THE DETROIT
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200 Feb. 11-17, 2021 / 29 Shevat-5 Adar 5781
thejewishnews.com
36 36
Meet the cohort of 2021 — young Jews making a difference in our community. See page 8
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contents Feb. 11-17, 2021, 29 Shevat- 5 Adar 5781 | VOLUME CLIX, ISSUE 2
20 31 Purely Commentary
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Mazel Tov 29
Our Community
Spirit
8
19 20 22 24
36 Under 36
Meet the cohort of 2021 — young Jews making a difference in our community.
Seeking Terrific Teens!
Nominations are now open for Rising Stars.
26 28
Shabbat Starts: Friday, Feb. 12, 5:43 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Feb. 13, 6:46 p.m.
Torah portion
* Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.
Arts&Life 31
ON THE COVER: Cover design: Michelle Sheridan
The Dreams of a Writer
Former lawyer, now romance novelist, finds inspiration in Tel Aviv.
thejewishnews.com
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Cover that Nose!
Follow Us on Social Media:
During its renovation, church rents space at Temple Beth El.
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Boom Town Exhibit
No Stopping the Joy!
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Celebrity Jews
Glad to Be Vaccinated
Holocaust survivors now focus on surviving the pandemic.
A Spirit of Sharing
Conservative shuls unite to provide virtual Purim festivities.
Business 26
30
Shabbat Lights
Mazel Tov
4-7
Insurance Assurance
Globe Midwest Adjusters International has had Jewish roots for generations.
Here’s To Finding the “Write” WORDS
New PR firm to help businesses improve communication with customers.
Teacher composes songs about safety during the pandemic.
Facebook @DetroitJewishNews Twitter @JewishNewsDet Instagram @detroitjewishnews
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Events 35
Etc.
The Exchange Soul Danny Raskin Looking Back
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PURELY COMMENTARY for openers
Give and Take
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ou’ve got to give a little, take a little …” or so an old song would have us believe. It’s true that there are many tradeoffs in our lives and to illustrate that, just look at our conversational clues. When you Sy Manello do not believe Editorial what someone Assistant is telling you, you may encourage him not to give you that story. Or, you may just intone, “Give me a break!” Be aware that he may be giving you a run for your money. You may then give your two cents’ worth about the scheme before you give away the store.
People can be helpful and/ or generous. They may give you a leg up. They may offer to give the shirts off their backs. Be cautious if someone is only giving lip service to his generosity and then tries to give you the slip. He may then not even want to give you the time of day. Do not hesitate in giving that person a piece of your mind. It does take time to get used to something new but remember that it takes a lot
of nerve to take someone down a notch. Take what people say with a grain of salt. Take a breather and know that before you take a pot shot at someone that it takes two to make a quarrel. Yes, it may take a load off your mind to react immediately, but it may be best to take a rain check before you end up taking a beating. Good advice is to take a trip down memory lane before you take the gloves off. Yes, you know that you can only take so much but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel. Let me give you some food for thought: It is not bad to take the back seat … unless you are driving.
essay
Teach Literacy Early to Kids to Help Internalize Moral Values
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he Dec. 31 JN article “The Right to Read” was inspirational as attorney Mark Rosenbaum confronted a gross inequity in the approach to the education of disadvantaged children in Detroit. One sentence in the Dr. Gerald H article, “And if Katzman students don’t learn literacy in school, they often never will,” requires clarification. Indeed, the road to literacy
has been found to be facilitated by a quality preschool experience. In 1993, Dr. David Weikart and colleagues from Ypsilanti published a 27-year follow-up of disadvantaged children who completed their preschool curriculum. There was less crime, more high school graduates, higher earnings, higher marriage rates, etc., in the attendees versus the control group (High/Scope Press 1993). The “Brookline Study,” reported in 2005, showed similar results. So, it became clear that the
road to self-support and responsible citizenship can be facilitated by providing a quality preschool experience. Interesting that the road to literacy can and should begin shortly after birth. Studies have shown that brain growth is enhanced when more words are spoken to children from infancy. Reading to children regularly is also helpful in nurturing thinking and language skills. Unfortunately, across the USA less than 50% of children are read to daily by parents. continued on page 7
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A Note to Our Readers We’ve been receiving a larger-than-usual call volume about missed papers specifically in the West Bloomfield area and outside of Oakland county. The papers are being delivered to your post offices, but it seems the post offices are delayed in getting the papers out. We are very sorry for this inconvenience as we rely on the post office to get the JN to your mailbox. If your JN does not arrive by Monday, please let us know via email at subscriptions@ thejewishnews.com. This is the quickest way to get a response. If you must call, please leave only one message. Someone will get back to you as soon as they are able. We will gladly credit your account for any missed issue. You are also welcome to stop by and pick up an issue at our office, 29200 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 110, in Southfield (Park to the far left if you are facing the building with your back to Northwestern; head straight back when you come in).
