seen in the permanent collections of the Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Corporation of Michigan and Archie Bray Foundation in Montana among other buildings, as well as in art books and magazines. ABSTRACTED IMAGES Zaks is showing two very different works. continued on page 42 APRIL 22 • 2021

ABC

ARTS&LIFE CELEBRITY NEWS

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

NEW SHOWS, INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS Rebel, a new ABC drama, premiered on April 8 (10 p.m.). Katey Sagal, 65, plays Annie “Rebel” Bello, a sort-of Erin Brockovich character (a blue-collar woman who fights for regular folks). The recurring cast includes Adam Arkin, 64, and Dan Bucatinsky, 55. Sagal describes herself as “culturally Jewish,” even though she isn’t religious and her late mother wasn’t Jewish. Her late father, Boris Sagal, honed his chops in the Yiddish theater and went on to be a top TV director. Both her parents died fairly young, but she still has famous sit-com creator Norman Lear, 98. He introduced Katey’s parents to each

Katey Sagal in Rebel

other and he’s her unofficial godfather. Rutherford Falls, a “tribal” sit-com not about Jewish folks, premieres on the Peacock network April 22. The series is about the relations between people living in an upstate New York town and the residents of a nearby (fictional) Native American reservation. Ed Helms, who co-created the show, stars as a town resident who gets into politics when the city’s African American mayor proposes moving a statue of his colonial

ancestor because its placement has caused several traffic accidents. A series co-creator, Sierra Teller Ornelas, is Native American and just about the most seasoned Native American comedy writer around. Her credits include writing for Brooklyn-Nine-Nine, which was co-created by Michael Schur, 45, the third and most famous co-creator of Rutherford Falls. Schur has a great track record, so Falls may be something special: He was a top SNL writer and producer, a producer and writer for The Office; he co-created Parks and Recreation and he created The Good Place. The 2021 Independent Spirit Awards will be shown live on April 22 on IFC and AMC+ at 10 p.m. Here are three Jewish Spirit Award nominees that didn’t get an Oscar nomination, but their “Spirit work”

is now streaming and worth viewing: Julia Garner, 27, is nominated for “best female lead” for the title role in The Assistant. She plays a “lowly” office assistant who discovers a culture of sexual harassment in the film production company she works for (streaming on Hulu); Mike Makowsky, 29, is nominated for best screenplay. He is the writer of Bad Education, an HBO original dramedy inspired by a real public school superintendent who embezzled millions; and Eliza Hittman, 41, the writer and director of Never Rarely Sometimes Always, a best feature film nominee. It is a beautifully acted and written film about a 17-year-old who becomes pregnant and wants an abortion. It has a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and won film festival awards (view on HBO). Hittman is also nominated for best screenplay.

continued from page 41

Pieced Together 2 presents an encaustic print with texture and pattern providing an abstracted view of the human head. European Graffiti takes form as a painting using gouache and watercolor pencil to enhance an image originally captured in a photo. “Figurative and landscape subjects remain my primary interest since moving into encaustic techniques in 2009 after many years of working with watercolors,” Zaks said. “I don’t sketch, per se, so I dive right in with color layering and layering with collage. I begin a piece by randomly applying paint to a surface.” Zaks, represented in private collections across the country and having participated in solo and group shows, has won many awards for her artistry, including first prize in this year’s “3rd Online Encaustic Exhibition.” Even during COVID, her work

APRIL 22 • 2021

has been part of six shows. Zip It Up! is the title of the work submitted by Bloom, a Birmingham resident who has been active with Temple Beth El and a Goodwill environmental subsidiary as well as civic interests as a founder of Birmingham Citizens for Responsible Government. “The mixed-media piece, which can be interactive, consists of two hearts zipped together on linen backed by suit and dress fabric,” Bloom explained. “It is mounted on a second canvas symbolizing the vibrating universe and the color spectrum.” The piece can be viewed in different ways beyond as a single image. It also can be seen with the zipper partially opened against the canvas folded back or with the zipper completely opened. “The painting represents two people choosing to unite,” said

Taking Shelter After the Rains by Steffanie Samuels

Bloom, whose “Our Town” presence follows his selection into six other art shows, including two hosted by the Palos Verdes Art Center in California and another affiliated with the San Fernando Valley Arts and Cultural Center, also in California. Now that Bloom has begun

art projects, he is moving into a collaborative 175-foot mural for the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham, The mural is planned to make a unity statement for the community. Forty artists from across the country will be participating.

