DJN June 9, 2022 by The Detroit Jewish News

THE DETROIT

JEWISH NEWS

200 June 9-15, 2022 / 10-16 Sivan 5782

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They’re ‘Beaming’

Over Their Trip to Israel Former U-M gymnastics teammates will compete for Team USA at the Maccabiah Games. See page 34

What’s A Guy to Do? Four Surprising Reasons to See Your Dermatologist June is Men’s Health Month, and it just may be time to haul your well-oiled machine in for some preventive maintenance. 1. Something is going horribly wrong with your hair Whether it’s full of flakes or falling out, the health of your scalp may be at the root of your problems. Ask about PRP and other non-surgical treatments. 2. You have bumps where they don’t belong Rashes, psoriasis, shaving bumps or itchy patches below the belt are your dermatologist’s domain. 3. Skin in the game may not be a good thing You likely spend more time outdoors for work and play. Schedule your annual Total-Body Skin Cancer Exam. 4. Lose your lines, not your edge The face of dermatology is changing. More men are rejuvenating their skin with “Brotox”, fillers, peels and medical facials.

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5/30/22 9:53 AM

contents June 9-15, 2022 / 10-16 Siva 5782 | VOLUME CLXXI, ISSUE 17

PURELY COMMENTARY 4-11

Essays and viewpoints.

OUR COMMUNITY 12

Promising New Hub for the Jewish Community White Lake farm to host events, provide equestrian therapy.

Strictly Business Event Back In-Person

JVS + Kadima to announce new name for combined organization at event that features headliner Jason Raznick, Benzinga founder and CEO.

18 20

Albert Kahn’s Legacy

Inclusive, Progressive Reconstructionism

Detroit’s foremost architect is featured in new museum exhibit.

Congregation T’chiyah has tripled in size in seven years.

Mitzvah for Dogs

Community Security Update

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Begins this Month

Meet Eliana Weiss and Drew Edelstein who make an impact with their love of dogs. Federation’s security program is now a standalone organization.

Three in-person and 20 virtual events are planned.

FACES AND PLACES 30

A Home of Its Own

Kehillat Eitz Chayim purchases building in Oak Park.

Third Annual JVS + Kadima Frame of Mind Benefit and Arts Showcase

Temple Beth El Celebrates Lag b’Omer

Friendship Circle Village Volunteer Open House

54 39

NEXT DOR

BUSINESS 38

Israeli Jeweler Comes to Troy

5,500-square-foot showroom offers new options for bridal jewelry and beyond.

Creating Her Own Path

Wellness blogger and influencer Sari Diskin makes honest storytelling a priority.

Moments

SPIRIT 46 47 48

All of Us Count! Torah Portion Synagogue Directory

ARTS&LIFE 50

Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival Marks 29 Years

A series of events takes place June 10-25 in Metro Detroit.

Shoah Ambassadors Nominated for Four Michigan Emmys

Filmmaker Keith Famie connects with Hillel of Metro Detroit to set up screenings at universities.

They’re ‘Beaming’ over Their Trip to Israel

Former U-M gymnastics teammates will compete for Team USA at the Maccabiah Games.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

NEXTGen Detroit’s Blooms + Brunch program with Goldner Walsh.

MAZEL TOV

SPORTS 34

Here’s To

Art in the Park

“Embracing Our Differences SE Michigan” can be viewed at parks in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Celebrity News

41 EVENTS 58

Community Calendar

ETC.

The Exchange 60 Obituaries 62 Looking Back 70 Shabbat Lights

Shabbat starts: Friday, June 10, 8:51 p.m. Shabbat ends: Saturday, June 11, 10:03 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

ON THE COVER: Cover photo: Adam Wooten (left) and Alan Gerdov. Photo Credit: Michigan Athletics Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

thejewishnews.com Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook @DetroitJewishNews Twitter @JewishNewsDet Instagram @detroitjewishnews JUNE 9 • 2022

PURELY COMMENTARY essay

‘Never Again’ For Jews

ne Sunday morning when I was about 9 years old, my Hebrew school class was ushered into a large room to watch a film about the Holocaust. While I don’t remember much of it, one sequence was irrevocably burned onto my brain. At Mark Hotz the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, with the camp littered with emaciated bodies and a few walking dead, a British soldier sat on a bulldozer shoving naked dead Jews into a mass grave. I thought about this for a considerable time. But rather than rage at the Nazis, my anger was at the Jews. Why hadn’t the Jews fought back? Why had so many just gone like sheep to the slaughter? Why didn’t anyone do anything to stop this? As time went on, I learned more about these events and that some Jews did fight back — at Treblinka, at Sobibor and in the Warsaw Ghetto. From relatives and others, I heard stories of survival. But most of all, I heard endless platitudes. “Never again!” was the popular slogan. But what did it mean? Never again would there be genocides in general, or just of Jews? Did the world really learn anything, or was it just appropriate to denounce the Holocaust in the way that people perfunctorily reply “fine” to “how are you doing?” Over time, I became numb to all of this. I found that I was no longer even surprised that the Holocaust occurred. I was just amazed at the mecha-

JUNE 9 • 2022

nization of its implementation. Teaching the Holocaust became de rigeur in public schools in the United States and the West, ignored in the Muslim world, and irrelevant in Africa and Asia. The world began to refer to just about any mass killing or population transfer as genocide. Were ethnically based mass killings even preventable? Each coming decade since the end of World War II brought with it more wars, mass killings and the like. While some eventually were stopped by international interventions, at the end of the day, they happened. Rodney King asked, “Can’t we all just get along?” And I understood that the answer, in the long run, was no. I realized this was a pessimistic view of humanity, but it was historically realistic. When the going gets tough, when chaos ensues, people fall back to their respective corners. Individuality succumbs to group dynamics. Each group looks out for its own. Woe to those who have no group to depend on. Even though some Jews fought back against the Germans, they were disorganized and unprepared. I knew that the wartime Allies were aware of Auschwitz but decided against bombing the camp or the associated rail lines. To those countries fighting the Nazis, winning the war was their main priority and saving Jews was very low on the list. What about the locals? How many were willing to risk their lives or those of their children to save strangers? Would I have? Doubtful. That the Jews had no one to come to their rescue was due to

the fact that they were scattered willy-nilly in various countries, often among people who considered them interlopers and were glad to see them go. No matter how long Jews had lived in certain lands, no matter how much they tried to assimilate or ignore their background, they were never considered to be native citizens. The Nazis taught me that being a Jew was based on blood, not on religious observance. There was no escape from it. To be a Jew means to belong to a club from which one can never resign. To me, the slogan “never again” only means never again to the Jews. To pretend that the Holocaust will teach the world to eschew violence against “them” in favor of “us” is naïve and contrary to historical evidence. The Jews must make sure it will never happen to them again. Depending on the good will of other countries or the vague concept of altruism is a recipe for disaster. Jews are more than just a religious group, they are a people, and a people need a country of their own. Not just as a homeland or cultural mecca, but a nation which will protect them no matter where they reside. What the Jews needed in 1939, and did not have, was Israel. Too many diaspora Jews think they sit comfortably in their Western lives and have nothing to fear. But antisemitism continues to be present, now even more insidiously disguised under the veil of anti-Zionism. Progressives denounce Israel as racist. To many Muslims, Jew and Israeli are one and the same. Even some Jews validate “legitimate”

criticism of Israel. The U.N. has been anti-Israel for as long as I personally can remember, going so far as to pass a resolution in 1972 equating Zionism with racism. How can criticism of Israel be any less than antisemitism? My lesson from the Holocaust is this: No one is going to save the Jews except the Jews. Israel is the guarantor of “never again.” Israel is the only country in the world that is tasked with not only protecting its own citizens but also those of its diaspora. Israel had to go after Adolf Eichmann and other fugitive Nazis when European democracies moved on. Israel had to rescue foreign Jews when an Air France jet was hijacked to Uganda by Palestinian terrorists and France dithered. Israel rescued the Sephardi Jews of Arab lands, the Falasha of Ethiopia, and Jews in Bosnia and Ukraine when they came under fire. Israel’s Law of Return offers any Jew a new home at any time. Those Jews who do not support Israel or are indifferent to it, those, including Jews among them, who think that championing the plight of the Palestinians or labeling Israel as apartheid are doomed to ignorance. Those who fail to recognize that only Israel will ever truly protect the Jewish people have learned nothing from the Holocaust. I have. I am a Zionist. Mark Hotz is a history teacher at Yeshivat Mekor Chaim High School in Baltimore. Recently, he assigned his 11th grade students an essay on lessons they learned from the Holocaust. As an incentive, since they had to write it, he offered to write his own. This is it.

Photo: Brett Mountain

Jane and Larry Sherman Continue Their Extraordinary Legacy Through a Gift to the Centennial Fund Jane and Larry Sherman stand among the great leaders of Jewish Detroit. Together, their impact has strengthened not just our local community, but Jewish life throughout the world. Through a variety of activities, Jane continues the legacy of her father, Max M. Fisher, along with her philanthropic family. This includes her historic work on behalf of Ethiopian Jews and children at risk in Israel; her role in fostering a strong relationship with our Partnership Region in the Central Galilee; and her support for the next generation of Jewish leaders—her Fisher Flight program is a major catalyst for today’s national leaders and donors. She has served as Women’s Campaign chair and President, the first woman chair of the Annual Campaign and Federation Vice President. Like Jane, Larry is a native Detroiter who has been involved with the Federation and Jewish causes throughout his life. He has been deeply involved in building Detroit’s connection with Israel and has led countless community missions over the past 50 years.

21_END_Centennial_AD_Sherman.indd 1

With their Benefactor Level commitment to the Centennial Fund, Jane and Larry add another milestone to their legacy as Jewish communal leaders. The Centennial Fund is the central endowment campaign for ensuring the long-term security of Jewish Detroit and will impact the core areas that Jane and Larry have worked tirelessly to support, including Social Need, Jewish Identity and Education and Global Jewish Responsibility. The Shermans’ Centennial gift will establish the Jane F. and Larry Sherman Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE). Jane herself served as the first Co-chair of the PACE campaign, leading the efforts to establish what is the most versatile and flexible vehicle for future community support, locally, in Israel and elsewhere. This gift exemplifies the couple’s extraordinary generosity and vision and will ensure that they continue to enrich Jewish lives long into the future.

5/24/22 12:55 PM

PURELY COMMENTARY student’s corner

Head, Heart and Hands in Portland

he highlight of my high school experience at the Frankel Jewish Academy thus far took place over the course of a week toward the end of May. My 10th-grade classmates and I set off on an adventure to Portland, Ore. While I anticipated this would be a Jonah Miller fun week with my friends in a cool city, I came home feeling a very strong sense of accomplishment and the reward of changing people’s lives for the better. Our Portland trip included fun and challenging outdoor activities like hiking in the Columbia River Gorge and a morning spent white water rafting with a knowledgeable guide. The hiking and rafting were extremely fun, but the rest of the trip was about performing mitzvot. Sitting on the red-eye flight to Publisher The Detroit Jewish News Foundation

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return home, I reflected on what my peers and I accomplished in Portland. I realized that we incorporated the head, heart and hands in our social action projects, which benefited the homeless population of this large city in the Northwest. The head represents the learning that took place while in Portland. One of the main topics that we spent the entirety of our trip learning about was the difference between homelessness and houselessness. We learned that while some people don’t realize the difference between the two, many of the people living on the streets of Portland find homelessness to be offensive. Another talking point during the trip was learning how to help those struggling to survive without having them lose their dignity. This means that while they need our help, it can be difficult to ask for it. We learned about this while | Editorial DIrector of Editorial: Jackie Headapohl jheadapohl@thejewishnews.com Associate Editor: Rachel Sweet rsweet@thejewishnews.com Associate Editor: David Sachs dsachs@thejewishnews.com Social Media and Digital Producer: Nathan Vicar nvicar@thejewishnews.com Staff Reporter: Danny Schwartz dschwartz@thejewishnews.com Editorial Assistant: Sy Manello smanello@thejewishnews.com Contributing Writers: Nate Bloom, Rochel Burstyn, Suzanne Chessler, Annabel Cohen, Keri Guten Cohen, Shari S. Cohen, Shelli Liebman Dorfman, Louis Finkelman, Stacy Gittleman, Esther Allweiss Ingber, Barbara Lewis, Jennifer Lovy, Rabbi Jason Miller, Alan Muskovitz, Robin

touring Dignity Village, a city-recognized village of tiny homes where people can live when they don’t have a place to stay. This village is self-governed by the residents who can live in the village for any amount of time. Overall, we spent so much time learning, which led to a more meaningful trip. The second focus during this trip was connecting with the people we got the opportunity to meet, this is represented by the heart. We used our hearts to feel compassion toward those who are houseless, and we tried to understand the plight of men and women whose lives did not turn out as they expected. As a grade, we worked to help the houseless community of Portland because we knew how big of an impact our actions would make. Getting the chance to work on these construction sites and farms helped us gain Schwartz, Mike Smith, Steve Stein, Julie Smith Yolles, Ashley Zlatopolsky

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empathy toward the less fortunate in Portland. Finally, I want to focus on the hands, this depicts the times when we got our hands dirty and spent time working in the sun. We worked to build tiny homes for the houseless as well as working on farms, planting vegetables for those without access to fresh, healthy food. Overall, a very successful mission to Portland. Our 10th-grade class bonded, enjoyed the gorgeous surroundings of the Pacific Northwest and had a lot of fun. What I will always remember about this life-changing experience is how I integrated my head, heart and hands into the performance of charitable acts. I don’t think this endeavor would have been as successful or meaningful had any of those components not been included in our work toward helping the houseless people of Portland. Jonah Miller is a sophomore at Frankel Jewish Academy and a graduate of Hillel Day School.

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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

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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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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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PURELY COMMENTARY opinion

What Is a Jew?

was on a short visit to Israel last week and spent time with a friend with whom I have been engaged in a 30-year argument. Elli Wohlgelernter and I met when he was the managing editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, and I was a staff reporter. We would argue about the future of Jewish Andrew life in the diasSilow-Carroll pora, which even then he considered in unstoppable decline. We continued the argument after he moved to Israel not soon after. Over the years, we’ve both dug in our heels: I am convinced, even after living for a time in Israel, that aliyah is a happy choice but not the only defensible choice a Jew can make in the 21st century, and that Israel is not the sine qua non of global Jewish creativity — or inevitability — in the decades since its founding. Elli is as convinced that the galut — the Hebrew term for exile — is doomed, physically and spiritually, as Jews assimilate into oblivion or face yet another cycle of historical per-

secution. (Neither of us, I hope, is as tendentious or as boring as this sounds, at least not Elli, who is passionate about baseball, Jewish comedy, classic Hollywood and old-fashioned, ink-stained American tabloid journalism.) Last week, we picked up our old argument where we had left off. And thinking to give it a little fresh material, I suggested a visit to ANU-Museum of the Jewish People. The museum formerly known as Beit Hatfutsot opened on the Tel Aviv University campus in 1978, and recently underwent a major renovation and rebranding in order to convey “the fascinating narrative of the Jewish people and the essence of the Jewish culture, faith, purpose and deed.” I remember visiting the museum in my 20s, when the old Beit Hatfutsot was about a decade old and still considered state of the art. There were dioramas depicting scenes out of various eras in Jewish history and an unforgettable display of models of synagogues throughout the ages. I also remember the criticism at the time: that the museum presented diaspo-

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL

Israel’s renovated diaspora museum attempts a three-story answer.

An understated wall sign at ANU-Museum of the Jewish People is part of a room-sized video installation devoted to the establishment of the State of Israel.

ra Jewish life as a thing of the past. Its exhibit was organized according to “gates,” the last being the “gate of return,” with immigration to Israel presented less as a choice than a culmination. A ‘MOSAIC’ Amir Maltz, the museum’s vice president for marketing, acknowledged that criticism when he met us in ANU’s lobby. “People from abroad would visit and say, ‘I don’t see myself here,’” as if their lives outside of Israel weren’t valid or vital. He suggested we start on the third floor, labeled “Mosaic,” which, he said, more than acknowledges that 50% of the world’s Jews

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL

Israeli soldiers on an educational visit in the atrium of ANU-Museum of the Jewish People, which recently underwent a $100 million renovation, May 24, 2022.

JUNE 9 • 2022

don’t live in Israel and insists that there is no one right way of being a Jew. And sure enough, the first thing you see are life-size videos of various individuals explaining their distinct versions of Jewishness. The walls nearby are lined with large-format photographs of various families: religious, secular and somewhere in between. There is a mixedrace couple, a same-sex Israeli couple and two heavily tattooed hipsters. It certainly represented the varieties of Jews I encounter in New York, and some of the exuberance seen in and around Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda market. The experts would call this pluralism, although it’s just the reality of who we are. Similarly, the second-floor history section begins with a wall title proclaiming “A People Among Peoples” — surely less Zion-centric than “A People in Exile” or “A People Dispersed,” two other plausible alternatives. That history section was the least engaging to me, giving the vibe of an earnest middle school textbook trying a little too hard to make a long, twisting journey from Temple times to the

A wall at ANUMuseum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv honors Jewish literary greats.

ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL

letters

present day palatable. I appreciated the balance the curators appeared to strike between the “lachrymose” school — Jewish history as a series of disasters — and the long periods of creativity, stability and autonomy enjoyed by Jews from North Africa to Middle Europe. The exhibit also tries hard to restore women to the Jewish story: I counted at least four main displays centering women. But Mosaic, subtitled “Identity and Culture in Our Times,” was to me the most engaging of the three main permanent exhibits, and the one that succeeds the most in transforming this from a “museum of the diaspora” to a museum of world Jewry. There are crowd-pleasing touches like a wall (and, on the first floor, an entire temporary exhibit) on Jewish humor (trust me, Seinfeld is as big a phenomenon here as it is back home), and the kinds of interactive features that I suspect are more intriguing to kids than adults. There is a wall dedicated to Jewish literature, from Cynthia Ozick to Clarice Lispector to the Israeli Nobelist S.Y. Agnon, and images of Jews in all their variety: Persian, Turkish, Brazilian and Canadian, to name a few. One highly symbolic corner celebrates Yiddish, on the one hand, and the revival of Hebrew as a day-to-day language, on the other. My arguments with Elli are a recapitulation of the tension

these languages represent. Israel’s founding generation was seen to look down on Yiddish, partly out of the expediency of nation-building and partly out of a none-too-subtle disdain for the diasporic ways that Yiddish represented. The museum tackles this head on in one kiosk, asking “Who Will Reign in Zion — Hebrew or Yiddish?” and acknowledging how the debate often turned vicious and even violent. There is also an animated film depicting Jewish literary, artistic and music greats accompanied by a Hebrew rap song about their accomplishments. I found it a little ironic that they chose a rap song — perhaps the popular art form with the fewest successful Jewish makers (and yes, I am aware of Drake). Then again, it was in Hebrew, and that kind of cultural synthesis — and, OK, flat-out appropriation — is part of the Jewish mosaic as well. Like any effort to cram so many arguments and information in a limited space, the Identity and Culture section could feel a little thin. And yet for this diaspora Jew, it also felt validating. I didn’t feel chided for living in galut, nor defensive about regarding Israel as just one of many paths in the Jewish journey. In the history section, Israel, like the Holocaust, is treated in just one room, this time with wall-sized videos

displaying highlights of the country’s 74-year history. Elli said the museum played fair in its presentation of the global Jewish story. “It didn’t celebrate Zionism nor diss Zionism,” he told me. “It told that story within the context of the history of the Jewish people.” But when I goaded him and asked if that was satisfying, he dropped the gloves: “One can walk away thinking that there are so many more chapters to write about the future glory of diaspora Jewry, when in fact the story is virtually over. It won’t survive the 21st century.” I left thinking that if the museum has a Zionist agenda, it doesn’t need a wall label or “gate of return” to make its point. You only need to exit the museum and find yourself surrounded by buildings representing the life sciences, engineering, biotech, security studies and “cereal crops improvement.” To catch the train back to Jerusalem, you walk along a bluff that offers a spectacular view of the high rises of Ramat Gan and downtown Tel Aviv. And as you consider the present-day vitality or the nearly inconceivable accomplishments of the Jewish state, you think, “Touché, Israel. Touché.” Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor in chief of the New York Jewish Week and senior editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Response to ‘An Open Letter to the Detroit Community’ Regarding the letter on May 26, “An Open Letter to the Detroit Community” (page 8) the letter signers wrote, “We call for a thorough and transparent investigation.” Who will conduct the investigation? The U.N., the Palestinian Authority, the media? CNN has already condemned Israel, although one authoritative source offers the truth: “Col. Richard Kemp: Nothing in CNN report proves IDF killed journalist — Former commander of British forces in Afghanistan accuses CNN of irresponsibility, ‘flimsy’ reporting on death of Al Jazeera journalist.” Why is it the Palestinian Authority has not allowed Israel to study the bullet, review if there was an autopsy or any forensics? Reason: to control and incite their unfortunate population for the benefit of their ruling class. The bottom line is facts don’t matter, and the event will be used by Israel’s enemies to undermine Israel and the Jewish people, but on this Yom Yerushalayim we remember the miracles of 1948, 1967 and 1973 — our enemies then and now will not deter us. — Ed Kohl West Bloomfield JUNE 9 • 2022

PURELY COMMENTARY opinion

n the day when the shooting happens, I finally unlock what some say is the most vital part of the American dream. My husband and I have a house in the suburbs now, big trees towering above — no picket fence, but a wide expanse of green and room for the pattering of tiny feet. As we sign the Lior paperwork, we each Zaltzman take turns rocking our baby on our legs. This house is for our children. We say it over and over again. If it were just he and I, we would be content with the walls of a small Brooklyn apartment, with the city streets as a backyard. Instead, we chose to give them rooms to grow into, a shingle roof, manicured lawns and a garden to plant and grow together. Like so many of the families in Uvalde, Texas, I am an immigrant. I came here to this country with a dream to give myself and my children a better future. As we drive home, our baby sleeping in the backseat, we hear the news of 21 dreams extinguished by an AR-15. Just like the shooter at Robb Elementary school, I got my first rifle at 18 — it was borrowed, not bought, and a few weeks later I returned it, along with magazines full of bullets, to an army warehouse. It scraped against the fabric of my coarse olive green uniform, pushed against my core as I slept with it under my army-issued mattress. As I shot it at a dusty military range, I couldn’t help but think: I am too young and too stupid for this. When I was young, not much

JUNE 9 • 2022

older than my oldest son is now, I was promised that maybe I wouldn’t have to go to the army when I grew up. When I moved away from Israel to the United States, I found comfort in the fact that this was one false promise I wouldn’t have to make to my children. But instead, I find myself with a much more harrowing false promise to make. Each day I send them to school, I’ll have to tell them they are safe when I know they are not. I grew up in a country where the faces of fallen soldiers greet you every morning at the entrance of schools, with a memorial wall for the soldier alumni who perished. And yet I knew that I was safe in the walls of my classrooms. I come from a place dubbed the Holy Land, yet I cannot fathom how one could value thoughts and prayers over actions to protect the sanctity of the lives of our school children. I come from a land known for such violence, yet it has never treated the life of its young with such callousness. I come from a place known for occupation and war, shelters and bombs, missile fire and violent attacks in the streets — for all those reasons, I’m glad my children are growing up somewhere different. And yet, it’s also a place of gun control — it’s very hard to obtain a permit for a weapon in Israel. Once, someone tried to partially blame school shootings on America’s militarization, and I attempted to refute the argument by saying that I come from an even more militarized place. They scoffed at me, but it was true — school shootings don’t happen in Israel.

Crosses sit outside of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, after a gunman killed 21 people inside, May 24, 2022.

The week before the Uvalde shooting, I talked to Jewish comedian Michael Ian Black about his book A Better Man, an open letter to his son about boyhood and masculinity which is bracketed by school shootings. I was distracted during our interview — my son was terribly ill, and being faced with your child’s mortality is a haunting, terrible thing. I told him how his book feels just as relevant now, two years after it came out, especially after the Buffalo shooting that had taken place the week before. As we ended our call, he told me that this would not be the last time his book feels pertinent, the last mass shooting. It’s an awful thing to be right about this week. It’s an awful thing that these shootings feel unavoidable. It’s an awful thing to, once again, be faced with our children’s mortality this way. I return, over and over again, to a satirical Onion headline: “‘No Way To Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.” I come from a country that prevents this — so many other immigrants in this country do, too. The 21 victims of the Uvalde shooting should still be with us. Yes, in Israel, we send children

YASIN OZTURK/ANADOLU AGENCY VIA GETTY IMAGES

I Left Israel to Give my Kids the ‘American Dream.’ Is This It?

to defend our country, in uniforms and guns — but at least they know they’ll be in danger. Every day, the children of this country get drafted to be part of a war, one that they didn’t sign up for — a cynical war waged by politicians and gun lobbies. Almost every mass shooting involves an AR-15, and yet we refuse to outlaw them; so many shootings are committed by young, angry men, and yet we don’t restrict their access to guns. Too many men and women in power send us the message that guns are more important than the lives of our children and of their teachers, who are meant to foster their growth, not shield them with their bodies. I had my children in this country hoping, in part, to protect them from violence. But when I see images of 10-year-old Alithia Ramirez and teacher Irma Garcia — all the Uvalde victims and their families, another community devastated by this same gun — I recognize that’s an American dream that, for now, I cannot give them. This article first appeared on Kveller and was distributed by JTA..

guest column

Welcome, Israeli Campers!

n only a few short weeks we will be welcoming our first group of Israeli campers to Metro Detroit after a two-summer hiatus due to COVID. The campers, many of Jaime Bean whom have never left the Partnership region, let alone the country, have been attending preparation sessions to get them ready for the life-changing summer that lies ahead. While this summer will look a bit different than past summers, we are so excited to be able to bring the Israeli campers to Tamarack for a true, Jewish American summer camp experience at the Greatest Place on Earth. This will be the Israeli Camper Program’s

19th summer since its conception in 2002. In addition to the Israeli campers, we will welcome 21 TLV (Teen Leadership Village) participants to camp for second session. Their session at camp will follow their participation on the Sue and Alan Kaufman and Family Teen Mission, where they will travel around Israel with American counterparts for four weeks. These programs are two of the Israel and Overseas Department’s flagship programs, and not having them the past two summers has been devastating, but we are all ready to welcome the Israeli campers and TLV’s to Detroit with open arms and open hearts!

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Jaime Bean is associate director of Israel and Overseas at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. This was first published in their newsletter.

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Israeli campers will soon be coming to Camp Tamarack.

LARRY ZOX JUNE 9 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

Promising New Hub for the Jewish Community White Lake farm to host events, provide equestrian therapy. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOGRAPHY BY YEVGENIYA GAZMAN

oward and Robin Schwartz had big goals when they purchased their White Lake farm in April 2021. The 110-acre site, a 50-year-old structure that originally operated as a European dressage farm, was full of history, but needed a lot of work to get it ready for the plans the Schwartzes had in store, which include equestrian therapy and community events. River Forest Farm at Horseradish Acres, located at 1050 Oxbow Lake Road, was originally known as the Tristan Manor Farm. Nestled along the Huron River, it includes 23 stalls for horses, two

JUNE 9 • 2022

apartments, a residence on the river, 80 acres of wooded horse trails, a 7-acre engineered polo field, a 9,000-square-foot indoor riding arena, two outdoor riding arenas and an observation room, among numerous other features. Therefore, there was a lot to do with the property, both now and in the future. PROMOTING EMOTIONAL GROWTH VIA HORSES With four horses onsite and two horses being boarded, the Schwartzes knew equestrian therapy was something they wanted to offer to the Metro Detroit com-

munity. “We were introduced to the practice in California,” says Howard Schwartz, whose wife, Robin Schwartz, runs River Forest Farm and has ridden horses since age 12. In California, Robin volunteered at a rescue farm program for children, which included equestrian therapy. Equestrian therapy, or equine-assisted therapy, is a form of therapy where horses are used to promote emotional growth. It can be helpful for anxiety or stress, neurological disorders, trauma and/ or a range of behavioral issues. Through equestrian therapy, continued on page 15

LEFT: Greg and Ari Sobol enjoy the farm’s open spaces MIDDLE: Howard Schwartz and Rabbi Schneor Greenberg of the Chabad Center of Commerce/ Walled Lake at the bonfire, the first Jewish community event at the farm. RIGHT: Ezra and Marcy Kolb at River Forest Farm.

Robin Schwartz plans to offer equestrian therapy at the farm. JUNE 9 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

ABOVE: An aerial view of the Lag b’Omer bonfire. LEFT: This fun train carries people around the farm.

JUNE 9 • 2022

continued from page 12

people who participate have a chance to engage directly with horses. They feed them, take care of them and learn how to both train and ride. “Horses have such a healing component to them,” Robin says. “They just embody wellness and allow a person who is going through any kind of emotional trauma or problems to be brought to a state of homeostasis.” With horses helping humans since what Schwartz believes was ancient times, the longtime rider says it was important to her and her husband to help facilitate that kind of connection. Now, they’re building out a staff of therapists and volunteers to run the equestrian therapy program, which will be the core base of the farm’s operations. Once the equestrian therapy program is up and running, Howard, who is affiliated with Chabad Jewish Center of Commerce/Walled Lake and The Shul in West Bloomfield, plans to extend its services to the Metro Detroit Jewish community. He and his wife are committed

to working with local organizations like Friendship Circle to offer equestrian therapy to kids who have special needs, providing a safe and fun activity that’s only a short 20-minute drive from the West Bloomfield area. BUILDING A COMMUNITY HUB Yet the farm’s offerings don’t stop and end with equestrian therapy. Howard, who owns a successful commercial real estate business, wants to transform River Forest Farm into a full-scale retreat center for people of all ages. The Schwartzes will be working closely with Chabad Jewish Center of Commerce/Walled Lake on programming, which launched with a Lag b’Omer event at the farm on May 19. Through other partnerships and their own events, they’ll also offer car shows, children’s game days, animal connection activities, pie-eating contests and workshops. “It’s nine miles from West Bloomfield,” Howard says of River Forest Farm. “You could be at the farm and be in West Bloomfield

in 30 minutes. You can go there, come back for lunch and go back again. That makes it accessible to a lot of people.” As they continue renovating the property, the Schwartzes plan to get even more buildings and amenities up and running in the near future. Howard is currently in the process of renovating the onsite apartments, which he wants to transform into residential units. “I’m also planning on building three air-conditioned treehouses in the woods,” he adds. Eventually, they’d like to offer team-building programs on their property that incorporate horses, helping business teams connect and boost their relationships. At the end of the day, however, the Schwartzes simply want River Forest Farm to be a community hub. “It was a 50-year-old farm,” Howard Schwartz says, “and we made a lot of capital improvements. We have an equestrian poetry workshop scheduled for the summer, and we’ll probably do an outdoor movie theater for our neighborhood this summer.”

LEFT: Howard and Robin Schwartz. RIGHT: Leah and Bluma Greenberg celebrated Lag b’Omer at the farm.

JUNE 9 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

Strictly Business Event Back In-Person

JVS + Kadima to announce new name for combined organization at event that features headliner Jason Raznick, Benzinga founder and CEO.

fter a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the 25th annual JVS + Kadima Strictly Business fundraising event will return to an in-person networking and awards luncheon on Wednesday, June 22, at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Keynote speaker and honorary chair for the silver anniversary is Jason Raznick, the founder and CEO of Benzinga, an innovative news and analysis service based in Detroit that focuses on global financial markets. This year’s event will also include an announcement of Jason Raznick the new name for the recent union of JVS Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in Metro Detroit, and Kadima, an organization that provides residential services and support to people Rebecca with mental health challenges. Abel Buick Rebecca Abel Buick, founder of D’VINE Cookies, will be awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the event for her work developing a new and successful cookie business. Fox 2 Detroit anchor Roop Raj will emcee the event as he has done for past Strictly Business events. JVS + Kadima uses funds raised at Strictly Business to help more than 12,000 Metro Detroiters each year who are unemployed or underemployed. This includes support to people living with disabilities, older job seekers and those with other barriers to employment. Over the last 25 years, nearly $6 million has been raised at Strictly Business. Dozens of Metro Detroit businesses and individuals have sponsored Strictly Business for 2022: Presenting Sponsor is Kenwal Steel; Luncheon Underwriters are

JUNE 9 • 2022

COURTESY OF JVS + KADIMA

ALISON SCHWARTZ SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

JVS + Kadima recently purchased new vans for transporting individuals to job sites. Here are CEO Paul Blatt, Karen Hirzel, Deb Lemanski, Tom Radom, Javon David, Mark Lezotte, Joanne Demers, Louie Ronayne and David DeVine, co-chair of Strictly Business.

Gallagher Insurance, Risk Management and Consulting, and Stacey and Jason Raznick; and Gold Sponsors are Edw. C. Levy Co., Huntington Bank and an anonymous donor. FROM NEWBIE TO KEYNOTE SPEAKER For Raznick, being invited to be keynote speaker is a particular honor as 10 years ago, he himself received the first Strictly Business Rising Entrepreneur Award for the launch of his company. Benzinga was founded in 2010 and is now a hub for actionable information on the capital markets, with approximately 25 million readers of their publication a month. “JVS + Kadima does such outstanding work for people with difficult challenges like special needs and mental illness who aren’t always given an opportunity,” he said. “I have been given the support of friends and family, and early on I was given subsidized office space by Jewish Federation. Everyone needs a helping hand, and JVS +

Kadima do the hard work of giving people opportunities and changing lives.” During his presentation on June 22, Raznick, a member of Temple Beth El, will speak on the obstacles that everyone faces in life, the challenges that people deal with in the face of mental illness and the importance of always moving forward one day at a time. “In elementary school, a teacher told my parents that I would never be able to read. It was the first real obstacle I remember facing, but through hard work and an innate belief in myself, I proved her wrong,” said Raznick. “Those tenets have guided me my whole life and driven my success in founding and building Benzinga. I strongly believe that everyone can achieve more than they think is possible.” MAKING A DIFFERENCE Even during the pandemic, when the event was forced to go virtual, members of the business community stepped up. The 2021 Strictly Business AdVANtage

campaign raised $160,000 for the purchase of new vans for transporting individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment to and from job service sites. Without consistent transportation, JVS + Kadima participants risk losing their employment, their connections in the community and their ability to remain self-supporting. Approximately 150 people use this transportation daily, with 65 vans typically in service. David DeVine, a lawyer with the law firm Butzel Long, has co-chaired Strictly Business for four years; Butzel Long has been an ongoing sponsor of the event. “Around 15 years ago, I was given a tour of the organization in Southfield, and I was immediately impressed by everyone’s passion and commitment to making a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “Part of the agency’s mission is to help people improve their circumstances through employment — whether that is finding the right job or learning new skills necessary to secure a job. The funds raised through Strictly Business have a huge and direct impact on the thousands of people assisted each year. I am proud to be a part of this effort and grateful to our excellent planning committee and team.” DeVine’s co-chair of Strictly Business is Richard Shapack. CEO of JVS + Kadima Paul Blatt is aware of the acute need by employers throughout Metro Detroit for workforce development. “Two years after the pandemic’s outset, the need to identify, train, recruit and retain a qualified workforce has never been more evident. As employers in every

industry and of every size are looking for employees, JVS + Kadima continues to connect people — including those with disabilities, mental illness and other barriers to employment — with businesses,” Blatt said. He added that this work, supported by Strictly Business, ensured that the 12,000 people served annually by JVS + Kadima achieved meaningful employment. “Plus, employers benefit from securing qualified and dedicated workers,” he said. ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Rebecca Abel Buick, Strictly Business’ Entrepreneur of the Year, was very familiar with JVS + Kadima even before her award, working with teams of people who have developmental disabilities as they gain valuable job training skills at her factory. She has even taken advantage of a JVS + Kadima program herself. “I took part in a workshop to find out some of my strengths and weaknesses,” said Abel Buick, a mother of two boys who started her business more than four years ago and is about to move into her fifth new facility, in Taylor, due to company expansion. She also regularly turns to JVS + Kadima to help her with her hiring needs, placing advertisements with the agency. “I feel extremely honored to receive this award. It will continue to grow my relationship with JVS + Kadima to get further involved in this amazing community organization,” Abel Buick said. For information,, contact Michelle Malamis at michellem@kadimacenter. org or (248) 233-4343. Virtual tickets start at $100 and in-person tickets at $200.

Our STORY Jaemi Loeb and Craig Payst lived in several cities across the U.S. before settling down in Detroit in 2018. “One of the reasons we were attracted to Detroit is the Jewish community, and how the intrinsically Jewish things like Hebrew Free Loan are thriving here, even when other places have let them go,” Jaemi said. “It’s a credit to this community that those support structures have remained.” Jaemi and Craig put down roots in the city, selecting a home in a welcoming, walkable Northwest Detroit neighborhood. Over the course of a few months, though, and through some difficult weather, the couple noticed some issues with their roof. “We brought in a roofer so we could learn the extent of the issues,” Jaemi said. “We were told we could replace a few shingles here and there, but that would be temporary. Or, we could replace the entire roof and make it all secure, which was obviously pricier. We could have limped along while we saved up, but the problem would also probably worsen with time. While no one enjoys spending that kind of money, it’s also true that not everyone has that kind of money just sitting around, waiting to be used. Hebrew Free Loan was amazing, easy to access, and supportive.” With the help of an interest-free loan through Hebrew Free Loan’s Move-in Detroit loan program, powered by Peggy Daitch and Peter Remington, for young Jewish Detroiters, the couple replaced their roof. “It feels wonderful having that resource to help solve a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Jaemi said. “We aren’t crossing our fingers and hoping for the best, we’re back to enjoying our home.”

