DJN May 27, 2021 by The Detroit Jewish News

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Our Zoo’s Guardian to Retire Detroit Zoo CEO Ron Kagan followed his moral compass ... and helped redefine how zoos are run. Page 14

200 May 27-June 2, 2021 / 16-22 Sivan 5781

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contents May 27-June 2, 2021 / 16-22 Sivan 5781 VOLUME CLIX, ISSUE 17

PURELY COMMENTARY

MAZEL TOV

OUR COMMUNITY

ERETZ

4-12 14

Our Zoo’s Guardian to Retire

Ron Kagan followed his moral compass … and helped redefine how we run our zoos. Farber vaccination program expands into the community, with 12-to-15-year-olds up next.

Protecting the Young

Solidarity with Israel

22 23

Federation, JARC hold vaccine clinic for teens.

ZOA-led rally on Orchard Lake Road.

Shoah Education

Holocaust Memorial Center launches Virtual Museum Experience.

Vaccine Video

Ann Arbor native wins award for explaining virus to kids.

Jews in the Digital Age: CES 2021

WEDDINGS 24

From Israel With Love

Israel is home to stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant foods, iconic sights — and world-renowned wedding gown designers.

SPORTS 29

Meet the Cranbrook-Kingswood Hockey Team’s ‘Fab Five’ Led by captain and All-State center Jack Wineman, Cranes won 18th state championship.

Moments

Living the Dream

On the Road 2Gether

Vaccines for Teens

Virtual tour links Michigan and Central Galilee.

SPIRIT 35

Rabbi Sacks: Two Types of Leadership

Torah portion

Synagogue Directory

ARTS&LIFE 39

Final Account

At what point does complicity turn people into predators?

Funny People

Celebrity News

20 ETC. 45 47 53 54

The Exchange Obituaries Danny Raskin Looking Back

For continuing coverage of Israel, visit thejewishnews.com where updates are added daily.

Shabbat Lights

Shabbat starts: Friday, May 28, 8:42 p.m. Shabbat ends: Saturday, May 29, 9:53 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

Cory Kahaney to headline NCJW fundraiser.

EVENTS

ON THE COVER: Cover art: Ron Kagan. Photography by Jerry Zolynsky. Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

NOSH

thejewishnews.com

Community Calendar A Kosher ‘Pork Rind’?

Lower-fat vegan snacks are guilt-free.

HEALTH 43

Growing Bone in a Lab?

Advances in Brain Health

New advances from the Technion prove it’s possible. Robert and Katherine Jacobs increase support of Dr. Eva Feldman’s research.

MAY 27 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY guest column

Important Truths About Israel vs. Hamas

he recent conflict in Israel has been a heartbreaking experience for Jewish people around the world. We are horrified by the destruction and loss of innocent life. Beyond that, many of us are struggling with the lingering Matthew B. impact of this latLester est confrontation in our day-to-day lives. It is impossible to avoid. We have been inundated with discussion Steven Inger and commentary, much of it in the media and in our Facebook feeds. It has been widely noted that the intensity and extent of the criticism of Israel Dennis S. Bernard is fundamentally different than it has been in the past. As lay and professional leaders of the Jewish Federation, we feel an obligation to assert some important truths.

While there are many complex and longstanding issues in the region, the reality of terrorism is simple. Hamas and other organizations are committed to the destruction of Israel and have chosen the murder of innocent civilians as their primary means to accomplish this end. The tragic deaths of Israelis and Palestinians alike are the direct outcome of this terrorist campaign. Furthermore, the comparison between terrorist aggression and Israel’s attempts to defend its citizens is inaccurate and deeply unfair. It is, in fact, the exact response Hamas intended by situating their launch sites in schools, hospitals and apartment buildings in Gaza, turning children and other innocent civilians into human shields. The widespread condemnation of Israel, offered with little or no acknowledgement of the intent and actions of Hamas, serves to justify terrorism and emboldens anyone who sees the murder of innocent people as an acceptable tactic. The people of Israel want peace, and in recent

years there has been tremendous strides in cooperation and common purpose among Jewish and Arab neighbors, notably evident in Federation’s Partnership2Gether region in the Central Galilee. Hamas works to upend this fragile shared society with its assaults and rejects the idea of a peaceful two-state solution. One side seeks peace while the other vows destruction. For many years, Israel has been held to a different standard among nations. The same groups that admirably champion equality and justice are unwilling to recognize the democratic and culturally diverse nature of Israeli society, unique in the region. Instead, these voices are among the most strident in the wrongful portrayal of Israel, often invoking Nazi Germany among other absurd and offensive comparisons. It is true, also, that these false narratives have amplified deep-seated animosities and fanned the flames of antisemitism across the world. We are seeing the effects of this playing out in hateful and

frequently violent attacks on Jewish people around the world. This, too, is part of the strategic intent of Hamas and others. We must remain vigilant in the fight against antisemitism. The safety and wellbeing of our local community remains the Jewish Federation’s highest priority, and we will continue to actively safeguard our schools, synagogues and other institutions. Acknowledging these realities does not preclude open discussion and debate, and we sincerely welcome all voices from our community. Indeed, it is part of our tradition. In the future, we hope to find ways to productively engage with and explore the complexities of the situation, with the understanding that we are unified in our hope for peace and stability for Israelis, Palestinians and all communities in the region.

the rally participants blowing their horns in support of the participants waiving American and Israeli flags. Many thanks to rally creator Eugene Greenstein and his team of Kobi Erez, Shel Freilich (both ZOA-MI), Rev. Tim Munger (Friends of

Israel) and Andre Douville (Walk for Israel) for their efforts with the very successful rally for Israel. Remember that Israel has faced many difficult times such as this and it is incumbent on all friends of Israel to show support

by joining pro-Israel organizations, writing letters to the media and to your politicians.

Matthew B. Lester is president of Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Dennis S. Bernard is president of the United Jewish Foundation. Steven Ingber is CEO of Federation.

letters

Pro-Israel Rally Shows the Flag Israel won and Hamas lost on May 15 in West Bloomfield where 200 supporters of Israel gathered waving flags and cheering a triumphant Israel. Hundreds of cars passed

MAY 27 • 2021

— Ed Kohl Michigan Jewish Action Council Rally team member Please see a related story on page 20.

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MAY 27 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY essay

Israel Must Control its Destiny

uring the just-ended battle with Gaza, Israel’s subterranean barrier against Hamas’ cross-border “terror tunnels” proved effective. The IDF, as well, thwarted Hamas attempts to attack from the sea. David It interceptHorovitz ed unmanned Times of Israel explosive-carrying drones. It repeatedly bombarded Hamas’ network of tunnels within Gaza — the so-called “Metro” — through which Hamas moves its forces and weaponry, and from where it intended to emerge and kill and kidnap Israeli soldiers in any IDF ground offensive. Several key Hamas commanders were killed; others

were on the run; innumerable rocket launchers and weapons stores were destroyed. In short, Hamas “received blows it didn’t expect” and been set back “years,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted. Which may well be true. But the IDF’s tactical successes are no substitute for a strategy. And as this latest, terrible conflict underlines, Israel has no strategy for dealing with the Hamas terror-state. By contrast, Hamas knows exactly where it is heading strategically and made deeply worrying progress over the first days of the conflict. It opened the conflict on May 10, by launching a barrage of rockets at Jerusalem — staking a claim among the Palestinians as the ostensible defender of the contested city and marginaliz-

ing the West Bank leadership of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Its rocket fire forced the evacuation of the Knesset plenum. It played havoc with Israel’s Jerusalem Day celebrations. It delayed a court decision on evictions in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah district and forced the extension of a ban on Jews visiting the Temple Mount. Its incessant rocket fire subsequently necessitated the intermittent closure of Israel’s main international airport and the cancellation of most foreign airline flights to and from Israel. It closed schools, stopped some of our trains. It rained rockets and mortar shells upon a widening swath of southern Israel, and sent longer-range, more potent rockets deeper into the center of the country than

ever before. Perhaps most significantly, and worryingly, it has helped escalate tensions within Israel — between Israel’s own Arab and Jewish citizens — to murderous heights, with mob violence raging for days in several Arab-Jewish cities and beyond. As the very wise Arab affairs analyst Shimrit Meir noted in a television interview on May 18, when Israel’s Arab sector held a general strike and thousands rallied and rioted across the West Bank in a so-called “day of rage,” Hamas saw itself “as the trigger that has unified the ‘Palestinians of 1948’ — Palestinian citizens of Israel — together with Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, into a single entity, protesting as one, acting as one.” continued on page 12

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MAY 27 • 2021

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MAY 27 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY essay

Israel Under Attack: A Community Briefing

his has been a tragic and terrifying time for the people of Israel. It has also been an extraordinarily difficult time for Jewish people across the world, as well as for anyone who hopes for peace. My perspective is somewhat unique. As an Yiftah Leket Israeli citizen currently living in Detroit, thousands of miles away from my home, my friends and loved ones, I have witnessed firsthand the profound concern and anxiety of this amazing Jewish community. I also know and understand the experience of Israelis, now living through this conflict.

Rockets from terrorists in Gaza inflicted great damage and trauma in Israel, and tragically, there wsere a number of casualties. I am deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives. Of greater concern to me, and many Israelis, is the violence in the streets — the civil unrest that is threatening the delicate Arab-Jewish relations within Israeli society. There is a growing sense of despair that irreparable damage already has been done in these violent intercommunity incidents over the past few days. This is a heartbreaking development. We must be unequivocally clear — there is no justification for racist violence perpetrated against any citizen of Israel. For many years, Federation

Tamar Shooval attends a peace rally in the Partnership 2Gether region with her Arab neighbors and daughter. The sign reads “Together Forever.”

has funded projects that have made great strides in developing intercommunity trust, respect and collaboration in mixed cities such as Lod as well as in our Partnership Region in the

Central Galilee, home to both Jewish and Arab communities. I pray that when calm returns, we can rebuild these essential ties between Jewish and Arab neighbors. continued on page 11

essay

Appropriating ‘Apartheid’ to Bash Israel Human Rights Watch defames the sacred memories of South African victims.

uman Rights Watch accuses Israel of apartheid. Yet in making the accusation in an April 27 report, the group brazenly acknowledges that it has “detached the term apartheid from its original South African context.” Rabbi Warren This is immorGoldstein al. “Apartheid” has a sacred historical meaning, sanctified by the blood and suffering of millions of South Africans who were oppressed and discriminated against on the

basis of race. In appropriating the word, Human Rights Watch presents a grotesquely distorted picture of both South African history and the current reality in Israel. Apartheid was a state-enforced national system of racial discrimination that manifested in a slew of oppressive laws aimed at obliterating the human rights of an entire race — among them the Population Registration Act, the Group Areas Act and the Separate Amenities Act. Black South Africans were denied the vote and equality before the law until 1994. In contrast, within the

borders of the State of Israel, all citizens — Jews, Arabs or otherwise — have the right to vote and compete equality before the law. They participate side by side in elections, and Israeli Arabs hold high-ranking positions throughout the Israeli government, including the Knesset and the Supreme Court. After the recent election, an Arabled party holds the balance of power in the Knesset, and it was an Arab judge that convicted former Israeli president Moshe Katzav. There is a continuing and bitter dispute around establishing a Palestinian state

in the West Bank and Gaza, which aren’t legally part of Israel. The Palestinian leadership has consistently rejected concerted efforts to create a separate Palestinian state in these territories, from the United Nations partition plan in 1947 to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s offer in 2006. Successive Israeli governments have demonstrated that they are willing to pay a huge price for a lasting two-state solution. Israeli overtures have been met with terrorist attacks, rockets and mortars. No one who truly understands the systematic racism and denial of basic human continued on page 11

MAY 27 • 2021

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MAY 27 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY essay

uch of the media and many experts and observers have succumbed to what can be described as a complete loss of rational thinking when it came to evaluating the IsraelHamas war. Salo Aizenberg Israel’s critics Times of invented an Israel entirely new set of illogical rules of war for Israel that one can only conclude is aimed at leaving the Jewish state defenseless and allowing the terrorist group Hamas to attack freely. There are four key themes that are propagated in articles, interviews, social media and by well-known comedians, all of which are simply absurd. 1. USING THE RATIO OF DEATHS TO DECIDE WHICH SIDE IS RIGHT OR WRONG It has been noted repeatedly that the ratio of deaths in Gaza to Israel is about 20:1. To those pointing out the disparity it therefore follows that Israel’s war conduct is unjust, while Hamas’ is not really of much concern because, well, look at the numbers. America’s military campaign to eliminate ISIS in Syria and Iraq, however, demonstrates the incredible hypocrisy in how Israel’s conduct is treated versus the rest of the world. The battle against ISIS was conducted in part by the

MAY 27 • 2021

AVI ROCCAH/FLASH90/TIMES OF ISRAEL

The Four Absurd Criticisms of Israel’s War Conduct

An Israeli in her home after a rocket hit from the Gaza Strip, in the southern city of Ashdod, on May 18, 2021.

Combined Joint Task Force, a U.S.-led coalition which included Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE and U.K. The task force reported that airstrikes from 2014 through 2019 led to 1,257 civilian deaths which were characterized as unintentional. Other credible estimates cited by the New York Times shows at least 7,500 civilians killed. Few coalition soldiers were killed resulting in a casualty ratio far above the current conflict in Gaza; in fact no one bothered to even calculate the ratio. While civilian deaths were lamented, the general international attitude was praise for the final destruction of ISIS. 2. URGING ISRAEL TO ACT “PROPORTIONALLY” A recent comment by Comedy Central’s The Daily Show host Trevor Noah encapsulates this preposterous thinking:

“I just want to ask an honest question: If you’re in a fight where the other person cannot beat you, how hard should you retaliate when they try to hurt you?” Writer Bari Weiss replied: “Just so we have this straight: A country should accept a terrorist group launching deadly rockets at its civilian population because a comedian thinks that the terror group won’t win?” In fact, the concepts of “overwhelming force” and “shock and awe” were implemented by the U.S. in wars in the Middle East and are regularly adopted by armed forces around the world to defeat their enemy. Somehow Israel is seen as immoral due to its greater power and is expected to use a lower amount of force against Hamas under some invented notion of “proportionality” that critics seek to apply only to Israel.

3. DECRYING ISRAEL’S IRON DOME COMPARED TO GAZA’S LACK OF DEFENSES Incredibly, Israel has been castigated for having a rocket defense system since Gaza does not have similar defenses for airstrikes. The bizarre notion is that it is inherently unfair that one side in a conflict has better defensive measure than the other. An article in the Washington Post even suggested that Iron Dome perpetuates the conflict as it allows Israel to avoid resolving the conflict through negotiation; the article does not suggest that the pathway to peace is for the international community to disarm Hamas. Not mentioned by Israel’s critics is that Israeli airstrikes are a response to Hamas rockets and if Hamas stopped firing rockets and disarmed its rocket stocks, Israel would not engage in retaliatory airstrikes. Once again, the only conclusion from this absurd viewpoint is that if more Israelis died, its actions against Hamas would be more justified. 4. CIVILIAN DEATHS AUTOMATICALLY MEAN ISRAELI WAR CRIMES It is universally acknowledged that civilian deaths are a tragic and unfortunate consequence of all wars, but when caused by Israel they are treated as automatic war crimes even when Hamas continues to fire rockets.