ON THE GO

PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS

Dr. Ruth Westheimer Michael Hodges

BUILDING THE MODERN WORLD APRIL 27 DIA TOUR 1-3 PM, APRIL 22 The National Council of Jewish Women will host a free virtual interpretive tour of Diego Rivera murals, featuring Carlene VanVoorhies, DIA Interpretive Program volunteer. Visit ncjwmi.org. WAR WITH PLASTIC 7-9 PM, APRIL 22 NCJW|MI presents: “The Global War with Plastic,” a free Zoom webinar. Hear Laura Sullivan, investigative reporter for National Public Radio who created “Plastic Wars,” on the current state of plastic pollution in the world. Also, Kerrin O’Brien, executive director of Michigan Recycling Coalition, will discuss recycling as a part of the solution. Register at ncjwmi.org. PIRKEI AVOT 11 AM, APRIL 23 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites adults of all ages to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman for this weekly discussion of one of the most beloved and

wise books of our people. The community is welcome. There is no charge. To RSVP and receive a Zoom link, contact Jodi Gross, jgross@ adatshlaom.org. SOULFUL YOGA 11 AM, APRIL 24 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman and yoga instructor Mindy Eisenberg for Soulful Yoga. Connect body and soul as you apply the wisdom of Torah to the gentle practice of yoga. No yoga experience is necessary. Free and open to the community. To receive a Zoom link, contact Jodi Gross, jgross@adatshlaom. org. DR. RUTH HONORED 1-2PM, APRIL 25 Celebrate Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer as she receives her first honorary doctorate from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Register by checking “Celebrate the Remarkable” at aabgu.org.

LUNCHTIME LEARNING NOON, APRIL 26 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman in a program titled “Great Jewish Photographers.” He will look at Jewish photographers who have been pivotal in capturing life in the United States and the world. The program is open to the community. There is no charge. To RSVP and receive a Zoom link, contact Jodi Gross, jgross@adatshlaom.org. Amos Guiora

ENABLERS NOON-1 PM, APRIL 27 Jewish Family Service will offer a Zoom meeting with author Amos Guiora (Armies of Enablers: Stories of Complicity in Sexual Assaults). He proposes legal, cultural and social measures aimed at the bystander from the survivor’s perspective. Only by hearing their stories do we fully understand the power of the enabler and the pain they cause the survivor.

BUILDING THE MODERN WORLD 7 PM, APRIL 27 The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation will host a free virtual presentation. “Albert Kahn Designs Detroit” is a talk with Michael Hodges, author and journalist. A Q&A will follow the talk. Register at albertkahnlegacy.com/ events. FINDING BALANCE 7 PM, APRIL 28 This is the last part of the Adat Shalom Synagogue spring series to help you find balance during the Omer through mediation and gentle movement. There is no fee to attend. To register and receive a Zoom link, contact Jodi Gross, at jgross@ adatshlaom.org. IMMIGRATION LAW 7:30 PM, APRIL 28 Hadassah Greater Detroit Attorney and Judges Council, in conjunction with the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan (JBAM), hosts Elisheva Mosko, who will speak about “Immigration Law: The Past Four Years, And What The Future Holds.” Mosko is a solo practitioner with the law firm of Mosko Law PC. Please register by April 26 for this free, online event open to everyone: hadassahmidwest.org/ GDimmigration. For info, contact greaterdetroit@ hadassah.org or call 248683-5030. Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews. com. APRIL 22 • 2021

SPORTS QUICK HITS

STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Joe Bernstein says Isaac Mougoue is a perfect example of what high school sports are all about. “You can give something a try,” said Bernstein, the boys bowling coach at Frankel Jewish Academy. “And one of the great things about a small school like Frankel is Isaac was able to join our bowling team.” Mougoue, a freshman, started the late-starting and condensed season bowling in the 30s at FJA practices in January. He finished the season, at FJA’s final regular-season competition March 8 against Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard at Astro