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JUNE 9 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

A Home of Its Own

Kehillat Etz Chayim purchases building in Oak Park. BARBARA LEWIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

High Holidays. The structure was built for a church. The Michigan branch of Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, a Zionist workers’ group founded in 1900, owned it for many years before selling it to Harmony Montessori in 2008. (In 2019, the group changed its name to Workers Circle.) Kehillat Etz Chayim’s President Dr. Michael Singer of Huntington Woods said the synagogue’s new location, within walking distance of all of Huntington Woods as well as large parts of Oak Park and Berkley, “will enable us to continue our individual and communal growth and provide a house of learning and prayer for the entire community.” For himself and his family, he said, having a permanent location will offer “a sense of stability and security that is very comforting.”

The building’s size is perfect for Etz Chayim, which has 40 member families, Lopatin said. The main room should be able to seat about 150 people comfortably and is larger than the chapel the congregation has been renting from Beth Shalom. Usually 60 to 100 people attend Shabbat services, including children and teens. For bar and bat mitzvah services, which can attract several hundred people, the congregation may still need to rent the sanctuary and/or social hall at Beth Shalom. For Shabbat evening and some weekday services, Etz Chayim congregants have been meeting in members’ homes — outdoors when possible during the pandemic. After the renovations, they’ll be able to use their new building every day. The 3,500-square-foot Coolidge building has a large parking lot, and Lopatin envi-

sions being able to construct a canopy or marquee for large kiddush receptions or meals. The building is in great shape and most renovations will be cosmetic, he said — but those may be substantial. The congregation hopes to remove the drop ceiling to create a more open feeling. The restrooms, now designed for toddlers and preschoolers, will have to be completely rebuilt. Etz Chayim closed on the building June 3, after securing approval from the city of Oak Park to use it as a synagogue. “We’re so excited,” said Lopatin, who also works as executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/ AJC. Although the congregation is tightknit, the difference between being a minyan and “a real shul” is having a building of one’s own, he said. “We are really finding a home.”

BARBARA LEWIS

ehillat Etz Chayim — a small Modern Orthodox congregation that has met in members’ homes and in space rented from Congregation Beth Shalom since its founding in 2018, has purchased a building of its own in north Oak Park. Rabbi Asher The building, Lopatin on the corner of Coolidge and Talbot, now houses Harmony Montessori Center, which offers nursery, preschool and kindergarten programs. The two women running it are retiring, said Kehillat Etz Chayim’s Rabbi Asher Lopatin, but the center’s programs will continue through the summer. Etz Chayim will then make some renovations. Lopatin said he does not anticipate using the building on a regular basis until after the

Front and back views of the building that will become home to Kehillat Etz Chayim.

JUNE 9 • 2022

Jewish Family Service

ANNUAL MEETING and Community Recognition Event

Mazel tov to our honorees! We appreciate the impact you’ve made in our community and your efforts in helping us further our mission. Susan Goutkovitch Norman R. Keane

Lifetime Achievement Award Marcia Garland

Barbara & Irving Nusbaum

Motiashia Austin Patti Nemer

Employee of the Year The Jewish Fund

Community Partner of the Year

Volunteer of the Year To honor any of this year’s honorees visit jfsdetroit.org/donate

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Albert Kahn’s

Legacy Detroit’s foremost architect is featured in new museum exhibit. SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A LEGO model of the Fisher Building

etroiters live among the diverse and innovative buildings created by Albert Kahn Inc. (now Albert Kahn Associates) during the first half of the 20th century. The Fisher Building, Ford Motor Company’s Highland Park Plant, the Belle Isle Aquarium and Temple Beth El in Detroit are a few examples. The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation was created in 2021 to honor, educate and preserve Kahn’s legacy as America’s foremost industrial designer during the first half of the 20th century. Last year, the Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation, composed of some staff members of Albert Kahn Associates and other interested local residents, created a small pop-up exhibit about the architect’s life and work that was displayed in the Fisher Building. But the intent was always to produce something more substantive and permanent. Eighteen months later, a group of volunteers completed a new, comprehensive exhibit, guided by Detroit Historical Museum staff and sponsored by the Edward and Linda Dresner Levy Foundation. Albert Kahn: Innovations & Influence On 20th Century Architecture will be on display at the Detroit Historical Museum through July 3.

JUNE 9 • 2022

A well-attended opening reception on April 28 included several descendants of Albert Kahn and featured speakers from the Foundation board, including Heidi Pfammes, president; Levi Smith, vice president; and Barbara Cohn, event chair, who is also a trustee. The exhibit includes extensive blueprints, photos, illustrations and models of buildings designed by Albert Kahn Inc., as well as some of his own drawings and family photographs. All of these displays, accompanied by explanatory text, portray the amazing life and career of a German Jewish immigrant whose formal education

ended at the seventh grade because he needed to work and help support his large family. According to Michael G. Smith, an architectural historian and author who is also an Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation trustee, the Kahn family left Germany because Jews were being attacked and their citizenship was threatened. The Kahn family, who immigrated to Detroit in 1881, was educated, and Albert Kahn spoke four languages including Yiddish, Smith explains. His father was a Reform rabbi. (Albert Kahn later became a board member of Temple Beth El and chaired its Choir Committee.) continued on page 22

DETAILS

The Albert Kahn: Innovation & Influence On 20th Century Architecture exhibit will be at the Detroit Historical Museum through July 3. For more information, visit albertkahnlegacy.org or detroithistorical.org/detroit-historical-museum/ exhibitions/special-exhibitions. Eric Keller, a graphic designer and illustrator, designed the exhibit and Jim Garrett, a local programmer, constructed the LEGO models of Kahn buildings. Local film editor Stuart Shevin assembled the drone footage taken above the Fisher Building that is featured in the exhibit.

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MICHAEL G. SMITH

Albert Kahn's imprint is seen throughout Metropolitan Detroit.

Interior of Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan

continued from page 20

When Albert Kahn joined Mason & Rice, a local architectural firm, as an errand boy, Kahn devoted himself to learning as much as possible from the firm’s employees and library. After nine Michael G. months, the firm Smith began to pay him to trace and draft drawings, and he was later promoted to head

JUNE 9 • 2022

draftsman. In 1902, Kahn established his own firm. AN ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATOR Early on, Kahn was an innovator as an architectural designer, builder and businessman. He was instrumental in transforming American factories from dark, cramped buildings to large, naturally lit facilities that provided better environments for

Interior of the Fisher Building

workers and for more efficient production. This change was facilitated in part by the development of a reinforced concrete bar and construction system by his brother, Julius. “This reinforced concrete was reasonably priced and replaced brick, steel and wood buildings previously used for factories,” Smith says. Kahn also introduced an organizational structure that enabled his firm to handle a large volume of projects. He set up teams of architects and engineers, similar to Ford’s production teams. While many Detroiters know that Kahn’s firm designed the Detroit Athletic Club, General Motors headquarters as well as many Ford manufacturing plants, they may not realize that Albert Kahn Inc. designed factories to produce Navy ships (1917) and for Detroit’s Arsenal of Democracy to support U.S. forces during World War II. In addition, the firm was hired by Russia in the 1930s to design modern factories for the first Five-Year Plan of the Soviet Union.

Closer to home, Albert Kahn Inc. designed many of the best-known buildings at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus, including Hill Auditorium. The firm is credited as being the first to use scientific principles of acoustics on a large scale, enabling sounds from the Hill stage to be heard throughout the auditorium. The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation is working on plans for future displays of the exhibit. “I hope people will see and learn about Kahn’s many innovations on 20th-century architecture, and his broad range of architecture from residential homes to industrial factories,” Barbara Cohn says. “Many people know about his development of modern industrial architecture, but what is not known is the scope of his work and influence on the future of architecture. We hope people will connect to Kahn with the many stories we tell in the exhibit from successful immigrant to modernism to his global impact.”

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Rabbi Alana Alpert on piano and Jake Ehrlich on guitar lead a musical service.

SYNAGOGUE SPOTLIGHT

Inclusive, Progressive Reconstructionism Congregation T’chiyah has tripled in size in seven years. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

ongregation T’chiyah, Ferndale’s resident Reconstructionist congregation, has a central goal of providing meaningful programming and spiritual experiences for its members while also integrating deep commitments to social justice in a warm, welcoming and inclusive community. T’chiyah’s goals, which align closely with the Reconstructionist movement as a whole, have also aligned with the congregation’s growth over the past seven years. Reconstructionism Judaism was founded in the United States in the mid-20th century, based on the ideals of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan. Kaplan understood Judaism as the “evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people” that is continually reconstructed as it responds to contemporary society, rather than being fixed and unchanging. Kaplan was also committed to a vision of social progressivism, a hallmark of Reconstructionist communities. T’chiyah means “revival,” “rebirth” and “renaissance” in Hebrew. When Congregation T’chiyah was founded as a chavurah (circle of friends) in 1977, the founders picked the name as an homage to the newly built Renaissance Center in Downtown Detroit, a reflection of its approach to Judaism. The congregation has had a few homes

JUNE 9 • 2022

over the years, including space in the St. Mary’s Community Center in Greektown and the David and Miriam Mondry Building in Oak Park on the Taubman Jewish Community campus. The congregation now gathers in a dedicated room in the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale on the west side of Woodward Avenue between 8 and 9 Mile roads. After years of being led and supported by its own membership, visiting rabbis, rabbinical students and scholars, Rabbi Jason Miller became the congregation’s first rabbi in August 2008. The congregation engaged Rabbi Shawn Zevit as its visiting rabbi for the 2012-13 year. During the 2013-2014 year, services were lay-led. Seven years ago, the congregation hired Rabbi Alana Alpert as a part-time rabbi. Since her arrival, T’chiyah’s membership has nearly tripled in size and attracted a group of enthusiastic millennials and new families from diverse backgrounds. Rabbi Alana’s flexible, creative services are a beloved feature of her leadership, facilitating a holistic experience of spirituality Rabbi Alana incorporating music, meditaAlpert tion and poetry. Rabbi Alana has enhanced the congregation’s social justice efforts in a major way. During her seven-year part-time ten-

ure, she was also the executive director of Detroit Jews for Justice (DJJ), the community organizing initiative that grew from her hire and T’chiyah’s desire to become the social justice shul in Metro Detroit. DJJ has seen rapid development and growth, as has the congregation, which led to T’chiyah recently bringing Rabbi Alana on as its full-time rabbi. Outgoing president Mary Ellen Gurewitz believes Rabbi Alana’s work and the synergy between DJJ and T’chiyah has attracted people — serving as a pathway for many Metro Detroit Jews to delve into social justice work in a Jewish way. “The opportunity to engage in social justice activities through a Jewish organization is clearly something many people are very responsive to and grateful for,” Gurewitz said. Koby Levin, whose dad, Andy Levin, was president of T’chiyah some years ago, became president in May 2022. Gurewitz served as president for the last four years. T’chiyah also hired Jake Ehrlich, now operations and engagement manager, thanks to a grant from the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Foundation in June 2018. With the significant growth and forward change, T’chiyah has seen a shift in memberKoby Levin ship.

A service at Congregation T’chiyah

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“We now have well over 100 families, which even 10 years ago would’ve come as a surprise to the leadership of the congregation,” Levin said. “Many of the new folks are younger. We have families, and we have older folks who see the vibrance of our community and are drawn in.” T’chiyah programming has expanded thanks to its growth. “We have (a program) called Getting Good at Getting Older that appeals to the older generations, introductions to Jewish prayer, a conversion track for folks wanting to either reconnect with Judaism or connect with it for the first time, and to

Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove Admission is free and open to the community.

me that’s been a clear draw,” Levin said. “We get folks in these programs who are not members and once they spend some time with us, they tend to stick around.” Known for its inclusivity, T’chiyah says a third of its member households include at least one LGBTQ+ person. When Levin attended T’chiyah growing up, he says he was one of a small number of young people who attended. That’s since changed in a wonderful way, according to Levin, who believes his new role as president is an opportunity to participate in a generational shift that’s already taking place. “This growth has happened organically. We didn’t set out as a synagogue to grow,” Levin said. “It just turned out amid the pandemic and many other challenging things going on in the world over the last five to 10 years that many folks out there are looking for the same thing. We’re happy to welcome them and share space with them.”

Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove is the Senior Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City and a leading voice in the Conservative Movement and the challenges faced by American Jewry. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and earned a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago Divinity School.

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JUNE 9 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS OF THE WEEK

LEFT: Eliana Weiss’ donation drive for DDR in 2021. BELOW: Harley the dog gives a paw-five to Drew Edelstein.

Four-Legged Mitzvot Meet Eliana Weiss and Drew Edelstein who make an impact with their love for dogs. RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

liana Weiss, 13, of Huntington Woods and Drew Edelstein, 13, of West Bloomfield have both been nominated as volunteers of the week for their passion for dogs. The two are unrelated but are both making a difference in their communities through local programs. Weiss attends Norup International School in Oak Park and recently had her bat mitzvah at Temple Israel on May 28. “I’ve been doing volunteer work for Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR) for the past three or four years,” Weiss said. “When I heard they were opening up a new shelter, I actually volunteered to work there during the summer.” In 2018, the organization

JUNE 9 • 2022

was gifted the Westcott Veterinary Hospital where it will have more space to expand its no-kill operations. Weiss took it upon herself to set up multiple donation drives and collect gently used items for dogs. “Through my donation drives, I have raised $2,800 in monetary donations and about $3,300 in items,” she says. Because of her efforts, the organization put her name on their wall of ambassadors. She says it feels good to be recognized, but she does it because of her passion for dogs and inspiration from Kristina Rinaldi, DDR executive director. Weiss’ mother, Amy, says she’s proud to see her daughter take on the

initiative and create her own fundraising events. Weiss plans to continue working with the organization this the summer and says she will do whatever she can to help. DOG THERAPY Edelstein, who also has a big heart for dogs, decided to use his mitzvah project to help his school district’s dog therapy program. The seventh grader at Clifford H. Smart Middle School in Commerce says when he learned about the program, he wanted to figure out how he could raise funds for it. “My goal was to raise $1,000 for the program. So, I

decided to walk and dog-sit for a couple of dogs in my neighborhood,” he said. Edelstein ended up walking 10 dogs and dog-sat two more and exceeded his goal by raising $1,600. “I am surprised about how much money I raised,” he said. “Especially because most of it came from dog walking. Some people didn’t even need me to walk their dog, they just wanted to donate to the cause.” “It was such a cool experience, and I love seeing how dogs can bring joy to people.”

Drew Edelstein walks Trixie on a nice day. BELOW: Eliana with her parents Amy and Kevin Weiss at a donation drive at Premier Pets Supply last summer.

The Six Triple Eight film and discussion

Tuesday, March 8 7 pm the est Understanding Crisis in Yemen VIRTUAL PROGRAM

Tuesday, June 14 at 7 pm edt Join us for a talk by Yemen expert Dr. Gregory Johnsen. More info at holocaustcenter.org

Edelstein’s mom, Tracey, says she’s proud to see him use his passion to make an impact in the community. “He combined his love for animals and his kindness toward others all in one, which was a beautiful mitzvah that will help so many for years to come,” she said. Edelstein’s bar mitzvah will be on Sept. 5 of this year. He says even after his ceremony, he plans to continue his fundraising and

has a new goal of bringing more dogs into the program. “So far, the school district has five therapy dogs in the program. I would like to have a dog for each school. This way, when people start to feel anxious, they don’t have to go to another school to see a dog but it will be available in the building.”

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If you would like to nominate someone to be the next volunteer of the week, send a nomination with a short paragraph telling us why to socialmedia@thejewishnews.com. JUNE 9 • 2022

OUR COMMUNITY

Community Security Update Federation’s security program is now a standalone organization. KAREN SCHWARTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit has spun off its security program, leading to the creation of a standalone organization, Jewish Community Security Inc. (JCSI). Launched March 1, JCSI is led by Gary Sikorski, who continues in his role as director of community-wide security. “The program Gary had grown to the Sikorski point it could no longer be a department of the Federation,” says David Kurzmann, senior director, community affairs for the Federation. “The community-wide security program of the Federation David has continued to Kurzmann evolve and grow to take care of the needs of the community. This is the next step.” The Federation’s recommendation to split out the security function led to the establishment of JCSI, a group made up of 12 employees, including Sikorski, with Federation its primary stakeholder. “You’ll see even more collaboration,” Kurzmann says. While the largely internal changes will bring the security for Jewish community entities under one roof, it won’t affect how security is administered in

JUNE 9 • 2022

the community, Sikorski says. “Other than our logo on our shirts and our email addresses, it’s business as usual,” he explains. The change will allow JCSI to perform security for a broader range of organizations, he says, explaining that previously it could only provide security for Federation agencies or Federation events. Now licensed by Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), it can provide services to Federation agencies, community agencies and more. “We’re not hanging out a shingle to generate business with other nonprofits, houses of worship or synagogues, though we could in the future,” Sikorski says. The security program, which still has offices at Federation’s building in Bloomfield Township, has grown from one person in 2006 to three in 2009, eight in 2013, then to 12 and soon to be 15, he says. “Just by virtue of personnel, equipment and areas of responsibility, it made sense to do this,” he says. “It allows us to be more responsive to community needs.” They still respond to requests for training from synagogues and agencies, and stay active in responding to requests for consultation, security assessment and grant assistance, Sikorski adds. “We have been and will

continue to always be a resource for the entire Jewish community,” Sikorski says. “We still work side by side with all of our Federation and community partners.” Cleveland’s Federation has done something similar and helped provide a model for the security element’s separation and JCSI’s establishment, Sikorski adds. “Cleveland was very helpful and very gracious in providing us assistance in navigating this transition,” he says, adding that other Federations are also looking at having security operations stand alone. That said, JCSI will be the central address for security, supported by the Federation. “They’re still very much involved,” he says. “We are a part of delivering those services to the Federation and to Federation agencies.” JCSI is also continuing to work closely with law enforcement partners, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Secure Community Network (SCN) and community groups, especially given the rise of antisemitism and hate crimes, Sikorski says. “We’re very much engaged. We’re keeping a finger on the pulse of the community and potential threats to the community,” he says. “The safety and security of the Detroit Jewish community is our primary concern.”

