DJN April 29, 2021 by The Detroit Jewish News

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200 April 29-May 5, 2021 / 17- 23 Iyar 5781

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contents April 29-May 5, 2021 / 17-23 Iyar 5781 | VOLUME CLIX, ISSUE 13

26 48 PURELY COMMENTARY 4-12

Essays and viewpoints.

SPORTS 32

OUR COMMUNITY 14

Rising Stars 2021

Meet 18 teens making an impact in our community.

Inclusive Jewish Learning Program Feted

Opening the Doors marks its 25th anniversary.

Frankel Jewish Academy Event

FJA Annual Gala on May 12 spotlights four honorees.

Battling Hate

Shots in Arms

26 28

Oakland County prosecutor establishes Hate Crimes Unit in first 100 days in office. Yad Ezra, BCBS, WSU Medical Schools and Wayne Health collaborate to distribute COVID vaccines.

Historic Honor

Jewish War Veterans mark 125 years, launch poppy sale.

The ‘Hidden Jews’ of Ethiopia

Virtual Fun

Rabbi Bennett speaks to Hadassah May 10.

JVS offers online activities for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Music and Memories

The power of music in slowing neurological diseases.

Playing Softball During a Pandemic 15 teams step up to the plate for InterCongregational League’s 26th season.

NATION 33

Jewish Groups React to Chauvin Verdict

MAZEL TOV! 34

Moments

SPIRIT 35

Torah portion

The Mystery of Lag b’Omer

Synagogue Directory

ARTS&LIFE 39

The Singer and the Scientist

A Feast of Films

Super Kosher Supermarket

The Grove designs Southfield store after Florida model.

Local children’s author tackles Black-Jewish relationships in new book. The Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival will be presented online.

Celebrity News

EVENTS 42

Community Calendar

HEALTH 44

Caregivers: Here’s Help

Therapy with a Twist

The Jewish community offers support to those caring for the sick or infirm. Culinary Art Therapy taps into cooking to make connections.

52 NOSH 52

Fans Flock to Soul Café In-person dining resumes.

SPOTLIGHT 53

Jews for Justice Gala

ETC.

The Exchange Obituaries Danny Raskin Looking Back

53 55 61 62

Shabbat Lights

Lag b’Omer starts: Thursday night, April 29 Shabbat starts: Friday, April 30, 8:13 p.m. Shabbat ends: Saturday, May 1, 9:20 p.m.

* Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

ON THE COVER: Cover photo/credit: Photography by Lizz Cardwell, JCC Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

thejewishnews.com Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook @DetroitJewishNews Twitter @JewishNewsDet Instagram @detroitjewishnews APRIL 29 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY for openers

Can Your Loving Pet Be a Member of the Tribe?

ertie, our loveable dachshund, left us a couple of years ago. He was willful, stubborn, loving and adorable. He thought he was Jewish. He got me to thinking. So, is there such a thing as a Jewish dog? Is it a Sadie or Schmaltsy or Nuddel? Not a Fido or Spot. Every Friday night when Sandy I lit candles (no matter Hermanoff where we were), Bertie would suddenly show up from another room wagging his tail. He stuck around because he knew we were going to cut the challah at some point. There definitely was food in his future. And when we cut the challah, there he was again, wagging his tail waiting for the end piece that Michael, my husband, would cut off. He ate first. We followed. While buying his dog food one day, I spied a yarmulka and tallis for a small dog. It was marked down — the only one left. Should I or shouldn’t I buy it for Bertie? He would never keep a sweater on — he always managed to wriggle out of them. I was sure he would not tolerate the duo, but I bought it anyway. It was Passover, and we were preparing for the seder. So, I put the yarmulka and tallis on him, and he loved it. He fell asleep with it on and didn’t want to take it off. He even posed for pictures. Yes. He was definitely proud to be Jewish. But to be sure, I had to do some research. A LONGTIME SABRA? I learned that there is a national dog of Israel: the Canaan dog. It apparently has survived in the desert regions of Israel for thousands of years. The Hebrews used the dog in biblical times as a guard dog, and it is still used by Bedouins and Druze

APRIL 29 • 2021

cone did not pass the test for being a Jewish dog.

Bertie

today. Professor Phillip AckermanLieberman from Vanderbilt Jewish studies writes that the relationship between dogs and Jews has been a fraught and complicated one. Though dogs fared poorly in the Hebrew Bible, of late they have been honored as family pets and even granted “bark mitzvahs.” We know people who have sent out printed invitations for their “bark mitzvahs.” No fountain pens needed unless they’re edible. After all, humans can have bar and bat mitzvahs, why not dogs? A few years ago, we made a shivah call. A couple, a guy with his significant other, came in, sat down and joined in on the conversation. The significant other who was not Jewish and had never been to a shivah before, was asking questions about the shivah rules and regulations. In the meantime, the family dog sauntered in wearing a cone on his head. He had just come from the vet. “Is that part of the shivah?” the significant other asked. You could hear a pin drop. Then someone started to snicker. And another. And then the whole place was giggling. Obviously, the

PHOTOS SOUGHT Did you know there’s a website where you can send videos of your Jewish pooch at dogs@forward.com? They ask that you “send your family photos or videos of your Jewish dog, and we’ll feature our favorites on the site.” The site also says that: • Jeff Goldblum in the 2008 film Adam Resurrected, plays a Holocaust victim walking the line between human and canine personalities. • In Exodus 11:7 it reads, “no dog shall snarl at any of the Israelites.” What could be more supportive of God’s plan to redeem the Israelites? • The protagonist of Nobel Prize winner S.Y. Agnon’s novel Only Yesterday Balak is the Hebrew word for dog spelled backwards. •The Canaan dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1997, the creation of this breed was a natural part of the founding of the State of Israel. There’s a charming book on Amazon (five stars) that seals the deal: How to Raise a Jewish Dog (Sept. 5, 2007) by the Rabbis of Boca Raton Theological Seminary. The fictional “Rabbis” delve into how specific sounds, TV preferences, tricks and food preferences prove your dog is Jewish, but the way they present “the smell segment” is the winner. They begin: “What self-respecting Jewish family would not, if given the choice, pick a Jewish dog? Yet one typically does not even give a thought about one’s dog’s religion. And even if one did, how could one possibly ensure that the dog you’ve chosen to invite into your home to become a treasured part of your Jewish family — is, in fact, Jewish? “Worry about this no more, my

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PURELY COMMENTARY JN FILE PHOTO

essay

Partnership2Gether: Two Communities, One United Family

hy is the program Partnership2Gether (P2G) so very important to our community? Relationships. It’s all about relationships. When I took over as the director of Federation’s Israel and Overseas Department in 2015, that’s what I heard over and over when acclimating Jennifer myself to P2G Levine — one of the Detroit Jewish Federation’s flagship programs. Publisher The Detroit Jewish News Foundation

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But what do “relationships” actually mean? Let’s back up and start with what P2G is. P2G is a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). There are more than 550 communities around the world involved in 45 different partnerships. Michigan was one of the first to join back in 1994. Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids are paired all together with three municipalities in what we call the “Central Galilee Region of Israel,” including Nof HaGalil (formerly Nazareth | Editorial DIrector of Editorial: Jackie Headapohl jheadapohl@thejewishnews.com Associate Editor: David Sachs dsachs@thejewishnews.com Social Media and Digital Producer: Nathan Vicar nvicar@thejewishnews.com Staff Reporter: Danny Schwartz dschwartz@thejewishnews.com Editorial Assistant: Sy Manello smanello@thejewishnews.com Senior Columnist: Danny Raskin dannyraskin2132@gmail.com Contributing Writers: Nate Bloom, Rochel Burstyn, Suzanne Chessler, Annabel Cohen, Shari S. Cohen, Alicia Chandler, Shelli Leibman Dorfman, Louis Finkelman, Stacy Gittleman, Esther Allweiss Ingber, Barbara Lewis, Jennifer Lovy, Rabbi Jason Miller, Alan Muskovitz, Robin Schwartz, Mike Smith, Steve Stein, Ashley Zlatopolsky

Central Galilee 11th-graders comingle on the Naim BeYahad bike trail.

Illit), Migdal HaEmek and the Jezreel Valley. In the beginning, P2G was created as a way for us (the Michiganders) to take care of the people in Israel. We raised funds and assisted with basic needs. As Israel evolved over the years, so did Partnership. Today, Partnership focuses on four primary areas: Jewish identity, leadership development, volunteer | Advertising Sales Director of Advertising: Keith Farber kfarber@thejewishnews.com Senior Account Executive: Kathy Harvey-Mitton kmitton@thejewishnews.com

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MISSION STATEMENT The Detroit Jewish News will be of service to the Jewish community. The Detroit Jewish News will inform and educate the Jewish and general community to preserve, protect and sustain the Jewish people of greater Detroit and beyond, and the State of Israel. VISION STATEMENT The Detroit Jewish News will operate to appeal to the broadest segments of the greater Detroit Jewish community, reflecting the diverse views and interests of the Jewish community while advancing the morale and spirit of the community and advocating Jewish unity, identity and continuity.

APRIL 29 • 2021

engagement and education. Where once 100% of the dollars went to Israel to support basic needs, now much of the money is used to bring Israelis and Israel experiences to our community from the Partnership region through programs like Shinshinim, School Twinning and the Lester Young Adult Ambassador program. continued on page 8

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PURELY COMMENTARY JEWISH DOG from page 4

beloved Judaic friends. For after years of study, research, interviews, and consultations with experts, I am about to publish the only guide of its kind, ‘How to Tell if Your Dog is Jewish.’ At long last, you can have peace of mind about at least this one small yet vital part of your family’s life. You’re welcome.” THE SMELL TEST The rabbis continue: “For a week, chart the things (and

people) that your dog sniffs. Clothes may make the man, but smells make the dog, and in particular, the Jewish dog. “Do you find him primarily sniffing the pets of other Jewish pet owners? When you walk past a Jewish deli, do his nostrils go crazy as he makes a sharp turn to steer you toward the pastrami? And while we’re on the subject of Jewish meat, has your dog, after

getting a whiff of your Shabbat brisket, jumped up on the table and gobbled it down while you’re distracted lighting the candles?” And finally, the Rabbis of Boca Raton tell us: “Then again, ask yourself if it really matters if your dog is Jewish. If it does, perhaps that’s a sign that your life is not Jewish enough to start with. “Because if there’s enough Judaism in your life and in your relationships with

others, you could have a Baptist dog, a Muslim dog or an Episcopalian dog and still live a pretty good and satisfyingly Jewish life, no? Then again, if you’d truly prefer a Jewish dog, who am I to stop you?” I say the Rabbis of Boca Raton are correct. Bertie would have loved them!

the Israel & Overseas Department Newsletter you can sign up at jewishdetroit. org/get-involved/israel-andoverseas.) Is it that we all care about Israel as the land for the Jewish people? Yes, though, we don’t live there. We also care strongly about our local Detroit community. In fact, 70% of the funds raised by the Jewish Federation stay local to take care of needs here. Or is it the idea of Partnership being our “home in Israel”? I think this comes closest to explaining what is special about Partnership. The vision of Partnership that was developed by the committee, chaired by Randi Sakwa and Ron Sollish and staffed by Dona Stillman, is that our Partnership builds relationships of mutuality, understanding and support in which members of our communities are one family. • Mutuality — both

parties benefit from these relationships and connections. • Understanding — we know about one another, our communities and our lives. • Support — we are there for each other emotionally, financially and otherwise.

home in Israel.” Ruthi Zamir, the immediate past Israeli chair of P2G, summed it up nicely on What’s App during Tu b’Shevat: “Our Partnership is like a tree. We have old and strong roots that keep us safe together in stormy weather. Each year, we grow and flourish, we have new branches and very good fruits.” I hope that each of you will be able to experience this home away from home for yourself. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are planning a trip to Israel. We will help you plan a visit to the region. We promise that it will leave a lasting impression and that you will come away with new relationships and connections to the Land of Israel.

Sandy Hermanoff is a local public relations consultant who loves to cook and bake.

PARTNERSHIP2GETHER from page 6

LINKS WITH ISRAEL The mission of Partnership is “to create and support programs and initiatives that foster deep, interpersonal relationships between the communities in Michigan and our Partnership Region in Israel. We utilize these experiences to engage and strengthen our communities while embracing Israel as a core value.” Relationships are defined as a connection between people or groups. Great. What is it, then, that connects us? Is it that we are all Jewish? Well, not so fast. That is evolving with the times … If you happened to see the March issue of the Israel and Overseas Department’s Newsletter, you would have read about Hisham Bisharat, an avid biker, Christian Arab Israeli and dedicated volunteer in the Partnership region. (By the way, if you are not currently receiving

APRIL 29 • 2021

TAKING ACTION I see examples of all three of these qualities every day on our P2G What’s App group. When fires tore through Nof HaGalil last fall, Detroiters immediately responded with: “What can we do? We are here for you.” Similarly, when the gravestones at the Ahavas Israel cemetery in Grand Rapids were desecrated last November, the message from the P2G Israelis was clear: “We think of you and our hearts are with you always and especially in these difficult hours. We are supporting you all the way from your home away from

Jennifer Levine is director of the Israel and Overseas Department for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

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PURELY COMMENTARY guest column

Holocaust Victims and Heirs Seek Justice from Defiant Global Insurance Companies

he financial damage caused to Jewish families during the Holocaust continues to be felt, especially by more than 25,000 survivors in the United States who live in poverty. To date, only 3% of the nearly 800,000 Jonathan H. insurance poliSchwartz cies paid for by Jews during the Holocaust have been honored, due primarily to intentional obstruction by global insurance companies and loopholes in the U.S. legal system. Fortunately, there is bipartisan legislation under consideration by Congress which will provide much needed assistance to tackle this ongoing injustice. On April 13, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), along with several co-sponsors, introduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2021. The bill provides Holocaust victims (both survivors and slain, and their beneficiaries and heirs) who held insurance policies issued in Nazi-controlled territory (or Switzerland) between Jan. 31, 1933, and Dec. 31, 1945, the right to file a lawsuit seeking insurance proceeds in U.S. federal courts. In addition, the law provides a renewed 10-year statute of limitations to bring claims,

APRIL 29 • 2021

plus the right to receive 6% yearly prejudgment interest, attorney’s fees and costs, and treble (3x) damages if there is proof the insurer acted in bad faith. BIPARTISAN SUPPORT The overwhelming bipartisan support for the new law is a reflection of the moral consensus that Holocaust victims and their families “should be the heirs to unpaid policies that were set aside for times of trouble — not the insurance companies,” as Rep. Schultz explained. Elected legislators have an obligation to “do everything we can to support survivors and their families,” echoed Sen. Rubio, especially removing legal barriers to lawsuits being filed in federal courts. The vital legislation has gained the support of many Jewish organizations across the country because it “will allow survivors, and our children and grandchildren, to recover

our family histories and legacies [and] expose details about the insurers’ history of collaboration with Nazi authorities” according to David Schaecter, president of the Holocaust Survivors Foundation USA. ASSISTING VICTIMS As president emeritus of the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan and leader of the Holocaust Art Recovery Initiative, I have helped many survivors and their families who faced an uphill battle seeking a return of their stolen property. The injustices caused during the Holocaust era and the years that followed are further compounded when U.S. courts, which often provide the only real path to justice, are closed to claims. The Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2021 is an essential tool in the effort to help right the historic wrong done to the Jewish people and provide a viable path to recovery for so many Jewish families

who have been wrongfully denied insurance proceeds for so many years. I encourage all members of the Metro Detroit Jewish community to join with me in supporting the passage of the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2021. Please contact your elected federal representatives and explain to them the importance of voting for this bipartisan bill. Legislators have a special opportunity to help address this ongoing injustice, and they should be confident that voting in favor of the bill is the right thing to do. Afterward, we begin the hard work of pursuing lawsuits to obtain recovery against global insurance companies who have reaped the benefits from their ill-gotten gains for decades. I look forward to assisting with that effort, which has the potential of creating dramatic change in the lives of Holocaust survivors and their descendants, including in our Metro Detroit Jewish community. It is long past time for us to tackle this problem, and passage of the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2021 is the next necessary step to finally help do it. Attorney Jonathan H. Schwartz is a partner at Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C. in Southfield and a member of the firm’s diversity and inclusion committee. He is the recipient of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s 2021 Frank A. Wetsman Young Leadership Award.

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APRIL 29 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY guest column

Support the NO HATE Act

Marketplace Health Enrollment Extended

When President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, countless Americans breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that some financial relief would be on its way in the form of a stimulus check.

he eight Asian spa murders in Atlanta. A 65-year-old Asian American woman kicked in the stomach and face while being verbally attacked in New York City. A Jewish family slashed with a knife, also Lauren in Manhattan. GarfieldConstant attacks Herrin on African Americans. Sadly, today, many Americans are in constant fear for their safety simply because of the color of their skin, whom they love or how they choose to pray. Earlier this month, the Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer National Opposition to Hate, Assaults and Threats to Equality (NO HATE) Act was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 2383., and into the Senate a few days later. It had been passed twice in the 116th Congress by the House but was never passed by the Senate. In the 117th Congress, the Senate passed the bill on April 22. In the House, leading the bipartisan charge to get it passed are four representatives, two Democrats and two Republicans, the latter which includes Michigan’s own Fred Upton of the 4th District. To date, Rep. Peter Meijer, a Republican from the 3rd District (Grand Rapids), has signed on as a co-sponsor and several other Michigan representatives are on the waitlist to be included. For some background,

APRIL 29 • 2021

Khalid and Heather, for whom the bill was named, were real people whose lives were cut short because of hate. Jabara, an Oklahoma native of Lebanese Christian descent, was shot and killed by his white neighbor in 2016. Heyer, who many are familiar with, was killed while counterprotesting at the white-supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017. REPORTING OF HATE The goal of this legislation is to close the gaps in the reporting of hate crimes across the nation, namely incentivizing state and local law enforcement to improve reporting by making grants available to provide resources such as trainings, reporting hotlines, public educational forums and increased resources to communicate with affected communities. One may ask: Why is reporting such a large part of this bill? Each year, the FBI publishes the previous year’s hate crimes statistics. While it is shocking to see how many and which groups are targeted, it is perhaps more upsetting when one realizes that the numbers they share are woefully inaccurate and, in reality, much higher. This is because not every municipality reports hate crimes accurately, or at all, and many victims are afraid to go to authorities. Today, only 13 percent of U.S. law enforcement agencies submit any hate crimes data to the FBI. In the Jewish community, per the

American Jewish Committee’s 2020 State of Antisemitism in America report, 76 percent of Jews who were the target of a hateful remark or attack did not report it. So, without proper reporting, what would incentivize victims to go to the authorities? How else will resources that could possibly curb the rising numbers be provided, such as the forums and trainings? To help make hate crimes a terrible memory of the past, we, as Jews, must remember that we have been taught to love our neighbor and to make this a better world through tikkun olam. Today, there may be no better way to show our love than supporting the NO HATE Act, which will inevitably help all Americans, no matter their religion, skin color or sexuality. We can all make a concerted effort to “see something, say something,” whether the verbal or physical attack was on you, a friend, family member or even a complete stranger. Lauren Garfield-Herrin is associate director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC.