JOE BERNSTEIN

After a Slow Start, FJA Bowler Finished the Season on a Roll

Isaac Mougoue

Lanes in Madison Heights, bowling a 141. “Our kids were amazed,” Bernstein said. “If we had 15 more practices and non-league matches like in a normal

season, there’s no telling how much more Isaac would have improved. “I don’t know if Isaac is going to be a 200 bowler, but he’s a kid you want on your team because of how much he wants to improve. He’s one of the building blocks for our young team (there were no seniors on the FJA roster this season).” FJA didn’t qualify for the state tournament as a team nor have any individual state tournament qualifiers March 19 at the regional hosted by Ten Pin Alley in Tecumseh. The Jaguars finished ninth among 13 teams in the

team standings. “We struggled. It was a learning experience for our guys because the lane conditions were tough,” Bernstein said. Here were FJA’s top scorers at the regional: • Eli Gordon 139-166-151157. • Andy Tukel 143-123-133123. • Jonah Miller 117-140149-111. “All in all, it was a good season,” Bernstein said. “I hope we return to normal next season. “I’d expect big things from our guys. They’re good kids and good students.”

Spartans’ Success Measured by More Than Wins and Losses

APRIL 22 • 2021

Wisconsin that had the COVID19 issues. Nodler and the rest of the Michigan State players had to abide by a multitude of pandemic protocols and Josh Nodler restrictions to stay on the ice. “We were tested nearly every day,” Nodler said. “That was a pain at first, but it became part of our routine.” Wearing a mask was mandatory in most places. On the ice and in the locker room were the biggest exceptions. Road trips meant hours in a hotel and most meals

eaten there. “Things were much more restrictive on the road than my freshman season,” Nodler said. Nodler is happy about his progress as a player this season. “I was more comfortable, and I felt I made a bigger impact on the team with my skating and physicality,” the Calgary Flames draftee said. “I’m going to work hard this summer so I can make an even bigger impact next season.” Nodler played in 36 Michigan State games as a freshman and had three MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

The statistics aren’t mind-boggling. Josh Nodler played in 27 games this season for the Michigan State University hockey team. The 5-foot10, 193-pound sophomore forward from Oak Park had three goals and eight assists for 11 points. The Spartans finished 7-18-2. Despite those numbers, the season was a success, in Nodler’s estimation, because at least there was a season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m 100% appreciative and thankful to have a season,” Nodler said. Only one series was postponed, and that wasn’t Michigan State’s fault. It was

goals and five assists. He was named the Spartans’ Rookie of the Year. A Berkley High School graduate who was a member of the National Honor Society there, Nodler has stayed strong in the classroom. The computer science major was one of 110 Michigan State winter athletes who were named to the Big Ten’s Academic AllConference Team. To be eligible for the honor, a student must be on a varsity team, be enrolled full-time at his or her school for a minimum of 12 months and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Nodler was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL draft by the Flames.

the exchange

SPOTLIGHT OU Trustees Approve Three-Year Contract Extension for President Pescovitz

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The Oakland University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a threeyear contract extension for President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., who began Ora Pescovitz her tenure in July 2017. The contract runs through June 2025. “We are very fortunate to have President Pescovitz leading Oakland University,” said OU Board Chair Tonya Allen. “Her relentless drive, engaging personality and uncompromising vision make her an inspirational and extremely effective leader.” Among the notable qualities that have distinguished President Pescovitz’s term at OU, according to Allen, is her commitment to supporting students and faculty, an innovative approach to making sure OU is prepared for the challenges of a fast-changing higher education landscape, and her dedication to diversity and social justice. “My time as president at Oakland has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Pescovitz. “I am humbled by the endorsement from the board of trustees, and I am excited about the promise of a university with limitless potential.”

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

LEONARD BAKST, 89, of West Bloomfield, died April 10, 2021. He is survived by his son and daughter-inlaw, Marc and Wendy Bakst; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Jordy Sacksner, and Cindy and Mark Weingarten; grandchildren, Noah Bakst, Danny Bakst and Syd Hutnick, Chloe Bakst, Jamie, Evan, Marlee and Jillian Sacksner, and Erin, Merrick and Tori Weingarten; brother-in-law, Leonard Zucker. He is also survived by Leonard Zucker’s companion, Shari Dworkis; and many loving nieces and nephews. Mr. Bakst was the beloved husband of the late Janet Bakst; the loving brother of the late Rita and the late Lawrence Terebelo, and the late Harriet and the late David Rogoff; the dear brother-inlaw of the late Marsha Zucker. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jfsdetroit.org; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 733 Third Ave., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017, nationalMSsociety.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ANDRA WINKELMAN BARR, 76, of Farmington Hills, was born in Detroit on April 1, 1945, and died on April 11, 2021. As a teenager, Andra attended the National Music Camp at