Understanding the War in Yemen at the HC The Zekelman Holocaust Center (the HC) will host a virtual discussion Understanding the Crisis in Yemen on June 14 at 7 p.m. The conflict — now in its eighth year — has broken the country and spawned one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Dr. Gregory Johnsen, author of The Last Refuge: Yemen, al-Qaeda, and America’s War in Arabia and a former member of the U.N. Security Council’s Panel of Experts on Yemen, will lead the discussion. Registration for Understanding the Crisis in Yemen is available online at www.holocaustcenter.org/June. The event will be held virtually on Zoom. Johnsen has been a Peace Corps volunteer in Jordan, a Fulbright Fellow in Yemen and a Fulbright-Hays Fellow in Egypt. In 2014, he was selected as BuzzFeed’s inaugural Michael Hastings National Security Reporting Fellow, where he won a Dirksen Award from the National Press Foundation and, in collaboration with Radiolab, a Peabody Award. From 2016–2018, Johnsen served on the Yemen Panel of Experts for the U.N. Security Council and, in 2019, he served as the lead writer for the Syria Study Group. His writing on Yemen and terrorism has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic and Foreign Policy. Currently, he is a nonresident fellow at the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. He is also the editor of the Yemen Review and a nonresident fellow for the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies. “Dr. Johnsen brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise on the subject of the war in Yemen and all of its atrocities,” said Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, CEO of the Zekelman Holocaust Center. “Most importantly, this includes just how little the rest of the world knows about what happened, what’s happening and what can be done about it. It is indeed a very important conversation we are proud to be hosting.” Community partners for the event are the Talsky Center for Human Rights of Women & Children, Michigan State University College of Law and the Consulate of the Republic of YemenDetroit.

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Begins

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he 21st annual Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival begins this month with 17 feature films and three short film programs for a total of 20 virtual events, all available for online streaming. Additionally, this year’s festival will feature three special in-person events. The festival starts June 19 and runs through July 15, and includes biographies, family films, Holocaust movies, an LGBT film, a war drama, a musical, an environmental documentary and more. In-person events will follow COVID-19 guidelines. While sponsors at $180 or above will have access to all films, discussions and a special sponsor event with brunch, an all-festival pass can be purchased for $150 providing access to all films. New offerings this year include a Pick-10 Virtual Festival Pass for $80 and a Pick-5 Virtual Festival Pass for $50. Individual tickets will be $12 each. There are four blocks of films, each containing five titles to be released on Sunday at noon and ending the following Friday at noon. Films will be available for streaming for five days. On June 19, the festival will open at the Ann Arbor State Theatre with the in-person screening of Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen. Screenings will take place at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The film rated most highly by the committee was Out of Exile — The Photography of Fred Stein. Stein was a street photographer in Paris and New York after he was forced to flee his native Germany by the Nazi threat in the early 1930s. Peter Stein, his son, is an American cinematographer whose career has spanned three decades. Peter made the film about his father. On June 26 at 10:30 a.m., a sponsors-only event takes place at the University of Michigan Rackham Amphitheatre. This event includes the screening of Out of Exile — The Photography of Fred Stein, brunch, a photography exhibit and a presentation by Peter Stein moderated by U-M History Professor Deborah Dash Moore. The third in-person event, a special screening of The Lost Film of Nuremberg, takes place on July 10 at 2 p.m. at the U-M Rackham Amphitheatre. This event also features a presentation by U-M Modern Hebrew and Jewish Culture Professor Maya Barzilai, cocktails and dessert. Noemi Herzig, director of Jewish Cultural Arts and Adult Education for the Ann Arbor JCC, is excited about the lineup of films and says an elaborate process led to the selected films. Additional information can be found at https://2022aajff. eventive.org.

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JUNE 9 • 2022

faces&places

Third Annual JVS + Kadima Frame of Mind Benefit and Arts Showcase The third annual JVS + Kadima Frame of Mind Benefit and Arts Showcase, held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit on May 15, raised almost $90,000 for the nonprofit agency’s Creative Expressions program, which provides artistic enrichment services for individuals with serious mental health challenges or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Around 170 people attended the event, which offered a theatrical immersive evening with singing, music, dance, acting and art. Professional musicians, dancers and actors from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), Detroit Opera and Matrix Theatre collaborated with JVS + Kadima members to produce and perform in the show. Highlights of the evening included a performance of “Memory” from Cats, Vivaldi’s Spring performed on the violin by a member with DSO cellist

Madison, a singer at the event, with artwork

Board Member Rick Zussman with Julie Zussman..

Jeremy Crosmer, a spaceship animation featuring a member’s artwork, an interactive tree installation called “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” plus a dance performance to the Motown hit “Do You Love Me.” There was also an art gallery displaying 100+ works of art by Creative Expressions artists.

JVS + Kadima Board Member Dani Gillman with Board Chair Kristen Gross

For information about the art program, go to shopcreativeexpressions.com or contact Craig Nowak at craign@kadimacenter.org.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEFF AISEN Committee members Dr. Avery Murav, Robin Tobin Murav and Phyllis Schwartz

JVS + Kadima CEO Paul Blatt with Co-Chairs Barbara and Michael Kratchman

JUNE 9 • 2022

Committee member Barbara Eisenberg with JVS + Kadima member Joel K

Temple Beth El Celebrates Lag b’Omer Lag b’Omer is a holiday with a variety of origin stories, most famously including the end of a plague and the death of a sage hundreds of years ago. One of the most common ways to observe the holiday is with the lighting of bonfires — and this year, Temple Beth El members and friends got to take the fire home with them! On the night of Lag b’Omer, everyone gathered

at DetroitWick, a Jewishowned business located in Corktown that specializes in scent branding. CEO Doug Schwartz led attendees through placing the wick, choosing a scent, pouring the wax and even decorating the jar with a custom Temple Beth El logo. Participants look forward to lighting their candles and hearkening back to a great holiday night in Detroit!

Nancy Fortier, Rabbi Mark Miller and Judy Roberts

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEMPLE BETH EL

Rabbi Mark Miller, Suzi MacWilliams, Barbra Bloch, Jo-Ann MacWilliams-Wolf and Laura Gottlieb

Rabbi Megan Brudney and Nayda Verier-Taylor

Raya Sassco, Eli Chodock and Susie Weiner JUNE 9 • 2022

faces&places

Friendship Circle Village Volunteer Open House More than 60 individuals visited the Weinberg Village at the Friendship Circle as part of Friendship Circle Volunteer Open House on Thursday, May 19. Prospective volunteers enjoyed a tour of the Village conducted by staff and current volunteers. Rabbi Levi and Bassie Shemtov, directors of Friendship Circle, addressed attendees while they enjoyed a delicious dairy dinner. The Weinberg Village is a replica of a Metro Detroit neighborhood and serves as a conducive environment for children with special needs to practice daily life skills. Students from schools all

over Metro Detroit visit, can practice communicating while placing an order at the cafe, budgeting while purchasing items at the gift shop and more. While mingling and getting to know each other, future volunteers personally experience the warm and caring atmosphere that is created by current volunteers. The volunteering community is known for its stronger sense of friendship, and Friendship Circle — while continuously serving more children and adults with special needs — is always ready to widen its circle.

Attendees got the chance to visit Weinberg Village.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE

Friends Malkie Brashevitsky and Frayde Trachtman from out of town joined in on the festivities.

Bassie Shemtov addresses future volunteers for Friendship Circle.

JUNE 9 • 2022

Future volunteers visit the gift shop.

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MICHIGAN ATHLETICS

SPORTS

ON THE COVER

They’re ‘Beaming’ Over Their Trip to Israel Former U-M gymnastics teammates will compete for Team USA at the Maccabiah Games.

Adam Wooten (left) and Alan Gerdov react to a teammate's floor exercise routine.

STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

lan Gerdov and Adam Wooten are close friends who love gymnastics, music and their family. That friendship will take them to Israel in July. The former University of Michigan men’s gymnastics teammates will each travel to Israel for the first time to represent the United States as gymnasts on Team USA at the 21st Maccabiah Games. For Gerdov, 23, whose parents fled Ukraine in 1989 to escape religious persecution when the country was controlled by the Soviet Union, the Maccabiah Games will mark the end of his injury-filled gymnastics career. The Lincolnshire, Ill., resident was cut from the U-M gymnastics team as a fresh-

JUNE 9 • 2022

man walk-on because of a bad back — he suffered a stress fracture in his back when he was a sophomore in high school — but he was asked to be an undergraduate coach and he did that as a sophomore in 2019. At the time, he said, he was prepared for the realization that competing in gymnastics was no longer possible for him. But he fought his way back onto the U-M team after not competing for two seasons, determined to let the world know “that I still had it,” and he was on the team for three eventful seasons. His junior season ended early because of the COVID-19 pandemic; he missed his senior season because of knee surgery; and he competed this season as a graduate student and one of the team’s three captains.

Gerdov’s first meet for U-M, the Windy City Invitational in Chicago in January 2020, also was Wooten’s first meet for the Wolverines, who won the invitational for the first time in several years. Gerdov was a junior and Wooten was a freshman. “If you would have told me when I was a sophomore at U-M that I’d be a captain of a two-time Big Ten Conference champion gymnastics team and finish my gymnastics career on Team USA in Israel, meeting and competing against other Jewish athletes from across the world, I would have laughed at you, thought you were crazy,” Gerdov said. What’s even crazier is Gerdov’s schedule after he returns to the U.S. from a threeweek stay in Israel on July 27.

AN INSTANT CONNECTION Gerdov and Wooten met when Wooten did a recruiting visit to U-M while Gerdov was an undergraduate coach. Both said they hit it off immediately during Wooten’s visit, pointing specifically to a quiet conversation over a meal at a Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Ann Arbor. “I made four official college visits. I went to Illinois, Minnesota continued on page 36

DENNIS KENNEDY

After flying into New York City and then making a quick stop in Chicago to see his family, he’ll head to Seattle to start work Aug. 1 as a program manager for Microsoft. His days as a U-M student ended in April when he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a minor in business in 2021. For Wooten, 21, a two-time NCAA All-American gymnast whose father is Black and mother is Jewish, the Maccabiah Games will give him an opportunity to “explore the culture of Israel and learn about my heritage, my identity” before he returns to U-M for his senior year. Besides competing in Israel, Team USA athletes spend time exploring the country as an educational experience. Wooten is majoring in business administration and is a music minor at U-M. The Nashville, Tenn., resident is an accomplished professional musician who plays drums and sings in a seven-member band made up of U-M students called Joe and the Ruckus. “Music is a great outlet and stress reliever for me. It has been my whole life, especially now,” Wooten said. “College can be a pressure-cooker between school and gymnastics. It seems sometimes you don’t have enough time and resources to do everything that needs to be done.”

Adam Wooten is a picture of concentration on the still rings.

JUNE 9 • 2022

SPORTS

ON THE COVER

Help Beam Them to Israel Gymnasts Alan Gerdov and Adam Wooten each needs to raise $8,500 to compete for Team USA this summer at the Maccabiah Games in Israel. They would appreciate donations, which can be sent to PayPal at paypal.me/MaccabiahFundraising. Gerdov can be reached at agerdov@umich.edu, (847) 714-6508 or on his Instagram account, @agerdov.

DENNIS KENNEDY

ALAN GERDOV

continued from page 35

TOP: Alan Gerdov and his grandmother Faina Borshchukova. ABOVE: A happy Adam Wooten celebrates after a still rings routine.

JUNE 9 • 2022

and William & Mary in addition to U-M. They were all great, but overwhelming,” Wooten said. “You’re given so much information and you meet so many people when you go on those visits. “My conversation with Alan at Potbelly was relaxing because he was so genuine. We talked about a lot of things, including what it meant to buy into the team culture on the U-M gymnastics team. That’s important because you spend a lot of time with the guys on your team.” Gerdov said he thinks he connected quickly with Wooten because they’re both “super invested” in gymnastics and close with their family, and they love music. “We’ve had some tests of our friendship since we met, but each time we’ve come out stronger,” Gerdov said. The two can’t remember when they found out each was Jewish. “I know it didn’t come up right away,” Wooten said. “It probably happened sometime when Alan was talking to me about his family, which he loves. There’s no doubt being Jewish — and probably being the only Jewish guys on our team — has brought us closer together.” In addition to being Jewish gymnasts with similar outside interests, Gerdov and Wooten share another common bond. They’re each 5-foot-10 and weigh about 170 pounds.

It was about a year ago when each received an email from the U-M men’s gymnastics coach informing them about an opportunity to compete in the Maccabiah Games, which also is known as the “Jewish Olympics.” Held every four years, this year’s Maccabiah Games is expected to include 10,000 athletes from more than 80 countries in 47 sports. “I called Adam after getting that email about the Maccabiah Games and said, ‘Let’s do this,’ no matter what hoops we have to jump through,” Gerdov said. “Alan was really determined to make it happen,” Wooten said. “I couldn’t say no.” TEAM USA An initial hoop for Gerdov and Wooten was creating tryout videos on Google Drive. There were no in-person tryouts for this year’s Team USA Maccabiah Games men’s gymnastics squad because of pandemic restrictions. Gerdov said he did videos of gymnastic events he hadn’t done since high school to show his versatility. There are only five members of the Team USA men’s gymnastics squad. Four will compete in each event in the Maccabiah Games gymnastics venue in Tel Aviv, with the top three scores counting. Gerdov and Wooten found

Send sports news to stevestein502004@ yahoo.com.

Alan Gerdov flips during a floor exercise routine.

MICHIGAN ATHLETICS

out early this year that they had earned two of the five coveted Team USA spots. Armed with that knowledge, they went on to help the U-M men’s gymnastics team win Big Ten regular-season and conference meet championships and finish third in the NCAA meet this spring. Wooten finished second on high bar at the Big Ten meet and earned a second team all-conference honor. He also received the conference’s Sportsmanship Award. His seventh-place finish on high bar at the NCAA meet made him an All-American. He also was an All-American on high bar in 2021, taking third in the event at the NCAA meet. He’s been named one of U-M’s captains for next season. Both Gerdov and Wooten were named to the Academic All-Big Ten Team this season. It was the third time Gerdov earned that honor. Greg and Milla Gerdov, Alan Gerdov’s parents, came to the U.S. from Ukraine as religious refugees. So did Alan Gerdov’s maternal grandmother, Holocaust survivor Faina Borshchukova, who celebrated her 84th birthday last month. She lives with Alan Gerdov’s parents in Lincolnshire, a Chicago suburb. Alan Gerdov speaks fluent Russian. His father and grandmother speak fluent Russian and Ukrainian, and “my mother can understand Ukrainian, but she speaks Russian fluently,” he said. Wooten’s parents are Victor and Holly Wooten. Victor Wooten, a five-time Grammy Award winner, is a renown bassist, songwriter and record producer. In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No. 10 among the Top 10 Bassists of All Time.

JUNE 9 • 2022

business SPOTlight

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5,500-square-foot showroom offers new options for bridal jewelry and beyond. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

brand-new showroom in Troy is adding more options for diamonds and jewelry in the Metro Detroit area. With a soft opening on May 2, Diamonds Direct’s sprawling 5,500-square-foot Troy location, at 1985 W. Big Beaver Road, will be the 26th showroom opened by the jewelry enterprise, which has strong ties to Israel. Founded by Tel Aviv-based diamond manufacturer Alon Arabov, jewelry and bridal powerhouse Diamonds Direct started in Israel in the 1960s. It eventually branched out to the United States, to where the business had been distributing diamonds. The first U.S. showroom was

opened in 1995 in Charlotte, N.C. and since then, Diamonds Direct has expanded its footprint across America as one of the country’s fastest-growing direct-to-consumer diamond retailers. Now, Diamonds Direct is entering the Michigan market for the first time. The Troy location adds a new showroom to its expanding Midwest footprint, which already includes Indiana, Ohio, Kansas and Missouri. SEEING POTENTIAL IN MICHIGAN “We saw the potential and the vision in the [Troy] area,” says Niv Ankawa, Diamonds Direct regional vice president. “The goal is to open one big show-

The grand opening room and megastore will be followed by a in every state across premiere event where the country. We have Diamonds Direct will been studying the offer special pricing market for the last and bring in designthree or four years, ers from around the and we decided that country to present its it was going to be a Niv Ankawa extended lines of merno-brainer for us to open the Troy location.” chandise on the showroom Although Diamonds Direct floor. is new to both Troy and Michigan, Ankawa says the NO NEED FOR A business is excited to be in the MIDDLEMAN area. “We’re looking forward What sets Diamonds Direct to being a big part of the brid- apart from competitors, al business over in Troy,” he Ankawa says, is that the jewsays. elry giant mines its own diaThe official grand opening monds, cuts them in facilities, for Diamonds Direct’s Troy and then transports them to location is set for Aug. 25, the U.S. and to consumers. when Ankawa says the showTheir selection is also unparroom will be fully completed. alleled, he adds. continued on page 40

JUNE 9 • 2022

here’s to Ernst & Young LLP announced that CEO Shaya Baum of Wing Lake Capital Partners was named an Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award finalist. The award is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who think big to succeed. Baum was selected by a panel of independent judges according to the following criteria: entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes. Police Chaplain Rabbi Herschel Finman of Jewish Ferndale gave the invocation at the Ferndale Police Department memorial for National Peace Officers Day. Rabbi Finman emphasized the need to increase acts of kindness to make the world better. He also wished that the families of police officers slain in the line of duty be comforted.