In an editorial discussing civilian casualties caused by U.S. drone strikes in the Middle East, which number by estimates at over 1,000, the New York Times conceded, “no matter how precise the weapons, how careful the planners and how skilled the fighters, mistakes, faulty intelligence, even calculated decisions often led to civilians being killed” and that “There is no such thing as combat without risk.” In describing civilian deaths in the war against ISIS the Joint Task Force released a statement saying: “Although the coalition takes extraordinary efforts to strike military targets in a manner that minimizes the risk of civilian casualties, in some incidents casualties are unavoidable.” Such common sense understanding is totally missing when it comes to Israel despite significant evidence that Israel goes to great lengths to minimize civilian casualties from its “roof knocking” policies to precision-guided attacks. How long would any nation tolerate the majority of its population in bomb shelters before demanding overwhelming force? Which nation would instruct their military to “go light” on their terrorist attackers because the attacks can be repelled? Which defense secretary would instruct their generals to only respond to the enemy “proportionally”? Which nation would be vilified for their better defense systems? When will the “international community” focus its efforts on forcing Hamas to stop firing rockets and stop spending international aid on military infrastructure as a condition for any future aid to Gaza? Salo Aizenberg of White Plains, NY., is the author of Hatemail: Anti-Semitism on Picture Postcards, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards.

ISRAEL UNDER ATTACK continued from page 8

PEACEFUL NEIGHBORS IN CENTRAL GALILEE I am proud to highlight something that is not getting enough attention in the media: As violence raged in some mixed Jewish-Arab cities, the leaders of neighboring communities in the Central Galilee came together to reaffirm their commitment to each other and to a peaceful coexistence. Following the example of their leaders, Jews and Arabs gathered together in solidarity. The photos here illustrate some of this extraordinary support between communities. I also want to share some of the initiatives the Israel and Overseas Department has organized to keep the Detroit community informed and connected to Israel during this time. Our Shinshinim (young emissaries from Israel) have gathered over 200 letters from children in the community, sending their support to those involved in the conflict and wishing for their safety. I am facilitating conversations with different audiences — teens, college students and adults — addressing questions and concerns as well as to make space to share feelings. My objective is to give a platform

Immediate Past Partnership 2Gether Israeli Co-Chair Ruthy Zamir from her office. The tag translates to “Arabs and Jews choose life.”

for community members with any opinion about the current crisis to share their views. We have also created a resource page with links to news stories and events, which we will update regularly. Visit at jewishdetroit.org/ israelcrisis. Finally, I would like to add a thought about how we express our support of Israel. Being united in support of Israel does not mean we have to hold a single opinion about events on the ground. Rather, we should be committed to having diverse opinions and open conversations about Israel. Thank you for your commitment to Israel and its people.

Two Partnership 2Gether volunteers, Heshem Bsharat from Yaffa and Nitsan Moran from Jezreel Valley, holding signs in each other’s language saying “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Yiftah Leket is the Detroit Community Shaliach, an emissary from the Jewish Agency for Israel that lives in our community for 2-4 years and is responsible for engagement, education and relationship building around Israel and Zionism.

APPROPRIATING ‘APARTHEID’ ontinued from page 8

rights that made apartheid infamous could, with any integrity, apply the term to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict —a complex political, religious and cultural dispute concerning national identities. So why the lie? Because Human Rights Watch seeks to delegitimize Israel, to portray it falsely as a state founded on the cardinal sin of racism,

thereby denying it the moral right to exist. The irony is that this itself is a form of prejudice. Unjustly applying the apartheid canard to the Jewish state falls squarely within the widely accepted International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which includes “claiming that the existence of the State of Israel

is a racist endeavor.” There can be no greater desecration of the memory of the victims of apartheid than ripping the word out of South African soil, detaching it from its original meaning and weaponizing it in the cause of another form of bigotry. Rabbi Goldstein is chief rabbi of South Africa. This essay was first published in the Wall Street Journal. MAY 27 • 2021

PURELY COMMENTARY ISRAEL MUST continued from page 6

ANTI-ISRAEL MEDIA Also, the complexities of attempting to thwart a terror-state’s rocket fire, cynically launched from the midst of a civilian population, have undermined Israel’s international standing, with numerous world leaders and opinion-shapers maliciously or lazily comparing death tolls and concluding that because Israel’s is lower, it must be the aggressor. The likes of HBO talk show host John Oliver, whose views influence millions, seem to be blaming Israel for devoting resources to the protection of its citizens, while Hamas subverts Gaza’s resources for war and, with heartbreaking consequences, uses Gazans as the human shields for its indiscriminate rocket fire. How dare Israel have an Iron Dome rocket defense system, these critics object, implying that if only Israel were suffering more fatalities, this might be a fairer fight and Israel might merit less castigation. Doubtless to Hamas’ further delight, Israel’s public diplomacy efforts remain as lamentable as they have been for decades, if not more so. Today, we lack so much as

a polished English-speaker as our ambassador to the U.S., and the prime minister has no coherent frontline English-language spokesman. Also, the IDF has learned little about the need for rapid explanation and response. If there is a military imperative to demolish a Gaza tower where several leading foreign media outlets have their offices, it is not sufficient to warn and give them time to leave. It is also necessary to immediately provide credible evidence that the building is indeed a Hamas military asset. Also, to Hamas’ delight, the tide of hostility to Israel, which even the best public diplomacy could only partially alleviate, is playing out in displays of antisemitism, deeply troubling and discomfiting diaspora Jewry. While much of the world clamored for Israel to accept a ceasefire, the United States, under the Biden administration, gave Israel a few more days to continue to weaken Hamas militarily — the better to try to deter it from the next round of hostilities. But Biden fought off a rising tide of Israel criticism within the Democratic Party. Five, 10 or 15 years from now, it is far from fanciful to worry

HAMAS HAS GROWN FROM A DANGEROUS TERRORIST ORGANIZATION TO THE RULER OF A TERRORIST STATE WITH WHAT AMOUNTS TO AN ARMY. 12

MAY 27 • 2021

that a Democratic presidency would be less dependable. IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi has spoken in the past of the unique challenges the Israeli army faces with so many active and potentially active fronts. And that reality goes to the heart of the dangers facing an Israel that lacks a strategy for Hamas and Gaza. This round of conflict has apparently concluded. As deeply problematic, though, it has proven for Israel, it could have been considerably worse. The internal Israeli protests have subsided though the scars will take a long, long time to heal, and the root causes extend far deeper than this conflict. West Bank violence and terrorism have not reached First or Second Intifada dimensions, but that threat remains. Crucially, Iran chose not to unleash Hezbollah, whose missile capabilities dwarf even Hamas’ upgraded arsenal. WHAT OPTIONS? Does Israel need to reconquer Gaza, oust Hamas, at a likely terrible cost, and remain there? Should it initiate a negotiating process with the Palestinian Authority, boosting the deeply problematic Mahmoud Abbas and seeking to vindicate Palestinian diplomacy over Palestinian terrorism? Would it be wise to encourage the internationally funded development of Gaza, with significant infrastructure projects to rehabilitate the Strip, giving Gazans more to lose and thus potentially complicating further Hamas assaults on Israel?

None of these strategic options is good. But the current absence of a strategy is worse. From round to round of conflict, Hamas has grown from a dangerous terrorist organization to the ruler of a terrorist state with what amounts to an army — funded in part by the money that Israel has allowed Hamas’ Qatari patrons to deliver. It is increasingly dominating the Palestinian cause, harming Israel’s international standing and demonstrating the capacity to stoke violence against Israel on multiple fronts. It is indeed possible that the IDF, as Netanyahu said, has set back Hamas militarily for years. But intermittent hostilities, launched at the enemy’s convenience, battering the Israeli home front, with pauses in which the enemy develops a capacity to wreak still greater havoc, add up to an untenable reality. And when that enemy, determined to destroy this country, proves capable of galvanizing a widening array of hostile forces, it becomes a strategic, not just a military, threat. The people of Israel are indeed strong and courageous, and disciplined and resilient under relentless fire. But our enemies in Gaza have not yet concluded that they’re wasting their time. They must be disabused. What’s required is a sea change in which, rather than allowing Hamas to cast us into rounds of chaos at moments of its choosing, with ever-widening repercussions, Israel determines its long-term goals, sets about achieving them, and reasserts control of its own reality and destiny.

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OUR COMMUNITY

A Friend to the Animals … and Other Inspiring ‘Tales’ After 28 years, Detroit Zoo’s Ron Kagan to retire.

Ron Kagan at the Arctic Ring of Life

MAY 27 • 2021

BY JERRY ZOLYNSKY

ALAN MUSKOVITZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

BY JERRY ZOLYNSKY

…

DETROIT ZOO

can’t remember a time when I wasn’t in love with nature and critters,” said Ron Kagan, executive director/ CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), when I asked how far back his passion for animals went. It was the first question I posed to Kagan, 69, during our recent phone conversation to discuss the major change coming in his life. Kagan officially announced his retirement earlier this year after an illustrious and transformative 28-year run at the helm of Detroit’s zoo. For now, he’ll remain with the DZS until a search committee identifies his successor, which is expected to be sometime this summer. The number of accomplishments during his tenure may be matched only by the number of species represented at the zoo — which is around 300, to help spare you the trouble of counting the next time you visit. Under Kagan’s care, zoo attendance has doubled, and memberships have tripled. Currently, guests are asked to schedule a time slot prior to their visit at detroitzoo.org/ reservations to help maintain capacity limits amid the COVID pandemic. During the Kagan era, Detroit’s zoo has been named the greenest zoo in the nation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 3% of all U.S. charities. Then, there are the innovative, iconic exhibits opened under his leadership that have raised the bar for zoos, including the Arctic Ring of

Zoo Tower

UNDER KAGAN’S CARE, ZOO ATTENDANCE HAS DOUBLED, AND MEMBERSHIPS HAVE TRIPLED. Life (at its opening, the world’s largest polar bear exhibit), the National Amphibian Conservation Center, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center and the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest. LOVE FOR WINKY AND WANDA It wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows Kagan that he might consider the exhibit he was responsible for closing to be among his biggest accomplishments. In 2004, sighting the deteriorating physical and mental conditions of the zoo’s aging, treasured elephants, Winky and Wanda, Kagan arranged for their relocation. In 2005, they were moved to an animal sanctuary in California

that provided them the room and natural habitat to live out their lives in comfort. They did so until their passing — Winky at 56 in 2008, Wanda at 57 in 2015. The effort initially received pushback, even by zoo associations, but there was no compromise for Kagan when it came to the ethical welfare of the pair of pachyderms. For persevering, he received high praise from an unlikely source to side with a zoo — PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Kagan maintains a close relationship with the organization in their animal rescue efforts. “I think people don’t realize that, in some ways, we’re like a healthcare system,” Kagan

says about his philosophy of running the zoo and caring for the animals. “We have several thousand individuals, and we treat them like individuals. The difference between us and a healthcare system is that we’ve got like 300, maybe more different species. So, with healthcare, frankly, it’s easy. It’s one species. All humans. For us, the complexity is multiplied by 300.” REASON FOR RETIREMENT Turns out nothing specific is pulling Kagan away from the place that has been his beloved home for nearly three decades. It just seemed to be the right time. “Is it the right time to write a book,” I asked? “There have been several people wanting me either to write a book or they want me to let them write a book. But I don’t know,” Kagan said, deferring that decision. “I might continue to do some film work,” he added. Kagan has been involved in several documentaries. I did end up learning about one zoological project Kagan’s fully committed to in retirement and one surprising sports passion he may delve back into when, as I suggested, he’s “let back out into the wild.” More on that later. But first, a look at the intriguing life journey of one of the country’s most innovative and respected zoologists. BIT BY THE ANIMAL BUG Was a dog bite Kagan suffered really the inspiration for his zoology career? He can’t say for certain, but the story he shared about one such bite was continued on page 16 MAY 27 • 2021

DETROIT ZOO

OUR COMMUNITY

Polk Penguin Conservation Center

continued from page 15

certainly an interesting conversation starter. I just wasn’t prepared to learn the incident included a surprising second biter. Four-year old Ron Kagan was nestled in the backseat of his parent’s car. The suburban Boston family had just picked up their new puppy — a boxer. “We were bringing him home, and I couldn’t have been more excited. His name was Bobby. I was pulling on anything and everything. I mean, there were ears and there was a tail. I was just sort of, you know, becoming a scientist exploring this creature.” Bobby the baby boxer returned the favor. “I guess I

did something wrong because he bit me,” Kagan said. “But my response instantaneously was to bite him back.” Which little Ron did. “So, I guess that was the start,” he said, before adding wryly, “I really don’t do that anymore with animals.” JEWISH IDENTITY Kagan’s youth included his family’s attendance at a Boston temple. “I was bar mitzvahed, but religion was never really anything particularly significant for me. It was really what my parents and, in particular, my mother had gone through that I think shaped actually quite a bit of my life.” What Kagan’s mother “had

“WHEN THE YOM KIPPUR WAR BROKE OUT, I DROPPED EVERYTHING TO GO THERE.” — RON KAGAN

MAY 27 • 2021

gone through” was surviving the harrowing life-and-death journey as one of the 699 mostly Jewish children evacuated from Czechoslovakia to Britain in 1939 on the eve of WWII. It was the escape from the impending Holocaust that would come to be known as the Kindertransport. Left behind were Kagan’s maternal grandparents — his grandmother who perished in Auschwitz and his grandfather who perished in Dachau. “My mother was one of Sir Nicholas Winton’s children,” Kagan said. Winton was the heroic British banker and humanitarian who, at peril to his own life, formed the British Committee for Refugees from Czechoslovakia, the forerunner of Kindertransport. He was referred to as the “British Schindler” and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2003. Winton was also rewarded with a long life, passing away in 2015 at 106. More than 70 years after the fateful train ride that would save his mother’s life,

Ron Kagan arranged for an emotional and unforgettable reunion. “I took my mom and son to England to meet Sir Nicolas Winton,” Kagan told me. “We had an amazing experience.” WAR ZOOKEEPER Ron Kagan has kept the memory of his mother and grandparents’ destinies close to his heart. It was in their honor that at age 21, the self-proclaimed pacifist made a life-altering — and potentially life-threatening — decision in 1973 that would be an homage to his family’s Jewish heritage and, in an unsuspecting way, expedite his zoological experience. “When the Yom Kippur War broke out, I dropped everything to go there,” Kagan said. Dropping everything included dropping out of his final year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he was studying zoology. “I had other friends who were talking about going the following summer to volunteer on a kibbutz or do

YOU’RE IN THE ARMY NOW Only a week after his graduation from Amherst with a bachelor’s in zoology, Kagan returned to Israel to serve 18 months on active duty. He was in the armored corps stationed at the Golan Heights and went to commander school. He remained as a reservist for another eight years. By the end of his decades-

long stay in Israel, Kagan earned a master’s in zoology at the University of Jerusalem, got married and had two children. Often when he got the urge to come home, a visit to Yad Vashem would pull at his heartstrings and delay his return. Eventually, Kagan had his American homecoming in 1985, taking over the role of general curator at the Dallas Zoo until he ventured north in 1992 to assume the leadership of the Detroit Zoo. STEPPING DOWN, NOT STOPPING When his final day at the Detroit Zoo comes, Kagan will continue to lead an international team that is developing a new code of ethics for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He also has tentatively agreed to doing some guest lecturing. Kagan noted that his paternal grandfather didn’t retire until age 102 and lived until age 109. However, before he becomes too busy, he says he’ll also “follow the advice of some very wise friends who keep telling me ‘don’t make any commitments for a few months. Just let yourself be free.’” He likened it to taking a year off after college before entering the workforce. If things get too slow, you might find Kagan pursuing another of his passions — competing in Lotus Formula car racing in England. Kagan will also make up time for what COVID has curtailed — out-of-town visits with his mother, 94, and father, 95, and, of course, catching up with his children: a daughter and son who work for the CDC and Tesla respectively.