PHOTO CREDIT JERRY ZOLYNSKY
My STORY SEEKING TERRIFIC TEENS! The JN and the Jewish Community Center’s JFamily will once again shine the public spotlight on teens in our community with Rising Stars: Teens Making a Difference. 18 remarkable Jewish teens in the Metro Detroit area will be selected and featured in the April 29, 2021, issue of the Jewish News and recognized on the JN and JCC’s JFamily social media pages. Nominees must live in Michigan, identify as Jewish and be students in grades 9-12; they can be selfnominated or may be nominated by others today through March 17. Nominees should be recognized for impact, contribution and/or achievement in areas including (but not limited) to:
• Tikkun olam, volunteerism, social action, advocacy, philanthropy • Academics/education • Athletics • Music & arts • Business & entrepreneurship • Overcoming obstacles and challenges • Jewish growth and learning • Leadership
Eli Golshteyn was six years old when his parents brought him to the United States from the Soviet Union. The Golshteyns arrived in Michigan and began the enormous task of settling into new jobs, schools and a new culture. Along with other relatives, the Jewish community and Hebrew Free Loan were valuable resources. “I was young and I thought it was all a big adventure, but we were starting over, and we needed help,” Eli said. “Several times HFL helped my family as we acclimated – with our first car, with a computer, and with medical expenses. My parents are brilliant, they’re both engineers, but navigating a huge life shift like that wasn’t easy. The Jewish community was there for us. As I got older, I realized what an amazing concept it was to have a Jewish community that helps others, and I’m glad to even slightly repay the debt, first as a NEXTGen Liaison to HFL, and now as an HFL Board member.” Right away, Eli was impressed by the dedication of the HFL Board. “Each time HFL Board members interview potential borrowers it’s a new opportunity to help someone,” Eli said. “The HFL Board, who are so diverse in their approach and experience, act with teamwork and heart, and with the specific goal in mind of making a difference for others. I understand what it’s like to have to ask for help, and it’s a great responsibility to be on the other side of the table. “HFL helps secure the future for so many people. Whatever the reason, HFL can help Michigan Jews attain a goal or a better situation, and I’m proud to be a link in that chain of possibility,” Eli said.
Click. Call. Give Now.
www.hfldetroit.org • 248.723.8184
Community donations help Hebrew Free Loan give interest-free loans to local Jews for a variety of personal, health, educational and small business needs.
To nominate yourself or a teen you know, go to thejewishnews.com and click on the Rising Stars button or to jfamily.jccdet.org/risingstars. The deadline is March 17.
6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 300 • Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301 Hebrew Free Loan Detroit
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FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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JTA/COURTESY AMUDIM
PURELY COMMENTARY essay
Rabbi Dr. Twerski: A Legacy of Caring Times of Israel
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Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski
Publisher The Detroit Jewish News Foundation
Board of Directors: Chair: Gary Torgow Vice President: David Kramer Secretary: Robin Axelrod Treasurer: Max Berlin Board members: Larry Jackier, Jeffrey Schlussel, Mark Zausmer
Senior Advisor to the Board: Mark Davidoff Alene and Graham Landau Archivist Chair: Mike Smith Founding President & Publisher Emeritus: Arthur Horwitz Founding Publisher Philip Slomovitz, of blessed memory
he recognition upon the passing on Jan. 31 of Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski — a scholar and psychiatrist — has already shown us the many facets of his greatness. Over the years, I was fortunate to meet him and to hear him speak in synagogues where I was the rabbi, at rabbinic conferences, and Rabbi to read several of the Jonathan 92 books that he wrote. Feldman His personal warmth, whether it was speaking to a large audience or giving time to someone after a talk always permeated all his interactions. There are several lessons that stand out in my mind, which I would like to share.