The Jewish Historical Society announced two awardees. The 2021 Leonard N. Simons History-Maker Awardee is Arthur M. Horwitz, president of Arthur Horwitz Consulting LLC. From 1986 to 2020, he published the Detroit Jewish News. He was the founding president of the independent, nonprofit Detroit Jewish News Foundation, which acquired the Jewish News in 2020. Under his leadership, the Jewish News became one of the largest and most respected ethnic/minority-focused media outlets in the United States. The 2022 Leonard N. Simons History-Maker Awardee is Harriet B. Saperstein, a sociologist turned planner, specializing in community and economic development. She has held senior positions with the city of Detroit, where she coordinated and facilitated numerous major projects in neighborhoods, on Belle Isle and along the Detroit Riverfront. She has also served as president of HP Devco, a nonprofit economic development agency focused on Highland Park. continued on page 40

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business SPOTlight continued from page 38

“You can walk into the showroom and look for a specific diamond,” Ankawa explains, “but you’re not going to have one option, you’re going to have five, six, seven or eight options.” Diamonds Direct also offers after-the-sale services including complimentary jewelry maintenance and a 110% upgrade policy. In addition, its business model cuts out the middleman, allowing the retailer to be involved in the entire diamond process. It ensures diamonds are ethically sourced via the Kimberley Process as well, which eliminates trade in conflict diamonds. The price point, Ankawa says, is also highly competitive. “We have items in the showroom all the way from $500 to $1 million,” he explains. Catering to a wide

here’s to

Metro Detroiters have a new place to shop for jewelry at Diamonds Direct in Troy.

range of clientele, Ankawa says Diamonds Direct works with all price points. “We are good for everybody.” BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Managing the Troy showroom is Jennifer Alter, a Michigan native who has worked in the jewelry industry since the age of

15. Now, 36 years into her career in the field, she says, “I am thrilled to bring the Diamonds Direct concept to my hometown and be able to share all I’ve come to learn and love about the company with the community I’m so proud to call home.” Diamonds Direct also has plans to get directly involved in the Troy and greater Metro

Detroit community. Working alongside the Diamonds Direct Foundation, which was established in 2004 to support local nonprofit organizations with a focus on women’s and children’s causes, the Troy showroom will be involved in various fundraising programs. “We’re a big believer of giving back to the community,” Ankawa says. Fundraising efforts include donating jewelry pieces for live auctions, among other philanthropic programs. As they continue to get established in the Troy community, Ankawa is looking forward to growing Diamonds Direct alongside other businesses in Metro Detroit. “We have found the right location,” he says, “and the right place.”

continued from page 39

In April in Nashville, Tenn., Amanda Sweet, Michigan representative and first-time pageant competitor, was selected as the first Miss Voluptuous America in the historical International Grand Final for Miss Voluptuous Pageants. For her first pageant, she took pride in a platform that covered the work that she executes in America regularly, “Party with Purpose.” She believes that we can all make an immediate impact in our direct communities by adding service elements to all parties and gatherings. The next project Amanda is working on is the ReVamp Detroit, a sustainable fashion clothing swap.

Lisa Cohen, clinical nurse specialist in Acute Stroke and Neurosurgical units at Henry Ford Hospital, recently earned a top honor from the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing. She was recognized as Certificant of the Year, which honors one certified nurse’s outstanding achievements in neuroscience nursing. The recipient of this award contributes to neuroscience nursing through professional service, mentoring and education, patient and staff advocacy, and promotion of the certification.

Metro Detroit journalist Danny Fenster, who was held in a Myanmar prison for six months before being released in November, has landed a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University for the 2022-23 academic year. Nieman Fellowships are awarded to working journalists for sabbatical study. Fenster, 38, will study how journalists in exile use digital tools to continue reporting on repressive regimes, as well “the impact of Western foreign policy responses to these governments on reporters’ ability to continue working,” the organization says. The nine-month program, regarded as one of the most prestigious mid-career journalism fellowships, includes a $75,000 stipend. Fenster also was selected for a Knight-Wallace Fellowship at the University of Michigan.

JUNE 9 • 2022

NEXTDOR

VOICE OF THE NEW JEWISH GENERATION

Stop and Smell the Flowers

NEXTGen Detroit’s Blooms + Brunch program with Goldner Walsh.

RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR

EXTGen Detroiters had the opportunity to learn how to be their own florists for a day at NEXTGen Detroit’s Blooms + Brunch program. On Sunday, May 15, experts from Goldner Walsh welcomed guests into their space where they gave a flower-arranging lesson on how to create a centerpiece. NEXTGen event co-chair Lacey Foon says this event was a long time in the works. Originally, it was going to be held on Valentine’s Day but had to be pushed off due to the pandemic until spring. “There were lilies, roses, hydrangeas, daisies and other floral fillers. Everyone got to pick what they wanted to use for their floral arrangement,” she said. Foon said experts gave some guidance and tips on

how to assemble a centerpiece. Forty people learned something new and enjoyed mimosas and brunch bites during the sold-out program. “The flowers were beautiful! I think everyone learned a lot and the food was good,” she added. Stephanie Podolsky, NEXTGen Board of Directors member and co-chair of the Blooms and Brunch program, says it was a great way to create new friendships and learn a new skill. “Everyone was able to put their own personal touch on their creation and use it to brighten their home. I love planning these events to help foster community connections and learn new skills,” she said.

Ashley Nathan, Samantha Foon, Carly Schiff and Lacey Foon

Lindsey Eddleston and Sydney Cox

Find out about NEXTGen Detroit and its events at https://jlive.app.

Shoshana Kohn and Rikki Katz (in foreground)

Carine Gustin and Sydney Wolf JUNE 9 • 2022

VPG PHOTOGRAPHY

NEXT DOR VOICE OF THE NEW JEWISH GENERATION

Creating her Own Path

Wellness blogger and influencer Sari Diskin makes honest storytelling a priority. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

n April 2017, wellness blogger and influencer Sari Diskin moved from her home of Toronto, Canada, to Metro Detroit. She was marrying her husband, Jacob Diskin, with whom she’d kept a long-distance relationship since meeting at a Jewish summer camp. At the time, Sari Diskin, now the founder and owner of Eat Well With Sari (https:// eatwellwithsari.com), was working in marketing and advertising. It was the career she had studied for; but despite giving it an honest try, it didn’t feel fulfilling. “I ended up in a role that was really not serving me,” she recalls. “To feed into my passion and things that I love, I started a

JUNE 9 • 2022

food and wellness blog on the side.” A lifelong fan of cooking, Diskin grew up eating diverse (and delicious) homecooked meals that her mother would create. Roasted red pepper pasta with pine nuts, potatoes with brisket, matzah ball soup and chicken cutlets were regular rotations on the menu. “Everything was so delicious,” Diskin says of her mother’s cooking. “She always made it a priority to bring the family together around the table after school, and that’s something that’s always held with me over the years.” Diskin, 32, of Beverly Hills began to create her own health-focused recipes. Like

her mother, she enjoyed sharing them with others, and started to document her creations with explanations and photos. Eventually, she chose to make it her career. “I pursued a health coach certification and took a part-time job,” she says of changing career paths. “I decided I would try to find a career in the blogging realm as my marketing career and advertising role just wasn’t for me anymore.” BUILDING A COMMUNITY After a year of building up a new blog, her brand gained traction. “There weren’t many people sharing a lot of healthy recipes and healthy places around Metro Detroit to eat at the time, which was my focus,” Diskin says. Originally launched as Eat Well Detroit, Sari’s blog had one main goal: to build community around the healthy eating scene. Using her marketing and advertising skills, Diskin took what she already knew about creating brands and applied it to her own endeavor. She learned how to monetize her blog and turn it into a full-time career. Now with more than 45,000 followers, Eat Well Detroit has evolved into Eat Well With Sari, a transition she says was intentional. “Now it is much more of a lifestyle and overall wellness page,” Diskin says of her brand. “It’s very focused on food, freedom and balance. That is just where my values live.”

Sari Diskin and her son Miles.

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In the past, Diskin says she obsessed over healthy eating, a mindset that, despite its health-focused outcome, wasn’t actually healthy. Instead, she made mental health a priority and worked hard to avoid falling into social media traps, which can put too much focus on diet and not enough focus on feeling healthy inside and out. HONEST MOTHERHOOD Today, Diskin shares a balance of healthy food options mixed in with traditional comfort food. She also shares content about fitness, mental health and her journey as a new mom. In September 2021, Diskin became a mother to her son, Miles. Through a process she calls “honest motherhood,” Diskin began to share her personal life with her followers, rather than just food. “I started talking to the camera,” she explains, “which was definitely a learning curve. People real-

ly enjoyed connecting with someone behind the camera.” Putting herself at the forefront of her brand — and parenthood — Diskin tells the ups and downs of being a new mom. “I’m so happy being a mom, but it’s very hard,” she says of motherhood. “Social media glamorizes the whole process, and moms are always taught to be strong and have it all together, but nobody does in reality.” Instead, Diskin tells it like it is. Now working with a management company and partnering with a variety of brands, including baby brands as of recently, she believes her business is evolving alongside her as she moves through different stages of life. “I’m very grateful that I get to do this because I’m really just creating my own path in this industry and in this area,” she says. “I’m taking it day by day.”

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JUNE 9 • 2022

MAZEL TOV! APRIL 26, 2022 Parents Steven and Carly Betel are proud to announce the arrival of Levi Henry Betel. Happy big sister is Aurora. Levi is welcomed by many happy grandparents, Sharon Ziegelman, Aaron and Tammy Betel, and Patty and Irv Yellin, and great-grandpa Seymour Ziegelman. He is named after his late grandmas Loretta and Helen and will definitely carry on their legacy.

Julia Lynn Blaharski (Yisraela Zahava), daughter of Rebecca and Steven Blaharski, will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah at Congregation B’nai Moshe in West Bloomfield on Saturday, June 11, 2022. She is the granddaughter of Elaine and Kerry Greenhut, and George and the late Rosemary Blaharski; greatgranddaughter of Lillian Greenhut. Julia is a seventh-grade student at Clifford Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. Her favorite tzedakah experience was at Yad Ezra in Berkley, where she volunteered for the Passover food distribution program and helped with the preparation of the Yad Ezra garden. Leslie Anna Blaharski (Shira Margalit), daughter of Rebecca and Steven Blaharski, will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah at Congregation B’nai Moshe in West Bloomfield on Saturday, June 11, 2022. She is the granddaughter of Elaine and Kerry Greenhut, and George and the late

JUNE 9 • 2022

Rosemary Blaharski; greatgranddaughter of Lillian Greenhut. Leslie is a seventh-grade student at Clifford Smart Middle School in Commerce Township. Her favorite tzedakah experience was at Yad Ezra in Berkley, where she volunteered for the Passover food distribution program and helped with the preparation of the Yad Ezra garden. Shay Andrew Chismody, son of Melanie and Scott Chismody, will be called to the Torah on the occasion of his bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, June 11, 2022. He will be joined in celebration by his brother Chad and sister Lexi. Shay is the loving grandchild of Cheryle and the late Dr. Irv Lutwin, Susan and the late Allen Klein, and the late Stephen Chismody. Shay is a student at West Bloomfield Middle School. Among his many mitzvah projects, his most meaningful was participating in the Jewish Federation’s Service with a Purpose program, where he collected toy donations

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.

during the holidays as well as food and personal hygiene products for the children and families that Brilliant Detroit serves. Hayden Shane Frishman, daughter of Julie and Michael Frishman, will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, June 10, 2022. She will be joined in celebration by her brother Sam. Hayden is the loving grandchild of Sue and Danny Kaplan, and Linda and Scott Frishman. Hayden is a student at Norup International School in Oak Park. Her most meaningful mitzvah project was delivering meals for Yad

Ezra in Berkley. Benjamin Alexander Wasser (Yitzchak Yisroel) of Farmington Hills, had his bar mitzvah at Adat Shalom Synagogue on Saturday, May 28, 2022, during the Minchah service. Ben is the son of Sara and Marc Wasser, brother of Shana Wasser and grandson of Varda and Paul Wasser, and Shlomo Duben and the late Shana Duben. Ben attends Warner Middle School in Farmington Hills. He volunteered at Hechtman Apartments in West Bloomfield as part of his mitzvah project.

Niederquell-Hantler

radley Hantler, son of Saree and Steve Hantler of Boca Raton, Fla., and Farmington Hills, and Hayley Niederquell, daughter of Leslie and Brad Niederquell of Troy, were married May 9, 2022, at the newlyweds’ Bloomfield Hills home.

Papenheim-Loyd

ydney Marilynn Papenheim and David Adam Loyd were married recently at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Rabbi Paul Yedwab and Cantor Michael Smolash officiated. Sydney is the daughter of Lisa Shapiro of Farmington Hills, and Erich and Michele Papenheim of Greer, S.C. David is the son of Jane Moskola of Port Orange, Fla., and the late John Loyd. The couple’s closest friend, Hayley Wasserman, serviced as “maid of everything.” Delighted grandparents in attendance were Jimm and Lillian White, and Jackie Lyons. Grandmother Val Papenheim of Venice, Fla., was unable to attend. Aunt Juli Shapiro of Las Vegas, Nev., joined in the festivities. The couple live in Detroit, and a winter weather honeymoon is in the planning stages.

YOU’RE INVITED

Support Group Series at Waltonwood Twelve Oaks

Grossman-Dainas

heryl and Dennis Yashinsky are thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter Rebecca Lindsay Grossman to Adam Jacob Dainas, son of Tobey and Scott Dainas of Highland Park, Ill. Rebecca received her bachelor’s degree in biopsychology, cognition and neuroscience at University of Michigan. She earned two master’s degrees in clinical psychology from Madonna University and University of Windsor and is working on her Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology at University of Windsor. Adam received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering at University of Michigan. He is an aerospace engineer at a jet engine company. A July wedding is planned in Detroit.

The 3rd Tuesday of every month 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. With Alyssa Tobias, Alyssa Tobias, MSW, Geriatric Social Worker Join us for insights into common issues associated with aging: April 19th May 17th June 21st July 19th August 16th

Communicating with Loved Ones that Have Cognitive Disorders Covid and Senior Depression Hospice and the “Stigma” Elder Scamming: What to Look For End of Life Decisions: How to Navigate Them

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Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com JUNE 9 • 2022

SPIRIT

A WORD OF TORAH

All of Us Count! T

he word Naso that gives its name to this week’s parshah is a verb of an extraordinary range of meanings, among them: to lift, to carry and to forgive. Here though, and elsewhere in the wilderness years, it is used, in conjunction with the phrase et rosh (“the head”) to mean “to count.” This is an odd way of speaking, because Biblical Hebrew is not short of other verbs meanRabbi Lord ing to count, among them limJonathan not, lispor, lifkod and lachshov. Sacks Why then not use one of these verbs? Why not simply say “count” instead of “lift the head”? The answer takes us into one of the most revolutionary of all Jewish beliefs. If we are each in the image of God, then every one of us has infinite value. We are each unique. None of us is substitutable for any other. This may well be the single most important consequence of monotheism. Discovering God, singular and alone, our ancestors discovered the human individual, singular and alone. This was simply not a value in the ancient world, nor is it one in tyrannical or totalitarian

JUNE 9 • 2022

societies today. The ruler might be deemed to have infinite value; so might some of the members of his or her court; but certainly not the masses — as the word “mass” itself implies. Most people were simply regarded as part of a mass: an army, a work force or a gang of slaves. What mattered was their total number, not their individual lives, their hopes and fears, their loves and dreams. That is the image we have of Egypt of the Pharaohs. It is how the Sages understood the builders of Babel. They said that if a brick fell from the tower they wept. If a worker fell and died, they paid no attention. Almost 100 million people died in the 20th century in Stalin’s Russia, Mao’s Communist China and Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge. We say of such regimes that people became “just numbers.” That is what the Torah is rejecting as a matter of supreme religious principle. At the very moment when one might be maximally tempted to see people as “just numbers” — namely, when taking a census, as here — the Israelites were commanded to “lift people’s heads,” to raise their spirits, to make them feel they counted as individuals, not

numbers in a mass, ciphers in a crowd. In the course of my life, I have had several deep conversations with Christians, and there is one aspect of Judaism that they find very difficult to understand. The conversation usually turns to the central figure of Christianity, and I am often asked, do I believe that he was the son of God. “I do indeed,” I reply, “because we believe that every Jew is a son or daughter of God.” What Christianity applies to one figure in its faith, we apply to all. Where Christianity transcendentalises, Judaism democratises. My conversation partners often think I am being evasive, finding a polite way to avoid answering the question. In fact, though, the opposite is true. The first words God commands Moses to say to Pharaoh were, “My child, My firstborn, Israel.” In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites, “You are children of the Lord your God.” “Beloved are Israel,” said Rabbi Akiva, “for they are called God’s children.” One of the key phrases of prayer, Avinu Malkenu, “Our Father, our King,” encapsulates this in two simple words. We are all royalty. We are each children of the King.

To be sure, this is not the only metaphor for our relationship with God. He is also our Sovereign, and we are His servants. He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. These evoke more humility than the image of parent-and-child. What is more, when God saw the first human without a partner, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” JUDAISM = ‘I’ + ‘WE’ The Torah is thus signaling one of the defining tensions of all human life: we are independent but we are also interdependent. Our thoughts and feelings belong to the “I,” but much of our existence depends on being part of a “We.” Despite its unprecedented estimate of the individual, Judaism is at the same time an irreducibly communal faith. There is no “I” without the “we.” The Chassidic master Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Przysucha nicely summed up the Jewish approach to the value of a life. He said that we should each have two pockets. In one we should place a piece of paper with the words: “For my sake was the world created.” In the other should be the words: “I am but dust and ashes.” We are unique. We each have non-negotiable dignity and inalienable rights. But in and of ourselves we are nothing. Our greatness comes not from us but from God. That is the dialectic of life in the conscious presence of our mortality and God’s eternity. The point being made by the Torah, though, is that what matters is not how we see ourselves but how we see, and treat, and behave toward others. The world is not short of self-important people. What it is short of is those who make other people feel important — who “lift their heads.”

I will never forget the occasion when Prince Charles, at a banquet given by the Jewish community, spent as much time talking to the young schoolchildren who came to sing in a choir as he did to the great and good among the guests, or when he came to a Jewish primary school and lit Chanukah candles with the children, giving each the chance to tell him who they were and what the festival meant to them. That, at least in Britain, is what royalty is and does. Members of the royal family make other people feel important. That is their work, their service, their role. It is the true meaning of royalty. Watching them, you understand Rabbi Yochanan’s fine insight that “greatness is humility.” You understand also Ben Zoma’s axiom: “Who is honored? One who honors others.” The challenge that emerges from the way the Torah describes taking a census is that we must “lift people’s heads.” Never let them feel merely a number. Make those you meet feel important, especially the people whom others tend to take for granted: the waiters at a communal meal; the woman who takes your coat in a cloakroom; the shammas in the synagogue; the people doing security duty; the caretaker; the most junior member of the office team and so on. Make eye contact. Smile. Let them know you do not take them for granted. You appreciate them. They matter as individuals. For this is the life-changing idea: We are as important as we make other people feel. The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks served as the chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, 1991-2013. His teachings have been made available to all at rabbisacks.org. This essay was written in 2018.