But what some may not know, is that the Act also calls for major improvements in access to and affordability of health coverage through the Marketplace by increasing eligibility for financial assistance. In other words — more financial relief. The new law lowers health insurance premiums for most people who currently have a Marketplace health plan and expands access to financial assistance for more consumers. On average, premiums for a single person will decrease by $50 per month or $85 per policy per month. When a special enrollment period was opened (originally set for Feb. 15-May 15; it has since been extended until Aug. 15), more than 200,000 people signed up for Marketplace coverage through healthcare.gov in the first two weeks — some of whom were assisted by the health care navigators at Jewish Family Service. Community members who are signing up for health insurance for the first time, as well as those who have already enrolled through the Marketplace, may be eligible for more savings and are encouraged to contact Jewish Family Service for assistance. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Olga Semenova at (248) 592-2262 or osemenova@ jfsdetroit.org.

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APRIL 29 4/26/21 • 2021 10:1813 AM

Meet 18 amazing teens making a COMPILED BY JN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZZ CARDWELL, JCC ABBY CHAYET

his year, the Jewish News has once again partnered with Jteen, a Jfamily program based at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, to recognize 18 remarkable teens in our community who excel in academics, sports, business, activism and tikkun olam — among many other areas. They all have one thing in common — they are making a difference in their communities. In what has been an exceptionally difficult year for so many, it is wonderful to recognize the positive achievements of the exceptional teens in our community. Enjoy reading the following snapshots of this year’s crop of Rising Stars, presented in alphabetical order.

APRIL 29 • 2021

Abby Chayet, 16, of West Bloomfield is a junior at Bloomfield Hills High School. She is an award-winning dancer, a member of National Honor Society, and an involved student in many clubs such as DECA, Principal’s Advisory Committee, Key Club (benefiting local charities) and Jewish Student Alliance. Abby is also on her high school tennis team and a writer for her school newspaper; perhaps her most endearing qualities are resilience and compassion. She volunteers with many organizations such as Make A Wish, Housing the Homeless at Temple Israel, Top Soccer and

the Friendship Circle, where she serves on the Teen Executive Board. Since the pandemic began, she participated in five different food drives, delivering meals to frontline workers and those with food insecurity. Abby raised funds for Beaumont Hospital’s Moonbeam program, ensuring pediatric patients could still enjoy bags full of glow items during the holiday time. Last October, she shopped for and dropped off Halloween packages for each and every patient in the pediatric unit at her local hospital. In addition, she volunteers her time reading virtually each week to a young boy in Pontiac through a book buddy program. Having a sibling with serious medical issues has shaped Abby. She knew firsthand how it felt to be hospitalized and was worried about how kids in the

g an impact in our community. hospital were coping. At the beginning of this pandemic, she reached out to the child life coordinator at Beaumont Hospital to find out their needs. She learned the playroom was closed with no reopen date in sight, and patients weren’t allowed visitors because of the pandemic. She was told that almost all the donated toys from the December toy drives were gone. Since the hospital can’t share/reuse toys, every item became single use. The hospital went through a year’s worth of toys in just four months. Abby organized and raised more than $6,000 for Beaumont’s pediatric unit and reached out to a local toy store that agreed to match donations — bringing in more than $12,000 of much needed toys, distraction items and learning tools for the pediatric unit. Our community is lucky to have Abby.

ISABELLA CIMMINO Isabella Cimmino, 16, of Farmington Hills is a sophomore at North Farmington High School. She is a committed friend, student (4.1 GPA) and serves as class treasurer. She’s an award-winning figure skater, cello player, and is active at her temple. Isabella is involved in Sunday night high school at Temple Shir Shalom and is an active member of Shir Shalom Temple Youth (SSTY) and serves on the board as treasurer. In that role, she helps to organize temple activities such as the Purim Carnival and the Tikkun Olam a-thon. Additionally, she volunteers to help on Sunday mornings with the younger kids

during religious school. For the past two years, she has participated in the High Holiday services by playing Kol Nidre on her cello for the Temple Shir Shalom family and children’s services. Outside of temple, she organized a fundraiser for the Detroit Dog Rescue, which raised nearly $1,000 in money and supplies. She also volunteers her time at the Farmington Hills Ice Arena’s Learn to Skate program where she helps teach very young children. In her spare time, she provides free math tutoring to Farmington students in seventh to ninth grade. Additionally, during the COVID pandemic, she and her brother, Jonah, performed an outdoor concert at a senior citizen residence, playing music on her cello for the residents quarantining in their apartments. Isabella is also a member of Building Entrepreneurship, a group for Jewish continued on page 16 APRIL 29 • 2021

RISING STARS continued from page 15

teenage girls formed to teach future professionals how to start a business, and has been participating in the online mentorship and lecturing events for that group. She also competed on behalf of North Farmington High School in the Business Professional of America Presentation Management Competition this fall where she won the regional competition and placed seventh in the statewide competition. Isabella also sought and found a parttime job at a law firm because of her interest in becoming a lawyer. According to the managing partner, “She’s going to make a great lawyer one day.” SAMMI DESMON

Sammi Desmon, 16, of West Bloomfield is a junior at Bloomfield Hills High School. She owns an apparel company called Sammi’s Sweats (sammissweats. com). It began as a school project to raise funds for the community. Sammi decided to sell sweats to friends and family and donated the proceeds to an adopted family through Jewish Family Service’s holiday gift drive. Sammi bought the family everything on their wish list and more. During the pandemic, she obtained a following from several influencers, and her brand took off. She now sells to stores and individuals throughout the country. Giving back to the community is very important to her. She has continued to donate profits to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide lunches to underprivileged children not in school during COVID-19, and Black Lives Matter. Sammi created a Ruth Bader Ginsburg apparel collection and donated the profits to a college scholarship fund for underprivileged teens. She also donated and distributed backpacks and school supplies to kids through the Oakland County Foster Closet and donated over 100 items of clothing to Alternatives for Girls in Detroit. In addition, she is an involved student,

a National Honor Society group leader, a Bloomfield Hills High School Student Ambassador, on the Youth Action Board, UMatter, Community Service Club and the Jewish Student Alliance. SKYLAR ELBINGER Skylar Elbinger, 16, of Farmington Hills is a junior at Frankel Jewish Academy, where she is the lead student ambassador. In this role, she hosts prospective students when they have their shadow visit at FJA; she attends Open Houses and other evening recruitment events to speak about her experiences at school and acts as an advocate, encouraging other young Jewish students to attend FJA. She is also a member of Student Government, National Honor Society, and plays on the volleyball and basketball teams. Outside of school, Skylar is an active member of BBYO’s Ahavah chapter. She is a chapter mazkirah and is responsible for social media marketing. She is on the regional convention and spring/young leadership convention steering committees. Skylar is involved in the first Michigan cohort of Leaders for Tomorrow, AJC’s leadership development program for high schoolers that empowers young Jews to speak up for Israel and the Jewish people. She is participating in a program called One2One, which is a virtual meeting for Israeli and American high school students; she is the only AJC participant who is involved in this program from Michigan. Skylar was also a member of the ORT teen board and served as the social media coordinator for two years. She was a chair for two annual teen-led events and volunteered at Camp Hermelin and Rub-a-Dub. Skylar volunteers at many of Temple Israel’s YFTI community service events. Last year, she was also a TITAN Teen Intern at Temple Israel where she worked in the Family Life Center.

LEV ERSHLER

Lev Ershler, 18, of West Bloomfield is a senior at Farber Hebrew Day School. He has served as co-president of the Detroit branch of Bnei Akiva for the past two years and has planned numerous events geared toward educating his peers about Israel and Judaism while also adding in fun elements. He has attended many leadership development weekend retreats through Bnei Akiva that have provided him with tools to better contribute to the Detroit Jewish community as well as train the next generation of Jewish leaders. Lev’s love of Israel has led to advocacy via AIPAC, taking every opportunity offered to be involved, from attending the Schusterman Teen Summit to working at all local events sponsored by AIPAC and lobbying our congressional delegation. At Farber, Lev was the co-chair of the David Tanzman Memorial Basketball Tournament in 2020. He was involved with fundraising, committee chair check-ins, actively assisting committee chairs as help was needed, and manning the Livestream of most of the basketball games. Lev is currently co-representative of his class in the Farber Hebrew Day SchoolYeshivat Akiva High School Student Government. He is in the top Talmud class in his school and often studies other Jewish texts that are not part of the curriculum. Lev will attend Yeshivat Har Etzion next year where he will continue his Jewish learning and leadership growth. MANDI FEALK

Mandi Fealk, 17, of Commerce Township is a senior at Frankel Jewish Academy. Mandi has been a volunteer at the Friendship Circle since seventh grade, when she immediately felt connected with the children there. She has been volunteering continued on page 18

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FRANKEL JEWISH ACADEMY

A N N U A L

G A L A

Honoring

ROBIN & LEO EISENBERG

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021 8:00pm VIRT UAL PROGRAM

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HONOREE RYAN LANDAU, FJA CLASS OF 2006

DISTINGUISHED FACULT Y HONOREE

NICOLE KAHN

SPONSORSHIPS & JOURNAL ADS: FRANKELJA.ORG/GALA

FRANKEL JEWISH ACADEMY congratulates

SKYLAR ELBINGER FJA CLASS OF 2022 MANDI FEALK FJA CLASS OF 2021 ANDREW TUKEL FJA CLASS OF 2022

on being selected as Rising Stars: Teens Making a Difference. They are outstanding and make a difference in our community every day! APRIL 29 • 2021

RISING STARS continued from page 16

ever since and is now part of the Teen President Board. Mandi has not only volunteered with the participants but has also become their friends, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Mandi participates in all aspects of Friendship Circle and has been active in helping the staff whenever they call. Even during the pandemic, Mandi was at overnight camp, a regular at Sunday Circle and some weekday after-school programs. Parents of special needs students constantly exclaim that Mandi brings out the best in their children. She is looking to continue her studies post high school in a field that continues her involvement in working with special-needs children, teens and adults. ELAN KLUGER

Elan Kluger, 17, of Ann Arbor, is a junior at Skyline High School. He is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership, service and communicating big ideas. Elan is a knowledgeable and passionate Zionist, committed to his local and worldwide Jewish community. He is an active member of Habonim Dror-Labor Zionist Youth and attends Camp Tavor, a unique, youth-led camp experience in Three Rivers, Mich. He will attend the camper leadership training program this summer. Elan is also a member of the inaugural Detroit community cohort of LFT (Leaders for Tomorrow) run by the JCRC/AJC of Metropolitan Detroit. Elan restarted the Skyline High School newspaper after years of inactivity and has been editor-in-chief for the past two years. In ninth grade, he founded the school’s Economics Club and leads a team that is training for, and competing in, the Federal Reserve’s High School Fed Challenge. Elan also attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. In May 2020, Elan began a weekly newsletter titled Ruminations, comprising his thoughts across a range of topics

APRIL 29 • 2021

(accessible at kluger.substack.com). He is also a founding fellow in the inaugural “On Deck Podcast Fellowship.” This program focuses on helping fellows launch and grow a podcast in eight weeks, while interacting with podcasters across the globe. Elan is the youngest fellow in a cohort of over 100 people. His podcast “IR Talk” is devoted to international relations theory. Season One will be launching at the beginning of May. CAROLINE KRELL

Caroline Krell, 17, of Ann Arbor, is a senior at Pioneer High School. She has as a long history of Jewish involvement, starting in preschool at Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park and making her bat mitzvah at Congregation of Moses in Kalamazoo. Caroline also spent a few summers at Camp Tavor after moving to Ann Arbor. Camp Tavor cemented her desire and obligation to help others. “It was all tikkun olam,” she said about an exercise to build an understanding of privilege — as in who has it, who doesn’t and the longterm effects of not having it. It was a basic map exercise, demonstrating through the lack of grocery stores, public transportation, access to nearby medical care and adverse environmental impacts the vast imbalance in opportunity. She came back from camp that summer with a tikkun olam mindset. At her high school she became active in the gun-control movement through March for Our Lives and led the Ann Arbor chapter her senior year. When the pandemic shut down the community as we once knew it, she rallied and got involved more than ever, connecting with the Sunrise Movement and began work on climate, jobs and voting rights issues — all virtually. Caroline became a movement leader in 12th grade. The night after the presidential election, she was on the University of Michigan Diag, giving a speech that the

media covered about the necessity of everyone having a voice in a democracy. Her focus on helping elevate the opportunities and voices of others remains a fundamental objective for her. JORDAN MANELA

Jordan Manela, 17, of Farmington Hills is a junior at North Farmington High School where he is a straight-A student while also being dual-enrolled at OCC, taking advanced mathematics courses. He serves on the Student Senate Executive Board, Junior Board and LINK Crew, and is a Peer to Peer tutor as a member of the National Honor Society. Jordan has been both a regional and state gold medalist for HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and a top-five finalist at HOSA’s International Leadership Conference representing Michigan in medical law and ethics. Since he was in eighth grade, Jordan has been a madrich at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, where he enjoys helping the students with their learning and love of Jewish culture. He also assists with the Better Together program as part of his madrich responsibilities where he facilitates conversations between pre-b’nai mitzvah students and seniors in the Jewish community. Jordan plays the cello with the NFHS Symphony Orchestra, was captain of his Junior Varsity bowling team, and enjoys all sports, especially baseball. Whether volunteering with Miracle League baseball or umpiring with NFWB baseball, Jordan loves being part of the game and seeing the joy it brings to everyone. Jordan is actively involved with the Opening the Doors Madrichim Leadership Training program where his empathetic nature toward those with different abilities and needs has only continued to blossom. Jordan belongs to BBYO Greenberg AZA where he has served on the executive board for the last two years, first as mazkir (secretary) and

then as gizbor (treasurer). He is also an active participant with the Mayor’s Youth Council for Farmington/Farmington Hills, where he was recently elected secretary and helps plan events that engage the cities’ youth and volunteers with the local community. ETHAN MARCUS

Ethan Marcus, 17, of Birmingham is a junior at Groves High School. His devotion to charity and helping others has been and continues to be his life focus. When Ethan turned 13, he donated 10% of his bar mitzvah gift money to the Charles A. Main, M.D., Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund at Beaumont Hospital. The fund is designed to assist pediatric cancer patients with college and career opportunities. He is co-president of Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition’s Youth Action Board (YAB), an organization whose mission is to practice and raise awareness for life strategies as a substance-free teenager. Ethan regularly takes part in YAB functions that focus on mental health, drug avoidance, alcohol avoidance and other stressors common to teens his age. He is also a member of the ORT Teen Executive Board, helping to plan and organize activities for teenagers about the importance of charitable giving. Last year, in partnership with his best friend and his (then 13-year-old) brother, Ethan founded Bagel Boys Delivery Service. After taking internet orders all week, the boys run a food delivery service on Sunday mornings featuring bagels, cream cheeses, lox and rotating seasonal niceties, such as ice cream sandwiches, flowers, cookies and vegetable boxes. During the pandemic, Ethan has made certain that free bagels and monetary donations were delivered to Beaumont Hospital’s health care team working on the COVID19 virus. Ethan, along with his partners, also picked different charities to receive

donations from some of the business’s proceeds, such the Birmingham Public School Parent/Teacher Associations and the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition. Donations have exceeded $3,300. ESTEE MOSS

Estee Moss, 17, of Bloomfield Township is a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School and an active member of BBYO where she currently serves as the regional n’siah (president). Her goal as president this last year was to make sure that teens felt included instead of isolated and she participated in and oversaw many re-imagined programs for teens. Estee previously served on her chapter Ahavah BBG’s executive board and has received awards including Rookie of the Year and the Menorah Pledge Award. Within BBYO, Estee was the moving force behind two successful community-wide charitable opportunities, including a clothing/household goods drive and a bottle/can recycling drive that raised $4,000 for the International Service Fund. Estee also loves to write and had articles published in The Shofar, BBYO’s national teen newspaper. She received top recognition for her writing in the Congregation Shaarey Zedek Jeffrey Weisberg Memorial Essay Contest. Estee is an active member of Congregation Shaarey Zedek where she participates in Teen Talks with the Rabbis. Estee learned how to chant the first Torah portion of Rosh Hashanah and has had the honor of reading Torah for the congregation on Rosh Hashanah every year since she was 14. Estee is always looking for opportunities to support her community. Last spring, she volunteered for Mediumize, an organization that shops for and delivers groceries to immuno-compromised members of our community. She also held a canned food drive for Yad Ezra, and has volunteered for J-Serve, Fall Fix-up and PeerCorps Detroit. Estee has a passion for singing and theater and has competed in the MI Solo

“A FOCUS ON HELPING ELEVATE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND VOICES OF OTHERS REMAINS A FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVE FOR ME.” — CAROLINE KRELL

Vocal Music Association Solo & Ensemble each year, performing pieces in Catalan and Italian, and receiving No. 1 ratings. Estee is an active member of her school’s National Honor Society, Forensics Team, Key Club, DECA and the International Thespian Society/Broken Leg Theater groups where she performs annually in her high school musicals and plays. LILY PAZNER

Lily Pazner, 17, of Bloomfield Hills is a junior at Cranbrook Kingswood. She is on the Dean’s List and writes for the school paper, the Crane Clarion. In 2020, Lily participated in Cranbrook’s World Affairs Day by leading a presentation and workshop on Title IX to fellow students. She is now focusing on getting the English reading curriculum to be more inclusive of women and minorities. Lily has been active in BBYO and is on the board of the Aliyah chapter. She founded a youth group for Jewish teens, focusing on Judaism and feminism called “Dinah.” This project was a dream of Lily’s and, along with a close friend, they used the downtime brought about by COVID to bring it to fruition. The focus

continued on page 20

APRIL 29 • 2021

RISING STARS continued from page 19

“I WANT TO BE THE ONE TO LEAD THE WAY IN HELPING MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND WORK WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE THAT SAME VISION.” — AVIEL SIEGEL

of the group is on what Judaism and feminism teach about various topics and their intersection. They have had sessions on topics such as feminist Torah, the Jewish diaspora, sex education, self-care and many “repair the world” topics. Currently, the group is doing a drive for HAVEN’s (shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence) education program, collecting books and materials. In 2020, Lily became interested in the Jewish Women’s Archives (JWA). She applied for a “Rising Voices” fellowship and received a position. She writes for their blog. She is also on the editorial board of jGirls Magazine. TALI RUBENSTEIN