IT TAKES A ZOO VILLAGE During my two encounters with Ron Kagan, first for the photo shoot for this story, followed by my nearly hourlong interview with him, it was quite evident that he would rather deflect the attention from himself and instead focus on his dedicated zoo staff — and zoo supporters. “It’s an incredible group of people,” Kagan said. “The ani-

nal sanctuary for animals and people. It’s just been an incredible honor to be able to be a part of the continuation of that.” My interview with Kagan left me with many fascinating anecdotes about his career, but there is one word picture I won’t soon forget. When I asked him to share what he thought was one of the funnier moments he experienced

DETROIT ZOO

something to help,” Kagan recalled. “During those first 10 days, it looked like Israel was about to be pushed into the Mediterranean. So, the idea of waiting until next summer seemed ridiculous to me.” Kagan remembers the image of the darkened runway upon his arrival in Tel Aviv, a blackout to prevent the airstrip from being a nighttime bombing target. A long way from a college campus, Kagan said, “I didn’t fully appreciate what I was doing.” Within hours of his arrival, word had spread that an American had arrived who was a “zoologist.” A bit of a premature promotion for the college senior, but a strange twist of fate that would intersect his dedication to his family’s history with his passion for animals. By the first morning in Israel, “they’d already whisked me off to go to Jerusalem to go take care of animals at the zoo,” now known as the Tisch Family Zoological Garden. The battlefield action he had anticipated was put on hold — for about a year. After several months of caretaking, he returned to Amherst to complete his studies. But Kagan was far from finished with his pledge to help Israel.

National Amphibian Conservation Center

mal care staff, the veterinary team, our amazing board, committee members and our invaluable volunteer corps are so amazing. To a person, everyone who contributes here is so unbelievably mission-driven.” He also has fond parting words for the Detroit community and civic leaders who helped save the zoo from economic ruin. “I love this community, especially for what it has done over the decades, including long before I came here, to create such a phenome-

during his career at the zoo he offered the following: “Well, there really are a million, but I guess one of the recurring joyful events that I have is singing with the donkeys. They’re so sweet. I mean, really, it’s just wonderful.” I would love to hear a chorus of Kagan and the donkeys before he turns in his zoo key. In the meantime, to borrow a lyric from the song “Talk to the Animals” from Dr. Dolittle: If we could talk to the Detroit Zoo animals, they’d say: “Well done, Ron Kagan. We will miss you, our friend.” MAY 27 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY

To register and book online for the COVID-19 vaccine or testing at the Michigan Healthcare Professionals COVID clinic, go to: obuzz.net.

Sisters, 17-year-old Gabriella and 16-yearold JJ Jacobs of Southfield display their vaccination record cards after receiving their first vaccines.

Vaccines for Teens

Farber vaccination program expands into the community, with 12-to-15-year-olds up next.

SHELLI LIEBMAN DORFMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

o ensure Farber Hebrew Day School students who were eligible for, and wanted, COVID-19 vaccines received them, Dr. Howard Korman put on two hats — along with his regularly-worn kippah. A member of the Southfield school’s medical advisory board for the COVID program, as well as a self-described “vaccine-activist,” he created an avenue for high schoolers 16 years and older to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. And that group quickly expanded into a larger one within Farber and in the community and now includes those 12-to-15 years old. The injections were administered at a drive-thru clinic behind the Millennium Medical Center in Farmington Hills, run by Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP) that began

MAY 27 • 2021

Farber student Tuvi Weil, 16, of Southfield smiles under her mask after receiving her COVID-19 vaccine.

as a COVID-19 testing site and now also offers the vaccines. The clinic was created by MHP board member and Millennium internist Dr. Barry Feldman and his wife, Lesley, with the assistance of Sabrina Dobbins from TRIARQ Health, and Giovanni and Joe Khalifeh of Biotech Laboratories.

When the clinic offered to create openings for the Farber high schoolers to be vaccinated, Korman contacted head of school Dr. Joshua Levisohn, and the opportunity was given to the students just days before the slotted times. “I knew they would need parental clearance and those under the age of 18 would need to be accompanied by a parent,” Korman said. “But they made it happen. They came on the day reserved for them. Some came with siblings. A few more students came at a later date and they all came back for the second vaccine.” Appointments were set up for any staff members who wanted them, and soon students’ family members were included also. “I’m always talking about how to keep the population safe and have been an activist in getting people vaccinated,” said Korman,

a urologist and president of Comprehensive Urology, a division of the multi-specialty MHP, of which he is a board member. Going beyond the school, he and his wife, Michal, brought more than 150 individuals to the site for vaccines. “We reached out to many spheres,” he said. “We called everyone we knew and asked them to see if they knew anyone else not yet vaccinated. They referred their friends, their housekeepers, their neighbors. Michal signed up members from her biking group, and we told the Comcast guy who came to our house about the vaccination site. And it was made available to groups in our synagogue, Young Israel of Southfield, through our rabbi.” He says the number of people who have been to the site since it opened in March 2020 is “staggering.” “Approximately 60,000 individuals have received more than 100,000 PCR tests,” Korman said. “Many have been tested multiple times. And more than 8,000 patients have been vaccinated to date at the site.” A government grant covers the cost of both the vaccines and COVID PCR tests for those without health insurance coverage. “This is our path out of this,” Korman said. “Vaccines have been miraculously effective based on all data from Israel. This is our path to getting back to our lives again. “The vaccine and our ability to offer it is a gift that fell into our laps,” he said. “We need to get the message out to everyone; everyone who works for us; everyone who comes into our homes.” Korman added a notice to the younger members of our community, saying, “Now that the vaccine is available to anyone 12 years and older, Dr. Feldman and his heroic MHP team will be armed and ready — for your arms.”

Protecting the Young

Federation, JARC hold vaccine clinic for teens. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

LEFT: A student from Chabad’s boys school receives the first dose of the vaccine. BELOW: Teenager Ivy Findling getting the first dose of the vaccine.

DANNY SCHWARTZ

he Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and JARC held a vaccine clinic at the Federation building on Thursday, May 13. The clinic took place the day after federal regulators expanded authorization for the use of PfizerBioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine in children ages 12-15. The clinic was open to anybody but was aimed at 12-to-15-year-olds. JARC has been holding clinics, especially for the people they serve, since January. Jacob Allen, associate director of philanthropy for JARC, said Federation has been gracious in letting them use their space. “As soon as we were done with all of our persons served and staff, we said, ‘Hey, we’re really good at this. Why don’t we keep it going?’” Allen said. “So, we partnered with Federation and Oakland County and a bunch of other organizations to allow us to keep going and, every couple weeks, we have about 500 people.” The clinic was held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Steven Ingber, Federation’s CEO, said there were people waiting 30 minutes before the clinic started. “It feels like you’re a part of the solution now,” Ingber

DANNY SCHW ARTZ

said. “We’re not going to get through this without this. We’re not medical professionals, so this is our way of helping the system get better.” Allen added, “Both Federation and JARC, we like to say when we see a problem, we try and fix it. This is our way of doing our best to get through this.” Both Ingber and Allen noted many people are happy to get the vaccine through this kind of collaboration due to a familiar comfort the organizations provide, as opposed to going to a pharmacy or large football stadium. Organizations injecting the doses at the clinic included Tamarack Camps, namely Tamarack’s Camp Maas Health Director Jennifer Feinberg. Ivy Findling, a teenager receiving her first dose at the clinic, said the shot was “so easy.” Findling is grateful the organizations came together

to put the clinic on. “I think it’s amazing they’re helping make everything safe and go back to normal,” Findling said. The clinic offered the Pfizer vaccine, which means patients will return for their second dose on June 3. The collaboration continued on May 20 with another clinic, allowing teens and other at-risk individuals to get the vaccine if they couldn’t attend the week prior. Ingber said the clinic represented a sense of relief and happiness, and that the community is heading in a positive direction. “I’m not going to get on the battleship with the ‘mission accomplished’ flag, but I do think we are one step closer, and I’d like to think this partnership has made it one step closer to being done.”

The Importance of Jewish Museums is Keynote Topic at Historical Society Annual Meeting Jewish Historical Society of Michigan (JHSM) announced Patrick that its Annual Gallagher Meeting will feature Patrick Gallagher, president and founder of Gallagher & Associates. Gallagher will be speaking on “Why Jewish Museums Matter.” JHSM’s Annual Meeting takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 7, via Zoom. Members of the community are invited to attend this free event, during which JHSM will review the highlights of the past year, in addition to featuring Gallagher’s talk. “We are thrilled to have Patrick Gallagher speak,” said JHSM Executive Director Catherine Cangany. “Gallagher & Associates is an internationally recognized museum-planning and design firm. “Patrick himself is deeply knowledgeable and will give us an inside look at the firm’s recent work, including the new Beit Hatfutsot (Museum of the Jewish People) in Tel Aviv.” Register for the event at michjewishhistory.org/ calendar.

MAY 27 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY

LEFT: Eugene Greenstein and Kobi Erez. RIGHT: Scenes from the May 14 Rally for Israel

Solidarity with Israel

ZOA-led rally held at Orchard Lake Road.

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

ore than 100 people attended a pro-Israel rally on the west side of Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield on Friday, May 14, to show support for Israel in its ongoing clash with Hamas. The event was helmed by the Zionist Organization of America’s Michigan Region. In attendance was Eugene Greenstein, former ZOA-MI president, who hoped the rally expressed the local support for Israel. “We felt we needed to come out and say something and get some attention,” Greenstein said. “We think it’s important to make a statement. We care about Israel, we’re here to show support for Israel, and we shouldn’t be afraid to show this is something we believe in.” Greenstein is concerned for what’s happening in the Middle East. “It’s very scary,” Greenstein said. “Every life is precious; it doesn’t matter if it’s Jewish or Arab.” Executive Director of ZOA-MI Kobi Erez led the rally and stood firm in his support of Israel. “We are standing with our brothers and sisters in Israel, and we want to show our support and solidarity, that we are proud to be Jewish and have a strong connection to Israel,” Erez said. “We believe America

MAY 27 • 2021

should stand beside Israel as well.” Erez said another reason for the rally was due to “anti-Israel rhetoric all over the place.” “It’s important for us to show Americans that we are proud of Israel, that Israel is America’s best friend and to show we believe in the morality of what Israel is doing. “We don’t want to stay silent to antisemi-

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO SHOW AMERICANS WE ARE PROUD OF ISRAEL.” — ZOA’S KOBI EREZ

tism or to hatred, and we urge everybody to support Israel in words and actions, and to reach out to Congress and reach out to your neighbors and friends,” Erez said. Rabbi Asher Lopatin, the executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/AJC, attended the rally on a personal level. “I love that it’s such a positive rally,” Lopatin said. “It’s about peace, about love

for Israel, and that’s exactly what we need. “I hope that on the other side, you could have pro-Palestinian peace. All of Israel should be about peace and love and, God willing, we’ll have an end to the hostilities.” The recent conflict began with clashes in eastern Jerusalem over expected legal Israeli Supreme Court evictions of six Palestinian tenant families from an eastern Jerusalem neighborhood and by restrictions of access to Palestinians on the Temple Mount after violent clashes broke out. Then, Hamas and other terrorists launched more than 4,000 unguided rockets at Israel from Gaza and encouraged the rioting by some Israeli Arabs. Israel followed with targeted assassinations of terrorist leaders in Gaza and bombardments of military targets, often intermingled in civilian areas. A ceasefire was reached on May 21. The Health Ministry in the Gaza claimed 243 people had been killed since hostilities erupted on May 10, with 1,910 wounded. Hamas’ rocket fire killed 12 Israelis. Scores more have been injured. President Joe Biden spoke May 17 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing his support for a ceasefire, while also supporting Israel’s “right to defend itself against indiscriminate rocket attacks.”

Frankel Center’s Undergrad Award

Shoah Education Holocaust Memorial Center launches Virtual Museum Experience.

he Holocaust Memorial Center (HMC) has launched the Virtual Museum Experience (VME), a new online program for students learning about the Holocaust. When the pandemic hit and HMC had to shut down, HMC’s Education Department knew they didn’t want to stop teaching the lessons of the Holocaust. The team began strategizing how to take the museum experience to students virtually, customizing the content for each particular classroom and staying true to the curriculum. They then came up with a plan. “A member of our education staff can basically Zoom into the classroom, and using photos of artifacts and survivor testimony clips, can have a conversation with the students and teach about the Holocaust,” said Ruth Bergman, HMC education director. Each VME session is facilitated by a HMC educator via Zoom or Google Meet, and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Artwork created by survivors are also among the audio-visual assets incorporated into VME sessions. HMC can tailor a VME to focus on a particular subject, like ghettos, or focus on themes, a popular way teachers like HMC to approach the sessions. Overarching themes from which teachers can choose include Propaganda; Pyramid of Hate (how could the Holocaust happen); Choice and Responsibility; Resistance; Resilience and Returning to Life; and Camps/Final Solution. Once a teacher expresses interest in scheduling a VME, a Holocaust Memorial Center educator has a one-on-one call with the teacher to discuss what the students are learning and the themes that shape the VME content, tailored to each classroom.

These wooden shoes are among the artifacts on the HMC Virtual Experience.

HMC

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

Usually more than 35,000 students from across the state take field trips to the HMC annually. More than 6,500 students will have participated in a VME within the first five months of 2021. HMC plans to continue the VME program after all capacity restrictions are lifted, due to its massive success. “It has been so much more positive and desired than we even thought,” Bergman said. “We launched the program in February and, so far, we’ve reached 6,413 students. By the time we’re done with the end of the school year, we’ll have reached over 8,000 students. “It’s exciting and very heartening for us because with the rise in antisemitism and prejudice, Holocaust education can’t stop,” Bergman added. “The fact that teachers want us to continue teaching their students and we’re able to continue doing what we do, it’s so important and we’re grateful we have this technology that allows us to do it.” Currently, the Holocaust Memorial Center is booking VMEs for the summer and fall. Teachers can email VME@holocaustcenter. org to schedule a VME. HMC is open Sunday through Thursday with timed appointment tickets available. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, HMC will be offering public tours on a limited basis. Visit holocaustcenter.org for more info.