| Editorial DIrector of Editorial: Jackie Headapohl jheadapohl@thejewishnews.com Copy Editor: David Sachs dsachs@thejewishnews.com Social Media and Digital Producer: Nathan Vicar nvicar@thejewishnews.com Staff Reporter: Danny Schwartz dschwartz@thejewishnews.com Editorial Assistant: Sy Manello smanello@thejewishnews.com Senior Columnist: Danny Raskin dannyraskin2132@gmail.com Contributing Writers: Nate Bloom, Rochel Burstyn, Suzanne Chessler, Annabel Cohen, Shari S. Cohen, Alicia Chandler, Shelli Liebman Dorfman, Louis Finkelman, Stacy Gittleman, Esther Allweiss Ingber, Mark Jacobs, Barbara Lewis, Jennifer Lovy, Rabbi Jason Miller, Alan Muskovitz, Robin Schwartz, Mike Smith, Steve Stein, Ashley Zlatopolsky
The first lesson is that the issues we struggle with in our lives are not temporary problems that we engage with, overcome and then move on to the next one. He said that the issues we struggle with, character traits we need to change, bad habits we need to break, complicated relationships in our lives are probably issues that we will need to address our entire lives. “Polishing the Diamond” (see his story by that name) is something that takes a lifetime. The second lesson came when someone asked him why life is so hard, and it seems we are always struggling. Many of his books emphasize celebrating life and being joyful, feeling good about ourselves and having self-confidence. Yet his answer was very simple and as he was often
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bluntly honest. His answer was, “Whoever said life was going to be easy.” We might not have signed up for it, but this is what life is, and we have to make peace with that and do the hard work. The third lesson is that Rabbi Twerski did not function within the usual conventions of his Hasidic origins. He stood up for what is right no matter what other people thought or said. The fact that he worked in a Catholic medical institution and wrote a book about it, The Rabbi and the Nuns, attests to this. So does the fact that he spoke out about serious mental health issues that no one else wanted to talk about, and that many did not want him to talk about. COURAGE TO BREAK TABOOS For me, the most impressive dimension of who Rabbi Twerski was is his courage. If we take a step back and look at his impact, his courage to “break the taboos” around mental issues in the Jewish
RABBI TWERSKI SPOKE OUT OVER THE DECADES ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH/SOCIAL ISSUES THAT NO ONE ELSE WOULD TALK ABOUT. community have impacted the entire fabric of the Jewish and the Orthodox Jewish community and will continue to do so for decades to come. It is easy to forget how up until the 1980s, maybe even the 1990s there was a very strong stigma around therapy, psychologists and mental health issues (not to say it has disappeared today). Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, just by the symbolic message of his distinguished Hasidic background merged with being a practicing psychiatrist dispelled those stigmas. But that was not enough for him. He spoke out over the decades about mental health/social issues that no one else would
talk about. From therapy and mental illness, itself, to addiction (substance abuse, pornography and gambling), to domestic abuse and violence and to the most difficult of all to bring to light, sexual abuse, he fearlessly pushed the Jewish, Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox communities to deal with these issues. The silent victims would no longer be alone without protection, and those suffering from their own struggles would no longer be without resources. Rabbi Twerski was not just an author and a public figure, he personally got involved in organizations, attended events and conferences to help and
encourage people with his personal warmth and caring. We now live in a world with Orthodox therapists and nonprofits to help those who are struggling. There are still obstacles to overcome, there is still stigma around mental health issues, there are still those who are protecting abusers, and there still needs to be more awareness and resources devoted to mental health problems. Rabbi Twerski was a brave voice who spoke out despite criticism, opposition and even fallout for his family. He left us a legacy of standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, it is up to us to carry on that legacy. Rabbi Jonathan Feldman is community educator for Am Yisrael Foundation, an organization that runs programming for young olim and expats from all over the world in Tel Aviv. After attending Cornell University, he received his Rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva University and his Ph.D. in Jewish Studies from New York University. He has lectured widely as a guest speaker on Jewish topics.