Tali Rubenstein, 16, of West Bloomfield is a junior at Groves High School. During the past few years, she has found important ways to incorporate her Jewish learning with her interest in social

justice. Tali was part of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Emerging Jewish Thought Leaders Fellowship during summer 2020. This online opportunity allowed her to study with world-renowned scholars who combine Jewish ideas with current events, such as the pandemic and the upheaval and protests following the murder of George Floyd. Conversations about racism in the U.S. and unequal treatment of Israeli Arabs in Israel motivated her to continue to examine societal structures and what changes might be needed. Because of the pandemic, Tali worked with her parents to arrange a semester

in Israel, where she participated in the Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) program in Hod HaSharon. This program allowed her to continue her high school program while also learning about (and traveling through) Israel. These programs gave Tali the opportunity to learn and engage in conversation with Jewish teens from throughout the country. As a Jew of Color, Tali brings a unique perspective to these conversations. Her firm footing in the Jewish community (coming both from family and her education) combined with a perspective which is starting to recognize the presence and unique contributions of Jews of Color, gives Tali the opportunity to both share her perspective and help our community take the next steps in this conversation. LAINIE RUBIN

Lainie Rubin, 17, of West Bloomfield is a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School and is committed to mental health advocacy. As a young teenager, Lainie lived with severe anxiety about school. Seeing a therapist helped Lainie understand her anxiety and together they co-created a plan that now sees her living her life … and thriving … instead of her life “living” her. Lainie soon became involved with UMatter and began incorporating mental health topics into her schoolwork. She even spoke up at a school board meeting in fall 2019, asking the board how it might help students manage their mental health. Prior to COVID, Lainie visited a juvenile detention center, mental health section of a county jail, and a crisis service agency to

explore how an absence of mental health support early in life may impact decisions some of them make later. This newfound understanding gives her perspective and inspires her career aspiration to become a forensic psychologist. With in-person volunteering options eliminated, she turned to her passion for baking, selling treats in the community, donating the proceeds to organizations funding COVID treatment. Since September, she has represented her high school on the National Equity Project, an education reform organization specializing in leadership development and leading a charge for greater equity at schools across the country. Also in September, she was invited to join the programming committee for Camp Tamarack. And, most recently, she was selected for a seat on the Jewish Teen Board, charged with offering ideas for greater teen involvement in activities supported by the JCC and Federation. In the fall, Lainie will be studying at the University of Wisconsin where plans to study forensic psychology, focusing on mental health within the justice system. JOSHUA SCHREIBER Joshua Schreiber, 17, of Farmington Hills is a senior at North Farmington High School and has been heavily involved in Jewish affiliates throughout his youth as a six-year Tamarack attendee, Hillel Day School alum and Temple Israel member. He shifted his focus in high school to become involved with Jewish nonprofits, Israel education and community engagement. Joshua has been elected, appointed and served in numerous positions within the Jewish community of Metropolitan Detroit, including a leadership facilitator for the Jewish Fund Teen Board, assisting in providing a total of $100,000 in philanthropy to local and statewide charities over two years, a president at Friendship Circle, co-president of North Farmington’s Jewish Student Union, and as vice president and head of continued on page 22

APRIL 29 • 2021

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Ethan Marcus

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RISING STARS continued from page 20

social justice, Israel advocacy and community engagement for BBYO Michigan Region, where he oversaw and managed all programming, conventions and logistics for 800+ members, along with serving as the chair for five committees and overseeing a total of 26 counterparts within two years. As head of social action and engagement for BBYO Michigan Region, he coordinated a convention with 70+ in attendance in Ann Arbor, working directly with affiliates such as the University of Michigan, JCC and sponsors to create an unforgettable experience for teens of all ages, along with outreach and fundraising for the Flint water crisis. Joshua also utilized his time by becoming a fierce advocate for social justice, hosting programming with immigration experts along with community activists, aiming to strengthen Black-Jewish relations within our community. Joshua was an AIPAC delegate and attendee who was selected to attend the Schusterman Advocacy High School Summit with full scholarship. He currently sits on the Leaders for Tomorrow-Detroit Cohort for the American Jewish Committee and interns within the state of Michigan for StandWithUs, working to conduct programming, create dialogue and educate diverse populations in the Metro Detroit area on antisemitism. MEREDITH SHAPIRO Meredith Shapiro, 14, of Farmington Hills is a freshman at Cranbrook Kingwood and a graduate of Hillel Day School class of 2020. She is a scholar, scoring in the top percentiles on her PSATs, and an athlete in swimming, skiing and snowboarding. Her biggest passion is as an advocate for equality and against hate. She is currently participating in Cranbrook School’s Bridge the Divide Club as part of her activism for breaking down community barriers and fighting for equality for all. Meredith’s proudest and most fulfilling achievements are those driven by her Jewish values. She has been deeply committed to volunteering at the Friendship Circle,

APRIL 29 • 2021

participating in Mitzvah Days for the past several years, and raising funds for Debate it Forward, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing self-confidence, public speaking and critical thinking skills to children in underserved communities through use of debate activities and games. In 2020, Meredith was a winner of the Holocaust Memorial Center’s Kappy Family Anne Frank Art & Writing Competition for her poem juxtaposing the hate of the Holocaust to the racial injustice that has spurred the Black Lives Matter movement. She was selected to the Student Leadership Council to plan Detroit’s 2020 Day of Racial Healing, focused on building bridges between different youth communities on the topic of racial injustice. Among her peers, Meredith is a known confidante and ally to LGBTQ+ friends who are not getting the support they need from their families or communities, or who otherwise face discrimination. She recently completed safeTALK training, a program dedicated to increasing suicide awareness and helping its trainees connect at-risk individuals to support resources. AVIEL SIEGEL

Aviel Siegel, 16, of Oak Park is a sophomore at Farber Hebrew Day School. Currently, he is holding a 3.7 GPA. He has attended a Jewish day school since the very beginning, where he has always excelled. Aviel was a student council representative and a student council president. He plays on his school’s basketball team, started an after-school club and works as a waiter at Prime 10 in Southfield. Aviel is active in many organizations, including chapter boards at NCSY and Bnei Akiva. During his freshman year, with guidance from NCSY, Aviel created the first ever Junior NCSY Board because he felt he could get the kids more active in the organization at middle school age, just like he experienced. For Bnei Akiva, he helps run the ninth grade Manhigut division, and with NCSY, he continues his mission and helps run the

Junior NCSY division. In his spare time, he does learning programs at Dovid Ben Nochim, Mishmar at Farber and JSP — all Torah learning programs. He also likes being with his family and friends when he is not learning or working. Aviel said he takes on leadership roles because he wants to be the one to lead the way in helping make a difference and work with others who have that same vision. ANDREW TUKEL

Andrew Tukel, 16, of Orchard Lake is a junior at Frankel Jewish Academy and has been a member of student government since his freshman year. He is a member of his school’s National Honor Society, Varsity Cross-Country team, and the Varsity Bowling team. Andy has been recognized as one of the top 20 bowlers in the Division 4 Regionals. Andy is also a member of the FJA 2021 RoboTraffic Team. RoboTtraffic is an international robotics and traffic safety competition, usually held at the Technion in Israel. This year, it was conducted virtually, and Andy and his team placed second in the Traffic Safety Innovation portion of the competition for their concept of glow-inthe-dark lane lines. Andy is an active JARC volunteer who is always friendly and engaging with the people JARC serves. He and his brothers participated in many different JARC activities, including monthly Bingo events, Flower-a-thon, Sukkot assembly and holiday parties. At the beginning of the pandemic, Andy reached out to JARC leadership regarding its teen board, which, at the time, was inactive. He offered to step up and help make the teen board thrive. As president of the board, he handled recruitment. JARC decided to make the board more of a service-learning council to stand out from other boards in the community. Andrew began work on the board in September 2020 and it currently has 13 active members.

OUR COMMUNITY

Inclusive Learning Program Turns 25

JCC’s “Opening the Doors” has helped kids of varying abilities grasp Judaism. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

CC Detroit’s Opening since 2007. the Doors (OTD) pro“We believe each child was gram holds its 25th unique, had their own ability, Anniversary Celebration and we had to help them virtually on Tuesday, reach their potential.” May 11, at 7:30 p.m. OTD helps people reach Event honorees include that potential with more Anita Naftaly, Susie than 10 different programs Citrin and Peggy Frank. within the umbrella, such as OTD enables children Anita Doors to the Future, fundwith diverse learning ed by the Jewish Women’s Naftaly differences and abilities Foundation where para-edto participate in inclusive ucators provide one-onJewish education with one, short-term early intertheir peers. Master level vention for students in early special educators and childhood centers. para-educators are pres- Susie Citrin OTD’s School Inclusion ent in preschools, conProgram, partially fundgregations and religious ed by the Zuckerman schools to engage students Klein Family Support and empower staff with Foundation Grant, prostrategies. vides students with fullOTD also provides time classroom assistants Peggy disability awareness and for Jewish day school Frank resources for families, education. educators and professionThe Enhanced Learning als through development proInitiative provides day school grams, community conferences teachers with professional and a teen leadership program. development and other services. OTD has increased its impact The program is partially funded over the years through collabby the Jewish Fund. orations with Jewish schools, A featured film for the event hospitals and mental health will be The Influencer, featuring clinics, Jewish Federation, discussion with Elaine Hall, Friendship Circle, JVS, JFS, founder of the Miracle Project, Kadima, JARC and more. an inclusive theater, film and The honorees have been expressive arts program for with OTD since the beginning. individuals off all abilities. Naftaly was the original director “It’s exciting for us to have a and founder of the program, public forum and share what we Citrin was the chair of all the do, but we’re really hoping other OTD committees and Frank families will say, ‘Hey, I didn’t was involved in OTD comknow. Maybe I will give them a mittees and was almost like its call,’” Maiseloff said. “historian,” according to Ellen Maiseloff, OTD’s senior director For information, visit jccdet.org/otd25.

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OUR COMMUNITY

FJA Event Honors 4 Annual Gala fetes volunteer couple, alum and teacher.

Robin and Leo Eisenberg

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

rankel Jewish Academy (FJA) is holding its annual gala virtually on Wednesday, May 12, spotlighting four honorees, including main honorees Robin and Leo Eisenberg, Ryan Landau as the distinguished alumni honoree and Nicole Kahn as the distinguished faculty honoree. The free virtual event being streamed at 8 p.m. Ryan on Facebook Live Landau

will feature school leadership, the four honorees and FJA students in a celebration of the honorees and the school itself. Nicole Kahn Every year, FJA raises nearly a third of its annual fundraising total at the Annual Gala. The preferred way to support the event is through purchasing an ad in the Tribute Journal, a way to thank the honorees and the school. Tribute ads start

Battling Hate

Oakland County prosecutor establishes Hate Crimes Unit in first 100 days in office. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

akland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has a quote framed in her office from Ruth Bader Ginsburg that says, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.” McDonald, who just marked her 100th day in office on April 11, is putting that quote to action. Karen McDonald Among the many reforms and policy initiatives in her administration so far, McDonald has implemented a particularly relevant aid to the Jewish community: the establishment of the first-ever Hate Crimes Unit in Oakland County.

APRIL 29 • 2021

The creation of the unit corresponds with the rise in white supremacist extremism, political violence and antisemitism, including in Oakland County, home to the vast majority of Jews in Michigan. “I’m from a blended family — I have three Jewish stepchildren and a Jewish husband, and we’re members of Temple Beth El so the Jewish community in our county matters deeply to me,” McDonald said. “I have been very concerned about antisemitism across the country. We’re seeing an increase in these incidents, particularly violent antisemitism and, according to the ADL, we’ve had 35 antisemitic incidents in Oakland

at $36 and up. Journal ads of $1,000+ include goodies like FJA swag, dessert and nosh packages. Robin and Leo Eisenberg have been “incredible” volunteers for FJA since they educated their children there and have stayed connected to the school ever since, according to said Shana Kantor, FJA’s director of advancement. “Leo was on our board, and he’s really led the way in helping FJA move into its second decade and being a strong leader for the entire Jewish community,” Kantor said. Ryan Landau, an FJA alum of 2006, has stayed connected to the school since he graduated. “We like to recognize people who are leaders of the community in Detroit as well as those who are connected to FJA, and Ryan really exemplifies that because he’s taken on roles as leader of NEXTGen Detroit and has been a leader in the business com-

munity — and he really loves Detroit and his alma mater,” Kantor said. Nicole Kahn, the head of FJA’s English department, was chosen by other FJA faculty and staff who put in nominations for each other. “She’s been here for a number of years, and she’s really known as being such a steady influence on the kids and inspiring them to learn in new and exciting ways,” Kantor said. Kantor says the most important thing about the event is for them to be able to tell the story of FJA. “It’s an important part of who we are as a community that we continue to educate people,” Kantor said. “The gala is really an opportunity for us to show off how our students and alumni feel about the school.”

County over the past four years. That’s not insignificant.” The Hate Crimes Unit takes place within Oakland County’s Special Victims Unit, with a dedicated prosecutor who reviews files for charges and acts that were instigated from a place of prejudice against someone’s ethnicity, religion, race or sexual orientation. That dedicated prosecutor is specially trained in how to prosecute hate crimes. “I’ve been an attorney for almost 25 years. I have never in my experience as a prosecutor, a private practice attorney, a judge and now as the elected prosecutor, been so concerned about the crimes in our country that come from this white supremacist extremism and violence,” McDonald said. “We have to put more attention and resources into prosecuting those individuals.” All the prosecutors in the Special Victims Unit have done

the hate crimes training, but the designated point person is Tricia Dare, the chief of the Special Victims Unit. The added attention and resources don’t just include a commitment to training the prosecutors in the Special Victims Unit, but also to partnering with law enforcement across the county to train officers and investigators how to spot hate crimes, how to properly investigate and present them for charges. McDonald’s message to the Jewish community is that they recognize what’s happening and are taking action. “We’re at a moment in this country where we’re either going to allow that kind of hate to prevail, or we’re going to have to make serious efforts to combat it,” McDonald said. “We have to call it out, we have to investigate it, and we have to prosecute those crimes.”

To learn more, visit frankelja.org/giving/gala.

Yad Ezra hosted a mobile vaccine clinic April 23.

Yad Ezra, BCBS, WSU Medical Schools and Wayne Health collaborate to distribute vaccines. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

ad Ezra, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Wayne State Medical School and Wayne Health collaborated to offer vaccines to Yad Ezra clients and others who had not been able to get an appointment yet. This effort took place at Yad Ezra on April 23. Yad Ezra’s Executive Director Lea Luger serves on the governor’s Protect Michigan Commission, which encourages people to wear masks and social

distance to combat the spread of COVID. Luger chairs the faith-based subcommittee group. During a call, members expressed interest in Yad Ezra hosting a site to administer the vaccine because of all it does for the community. “Given we’re an organization that’s been in business for 31 years and there’s a level of trust that our clients have for us, I said wouldn’t it be great if we could be a site to administer the vaccines? And because we’re in

YAD EZRA

Shots in Arms

neighborhoods where our constituents live,” Luger said. Luger approached the governor’s office with hopes of being one of those sites, citing concerns that many of its clients, especially in the Russian population, may not be so comfortable with getting the vaccine otherwise. “If they knew it was happening at Yad Ezra, people might be more inclined to participate and get vaccinated,” Luger said. Luger connected with Suzanne Miller of BCBS and, through her efforts, she was able to coordinate an effort between the four organizations to administer vaccines to their client population. Yad Ezra, with the help of volunteers, made phone calls to its client base who had not yet gotten the vaccine to let them know. Sign-ups as well as walkins were available. People stayed in their cars and drove into Yad Ezra’s parking lot, with medical personnel administering the vaccine.

Yad Ezra targeted their clients who may be more compromised and may not have access to other facilities or transportation. Then, it opened to others to make sure every vaccine went into someone’s arm; about 500 vaccines were available. Key people from each organization, including Dr. Phil Levy from Wayne State School of Medicine, Colleen Whatley from Wayne Health (formerly known as the Wayne State University Physician Group) and Erica Stamatoulakis from BCBS, all played important roles in the collaboration. “I couldn’t have done this without them,” Luger said. “I’m very proud of this,” Luger reflected. “Here’s a way to reach out to a client population that’s vulnerable and maybe lacks the ability for whatever reason to navigate the system. Here we had the opportunity to bring the vaccines to them, by bringing it here to our building.”

APRIL 29 • 2021

JERRY ZOLYNSKY

OUR COMMUNITY

Super Kosher Supermarket The Grove redesigns Southfield store after Florida model. LOUIS FINKELMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ommuters and customers have noticed the new name of the kosher supermarket at Greenfield just north of 10 Mile Road. A big sign advertises it as The Grove. More has changed than just the name, according to the owner, Shlomo Goldman: “In 2019, we began a total renovation.” The look of the store has changed to match the decor of The Grove supermarkets in Delray Beach, Miami Beach, Boca Raton and Hollywood, Fla. “It is like a Starbucks. When you walk in, you recognize it immediately. You are in The Grove.” According to Goldman, “Everything in our store should reflect our brand as an upscale operation, competing with Whole Foods and Plum Market. Our shopping bags are the highest quality. The renovation of our store in Southfield is not just cosmetic, on the surface. We did a total remodel.” Changes and planned changes go beyond appearance. Goldman looks forward to expanding the services offered at The Grove in Southfield. The wine department has already expanded, now including a wide selection of fine wines. “We look forward to adding online service, so customers can order from our website. We hope to institute home delivery,

APRIL 29 • 2021

The former One Stop Kosher has undergone a complete makeover.

even as far as West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, and we are working on a few days a week delivery to Ann Arbor.” Goldman tells us to look for new offerings in prepared foods. He hopes to soon have a sushi counter, expanded pizza services and a “Grab and Go” section offering “a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, meat dishes, dairy dishes, chicken dishes, kugels and so much more,” according to spokesperson Rachel Yudewitz.