Every spring the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies at University of Michigan honors a graduate with Miriam Saperstein the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. This year’s recipient is Miriam Saperstein of Huntington Woods, who uses the pronoun they. In addition to majoring in Judaic Studies, Saperstein also minored in creative writing. “This award really is a reflection of my excellent professors who helped me take on challenges both academic and personal during my time in undergrad,” Saperstein said. “It’s as much a testament to their teaching as it is to my learning.” Faculty nominate students who have made standout academic achievements and have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.8 in Judaic studies courses. Professor Devi Mays said Saperstein was one of the most impressive students she has had the pleasure of teaching. “They are a thoughtful and astute writer, researcher, and thinker, whose classroom contributions propelled discussion forward and encouraged other students to think more deeply about entrenched historical narratives,” said Mays. After graduation, Saperstein plans on working with the U-M history department on Michigan in the World, an internship program where students, in partnership with the Bentley Historical Library and the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, develop online public exhibitions of research about the history of U-M and its relationships with the wider world. Saperstein then plans on attending Wayne State University’s Master’s in Library and Information Science program. MAY 27 • 2021

OUR COMMUNITY Leah Witus

Vaccine Video

Ann Arbor native wins chemistry award; develops kids’ video explaining vaccines. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

$100,000 academic award funding the study of catalysts in the human body became a catalyst for developing unrelated science videos that include one explaining how COVID-19 vaccines prevent infections. Leah Witus, assistant professor of chemistry at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., was among 25 educators chosen for this year’s Cottrell Scholar Awards given by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. Each award is based on proposals that suggest new scientific research in combination with instructional initiatives. “This award is open to professors in the third year of their tenure track appointments in chemistry, physics or astronomy,” said Witus, 35, whose interest in teaching chemistry came to mind as she studied in the Ann Arbor public schools and did some tutoring. “The use of Cottrell funds is pretty open. While they don’t go to me personally, they can be budgeted for my salary while doing the suggested work. A lot of my funding will be used to create summer research jobs for students I can hire, and some

MAY 27 • 2021

will go for supplies.” Witus, who won the award based in part on her earlier work with catalysts, submitted her proposal projecting an educational component as creating a new Macalester course to explore scientific communication. Later, devising college course content, often presented remotely, and looking after her two children whose Jewish Community Center daycare was canceled, Witus got the idea for the 10-minute science videos. “My professional life as a chemist and my personal life as a newly full-time parent merged,” said Witus, who also has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health. “I thought about what I could be doing while the kids were napping and decided on making chemistry videos for them. Then, when they woke up, they could have fun watching them. “I realized that even very young kids are ready to learn advanced scientific concepts. Everything that they’re learning is new to them so why not give them these concepts about how molecules work and how chemistry works. They were really receptive to it and learned a

ton. I started posting the videos online to share with friends, and parents told me they also learned a lot.” ANIMATED VIDEOS Among the subjects covered in the “Preschool PhD” series, available on YouTube, are soap and sunscreen. Witus made them entirely on her own after learning some video-creation software tools to enhance her hybrid teaching necessitated by pandemic distances. She did the animation and the voiceovers. Witus, who was active with Temple Beth Emeth while living in Ann Arbor, has worked with impressive professors and met her husband, Dennis Cao, in the process. He also teaches at Macalester as a chemistry professor specializing in organic materials. “I went to Rice University in Houston and decided to major in chemistry because of research I did with a professor,” Witus explained. “I thought it was fun trying an experiment that nobody had tried and discovering new things. The excitement of original scientific research got me hooked. “Because I was enjoying research so much, I decid-

ed to go to graduate school for a Ph.D. and continue doing research. I went to the University of California Berkeley, and worked for Professor Matthew Francis, who’s now the chair of the Department of Chemistry. He made the lab feel like a family. “At that point, I decided to become a professor, and I went to Northwestern University and worked for Professor Fraser Stoddart, who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2016, which was after I left. It was an honor to get his note of congratulations when he learned of my award.” Although there were no scientists in Witus’ growing-up family, she experienced inspiration from her late maternal grandmother, Betty Meyer, who earned a Ph.D. in math when very few women entered that field. Witus and her husband were pleased that they both could work at a liberal arts college that would allow them more interaction with students, and she is glad that her animated videos are getting attention. “My hope is that people enjoy the videos for kids and with kids, especially the COVID vaccine video,” Witus said. “The goal is that when people are able to see the world from a molecular viewpoint, a lot of things make sense. Understanding the pandemic we’re in, how viruses spread and why vaccines work shares knowledge beyond the scientific classroom.”

Details Leah Witus’ videos can be found by Googling “YouTube — Preschool PhD” or clicking youtu.be/Fv5bs4SPiYE

JEWS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

CES 2021 Virtual format for consumer electronics show was a success. RABBI JASON MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he year 2020 was so full of changes and disappointments that it is no wonder we began 2021 eager for things to return to normal. That certainly was not the case for my CES experience in January. The annual international Consumers Electronics Show has become a regular activity on my calendar at the start of each year, and I was especially looking forward to this year’s convention for several reasons. First, it would be my 10th CES in Las Vegas. Second, I missed the 2020 event because I traveled to Phoenix to officiate a bar mitzvah. While I was able to attend this year’s CES, it was

certainly a change from past experiences. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which produces CES, made the difficult decision of making this year’s show fully virtual. I am glad they were able to still convene the world’s best tech showcase, but virtually attending from home was vastly different than being in Las Vegas and being able to touch the cutting-edge tech gadgets and futuristic electronics. Surprisingly, this was one of my favorite CES experiences yet. That must sound surprising since it lacked the sights, sounds and feels of a typical CES. However, this year, I found myself much more available to sample the panel

Mazel Tov! Adam Arnold Always follow your dreams! Go get ‘em... the world awaits! We love you to the moon and back and we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Go Green! Go White! Love always, Mom, Dad, Sam & Shoshana

Gary Shapiro of Franklin, Mich., CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, opens the 2021 CES — the first virtual CES ever.

discussions, lectures and new product presentations (I also didn’t have sore feet from walking miles around the convention floor). Tech luminaries from around the world addressed the challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic and put forward their revolutionary solutions as we face an unpredicted future. I learned a new term from a leader at Procter & Gamble, who referred to the way tech companies have been forced to adapt this past year as “constructive disruption.” It was fascinating to hear

some of the world’s most creative and innovative technologists explain how they were forced to shelve the products they had been working on for years to quickly create the new technologies our world required as we battled a global pandemic. I heard government leaders explain their role in helping to democratize high-speed internet and ensure the infrastructure was in place for 5G. I was intrigued by how rapidly the field of digital health has been growing and how new technology owes so much to space exploration. I remain in awe of how the CTA was able to pivot so quickly to a fully virtual show this year. I learned a lot and truly experienced a different aspect of this phenomenal tech show. Hopefully, next year I will be back in Las Vegas and will be able to have a tactile CES experience once again.

Cantor Olivia Brodsky Congratulations on receiving your Masters of Sacred Music from Hebrew Union College & Cantorial Ordination from HUC-JIR’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music. Much success as you begin your career at Temple Beth Rishon in Wyckoff, New Jersey. With love & pride, Grandma Dina, Auntie Ann, Uncle David, Auntie Helene, Auntie Stacy & Uncle Jeffrey MAY 27 • 2021

An asymmetrical one-shoulder tulle ballgown from Lee Petra is adorned with geometric flower appliques.

Israel is home to stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant foods, iconic sights — and world-renowned wedding gown designers. LYNNE KONSTANTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER continued on page 26

MAY 27 • 2021

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A mermaid gown festooned with beaded leaves from Lee Petra.

LEE PETRA GREBENAU The darling of New York Bridal Fashion Week, Lee Petra Grebenau launched her own design house after growing up in the family textile business. Also graduating with honors from Shenkar Fashion Art Academy, Grebenau not only has an intimate understanding of fabrics, but is known for her luxurious embroidery and embellishments. “I like to work with silk,” she told the Bridal Council. “Whether it’s chiffon, organza, satin or tulle, I love mixing textures of pearls, beads, crystals, floral embroidery and unique French lace. This is my reinterpretation of classics in modern bridal design.” Trunk Show Alert: June 25-26. Sposa Bella, Birmingham. continued on page 28

MAY 27 • 2021

INBAL DROR Another Shenkar graduate, Inbal Dror worked with the haute couture collections of Roberto Cavalli in Milan before returning to Israel to launch her own brand — which now has shops in New York, Paris and London, where she’s designed couture for the likes of Beyonce and Naomi Watts. Roma Sposa, Birmingham.

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HOUSE OF MEDINA The Medina family has been designing and sewing wedding gowns for more than 70 years, with an emphasis on handmade corsets. Designer and studio director Michal Medina leads the atelier with head designer, her daughter, Tal, who graduated with honors from Shenkar Fashion Art Academy, a top fashion design school in Tel Aviv. Tal’s signature: luxuriously shimmery fabrics combined with hand-sewn embroidery embellished with beading and precious stones. Sposa Bella, Birmingham. GALIA LAHAV Galia Lahav left her longtime career as an arts and crafts teacher to pursue her passion for fashion. Over the course of the last three decades, Lahav has guided her couture fashion house to be always cutting edge, always innovative, having led the way with trends such as plunging backs, super-sheer fabrics and seductive silhouettes. Look for her gown on Jennifer Lopez in her upcoming film Shotgun Wedding. Roma Sposa, Birmingham. From Galia Lahav, a silk tulle ball gown is adorned with floral embroidery and finished with a wide horsehair trim chapel train.

WINEMAN FAMILY

SPORTS

Jack Wineman

Meet the CranbrookKingswood Hockey Team’s ‘Fab Five’ Led by captain and All-State center Jack Wineman, the Cranes won their 18th state championship. STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

hen it comes to winning state championships in hockey, the Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood High School team has no peers. The Cranes have played in 20 state title games and won 18 of them, losing only to Calumet in 1996 and 1998. Their latest triumph was a 4-1 win over previously undefeated Calumet at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth for the Division 3 title, their first state championship since 2015. Five Jewish players were on the Cranbrook-Kingswood

(15-4) roster. While they acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing in such a successful program, they said it’s a good thing. Jack Wineman, a senior center from Birmingham, played on the Cranes’ top line this season. He was one of the team’s four captains, and a first team Division 3 all-state selection by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association. His first-period goal against Calumet (18-1-1) gave Cranbrook-Kingswood a 2-0 lead. He had eight goals and 17

assists this season. “Obviously, the pressure [to succeed] motivated me to leave my mark on the program and hang another banner in the rafters, but it didn’t put extra pressure on me,” he said. “Our goal this season was to have fun every day and work hard until the end.” Junior right wing Ty Esterline from Commerce Township was injured and missed most of the season, but he was cleared to play in the postseason. He made the most of the opportunity, scoring Cranbrook-Kingswood’s fourth goal against Calumet. It was the only goal he scored in the five games he played this season. “Our team winning so many state championships doesn’t put pressure on me,” he said. “It actually benefits me because it pushes me to become better as a person and hockey player so we have the opportunity to win a state championship. “There’s more pressure to not let down your teammates who have become your family over the past few months.” Junior defenseman Jacob Budabin from Troy assisted on Cranbrook-Kingwood’s first goal against Calumet. One of the Cranes’ top defenseman, he had three goals and 12 assists this season. “The pressure is always there to perform given the team’s history of state championships,” he said. “At the end of the day, however, we have to pave our own path and it really helps when you have the kind of guys around you that we did this year. “Also, the coaching staff pushes us to be the best we can, and not use our team’s history as pressure, but as motivation to be the best we can be.” Charlie Finsilver is a junior right wing from Bloomfield Hills. He had a pair of assists this season.

“The winning culture that has been established over the years by our team helps keep players on the right track,” he said. “We understand the legacy and stature of past players and teams, so we know we have large shoes to fill. The pressure motivates us to live up to that legacy. “Every time I put on the Cranbrook-Kingswood jersey I know I’m playing for something greater than myself. It truly is humbling.” Andrew Swartz is a junior defenseman/forward from Toronto. He had 10 assists in 19 games this season. “The pressure caused by the tradition of winning is beneficial to me and my teammates,” he said. “It’s the type of pressure that makes us want to win more. The pressure pushes our team to keep going, to keep winning, to not stop winning, and be the best team in the state every year.” The COVID-19 pandemic caused stoppages and shortened the high school hockey season. There also were unprecedented mitigations for players. But the Cranes rolled with the punches, according to Finsilver, whose grandfather, Stan Finsilver, is a past president at Temple Israel. “The COVID-19 protocols were just obstacles that had to be tackled mentally and physically,” he said. “Abiding by the protocols was the only way we were able to play. We really didn’t have a choice. It was either follow the protocols, or don’t have a season. “As the season went on, the protocols became more of a familiar foe, and became less frustrating.” In addition to Wineman’s All-State honor, second-year Cranbrook-Kingswood coach John LaFontaine was named the Division 3 Coach of the Year by the MHSHCA. MAY 27 • 2021

MAZEL TOV! Robert Nathan Feldman (Natanel Dov) of West Bloomfield will become a bar mitzvah at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on May 29, 2021. Robbie is the son of Julie and Mike Gold, and Melissa and Brad Feldman. He is the adored grandson of Ellen and Paul Chute, Cheryl and Dennis Yashinsky, Millie and the late Morton Feldman, Simone Vitale, Jeannie Vitale and Jeffrey Parsons. Robbie is the brother of Emily Feldman, Allison Feldman, Avery Gold, Addisyn Gold, Max Hortick and Talia Hortick. Robbie attends Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit in Farmington Hills and is performing a piano concert for the residents of Jewish Senior Life for his mitzvah project this spring. Maya Dawn Fershtman (Mayim Devorah), surrounded by family, will chant from the Torah as she becomes a bat mitzvah on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield. She will be joined in celebration by her proud parents, Linda and Robert, and her brother Derek. Maya is the loving granddaughter of Eileen Millstone, and the late Herman and Edith Fershtman, and the late Donald Stern. Maya attends Clifford Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. For her mitzvah project, she

MAY 27 • 2021

donated tzedakah to the Trevor Project. Noa Mila Gendelman, daughter of Janet and Vladimir Gendelman, will chant from the Torah as she becomes a bat mitzvah on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. She will be joined in celebration by her brother Aaron and proud grandparents Diana and Lev Freyman, and Anna and Yury Gendelman. Noa attends West Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. For her most meaningful mitzvah project, she made and sold bracelets to benefit Cap & Conquer, a nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients save their hair during chemotherapy. Madeline Gold (Meital Bayla) became a bat mitzvah on May 21, 2021, at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield. She is the daughter of Gayle and Lorne Gold of Huntington Woods and the sister of Jackson Gold. Maddie is also the granddaughter of Francine and Edward Gold of Bloomfield Hills, Fred Apel of Boca Raton, Fla., the late Beverly Apel and the late Harry Friedman. Maddie is an eighth-grader at Norup International School in Oak Park. For her mitzvah project, she ran a toy and book drive for Brilliant Detroit. She collected, organized

and delivered multiple carloads of items as well as developed an Amazon wish list so out-of-town friends and family could contribute. Addison Elyse Goldman, daughter of Jennifer and David Goldman, formerly of West Bloomfield, will celebrate her bat mitzvah at Congregation Beth Israel in Cumming, Ga., on Friday, May 28, 2021. She is the sister of Benjamin. Her proud grandparents Jill and Jules Goldman of Walled Lake, and Bonnie Miller, formerly of Oak Park, will join Addison for her celebration. Addison attends Otwell Middle School in Cumming. Stone Maxim Seyburn, son of Alisa and Marc Seyburn, will chant from the Torah on the occasion of his bar mitzvah on Friday, May 28, 2021, at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Stone is the loving brother of Cole, Grant and the late Shelby Seyburn. His proud grandparents are Bruce and Denise Seyburn, Joyce Seyburn, Cynthia Dore and Fred Dore. He attends Walnut Creek Middle School in West Bloomfield. For his mitzvah project, Stone volunteered his time at the Shelby Jane Seyburn Foundation in honor and memory of his sister Shelby, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 22.

Max Logan Spiegel will lead the congregation in prayer on the occasion of his bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, May 29, 2021. He will be joined in celebration by his proud parents, Renea and Michael Pearl, and Steven Spiegel, and brother Ari. Max is the loving grandchild of Passie and the late Perry Shulman, and Ruth and the late Herman Spiegel. He is a student at Clifford Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. For his mitzvah project, Max collected bottles and cans to return so he could make a donation to his grandfather’s education fund at the Holocaust Memorial Center. Matilda Louise Stoller, daughter of Carra and Andrew Stoller, will lead the congregation in prayer as she becomes a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, May 28, 2021. She will be joined in celebration by her sister Ruby and proud grandparents Lisa and David Moss, and Judi and Ken Stoller. Tilly is the great-grandchild of Reva and Robert Moss. She is a student at West Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. For her most meaningful mitzvah project, Tilly raised funds for research to benefit rare genetic conditions.