TEACH LITERACY continued from page 4
Of great significance is the fact that literacy is vital for comprehension and the internalization of values. Modeling of helping behaviors will be effective when children understand the importance of being supportive of others. Reading stories with a moral and that teach a lesson will only transfer the idea of virtuous behavior, if messages are understood. Most schools today provide human relations programs for children (HRPC). The goals of HRPC include furthering self-esteem, supporting virtues
and avoiding vices, control of emotions, awareness of human similarities and respect for individual differences. Content of HRPC will clearly go “in one ear and out the other” if the lessons are not understood because of impaired comprehension. To facilitate the early development of literacy, the role of parents can be crucial. It is the sharing of thoughts and feelings between parent and child that evolves into a trusting relationship. The child knows that parents can be relied upon for support and to
model desired behaviors. As a result, mentors such as teachers, clergy, pediatricians and other community members may also come to be trusted as they transmit values and the development of higher levels of literacy through learning. There are practical programs that can be instituted to promote early learning and literacy in children. Both physically and psychologically non-abusive parenting education can be incorporated into prenatal classes. Universal preschool is a must. Ongoing quality education is a require-
ment as a child matures. Such needed initiatives have been known for decades. Their institution clearly has the potential to result in a more productive and peaceful society. Unfortunately, with the present economic downturn, new vitally needed programs may be especially difficult to establish. Dr. Katzman of Farmington Hills is a retired pediatrician who has been focusing on understanding and promoting initiatives that are most helpful in optimizing the psychosocial and academic development of children.
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OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER
36 36 Meet the cohort of 2021 — young Jews making a difference in our community. COMPILED BY JN STAFF
dents. A proud MSU alumnus, Nate earned degrees in comparative cultures and politics, and journalism, with a minor in Jewish studies. Nate has also earned a graduate certificate in Israel education from the George Washington University, where he is also pursuing a master’s degree in experiential Jewish education. Outside of work and school, Nate is a yoga teacher, Peloton rider and dog dad to his 2-year-old rescue pup, Feeny.
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ach year, as the JN partners with The Well on the process of identifying 36 amazing young people to honor, we continue to be amazed by the depth and breadth of talent in the Metro Detroit Jewish community. To recap the process: Nominations from the community were submitted to a panel of volunteer judges selected by The Well (with no affiliation to neither the JN nor The Well) who had the task of choosing the 36 “best of the best” for this year’s cohort. Here, in no particular order, are this year’s honorees, introducing themselves in their own words. Some of them, no doubt, you already know. Those who are new to you, you may want to meet.