A view of the fresh produce aisle at The Grove

renovation with a major event: “With COVID, the renovation has taken longer than we anticipated, but now we are looking forward to a grand opening when the situation permits, when COVID recedes. I do not want to promise a specific date — it

“WE HOPE TO INSTITUTE HOME DELIVERY, EVEN AS FAR AS WEST BLOOMFIELD.” — SHLOMO GOLDMAN

NEW OFFERINGS Also new is “Hot Tables” on Thursdays and Friday. Yudewitz describes it as “items to make your Shabbos easy, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pulled BBQ beef egg rolls, lemon pepper chicken, schnitzel, potato kugel and cholent.” Goldman summarizes the goal: “Ideally, this will not be just ‘another supermarket.’ We want this to be a shopping experience. I always want the customers to walk out with a smile on their faces.” He looks forward to capping off the

depends on when we feel safe having a large event. Goldman is also working on opening a new store in Cleveland. He said he began in the food business at the age of 18, running the grocery store in a bungalow colony in Ellenville, N.Y., in the heart of the Catskills. “We sold to the people in our colony and wholesale to the canteens in other colonies. It was a tiny store, 1,200 square feet.” That was his start in the food business, more than 30 years ago: “Actually, my

New Frankel Institute Fellows

JERRY ZOLYNSKY

ABOVE: The Grove models itelf as an upscale operation. BOTTOM LEFT: The wine department has been expanded. BOTOTM RIGHT: The market offers a full supply of baked goods — including a new line of French petits fours.

are Oren Ableman, Israel In the upcoming year, Antiquities Authority; the Frankel Institute for Joseph Angel, Yeshiva Advanced Judaic Studies University; Gabriele will focus on the theme Boccaccini, University of “Second Temple of Michigan; Catherine Judaism: the Challenge of Gabriele Bonesho, University of Diversity.” Boccaccini California Los Angeles; Diversity of ethnicity, Rodney Caruthers, religion, social status, Gustavus Adolphus College; gender, age and ability was as Kelley Bautch Coblentz, much a feature of the ancient St. Edward’s University; Mediterranean world as it is in Liane Feldman, New York the present. Under the leadership of head University; Gregg Gardner, University of British fellow and U-M Professor of Columbia; Michael Langlois, Middle East Studies and Judaic Studies Gabriele Boccaccini, 13 University of Strasbourg, Mark Leuchter, Temple University; scholars from four countries Shayna Sheinfeld, Sheffield will explore various aspects of University, Alexei Sivertsev, religious, cultural and political DePaul University; and M life during the period dating Tong, Interdenominational from the age of the Persian King Cyrus in the sixth century Theological Center. The fellows will share their B.C.E. up to the Bar Kochba Revolt in the second century of scholarship via several events taking place throughout the the Common Era. year. The 2021–22 Frankel fellows

Women’s Philanthropy Celebrates 75 Years parents used to run grocery stores in bungalow colonies even before I got started. I guess it is in my heritage.” Operating a supermarket in suburban Detroit has a special place in Goldman’s own history. He says that he opened a store in the 10 Mile Road and Southfield area in 1996. It was his first big store. A SATISFIED SHOPPER Chantele Fish of Oak Park buys groceries for her family at The Grove. She has noticed the changes. “I have shopped at The Grove/One Stop since I moved to Detroit nine years ago. COVID aside, I generally go once a week. About 25% of my family’s groceries are purchased there. I go there to get kosher products that are not available at other local stores, things like parve whipped

cream, parve caramel sauce, Shabbos candles, chalav Yisrael cheeses, etc. Generally, I buy the rest of my groceries at Trader Joe’s and Meijer. I like being able to get specialty kosher items and non-specialty items in one place.” She added, “Since One Stop became The Grove, it’s much cleaner. The bags are much better quality, the bakery has the most amazing treats, including a new line of French petits fours. “They also seem to be keeping up with the food trends. It used to be that if you read about something in a kosher food magazine it wouldn’t be available here. Now, I find I am reading magazines like Whisk or Fleishigs and recognizing new products I’ve already seen at the Grove.”

The Women’s Philanthropy’s Annual Meeting at noon Wednesday, May 12, on Zoom will celebrate 75 Years of Women Betsy Making a Difference. Heuer The Annual Meeting will include a special anniversary video featuring the story of WP’s past, present and future; accomplishments of the current program year; and the announcement of the awardee for the newly established Marion Freedman Women’s Philanthropy Volunteer Award. “This has been a very special year for Women’s Philanthropy,” says President Betsy Heuer. “For 75 years, deeply committed women have been making a difference in Jewish Detroit, through outreach, programs and fundraising that support and strengthen our community. Our

2021 Annual Meeting is an opportunity to celebrate our remarkable history and to recognize the many women who have been involved over the years, including those active today.” To enhance the virtual celebration, a COVID-safe drive-thru will be held Monday, May 10, between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Temple Beth El. Women’s Philanthropy leadership will greet drivers, distribute an event gift box, and collect donations of diapers and formula to benefit Brilliant Detroit. The donation collection is being coordinated by WP/TOV (Tikkun Olam Volunteers)/Young Women’s Philanthropy and JCC/JFamily’s Jbaby. Details available at jewishdetroit.org/event/be-brilliant. To register for the virtual Annual Meeting: jewishdetroit. org/event/wp-annual-meeting. APRIL 29 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY Annual poppy sales support JWV.

Historic Honor

now anybody who remains active at the ripe old age of 125? Look no further than our beloved Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. Founded on March 15, 1896, the JWV is proud to be recognized as the oldest veterans’ service organization in our nation. Last month, the JWV Department of Michigan was honored to be in receipt of official proclamations by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as well as the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on the occasion of this historical milestone. Would you have ever guessed that the legacy of the Jewish War Veterans dates back to the Civil War? Initially known as the Hebrew Union Veterans Organization, it was created to vigorously dispute the erroneously held belief after the Civil War that Jews did not participate in the defense of our country. Since then, it has gone on to fight against antisemitism and racism in the military wherever it raises its ugly head and to support causes for the well-being of all veterans. “The JWV remains steadfast in our dedication not only to Jewish veterans, but to veterans of all faiths and circumstances,” says Dr. Edward Hirsch, Commander, JWV Department of Michigan. “We are rededicated to our foundational purposes of being ‘A Jewish Voice for Veterans and a Veteran’s Voice for Jews.’” You can help support our local JWV efforts by making a contribution during their annual Poppy Drive. The poppy is an internationally recognized symbol of remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice dating back to the aftermath of World War I, when wild red poppies bloomed on the once scarred battlefields of Belgium and France. It’s the single biggest fundraiser of the year for the JWV of Michigan with dollars helping veter-

APRIL 29 • 2021

Dr. Ed Hirsch, Commander of the Jewish War Veterans, Department of Michigan proudly displays proclamations honoring the JWV on their 125th anniversary.

ALAN MUSKOVITZ

ALAN MUSKOVITZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ART FISHMAN

Jewish War Veterans mark 125 years, launch poppy sale.

ans through advocacy for better clinics, hospitals, veterans’ homes and Michigan-friendly legislation. Funds also help in the upkeep of veterans’ plots in our local Jewish cemeteries and activities such as the annual Mitzvah Day-Christmas Day visit and gift distribution by the JWV for veterans who are patients at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. For the second year in a row, COVID restrictions will prohibit our JWV from selling poppies in person at area shopping centers. But you can still be in receipt of a poppy by mail by making a donation of any denomination on the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan website, jwv-mi.org. Display your poppy proudly so others can learn about this valuable act of tzedakah that is now 125 years strong. Also visit the JWV’s YouTube Channel to view a short video 125 Years of JWV at youtube.com/ watch?v=yYhZV_PqF2A. It will educate you on the JWV’s fascinating and storied legacy and reinforce, yet again, how the Jewish people find a way to turn the fight against antisemitism into pursuits for the greater good of all peoples.

Bikes Wanted for Needy Kids With warmer days upon us, kids have been dusting off their bikes and hitting the road. Dan Gutfreund Unfortunately, not all children have access to a bicycle and this disparity has been amplified by the pandemic. To ensure all local children in need have access to a bicycle, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Dan Gutfreund Realty Group and 1-800-Self-Storage.com are teaming up to collect new and used bicycles and helmets. Since the Re-CYCLE for Kids program was created by the Oakland County Sheriff ’s Office in 2006, thousands of bikes have been collected, refurbished and donated to people in need. The Sheriff PAL Program team will help to distribute the bikes and helmets once the collected bikes are refurbished and repaired. To encourage donations, Dan Gutfreund Realty Group will match the first 50 bikes donated on May 8 with brand new bikes for children in need. Donations will be accepted on Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the following locations: • Downtown Birmingham — Junction of Woodward Avenue and South Old Woodward Ave. (across from Sherwin Williams Paint Store) • Oakland University Campus — Lot P3 corner of Walton Blvd. and Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills.

Hadassah program will look at the “hidden Jews” of Ethiopia. KERI GUTEN COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

FRIENDS OF THE BETA ISRAEL OF NORTH SHEWA

Raiders of the Lost Ark A member of Beta Israel

uring a May 10 Hadassah Greater Detroit virtual program, “Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Hidden Jews of Ethiopia,” Rabbi Josh Bennett of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield will explore the history of Ethiopia’s Jewish community, including the possibility that the Ark of the Covenant may be there, and also present a video about the self-described “Hidden Jews,” numbering

more than 150,000 in central Ethiopia. Bennett learned of these Jews (called Beta Israel) after Temple Israel member Suzi Colman had a chance meeting in 2018 with young Jewish leaders at their synagogue in Kechene, outside Addis Ababa. She enlisted Bennett to help fulfill her promise to help them. Bennett joined Colman and a few others on a fact-finding

Virtual Fun

JOHN HARDWICK

JVS offers online activities for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Leslee Milgrom does an arts and craft activity.

ALISON SCHWARTZ SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

etro Detroiters living with intellectual and developmental disabilities whose in-person attendance at Choices, a beloved day program operated by JVS Human Services, was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, are now able to reconnect with friends and community with virtual programming.

As part of this new virtual Choices day program, an option called “JVS Frequency,” was recently launched to allow participants to join in and out of the program at any point. It operates on Zoom every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a variety of interactive activities including music, quizzes, cooking, behavioral support exer-

mission in November 2019. They wanted to meet them, see their religious practices and learn how they could help. After the trip, Colman, Bennett and David Goldberg, a global Jewish leader from Cleveland, formed the Friends of the Beta Israel of North Shewa, with a nonprofit fund under Temple Israel. At the Hadassah meeting, Bennett will talk about efforts by the Friends group, which include helping the Kechene community set up a modest mask-making operation during the pandemic. Working with the Israeli NGO CultivAid to coordinate its efforts, another target is to update agricultural methods. Now, there is excitement about two new opportunities. “We are doing amazing work because of a $50,000 Shalom Corps grant,” Bennett said of the global Jewish volunteering

initiative of the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. “In the last six months, Jewish Ethiopian volunteers working with Israeli staff have put new chimneys on two pottery-making facilities to make them safer. The projects are designed to develop the community and to upgrade the economics of their crafts programming and the facilities in the gedams [the Jewish religious centers, through the Adopt-a-Gedam program].” Bennett also is excited about teaming with the World Union for Progressive Judaism, the arm of the Reform movement outside the U.S., “to develop partnerships to better support the Ethiopians.” Hadassah’s online program begins at 11 a.m. May 10. Register by May 6 at hadassahmidwest.org/ GDraiders. Cost is $10. A link will be sent May 9.

cises, caring for animals and plants, mindfulness exercises, word searches and games. “Choices on the Go” is another option where participants gain a virtual experience of taking a trip to a favorite local destination such as the Detroit Zoo or Greenfield Village. “One of the hardest things for the people we serve is adapting to change,” said Nathan Volz, manager for the Choices program. “What they are going through right now has been a real loss: not meeting with their friends, engaging in daily activities or experiencing community outings. They face a lot of challenges under typical circumstances, but the isolation caused by the pandemic has just made it worse.” Volz added that some participants also have dementia and, due to the pandemic, less social connection. This combination

has been shown to impact a person’s lifespan, so adding daily enriching activities is vital for their physical well-being. “The people we are reaching want the community, the interaction and the activities — and they need it. They want a chance to be included in their community,” Volz said. Prior to the pandemic, approximately 120 people with disabilities took part in Choices. Of those, 20 individuals have returned to in-person programming at the Southfield JVS location; 77 others have been participating in Zoom programming. Participants in Choices are typically referred by their county supports coordinator at age 26 (or older), when they age out of the educational system in Michigan. For more information, contact Nathan Volz at nvolz@ jvshumanservices.org or call (248) 233-4335. APRIL 29 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY

Music and Memories The power of music can slow neurological diseases.

ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

very time Laura Kienscherf heard music, she couldn’t help but dance, sing or hum along. Kienscherf was diagnosed with dementia, and although she battled the progressive neurological disease daily, music would bring her pure joy. “She was so happy,” said son Daryn Kienscherf, 55, of Royal Oak, recalling his mother’s reaction to music. “It put her back in time to a place where life was simpler, and she wasn’t in pain.” Laura, who passed away at the age of 89 in January, grew up taking dance lessons. Frank Sinatra was her favorite artist and the crooner’s song “It Had to Be You” was one that stuck with her for life. Even on bad days, Daryn says his mother would bring up the song, either by humming the tune or saying the words, “It had to be you.” Like many with progressive neurological illnesses, Laura felt the numerous benefits that music brought to her life. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, strokes and more have experienced the incredible impact that music can have on the brain. Now, during Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, it’s more important than ever to understand the power of music on slowing neurological diseases. IMPROVING MENTAL ACTIVITY Music can trigger temporary recollections in memory, an important tool for those with dementia suffering devastating memory loss. It also has the power to activate and sometimes even improve auditory, cognitive, motor and emotional functions that neurological diseases can affect. More and more research is coming out that defines

APRIL 29 • 2021

Musician Michael Krieger plays for the people at the Brown Program before the pandemic. COURTESY OF THE DOROTHY AND PETER BROWN PROGRAM.

“MUSIC CAN HELP MAINTAIN THE PARTS OF THE BRAIN THAT ARE INTACT.” — JVS MUSIC THERAPIST JULIE VERRIEST Laura Kienscherf

music as a crucial tool in helping individuals like Laura rehabilitate or slow down symptoms. It’s also an essential coping or soothing mechanism that serves as a form of comfort when words may fail. Daryn Kienscherf recalls when his mother needed eye surgery to remove Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare

type of skin cancer that had grown beneath her eye. For this procedure, she was sedated but awake. The whole time, Laura was humming and singing. Her nurse and surgeon believed she was using music to distract herself from the discomfort. Music can cause psychological changes in mood that can generate relax-

ation and focus. It can even steady heart rate and breathing, both of which help keep people calm during stressful situations. While music carried Laura through dementia, others benefit in different ways. MUSIC AND MOBILITY In Parkinson’s disease, for example, music has been found to support and preserve functional mobility, which is directly attacked by the illness. For those with aphasia, a loss or impairment of language through brain injury such as a stroke, it’s not uncommon for people to be able to sing, even though they might not be able to speak. This is because processing of speech and song occur in different areas of the brain, so when the words don’t come, music can take their place. Yet it’s not just music alone that can benefit people who have neurological diseases — singing, dancing, playing, listening to and composing music all have the same positive power. Even though Laura had a walker and often needed support in moving, she would find every reason to dance. Whether she attended a live musical performance with the help of her son Daryn and his wife, Susan Davis-Kienscherf, or she was resting at home, Laura was constantly moving. She would dance in her chair and enjoyed listening to music anywhere she could. Even when her mother-inlaw needed to be moved from her chair to her bed, Susan recalls those brief 20 seconds when Laura’s feet would hit the floor. “She would do a little bit of dancing,” she says. Ironically, Daryn says his mother was never much of a singer — just a dancer — but

she began to sing after she developed dementia. It wasn’t always a song she was hearing, but if Laura sang, regardless of the tune, a smile would spread across her face. Laura was a regular attendee of the Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program, a partnership between Jewish Senior Life and JVS Human Services that supports Jewish individuals living with dementia and their families. In fact, she was such a regular that Laura had her own area with a red velvet rope where she could dance, Daryn recalls. Because music was a key element of the program, Laura found solace and connection as soon as the tunes hit. Julie Verriest, manager of senior adult services at JVS and a licensed music therapist, says music promotes many parts of the brain to interact. “It’s a great way to build neural connections and helps people maintain the skills that they have,” she explains. “Research has shown that music decreases agitation, helps people maintain language skills and increases social interaction.” A MOOD BOOSTER For individuals with neurological illness, which can be isolating and lonely, music is a way to reconnect with the past and to also form connections in the present. Plus, it’s a proven mood-booster. “Just listening to music can be relaxing,” Verriest says. “Singing also increases the oxygen to your brain and throughout your body.” Verriest witnessed firsthand how powerful music was for Laura — and many others in the Jewish community — who

participated in the program, particularly in music sessions, which included live performances and chair exercises. “Dancing was a joy for Laura,” Verriest recalls. “It was helping keep her body in shape and it was such an important part of her identity.” For Laura, who met her husband, Gary Kienscherf, a German man who didn’t speak English at the time, while dancing together, music could transport her to her most cherished moments in life. Even through her very last days, Laura continued to respond to concerts held at the Brown Program by local musician and songwriter Michael Krieger. Her son Daryn noted that they were one of the only things she would respond to as she declined from dementia. When the Brown Program closed last March due to COVID-19, the speed of Laura’s decline increased sharply. To her family, it was a clear sign how much music and the program were vital in slowing the speed of her brain change. “Music was cathartic for her when she was having bad moments,” Daryn says. She was even nicknamed “Dancing Laura” because of her passion for it. “I just think the more your brain is stimulated through music, the more it starts to improve other areas,” Verriest says. “As the brain changes during dementia, some parts stay intact longer than others. Long-term memories, for instance, stay intact longer than short-term memories.” Music, she explains, often falls into long-term memories. “If it’s used intentionally,” Verriest says, “music can really help maintain the parts of the brain that are intact.”

Attorney General Nessel in JFS Program May 20 Legal Referral Service, a program of Jewish Family Service will welcome Michigan Attorney General Dana Dana Nessel to a Nessel program on “The People’s Attorney,” which will discuss her role in today’s world. The program, sponsored by the Oakland County Bar Foundation, takes place on Zoom 6 p.m. Thursday, May 20, and is free of charge. To register, visit jfsdetroit.org/ LRS or contact Emily Croitori at (248) 592-2317 or ecroitori@jfsdetroit.org.

B’nai Israel Picks Board, Officers B’nai Israel Synagogue of West Bloomfield announced its board of directors and officers for the latest synagogue year. Officers: co-presidents: Joanna Abramson and Cheryl Berlin; vice president: Charles Seigerman; secretary: Mechelle Bernard; treasurer: David Pappas. Board members: Robert Kimmel, Randall Soverinsky, Amy Robbins, David Victor and past presidents, Frank Ellias and Linda Jacobson. Linda Jacobson continues as executive director. For more information, visit the website: bnaiisraelwb.org, or call (248) 432-2729.