CAP & GOWN HIGH SCHOOL GRADS SOPHIA AARON Frankel Jewish Academy Indiana University

LILLIAN BEAVERS Frankel Jewish Academy Friendship Circle’s Umatter Board, 2018 One thing I Wish You Knew speaker, Tennis, Volleyball, Student Government, Created a website for her photographs and received multiple art honors. American University JACK BEHRENDT Bloomfield Hills High School National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, Captain Varsity Swim. University of Wisconsin NOAH BEHRENDT Bloomfield Hills High School President National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, Varsity Track, Cross Country. University of California Los Angeles EVAN CARDEW Berkley High School DECA, Varsity Tennis, Link program. Michigan State University

EMMA DRIKER Berkley High School National Honor Society Officer, Friendship Circle volunteer/teen president/fellow, Varsity Cross Country, Track & Field, UNICEF Club leadership, Symphony Orchestra, Elie Wiesel Night Art & Writing Competition art award. Vassar College MAGGIE EISENBERG Bloomfield Hills High School Student Body Co-President, Varsity Soccer Captain, Student of the Year Nominee, National Honor Society, Amy Wiese Memorial Scholarship. University of Michigan

ISABELLE FOX Bloomfield Hills High School Honors graduate, National Honor Society, Co-Captain of Sideline & Competitive Cheer, BBG Regional Convention Chair, N’siah/President of the year Michigan 2020. Michigan State University AMANDA KOLIN Bloomfield Hills High School Outside Dance Team and Competition, BBYO local chapter social media chair, Assistant Teacher for Hebrew School, Assisted in multiple campaigns, State competition DECA and High School Equity Council. Michigan State University JOSEPH KORNBLUM Farber Hebrew Day School Mazkir of Bnei Akiva Detroit, National Honor Society, Friendship Circle President, StandWithUs Teen Board, Bookstock volunteer, AIPAC Schusterman and Policy Conference attendee, NFHS student mental health and suicide prevention certified. Gap year in Jerusalem/Binghamton University ARI LEFLEIN Ann Arbor Huron High School International Baccalaureate Diploma, Magna Cum Laude, National Honor Society, Scholastic Art Awards, Author on publications in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Frontiers in Physiology. University of Michigan CARLY SALTSMAN Berkley High School Honors graduate, National Honor Society, Varsity Swimmer (4 years) Co-Captain Senior Year, PeerCorps Generation of Promise, Presidential Scholarship. George Washington University ABIGAIL LARKY-SAVIN West Bloomfield High School Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society. Varsity Soccer Team Captain, Scholar-Athlete (4 years), Premier League Travel Soccer, Temple Israel High School graduate, Founder of Coloring Club, Integral staff member of two successful political campaigns. University of Michigan MAY 27 • 2021

JONAH STERN

RILEY SHAPIRO Bloomfield Hills High School Leadership unsung hero, Student Body Co-President, National Honor Society small group leader, Jewish/Student Alliance Co-President, Varsity Poms, Studio A Company Dancer, Magna Cum Laude. University of Wisconsin

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Mazel Tov! GRACIE GREENBERG

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ELIJAH STEINBOCK Berkley High School Varsity Basketball (2-year starter), OAA Sportsmanship Award, DECA state and international finalist. Michigan State University MOSHE ZINBERG Farber Hebrew Day School Bnei Akiva Youth leader, AIPAC Schusterman advocate, NCSY, JV Basketball captain, Varsity Baseball, Young Israel of Oak Park Youth Programs Leader, Young Israel of Oak Park Teen Minyan. Gap year Yeshivat Orayta/Lawrence Tech University

Congratulations Gracie! We are so proud of your accomplishments! You are beautiful inside and out! We love you so much!

CAP & GOWN HIGH SCHOOL GRADS ARIELLA SELESNY Berkley High School Choir, Friendship Circle, Young Israel of Southfield Youth Group volunteer, Bnei Akiva, NCSY, UMatter. Undecided

Jonah, you are such a special young man, we couldn’t be more proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Congratulations on your graduation from Walnut Hill School for the Arts and your acceptance to the Berkley School of Music in Boston. Have a wonderful gap year in Israel!

MAZEL TOV!

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.

ERETZ

Aviva Zacks and her family

Living

the Dream

he Jewish News has asked me to write a column interviewing former Detroiters living in Israel, so I thought I would begin with myself. I was a teacher at Akiva Hebrew Day School (now Farber Hebrew Day School), Bais Yaakov and Aviva Zacks Yeshiva Beth Yehudah before making aliyah with my family in 2006. Why did I want to make aliyah? When I was young, my family spent every

summer in Israel. Being in Israel and enjoying the freedom that children have here really made an impact on me. As an adult, I taught Judaic studies at Akiva, and year after year, my material pointed to the importance of living in Israel — from the promise Hashem made to the forefathers to Joshua conquering the land. I thought to myself, “How can I teach this and not live it?” My family was on board, so we got on the plane and moved to Modiin. My kids were 10, 7 and 4

years old when we came, and they got used to living here pretty quickly. We moved to a community with many other olim, so they had kids to talk to in English. But we did try to make sure they were in classes with Hebrew-only speakers so they would pick up the language more easily. We were very easy on them when it came to their studies as it was much more important to us that they felt comfortable and had time to play with other kids. Now Daniel, 24, is married to Shifra and is the father of our two grandchildren, Eitan and Hadar. He lives and works in Kiryat Shmonah. Ephraim, 21, is serving in the Givati Brigade as part of Yeshivat Hakotel’s army Hesder program, and Nava, 18, is doing national service as a Bnei Akiva Komenarit (she runs a Bnei Akiva chapter of more than 250 kids). Since moving to Israel, I shifted gears because, while I taught in Hebrew at Akiva, my Hebrew was not good enough to teach Israeli children. And don’t even get me started on my American accent! Once I moved to Israel, I taught English to native English speakers for eight years and then worked at an e-learning company writing practice tests for adults and children taking standardized tests in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. After that, I switched to content writing and now freelance through a content marketing company called Writehook that I run with my husband Arye.

ISRAELI LIFE What do I like best about living in Israel? I love that everything revolves around the Jewish year. The pomegranates are in season on Rosh Hashanah, every house and apartment has a Chanukiah lit on every night of Chanukah, and you should see the streets filled with children dressed up for Purim. My favorite time of year is Pesach. A few days before our first Pesach in Israel, I went to the shopping center to get a few last items that I had forgotten to buy. There was literally no parking to be found. I couldn’t believe it. It was supposed to be a working day, but people had taken off to shop for food, gifts and clothing for Pesach. It was the most incredible scene. I also love our proximity to the Kotel. Any time I want, I can go up to Jerusalem and daven at our holiest site. While I don’t miss the snow in Detroit, I do miss our family and friends we left behind. Being so far away when loved ones are celebrating happy times or dealing with difficulties is the hardest part about moving away. And I really miss the slow, calm way Detroiters speak and drive. Israel is our nation’s home. Every prayer points us there. We even daven in the direction of Jerusalem. If you haven’t been to Israel yet, you should certainly come see what all the hype is. Once you’re vaccinated and Israel allows you to, that is.

MAY 27 • 2021

ERETZ

On the Road

JN STAFF

THE JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL

2Gether

Virtual tour links Michigan and Central Galilee.

A screenshot from the virtual tour

s part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate greater connections between Israel and world Jewry, the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Central Galilee and Michigan partnership hosted a virtual running tour of the Central Galilee region to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). Israeli participants in the Partnership2Gether network (P2G) hosted the virtual running tours of Central Galilee areas to provide Michigan residents with the opportunity to immerse themselves in that region and meet its people while they work out on a tread-

MAY 27 • 2021

mill and “run” with the tour guides or relax on a sofa. The Central Galilee tour represented the Jewish Agency’s latest initiative to maintain and grow the closeness between Israeli and diaspora Jews during a period when the COVID-19 pandemic has limited, if not halted, travel between Israel and North America. “Whether it be in extraordinary or more normal times, Jews from Israel and around the world routinely find creative ways to bond over their shared connection to the Land of Israel and to each other,” said Director of Partnership2Gether Pnina Agenyahu. “The Jewish Agency

is committed to continuing its work to bridge the distance between Israeli and Jewish communities, on Yom HaAtzmaut and year-round, as a crucial vehicle for uniting the global Jewish people.” Michigan’s P2G participants toured the hub of immigration absorption in Migdal HaEmek, where Jews from many different backgrounds and origins from North Africa, the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and more live together; Zippori, where they delved into thousands of years of history in the magnificent archeological site of the ancient town that played an essential role in the conservation and

reviving of Jewish faith and traditions; and the diverse city of Nof HaGalil, including its archeology and its breathtaking views of the Galilee, all the way down to the ancient streets of Nazareth. Participants in Michigan were also able to meet the new shinshinim (service year emissaries), who will be joining the community next year. Since 1994, the Michigan communities of Metropolitan Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids have partnered with the Israeli municipalities of Migdal HaEmek, Nof HaGalil, and the Jezreel Valley, which are all located in the Central Galilee. This particular P2G partnership focuses on building a vibrant Jewish future, including through the Michigan communities’ support for an English-language instruction program that reaches more than 4,000 students in 35 schools throughout the Central Galilee, providing students with skills they need to succeed in Israeli society.

SPIRIT

EXPANDED TORAH

Two Types of Leadership I

n this week’s parshah, Moses has a breakdown. It is the lowest emotional ebb of his entire career as a leader. Listen to his words to God: “Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? What have I done to displease You that You put Rabbi Lord the burden of all Jonathan these people on Sacks me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? ... I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how You are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me — if I have found favor in Your eyes — and do not let me face my own ruin.” (Numbers 11:11-15) Yet the cause seems utterly disproportionate to its effect. The people have done what they so often did before. They complain. Many times, Moses had faced this kind of complaint from the people before. There are several such instances in the book of Exodus. On these earlier occasions Moses did not give expression to the kind of despair he speaks of here. Usually, when leaders faced repeated challenges, they grow stronger each time. They learn how to respond, how to cope.

They develop resilience, a thick skin. They formulate survival strategies. Why then does Moses seem to do the opposite, not only here but often throughout the book of Numbers? In the chapters that follow, Moses seems to lack the unshakable determination he had in Exodus. At times, as in the episode of the spies, he seems surprisingly passive, leaving it to others to fight the battle. At others, he seems to lose control and becomes angry, something a leader should not do. Something

the doctor, he diagnoses your condition and prescribes a pill. All you have to do is follow the instructions. Adaptive challenges are different. They arise when we are part of the problem. You are ill, you go to the doctor, and he tells you: I can give you a pill, but the truth is that you are going to have to change your lifestyle. You are overweight, out of condition, you sleep too little and are exposed to too much stress. Pills won’t help you until you change the way you live.

WE HAVE TO CHANGE. THE LEADER CAN’T DO IT FOR US. has changed, but what? Why the breakdown, the burnout, the despair? A fascinating insight is provided by the innovative work of Professor Ronald Heifetz, co-founder and director of the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Heifetz distinguishes between technical challenges and adaptive challenges. A technical challenge is one where you have a problem and someone else has the solution. You are ill, you go to

NO QUICK FIX Adaptive leadership is called for when the world is changing, circumstances are no longer what they were, and what once worked works no more. There is no quick fix, no pill, no simple following of instructions. We have to change. The leader cannot do it for us. The fundamental difference between the books of Exodus and Numbers, is that in Exodus, Moses is called on to exercise technical leadership. The Israelites are enslaved? God sends signs and wonders, 10 plagues, and the

Israelites go free. They need to escape from Pharaoh’s chariots? Moses lifts his staff and God divides the sea. They are hungry? God sends manna from heaven. Thirsty? God sends water from a rock. When they have a problem, the leader, Moses, together with God, provides the solution. The people do not have to exert themselves at all. In the book of Numbers, however, the equation has changed. The Israelites have completed the first part of their journey. They have left Egypt, reached Sinai, and made a covenant with God. Now they are on their way to the Promised Land. Moses’ role is now different. Instead of providing technical leadership, he has to provide adaptive leadership. He has to get the people to change, to exercise responsibility, to learn to do things for themselves while trusting in God, instead of relying on God to do things for them. It is precisely because Moses understands this that he is so devastated when he sees that the people haven’t changed at all. They are still complaining about the food, almost exactly as they did before the revelation at Mount Sinai, before their covenant with God, before they themselves had built the Sanctuary, their first creative endeavor together. He has to teach them to adapt, but he senses — rightly as it transpires — that they are simply unable to change their pattern of response, the result of years of slavery. They are passive, dependent. They have lost the capacity for self-motivated action. As we eventually discover, it will take a new generation, born in freedom, to develop the strengths needed for self-governance, the precondition of freedom. The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks served as the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, 1991-2013. MAY 27 • 2021

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SPIRIT

TORAH PORTION

Moses As ‘Mother’

e know that God Professor Mara Benjamin’s has no gender. In recent book The Obligated Self: fact, according Maternal Subjectivity and Jewish to Maimonides, God is so far Thought focuses attention on beyond description that we the many ways in which we are should take special care enriched by exploring not to describe God. the many sides of mothStill, the Torah and erhood. She describes broader Jewish tradireligious categories such tion does describe God as obligation, love, power extensively. We can think and teaching through the Rabbi Steven lens of motherhood and of all the descriptions of God as metaphors. These Rubenstein the complexity of that shape the way we see role. Parshat God, the way we under- Bahaalotecha: I’d argue that the stand the world around Torah chooses to have Numbers us as well as our own Moses frame his experi8:1-12:16; Zachariah understanding of who ence as one of mother2:14-4:7. we are as individuals. hood in the above verses God is a friend (to due to the very comAbraham), a king (to the Jewish plexity that Professor Benjamin people) and a warrior (as in the illuminates. Song of the Sea). Moses feels the pressure It isn’t only metaphors of of caring for the people. He God which help us understand knows that he is responsible ourselves and our world. In for them. Even as he turns to Parshat Behaalotecha, the Torah God in frustration, wondering presents us with an interesting why God is expecting him to image of Moses that can open care for the people, Moses does our eyes to the way we perceive not reject the responsibility. In ourselves. In Numbers, the this moment, Moses sees himChildren of Israel turn to Moses self and describes himself as a with complaint. Moses then mother. turns to God, saying: Of course, motherhood con“Did I conceive all these peo- tains a multitude of experiences ple, did I bear them that you and moments, not only the should say to me, Carry them frustration that Moses deals in your bosom as a nurse carwith here. ries an infant, to the land that It is worth asking ourselves You have promised on oath to — If Moses can best describe their fathers?” (Numbers 11:12). his experience at that moment Moses is described in a varias a mother, might not we be ety of ways in our tradition enriched by knowing the wide — as Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses variety of experiences of peoour Teacher), as a lawgiver, as a ple who are, in any number shepherd (this is both physical of ways, different from ourand metaphorical). But I don’t selves? think that many of us carry Rabbi Steven Rubenstein is the around the image of Moses as rabbi of Congregation Beth Ahm our mother. Yet here it is in the in West Bloomfield. Torah.