Interlochen, where she danced, played the piano and created wonderful memories that lasted a lifetime. She graduated from Mumford High School in 1963 and then from Michigan State University. She earned her master’s degree in education from Marygrove College and spent her professional career teaching children with special needs, tutoring and performing educational testing and evaluation. Andra had an affinity for learners who needed extra attention and care and took great pride in her successes with her students. Andra was a good cook and baker and delighted in trying new recipes and partaking in delicious meals. She enjoyed getting dressed up to attend classical music concerts and the theater and took special pleasure in festive gatherings with family and friends. She relished visits with her family; conversations with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews were a highlight. Andra loved to laugh and was able to find humor in life even when she faced health challenges toward the end of her days. Mrs. Barr is survived by her siblings, Margi Epstein and Roger and Linda Winkelman; her children, Alan and Christy Barr, Pamela and Jeffrey Silk, and Tracey Barr; her husband and partner of 28 years, Bruce Soble; her grandchildren, Sean Barr, and JJ and Ava Silk. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Peggy Winkelman; and her brother-in-law, Donald Epstein. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Interlochen

Center for the Arts, Attn: Philanthropy Office, P.O. Box 199, Interlochen, MI 49643, interlochen.org/ support/gifts-memory-orhonor; or Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. JILL BECKERMAN, 76, of Commerce Township, died April 11, 2021. She is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Teresa Beckerman, Scott Beckerman; grandchildren, Eden Beckerman and Brooke Beckerman; many other loving family members and friends. Interment took place at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom or the Teddy Bear Gift Fund at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. DORIS EPSTEIN, 91, of Southfield, died April 15, 2021. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Dr. William Rubin; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Joanie Epstein; grandchildren, Marshall (Andra) Rubin, Spencer (Tiara) Rubin and Ethan Rubin; great-grandchildren, Brenton and Elaira; brother-in-law, Louis Dorfman; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Mrs. Epstein was the beloved wife of the late

Raymond Epstein; sister of the late Lillian (late Phillip) Bernstein, the late Mitcheal (the late Hilda) Bloom, the late Gerald (the late Frances) Bloom and the late Anita Dorfman. Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. IRA GERSON HARRIS, 82, passed away peacefully at his Huntington Woods home April 7, 2021. Even as his long struggle with Parkinson’s disease made reading difficult, Ira loved a good obituary and routinely read them, correcting grammatical errors, shaking his head at the loss of someone he knew and occasionally delighting in a remarkable detail. Ira was the most interesting man in the world, or at least the greater Detroit area. Born in Detroit on Dec. 4, 1938, to Herb and Ceil Harris, Ira earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan. While he hoped to become a French teacher, he ultimately decided to follow in his father’s footsteps as a criminal defense attorney, serving clients for more than 50 years. But it was his range of passions that truly made him unique. A Saturday could include shul at B’nai Moshe, followed by car racing at Waterford before spending continued on page 48

APRIL 22 • 2021

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 47

the evening as an extra in the Detroit Metropolitan Opera productions. He loved reading American history, riding in his 1967 Corvette and watching Formula One racing. His loss will be felt by everyone whose life he touched but no one will miss him more than his family: his wife, Kay; son, Adam Harris (Julie Straus Harris); daughter, Molly Harris; grandchildren, Stephen and Ruth Harris; sister, Judy Rubin (Bobby). Ira’s blended family includes Kay’s daughters, Elana Parker (Stephen), Dena Roth (Rivka Friedman); grandchildren, Taylor, Violet, Nathan and Ezra Parker, Adi, Amit and Alma Friedman-Roth. Extended family includes nephew, Jordan Wolfe (Winci); daughter, Penelope; nephews, Matthew Wolfe, Josh Rubin (Maria), Gabe Rubin (Tracy); their children, Ceila, Jonah, and Ella Rubin, and Ari Rubin (Kate); Ira’s former wife, Judith Harris; many cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Ira was predeceased by his sister, Mary Jo Wolfe; and brother-in-law, Dr. Bob Wolfe. Contributions may be made to ACLU, aclu.org;or Forgotten Harvest, forgottenharvest.org. A graveside service was held at Adat Shalom Memorial Park in Livonia. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. JANIS HERKOWITZ, 70, of West Bloomfield, died April 8, 2021. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Seth and Laura Herkowitz; daughter and