APRIL 29 • 2021

SPORTS

Playing Softball During a Pandemic

15 teams step up to the plate for 26th season of the Inter-Congregational Men’s Club League. STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

APRIL 29 • 2021

CAROLYN KLINGER

year ago, nobody knew if there would be an InterCongregational Men’s Club Summer Softball League season. The COVID-19 pandemic had shut down activities across the country. The 25th anniversary season of one of the Metro Detroit Jewish community’s jewels was in jeopardy. But the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Department reopened its diamonds in June, opening the door for a league season. The league took advantage of the opportunity. Games in the weekly league began June 21, nearly two months later than usual, and continued right on through to the playoffs in August. Rainedout games were not made up because of the condensed schedule. Fifteen teams competed, just two fewer than the “normal” 2019 league season. Fast forward to 2021. The pandemic hasn’t gone away, but neither has the league. Opening day for the league’s 26th season was Sunday, April 25. Fifteen teams are playing in the league once again. They’ll compete each Sunday once again on two diamonds at Drake Sports Park and three diamonds at Keith Sports Park in West Bloomfield. Each team will play 20 regular-season games (weather permitting) and qualify for the

The Temple Israel No. 6 team celebrates its Inter-Congregational Men’s Club Summer Softball League Greenberg Division championship last season.

double-elimination playoffs, scheduled to begin Aug. 8 and conclude Aug. 15. The prestigious Jeff Fox Sportsmanship and Michael Yendick “Pure Heart” awards will be presented once again at the end of the season. No games are scheduled for the Memorial Day and July 4 weekends, but league organizer Steve Achtman is hoping a charity game can be played on either or both weekends. “Hopefully, someone will step up to the plate and put something together,” he said. An average of about 13 to 14 players are on each league team, so there are about 200 players. As for the league rules this season, “the special COVID rules we put in place last season have been eliminated,” Achtman said. “Most of the guys didn’t like them.” But social distancing and masks are recommended. Also recommended is for the catch-

er to stand farther behind the batter than usual, and for the umpire to call balls and strikes from the side of the batter and catcher. Three league teams opted not to play last season, but Temple Shir Shalom added a third team. Congregation Shaarey Zedek has returned this season, but Shir Shalom No. 1 has dropped out. “Looking at the rosters, a handful of guys who didn’t play last year are back this year,” Achtman said. “I hope that means they feel comfortable about playing.” GRATEFUL FOR LAST YEAR The importance of having a league season last year isn’t lost on Achtman. Many recreational sports programs are struggling to get back up and running this year after being shut down last year. “If our league had skipped

a year, things could have fallen apart,” Achtman said. “It was great to be able to play last year, to have a sense of normalcy. I know I was going stir crazy last year at this time. Life still isn’t the same now, so once again having a league season is so important.” Achtman and Michael Betman have been running the league as a tag team for several years. They have a new partner this year in Mitch Klein. League teams once again are divided into three divisions. Each division has its own playoffs. In the Greenberg Division this season are defending division champion Temple Israel No. 6, along with Temple Israel No. 2, No. 4, No. 5 and 2020 Koufax Division champion Shir Shalom No. 2. In the Koufax Division are 2020 Rosen Division champion Adat Shalom Synagogue No. 1, along with Shaarey Zedek, Temple Beth El and Temple Israel No. 1 and No. 3. In the Rosen Division are Adat Shalom No. 2, Shir Shalom No. 3, Bais Chabad Torah Center, Congregation Beth Ahm and Congregation Shir Tikvah. Shir Shalom No. 2 and Adat Shalom No. 1 each moved up a division and two teams moved down a division based on last year’s results. Players and fans can find league results and other features on the league’s website, mensclubsoftball.org.

NATION

Protesters rally and march in Bryant Park, N.Y., on the first day of the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, regarding the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

JNS.ORG: LEV RADIN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Jewish Groups React to Chauvin Verdict JNS.ORG

ewish groups reacted to the verdict on April 20 of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, touched off massive worldwide protests, violence and an examination of U.S. race relations and police conduct in the last year. The Jewish community — active in civil rights and with a long history of Black-Jewish ties — reacted with outrage over Floyd’s death, one of a number of high-profile cases nationwide. Some groups, however, also condemned the riots that erupted as part of demonstrataions last spring and summer, including damage that occurred to synagogues and Jewish businesses. Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. In a statement, the Anti-Defamation League said that the “decision to hold Derek Chauvin accountable for the murder of George Floyd is a critically necessary first in securing #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd.” “It is long past time for our country to tackle systemic racism, reimagine what public safety looks like, and create transformational change to ensure justice and fair treatment for all people.”

The American Jewish Committee said “nothing can bring back the life of George Floyd. But, at the very least, justice has been served today.” The Jewish Council for Public Affairs noted that the verdict is “an initial step toward accountability, justice and healing.” The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minneapolis said in a statement: ‘While no guilty verdict can bring George Floyd back or make his family and friends fully whole for their loss or unwind the trauma inflicted on the broader African American community, we hope that today’s decision brings some measure of justice, healing and peace to his loved ones and for all Minnesotans.’” The Democratic Majority for Israel said the verdict “represents an important step toward addressing the grave injustices he and so many other people of color have suffered. DMFI will continue to advocate for policies that will dismantle the systemic racism that plagues our country.” Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, tweeted: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds (Leviticus 19:16). Over a billion people saw George Floyd murdered. Even more heard today’s just verdict. For too long too many have stood idly by. No more.” The Jewish Federations of North America

tweeted that “while no guilty verdict can bring George Floyd back, we hope that today’s decision brings some measure of justice, healing & peace. We know that there is much work to do. Our resolve to address real & legitimate concerns about racial discrimination has never been stronger.” Jewish on Campus tweeted: “Today’s conviction of Derek Chauvin is a step toward accountability. There is still work to be done. “We at Jewish on Campus send our support to the Black community in the fight against anti-Black racism. We will continue to work alongside you for justice. #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd” Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle in New York City, said in a statement: “We recommit ourselves to reimagining public safety that respects human dignity and ensures people of color and communities of color the rights, freedom and safety that are so long overdue. And we continue to partner with organizations led by our sisters and brothers of color as we work to end centuries of systemic racism in our country.” Look forward to the May 6 Detroit Jewish News for an essay from Rabbi Daniel Syme and Rev. Kenneth Flowers on what this verdict means for Detroit’s Black and Jewish communities.

APRIL 29 • 2021

MAZEL TOV!

Zachary Bernzweig (Shlomo Yitzchak ben Shraga), of Huntington Woods, will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Aish HaTorah in Oak Park. His proud parents are Kim and Paul Bernzweig, and his loving sister is Sophia. Grandparents are Nola and Sam Davis, and the late Sima and Albert Bernzweig. Zach is a seventh-grader at Norup International School in Oak Park. He enjoys helping others, including at Yad Ezra in Berkley and connecting with elders in the community. Chase Abraham Goldman, son of Stefanie and Brian Goldman, will lead the congregation in prayer as he becomes a bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, May 1, 2021. He will be joined in celebration by his sister Ellory and his proud grandparents Clifford and Marilyn Weisberg, and Dolores and Paul Goldman. Chase is a student at Oak Valley Middle School in Commerce Township. As part of his mitzvah project, he volunteered at the Oakland Country Animal Shelter and made dog toys, which he donated to the animal shelter.

APRIL 29 • 2021

Maxwell Joshua Hirsch (Moshe Yacov) will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah at Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy on Saturday, May 1, 2021. He is the son of Heidi and Jason Hirsch, the brother of Molly Hirsch, and the grandson of Bernard and the late Mirriel Hirsch, and the late Shirley and Jack Hes. Max attends Birmingham Covington School. Among his mitzvah projects, he volunteered with Hazon Detroit. Noah Kornspan (Avraham Chaim), son of Richard and Joy Kornspan of Farmington Hills, was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Saturday April 24, 2021, at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield. He was joined by his brother Matthew Kornspan. Noah is the grandson of Beverly Sisler and the late Harvey Sisler, Riki Levenson, and the late Don Kornspan and the late Shirley Kornspan. Noah attends Warner Middle School in Farmington Hills. His mitzvah project was collecting money for Beaumont Center for Exceptional Families.

Adam Chase Markle will lead the congregation in prayer on the occasion of his bar mitzvah on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. He will be joined in celebration by his proud parents, Mindy and Larry Markle. Adam is the loving grandchild

of Alan and the late Anita Hayman, and Rochelle and Chuck Markle. He is a student at Clifford Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. Adam collected donations for and volunteered at the Devoted Barn as part of his most meaningful mitzvah project experience.

Liebman 95th

erry Liebman, of Southfield, is surprised with scores of cards mailed to him from friends and family in honor of his 95th birthday, containing personal messages, notes of inspiration, photos, clever poems and remarks that incited laughter and appreciation. He also enjoyed his April 8, birthday celebrating in other pandemic modes with his children and their spouses, Shelli and Michael Dorfman; Marty and Judy Liebman; Alisa Zdrojewski; and Jon and Mindy Liebman; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Jerry Liebman is a retired radio personality known to many as Specs Howard.

HOW TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Mazel Tov! announcements are welcomed for members of the Jewish community. Anniversaries, engagements and weddings with a photo (preferably color) can appear at a cost of $18 each. Births are $10. There is no charge for bar/bat mitzvahs or for special birthdays starting at the 90th. For information, contact Editorial Assistant Sy Manello at smanello@thejewishnews.com or (248) 351-5147 for information or for a mailed or emailed copy of guidelines.

SPIRIT

TORAH PORTION

Good Leadership Must Include Love

festivals and the prohibitions of hat is the most the Sabbath. important quality One of the greatest for a relitransgressions a Jew can gious leader — a sharp commit is bitul zman, mind or a sensitive heart, wasting or nullifying a commitment to study time. Conversely, one of or a commitment to the greatest accolades the lovingkindness? Rabbi Talmud can bestow upon This week’s parshah Shlomo Riskin anyone is that “their opens with the laws mouth never ceased applying to the Kohanim, Parshat Emor: from studying” (lo pasik the religious, ritual Leviticus pumey mi’girsa). leaders of Israel. The 21:1-24:23; There are many bibreading provides their Ezekiel 44:15-31. lical and talmudic statequintessential leadership ments which strengthen role: to direct the Jewish the need for humane sensitivity people in areas of the sacred and mundane, the ritually pure as a critical subtext for any leader’s decision. For example, and impure, the teachings and the Biblical definition of God’s the statutes, the details of the

ways and God’s glory, insofar as these concepts may be at all understandable to mortals, is “A God of love, a compassionate, powerful One who gives grace freely, long-suffering, filled with lovingkindness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). This passage is the very source for the oral law and the way it is to be applied. The Talmud declares, “He who has Torah learning without good deeds is as if he is bereft of God.” Our response literature, from Rabbi Moshe Isserles to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, is replete with amazing examples proving the importance of humane compassion as an overriding factor in halachic decision making. Haim Grade, in his moving novel Rabbis and Wives, tells of a great Torah scholar known as the porush (the separated one) of Vilna, who refused

to answer halachic questions. This self-imposed “exile” came about because when he was a student in Slobodka, his mother had made a long trip to see him, but he was so involved in extra Yom Kippur Katan prayers and Talmudic studies that he had no time to see her. He was haunted by her last words, “I have a son, a tzadik [righteous man]” because he feared that these words were said not with pride, but rather with sarcastic irony. I believe that the Kohanim, descendants of Aaron, the High Priest, who “loved all creatures and brought them closer to Torah,” must bless the congregation “with love” in order to stress the importance of love in meting out religio-legal judgments. Rabbi Shlomo Riskin is chancellor of Ohr Torah Stone and chief rabbi of Efrat, Israel.

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SPIRIT

Adults and children in Tel Aviv joyously celebrate amid Lag b’Omer bonfires.

The Mystery of Lag b’Omer

he occasion of Lag b’Omer, which is customarily celebrated as a quasi-holiday, is shrouded in mystery. Unlike every other special occasion on the Jewish calendar, regarding Lag b’Omer, we have precious little information about what it is we are celebrating. Rabbi Dov The Gemara Loketch in Maseches Yevamos (62b) tells that Rabbi Akiva had 24,000 students who all died from a dreadful disease during a single period — the weeks after Pesach. They perished, the Gemara says, because they did not treat each other respectfully. The Gemara adds that their death left the world bereft of Torah scholarship, until Rabbi Akiva approached five outstanding scholars and taught them, thereby ensuring the perpetuation of our sacred scholarly tradition. We commemorate the death of Rabbi Akiva’s students by observing certain mourning practices during the weeks after Pesach, the period when they perished. The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 493:2) writes that the mourning practices end on

APRIL 29 • 2021

Lag b’Omer, because according to tradition, the plague ended on this day. The Rama (16th-century Rabbi Moses Isserles of Krakow, Poland) adds that Lag b’Omer is observed as a minor holiday. The Peri Chadash (by Rav Chizkiya Da Silva, ItalyJerusalem, 1659-1698) asks why the end of the plague is cause for celebration. The plague ended only once there were no students left to die. Why is this something to celebrate? The Peri Chadash therefore shifts the focus from the plague to its aftermath — Rabbi Akiva’s rebuilding Torah scholarship after this calamity. According to the Peri Chadash, on Lag b’Omer we celebrate the fact that Rabbi Akiva assured the future of Torah after losing 24,000 students. ALTERNATIVE VIEWS Another explanation is that Lag b’Omer marks the yahrtzeit of Rashbi (second-century Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai). This is based on an account written by Rav Chaim Vital (1543-1620) describing a pilgrimage made by his mentor, the Arizal (Rav Yitzchak Luria, 1534-1572), to Rashbi’s

gravesite on Mount Meiron in the Upper Galilee on Lag b’Omer. Rav Chaim Vital writes that the Arizal referred to Lag b’Omer on that occasion as ‫“ — יום שמת‬the day he died.” Many understood this to mean that Lag b’Omer is Rashbi’s yahrtzeit. Others, however, disagree. In an early manuscript of Rav Chaim Vital’s account, this text reads, ‫ביום שמ' רשב"י‬. And in a different manuscript, the word '‫ שמ‬appears as '‫שמח‬. It seems clear that the intended phrase is ‫“ — שמחת רשב"י‬the joy of Rashbi,” and the letter ‫ ת‬was omitted to save space. Accordingly, the Chida (Rav Chaim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) writes (in Mar’is Ayin, likutim, 7:8) that the theory that Lag b’Omer marks the yahrtzeit of Rashbi stems from a mistaken reading of a manuscript. The Chida explains that ‫ שמחת רשב"י‬refers to the fact that on Lag b’Omer, Rashbi and his four peers began learning with Rabbi Akiva, thus setting into motion the renewal of Torah scholarship. Similar to the Peri Chadash’s understanding, the Chida writes that this was Rashbi’s joyous day because it was then that he began studying

under Rabbi Akiva. According to this understanding, there is only one reason for the Lag b’Omer celebration — the end of the plague and the subsequent rebuilding of Torah. THE JOY OF FREEDOM But there might also be a different explanation of ‫שמחת רשב"י‬. The Aruch Ha’shulchan (O.C. 493:7) by Rav Yechiel Michel Epstein of Nevarduk, Belarus, 1829-1908, interestingly enough, writes in discussing the Lag b’Omer celebration: “They say that he [Rashbi] passed away on this day, and also that he left the cave on this day.” As the Gemara (Shabbos 33b) tells, Rashbi and his son were forced to flee from the Roman authorities, and they hid for 12 years in a cave. Without citing any source, the Aruch Ha’shulchan brings a tradition that it was on Lag b’Omer when they discovered that it was safe to leave. This, then, might be the meaning of ‫— שמחת רשב"י‬ that this was a day of immense joy, when he was finally free to leave the cave and resume his work disseminating Torah. For over a year, we have found ourselves in a “cave” of sorts, limiting our excursions from our homes, in order to protect ourselves from a dangerous illness. Like Rashbi and his son, we have lived in a state of confinement. We hope and pray that G-d will watch over and guard all of us just as He watched over Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son, and that we will soon celebrate our “departure” from this isolation and come together in friendship, joy and love, amen. Rabbi Dov Loketch is a rabbi at Agudas Yisrael Mogen Avraham synagogue in Southfield.

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 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

ORTHODOX Agudas Israel Mogen Abraham Southfield (248) 552-5711 aymadetroit.org 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 continued on page 38

APRIL 29 • 2021

SPIRIT

Synagogue Directory continued from page 37

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

APRIL 29 • 2021

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 Battle Creek (269) 963-4921

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

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

Temple Beth El Bloomfield Township (248) 851-1100 tbeonline.org Temple Beth El Flint (810) 720-9494 tbeflint@gmail.com Temple Beth El Midland (989) 496-3720 tbe_midland@yahoo.com Temple Beth Israel Bay City (989) 893-7811 tbi-mich.org

Congregation Shaarey Zedek East Lansing (517) 351-3570 shaareyzedek.com Temple Shir Shalom West Bloomfield (248) 737-8700 shirshalom.org REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org

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

SECULAR/HUMANISTIC The Birmingham Temple Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 birminghamtemple.com

Temple B’nai Israel Kalamazoo (269) 342-9170 Templebnaiisrael.com

Jewish Parents Institute West Bloomfield (248) 661-1000 jccdet.org

Temple B’nai Israel Petoskey (231) 489-8269 templebnaiisraelofpetoskey.org

Sholem Aleichem Institute Lathrup Village (240 865-0117 secularsaimichigan.org

Temple Emanuel Grand Rapids (616) 459-5976 grtemple.org Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org

SEPHARDIC Keter Torah Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 681-3665 rabbisasson.wixsite.com/keter Ohr Hatorah Oak Park (248) 294-0613 Ohrhatorah.us

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

ARTS&LIFE BOOKS

The Singer and the Scientist

Local children’s author tackles Black-Jewish relationships in new book.

Lisa Rose

STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

or most people, the mention of Albert Einstein conjures up the scientist with wild white hair who developed the theory of relativity. But not many know that during his early years in America as a refugee from Nazi Germany, he befriended Marian Anderson, a Black vocalist who, despite her fame, was denied a hotel stay after her 1937 performance to an all-white audience at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre. This little-known encounter between Einstein and Anderson is the subject of The Singer and the Scientist (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2021), a picture book written by teacher and children’s picture book author Lisa Rose of West Bloomfield. Though Kar-Ben releases books on the lighter, younger side, Rose said she appreciates that the publisher also recognizes the value of picture books that take on more serious topics. While her other books — like Shmulik Paints the Town (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2016) and A Zombie Vacation (Apples and Honey Press 2020) — are “read to a child in your lap” books and distributed through PJ Library, The Singer and the Scientist is meant to be read

in an upper elementary school classroom setting. Accompanied with a teacher’s guide, it can be used as an entry point to discuss racism and antisemitism, Rose added. Rose, a writing coach at Waterford Montessori Academy, was inspired to write this book after discovering this “untold gem” of a story from Einstein’s life.

“EINSTEIN FELT MORE COMFORTABLE LIVING AMONG HIS BLACK NEIGHBORS.” — LISA ROSE

“I have always been fascinated by Einstein, and this book looks at a side of his life that few people know about,” said Rose. “Many people did not know that the town of Princeton was segregated and that as a recent Jewish immigrant who escaped Nazi Germany, Einstein felt more comfortable living among his Black neighbors and

tutored many of their children in math.” Rose’s latest book at press time is currently not part of the PJ Library and is available for purchase online through Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Bookshop. She is also hoping to take the book to more audiences through a virtual book tour. During her college years at the University of Michigan, Rose set out to be a playwright but switched her focus to education. Rose said, as a Jew, she has always been interested in African American culture, history and literature, taking many courses that delved into the topic. She had previous teaching positions in Highland Park and Pontiac, where most of her students were Black. “We [as Jews and Blacks] share common experiences of hurt and struggle for equality and acceptance,” Rose said. “With this book, I wanted to show how Black and Jewish communities can come together as allies and work for equality. In my personal life, I have seen too many instances of confrontation between our two communities, and I wrote this book asking people to take a step back and realize that, historically, we are on the same side.” At home, Rose said her daughter Victoria, 12, has cherished her collection of PJ Library books. An initiative of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, PJ Library began in 2005, and each month sends free Jewish books (and music) to children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years old. A newer PJ Library program called PJ Our Way allows older readers, between ages 9-11, to select an age-appropriate Jewish book or graphic novel each month, also at no cost. As one of Michigan’s only PJ Library authors, Rose said she has gotten to know others who live across the country through a Jewish children’s literary group called Meshuggenahs. “PJ Library has created a positive, supportive community not only for the families who enjoy these books but also for the authors who write them,” said Rose, a lifelong member of Temple Kol Ami in West Bloomfield. “Nothing beats the experience of sharing a book with your child in your lap at home. It’s even more exciting to meet online and connect with the authors of these books and share that instant connection as authors and colleagues.” APRIL 29 • 2021

ARTS&LIFE FILM

LEFT: Forgiveness. CENTER: From Cairo to the Cloud: The World of the Cairo Geniza. RIGHT: Carol Kane (Hester Street) and Amy Irving (Crossing Delancey) will discuss their memories of working with pioneering director Joan Micklin Silver May 23.