NATE STRAUSS Nate Strauss, 26, is very honored and humbled to have been selected as part of 36 Under 36 this year. Residing in Lansing, Nate is the director of Jewish student life at MSU Hillel, working to build Jewish community at Michigan State University. Having learned the importance of Jewish community through his involvement in BBYO Michigan Region and Adat Shalom Synagogue, Nate feels incredibly lucky to get to do Jewish work, especially with Jewish college stu-
ARIELLE ENDELMAN Arielle Endelman is the director of admissions at Frankel Jewish Academy where she guides families through the entire high school admissions process. In her third year in this role, Arielle admitted one of the largest freshman classes the school has seen in several years. Arielle believes that the success of FJA will ensure a bright future full of young Jewish leaders for the Metro Detroit community. She anticipates continued growth for FJA in the coming years. Arielle is a graduate of the 2019-2020 Anti-Defamation League’s Sills/Glass Leadership Institute. She and her family are members of both Adat Shalom Synagogue and Temple Israel. Arielle is the face behind the recently created @ItsMarthaJewart Instagram account, providing a community of Jewish and secular craft and activity ideas for preschoolers. Arielle is a graduate of both Syracuse University and NYU. She was born and raised in West Bloomfield, where she currently lives with her husband, Brett, and son, Blake. DANNY SOLEIMANI Danny is a partner at the law firm of Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C. He is a member of the firm’s Tax Practice Group and specializes in transactional tax matters related to mergers and acquisition and commercial real estate continued on page 10
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OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER
continued from page 8
“UPSTANDER IS AN ANTIBULLYING PROGRAM THAT ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO LOOK AT THEIR OWN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES AND TO BECOME THE CHANGE THAT THEY KNOW NEEDS TO HAPPEN.” — JAMIE GREENE KANIARZ transactions. Although he did not grow up in Metro Detroit, Danny enjoys being an active member of the Detroit Jewish community and currently serves on the board of the JCC of Metropolitan Detroit. Appreciating when he can be active and outdoors, Danny loves to run, hike, play tennis and travel. He is happiest spending time with his wife, Lauren, and daughters Alma and Michal. Danny is honored to be named as a member of the JN/The Well 36 Under 36. ELLIE SMALL Ellie Small is a third-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Attending the College’s Detroit Campus, Small served as president of Detroit Street Care (DSC), a street outreach organization providing medical services to those experiencing homelessness in Detroit. Under the supervision of licensed providers, DSC’s purpose is to go to the people,
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meet basic needs, build trust, and provide care for both chronic disease maintenance and acute non-emergent care. This past year, Small was selected as the 2020 National Student D.O. of the Year and received an Excellence in Public Health Award from the U.S. Public Health Service. Currently, Small is completing her medical school clinical rotations, serves as the chief coordinator of the Street Medicine Institute Student Coalition and is completing the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. To learn more about DSC and find ways to help, visit www.detroitstreetcare.org or search Detroit Street Care on Facebook/Instagram. EMILY DAIELL SNIDER Emily Daiell Snider, 27, is the associate regional director for Michigan ADL (Anti-Defamation League). Emily joined ADL in 2019 and her efforts are essential in combating antisemitism and hate in the state. Emily’s responsibilities include responding to incidents of hate reported to the office, leading communications, coordinating the Sills/Glass Leadership Institute, and presenting educational programs about antisemitism and other hate trends. Prior to joining ADL, Emily worked at the University of Florida Hillel as the Student Success Director and Springboard Fellow for Social Justice working to transform the organization into one that empowers Jewish students through leadership development, identity exploration and justice work. Emily’s experience
being an adoptee and her Jewish identity has fueled her passion in working for social justice and tikkun olam. Emily fights the good fight in both her professional and personal life and supports various causes and organizations including Black Lives Matter, Foster Care to Success, Adoptees for Justice, Fair Fight, Equal Justice Initiative, ACLU and others. She currently resides in Monroe with her husband, Matthew, and their three rescue pets. Emily is an avid reader, traveler and social justice advocate. She has been to 44 states and 10 countries. LAUREN HERRIN Lauren Herrin is the associate director of the Jewish Community Relations Council/ AJC (JCRC/AJC). In this position she oversees the organization’s Government Relations committee, board development and outreach, and media relations efforts and online presence, among other duties. More specifically, she plans and executes community-wide programs and liaisons with legislators and their staff at all levels of government on matters of mutual importance. Prior to joining JCRC/AJC, Herrin spent more than a decade at Marx Layne & Company, a Metropolitan Detroit public relations, marketing and digital media agency. Outside of JCRC/ AJC, Herrin serves on the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Jewish Working Women’s Network committee and board of the Birmingham Farms Homeowners Association. The
Bloomfield Hills resident received her bachelor’s degree in communications, with a specialization in public relations, from Michigan State University. A member of Temple Beth El, she is married to Wes and is the mother of Olivia and Nathan. JAMIE GREENE KANIARZ Jamie Greene Kaniarz is the Executive Director of Defeat the Label, a nationally known anti-bullying nonprofit organization. In her role, Jamie is responsible for overseeing the Upstander program in middle and high schools throughout the metro area. Upstander is an antibullying program that encourages students to look at their own schools and communities and to become the change that they know needs to happen. Jamie is also responsible for the yearly Community Conversation on Bullying Conference and yearly Stand4Change Day. Jamie is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and resides in Troy with her husband, John, and their three young daughters.