APRIL 22 • 2021

son-in-law, Rachel Herkowitz and Michael O’Toole; grandchildren, Samarah Harlow Herkowitz, Schoen Harrison Herkowitz, and Jack Harry O’Toole; father and mother, David and Phyllis Ballantyne; brother, James Ballantyne; mother-in-law, Susan Herkowitz; a world of loving friends. Mrs. Herkowitz was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Harry Herkowitz; the loving sister of the late John Ballantyne. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Harry N. Herkowitz Endowed Chair in Orthopaedics, c/o Beaumont Health Foundation, 26901 Beaumont Blvd., 5D, Southfield, MI 48033, beaumont.org/giving; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. DOROTHY HIRSCH, 91, of Oak Park, died March 25, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Joseph Hirsch; son and daughterin-law, Shimon and Miriam Hirsch of Baltimore; daughters and sons-in-law, Mindy and Sheldon Mandelbaum, Miriam and Yankel Horowitz, Yocheved and Dovid Parness, Hedy and Yohanan Danziger; sisters and brother-in-law, Gaby Fuhrer, Lea and Norbert Steinmetz; many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Hirsch was the dear sister-in-law of the late Sam Fuhrer. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. THELMA KAPLAN, 90, of Lake Worth, Fla., died April 13, 2021. She is survived by her son and daughter-inlaw, David and Lisa Kaplan; daughters and son-in-law, Diane Kaplan, and Sharon and Lee Vandenbeldt; grandchildren, Sarah Kaplan, Isaac Adler, Sam Adler, Kim Saffran, Ross and Taylor Vandenbeldt, and Joe and Megan Vandenbeldt; great-grandchildren, Elia and Cayson Saffran, Nevaeh Vandenbeldt, Joelena Vandebeldt and Warren Vandenbeldt. Mrs. Kaplan was the beloved wife of the late Donald Kaplan; the devoted daughter of the late Isadore and the late Edith Kolodney; the loving sister of the late Reva Stocker. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Make-AWish Foundation, Team Alex, Supporting Diane Kaplan; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. BARBARA KREKUN, 77, of Farmington Hills, died April 12, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jack Krekun; brother and sister-in-law, David and Carolyn Blatt; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Krekun was the cherished mother of the late Darryl Krekun; the devoted daughter of the late Norman and the late Evelyn Blatt. Interment was at Hebrew

Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, Darryl Laurence Krekun Memorial Fitness Fund, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jccdet.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. JEROME LIEBOW, 90, of Keego Harbor, died April 10, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Liebow; daughters and son-inlaw, Sondra and Peter Stuart, and Cindy Simmons; grandchildren, Brandi Goodman, Matthew Goodman, Ashley Simmons, Ryan Simmons. He is also survived by Peter’s children, Zachary (Diana) Stuart, Alexandra (Ryan) Mollen; and their children, Arista, Avi, Brody and Liv. In addition, he is survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Mr. Liebow was the brother of the late Marvin (the late Joanne) Liebow; brother-inlaw of the late Rheva Liebow. Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Henry Ford Hospice or the Michigan Humane Society. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. STEVEN “PORKY” Le VINE, 58, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, died April 4, 2021. He is survived by his mother, Doralee Le Vine; sister and

brother-in-law, Elyse and Darrell Silber; nieces, Jaimee and Alexis Silber; aunts, Mona Kaufman and Maxine Le Vine; his loving cousins, Ian and Kat Le Vine, Monica Le Vine, Robin Motisi, Peter Le Vine, and Kim Kaufman; an infinite group of lifelong friends who have been there for each other and supported each other at every turn. Mr. Le Vine was the devoted son of the late Ronald Le Vine; he was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Jean Kaufman, and Sam Le Vine and Bluma Le Vine Kramer; his uncles, Bob Kaufman and Seymour Le Vine. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Paws With A Cause, 4646 S. Division, Wayland, MI 49348, pawswithacause.org; Rainbow Connection, 621 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307, rainbowconnection.org; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. LORAINE MEYER, 99, of West Bloomfield, died April 11, 2021. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Linda Owen; daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and Gordon McKenna; daughter-in-law, Janice Alexander; grandchildren, Mark (Noa) Owen, Jared (Heidi) Owen, Matthew (Stefanie) Owen, Erica (Alex) Tapper, Lindsay