A Feast of Films

The Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival will be presented online. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

rom a documentary about finding and remotely circulating priceless historical documents to a fictional comedy about bumbling bank robbers, this year’s Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival, running May 2-23, offers virtual viewers a variety of cinematic themes and relevant speakers.

APRIL 29 • 2021

On the serious end of the spectrum, From Cairo to the Cloud: The World of the Cairo Geniza explains how a cache of medieval materials was uncovered in the storeroom (geniza) of an Egyptian synagogue (Ben Ezra), divided mostly between Cambridge University in England and the Jewish Theological Seminary

(JTS) in New York and made available to interested researchers through the web. David Kraemer, director of the JTS library and JTS professor of Talmud and rabbinics, appears in the film and will be interviewed online about the movie content and implications of the materials. On the comedic end of the spectrum, Forgiveness explores evolving reconciliation attitudes of two inept conspirators, one who is imprisoned and one who gets away. The Israeli film, with English subtitles, is produced by Adar Shafran, who spoke remotely to Michigan audiences when an earlier festival presented his production Douze Points. This year’s event breaks away from the web for one evening (Thursday, May 6) by offering a drive-in opportu-

nity showcasing classic Marx Brothers films. The closing night (Sunday, May 23) presents a remote discussion by award-winning actors Carol Kane (Hester Street) and Amy Irving (Crossing Delancey) as they remember working with pioneering director Joan Micklin Silver. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE “From Cairo to the Cloud does an exceptional job in telling about what is arguably one of the most significant historical discoveries of the last century-and-a-half,” said Kraemer, who will be interviewed by Susan Adelman, Michigan author of After Saturday Comes Sunday, which examines the history of Christian and Jewish communities in Mideast countries. “We have samples of every-

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE “I remember talking to a Michigan audience as a nice experience with everything very well organized, and I love Forgiveness because I love comedies,” said Shafran, who has been a producer with his own company, Firma Films, for 15 years and has overseen 10 feature movies, TV series and shorts. “This comedy is warm and funny, and it has a meaning that says although someone or something is harming you, you need to try and find a place to forgive. I hope that people will see this film, laugh and cry, and think about how forgiveness is a great thing.” Other festival comedies include Kiss Me Kosher, which is about lovers who don’t seem meant for each other, and If You See My Mother, which is about a young doctor who talks to his mom after her death while starting a romance mom likely would not approve of. Remaining films delve into relationships, wildlife adventure, Holocaust drama, mystery and other topics that draw audiences to plotlines in varied contexts of Judaism. While the documentary On Broadway features bigname stars talking about stage creativity and business, Israeli singer-actress Shiri Maimon, who has starred on Broadway, can be seen in Forgiveness. She is particularly familiar to a Michigan audience who watched her remote musical appearance in a recent Temple Israel program.

details

The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival runs May 2-23. $5 per film per viewer available in a 24-hour time frame. For a full listing of films, associated programming, sponsorship and festival passes, go to culturalarts.jccdet.org/filmfest. (248) 609-3303.

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thing the collection contains — prayer books, rabbinic texts, Biblical texts, personal letters, commercial lists, compositions by people like Maimonides, Judah Halevi poetry, marriage documents and exercises for children learning how to write.” All the documents remain in their original languages, whether Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic or Judeo-Arabic for scholars to translate. “A major point [in the collection] was the great acculturation of the Jewish community in the ArabMuslim community of medieval Cairo,” said Kraemer, who has spoken many times at local synagogues and the University of Michigan. “Jews spoke Arabic, lived in ways very similar to their neighbors and were very much involved with the lives of their neighbors but [remained] powerfully Jewish. [The Geniza] is about people living together in ways that are often quite unexpected.” Other documentaries being showcased this year include Mrs. G, which tells about the woman who designed and established a booming swimwear business; Hollywood’s Second World War, which reveals how successful Europeanborn directors returned to Europe and risked their lives to make films about U.S. Army triumphs, such as the liberation of Dachau; and Maverick Modigliani, which chronicles the life of the Jewish Italian artist.

CHIMPS, LOONEY TUNES, LATE NIGHT, KIDS’ GEMS The HBO special, The Human Chimp, premieres on April 29. In 1964, Univ. of Oklahoma psychologist Maurice K. Temerlin (1924-1988) and his wife, Jane Whitbeck Temerlin, adopted a young chimpanzee whom they named Lucy and raised as a human child. At first, things went well. However, by the time a young grad student, Janis Carter, was hired (1976) by the Temerlins, the experiment had turned sour. Lucy was considered unpredictable and dangerous. The Temerlins told Carter to just feed Lucy and clean up after her. The next year, they asked Carter to accompany them, and Lucy, to a facility in Africa where chimps were trained to go back into the wild. Carter was supposed to be in Africa for a few days, but stayed for a decade, trying to help Lucy and some other chimps. Carter, now 70, was extensively interviewed by the filmmaker. The Hollywood Reporter, which highly praised the film, does note that Maurice did express regrets about how he raised Lucy without contact with other chimps. On a much lighter note, on April 29, HBO will begin streaming new Looney Tunes cartoons. The 10-episode season follows critically acclaimed new Looney Tunes cartoon releases on HBO in 2019 and 2020. I suspect that Jeff Bergman, who voices Elmer Fudd and other characters, is Jewish, but it’s unconfirmed. However, Bob Bergen, 57, who voices

Tiffany Haddish

Porky Pig, is definitely Jewish. In a 2014 interview, he discussed his one-man show, describing it as “the story of a nice Jewish boy who wanted to be Porky.” In the same interview, he related how, at age 14, he bluffed his way into a Hollywood studio and met his idol, Mel Blanc, who originated the Porky voice. Bergen, a threetime Emmy nominee, is a top voice actor. He has been the voice of Porky, in cartoons and ads, since 1990. The Story of Late Night is a six-part original CNN series (starts Sunday, May 2). It’s about the history of late-night talk shows. For whatever reason, there has never been a Jewish host of a “big ratings” late-night talk show. However, Chelsea Handler, 46, who had a “2nd tier” talk show, appears in the series. Also appearing is Lorne Michaels, 76, the creator of SNL and the producer of Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers, who isn’t Jewish, but his wife is, and they were wed in a Jewish ceremony.) The second season of the revival of the popular ’60s series, Kids Say the Darndest Things, will begin on CBS on Wednesday, May 5, at 8 p.m. Host Tiffany Haddish, 41, has the ability to coax “real” and often funny comments from the kids. The show also features clips from the original series, which starred Art Linkletter. APRIL 29 • 2021

ON THE GO

Luke Winslow-King

PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS

LAG B’OMER BASH 8 PM, APRIL 29 Join The Well, Hillel of Metro Detroit and NEXTGen Detroit at Chabad of Greater Downtown Detroit for food, fire, archery, arts and crafts, as well as a bar for 21+ guests. The evening will be entirely outdoors, socially distant and kept to a limited capacity. If you can’t partake in person, get a Lag b’Omer kit for your very own bonfire at home and a Zoom link to join remotely. $10/$18 for couples. $5 to attend at home: Jewishdetroit.org/ events/lag-bomer-bash. BIM BOM BABY 10-10:30 AM, APRIL 30 Celebrate Shabbat on Zoom with Temple Shir Shalom’s rabbis. The program is geared to babies and children 0-6 years old. There is no charge; all are welcome. Information: Julie at julie@ shirshalom.org or 248-4064255.

Zuill Bailey

MUSICAL EVENING 8-9 PM, MAY 1 The Chamber Music Society of Detroit will present an online event featuring Zuill Bailey, cello and Bryan Wallick, piano. Visit: cmdetroit.org.

APRIL 29 • 2021

JEWISH PEOPLEHOOD 10:30 AM, MAY 2 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Bergman on Zoom for the Shalom Hartman Institute iEngage Video Lecture Series exploring the pressing issues facing the Jewish world today. Free. To register, contact Jodi Gross, jgross@adatshalom.org. CELEBRATING MOTHERS 4-5 PM, MAY 2 Join NEXTGen Detroit, Tamarack Camps, JCC’s Jfamily and PJ Library Detroit for a full day of fun family activities honoring the mothers in our lives. From song sessions led by Bubble Club’s Lindsay Mall to decorating your own picture frames, this event is intended for NEXTGen Detroit families with children ages 0-5, but older siblings are welcome. This event is outdoors with participants spaced out in the park. All families must pre-register to limit the number of people present. All participants over the age of 2 are asked to wear a mask at all times. Bring your own blanket. Location: Franklin Park, 26495-26201 Carol Ave., Franklin. Visit: jlife.app/ events/444. FAMILY ROOM SERIES 7:30 PM, MAY 2 The Ark in Ann Arbor will present Luke Winslow-King, New Orleans-based guitarist, singer, producer and songwriter. Free, streamed to The Ark Ann Arbor Facebook page. Donations to the “virtual tip jar” support The Ark and participating artists.

FAMILY ROOM SERIES 7:30 PM, MAY 2

WINDSOR FILM FESTIVAL MAY 2-6 & 9-13 The Windsor and Hamilton, Ont., Jewish Federations will present the 2021 Jewish Film Festival over the span of 10 days. releasing one film daily, which can be viewed online for 48 hours on the Eventive Virtual Platform: whjff.eventive.org. This year they have also added Q&A’s with some directors. There are two different ways to experience the festival: Purchase a full festival pass, which will get you access to all 10 of the films ($30 saving); purchase a half-festival pass which will get you five films of your choosing ($10 savings). You can purchase single tickets for individual films. Each ticket “unlocks” a specific film of your choosing. All films will be released at 7 pm EST on the day they are scheduled. LUNCHTIME LEARNING NOON, MAY 3 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites you to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman in a program titled “Great Jewish Photographers.” The program is open to the community. There is no charge. To RSVP and receive a Zoom link, contact Jodi Gross. jgross@adatshlaom.org.

THE BINTEL BRIEF 2 PM, MAY 3 Join Jewish Historical Society of Michigan and David Weinberg, professor emeritus of Bowling Green State University and Wayne State University, to explore the story of the integration of Polish and Russian Jewish immigrants into American life. Hear an analysis of selected letters in English from the “Bintel Brief,” the famous advice column published for more than 50 years in the Jewish Daily Forward. Format: Zoom; cost: $10 for JHSM members, $18 for nonmembers. Register by 9 pm on Sunday, May 2: info@ michjewishhistory.org. FAMILY ROOM SERIES 8 PM, MAY 4 The Ark in Ann Arbor will present South for the Winter with their genre-bending sound, meticulously crafted lyrics and impressive assortment of instruments at their command. Free streaming on The Ark Facebook page. Donations to the “virtual tip jar” support The Ark and participating artists. BOOK LAUNCH & CONVERSATION NOON-1 PM, MAY 5 “The Arab and Jewish Questions: Geographies of

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Engagement in Palestine and Beyond” is a Zoom presentation by the University of Michigan Frankel Center for Judaic Studies. Editors Leila Farsakh and Bashir Bashir will be in conversation with contributor Moshe Behar and Nadia Fadil. Advance registration required: JudaicStudies@umich.edu. MENTAL HEALTH 3:30-4:30 PM, MAY 5 Jewish Family Service will present Dr. Jeffrey London as he provides an overview of psychiatric disorders. For info on this Zoom meeting: Visit jfsdetroit.org/drlondon. GUN CONTROL 12:30 PM, MAY 6 Hadassah Chicago-North Shore virtually presents “The Power of Women Who Fight Gun Violence,” featuring Gabby Giffords, Register by May 4, hadassahmidwest.org/ CNSPL. There is a $36 event fee. Prize drawing tickets available: $5 per ticket/$20 for 5 tickets. Gabby will be joined by Robyn Thomas, executive director of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Lisa

Hostein, executive editor of Hadassah Magazine, will join them in this conversation via Zoom. For questions, contact cns@ hadassah.org. ORIGINS OF ROCK 7 PM, MAY 6 Henry Feinberg, musician, composer and music instructor, is presenting virtually at Temple EmanuEl. The topic is “The Origins of Rock & Roll.” He’ll lead a journey tracing the birth and early development of rock ’n’ roll that ends with the 1964 arrival of the Beatles in the U.S.A. Free. Info: 248-967-4020 or email TempleFamily@ emanuel-mich.org. HIDDEN JEWS 11 AM, MAY 10 Hadassah of Greater Detroit will welcome Rabbi Joshua Bennett of Temple Israel who will discuss the “Hidden Jews of Ethiopia.” Register by May 6. $10 event fee. Visit: hadassahmidwest.org/ GDraiders. Info: 248-6855030. Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews.com.

of Philanthropic Services (DPS) to be part of its Endowment team. Reporting to the Director of the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, 3)______________________________________________ 6)______________________________________________ a division of JFGT, the DPS will provide operational support to the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation in the key areas of board and committee staffing, stewardship of fund distributions, marketing of needs and opportunities, and planning and development of donor events. The successful candidate will be an innovative leader and a team player, with strong interpersonal skills and a desire to cultivate relationships at all levels. The DPS is a full-time, non-exempt employee of JFGT. For complete job description and application information, go to www.jewishtoledo.org/career-center. 2)______________________________________________ 5)______________________________________________

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HEALTH

Caregivers:

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The Jewish community offers support to those caring for the sick or infirm. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

s parents and spouses age, the possibility of running into a situation where you either become a caregiver yourself or need to find a caregiver is something many people may encounter. A caregiver is a family member or paid helper who helps take care of a sick, elderly or disabled individual. While caregiving

may feel like a scary or uncertain experience, many resources are available in the local Jewish community that can help make the transition a bit easier. CAREGIVER RESOURCES One of the first places people can turn for caregiving assistance is Jewish Family

Service of Metropolitan Detroit. “We have a whole host of services that might be helpful to people who are new to caregiving,” explains Lynn Breuer, JFS director of community outreach and wellness. The agency provides geriatric case management services to older adults who are struggling to meet basic needs, as well as more intensive fee-based geriatric care management services through its ElderCare Solutions of Michigan division. This intensive program supports older adults and helps Lynn their families plan for caregivBreuer ing while offering guidance, advocacy and emotional support. “Sometimes a caregiver just might need one or two meetings with a geriatric social worker,” Breuer explains of one possible scenario where help may be provided. This can be an individual whose father was recently diagnosed with dementia, or an individual whose loved one became disabled after experiencing a stroke. “We would walk people through some of the steps to take care of the elderly,” Breuer

Legal Steps to Take to Plan for Caregiving While health management is undoubtedly one of the biggest elements of caregiving, caregivers should consider legal steps to protect their rights and the rights of cared-for loved ones. Here’s what Mount Clemens-based elder law attorney and wealth Patrick preservation specialist Patrick Simasko Simasko of Simasko Law, simaskolaw.com, recommends doing to ensure legal safety in the caregiving process: 1. Sign a medical power of attorney. “You absolutely need to have your loved one sign a medical power of attorney,” Simasko says. A medical power of attorney allows you to make medical decisions if your loved one is unable to. It’s important to have this document made before a person gets sick. Because of COVID-19 restrictions in hospitals, he explains, families and lawyers will not be able to enter a hospital all together, which makes it harder to try and get these documents signed and notarized should your loved ones fall sick with anything.

APRIL 29 • 2021

2. Sign a financial power of attorney. “Another essential document for your loved one to sign is a financial power of attorney,” he says. A financial power of attorney grants you the power to make money decisions on behalf of your loved one. When creating a financial power of attorney and medical power of attorney, make sure to list more than one person in these documents, Simasko suggests. That way, if the person listed first is unable to perform their duties for any reason, there is another person in line to take over. 3. Create an estate plan. “The next thing you need to do is create an estate plan, which will include the medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney and revocable trust, if you want to avoid probate,” he continues. At the same time, double-check all the ownership and beneficiary designations on your loved one’s various financial accounts to make sure they’re going to the right people. 4. Understand FMLA rights. “It’s important for caregivers to under-

stand their FMLA rights if they need to care for a family member,” Simasko says. “Make sure to look into the Family and Medical Leave Act so you can get extra time off to help care for your loved one.” With many people working from home, he says it’s now easier for caregivers to attend to family needs. 5. Monitor for signs of elder abuse. “If you need to place your loved one into a facility or have caregivers come into the home, make sure you monitor the situation closely — regardless if the caregiver is a professional, neighbor or relative,” Simasko cautions. “These caregivers have access to vulnerable individuals and may start to financially exploit them. Be very careful and watch for the signs.” These can include a misuse of personal checks, credit cards or accounts, along with intimidation and blaming of the individual being cared for.

Lynne Breuer leads a PATH (Personal Actions Toward Health) class.

JFS

continues. “A consultation is helpful for difficult situations like, ‘How do we help someone stop driving?’ or if someone needs to move.” JFS coaches caregivers on how to find a community that will meet their loved one’s needs, among other topics that some may not feel equipped to handle on their own. For those without next steps lined up for caregiving, the Geriatric Care Management program also offers assessments that help determine which path to take. “People may know their loved one is declining, but they don’t know what to do to bring some stability,” Breuer said. “If that’s the case, someone from our team can do an assessment of that person and take a look at everything from their activities of daily living to what they’re able to do without assistance.” JFS can help make recom-

mendations for medication management, alleviating social isolation (especially throughout the pandemic), cognitive screening and other forms of support for loved ones in need of caregiving. They also offer a doorthrough-door transportation service that helps take people to appointments, check them in and make sure they get safely to and from their locations. Kosher meal delivery services can also be arranged for individuals struggling to cook. CAREGIVER HEALTH Taking care of loved ones can take a significant toll on caregivers themselves. According to Caregiver.org, 40-70% of family caregivers show clinical symptoms of depression. That’s why it’s essential for caregivers to also focus on their own physical and mental health to prevent burnout or other more serious complications. “People need to take care of their own health, so they are better able to provide care for people who are counting on them,” Breuer says. Sleep, exercise and healthy eating all play an important role in overall health, something caregivers should aim to make a priority in life. Practicing calmness is also important, whether through meditation, journaling or sim-

continued on page 46 Brown Center

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HEALTH

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Julie Verriest leads a class on Zoom at the Brown Center. continued from page 45

ply taking time for oneself in the midst of caring for another. Caregivers can also access JFS’ caregiving support programs, which include group health coaching classes that cover topics like how to talk to physicians, problem-solving and making tough decisions. “This can all be overwhelming when you’re providing care for someone else,” Breuer says. “These classes focus on helping people develop a rich toolbox of ways to better care for themselves.” JFS also provides free presentations and community workshops that talk about a variety of caregiving-related concerns, like how to prevent falls or improve brain health. Additionally, caregivers can access behavioral health services that include mental health counseling at JFS. SUPPORT SERVICES Yet, JFS isn’t the only place people can turn. Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit also extends monthly virtual caregiver support groups to the community. “Anyone is welcome to attend,” says Debi Banooni, director of the Dorothy and Peter Brown Adult Day Program, a partnership of Debi Jewish Senior Life Banooni and JVS Human Services. “It’s a relaxed atmosphere where people are invited to share what they would like or just listen.”