TORAH PORTION

Against Extremism

to extremism that the rabbis of here are many relithe Talmud teach that should gious traditions — the nazir exceed the vow by Buddhism, Christianity, even a single day, the atoneDaoism — with a positive ment he would have earned is monastic tradition. This week’s rendered null and void. Torah portion introduces the For a variety of reasons, concept of the nazir, the extreme positions have received increasing and closest thing Judaism dangerous attention in has to monks; yet the our society. Extreme rabbis were decidedly positions blind adherents negative about this trato the validity in their dition. (Numbers 6:1-21) Nazirite vows include Rabbi Brent opposition’s arguments. Adherents embrace swearing off attending Gutmann hypocrisies: i.e. The life of funerals, drinking wine an unborn fetus is valued and getting haircuts. Parshat higher than the victims of Most of these vows are Naso: gun violence. They cling Numbers temporary; the most to their views in fear of 4:21-7:89; famous nazir of the Judges 13:2- being challenged, rather Bible, Samson, was than in the confidence 25. endowed with superof their position. Their natural strength as long behavior is antithetical as his hair was never to the healthy functioning of a trimmed. Overconfidence and vibrant democracy. a sense of invulnerability led to Extremism is not a his fall. He let down his guard praiseworthy adherence to and was betrayed by Delilah. principles as the extremist Upon completion of the vow, the nazir is told to present three would like you to believe. Extremism is an insistence sacrifices to the priests: a burnt offering, an offering of thanks- on principles which are exaggerated or not giving and a sin offering. One praiseworthy in the first place. might ask, why a sin offering? Extremists blind themselves For what must he atone? and seek to blind others from Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon reality. Neither the liberal nor writes, “Our sages commandconservative extremist leaves ed man to deny himself only room for disagreements. the things denied him by the Like the Biblical nazir, the Torah. He should not inflict on extremists divide themselves himself vows to abstain from from their community, and permitted things.” schisms are to be avoided. Thus, our sages retort: “‘Is all An alternative principal is that the Torah forbids not sufal tifrosh min hatzibur, do not ficient for you? Must you forseparate yourself from public bid from yourself other things life! (Avot 2:5) Engage with too!?’” (Mishnah Torah De’ot the world’s complexities. Act 3:1) Similarly, Simon the Just through careful and deliberate rejected the Nazirite offerings as the related vows originate in reasoning. Argue over what you think is right but, in the extreme guilt or enthusiasm. More texts chastise the nazir end, be a part of the world. Embrace its contradictions. for excessive asceticism. From these views comes the message that Judaism rejects extremism. Rabbi Brent Gutmann is rabbi at Temple Kol Ami in West Bloomfield. So strong is our opposition JUNE 9 • 2022

SPIRIT

Synagogue Directory METRO DETROIT CONSERVATIVE Adat Shalom Synagogue Farmington Hills (248) 851-5100 adatshalom.org Congregation Beth Ahm West Bloomfield (248) 851-6880 cbahm.org Congregation Beth Shalom Oak Park (248) 547-7970 congbethshalom.org Beth Tephilath Moses Mt. Clemens (586) 996-3138 bethtephilathmoses.com B’nai Israel Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 432-2729 bnaiisraelwb.org Congregation B’nai Moshe West Bloomfield (248) 788-0600 bnaimoshe.org Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue Detroit (313) 962-4047 downtownsynagogue.org Congregation Shaarey Zedek Southfield (248) 357-5544 shaareyzedek.org

ORTHODOX Agudas Israel Mogen Abraham Southfield (248) 552-5711 aymadetroit.org Ahavas Olam Southfield (248) 569-1821 Ahavasolam.com Ahavas Yisroel Oak Park (248) 298-2896 Learntorah.info Aish Hatorah in the Woods Oak Park (248) 327-3579 Aishdetroit.com Bais Chabad of Farmington Hills (248) 855-2910 chabad.org Bais Chabad of North Oak Park (248) 872-8878 chabad.org Bais Haknesses Hagrah Oak Park (248) 542-8737 Balfour Shul – K’Hal Rina U’Tefila Oak Park (732) 693-8457 Beth Tefilo Emanuel Tikvah Southfield (248) 559-5022

INDEPENDENT

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

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

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

JUNE 9 • 2022

B’nai Zion Oak Park (248) 968-2414 Chabad Jewish Center of Commerce-Walled Lake Commerce Township (248) 363-3644 jewishcommerce.org Chabad Jewish Center of Novi-Northville (248) 790-6075 novijewishcenter.com Chabad Jewish Center of Troy Troy/Rochester Hills (248) 873-5851 jewishtroy.com Chabad-Lubavitch of Bingham Farms Bloomfield Hills (248) 688-6796 chabadbinghamfarms.com Dovid Ben Nuchim-Aish Kodesh Oak Park (313) 320-9400 dbndetroit.org Kehillat Etz Chayim Huntington Woods etzchayim-detroit.org Kollel Institute of Greater Detroit Oak Park (248) 968-1891 kollel@kolleldetroit.org

Sara & Morris Tugman Bais Chabad Torah Center of West Bloomfield (248) 855-6170 baischabad.com Shomer Israel Oak Park (248) 542-4014 godaven.com Shomrey Emunah Southfield (248) 559-1533 congregation-shomreyemunah-105705.square.site The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch West Bloomfield (248) 788-4000 theshul.net 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 T’chiyah Ferndale (248) 823-7115 tchiyah.org

Mishkan Israel, Nusach H’ari, Lubavitch Center Oak Park (248) 542-4844 theyeshiva.org

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

Ohel Moed Shomrey Emunah West Bloomfield (248) 737-2626 ohelmoed.org

REFORM

Or Chadash Oak Park (248) 819-1721 or-chadash.org

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

Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org Temple Israel West Bloomfield (248) 661-5700 temple-israel.org Temple Kol Ami West Bloomfield (248) 661-0040 tkolami.org Temple Shir Shalom West Bloomfield (248) 737-8700 shirshalom.org REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org SECULAR/HUMANISTIC Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 chj-detroit.org Sholem Aleichem Institute West Bloomfield (248) 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 TRADITIONAL Woodward Avenue Shul Royal Oak (248) 414-7485 thewas.net

MINYANS Fleischman Residence West Bloomfield (248) 661-2999

OUTSTATE Battle Creek (Reform) Temple Beth El (269) 963-4921

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

Bay City (Reform) Temple Beth Israel (989) 893-7811 tbi-mich.org

ANN ARBOR

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

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

WINDSOR Shaar Hashomayim (Orthodox) Windsor (519) 256-3123 Congregation Beth El (Reform) Windsor (519) 969-2422 bethelwindsor.ca

East Lansing (Reform) Congregation Shaarey Zedek (517) 351-3570 shaareyzedek.com Flint (Orthodox) Chabad House-Lubavitch of Eastern Michigan (810) 230-0770 chabad.org

Kalamazoo (Conservative) Congregation of Moses congregationofmoses.org Kalamazoo (Reform) Temple B’nai Israel (269) 342-9170 Templebnaiisrael.com Lansing (Reconstructionist) Congregation Kehillat Israel (517) 882-0049 kehillatisrael.net Mackinac Island (Independent) Kehillat Hatzhav Hagadol (906) 202-9959 mackinacsynagogue.org Marquette (Reform) Temple Beth Sholom tbsmqt.org Midland (Reform) Temple Beth E (989) 496-3720 tbe_midland@yahoo.com

Flint (Conservative) Congregation Beth Israel (810) 732-6310 cbiflint.org

Mt. Pleasant (Reform) Temple Benjamin (989) 773-5086 templebenjamin.com

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

Muskegon (Reform) Congregation B’nai Israel (231) 722-2702 cbimkg@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

Grand Rapids (Reform) Temple Emanuel (616) 459-5976 grtemple.org

Traverse City (Reform) Congregation Beth Shalom 231-946-1913 beth-shalom-tc.org

Hancock (Reform) Temple Jacob templejacobhancock.org

OHIO

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

Toledo (Orthodox) Etz Chayim of Toledo (419) 473-2401 Etzchayimtoledo.org Email factual corrections or additional synagogues to list to: smanello@thejewishnews.com. JUNE 9 • 2022

ARTS&LIFE MUSIC

A scene from last year’s festival

Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival Marks 29 Years A wide variety of events are set for June 10-25.

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

omposer Perry Goldstein expressed a Motor City mood in advance of his stint as composer-in-residence for the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, which will be marking its 29th anniversary June 10-25. Entering three pieces into this year’s programming, which has a recurring theme related to nature and the environment, he will be premiering two pieces that communicate different examples of the melodic spectrum. “Jittery Engine,” the piece with local resonance because of the auto industry, will be performed June 24 at the Detroit Institute of Arts and brings a contemporary soundscape into the schedule that features some 40 musicians in concerts, workshops, artistic discussions and community events at different venues across the metro area. “‘Jittery Engine’ was written for a group called F-Plus, which performs on violin,

JUNE 9 • 2022

clarinet and marimba,” Goldstein said. “It’s a quirky, funny piece in which the machine parts sometimes gel and sometimes don’t quite.” The other premiering work, “Birding by Ear,” has lyrics written in collaboration with the recent Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Powers, author of the climate-focused novel The Overstory. The composition, moving listeners from city to countryside, will be voiced June 16 at Temple Beth El by baritone Randall Scarlotta, appearing with violinist, cellist and pianist. “Rick and I are old friends, so he provides text for me,” said Goldstein, joining his friend for an open talk at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at the Bloomfield Township Public Library. “This will be the fourth of our collaborations. “I typically ask him for text, and I write a set of songs that I think is appropriate. Only on one occasion did I have a particular sub-

ject in mind, and it was a commission from the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point about the Robert Falcon Scott expedition to the South Pole.” The third Goldstein piece, “Quartet for Alto Saxophone and String Quartet,” is going to be performed by Timothy McCallister, University of Michigan alto-saxophone professor, with a group from Stony Brook University in New York state, where Goldstein has been teaching for 30 years and recently stepped down as chair of the Department of Music. The piece, to be heard June 21 at St. Hugo of the Hills, asserts the Americana roots of Goldstein’s music with the second movement offering variations on a tune that might be thought of as an urban spiritual. “One of the beauties behind the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival is that it provides an opportunity for musicians

Last year’s performance at the DIA

Details

Perry Goldstein

to perform and audiences to experience a wide range of musical repertoire,” said Maury Okun, festival president, pointing out that programming also introduces chamber styles to works by classical composers such as Schumann, Mozart and Beethoven. Okun, also president of Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, represents one of four organizations sponsoring the annual nonsectarian festival. The others are Temple Beth El, St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church and Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church. A special event on June 15 at Temple Beth El — Music Meets Mindfulness: Yoga for Every Body — will feature exercise accompaniment by participants from the Shouse Institute, the festival component encouraging young talent, an important aspect of Goldstein’s musical pursuits.

“I’ve spent some time trying to find an authentic voice for myself,” said the composer-professor, who supports Hillel activities. “My values in music are humor, tenderness and direct communication with audiences. I’m very interested in connecting with people who love music. “My musical language has come to include jazz, a little bit of popular music, blues and spirituals. Tonality has reentered my music after being prohibited for a long time as I [interpreted the role of] an academic composer. “My musical values are to use whatever I can in order to make direct contact with an audience that I hope will enjoy the music as much as I’m enjoying making it.” Goldstein, who grew up in New Jersey and earned his doctoral degree in composing at Columbia University, became career-motivated while latching on to his dad’s hobby of listening to jazz recordings. “I think I knew by the time I was 12 years old that I wanted to compose music and started doing so about that time,” Goldstein said. “The recording that made me most interested in composing had movie themes arranged by Quincy Jones. “I started a pop music band when I was in 10th grade and arranged for that group. In my senior year in high school, I per-

The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival runs live June 10-25 at venues around the metro area and Ann Arbor. Depending on the event, tickets range from $0-$75. For a complete schedule, go to greatlakeschambermusic.org. (248) 559-2097.

formed with the concert band and wrote music for the jazz band.” A significant part of Goldstein’s work has to do with saxophone. “In 1992, I got a letter from a Dutch saxophone quartet, Aurelia, that had heard some of my music being rehearsed by a colleague of theirs,” Goldstein recalled. “They asked if I would write a piece for them. “I wrote one, and they played it dozens of times over the next few years. They also recorded it. Because they were playing it so much, other saxophonists became interested in my work and, over the years, I’ve written 20 pieces that involve saxophone in all different instrumental combinations.” Goldstein believes in composing discipline and is at desk and keyboard most every morning between semesters. “When you sit down daily, music is percolating in your mind,” he said. “That constant contact with a particular piece and the sounds of that piece just about daily has been the best recipe for me.” JUNE 9 • 2022

ARTS&LIFE FILM

Shoah Ambassadors Nominated for Four Michigan Emmys

A still from the documentary of Holocaust survivor Irene Miller and ambassador Hailey Callahan

Filmmaker Keith Famie’s film is connecting with audiences and students. DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEITH FAMIE

bout six months after its premiere, Shoah Ambassadors, the Holocaust documentary film directed and produced by Keith Famie, is still in the film festival circuit nationally and being shown to organizations and universities to widen the reach of the film. The film was nominated for four Michigan Emmys. Famie and his Visionalist Entertainment Productions crew are nominated for the documentary as a whole, its directing, editing and lighting. The award ceremony takes place June 11. Famie says it’s exciting that the Michigan Emmy committee viewed the film as important enough to garner four nominations. “It feels good to be recognized for something you know is important work with an important, powerful message,” Famie said. The film is a new take on telling the Holocaust story focused on educating youth about the horrors and atrocities of the genocide through ambassadors Curtis Bates, a singer-songwriter from Detroit, and Hailey Callahan of

JUNE 9 • 2022

Rochester, an artist/sculpturist and graduate from Detroit-based College of Creative Studies (CCS), who tell the story through their own unique artistic expression. Callahan’s artistic medium inspired her to recreate a train car out of stained glass to tell the story of how the trains were used to transport Jews to German death camps. Bates’ musical medium inspired him to write two rap songs in the film that help illustrate general themes of the Holocaust and, at the same time, generate interest with the younger generation. The film made its debut on DPTV/ PBS on Nov. 18, with a second airing on Dec. 12. Highlights from the film festival circuit include being an Official Selection for the LA Documentary Film Festival, Miami Jewish Film Festival, Santa Monica International Film Festival, Austin Lift-Off Film Festival and Malibu Film Festival. It also received an Honorable Mention from the Tokyo International Short Film Festival. In New York City on March 20,

Director Keith Famie (center), Holocaust survivor Rene Lichtman (right) and directors of the SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York (left)

Shoah Ambassadors was honored with the award of Jury Special Mention at the SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York.

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Jewish, some who have little knowledge of the Holocaust, and go on a journey with them. Afterward, it’s very fresh and powerful, and it really opens up a whole range of discussion points,” Famie said. “For me, that’s the success of the film. That was the whole intention of the film. The Emmy nominations are exciting and wonderful, but it’s not

2)____________________________________________

years and will be premiering at OPEN: the Emagine Novi theater July | Sunday 9am-3pm Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm 26 with a launch on PBS short3)____________________________________________ ly after. The Dakota Bread Company is featured in the film, including an employee from the Jewish community.Clearly number ad copy & write out correspond To learn more, visit https://shoahambassadors.com. To learn more about Famie’s other projects, visit http://v-prod.com.

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ARTS&LIFE ART

Art in the Park

“Embracing Our Differences SE Michigan” can be viewed at parks in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

he beauty of nature serves as the setting for the beauty of artistic design during an exhibit with worldwide representation and a unifying theme — diversity, equity and inclusion. The exhibit, “Embracing Our Differences SE Michigan,” is spread across two parks in Ann Arbor and two parks in Ypsilanti, and it will be up through the end of September. Sixty vinyl banners (billboard size at 16 feet wide by 12 feet high) enlarge images representing ideas by local and distant artists paired with slogans submitted independently by other interested contributors. While this is the first year the exhibit is being shown in Michigan, it follows a 19-year tradition of similar displays changing annually in Sarasota, Fla. At the helm of bringing the images and ideas to Washtenaw County are Nancy Margolis and Evie Lichter, friends who divide

their time between Michigan and Florida and take part nonstop with activities in the Jewish community. “We’re hoping that parents will bring their children, teachers will bring their classes, and everyone will be moved by the art, learn something from the art and start conversations about being open to people who are different from themselves,” said Margolis, former founding executive director of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor and member of Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor. “We’ve had school groups every day since we started and are continually scheduling them into the end of the various school years. We want to discuss ways in which diversity enriches our lives.” The banners address race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation and health concerns. Thirty-four appeared in Sarasota in 2021; 26 represent the work of Washtenaw County artists in a range of ages.

“What impresses me most about the exhibit is the international flavor,” said Lichter, former president of the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County and a member of Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor. “Last year, when the Sarasota team did an internet call for artists and phrases, they got about 17,000 responses.” Art and slogans were submitted by people representing 123 countries with a jury choosing the ones entered into the display. “We began asking for local artists and phrases last year, and one image that was chosen had been coordinated by an Ypsilanti art teacher who had five students working together,” Lichter said. “At the center of their picture (Diversity and Inclusion to the World) is a representation of a globe surrounded by youngsters of different heritage holding various flags. A slogan from Italy (‘This seat is taken; it’s yours.’) accompanies the image. continued on page 56

JUNE 9 • 2022

Evie Lichter

Nancy Margolis

NEXTGEN DETROIT

ABOVE: “Embracing Our Differences SE Michigan” installation. RIGHT: Diversity and Inclusion to the World. BELOW: The Goal Is in Sight.

Details “Embracing Our Differences SE Michigan” will be on view at no cost through the end of September at four park areas — Gallup Park, 3323 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor; Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor; Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; and Parkridge Community Center, 791 Harriet St., Ypsilanti. For information regarding individual and group visits, go to EODMichigan.org. To arrange for a docent, call (734) 355-0577. JUNE 9 • 2022

ARTS&LIFE ART

ABOVE: Liberty Enlightening the World RIGHT: Visitors to the exhibit’s opening in May.

continued from page 54

“On our opening weekend in May, a video was taken of the young artists reacting to seeing their enlarged picture and their names next to it. They were so excited. So were we.” Margolis was touched emotionally by a mom reacting to the image Sezer’s Diary from Turkey. It shows a boy in a wheelchair included in playing basketball. The associated slogan (“I am not defined by an inanimate object. Look at me and not my wheelchair.”) comes from Alabama. “The mother told me that she has a child in a wheelchair,” Margolis recalled. “She said she can’t wait to bring her child down to see the banner because her child will feel so comfortable by seeing this huge picture of a kid in a wheelchair playing with others.” Docents have been trained to guide groups and individuals, and there is an educational component available to teachers. GETTING THE PROJECT STARTED The Sarasota initiative was motivated by a traveling exhibit sponsored by Jerusalem’s Museum on the Seam, which defines itself as a socio-political contemporary art museum.