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18 Iyar April 30 16 Iyar April 28 Arthur Barach Hilda Blotner Rabbi Moses Fischer Maier Brenner Nettie Green Lem Cherrin Nathan Kravitz Harry Lee Eisenberg Louis Leiderman Rose Linetsky Edwin Frank Friedman Julius Parker Ben Hirsh Jack R. Leeds Alfred Schmidel Ida Mitz Morris Woll Herman Modlinsky Sarah Wuntner Sidney Avrohom Orechkin 19 Iyar May 1 Seymour Ribiat Dr. Jerry H. Abramson Rose Basil Rose David I. Berris Julie Rochelle Shacket Sophie Cern Harry Speyer Rose Feldstein Lilly Sugar Shari Gilden Aaron Wassermann Alan Horowitz 17 Iyar April 29 Charles Laskey Arthur Lyons Samuel Z. Birnbaum Noah Ellias Louis Ozadowsky Mildred Linde Erdos Louis Rochman Robert Flayer Bertha Josephine Rosenberg Paul Freudenberg E. Schuman Betty Stark Reuben David Lauter Moses Weiswasser Bessie Leach Ben Lutz Rose Witt Hans Morgenroth

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OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 49

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OBITUARIES

(Jason) Strattard and Rachel McKenna; great-grandchildren, Penelope, Jordan, Eli, Isaac, Eden, Lily and Gibson; sister, Trudy Goldman. She is also survived by her devoted caregiver, Joanne Desmarais; and many other loving family members and friends. Mrs. Meyer was the beloved wife of the late Marvin Owen and the late Martin Meyer; the mother of the late Michael Owen; sister-in-law of the late Alan Goldman; sister of the late Sidney Bloom. Interment took place at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. MICHAEL NOVIK, 77, of West Bloomfield, died April 12, 2021. He was born on May 8, 1943, to Morris and Eve Novik. After proudly serving in the United States Army, he was heavily involved in the fencing industry, owning and dedicating 54 years to Contractors Fence Service in Detroit. He was an avid hunter and collector of many things, including art and automobiles. He was very proud of his accomplishments in offshore power boat racing, owning a team called FirstA-Fence. While controlling the throttles, Michael won several races and awards, including Rookie of the Year (1988)

and records for fastest lap time and highest speed on Lake St. Clair. He adored and showered affection on his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Bentley, who passed in 2016, and a Lagotto Romagnolo, Marina, who was by his side until the very end. After work, he would socialize at his favorite restaurants in Birmingham or relax on the weekends at his cabin. He also enjoyed spending his winters with friends and family in Florida. The family appreciates thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Mr. Novik is survived by his daughter and sonin-law, Natalie and Sean Lewandowski Novik; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Larry Plonsker, and Belinda Novik and Barry Katz; grandchildren, Scarlett and Phillip Lewandowski. He was the adoring uncle of Diana Reihs and Noah Katz; and great-uncle of Max Reihs. He is also survived by many other loving family members and friends. Interment took place at the Eternal Light Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to the World Wildlife Fund. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. WILLIAM B. ROLNICK, 84, of West Bloomfield, died April 13, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marieta

Jamsek-Rolnick; son, Aaron Rolnick, daughters and sonsin-law, Tina Tehlirian, Lisa and Darren Rogow, Susie and Jay Hite; sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Trevor Nightingale; grandchildren, Ruby, Basil, River and Zephir; his dear cousin, Jane Schatz; and many other loving family members and friends. Mr. Rolnick was the father of the late Stephan Rolnick. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Doctors Without Borders, Jewish Family Service, Yad Ezra or the Detroit Rescue Mission. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

SIDNEY SORKIN, 94, of West Bloomfield, died April 10, 2021. He is survived by his daughter, Cyndi Sorkin; son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Mitka Natchkova Sorkin; daughter, Nichole Gold; granddaughters, Lindsay Palinsky (Josh Kavanaugh), Adria (Michael) Andrew, Samantha Sorkin (Justin Muller), grandpup, Lili Charlese Sorkin; great-grandpup, Etta James Andrew. The family is deeply grateful to Amy Pachner, RN, and the staff at Cornerstone Hospice at Orlando Health Central. Mr. Sorkin was the beloved husband of the late Jacquelin Sorkin.

Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to Dorothy and Peter Brown Adult Day Care Center, to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

c. 2016

RABBI ZEV “WILLIAM” WEINMAN, formerly of Southfield, passed away on April 7, 2021, at the age of

97. He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Noemi Weinman; his daugh-

ters, Suzanna Rushnevsky, Judith Berg Victoria (Jeffrey) Klein; Karen (Mark) Raden; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Michelle (Asaf) Stern, Jay Stern, Chani (Yaniv) Reifer, Avi (Gila) Raden, Yael Raden, Dovid (Tehila) Raden, Eliana Raden, Daniel, Michal, Yael and Netanel Reifer, Meira Raden, Lia Moalem and Ilan Raden. ROSA WOLF, 80, of Berkley, died April 14, 2021. She is survived by her son, Randy Wolf; daughter, Melissa Litvin; grandchildren, Stanley Wolf, Aviv Wolf, Spencer Litvin, Carson Litvin; sister, Ilene continued on page 52

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 51

Gittleman; nephew, Scott (Sherry) Gittleman; nieces, Cindy (Bruce) Levine and Teri (Todd) Rosenzweig; She many other loving family members and very close friends. Mrs. Wolf was the beloved wife of the late Stanley Wolf; sister-in-law of the late Murray Gittleman. Interment took place at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

APRIL 22 • 2021

CHARLES K. ZAMEK, 93, of West Bloomfield, died April 14, 2021. He is survived by his son and daughter-inlaw, Rabbi Stanton Zamek and Rabbi Martha Bergadine; daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Matthew Cornell; grandchildren, Rachamim and Ayelet Zamek. Mr. Zamek was the beloved husband of the late Lois Zamek, the loving brother of the late David Zamek; the devoted son of the late Abraham and the late Sylvia I. Zamek. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made

to the Pontiac Civitan Club of Michigan, 192 Gage St., Pontiac, MI 48342. (The club is dedicated to improving its communities through community service; it seeks to provide knowledge, personal development and service to the community with emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities); or Temple Beth El, Ellin and Harold Lawson Youth Institute, 7400 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, tbeonline.org/donation-page. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman 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) 351-5147 or email him at smanello@ thejewishnews.com.

RASKIN

THE BEST OF EVERYTHING

Memories of Irving’s – A Great Jewish Deli

hey had never been in business before … let alone at a delicatessen-restaurant … Irving and Rose Guttman met after the World War II at a German displaced persons’ camp, took odd jobs and opened a little place in Danny Hamtramck before Raskin Senior Columnist one that was evenRose Guttman

tually listed among Michigan’s best eateries as Irving’s Delicatessen on Greenfield north of 11 Mile in Southfield. Rose had taught herself to make many delicious standout dishes … and Irving had learned to cut corned beef, etc., by hand behind the counter. Rose and Irving were responsible for having the only restaurant then that made old-fashioned boiled whitefish … Rose did all her own cooking of fish … trout, baked whitefish, etc. … Gefilte fish and broiled whitefish were Rose’s delicious specialties. People came for her stuffed cabbage, stuffed pepper, baked lamb shanks, beef flanken, breaded fried chicken, etc. … All, mind you, from a woman who had to learn how to cook! Whenever I went to Irving’s, it seemed like everybody was having her chicken-in-the-pot with kreplach, matzah ball, boiled potato, etc., among many other choices and variations. Rose was amazing … On Fridays and Saturdays, she made

her own challah bread and personal dishes. Irving’s was noted for grinding its own meat … which at that time was a tremendous asset, knowing that 100 percent came out of the grinder fully cut and were not scraps. Both Jews and non-Jews could sum up Irving’s Delicatessen as being everything that they could want … and then some! Many people going into the restaurant business for the first time could learn much by following the roads of Rose and Irving Guttman … Whatever their dining dreams may have been, they certainly were mighty fantastic and wonderful! Numerous other folks who have dreamed of owning a restaurant can certainly make their dreams come true … if they modeled their dreams on Irving’s Delicatessen … the greatest niche in a vision of reality. OLDIE BUT GOODIE … (Still another version) …While out shopping, the girl noticed an elderly lady sitting on a bench sobbing her eyes out … The girl