JOHN HARDWICK

In these virtual support groups, people can join a community of individuals also involved in caregiving to talk about struggles, successes or resources they’ve found. “People realize they’re not alone,” Banooni continues. “We want to make sure care partners are not feeling isolated.” A variety of other programs are also available through the partnership for people who might need caregiving, such as individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These include chair exercises, musical activities and other programs people can participate in, including caregivers. Not only does this benefit individuals in need, but the programs can help alleviate caregiver stress, allowing caregivers time to cook, clean or simply take a few moments to breathe and relax. Or, if they’d like, to take part in the workshops and have a bit of fun with their loved one. Both new and existing caregivers can reach out to Jewish Family Service, jfsdetroit.org/ find-help/older-adults/ geriatric-care-management, (248) 592-2313, or the Dorothy and Peter Brown Adult Day Program, jslmi.org/thedorothy-peter-brown-jewishcommunity-day-program, (248) 592-5031, for more information or guidance on how to receive support.

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APRIL 29 • 2021

HEALTH

Julie and her daughter in the kitchen

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t’s traditional therapy with a twist. By combining cooking with talk therapy, Culinary Art Therapy gives people a chance to boost their wellness through a fun and creative outlet. Founded by West Bloomfield-based therapist Julie Ohana, 42, Culinary Art Therapy was an idea she developed about 17 years ago while attending the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York City. She wrote about the unique approach in her master’s thesis, explaining how cooking can be healing and cathartic in the therapeutic process. “I remember knowing that this is what I wanted to write about, and this was something I very much believed in,” Ohana explains. Shortly after graduating, her friend helped her put together a website using the information from her thesis. But then Ohana got married, had two children and the idea was put on hold while she focused on her family. Three years ago, she decided to return to it. “Now’s the time,” she recalls thinking. Her kids were older, and she had more space in her life to move forward with the

APRIL 29 • 2021

idea of Culinary Art Therapy. As a lifelong cook, it’s something she didn’t forget about. “The time was right for me personally,” Ohana continues, “but the world was ready for this idea.” She explains that we’ve become a culture centered around food, where looking at food on Instagram and Pinterest didn’t exist at the time of her thesis. “I think with the creation of these sites came an awareness and a desire for people to be able to consume this practice,” Ohana adds. “There’s inspiration everywhere, and inspiration is motivation but it’s also connection.” Through food, she aims to help people make connections with one another, themselves or the world around them. “I work with a wide range of people on a clinical basis and also people who are looking to participate in an activity that feels good, that brings people together,” Ohana explains of her approach to therapy. “They’re working on life skills and different habits that are just good for you.” Each session is tailor-made to a client’s needs and can be done individually or in

COURTESY OF JULIE OHANA

a group. Ohana starts with a questionnaire similar to an intake form that asks people about their goals, intentions and of course, the type of food they enjoy most. She factors in allergies and other dietary needs when developing a course of action that combines cooking with therapy. “I ask people about their memories, the foods they recall that they have a positive continued on page 50

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continued from page 48

connection to,” Ohana says. “That really helps to elicit a certain emotion from the client and gives me a certain point of how to put together the session.” From there, Ohana develops a suggested menu, provides the recipes and creates a shopping list. Then, she cooks with her clients. Before the pandemic, cooking sessions were in-person. Now, she’s pivoted to virtual sessions held over Zoom that typically run an hour long. “In every session, we always start with an opening dialogue about expectations and an introduction to what this is all about,” she explains of her program. FOOD AND GOALS Then comes the cooking, which is often followed by an eating element. “People put together something beautiful and delicious and that gives them a chance to taste it for themselves and really celebrate what they’ve done,” Ohana says. She closes the session with a summary discussion that wraps everything together, from goals to the food that’s been created. With food having such a strong connection to

memories, Ohana says the power of cooking can have a tremendous impact on mental health and wellness. “I think specifically for Jewish people, we tend to be more aware of the power that food has in our world,” she explains. “Even with something like this, people can be amazed by food and they underestimate the power that it holds.” She always tells her clients that the smell is the strongest of the senses, giving people an opportunity to reminisce and recall things from the past. From sourdoughs to challah, to dishes that require chopping, mixing and stirring (Ohana’s favorite), she says there is no limit to what people can make. “I think as long as somebody has an openness to something a little bit different and out of the box, and has an interest in being creative, this could potentially be for them” she says of Culinary Art Therapy. “When you give somebody a task that makes them feel more at ease, it’s much easier for them to open up and put themselves in a place to make connections.” Learn more at culinaryarttherapy.com.

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hen news got out that Soul Cafe in West Bloomfield would reopen on April 12, their fanbase was ready. I’m told that business was so good the first week, staff had to stop taking walk-ins on the following Sunday because the restaurant was fully booked. Rotated artwork brightens white walls in Soul Cafe’s airy dining room that has the feeling of a gallery. Large groups still gather at a high-top butcher-block table for 14. Fewer regular tables are available than before, spaced apart for pandemic safety. Outdoors, besides seating on the heated covered patio, another option are the two four-top tables placed inside clear medium-weight plastic structures with windows. There are several cool things

APRIL 29 • 2021

to say about Soul Cafe, located within the Farber Soul Center on Drake Road, nearly a mile north of the Jewish Community Center. One is that Soul Cafe offers tasty, imaginative food that also happens to be kosher dairy. Yes, “tasty” and “imaginative” do go with “kosher.” The upshot is that nearly everyone can feel confident ordering from the restaurant’s all-day breakfast and lunch menu. Accompanying meals, or to enjoy separately, are non-alcoholic beverages that include Chazzano Coffee Roasters, Starbucks Coffee, espresso drinks and smoothies. The mission of the Farber Soul Center is also cool. A project of Friendship Circle, affiliated with Lubavitch of Michigan, the Soul Center provides an inclusive environ-

ment for adults with special needs. Clients receive guidance to create, and sometimes sell, fine arts they make in Soul Center’s Dresner Foundation Soul Studio. Interested individuals learn restaurant skills for pay at Soul Cafe, brainchild of Friendship Circle director and co-founder Bassie Shemtov. Shemtov, married to Rabbi Levi Shemtov, oversees Soul Center. Shalom Shomer, director of kosher operations for Milk & Honey/Epic Kosher Catering, is general manager at Soul Cafe’s dairy kosher kitchen. The Council of Orthodox Rabbis provides supervision. “We offer healthy, fresh kosher food for everyone in a warm, non-judgmental environment,” said Shemtov. Soul Cafe welcomed back customers with a new menu. Chefs Kelly Ambrosi and Zebadiah Versele were wise, however, to keep the Ancient Grains Salad. My favorite dish features dates, caramelized shal-

lots, sweet potato, quinoa, green apple, seeds, greens and silan vinaigrette. Try it with salmon on top. I again enjoyed salmon in Blackened Salmon Sliders, served inside pretzel buns. Chef Zeb is especially proud of their House Made Veggie Burger — brown rice and walnut patty, mushrooms, pickled red onion, spinach, chive aioli on a Dakota Bread challah bun. Friendship Circle’s purchase of the Dakota Bread bakery gives clients more job training opportunities. The surprising Polenta Squares had pickled mustard seeds that resemble couscous. Another winner is Fancy Toast, including ricotta cheese, poached pear slices, pomegranates, toasted hazelnuts, fresh thyme and honey drizzle on Dakota Bread Grains Galore. Dinner service starts next month. Reserve now for a fixed-price, family-style Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 9.

SPOTLIGHT Detroit Jews for Justice Award Gala Detroit Jews for Justice (DJJ) organizes Metro Detroit Jewish communities to participate in movements for racial and economic justice. DJJ will host its second Myra Wolfgang Awards as a virtual gala on Tuesday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. The 2021 Myra Wolfgang Award Honorees Julie are Julie Hurwitz, a civil Hurwitz rights attorney and partner at Goodman Hurwitz & James P.C., where she specializes in civil rights and government misconduct litigation. She is being recognized for her work Rudy representing victims of Simons the Flint water crisis and Detroit Black Lives Matter organization, Detroit Will Breathe. Also being honored is Detroit Disability Power, a membership organization that works to build the political power of the disability community. DDP is recognized for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure access to care, testing and vaccines for the disability community. Rudy Simons, peace and human rights activist, was a vice president of the Cranbrook Peace Foundation, a former co-chair and longtime board member of the MI Coalition for Human Rights, deeply involved with the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Wayne State University for decades. He is being recognized for his lifelong impact to enable peace and human rights in Detroit and the world. The evening will include a cultural program of visual art by Olivia Guterson, a musical performance by pianist Ian Fink and a poetry reading by the TETRA Art Collective. The event will be hosted by Zak Rosen and a fundraising online auction will be open to the public until May 4. Purchase tickets at detroitjewsforjustice. org/wolfgang2021.

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

CLAIRE CHAMBERS, 94, of Bloomfield Hills, died April 14, 2021. In her words: “I went from nothing all the way to the White House; I had a wonderful husband that I adored, three wonderful children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.” That pretty much describes the life of Claire Chambers. From modest beginnings in Bay City, Mich., she moved to Detroit, and on a blind date she met the man she knew she was going to marry. The early years were filled with raising three young children and supporting an entrepreneurial husband. Through the years, she became the perfect corporate wife, entertaining clients and hosting many parties. In the 1980s, Claire became involved in the Senatorial Trust, supported the Reagan/ Bush administration and was appointed to serve on the board of the Kennedy Center in Washington. In later years, she became active in fundraising for various charities in the Detroit area, most notably Henry Ford Hospital. She loved her home in Miami Beach and enjoyed traveling with her husband and, later, her friends, children and grandchildren to places all over the world. She enjoyed a full and happy 94+ years. Mrs. Chambers is survived by her son and daughterin-law, Robert and Cindy Chambers; daughter and son-in-law, Kit Chambers and Jeffrey Finn; daughterin-law, Susan Chambers; grandchildren, Scott (Penni) Chambers, Brian (Aurea) Chambers, Robert (Nichole) Chambers, Audrey (Robert) Trethewey, Aidan Finn and Delaney Finn; great-grandchildren, Cole, Cate, Matthew, continued on page 57

An Artist Remembered SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

t services celebrating the life of Thomas Fox, many observers could touch a treasured piece of jewelry being worn and experience a personal connection to the man honored after having lost his battle with cancer on April 17, 2021. He was 89. Fox, a Holocaust survivor who escaped to Israel before moving to Detroit, established an engineering career and an artistic hobby, with his creativity continuing into his final days. He filled his West Bloomfield home with hundreds of sculpted pieces and gave away what specifically was made for those who were close. Daughter Lori Rodner wore a necklace made of concentric circles, symbolizing the importance of striving for bigger and better circumstances, while she delivered a eulogy that told about her dad’s devotion to family members, some following in his engineering career. “I like working with my hands and imagining what I can do,” Thomas Fox told the Jewish News in 2018, when his daughters put together a coffee table book, Tom Fox: A Lifetime of Art, filled with pictures of his projects, some mechanical, that included works made of wood, metals and/or glass. “I want to do things that are unique.” When grandchildren Hannah and Joshua Rodner expressed their remembrances, they listed characteristics, such as “kindness” and “loyalty,” to describe the man whose love so often was communicated through artistry. Hannah wore a necklace with her name in English and Hebrew, and Joshua wore a necklace with continued oninto pagethe XX copper wire formed

Thomas Fox

shape of a Fox head. Before Rodner spoke about the functional shelf her dad designed to hold COVID masks, Rabbi Aaron Bergman of Adat Shalom Synagogue recalled Tom Fox’s early life. Fox was raised in an Orthodox Budapest household, where his father was a shoemaker and where he started experimenting with equipment design and repair. The rabbi told about how this Adat Shalom member brought food to Hungarians forced into ghettos, served in the Israeli Air Force and went on to design and repair airplane parts. An aunt and uncle were at the center of the honoree’s move to Detroit, where he studied at Wayne State University before obtaining employment in the auto industry. CREATED JUDAIC ART Fox’s talents could be seen in objects intended to depict Jewish history or observe rituals. A member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Michigan, he made sculptures representing Bible stories, including Moses carrying the Ten Commandments, Noah’s Ark and Jacob’s Ladder as well as menorahs and dreidels.

The family hopes to donate some religious artwork to Jewish organizations housed in local buildings. In illness, Fox told his wife of nearly 60 years that he would be around for her birthday, April 17, and he was — although not for the whole day. “My husband always kept his word,” Judith Fox said. Mr. Fox is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Koenig Fox; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Kathy (Barron) Fox; daughters and son-in-law, Sandra Fox, and Lori (Fox) and Darren Rodner; grandchildren, Jack Fox, Daniel Fox, Hannah Rodner, Joshua Rodner and Zachary Rodner; many other loving family members and friends. Mr. Fox was the son of the late Sandor and the late Lenke (Fischer) Fux; the brother of the late Kornel Fux; son-inlaw of the late Anne Glicklin Koenig Levin. Interment took place at Nusach Hari Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to the Jewish Genealogical Society of Michigan, Jewish Family Services or JewishGen. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. APRIL 29 • 2021

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

A Force of Nature with a Caring Heart RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hroughout her lifetime, Dorothy “Dottie” Gerson was guided by three great passions: her family, her multitude of friends and her commitment to helping others. As energetic and determined as she was giving and compassionate, Dorothy lived each day to the fullest, remaining active and connected to the people she loved. On April 16, 2021, Dorothy passed away, just three weeks short of her 100th birthday. Dorothy and her younger brother, the late William “Bill” Davidson, grew up in Detroit, in close proximity to their grandparents, aunts, uncles and first cousins. As the oldest, she frequently looked after “the boys,” a precursor to her later — and most fulfilling — role as the matriarch of a large and loving family. She began her studies at the University of Michigan and then moved to New York, where she received a bachelor’s degree in business from Barnard College and a master’s in accounting from Columbia University. By taking advantage of the city’s many cultural offerings, she began a lifelong appreciation for art, music and theater. She met her husband of 66 years, the late Byron “Bud” Gerson through a mutual friend, and, after one false start, the two became inseparable. Their marriage was an egalitarian partnership brimming with love, humor and mutual respect, despite his proclivity for promptness and her tendency to “finish one

APRIL 29 • 2021

more thing” before leaving fast gatherings and Passover the house. seders, which she hosted in The couple traveled the her Franklin home through country and the world, includ- her mid-90s, were legendary, ing many missions to and always included Israel. Dorothy was newcomers to town raised in a family of or those who had no avid Israel supportfamily to celebrate ers, and the Gersons with. and Davidsons Dorothy was an proudly continued active member of the legacy through Hadassah, which numerous visits and her mother, Sarah transformational con- Dorothy Gerson Wetsman (Ralph) tributions. Davidson, helped found. She was a LOVE OF THE ARTS generous supporter of the Dorothy was a caring and local arts, including the attentive mother to her sons, Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), the Detroit Institute Ralph and Matthew, with of Arts (DIA), The Henry whom she shared her love of Ford and a founding memthe arts. ber of the Jewish Ensemble “She was determined Theatre (JET). to make sure we were She amassed a remarkable well-rounded, so she took art collection and, to make us to art museums, the her art accessible to a broadDSO Youth Concerts and Broadway shows,” said Ralph. er range of people, she donatMatthew remembers going ed many pieces to the DIA, the Henry Ford Museum and to services at Congregation the Cranbrook Art Museum. Shaarey Zedek on Saturday She was a knowledgeable and mornings with his mother and brother, an experience he talented gardener who looked forward to seeing the spring describes as “awe-inspiring.” flowers bloom each year. She embraced her sons’ wives, Erica and Marysia, as if they were her own daughDEVOTION TO OTHERS ters, and her granddaughters, Dorothy’s devotion to her Stephanie and Maddie, were many friends was unsurpassed, her greatest pride. She liked and she had a knack for makplanning special activities ing each person feel like they and spending one-on-one were the closest. She spent time with each one. She was close to her broth- several hours a day catching up with friends and family, er Bill and maintained close which Bud jokingly referred relationships with her first cousins and their extended to as “working the phones.” families, teaching her sons by She believed in helping example to prioritize family people whenever she could, in their own lives. and she did so in her own Her Yom Kippur break-thequiet way, expecting nothing

in return. When she learned that someone was facing illness, divorce or financial problems, she stepped up to provide whatever support they needed. “Caring and giving were in her DNA,” said Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in his eulogy. Dorothy is survived by her beloved sons, Ralph J. (Erica) Gerson and Matthew (Marysia) Gerson; grandchildren, Stephanie Gerson and Madeleine Gerson; sisters-in-law, Karen Davidson and Jeanne Gerson; nephew and niece, Ethan (Gretchen) Davidson and Marla (Cyrus) Karimipour; and a large extended family of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and a world of friends. She was the devoted wife of the late Byron “Bud” Gerson; the daughter of the late Ralph and Sarah Wetsman Davidson; and the sister of the late William “Bill” Davidson. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, Byron Gerson Fund, 6735 Telegraph Road, Ste. 260, P.O. Box 2030, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303, (248) 642-4260, jewishdetroit.org/send-a-tribute; or the Detroit Institute Of Arts, Byron Gerson Fund, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, (313) 833-7979, dia.org/ support/donate; or HadassahGreater Detroit Chapter, 5030 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, (248) 683-5030, www.hadassah.org/ detroit; or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

continued from page 55

Alexander and Huxley; many other loving family members and friends. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert Chambers; mother of the late Mark Chambers; sister of the late Shirley (the late Milton) Berger. Contributions can be made to the Josefina Magna Endowed Chair at Henry Ford Health System. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. HESTER MAE MEYERSON, 94, of Southgate, Mich., died April 6, 2021. She is survived by her children c. 1968 and their partners: Mark Meyerson and Sue Songer, Howard Meyerson and Susan Ledy, Kevin and Ikue Meyerson, Robert and Debra Meyerson, and Lisa Meyerson; her grandchildren, Kristen Jones, Elena Meyerson, Ben Meyerson and Lily Meyerson. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. WILLIAM “BILL” MILLER, 65, of Northbrook, Ill., died April 13, 2021, surrounded by his adoring family, after a long, valiant fight with cancer. Bill grew up in Huntington Woods. He was very successful in his financial exchange business. Bill’s greatest passion, in addition to his family, was his music. He was a prolific songwriter and very talented musician. He was a beautiful soul, loved by all, and will be missed. Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Debbie (Hersh); daughters, Ilana and Talia; son, Eli Miller; loving sister, Regina Jaye-Piche (Alcide); brother, Sander Miller; many adoring nieces, nephews, cous-