JUNE 9 • 2022

In getting the program started in Ann Arbor, Margolis established a nonprofit organization, set up a board of directors and activated volunteer committees — all while Margolis and Lichter raised some $200,000 from interested corporations and organizations. Sponsors include public and private schools, varied ethnic and religious groups, and arts associations. Among Jewish affiliates supporting the program are the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Ann Arbor, Jewish Family Services, Congregation Beth Israel and Temple Beth Emeth. “The art is divided among the four participating parks — Gallup Park and Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor as well as Riverside Park and Parkridge Community Center in Ypsilanti — to bring together our two communities that are close but don’t do a lot of things together,” Margolis said. “The most banners, 39, are in Gallup Park. “People can go any time the parks are open, and we are giving free field trips to schools and camps. We’re paying for the buses and will have docents in the parks to take them on tour.”

With the objective of encouraging conversation, Margolis approached a young boy and asked what he thought about an image (Liberty Enlightening the World) from Oregon that showed the Statue of Liberty with the face of a person of color. The phrase (“Don’t wait for better leaders; become one.”) was submitted from Florida. The boy apparently remembered actually seeing the Statue of Liberty and commented that the pictured woman is not green as he remembered the statue. “Now that comment could be a meaningful conversation starter,” Margolis said. “Nancy and I have talked about the exhibit and ideas throughout the community,” Lichter explained. “We were successful in standing up the project within one year because organizations and people we approached in our community resonated with the project’s mission.”

CELEBRITY NEWS

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

Jeff Goldblum

GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKIPEDIA

DINOS FICTIONAL AND NOT, ALBERT BROOKS DOCUMENTARY, THE MOST JEWISH WESTERNS The sixth Jurassic Park movie, Jurassic World Dominion, opens in theaters on June 10. In this sequel, humans and dinosaurs now live near each other all over the world and the question is: Who will emerge as the “apex predator?” The film was directed by Colin Trevorrow, 41. He also directed the last two Jurassic Park films. Both grossed well over $1 billion at the box office. Trevorrow’s father isn’t Jewish. His mother is Sephardi Jewish. Jeff Goldblum, 69, reprises his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm, an expert in chaos theory. Goldblum co-starred as Malcolm in the original Jurassic Park film (1993) and in its first sequel (1997). He returned for the fifth film (2018). Probably not by coincidence, Apple TV+ is now streaming Prehistoric Planet, a five-part documentary about the “last days” of the dinosaurs. The series features the lat-

est CGI and other special effects (some pioneered by the Jurassic Park movies) to make the dinos “come alive.” The series incorporates the latest scientific research about dinosaurs. Jon Favreau, 55, was the head producer of the series, and two-time Oscarwinner Hans Zimmer, 64, wrote the musical score. Sir David Attenborough, the 95-year-old legendary English biologist, narrates the series. I always like to “plug” Sir David. His parents took in two German Jewish refugee sisters, Irene and Helga Bejach, aged 13 and 12, respectively, weeks before WWII broke out. David’s parents formally adopted the sisters after it was confirmed that their father died in Auschwitz (their mother died young of natural causes). David and his famous actor/director brother, the late Sir Richard Attenborough, often said Helga and Irene were always like sisters to them. The sisters, who were practicing Jews, moved to New York in 1946 and stayed, for a time, with an uncle. Helga and Irene are now deceased, but not forgotten. In 2020, Sir David hosted a reunion for the sisters’ descendants. Helga’s daughter said: “We wouldn’t exist if not for their humanitarian kindness.” Variety recently reported that Rob Reiner, 75, is now shooting a documentary about his great friend, Albert Brooks, 74. Brooks isn’t quite a household name, but he is something special. Brooks has co-starred in good films made by others and in really good films that he

Rob Reiner

wrote, directed and starred in. The former includes Broadcast News, which earned Brooks a best supporting actor Oscar nomination, and Drive. The latter includes the thinking person’s comedies Lost in America and Modern Romance. Reiner has a big-name list of documentary interviewees. The Jewish ones include Jonah Hill, Sarah Silverman, Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller. Variety also reports that Reiner is going full speed ahead with new projects. These include producing a dramatic biopic about Bert Berns (1927-69), a now largely forgotten music producer and songwriter. Berns wrote many rock classics, including, “Twist and Shout,” “Hang on Sloopy,” “Piece of My Heart” and “Here Comes the Night.” Reiner says, “He only lived to 38 [due to a lifetime heart ailment] … [But] the list of his hits is just insane, and he had a really interesting life.” When actor Nehemiah Persoff died last April, age 102, I thought of commenting on the breadth of his roles. But other items crowded it out. Then, last

MONTCLAIR FILM FESTIVAL

ARTS&LIFE week, I came across The Comancheros, a pretty good 1961 Western now streaming on Starz and other services. It co-stars Persoff, and it’s on my list of the “most Jewish” Westerns ever made. Comancheros was directed by Michael Curtiz (Casablanca). It starred John Wayne as a Texas Ranger. Three Jews have the other co-starring roles. Persoff plays an “interesting” bad guy. Ina Balin (1937-80) plays Persoff’s pretty daughter, and Stuart Whitman (19282020) plays a guy who courts Balin and ends up helping Wayne. I was surprised when I learned that Whitman was Jewish. But it helped explain how he got two big Jewish film roles early in his career (as a Jewish gangster and as Boaz, Ruth’s future husband in The Story of Ruth, a biblical movie). Whitman was almost an A-list actor in the 1960s, but from the ’70s on, he mostly looked after his investments. He was worth over $60 million when he died. The most Jewish Western is The Outrage (1964), an almost-unwatchable botched remake of a Japanese movie. It was directed by the usually good Martin Ritt (Hud, Norma Rae). Except for one role, the entire main cast is Jewish. Two members are still alive: William Shatner, now 90, and Claire Bloom, also now 90. Sadly, the rest are gone: Paul Newman, Edward G. Robinson, Laurence Harvey and Howard Da Silva. (Now streaming on Plex, a freewith-ads app.) JUNE 9 • 2022

ON THE GO

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PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS

‘MEAN GIRLS’ NOW-JUNE 19 At the Fisher Theatre. Tuesday-Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Hilarious hit musical for ages 10 and up. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Ticket info: broadwayindteoit.com. MUSIC FESTIVAL 8 PM, JUNE 10 The Chamber Music Society will present “Music, Nature and the Sound of Nature” at the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor. Artists | Anton Nel, Viano String Quartet. Tickets: General $50 | 35 & Younger $15. Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival: info@greatlakeschambermusic.com.

PRIDE SHABBAT 6:30-8:30 PM, JUNE 10 Join NEXTGen Detroit Pride, The Well and Congregation Shaarey Zedek Village for a very special Shabbat. Meet at Affirmations, 280 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale, for drinks and vegetarian appetizers followed by a casual Kabbalat Shabbat service. We’re excited to mark Pride Month with this celebration that honors our diverse Jewish and queer identities in the same space. $10 per person. Kosher options are available upon request. Masks are strongly encouraged when not eating or drinking. Info: jlive. app/events/2318. WALK FOR MIRACLES 8 AM-5 PM, JUNE 11 Organized by the Beaumont Health Organization. Superheroes of all ages are invited to Beaumont Children’s Walk for Miracles at the Detroit Zoo. Registration opens at 7:30 am. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network programming at Beaumont Children’s. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero. Children will meet Super Beau, the

WALK FOR MIRACLES JUNE 11, 8 AM-5 PM

JUNE 9 • 2022

Beaumont Children’s mascot bear, and other popular fairytale and comic book heroes. In addition to the zoo exhibits, families will enjoy snacks and refreshments, and each child will receive a superhero cape. Walkers must register for the event and make a minimum donation: $5 per person or $20 per family. Visit beaumont.org/walk-for-miracles to register in advance. ANNUAL MEETING 11 AM, JUNE 12 The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan will hold its annual meeting at Detroit PAL (The Corner Ballpark), 1680 Michigan Ave., Detroit. A shuttle bus will ferry attendees going to the 1 pm celebration of life for the late Carl Levin at Wayne State University. Prior to meeting business, JHSM will honor two recipients of the Leonard N. Simons HistoryMaker Award, recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the enrichment, conservation, knowledge and dissemination of Michigan Jewish history. The 2021 recipient is Arthur M. Horwitz, president of Arthur Horwitz Consulting LLC. The 2022 recipient is Harriet B. Saperstein, a sociologist turned planner,

Arthur M. Horwitz and Harriet B. Saperstein

specializing in community and economic development. The annual meeting is free to all, but please register at jhsmichigan.org/calendar. Kosher refreshments will be served. Sponsorship opportunities are available. CONCERT SET 6 PM, JUNE 11 The Chamber Music Society will present “From the Big Bang to the End of Time” at Seligman Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills. Artists: Gloria Chien, Anton Nel, Tai Murray, Philip Setzer, Kevonna Shuford, Paul Watkins, David Shifrin, Pelia String Quartet. Tickets: General $50 | 35 & Younger $15. Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival: info@greatlakeschambermusic.com. MUSICAL AFTERNOON 2 PM, JUNE 12 The Chamber Music Society will present “A Winter’s Journey” at the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit.

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cogs-kegs, for $30. Cyclists who register the day-of will pay $35. All participants will receive a custom Cogs & Kegs water bottle. Non-riders can participate in the post-ride celebration at 8 p.m. for $20. SUMMER SAFETY 11 AM-NOON, JUNE 14 Come join JFamily and friends at Royal Oak Chabad for a morning of summer safety fun. At Royal Oak Jewish Center Chabad, 514 E. 4th St., Royal Oak. Decorate a sun hat, get wet at the water table and much more. This event is geared toward families with children ages 1-4. Register for this free event: jlive.app/ events/2272. IMMIGRATION DEBATE 4-5 PM, JUNE 14 This virtual program on Zoom,

Global Connections with Robert Siegel, is organized by the American Friends of Rabin Medical Center. Robert Siegel (former Senior Host of NPR’s All Things Considered for 31 years) interviews Doris Meissner (Migration Policy Institute), Dr. Norman Ornstein (American Enterprise Institute), Carola Suárez-Orozco (Director, Immigration Initiative at Harvard), Julia Preston (The Marshall Project). Free registration: rb.gy/iljlra. CRISIS IN YEMEN 7 PM, JUNE 14 At the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills. The war in Yemen, now entering its 8th year, has broken the country and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. What happened, what is happening now, and what can be done about it? Join us

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GOLF GALA 6:30-9:30 PM, JUNE 16 The MIU Men’s Health Foundation is recognizing International Men’s Health Week June 13-19 with its longstanding signature events to advocate for men’s health and prostate cancer survivorship. The Run for the Ribbon Gala takes place at at Top Golf, 500 Great Lakes Crossing Drive, Auburn Hills. Form a six-member team and enjoy your own bay with drink and food table as you compete with other attendees for prizes. Tickets can be purchased online,

miumenshealthfoundation.org, for $149. CITIZEN YOGA 7:30-8:30 PM, JUNE 20 Join NEXTGen Detroit on the rooftop of Citizen Yoga, 6400 Telegraph, Bloomfield Township. For a slow burn, all-levels yoga class filled with fresh air and mindful movements. Stick around after class and mix up something yummy and healthy at our Beyond Juice Acai Dream Bowl bar. Bring your own mat if you have one. Mats will be available for purchase before class. $12 per person includes class and Beyond Juice Acai Dream Bowl bar. A kosher option is available upon request. Please register in advance by June 15: jlive.app/events/2150. Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews.com.

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r. Abner “Ab” Ragins, occasions. 92, died May 29, He shared his love and 2022, peacefully with frustration for the Detroit his children nearby. Lions with Michael and Dan Ab was born in 1929 and and good friend Murray and often joked that he brought his sons. They were season on the Great Depression. He ticket holders for 40+ years. lived a Jewish life Sadly, Alice passed growing up in Grand away in 1992. Ab Rapids and excelled remarried in 1996 to in academics and Helen Brodley. They debate. enjoyed their retireHe graduated ment years, spending from the University winters in Long Boat of Michigan and Key, Fla. Golf became earned an MD at a late addition to his Dr. Abner Ragins Wayne State Medical lifestyle, and he took University. He went on to great pleasure in playing with specialize in gastroenterology. friends and family. Before starting private pracAb will truly be missed tice, he enlisted in the Army by his children and their and served as a captain at the spouses, Naomi and Jerry Pentagon. Senser, Michael and Linda In 1954, Ab married Alice Ragins, and Dan Ragins. Rabin of Flint and together He was known as Zeydah they started a family: Naomi to his grandchildren, Aviva, first, then Michael and finally Aaron (Marybeth), Ethan, Dan. They moved from Oak Jake, Lauren (Ryan), Allison, Park to Franklin in 1968 and Andrew, Robyn; and his established themselves in the great-grandchildren, Elan, community. Involved in many Noa and Asher. In addition, civic and religious organizahe is survived by his sister, tions, they were active memBarb, and her sons along bers of Congregation Shaarey with many nieces, nephews, Zedek in Southfield. cousins and members of the Ab was in private practice Kaczander and Brodley famiand served as chief of gaslies, who will miss him dearly. troenterology at St. Joseph Interment was at Clover Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. He Hill Park Cemetery. was known to his colleagues, Contributions may be residents, nurses and patients made to the Alzheimer’s as a compassionate, caring Association-Greater Illinois physician who always brought Chapter, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, a smile to all with his legendSuite 800, Chicago, IL 60634, ary joke telling. This came alz.org/Illinois; or Crohn’s and in handy as he was often Colitis Foundation-National recruited to be the emcee of Headquarters, Attn: Financial many social and professional Operations, 733 Third Ave., events. He also was a devoted Suite 510, New York, NY and inspiring teacher and 10017, ccfa.org/chapters/ was honored by his fellows newyork. Arrangements by at the hospital on numerous Ira Kaufman Chapel.

JUNE 9 • 2022

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

GLORIA DWORMAN, 90, of Farmington Hills, died May 26, 2022. She is survived by her daughters and sonin-law, Kathleen Dworman, Marcia and Stephen DeSilva; son and daughter-in-law, James and Heidi Dworman; grandchildren, Andrew (Lauren Tang) DeSilva, Lauren (Xabriel Collazo Mojica) DeSilva, Gina (Matthew) Zafran, Alex (Tania Lopez) Dworman, Ryan Dworman, Elena Dworman, and great-grandchildren, Sydney DeSilva and Luz Collazo DeSilva. Mrs. Dworman was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Dworman; sister of the late Edverna Gilbert; grandmother of the late Eric Dworman. Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to Forgotten Harvest or Little Traverse Conservancy. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. DR. MICHAEL FAUMAN, 79, of Ann Arbor, died May 31, 2022. 2022. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dr. Bonnie Fauman; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Eric Fauman and Dr. Cristina Lete; daughters and sonin-law, Susan Fauman, Dr. Karen Fauman and Matthew D’Ambrosio, and Lisa Fauman; grandchildren, Jacob, Charles, Alexander, Benjamin and Leo Fauman, Milo Haggard, and Sora and Arlo D’Ambrosio; brother-in-law and sis-

ters-in-law, Richard and Ilana Freedman, and Jane Freedman. He was the dear brother-in-law of the late Robert Freedman. Interment was at Washtenaw Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047, lbda.org; Mazon, 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90024, mazon.org; or Arbor Hospice Foundation, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, arborhospice.org/donate/ donation-form. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. BESSIE “BESS” FRUMIN, 94, of Long Island, N.Y., died May 23, 2022. She is survived by her son, David Frumin; daughters and sons-in-law, Judith and Joel Levy, Mindy and Arbey Arce; grandchildren, Samuel, Eva (Serge), Sarah (Sergey), Elizabeth, Daniel, Maureen (Jorel); great-grandchildren, Damien and Luna; many other loving family members and friends. Mrs. Frumin was the beloved wife of the late Murray Frumin; sister of the late Milton (the late Ruth) Madoff. Interment took place at Beth Shmuel Cemetery in Mount Clemens. Contributions may be made to Naamat USA. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

HELEN GOODMAN, 96, of West Bloomfield, died May 26, 2022. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Walter and Harriet Goodman of Farmington Hills, Dennis and Denise Goodman of West Bloomfield; brother, Bernard Kessler; brother-in-law, Louis Schwartz; grandchildren, Danielle and Aaron Berman, Zachary and Alex Goodman, Evan and Laurie Goodman, Arianna Goodman; great-grandchildren, Elle Hudson Berman, Penelope Goodman; many loving nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Mrs. Goodman was the beloved wife of the late Ralph Goodman; dear sister and sister-in-law of the late Michael and the late Jenna Kessler, the late Magda Kessler, the late Shari Schwartz. Contributions may be made to Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322; or Congregation B’nai Moshe, 6800 Drake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. A graveside service was held at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. RUTH GREENBAUM, 99, of Bloomfield Hills, died May 29, 2022. Mrs. Greenbaum was the beloved wife of the late Arnold Greenbaum; sister of the late

Sarah (the late Paul) Agree and the late Bertha (the late Morris) Berry; sister-in-law of the late Eleanor (the late Melvin) Nord and the late Helen (the late Earle) Kanners; loving aunt of Sheldon and Barbara Berry, Sandra Reva (Jim) Hendin, the late David and the late Patricia Agree, Karen (Dr. Jeff) Kraft, Ken Kanners (Diana), Donald Nord (Karen) and Edward Nord (Barbara); great-aunt of Paul Agree, Mark Agree (partner, Anita Salayon), Gary Hendin (Tara), Steven Hendin (Kolleen), Lisa Littell, Aimee (Matthew) Spatzner, Elissa (Chet) Evans, Rachel (Scott) Robbins, Amanda Kanners, Jaclyn (Russ) Coskey, Ilene (Rick) Honis and family, Cheryl Nord and family, and Rick Nord and family; great-great-aunt of Katelyn Littell, Jessica Littell, Alex Littell, Sarahfay Hendin, Drew Hendin, Cole Hendin, Mason Hendin, Madison Salayon, Andrew Spatzner, Margot Spatzner, twins Ales Evans and Ivy Evans, Milo Robbins, Noah Robbins and Grant Coskey; longtime friend and business partner of the late Calvin Gonek. She is also survived by dear friends Margaret and William Yee, Kim and Menish Baxi and family, Lisa and Tom Desjardin, Teresa and Stefan Tomaszewski, and Maxine Ricketts; Dakota, “the best dog ever.” Interment was at Oakview Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 483085000, leaderdog.org; or to any animal rescue league. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. continued on page 64