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stopped and asked why she was crying. The lady said, “I have a wonderful, handsome husband at home. He gets up and makes me pancakes, sausages, fresh fruit and freshly ground coffee.” “That sounds terrific,” says the girl. “So why are you crying?” The older woman continued, “He makes me delicious homemade soup for lunch and always my favorite cake.” “For that, you are crying?” says the girl. “For dinner he makes me a fantastic gourmet meal with wine and my favorite dessert and then we cuddle until 2 o’clock in the morning.” The girl asks again, “So why in the whole wide world are you crying?” The elderly lady sobbed again and said, “I can’t remember where I live!” CONGRATS … To Greg Smith on his birthday … to Keri Cohen on her birthday.

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Looking Back

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

Churchill and Zionism

ast week, I wrote about Winston Churchill on the 75th anniversary of his famous “Iron Curtain” speech. I noted the abundance of pages in the William Davidson Digital Archive that refer to Churchill, his actions and ideas, as his career unfolded in the 20th century. It is not an overstatement to say that the modern world would be a different place without Churchill. Churchill has both supporters and critics. Martin Gilbert, the late preeminent chronicler of Jewish history (himself a Jew) in his book Mike Smith Churchill and the Jews, conAlene and Graham Landau cluded that Churchill demonArchivist Chair strated a lifelong commitment to Zionism and opposition to antisemitism. One can also find plenty of Churchill quotes and actions lauding Jewish culture. Michael Cohen, professor emeritus from Bar-Ilan University in Israel, however, believes that Churchill’s affinity for Jews was a constructed myth. Moreover, several Churchill letters from 1937 were recently uncovered where he made several less-than-flattering comments about Jews. I briefly wrote about Churchill’s impact upon Metro Detroit but did not address a larger question. What was his relationship with Jews and his impact upon British Mandate Palestine and the State of Israel? The pages of the Chronicle and the JN from the 1920s to 1940s have hundreds of interesting stories related to Churchill and British Mandate Palestine. This area, which encompasses modern Israel, was given to British control or “mandate” after the conclusion of WWI. Several stories in the Chronicle cite Churchill’s vigorous defense of the Balfour Declaration and the U.K.’s obligation to support a Jewish homeland. He was an outspoken critic of the Parliamentary “White Paper” in 1930 that restricted Jewish immigration to Palestine. In the 1940s, the Chronicle and the JN closely followed the events of WWII. The

APRIL 22 • 2021

actions of Churchill — and Roosevelt and other Allied leaders — appear on hundreds of pages. It soon becomes obvious that Churchill was the stubborn, inspirational and tough wartime leader that Great Britain needed. Along with praise for his successes, there are critical questions. For example, why was Churchill so slow to authorize a Jewish Brigade to fight in WWII? Why did he not do more for Jewish refugees from Nazi aggression, including increased immigration to Palestine? Should Churchill have ordered the bombing of Auschwitz, an act which some thought might save thousands of Jewish lives even if incarcerated Jews might be killed? By the way, these same questions were leveled against Roosevelt and other Allied leaders. Like most great world leaders, including Abraham Lincoln, Roosevelt, David BenGurion or Golda Meir, Churchill possessed some sterling attributes, along with some flaws in character. These other leaders also had to deal with the politics of Congress, Parliament or the Knesset, and they all faced one overriding issue: wars of monumental scale, wars that, if lost, could mean the end of their nations. It is also always good to keep in mind that they were products of their time, not of the 21st century. In this context, Churchill was a realist. On the balance, it seems that Churchill was a supportive Zionist and opposed antisemitism. The JN reached this same conclusion upon his death — see the editorial in the Jan. 29, 1965, issue. But you can decide, and the Davidson Archive is a good source for the history of Churchill.

DJN April 22, 2021

Articles inside

Obituaries

Looking Back