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Sam Seligson 20 Iyar May 2 25 Iyar May 7 Harry Berger Chaim Alter Corman 22 Iyar May 4 Louis Buchbinder Abraham Fine Rose Buchbinder Chaye Sora Bas Isroel Minnie Hacker Minnie Friedman Becky Golub Jacob Holtzman Eugene Newman Etta Halpert Samuel (Sander) Stillwater Meyer C. Manela Golda Halpert Paul Newman Bella Weiner Torgow Hudia Halpert Ethylle Optner 23 Iyar May 5 Leba Halpert William Raskin Gussie Anstandig Moishe Halpert Joseph Ross Samuel Baschin Mordechai Halpert Jacob Joseph Simon Ann Shindler Wolk Chaya Wachtenheim Meisels Rachel Bernstein Malye Devora Mermelstein Julius Goldberg 26 Iyar May 8 Sam Howffenblum Shlomo Mermelstein Icek Jankiel (Jack) Jablonka Max Cohen Aubrey L. Oppenheim Rudy Efram Helen Cohen Kabak Rose Schechter Adolph E. Fell Norma Lucille Leader Mary Shindler Braindle Gittelman Rose Leiderman Blima Wachtenheim Laura Wetstein Jeanette Marie Goldberg Lottie Wainger Leo York Albert Leo Jaslove 24 Iyar May 6 Sara Kaner Jerry Efros 21 Iyar May 3 Avram Mally Bessie Valensky Andrews Dora Fine Morton Harry Newman Abram Jakubowitz Abraham Averbuch Ben Nosanchuck Anna Lubkin Shirley Engel Leslie Politzer Helen Fuller Sylvia Rabinovitz Selma Rich Sarah Honigman Michele Evis Root Pearl Silverman Jenny Modlinsky Aaron Rosen Joseph Tewel Charles Morris Niskar Robert L. Siegel Josef Weiner Anna Rottenberg Dr. Karl Stillwater Abraham Zwerling Chana Rutzimring Samuel Wohl School for Boys • Beth Jacob School for Girls • Bais Yehudah Preschool Weiss Family Partners Detroit • Kollel Bais Yehudah • Maalot Detroit P.O. Box 2044 • Southfield, MI 48037• 248-557-6750 • www.YBY.org

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 57

ins and countless loving wonderful friends. Mr. Miller was the beloved son of the late Cecile Dreyer and Richard Miller. Interment was in Skokie. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. SHIRLEY PERLOVE, 92, of West Bloomfield, died April 19, 2021. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Roy and Nancy Perlove, David and Mary Jo Perlove; daughter and son-in-law, Lia and Joel Kaber; grandchildren, Matthew (Abby) Perlove, David (Laura) Perlove, Lisa (Tim) Perlove and Kayla (Ryan) Perlove, Dylan (Kayla) Kaber; great-grandchildren, Tegan, Maxwell, Lydia, Grayson and Levi; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Mrs. Perlove was the beloved wife of the late Sam Perlove; the grandmother of the late Alex Kaber. Interment took place at Nusach Hari Cemetery in Ferndale. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. RUTH F. SHPARGEL, 95, of Altamonte Springs, Fla., died April 21, 2021. She is survived c. 1960 by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jerold and Shirley Shpargel, and David Shpargel and Monica Daffin; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Douglas Mushen; grandchildren, Scott and Mary Litt, Stacy Dinkins, Sara Shpargel and Jason Goldberg, Karl and Tara Shpargel, Rebecca and Jim Torres, and Seth and Polly

Shpargel; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Elyse, Jonah, Marc, Jack, Alex, Eliyahu, Nechama, Naftali, Simcha, Miriam and Yehudah; sister, Selma Stoorman; sister-in-law, Joyce Metz. Mrs. Shpargel was the beloved wife of the late Sol Shpargel; the loving sister of the late Sheldon Metz, and the late Betty and the late Richard Wood; the dear sister-in-law of the late Herbert Stoorman. Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Michigan, 1471 E. 12 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071, lls.org/aboutlls/chapters/mi. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. MARK ALLEN SUBELSKY, 70, of Walled Lake, died April 18, 2021. He got his first guitar at 15 and taught himself to play by ear. He was in many rock bands since high school. He started playing bass guitar then went on to play lead guitar. Recently, he switched back to bass guitar so he could join a group to play at outside venues. He also played a lot of blues and had a talent for playing slide guitar. This past year, he spent many hours watching You Tube videos learning new songs for the bass component of songs that he wanted to perform. Music was his happy place. Mr. Subelsky was also a cat lover. He posted many pictures and videos of his three cats, Zena, Nala and Obie. He and Lori loved and cared for many cats over the years. Mark took great joy in playing with their cats and tending to them as well. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lori Subelsky; daughter and son-in-law, Shana and continued on page 60

APRIL 29 • 2021

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Our heartfelt gratitude to Brad Schram and Family r your generous support of the Hadassah Detroit Annual Meeting

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Sponsors & Advertisers Support! Susie Pappas for your continued Shirley Robbins Support! Gladys Rockind

Diane Klein Wendy Kohlenberg Konvisser ELS Susie Pappas Diane Klein GailZieva Caplan Dulcie Rosenfeld Shirley Robbins Jennifer Fran Heicklen Jan Dunn Libby Sklar Honoring Toni Schwartz Bluth Mona DembsLopatin Wendy Kohlenberg Our heartfelt gratitude to Brad Schram and Family Featuring Rothenberg Suzanne Isakow Deborah AndiANGELS Wolfe Beth off Epstein Gladys Rockind Konvisser Barbara Grant Sharon Dillon LoweDianeZieva AndreaSklar SchifferEber 5030Sklar Orchard Lake Road,Sheila West Bloomfield, MI 48323Gail Caplan Susie Pappas KleinEllen for your generousHilary support of the Hadassah Detroit Annual Meeting 248.683.5030 | greaterdetroit@hadassah.org Mourns theToni passing of Dulcie Rosenfeld Jennifer Lopatin Fran Heicklen Jan Dunn Libby Sklar Honoring Schwartz Bluth Sandra Schwartz Martin & Michelle Stacie Joseph Laurel Epstein AlonNancy and Shari Nancy Solway olding Shirley Robbins Wendy Kohlenberg Mona Dembs Featuring www.hadassah.org/detroit Gladys Ellen Rockind Zieva Konvisser Barbara Sharon DillonLubetsky AndreaSklar ANGELS Sheila Beth Schiffer Rothenberg Suzanne LoweSherman HilaryGrant Isakow Deborah Eber Andi Kantor Wolfe Sklar Joan Chernoff Epstein Joyce Nancy BeverlyFine Elaine Sturman mezano Friendship Foundation Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Dulcie Rosenfeld Jennifer Lopatin Fran Heicklen JanLaurel Dunn Libby SklarShari Honoring ToniAliyah Schwartz Nancy Bluth Sandra Schwartz Martin & Susan Michelle Stacie Joseph Epstein Alon and Nancy Linda Golding Hadassah Chair Shevrin Beth Margolin Sue Kaufman LindaSolway Friedman Alexandra WenerYouth osfeld ©2021 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah,Featuring the H Ellen Rothenberg Hilary Isakow Deborah Eber Andi Beth Sklar Joan Chernoff Epstein Joyce Sherman Lubetsky Nancy Kantor BeverlyFine Elaine Susan Gormezano Friendship Foundation Featuring logo, and Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do are Sturman registered trademarks of Dedicated Hadassah Life Marci Shulman Florine MarkSuzanne Lowe SueWolfe Korn Nancy Gad-Harf ossman BENEFACTOR ie Organization Hadassah, TheDott Women’s Zionist of America, Inc. 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Carol Sofen Margie Mellen Celiavision Lubetsky Barbara Suzanne Boschan PATRON Judith Adelman Winning Volunteer Marlene Swarin Blanche Mindlin Michaelson Barbara GutmanMandy Dorothy Collens Bash Curtis Audrey Sobel Frida Markle Landau Garver Judith Ancell SPONSOR Member and Award-Alene www.hadassahmidwest.org/GDannualmeeting Hadassah Youth Aliyah Chair Julie Stern Sheri Michaels MaryLeslie Ellen Lyngaas Sandy Goodman Stacy Brodsky BrendaAltus Dina Brodsky as weJackie REGISTER OR DONATE ONLINE al Meeting this year is virtual continue our great support of Hadassah's Youth Aliyah Villages, Carol Sofen Margie Mellen Celia Lubetsky Barbara Goldberg Suzanne Boschan PATRON Judith Adelman Judy Tann Esther Mintz Melissa Laxmother, Ruth Haberkornhalm Marjie Federman Joyce Berlin Weingarten Hack In 1916, Orley Dottie’s Sarah Wetsman Davidson, hosted founder Henrietta Szold Winning Volunteer Marlene Swarin Blanche Mindlin Jackie Michaelson Barbara Gutman Dorothy Collens Leslie Bash Hadassah Suzanne Curtis Dedicated Hadassah Life Hadassah Youth Aliyah Chair www.hadassahmidwest.org/GDannualmeeting Julie Stern Sheri Michaels Mary Ellen Lyngaas Sandy Goodman Stacy Brodsky BrendaAltus Dina Brodsky incomparable moments in the lives of at-risk children to put them on a path of success and leadership. Our Annual Meeting year isDetroit virtual as we continue our greatJoyce support of Hamburger Hadassah's Youth Aliyah Villages, Susan Moiseev Pastthis Presidents in honor Beverly Frank Susie Bloom irsch inFederman and formed the “Daughters of Hilda Zion” group, which became the original Judy Tann Esther Rita MintzWeinfeld Melissa Orley Lax Ruth Haberkornhalm Marjie Berlin Weingarten Francine Hack Marlene Swarin Blanche Mindlin Jackie Michaelson Barbara Gutman Dorothy Collens Leslie Bash Suzanne Curtis Dedicated Hadassah Life n 300,000 youngIrma people from 80 countries have graduated from Youth Aliyah. Don't miss this Youth Aliyah Chair providing incomparable moments in the lives of at-risk children to put them on a path ofHadassah success and leadership. Trudy Weiss Diane Morof Betsy Heuer Glaser Julie Borman ckman ofyear Shirley Shultz Member and AwardRita Susan Moiseev Past Presidents in honor Hilda Hamburger Beverly Frank Susie Bloom Caryn Hirsch Our Annual Meeting this is virtual as we continue our great support of Hadassah's Youth Aliyah Villages, Detroit Chapter of Hadassah. Later, Dottie served as a president of the Detroit Chapter. Judy Tann Weinfeld Esther Mintz Melissa Orley Lax Ruth Haberkornhalm Marjie Federman Joyce REGISTER Berlin Weingarten OR Francine Hack DONATE ONLINE Dedicated Hadassah Life More than 300,000 young people from 80 countries have graduated from Youth Aliyah. Don't miss thisOgusky our of the MeirTeri Shfeya Youth Village with Carol Goodman Kaufman, Youth Aliyah National Chair, and Susan Yorke Carol Rochelle Imber Goodman Harriet Brent el Mutnick Arlene Rubinstein Trudy Weiss Diane Morof Betsy Heuer Irma Glaser Julie Borman Deena Lockman of Shirley Member Awardproviding incomparable moments in the lives of at-risk children to put them on a path of Hilda success and leadership. Rita Weinfeld Susan Moiseev Pastand Presidents inShultz honor Hamburger Beverly Frank Susie Bloom Caryn Hirsch Winning Volunteer REGISTER OR DONATE ONLINE exciting tour of the theyoung Meir Shfeya Youth Village with Carol Kaufman, Youth Aliyah National Chair, and Susan Yorke Ogusky Rochelle Imber Teri Goodman Harriet Brent &Gould Joel Mutnick Arlene Rubinstein Yoskowitz Marcie Orley Carol Karbal Blender Arline Helene Brody hechter Marjorie Saulson Dottie instrumental inGoodman arranging the donation that purchased the Sarah cess stories fromCheryl students from comfort of your home. couvert. Sponsorships available. More than 300,000 people fromwas 80 countries have graduated from Youth Aliyah. Don't miss this Trudy Weiss Diane Carol MorofRachel Betsy Heuer Irma Glaser Julie Borman Deena Lockman of$45 Shirley Shultz Member and AwardGail Caplan Mona Dembs

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 58

Rotem Tibi; mother, Doris Fay McCann; grandchildren, Adir Tibi, Eden Tibi and Eliana Tibi; brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Shelley Subelsky; niece, Carrie (Kevin) Simon; many other loving family members and friends. Mr. Subelsky was the loving son of the late Charles Subelsky. Contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. GERALDINE BARBARA ZLATKIN SILLS, 87, of West Bloomfield, died April 16, 2021, c. 1990 peacefully, at the home of her son and daughter-in-law. “Geri,” as she was known by her friends and family, had

APRIL 29 • 2021

received a bachelor’s degree in English literature; and she had tutored college students. She had been active for many years in her local community association. She and husband, Dr. Richard, shared a lifetime common love for classical music, especially opera, their children and grandchildren, and for dogs. She will be sorely missed. Mrs. Sills was the daughter of the late Sarah and Nathan Zlatkin; beloved sister of Albert H. Zlatkin; her death was five months after that of her husband of 68 years, Dr. Richard D. Sills. She was the wonderful, loving mother of Dr. Laurel Sills, Kenneth Sills, Randall Sills, and Dr. Michael and Edita Sills; beloved grandmother to Jennifer M. Sills and Daniel M. Sills. She also leaves behind her amazingly

loyal little dog, Lanny. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025; or Michigan Opera Theater, 1526 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226, Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. EVA WIMMER, 94, of Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., formerly of Michigan, died April 15, 2021. She is survived by her son, Jack Wimmer of Sunny Isles Beach; daughter and son-in-law, Rose

and Larry Evans of Sunny Isles Beach; many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mrs. Wimmer was the beloved wife for more than 40 years of the late Philip Wimmer; cherished sister and sister-in-law of the late Bendet and the late Esther Lewkowicz, the late Bella and the late Abe Bienenstock, the late Brenda and the late Herman Marczak, the late Helen and the late Irving Kozuch, the late Rose and the late Boris Bernbaum. Contributions may be made to the Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

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Fetle and Seifu Lessanework

Prior to and after eating, diners are given hot towels … Home-made injera, a flat, light, spongy and porous bread, serves as both plate and utensil … Foods are mounted on injera, which is spread out on a messob, a hard woven wicker that has traditionally served as a table, with wicker cover to keep food warm if people get up for any reason … Diners break off small pieces of the unleavened injera to take food into his or her mouth. Guests sit on little chairs with small glass-top tables on the side for the excellent Ethiopian wine and/or wonderful Ethiopian tea … Blue Nile is the only one I know of that serves authentic Ethiopian honey wine and Ethiopian tea. Only lean beef is served at Blue Nile from red USDA choice cuts that have been thoroughly trimmed of fat … The menu includes beef, spicy chicken, mild chicken and lamb. If you are a coffee drinker, you may know that it was first grown in Ethiopia thousands of years ago … Blue Nile grinds and brews its coffee from Ethiopian beans. Seifu has been a head cook in Ethiopia and a sous chef … The latter was with Hilton International from 1969 through 1982, plus being its food and beverage manager. There is a certain charm about Ethiopian dining … Not only does it offer folks a rare

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Looking Back

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

Blasts from the Past

y last few columns have addressed rather serious, but important, aspects of Jewish Detroit history. I thought I might continue this trend, and write about another very serious subject: historic advertisements in the Jewish Chronicle and JN. OK, OK — advertisements may not be as serious as world politics, religion or poverty. Nevertheless, I argue that historic advertisements are an important window into our understanding of the past. Aside from that, they are just plain Mike Smith fun to read, and one of Alene and Graham Landau my favorite parts of cruisArchivist Chair ing through the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History. Some of them speak to strikingly different times; some represent companies still in business decades later. For example, 100 years ago, in the Feb. 13, 1920, issue of the Chronicle, there were ads for two automobiles that no longer exist: Case and Stutz. What is more interesting is the case for “Case” vehicles — sold at Weisman Motor Sales, by the way. The Case was advertised as a car for “yearround service.” It featured glass roll-up windows and an enclosed steel body. Case had a really good idea here. Riding around in an open car in a Michigan winter might be a bit chilly. Speaking of innovations, in the Dec. 31, 1949, issue of the JN, Rosenfeld Radio on Dexter Avenue in Detroit was selling a modern marvel, the “hottest thing in TV Today;” a GE “Daylight Television.” It was a table model with a big 10” screen (installation extra), and one did not have to wait for sundown in order to watch TV! My favorite ads are those for food. Have you ever munched some Krun-Chee potato chips? At one time, Detroit had more than a dozen makers of potato chips, such as Krun-Chee, Vita-Boy and Superior. In the 1970s, the famous Chef Boy-Ar-Dee

APRIL 29 • 2021

catered to Jewish homes. The Chef suggested that if you “like kreplach, you’ll like the Chef ’s cheese ravioli,” or “Put the Chef on your shopping list and you’ve got the geshmakste sauce.” Some food ads do seem to be a bit dangerous. For example, see the one for Heinz Vegetarian Soup in the Dec. 12, 1940, JN. Two children are pictured saying “Just like Mamma’s Own Soup.” I don’t think telling your mom that a canned soup was just like her homemade soup will win you any favors! There are ads for long-lost beers. I never heard of Detroit Beer: “There’s only one Detroit and there’s only one Detroit Premium Pale Beer.” An ad in the April 4, 1941, JN for Koppitz Silver Star Beer touted that it was “brewed by electricity.” Interesting selling point. Perhaps this was in response to Stroh’s fire-brewed beer? The Koppitz mascot was a police officer with “Kopp” on his hat and a huge star on his tunic. Last but not least, I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the most important advertisements, those for the Detroit Jewish News. I like the one from 1957. It began with a simple statement: “Your News.” Followed by another succinct statement: “Guardian of Your Freedoms.” The graphics are definitely 1950s artwork. But, six decades later, I think the message remains the same. The JN is “Your News.” Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

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

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JEWISH NEWS

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

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

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

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

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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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DJN April 29, 2021

Articles inside

Danny Raskin

Obituaries

Fans Flock to Soul Café

Therapy with a Twist

Caregivers: Here’s Help

Community Calendar

Celebrity News

A Feast of Films

The Singer and the Scientist

The Mystery of Lag b’Omer

Torah portion

Shots in Arms

Music and Memories

Jewish Groups React to Chauvin Verdict

Moments

Super Kosher Supermarket

Rising Stars 2021

Essays and viewpoints

Historic Honor