A True People Person

ois Fishman, 87, of meant more. Her friends West Bloomfield, died were a huge part of her life; surrounded by her and when not with family, loving family shortly after she was with “the girls” on sunset on May 25, 2022. the phone, playing tennis or Lois was predeceased five having lunch. months by her husband Lois was a middle daughof 67 years, Nat ter in a tight-knit Fishman. family, including Growing up the late Edward in Detroit, Lois (Miriam) Goldberg, took two buses to the late Herbert school at Central (Irene) Goldberg, High School each Madeleine morning. Her famRosenfeld (and her ily was no stranger late husbands, Irwin Lois Fishman to long journeys: Posner and Jerry c. 2014 Her father, Harry Rosenfeld), Sharon Goldberg, immiBalamut (and her late grated from East Europe husband Michael Balamut to Galveston, Texas, before and current partner Dave landing in Detroit and Moran) and Nate (Nancy) marrying Jeanette (Katz) Goldberg. Goldberg who “went the She was the beloved distance” as a strong balamother of Graham (Sue) busta. Fishman, Jill Farber, Jodee Lois’ ease with people (Roy) Raines and Jayme and entrepreneurial streak Fishman; wholly adored took her everywhere from grandma of Jarrett Fishman, working in a bakery as a Amanda (Ben) Lesnick, teenager, to co-founding a Brandon (Erin) Fishman, retail business called My Justin Farber, Hailey Sister’s Place, to a match(Jordan) Farber, Merrick making business called Your Hirschman, Ayla Raines, Dateline and to a charity Jasmine Hirschman and Zoe in honor of her parents Raines; and great-grandthat distributed complete mother of Oakley Fiona Thanksgiving meals to fam- Lesnick. She is also rememilies in need. She also volun- bered by many loving nieces teered for the PTA and the and nephews. National Council of Jewish Funeral services were Women’s CASA program. held at the Ira Kaufman She married Nat in 1954 Chapel. Interment was at and they raised their four Beth Abraham Cemetery. children amongst a village Those wishing to honor of extended family and close Lois’ memory may make a friends — hosting holicontribution to the Jewish days, simchas and poolside National Fund Plant a Tree parties, all with incredible in Israel program, National home-cooked food. Council of Jewish Women or While she liked nice a charity of one’s choice. things, Lois felt people JUNE 9 • 2022

A Dedicated Scientist

iriam Brysk, 87, of Ann scientific papers and was a chamArbor, drew her final pion of women trying to get ahead breath on May 28, 2022. in science and medicine. She joins her parents, Bronka She was an artist as well, havand Heniek Mason, and her ing done painting, stained glass beloved family lost in the work and photography as hobbies. Holocaust. She was fascinated with Miriam was born computers and became a March 10, 1935, in digital artist after retiring. Warsaw, Poland. Her Miriam took a trip shortly childhood was one of after retiring to see where war-time survival in the her family was killed in Lida Ghetto and with Poland, and she devoted the Russian Partisans in much of her retirement the forests of Belarus. to creating art and books Miriam Brysk She and her family were memorializing the 6 milrefugees for two years after lion. Her art was displayed in the war before coming to several communities around the United States to restart a the country. Her autobioglife with the help of Bronka’s raphy sold on Amazon and older brothers who had was awarded two medals for come to the U.S. before the excellence. war. They became proud citizens Despite all her accomplishof the U.S., enjoying the freedoms ments, Miriam’s proudest achievethis country offered. ment and greatest love was her She started school at 12, not family. Her daughters, Judy Brysk knowing English or a normal and Havi Mandell, were encourlife. Despite that, she graduated aged to develop their minds and high school at 18 and went on to value family. Being a Holocaust college. survivor, she stressed the imporMiriam was introduced to tance of persevering and being Henry Brysk through her mother’s worthy of the gift our family had cousin who was in the ILGWU in being here. with Henry’s father. Henry was Miriam also adored her grandseven years older and had gotten children, Josh and Ben Rocher, his Ph.D. in physics at 23, having Hannah (Sean) Korcal, David also been a child survivor of the (Taylor) Mandell, and Sarah Holocaust in France. He valued (Edward) Hambleton. She felt her curiosity to learn and encourblessed to have lived long enough aged her to pursue her love of to have three great-grandchildren, science. As a result, she went on to Elian and Reid (Mandell) and get her M.A. and, while raising her Arielle (Korcal). daughters, got her Ph.D. in microInterment was at Washtenaw biology. Miriam and Henry would Memorial Park. Contributions have been celebrating their 67th may be made to Hadassah, 40 Wall anniversary this June. St., New York, NY 10005, hadasMiriam ultimately became a sah.org; or Pardes Hannah of Ann research scientist with her own Arbor, c/o Oran Hesterman, P.O. research lab and became a proBox 511322, Key Colony Beach, fessor at the University of Texas FL 33051, pardeshannah.org/conMedical Branch, doing skin distribute-omena. Arrangements by ease research. She published 87 Ira Kaufman Chapel.

JUNE 9 • 2022

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 63

ANDREA JEROSS, 76, of Boynton Beach, Fla., died June 1, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Michael Jeross; son and daughter-in-law, Mark Jeross and Alona Sharon; daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Sam Zeidman; grandchildren, Jacob and Madison Zeidman; brother and sister-in-law, Stuart and Debbie Weisblatt; sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Jerry Thrope. Mrs. Jeross was the devoted daughter of the late Harold and the late Ethel Weisblatt. Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 733 Third Ave., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017, nationalmssociety.org; or Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072, yadezra.org/ donate. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. FLORENCE LEVY, 92, of West Bloomfield, died May 27, 2022. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Berger; son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Jill Levy; grandchildren, Joey (Jillian) Berger, Shelby (Maria) Berger and Nicole Levy; adoring great-grandchildren, Carson Berger, Cameron Berger, Phoenix Berger and Nelli Berger; many other loving family members and friends.

Mrs. Levy was the beloved wife of the late Ira Levy; the mother of the late Howard Levy; daughter of the late Rose and the late Sam Sisskind. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. VERONICA HILDESHEIM LEYDESDORFF, 106, of Brussels, Belgium, died May 28, 2022. She lost 114 relatives in the Holocaust, including her parents and siblings, and yet, throughout her entire life, she remained optimistic and kept a positive attitude. She loved her family and proudly displayed family photos and stayed in touch via Facetime. Mrs. Leydesdorff is survived by three daughters, Sonja (Robert) Kass of Huntington Woods, Sara (Michel) Guillaume (of Belgium) and Maya (Jaap) Schilo (of Amsterdam); seven grandchildren, Jeremie (Sheri Rosen) Kass, Elias Kass, Adena (Jeffrey) Rose, René (Yael) BenHaim and David (Anne-Catherine Goor) Guillaume, Danny (Esty) Schilo and Tanya (Yaakov) Safir; 17 great-grandchildren, Corban and Dara Kass, Arlo and Abel Kass, Anna and Nolan Rose, Yoav, Rafael and Avigail BenHaim, Noah and

Mila Guillaume, Avrumi, Duvi and Chaim Schilo, Gabrielle, Jonathan and Benjamin Schilo. Mrs. Hildesheim was the beloved wife of Abraham “Henk” Hildesheim. Burial took place in Putte, the Netherlands, at the cemetery of the Frechie Foundation. Contributions may be made to the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills or to a charity of one’s choice. GARY R. MILLER, 75, of Milford, died May 30, 2022. He was a worldrecognized photographer and had been flown around the world by clients with a career spanning more than 50 years. He had a love for comedy and was known as the “Jewish Cowboy” when up on stage. Gary shared a love for life, daily Torah learning, animals of all kinds and a love of nature and the outdoors. He especially loved to ride horses and could be found daily at Kensington Park with his dog. He also had a love for fast cars and motorcycles, and he spent days traveling the USA on his Harley; he was an extreme Corvette fanatic. Gary was loved by so many and will be extremely missed by all who had the opportunity to know him. May his memory be only for a blessing. Mr. Miller is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandy Miller; sons and daughters-in-law, Aaron and Lori Miller of Chicago, Ill., Adam and Rachel Miller of

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JUNE 9 • 2022

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 65

San Diego, Calif.; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Sandy Miller; sister and brother-in-law, Margo and Larry Jacobson; grandchildren, Aviva Miller, Noah Miller, Shia Miller, Levi Miller. He was the treasured son of the late Florence and the late Mike Miller. Contributions may be made to Chabad of Farmington Hills, 32000 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; or to a charity of one’s choice. A funeral service was held at Davidson/Hermelin Chapel at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. DORIS PASTOR, 83, of West Bloomfield, died May 27, 2022. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Suzette Repitor; daughter, Julie Repitor; grandchildren, Charles, Lauren and Hannah; great-grandchildren, Pax and Liv; sister and brother-in-law, Roseann and Frank Bucherri; many other loving family members and friends. Mrs. Pastor was the beloved wife of the late Wilbert Pastor. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to the Michigan Animal Rescue League. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

MELVIN POGER, 91, West Bloomfield, died May 24, 2022. A native of Detroit, he graduated Central High School. Mr. Poger is survived by his wife, Janice; son, Joel; daughter, Susan (Mickey) Szerlag; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Leonard (Judy); brother-in-law, Michael Anspach, several nieces and nephews. STEVEN RICHMOND, 57, of Berkley, died May 30, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jody Richmond; son, Daniel Richmond; parents, Gene and Claire Richmond; sister, Sierra Richmond; many other loving family members and friends. Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. SHAINA STRASBERGER, 22, of Farmington Hills, died May 28, 2022. She is survived by her parents, Dr. Robert Strasberger and Julie McGill; brother, Matthew Strasberger; many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ms. Strasberger was the cherished sister of the late

Rachel Strasberger; and the loving granddaughter of the late Shirley Strasberger, the late Morey Strasberger, and the late Edward and the late Vivian McGill. Interment was at B’nai Israel Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to Temple Shir Shalom, 3999 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, shirshalom. org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. LAWRENCE R. TRAGER, 90, of Farmington Hills, died May 30, 2022. He is survived

by his companion, Cyma Carn; daughter, Toni Trager Bradley; daughter-in-law, Marcy Trager; grandchildren, Rob Trager, Ryan (Laura) Trager, Jamie (Dr. Solomon) Amster, Max (Lauren) Bradley and Sam Bradley; great-grandchildren, Avery, Scotland, Paxton, Sloane and Ford; sister, Beverly Krause; many other loving family members and friends. Mr. Trager was the beloved husband of the late Toby Trager; the father of the late Scott A. Trager; brother-inlaw of the late Earl Krause. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to the

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. HERBERT WOOLMAN, 91, of West Bloomfield, died May 29, 2022. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Marla and Jim Gartrell, and Linda and Rick Weinerman; son, Rick Woolman; grandchildren, Jason and Nikki Gartrell, Heather and Rudy Travis, Karli and David Brown, Jared Weinerman and his fiancee, Amy Hurwitz; Zach Weinerman and Bekah Lear,

Tyler Woolman and Julia Woolman; great-grandchildren, Sydney and Brady Gartrell, Gavin and Caylee Travis, and Masyn and Jadynn Brown; sister-in-law, Ilene Gittleman. He is also survived by Rita Foon; his devoted caregivers, Darryl and Sharon; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Woolman was the beloved husband for 60 years of the late Gloria Woolman; the loving brother of the late Sheila and the late Art Schussler, and the late Barbara and the late Irv Cohen; the dear brotherin-law of the late Murray Gittleman, and the late continued on page 68

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JUNE 9 • 2022

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 67

Skippy Gittleman; the devoted son of the late Louis and the late Evelyn Woolman; the loving son-in-law of the late Hymie and the late Pearl Gittleman. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, parkinsonsmi.org; or to any Israeli charity. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

JUNE 9 • 2022

BEVERLY WORONOFF, 82, of West Bloomfield, died May 25, 2022. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ralph Woronoff; sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Sharyl Woronoff, Alan and Shira Goodman Woronoff; daughter and son-in-law, Marcy and Phil Epstein; grandchildren, Daniel Wasserman, Ilana Woronoff, Scott Wasserman, Rachel Wasserman, Jason Woronoff and Brandon Woronoff; sister and brother-in-law, Ilene and Benjamin Monast. She is also survived by her caregiver, Sharon Salina; and many

loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Mrs. Woronoff was the adoring daughter of the late Hyman and the late Dorothy Sweet. Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made

to Adat Shalom Synagogue, Jewish Senior Life, the Woronoff Family Fund at JARC or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

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

A Lifelong Optimist

viva Sandler (neé Thatch) died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on June 1, 2022. Born during the Holocaust on March 4, 1942, to parents Benesch and Riva Tkatsch (later Thatch), Aviva spent the first two years of her life in a few cramped rooms in the Kovno Ghetto (Kaunas Lithuania) with seven additional family members. When the SS would come to inspect, Riva and baby Aviva would hide in a hole dug in the dirt beneath layers of sofa, rug and floor, where she was trained to be silent. Two years later, fearing what was to come, her parents made the difficult decision to smuggle her out of the ghetto. A plan was hatched. Sedated by a Jewish doctor, she was bundled into layers of clothes, padded with hay, wrapped in a distinctive blanket from her father’s textile import business and dropped from a wagon under cover of darkness at a pre-determined spot on a road, where a gentile woman had agreed to take her to safety. Shortly thereafter, the ghetto was liquidated and Aviva’s family was transported to the concentration camps: Shtuthoff for the women, Dachau for the men. Thankfully, both par-

ents survived the war. In a traveled with her husband, movie-worthy twist of fate, Bob, all over the world: Aviva’s original rescuer was Egypt, Morocco, Italy, unable to safely keep her England, Mexico, Brazil, and, when approached, was Turkey, Africa, Cuba and unable to name the second Colombia, among others. rescuer. It was She enjoyed skiAviva’s sharp-eyed ing and SCUBA grandmother diving excursions. who spotted a An artist, Aviva woman in the created beautifulvillage square ly knit clothing, wearing a shawl wool-felt art, made of Aviva’s fused glass and unique blanket handmade paper that enabled the 3-D artworks. Her reunification gardens were livAviva Sandler of the family in ing art throughspring of 1945 after out the seasons. the liberation. Aviva’s Aviva amassed personal experience of legions of lifelong kindness and hope at friends with whom such a young age was she enjoyed life’s reflected in her kindadventures. Her life, ness toward others and bookended between in her lifelong optimistic the most horrific of waroutlook. time experiences and an Aviva enjoyed a long international pandemic and career as a clinical social the heartless war between worker in the Detroit area, Ukraine and Russia, nevhelping hundreds of clients ertheless was filled with piece together the puzzles love, beauty, gratitude and in their lives. It was a career adventure. to which she was well-suitMrs. Sandler is survived ed and one that she loved. by a host of beloved relaA generous hostess, tives: her loving husband Aviva loved nothing more of 60 years, Robert; her than filling her home with devoted children, Elizabeth, friends, flowers and family, Eric and Jennifer Sandlerserving an abundance of Bowen; her son-in-law, food that tasted as scrumpLance Bowen; her treasured tious as it looked. Her 4th grandson, Ian Sandlerof July parties were legendBowen, who loved his Uma; ary, as were her Passover her best friend and sister, seders. Rhoda (Michael) Kamin; An adventurer, Aviva loving brother, Dr. Leonard

Thatch; sister-in-law, Susan (Isidore) Bass; nieces and nephews, David (Megan) Bass, Michael (Edit) Bass, David (Jolene) Kamin, Carrie (Christopher) Swan; loving cousins, Gloria Zimet, Jefferey and Lisa Mark, and Dr. Polina Davidson; Gloria’s children and their partners, Yaniv (Sivane), David (Antonio) and Noam (Coleen) and little Eli. She was a greataunt to Naomi, Clara, Aron, Lainey, Henry, Laurel, Francis and Emma. She was the cherished daughter of the late Benesch and the late Riva Thatch; treasured granddaughter of the late Emma Frank; niece of the late Samuel and the late Rose Mark; sisterin-law of the late Marshall and the late Judith Sandler; cousin-in-law of the late Natan Zimet. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to HIAS, Development Dept., 333 Seventh Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001, hias.org; Freedom House Detroit, 1777 N Rademacher St., Detroit, MI 48209, freedomhousedetroit.org; Together Rising, 800 W. Broad St., Suite 6409, Falls Church, VA 22040, togetherrising.org/ give, or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

JUNE 9 • 2022

Looking Back

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

Remembering the Six-Day War

ifty-five years ago, there was only one big story in the JN: The SixDay War. From June 5-10, 1967, Israel was once again engaged in a war for survival against a coalition of Arab nations. Egypt, Jordan and Syria were the main attacking forces. Israel had no choice but to win. If it lost the war, it was likely that its enemies would initiate a wholesale slaughter of Jews, another Holocaust. After all, their stated desire Mike Smith was to wipe Israel off the Alene and Graham Landau Middle Eastern map. After Archivist Chair six days of hard fighting, however, the result was a decisive Israeli victory that ranks among the most brilliant military campaigns in world history. Although Israel won the war in a brilliant fashion, it paid a heavy price in material goods, military supplies and, of course, in human sacrifice. Nearly 800 Israelis lost their lives; more than 2,500 were wounded. The Six-Day War also shaped the future of American-Israeli relations. “Between 1948 and 1967, Israel wasn’t really in the news very much in the United States,” historian Eric Alterman recently surmised. “But Americans had a very rosy picture of Israel. They loved Israel, but they didn’t pay much attention to it. Then, after 1967, everything changed.” With the outbreak of the Six-Day War, for many American Jews, support for Israel became a primary component of their identity. Beginning with the June 9, 1967, issue of the JN, the Six-Day War has a huge presence in the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History. The war is mentioned on 3,822 pages in the Archive. Moreover, reports and stories in the Archive often speak to the Detroit

JUNE 9 • 2022

Jewish community’s support for Israel in its time of need. The June 9, 1967, issue of the JN, published just before the war ended in a ceasefire, illustrates the above point. As one might expect, there are reports about the war itself, but the larger narrative is the Detroit Jewish community’s generous support for Israel in its time of need. The headline for June 9 first states Detroit’s commitment to Israel. It does not, however, speak to Israel’s pending victory or military actions. Instead, it reads: “Detroit Jewry Mobilized to Aid Israel; Dedicate this Sabbath for Action.” Moreover, “Israel Bond Sales Must Reach $2,000,000 Here Within a Week!” That’s $17 million in today’s dollars, to be raised in a hurry. There are additional advertisements urging Detroiters to give. The ad for the Israel Emergency Fund has a simple point: “You Must Help the People of Israel!” By “You,” it meant “Every Individual in the Jewish Community.” On the next page, the Fund implored readers to “Give As You Never Gave Before.” The JN gave its own voice in support of Israel. The main editorial was titled: “All Together: To Israel’s Aid.” Publisher/ Editor Philip Slomovitz’s weekly “Purely Commentary” column was devoted to “The Emergency: A Jewish as well as Israeli Issue.” The Six-Day War was a monumental turning point for Israel. The ramifications of the war are still debated today, here and in Israel, in the media and in hundreds of written histories. But, one fact is certain — Detroit Jews did their best to support Israel in its time of need. Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

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