SPIRIT

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

Temple B’nai Shalom Benton Harbor (269) 925-8021 tbnaishalom.org

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

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

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 of Moses Kalamazoo congregationofmoses.org Congregation Shaarey Zedek Southfield (248) 357-5544 shaareyzedek.org

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

Beth Tefilo Emanuel Tikvah Southfield (248) 559-5022 Birmingham-Bloomfield Shul Birmingham (248) 996-5818 bbchai.org B’nai Israel-Beth Yehudah Oak Park (248) 967-3969 bi-by.org B’nai Zion Oak Park (248) 968-2414

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

Chabad House-Lubavitch of Eastern Michigan Flint (810) 230-0770 chabad.org

Ahavas Olam Southfield (248) 569-1821 Ahavasolam.com

Chabad Jewish Center of Commerce-Walled Lake Commerce Township (248) 363-3644 jewishcommerce.org

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

Chabad Jewish Center of Novi-Northville (248) 790-6075 novijewishcenter.com Chabad-Lubavitch of Bingham Farms Bloomfield Hills (248) 688-6796 chabadbinghamfarms.com

First Hebrew Congregation South Haven (269) 637-1603 firsthebrewcongregation.org Kehillat Etz Chayim Huntington Woods etzchayim-detroit.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

Chabad of Western Michigan Grand Rapids (616) 957-0770 chabadwestmichigan.com

Shaarey Zedek Windsor (519) 252-1594 shaareyzedekwindsor.com

Bais Haknesses Hagrah Oak Park (248) 542-8737

Dovid Ben Nuchim-Aish Kodesh Oak Park (313) 320-9400 dbndetroit.org

Shomer Israel Oak Park (248) 542-4014 godaven.com

Balfour Shul – K’Hal Rina U’Tefila Oak Park (732) 693-8457

Etz Chayim of Toledo Toledo, OH (419) 473-2401 Etzchayimtoledo.org

Bais Chabad of North Oak Park (248) 872-8878 chabad.org

Shomrey Emunah Southfield (248) 559-1533 congregation-shomreyemunah-105705.square.site continued on page 38 MAY 27 • 2021

continued from page 37

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

Temple Beth El Battle Creek (269) 963-4921

Temple Jacob Hancock templejacobhancock.org

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

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

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

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

ANN ARBOR

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

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

CONSERVATIVE Beth Israel Congregation (734) 665-9897 @BethIsraelCongregation

Temple Beth Israel Bay City (989) 893-7811 tbi-mich.org Temple Beth Israel Jackson (517) 784-3862 tbijackson.org

Congregation T’chiyah Oak Park (248) 823-7115 tchiyah.org

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

Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit (313) 567-0306 reconstructingjudiasm.org

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

REFORM Bet Chaverim Canton (734) 480-8880 betchaverim@yahoo.com Temple Benjamin Mt. Pleasant (989) 773-5086 templebenjamin.com Congregation Beth El Windsor (519) 969-2422 bethelwindsor.ca

MAY 27 • 2021

Temple Beth Sholom Marquette tbsmqt.org Temple Emanuel Grand Rapids (616) 459-5976 grtemple.org Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org Temple Israel West Bloomfield (248) 661-5700 temple-israel.org

REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org SECULAR/HUMANISTIC The Birmingham Temple Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 birminghamtemple.com Jewish Parents Institute West Bloomfield (248) 661-1000 jccdet.org Sholem Aleichem Institute Lathrup Village (240 865-0117 secularsaimichigan.org SEPHARDIC Keter Torah Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 681-3665 rabbisasson.wixsite.com/keter Ohr Hatorah Oak Park (248) 294-0613 Ohrhatorah.us

MINYANS Fleischman Residence West Bloomfield (248) 661-2999 Yeshivat Akivah Southfield (248) 386-1625 farberhds.org

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 FILM REVIEW

Final Account At what point does complicity turn people into predators? ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

inal Account grapples with a difficult question that the world has struggled to answer in the decades following the Holocaust: At what point does complicity turn people into predators? The 90-minute documentary gathers the final remaining accounts of the last-living generation of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. It retells the stories of everyday men and women who grew up in Germany and joined the Nazi movement, many as youth or teens. Some held smaller positions, working as bookkeepers, while others rose in power to become high-ranking SS officers. By examining tiny individual acts of conformity, the documentary paints a picture of how the mass movement came to power, quickly growing into an unstoppable wave. Directed by Luke Holland, who died shortly after filming was completed on June 10, 2020, Final Account looks at authority, conformity, complicity, national identity and responsibility from a lens seldom seen. The German-language British-American documentary, which was 10 years in the making, asks participants of the Third Reich to reexamine their actions, weighing out what they could have, would have done differently. Holland and his team press challenging topics in the highly candid interviews, going over often-unspeakable memories, perceptions and personal appraisals. For many of the film’s subjects, who are now well into their 90s, looking back at their own role in the greatest crime against humanity in history is something few can readily face. Throughout the documentary, which moves at a fast pace with few breaks, we see denial, anger, bargaining and, in a few instances, acceptance. It’s an emotional watch that raises more questions than answers.

Some interviewees still choose to believe the Holocaust never happened, unable to face the actions of their homeland even 75 years later. Others spend their final years educating youth about the dangers of complicity, an effort to prevent history from repeating itself. It’s a stark juxtaposition, showing just how far people are willing to go to defend or condemn their actions. The film is mostly talking. We see the subjects in their homes, often surrounded by relics of the past: old portraits on the wall, yellowed Nazi paperwork, sometimes even military medals (including the heart-wrenching skull and crossbones “death’s head” symbol). On first glance, these participants look like average civilians, no different than any other elderly man or woman. It drives a crucial message home: Most participants of the Third Reich were everyday people. While many Holocaust documentaries examine and remember the Jewish struggle, showing footage of concentration camps before and after their liberation, Final Account takes the opposite perspective. It shows life as it was for German civilians-turned-Nazis leading up to the war, often through enhanced colorized footage. They laugh, they play, they walk down the street with their friends. It’s hard not to lose yourself in the normalcy of it all, arguably one of the main points of the film. Very rarely do we see the war from this side, an eye-opening experience. Final Account is a slow burn. Though it moves quickly at 90 minutes, the momentum steadily builds.

It opens with the memories of several personal interviews, each vastly different from the last yet still somehow eerily similar in nature. We see how national identity, authority and conformity pushed these individuals to comply with the horrors of the Holocaust, whether they became active participants or simply chose to stay silent about what they were witnessing. The film also educates about lesser-known concentration camps and other crimes against humanity, using never-before-seen footage to connect how each action and event impacted the others, resulting in the overarching devastating force of the Third Reich. As it nears its last minutes, Final Account asks each participant whether they now believe, at the end of their lives, that they were guilty of contributing to the Holocaust. The answers are surprising and shocking. Some participants have accepted their roles. Others will defend Hitler’s actions to the grave. Though Final Account is not an easy watch, and one that can make viewers feel angry or confused, it’s an important reckoning of how far complicity, especially in mass form, can truly go. Final Account opened in theaters May 21. — 4.5 stars.

MAY 27 • 2021

ARTS&LIFE COMEDY

Funny People

Cory Kahaney to headline NCJW fundraiser. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cory Kahaney

urrounded by people who complain about their family annoyances, Cory Kahaney jokes about hers in comedy clubs, on TV and for special events. Funny family fiascos have built Kahaney’s career through the pandemic, and she will livestream her approach to raise funds for community service projects sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan. “Raising Laughter,” zooming into homes at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 6, also will provide fun material by local humorist Alan (Big Al) Muskovitz, who Alan Muskovitz alternates between topical subjects and what can be self-deprecating. Muskovitz quipped that he avoids the equal opportunity political humor he once shared with audiences because “I just want people to like me.” “I don’t do family relationship stuff,” said the former longtime radio personality, who often emcees events, takes on voice-over assignments and writes for the Detroit Jewish News. “I wish I could, but then I’d have to move out of my house.” Kahaney, based in New York, stays close to family at home and nearby as she adapts those relationships into her material. Muskovitz draws more on his own idiosyncrasies and the news of the day, convinced it is much funnier than anything he could make up. “I’ll make everybody feel a little bit of normalcy,” said Kahaney, whose TV performances have reached from Comedy Central Presents to Stephen Colbert’s talk show. “My

MAY 27 • 2021

standup is very familiar to everyone. It’s about being a wife, a mother, an ex-wife, a daughter-in-law — all that is part of being a Jewish woman. “I love sharing anything that makes people feel less alone, and I make a special effort to bring in Jewish content when I’m performing for a Jewish group. It’s a luxury when it’s all mishpuchah,” she continued. “I came to comedy because it was introduced to me through Jewish channels, and I’ve done an ‘Erev Christmas’ show for a large audience. I tell my family if they don’t want it in the act, don’t do it.” Kahaney’s interest in being a comedy performer started when traveling with parents to Jewish resorts in the Catskills, where she could glimpse star humorists. Lucille Ball and Joan Rivers, so often on TV through reruns, became additional inspiration. “I was always being thrown out of class for making jokes,” she recalled. “The teachers who liked jokes loved me. The teachers who wanted a serious classroom couldn’t stand me.” Kahaney studied acting at New York University and wanted comedic roles before thinking of standup, which she tried when she was 21 and in her first marriage. To her dismay, stage fright took hold, and she established a career as a catering manager in a New York hotel. Eight years later, she gave standup a second chance. STANDUP COMIC AS SINGLE MOM “I was a divorced single mom so I pretty much chose doing standup comedy at the

worst time anyone could possibly do it,” she said. “I would not recommend it to anybody, but it probably kept me sane. It was probably the right move because the doors started opening. “When I was a catering manager, the head bartender worked at Catch a Rising Star, and I was dating a comedian casually,” she recalled about incentives for the career turnaround. “Also, one of the waiters worked at Dangerfield’s, and another worked at Carolines on Broadway. “I was surrounded by it, and I really got tired of people introducing me as ‘their boss but she’s really a comedian.’ I tried it as a hobby but found myself where I was supposed to be.”

“MY STANDUP IS ABOUT BEING A WIFE, A MOTHER, AN EX-WIFE, A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW.” — CORY KAHANEY

Kahaney, the wife of attorney Ken Misrok and mother of two, has had to make style changes for digital appearances although in-person club engagements are opening. “Digital is not harder, but there’s a big adjustment,” said Kahaney, who has entertained pre-pandemic live audiences in Ann Arbor. “I think it’s like the difference between playing an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar. “Obviously, you’re far from people, but because you’re so close through the camera, you can’t be as dramatic and larger than life the way you would be onstage. “Because you’re in somebody’s living room, you have to do more conversational comedy. There’s nothing that gives me more pleasure than hearing an audience laugh, and I go to great lengths to do that.”

Details “Raising Laughter” will livestream at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 6. $36 household; $75 patron. Tickets: ncjwmi.org/product/raisinglaughter or call (248) 355-3300.

CELEBRITY NEWS

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

FRIENDS REUNION The long-delayed Friends: The Reunion Special will start streaming on HBO Max on May 27 (can also be seen on June 24 on the “basic cable” TVLand channel). Friends, a mega-hit sitcom about six young adults, premiered in 1995 and ran for 10 seasons. The Special is not a new Friends episode. It’s a one-hour unscripted event during which all six star cast members will reminisce about the series. The “bonuses” are rare “behindthe-scenes footage” and very brief appearances by 18 actors, actresses or musicians who had recurring roles or guest shots on Friends. The main cast included

David Schwimmer, now 54, as Ross, and Lisa Kudrow, now 57, as Phoebe. The others are Jennifer Aniston (Rachel), Courteney Cox (Monica, Ross’ sister), Matt LeBlanc (Joey) and Matthew Perry (Chandler). The “18 others” appearing on the special include Elliott Gould, 82, who played Ross and Monica’s Jewish father; Maggie (Jakobson) Wheeler, 59, who played Janice, Chandler’s on-andoff Jewish girlfriend; and Larry Hankin, 83, who played Mr. Heckles, the annoying upstairs neighbor. Also appearing are series’ co-creators David Crane, 63, and Marta Kauffman, 64. Kauffman’s ex-husband Michael Skloff, 61, wrote the music for the Friends monster hit theme song, “I’ll Be There for You.” The lyrics were penned by Allee Willis (1947-2019). A top pop/funk

The cast of Friends

NBC

ARTS&LIFE

songwriter, Willis was born and raised in Detroit. By the way, the Jewish media has “tracked” the (fictional) Jewish ties of Monica, Ross and Rachel for decades. Here’s the scorecard: Ross and Monica’s father is Jewish; their mother is not. In an early episode, we find out Monica had a bat mitzvah, so it appears that the siblings were raised Jewish.

After the bat mitzvah “reveal,” nothing “Jewish” is connected to Monica, but references to Ross’ Jewish background show up in several episodes. The consensus is that Rachel’s parents are Jewish, but her “clear” Jewish ties are limited to a cameo shot in which she wears a Magen David necklace and, once, referring to her grandma as her “bubbie.”

ON THE GO

PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS

even more relevant today. The community is welcome. There is no charge. To RSVP and receive a Zoom link, contact Jodi Gross, jgross@ adatshalom.org.

Rabbi Aaron Bergman

PIRKEI AVOT STUDY 11 AM, MAY 28 Adat Shalom Synagogue invites adults of all ages to join Rabbi Aaron Bergman for a weekly discussion on Zoom to explore one of the most beloved and wise books of our people, which was written long ago but is

BIM BOM BABY 10-10:30 AM, MAY 28 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 248-406-4255. A SUMMER OF TORAH STUDY JUNE 1 Nishma is a summer program of the Jewish Theological Seminary Beit

Midrash where students immerse themselves in Torah learning and cultivate skills to access classical Jewish sources: Talmud, Midrash, Halachah, Hebrew, and parshanut (Torah and its commentaries). The program is split into two four-week sessions. Students can participate in either session or both. Courses will be online. Contact nishma@jtsa. edu.

JFS MEETING 4:30 PM, JUNE 1 Jewish Family Service will hold its annual meeting and community recognition event on Zoom. Register at jfsdetroit.org. ‘THE MODERN FACTORY’ 7 PM, JUNE 2 The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation will host a free virtual talk “Albert and Julius Kahn and the invention of the Modern Factory.” Michael G. Smith will bring to life the tale of two brothers who revolutionized modern day factories. Register at AlbertKahnLegacy.org. Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews. com. MAY 27 • 2021

NOSH

EATS | DRINKS | SWEETS

A Kosher ‘Pork Rind’?

New lower-fat, vegan snacks are guilt-free. ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ould Snacklins become America’s next great salty snack? Former Detroiter Jeremy Sherman is set on making that happen. As director of Growth & Strategic Initiatives at Snacklins, Sherman is a key member of the Jeremy Washington, D.C.Sherman based company. So, what are Snacklins? Snacklins — a 100% vegan kosher snack food — was born in 2015 in the kitchen of a D.C. barbecue joint. Former radio personality and chef Samy Kobrosly “became obsessed with the idea of [developing] a meat-free pork rind” he could eat as a Muslim. He eventually settled on a recipe with yuca, mushrooms and onions, as well as other flavors, in a crunchy, airy crisp that resembles a pork rind or “cracklin.” Sherman said Snacklins — both gluten- and grain-free — are lower in fat and sodium than other snack choices. Available in 0.9-oz snack-size pouches (90 calories each) or a 3-oz bag, the four Snacklins flavors are Barbecue, Chesapeake Bay, Nacho and Teriyaki. The company got a boost in October 2019, when entre-

MAY 27 • 2021

Finding Snacklins

This kosher snack is available from Amazon.com or snacklins.com. Jewish News readers visiting snacklins.com can insert a special promo code, JEWISHNEWS, at checkout and get 25% off their first order.

preneur Mark Cuban of ABC’s Shark Tank made a significant investment in Snacklins. Sherman was part of a hiring wave that followed. The team is committed to achieving business success because “we’re all part owners,” he said. “We’re constantly snacking on all kinds of chips, seeing what our competitors are doing, and even trying snacks from other countries to taste new flavors that haven’t arrived in the United States yet,” Sherman said. “Limited edition” flavors are coming. Sherman’s passion for good food and cooking was influenced by his mother, Fanny, who was raised in the small Jewish community of

Barranquilla, Colombia. Meals might include a Jewish staple, such as cholent, side by side with Colombian-style arroz con pollo. Home was West Bloomfield. Sherman went to Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield with his parents, brother and sister. After high school, he took a gap-year position as international president of B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, working with teens worldwide. Sherman earned a business degree at Washington University in St. Louis before moving to Washington. He lives with Michael Eisenstatt and their dog, Oreo. Still Jewishly involved, Sherman attends Sixth & I Synagogue and facilitates Shabbat dinners for young professionals with the local JCC. Sherman is focused on expanding Snacklin’s national footprint. The products are stocked in grocery stores along the east and west coasts, but “we’ve started reaching new stores throughout the Midwest.” The company’s e-commerce business is also growing to accommodate online shoppers, and “we completed a rebrand a few months ago, where we launched a brand-new look and feel for our packaging and website.”

Austin Weisman with Winnie and Daisy Dembs

Pet Dogs’ Needs Are Opportunity for Business Startup Starting a new business during COVID seems like the worst possible time, but for Karen Stoller and Austin Weisman, it was perfect. As dog lovers and walkers, Karen and Austin put their favorite things together and started Motown Dog Walking. During the pandemic, more people than ever adopted pets and new puppies. Now, back to work and school, they need help walking their dogs, especially during the day. Karen and Austin are also finding new clients who are pets of guests staying in nearby hotels. Based in Birmingham, Motown Dog Walking offers individualized services for new puppies and a “Play n’ Potty” option for elderly dogs who just need to go outside and enjoy some play time. The pet parents even receive report cards on how they did. Karen and Austin are both certified by IAP and by the American Red Cross for cat and dog first aid. For more information, visit motowndogwalking. com.

HEALTH

A 3-dimensional CT scan depicting blood vessels penetrating into the embedded bone, grown within the engineered flap.

Growing Bone in a Lab?

New advances from the Technion prove it’s possible.

ubstantial tissue loss can be the result from cancer, injury and infection. Reconstructive surgery attempts to mitigate the damage. Currently, the clinical “gold standard” in the field of reconstructive surgery is the autograft, which entails harvesting tissue from one part of the patient’s body and transferring it to the damaged site. For example, to reconstruct the lower jaw, surgeons may harvest a portion of the fibula bone, together with the soft tissue and blood vessels around it, from the patient’s leg. The soft tissue and blood vessels are necessary for the bone to survive in its new location. As one might imagine, there are significant disadvantages to taking a large chunk out of one’s body, such as considerable pain or all the usual complications associated with a surgery at the donor site. Scientists are therefore looking for alternatives to

tissue harvest and are moving toward tissue engineering. Although some progress has been made in the field, there are still major challenges to overcome in the search for tissue replacements. The ultimate goal for the scientists is de novo tissue generation. Instead of taking tissues from one part of the body to implant in another, new tissues for implantation would be grown in a lab. That is where Professor Shulamit Levenberg and her team come in. In the faculty of Professor Biomedical Engineering at the Shulamit Levenberg Technion, the focus of her tissue regeneration lab has been on the formation of complex blood vessel networks in lab-grown tissues. Recently, her team created vascularized soft tissues for implantation using stem cells derived from the dental pulp, that is the soft

tissue inside the tooth, together with capillary forming (endothelial) cells. The addition of the dental pulp stem cells promoted the generation of the blood vessels, eventually leading to enhanced tissue remodeling and repair. The new methodology was then used to repair a bone defect in rats, leading to a complete recovery. In a recent study conducted in Levenberg’s lab, Dr. Idan Redenski and his colleagues were able to put together their own vascularized tissue technology with biological bone implants developed at Columbia University by Professor Gordana VunjakNovakovic to create a de novo Dr. Idan tissue flap containing live bone Redenski supported by vascularized soft tissue. This took the concept of implantable bone tissue to a whole different level. That, however, was only the first stage. Having shown that a mixed tissue flap can be grown, the team proceeded to use the new methodology to repair a bone defect in rats, using a two-step approach. First, an engineered soft tissue flap was implanted. Once it was integrated into the body of the rat, the engineered flap was exposed in a second surgery and used to repair a bone defect, while being supported by major blood vessels next to the defect site. The decellularized bone was exposed and inserted to correct the existing defect while the engineered tissue flap supported it. The results were a complete success: The soft tissue with the blood vessels supporting and feeding the bone led to bridging of the bony defect, with the rat’s cells growing in and replenishing the implant. It was, in fact, a complete recovery, better than anything reconstructive surgery can achieve, and not based patient tissue harvest. Returning to the concept of a jaw implant, one can hope that one day, based on the methods developed by Professor Levenberg, Dr. Redenski, and the rest of the team, it will be possible for the patient to receive a lab-grown bone perfectly matching the shape of their face, surrounded by lab-grown soft tissues based on their own cells cultivated on 3-dimensional biomaterials. No major damage to other parts of the patient’s body would be necessary. From the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. MAY 27 • 2021

HEALTH

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Katherine and Robert Jacobs and Dr. Eva Feldman

Advances in Brain Health Robert and Katherine Jacobs increase support of Dr. Eva Feldman’s research. JN STAFF

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MAY 27 • 2021

obert and Katherine Jacobs have stepped forward to expand their support of the research of University of Michigan renowned neurologist Dr. Eva L. Feldman as she seeks to understand neurological diseases and develop new therapies to treat them. “Robert and Katherine are going to help us understand what allows the brain to be healthy in terms of dietary intake, which could change public policy and also change how we as physicians practice,” Dr. Feldman said. “They are really special people.” Her laboratory’s years of research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) led to the breakthrough discovery of environmental factors that often underlie serious neurological damage, supported by the establishment of the Robert and Katherine Jacobs Environmental Health Initiative in 2016. From there, Dr. Feldman was able to demonstrate that other, vastly more prevalent diseases — Alzheimer’s and diabetes, for example — could also have their origins in not only our surroundings, but our lifestyles and diets as well.

The Jacobs have now donated more than $700,000 to this initiative and most recently sponsored the third installment of the NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies Mini Symposium Series.” “This is near and dear to my heart because I was born in Detroit, where we know diabetes is such a problem,” says Robert Jacobs, the former Buddy’s Pizza CEO. “We have seen Dr. Feldman’s work firsthand, and what she is discovering is truly remarkable. We believe it is critical that Dr. Feldman and her staff continue to reveal how our health is a result of our lifestyles.” “We know nutrition is an essential part of your overall health — your immune system and your ability to have a good quality of life,” Katherine Jacobs says. “We see this research program as a way to delay or reverse the symptoms and even cure some of the disorders that we are familiar with because our friends and family have them and that affect so many people in the world.” Alzheimer’s disease impacts roughly 5 million Americans, a number that is expected to grow as our population ages over the next three decades.

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Muslim-Jewish Video Series The first in a series of short videos to foster awareness of Jewish and Muslim contributions to American society was released by the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council (MJAC). The videos and other stories of MuslimJewish cooperation will be promoted on MJAC’s new Facebook (@MJACAdvocacy) and Twitter (@Muslim_Jewish) pages. “Muslims and Jews are essential threads in the social fabric of our country, yet many Americans do not know us as neighbors, colleagues and friends,” said Farooq Kathwari, MJAC co-chair. “Five years ago, we joined together as Muslims and Jews in a pioneering effort to combat hate and strengthen our democracy. Our digital campaign is another vital tool.” Co-convened in 2016 by American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), MJAC members advocate jointly on domestic policy issues, notably combating hate, and building understanding of Jews and Muslims in the United States. Forthcoming videos in the series will cover Muslims and Jews as contributors in the fields of health care, the armed services, business and sports.

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Hillel of Metro Detroit Names New President Hillel of Metro Detroit named Randi Sakwa as the new president of its Board of Governors. Sakwa, described as energetic and highly motivated, succeeds Sally Krugel, who served as president since 2019 and helped navigate the agency through the pandemic. The elected officers also include: Vice Presidents Jodi Weinfeld and Beth Snider, and Treasurer Eric Zacks. New board members are Nicole Baron, Stephanie Barr, Ken Goss, Steve Lefkofsky and Benji Rosenberg. Reelected board members include Elaine Driker, Faye Ullmann Kanter, Sidney Katz, Diane Klein, Joshua Lerner, Neil Satovsky, Sherrie Singer and Linda Zlotoff.

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

LARRY DAMRAUR, 72, of Wheatridge, Colo., died May 15, 2021. Larry grew up in Oak Park and moved to Colorado in 1975. He worked at the Rocky Mountain Press for more than 30 years until his retirement. He cherished his Colorado home outside of Denver and all it offered his passion to the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and would enjoy camping trips and motorcycle rides in the mountains. Larry was very creative and generous with those he loved. He would regularly send personal packages with quirky gifts to friends and family back in Michigan. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him. Mr. Damraur is survived by his wife, Edith Damraur; brother, Jeff Damraur; sisters and brothers-in-law, Terry and (Kerry) Grushoff, Tobie and Randy Weiss; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was the son of the late Phyllis and Alex Damraur. A private memorial was held in his honor in Colorado. Contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. ELAINE M. (KOENIGSBERG) DOROFF, of Wenham, Mass., and formerly of Southfield and Miami, Fla., died on May 14, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of Stephen Doroff; devoted mother of Robin Kate Doroff and Daniel Craig Doroff; loving daughter of the late Hyman and Sarah Koenigsberg; dear sister of Alan and Lauren Koenigsberg, Ronald Koenigsberg and Bruce Koenigsberg; loving aunt of Melissa Koenigsberg, husband, Billy Lee, Meredith

and Jason Hillman, Jonathon Koenigsberg, Michael Koenigsberg and his partner, Marla Lewis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private graveside services were held in Danvers, Mass. Contributions in Elaine’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. For online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, torffuneralservice.com. DAVID ELBINGER, 82, of Commerce Township, died May 15, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rochelle “Ricki” Elbinger; sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Rachel Elbinger, and Kevin and Eden Elbinger; grandchildren, Skylar and Zachary Elbinger; sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Marvin Sheplow; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Arline and Alvin Gitt. Mr. Elbinger was the loving brother of the late Delly and the late Bob Rycus; the devoted son of the late Benjamin and the late Lillian Elbinger. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to B’nai B’rith, 5600 W. Maple Road, Suite. A-100, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, bnaibrith. org; Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, temple-israel.org/ tributes; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

c. 1979

RENÉE GAIL LEVY FIRESTONE, 88, of West Bloomfield, formerly of East Lansing, died May 13, 2021. She was born in

Detroit to Irving A. and Sarah Levy on Sept. 27, 1932. Renée graduated from Central High School, attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Wayne State University with an education degree. Passionate about education, Renée began her career teaching in Detroit Public Schools. Later, she built the academic advising office into the Undergraduate Programs for the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, retiring as its director in 1998. Civic minded, Renée was an active member of the League of Women Voters, National Council of Jewish Women and Hadassah. She helped found the Lansing chapter of the Panel of American Women, seeking inclusion and diversity awareness through shared personal experiences. What her family will miss most about Renée is her love of glass art, music, theater, travel and unmatched social skills. Mrs. Firestone was the cherished mother of Joseph Firestone and Liliana Ciccodicola, and Karen and Charles Rossen; proud grandmother of Leah Firestone and Niv Shalom Tschaikov, Eliza Firestone and Celia I. “Rossie” Rossen; loving sister-in-law of Harold (the late Gloria) Firestone and the late Edith (the late Joseph) Snider; beloved cousin of Zelda Landy. She also has many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milton I. Firestone; and their infant child, Lawrence Jay. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing. Contributions may be made to Michigan State University, Eli Broad College of Business, the Renée Firestone Endowed

Fund, 632 Bogue St. n520, East Lansing, MI 48824, givingto. msu.edu; or Multiple Sclerosis Society of MI, 29777 Telegraph Road, Suite 1751, Southfield, MI 48034-7650, nationalmssociety.org/mig. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. HERMINA HIRSCH, 94, of Southfield, died May 15, 2021. She is survived by her sisters, Eta Moss and Hilda Wasserman; sons, Henry and Caryn Hirsch, Daniel and Cindy Hirsch, and Steven Hirsch; grandchildren, Stacey (Brian) Jeffries, Ryan (Lori) Hirsch, Andrea (Michael) Kruszynski, Julie (Aaron) Friedman, Jessica (Zach) Shenitsky and Michelle Wayne; great-grandchildren, Sylvia, Isaac, Sam, Ruthie, Zev, Alex and Lyla; many nieces and nephews here and in Israel. Mrs. Hirsch was the beloved wife for 73 years of the late Bernard Hirsch; sister-in-law of the late Sam Moss and the late Jack Wasserman. Interment took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Contributions may be made to the Holocaust Memorial Center or to the Komisar Feldman Fund at JARC. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. ANDREA GAIL SACHSE HURWITZ, 82, of Palm Beach, Fla., died May 14, 2021. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Dr. Ron Hurwitz; sons and daughter-in-law, Ed Sachse, and Todd and Karen Sachse; Ron’s children, Walter and Robin Hurwitz, Ivan and Andy Hurwitz, and Lee and Jill Hurwitz; grandchildren, continued on page 48 MAY 27 • 2021

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 47

Jake, Erin, Erica, Laura, Jason, Elyssa, Kelsey, Ethan and Stella; brother, Richard Korn; sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Howard Farling; many loving nieces, nephews and a world of friends. Mrs. Sachse Hurwitz was the beloved wife of the late Stuart Sachse; the loving mother-inlaw of the late Julie Sachse; the dear sister-in-law of the late Cindy Korn. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, the Stuart J. Sachse Youth Fund, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322, jccdet. org; or the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Radnor Station Bldg. 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087, theaftd.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. INEZ FRANCES KLIMIST, 89, of Oak Park, died May 20, 2021. She is survived by her children, Susan and Martha KlimistZingo, Kyree N. Klimist, and Anthony G. Klimist and Amanda Gold Klimist; grandchildren, Noah and Kelly Solomon, Tamar Solomon, Kellen Kaiser, Eithan KaiserKlimist, Nadav Klimist and Lior Klimist; sister-in-law, Marilyn Wineman; nieces and nephews, Judy Wineman and Kim Schopmeyer, Lisa Friedman, and Joe Fox, and Frank Mullineux. She leaves other loving relatives and friends. Mrs. Klimist was the beloved wife for 60 years of the late Sheldon Klimist. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St., New York, NY 10014, audubon.org; or ASPCA (American

MAY 27 • 2021

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), P.O. Box 96929, Washington, D.C., 20090-6929, aspca.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ILENE MILES, 75, of Farmington Hills, died May 13, 2021. She is survived by her loving life partner, Paul Gingold; daughters and sons-in-law, Leslie and Jack Shankman, and Denise and Michael Schneider; son, Stephen Gingold; grandchildren, Noah Shankman, Mason Shankman, Joey Gingold, Philip Schneider and Max Schneider. Ms. Miles was the loving sister of the late Dr. Henry Sonenshein; the devoted daughter of the late Leonard and the late Lillian Sonenshein. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to B’nai Israel Synagogue, 5085 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322, bnaiisraelwb. org/payment.php; Chabad of Commerce, 4718 Half Penny Court, Commerce Township, MI 48382, jewishcommerce. org; Sepsis Alliance, 3180 University Ave., Suite 235, San Diego, CA 92104, sepsis.org/ get-involved/ways-to-give. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. SUSAN LAURA ORBACH, Ph.D., 66, of Royal Oak, died May 12, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Gary Zirulnik; sons, Ari and Elliot Zirulnik; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Christopher Olson. Mrs. Orbach was the devoted daughter of the late Pearl and the late Gerald Orbach. Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made

to Michigan Psychoanalytic Foundation, Susan L. Orbach Fund for Cultural Diversity, securepayment. link/mipsychoanalysis/personalized-card; Walnut Lake Preschool and Developmental Kindergarten, 29375 Halsted Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331; or One Tree Planted, 145 Pine Haven Shores Road, Suite 1000D, Shelburne, VT 05482, onetreeplanted.org/products/ plant-trees. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. CAROL ROCK, 68, of West Bloomfield, died May 14, 2021. She went by many names besides Carol: Mommy, Mom, Ma, Pookie, Mrs. Doodles, Auntie Carol and, most recently, Gaga to her three grandchildren. Carol adorned herself in her handmade jewelry and no two earrings ever matched. Her daily “uniform” was an oversized tie dye T-shirt and black cut off leggings. She loved driving around in her Suburu named “Subita.” There was never a moment she was not creating something or planning an art project. She showed her love to her family and friends by the handmade gifts she created. She loved going to her home in Florida with her family, golfing with her husband and friends, and enjoying many vacations around the world. She was an avid reader and especially loved reading by the pool with her doggy by her side; she adored her family and friends but loved her dogs the most. Carol was the heart and soul of her small family and made every holiday special. The holiday celebrations were never on the actual day; though unconventional, they were about the people she loved being together. She was the quarterback of her family and will be deeply missed.

She spent countless hours volunteering for numerous organizations but mostly at the Friendship Circle and Soul Center. Mrs. Rock is survived by her beloved husband, Steven; daughters and sons-in-law, Jessica Rock and Jason Watson, and Samantha and Ryan Pierson; her grandchildren, Jonah, Wesley and Scott; her sister, brother-in-law and niece, Judy and Stephen Emert, and Alexis Lushia-Schwartz; her mother, Pearl Heyman. Contributions may be made in her honor to the Friendship Circle of Michigan. Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. CYNTHIA SPIGELMAN ROSENBLATT (nee Saidel), 92, of Lincolnshire, Ill., died May 9, 2021. She was born and raised in Manchester, N.H., received her master’s degree in library science at Columbia University and worked as a librarian at the Library of Congress. Mrs. Rosenblatt was the loving mother of Alan (Linda) Spigelman, David (Meryl) Spigelman and Marcy (Mitchell) Dolins; adored grandma of Sarah, Anna, Joshua, Mia, Kayla, Jacob, Harrison, Matthew and Melissa. She was the beloved wife of the late Philip Rosenblatt; dear sister of the late Robert Saidel. The graveside service was held on May 12 and was livestreamed. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by goldmanfuneralgroup.com. NORMAN MORRIS SCHREIBER passed away peacefully May 14, 2021, at Hope Hospice

House in Cape Coral, Fla. Norman owned and operated three furniture stores before his retirement: Thrifty Norman’s Furniture Outlet, one in Oak Park, one in Waterford and one in Fort Myers, Fla. Mr. Schreiber was married for 29 years to Adrienne (Onrich) Schreiber. He was the father of Mitchell (Debbie) Schreiber, Stacy (Brett) Finkelstein, Shari Schreiber; stepfather of Mark (Christine) Kaufman, Daniel (Tammie) Kaufman; grandfather of Jacob and Carson Schreiber, Logan Finkelstein, Mason and Hannah Schreiber, Mya, Kelsey and Alex Kaufman, Benjamin Kaufman; brother of Martin (Roz) Schreiber; brother-inlaw of Brana (Bob) Paster; uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late Adeline and the late Sam Schreiber. Contributions in Norman’s memory may be made to Hope Healthcare Services, New York Special Olympics or to the charity of your choice. FERN SELLING, age 89, of Farmington Hills, died peacefully in her sleep April 27, 2021. She grew up in Detroit and attended Cass Technical High School, studying in the specialized curriculum of costume illustration. She was artistically gifted, working in several media, including pen and ink, watercolor and sculpture. As her children matured, Fern returned to school, first earning her undergraduate degree from Monteith College at WSU. She spent one year in law school before finding

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19 Sivan May 30 Isaac Brandt Peggy Ellias Ilona Friedlander Aaron Levine Sol Sklar Ethel Toby Fannie Wainer 20 Sivan May 31 Solomon Burg Harry Daniels Abraham Dubin Naomi S. Eder Jack Finer Yosif Geyler Ida Goldman Rose Heller Rubin Herman Bella Hoenig Edward Lutz Max G. Salasnek Ruth Shafkind Irving N. Weiss 21 Sivan June 1 Louis Aronoff

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OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 49

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OBITUARIES

her true calling in social work. She worked at Sinai Hospital during the active years of her career and was a warm, caring person and respected professional. Mrs. Selling was the beloved mother of Timothy (Nina) Selling, Barbara (Zvulon) Haddad and the late Matthew (Carla) Selling; loving grandmother of Moshe (Ruthie) Haddad, Noam Haddad, Elior Haddad and Isaac Selling; cherished sister of Betsy (Mike) Winkelman, Sylvia (the late Dan) Garrett, and the late Maurice (Mildred) Wilson; devoted daughter of the late Benjamin and the late Celia Barnett Wilson. Interment took place at Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery. Rabbi Yisroel Pinson officiated. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. REVA TALON, 92, of West Bloomfield, died May 15, 2021. She was born May 25, 1925, in Windsor, Ontario. Reva was a kind, openhearted person, beloved by all who met her. She had the gift of making everyone feel special, loved and accepted. Mrs. Talon is survived by the love of her life and husband of 72 years, Bernie. She was the cherished mother of Larry and Marianne Talon, and Susan and Marc TalonMazer; proud grandmother of Lyndsey and Robbie Steinbock, Sara Talon, Rachel Mazer, and the late Ari Mazer; adoring great-grandmother of Charlie and Rose Steinbock; loving sister of the late Syrel and the late Larry Greene. She is survived by special cousins, Reva and Bob Rosen, other loving relatives and friends. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions

may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. NORMAN TAROCKOFF, 90, of Southfield, died May 19, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ferah “Fay” Tarockoff; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Sheree Tarockoff, Allen and Shelly Tarockoff, Ronnie Tarockoff, and Dennis and Margie Tarockoff; daughter-in-law, Tami Tarockoff; grandchildren, Ricci Tarockoff, Andrew Tarockoff and Sonia Litynskyj, Ian Tarockoff, Zachary Tarockoff, Mackenzie Tarockoff, Abigail and Pete Emerson, Halli Tarockoff, Benjamin and Meri Tarockoff, Mallory Tarockoff, Daniel Tarockoff, Sarah Tarockoff, Rebecca Tarockoff, Ryan Tarockoff, Katelin and Jacob Holloway, Christopher and Amanda St. Aubin, and Brittany St. Aubin; great-grandchildren, Anya Litynskyj, Dorian Tarockoff, Peyton Trumble, Aleiyah Coleman, Mason St. Aubin, and Rose St. Aubin. Mr. Tarockoff was the cherished father of the late Stacey Tarockoff; the loving brother of the late William Tarockoff, the late Leonard Tarockoff, the late Bernice Waldman, and the late Melvin Tarockoff; the devoted son of the late Morris and the late Hannah Tarockoff. Interment was at Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice.org; Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, michiganhumane.org/tributes; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. continued on page 52

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OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 50

JACK WEISMAN, 81, of West Bloomfield, died May 16, 2021. He was the owner of Weisman Cleaners for 50 years. Mr. Weisman is survived by his wife of 33 years, Adela Weisman; children, Jay Weisman, Lisa Weisman and Andy Beach, Adam and Fawn Chayet, and Amy and Brian Shapiro; grandchildren, Davy Beach, Matthew and Abby Chayet, and Jordyn and Jonah Shapiro. He was the devoted son of the late Lena and the late Israel Broder, and the late David and the late Sophie Weisman. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions

MAY 27 • 2021

may be made to Jewish National Fund, 42 E. 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, jnf. org; Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, holocaustcenter. org; or Friendship Circle, 6892 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, friendshipcircle.org/donate. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. MARVIN WOLF, 93, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Michigan, died May 13, 2021. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Robert and Deborah Poplack, Janice Poplack and Dr. Michael Epstein, and Lauren Hallinan; many treasured great-nieces,

great-nephews, other family; friends, Diane Winegar, Peggy and Dr. Stuart LaKind, and other dear friends. Contributions may be made to Congregation Shir Tikvah, 3900 Northfield Pkwy., Troy, MI 48084; Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI 48201. A graveside service was held at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

Correction

The obituary for Joseph Nederlander (May 13) should have indicated that he was eulogized by his nephew James L. Nederlander, (introducing himself as Steven).

OBITUARY CHARGES The processing fee for obituaries is: $125 for up to 100 words; $1 per word thereafter. A photo counts as 15 words. There is no charge for a Holocaust survivor icon. The JN reserves the right to edit wording to conform to its style considerations. For information, have your funeral director call the JN or you may call Sy Manello, editorial assistant, at (248) 351-5147 or email him at smanello@ thejewishnews.com.

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Dining on the Road Discovering new restaurants is one of the best things about traveling.

mong the biggest things in the restaurant game is when people like to travel to dining spots. Many would probably like to think back on some of the more memorable meals they have enjoyed … It could include Danny pasta any style in Raskin Senior Columnist Italy where pizza and spaghetti with meatballs were gotten in areas that years ago may never have been heard of … Some wouldn’t rave about the food in London, England … or even in parts of Paris unless they happened to go to a very expensive eatery … or Parisian restaurants with truly haute cuisine. Some travelers preferred the onion soup in Toronto or Montreal to that served in some

Parisian dining rooms where the chef uses spices with heavy hands … In New Orleans, folks are in for a taste treat with flaming dishes, shrimp gumbo, crepes Suzette and perhaps brioche in some open marketplaces. Some buffet dinners, sometimes typical in tropical islands, are generally disappointing eating orgies, we are told. Closer to home, the places off the tops of our heads were Piccolo Mondo in New York where many loved the cold asparagus appetizer and bay scallops, Tony Roma’s and Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami, and Harborplace in Baltimore, where the crab cakes are super, especially eaten by the water, or Tadich Grill in San Francisco where the lobster in many forms is a king … or Le Bernardin is a happy choice, When thinking of dining in the Detroit area, it seems as

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though many of the restaurants of yesteryears had the best food … But the way that Downtown Detroit and some suburbs are going, it may not be long before we start praising them again. LOOKS AND READS by former mayor of Oak Park, Jerry Naftaly, whose new second edition of Northland Mall is another book winner for him … His choice of words and easy readings bring back many memories to present and former residents … Jerry’s pictorial selections are excellent … They do his book a great deal of pride. THE ABILITY TO hire good chefs today is many times lost … As is pricing and quality for the dollar …A smart new owner will admit to his or her failures in owning a restaurant … and immediately throw stubbornness out the window by finding out what is wrong

and making the needed corrections before it is too late … But there is a brighter side … A reliable chef plays an important role … His hard work in selection of a true chef usually will override other negatives. OLDIE BUT GOODIE … The customer tells of being held up in a small town recently because of heavy rains … “This looks like the Big Flood” he said to the restaurant waitress. “The what?” she asked. “You know,” said the customer, “the flood when Noah saved the animals in the ark. You must have read about that.” The waitress said, “Mister, with all this rain, I haven’t seen a paper in four days!” CONGRATS … To Al Frommer on his birthday …To Fran Reznik on her birthday. Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.

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248-644-8565 MAY 27 • 2021

Looking Back

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

Specs Howard’s Legacy

efore the digital age, the only non-paper media was radio and television. And, anyone who grewup in Detroit listening to radio knew the “Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts.” The more common reference was just “Specs Howard,” and everyone knew what you meant. Specs Howard made news again last month. First, Howard — aka Julian “Jerry” Liebman — celebrated his 95th birthday. Mazel tov! There was also a report that the Specs Howard School will Mike Smith eventually close its Lahser Alene and Graham Landau Road location and, hopeArchivist Chair fully, affiliate its classes and programs with “another highly regarded school.” In short, another stage of evolution for what became known in 2009 as the Specs Howard School of Media Arts. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Liebman earned a degree from Allegheny College. He considered studying law, but bought a radio station instead, and began a 13-year career (1948-1970) as a successful disk jockey and announcer in Kitanning and Sharon, Pa., Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit. Liebman adopted his on-air persona, “Specs Howard,” in 1956. The name derived from his taste in eyeglasses. Liebman was also known as the “Kosher DJ.” An observant Orthodox Jew, he would not work on Shabbat. Liebman moved to Detroit but could not duplicate the same success that he had as an on-air personality in Cleveland. After a short run, Liebman returned to work in Cleveland, but his family loved the Motor City. Upon a friend’s suggestion, Liebman opened his school in Detroit in 1969; it became his full-time career a year later. The Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts became a tremendous success. In an era when the radio and television industry needed thousands of announcers, techni-

MAY 27 • 2021

cians and engineers, Specs Howard was the place that produced them. Many prominent local media personalities and executives were Specs Howard graduates. The William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History holds a wealth of information on Liebman and his school. Indeed, he is the subject of several feature articles in the Sept. 6, 1985, Dec. 24, 2009, and Mar. 3, 2006, issues of the JN. The story of his son, Jon Liebman, a very successful musician and former president of the Specs Howard School (1998-2008), is featured in the July 21, 2016, issue of the JN. All of these articles are very good reading. Keeping in the family tradition, Jerry Liebman’s daughter Shelli Liebman Dorfman has been a writer for the JN for over two decades, and scores of her stories can be found in the Archive. What I found most interesting is the impact that Liebman and the school had upon Detroit’s Jewish community. For example, see the story about Lubavitch Rabbi Yitschak Kagan and his program, The Jewish Sound, on WKNR Radio (3/1/1985); Specs Howard donated use of a studio and an engineer for his show. Rabbi Herschel Finman, host of The Jewish Hour on WPON, took voice classes at Specs Howard (March 7, 1997). Specs Howard graduate Sari Zalesin was the NHL’s first female public address announcer for the Chicago Blackhawks (Sept. 12, 1997). Or, note how often engagement announcements in the JN mention the Specs Howard School. When the betrothal of Stacy Arnoff and Brian Mingus was published in the Apr. 16, 2004 issue of JN, both were cited as graduates. The story of Jerry Liebman and/or Specs Howard and the Specs Howard school, all one and the same, is a great saga of Jewish Detroit and the city itself. 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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36 36

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

THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS

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

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Sense of

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

THE DETROIT

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

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THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS

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

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Floating Cloud ON A

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

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

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DJN May 27, 2021

Articles inside

Danny Raskin

The Exchange

Advances in Brain Health

Growing Bone in a Lab?

Funny People

Final Account

Rabbi Sacks: Two Types of Leadership

Living the Dream

A Kosher ‘Pork Rind’?

Vaccines for Teens

Our Zoo’s Guardian to Retire

Meet the Cranbrook-Kingswood Hockey Team’s ‘Fab Five

Vaccine Video

Solidarity with Israel

Protecting the Young

Moments

Shoah Education