“MY JEWISH IDENTITY HAS FUELED MY PASSION IN WORKING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND TIKKUN OLAM.” — EMILY DAIELL SNIDER
RABBI MATT ZERWEKH Rabbi Matt Zerwekh is the rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park. Ordained at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati, Zerwekh is a product of the Detroit Jewish community and grew up at Temple Emanu-El, which has situated him uniquely to help reinvigorate the congregation he has credited with helping to forge his earliest Jewish identity. Under his leadership, Temple Emanu-El has grown in size and prominence in the community while undertaking important projects to update and modernize the congregation’s physical prayer and gathering spaces. As the pandemic arrived and congregations moved online, Zerwekh led the temple in quickly pivoting to online worship and learning opportunities in mere days, offering daily online kids’ story times, classes, and gathering opportunities to help provide normalcy and structure for his community during a fraught time. Zerwekh has strived to “pray with his feet” since he began his rabbinate. Since arriving in Detroit, he has continued this work, from marching in the Dexter/Davison neighborhood of Detroit with the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church during the summer protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, to coordinating a night of learning about immigration, which welcomed more than a dozen rabbis from various denominations to share one bimah to teach what Jewish law teaches about welcoming the stranger, to delivering an opening blessing for the Detroit
“AS AN ARTIST, I AM DEEPLY INFLUENCED BY THE TEXTURES, LANDSCAPES AND PATTERNS OF MY UPBRINGING, AS WELL AS MY JEWISH AND AFRICAN HERITAGE.” — OLIVIA GUTERSON NAACP’s Freedom Fund dinner. RACHEL MATZ Rachel Matz, 33, of Birmingham is a high school English teacher and journalism adviser. She also supports teachers with the use of instructional technology, which is a rapidly evolving endeavor in this era of virtual learning. Rachel also sponsors her school’s Jewish Student Alliance, a space for students to discuss and explore Jewish customs and identity together, regardless of their backgrounds. Growing up in a family that emphasized the importance of Jewish values and tradition, Rachel was fortunate to learn from the examples set by her grandparents in how to be an active member of her Jewish community. This upbringing led to her commitment to developing her Jewish identity as an adult. Rachel has participated in a variety of programming through The Well and Adat Shalom Synagogue, ranging from musical Shabbat dinners to thematic escape rooms. Her most meaningful experiences have occurred on trips with The Well to both Germany and Israel where she deepened her understanding of
and engagement with the global Jewish community. Rachel is also a proud lifetime member of the National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan. She especially enjoys volunteering alongside her mom, Sandi, who has instilled in Rachel the importance of volunteering and activism. In her free time, Rachel can be found reading, going to trivia, looking for great coffee, learning new challah braids on social media and spending time with her dog. HALEY SCHREIER Ann Arbor born and raised, Haley Schreier has always called the University of Michigan home, receiving her B.A. and M.S.W. at U-M. She is a graduate of the School of Social Work’s Jewish Communal Leadership program and wrote an undergraduate honors thesis on the relationship between Jewish mothers and daughters. Haley has received an additional professional certificate in Jewish Experiential Education from M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education. Haley is the director of engagement at Michigan Hillel, where she has worked since 2017. She oversees the Host at
Home program, manages the Hillel Connect Fellowship and teaches classes helping to make Jewish learning relevant to college students. She previously worked as an education associate at Michigan’s Holocaust Memorial Center, developing the first annual Kappy Family Anne Frank Art & Writing competition. Haley has led multiple Birthright trips and a trip to Poland. She is active in politics and trained volunteers for the Michigan Democrats this past election. She is the co-founder of the website Ally is a Verb and is passionate about social justice, Michigan sports and her cat Mezuzah. LISA BETH NORTH Lisa Beth North is an active member of the Jewish community — most recently at Hillel Day School, Temple Israel, Temple EmanuEl and Aish. She volunteers by serving as PTO secretary, providing makeup services for the Easter Seals fashion show, offering skincare presentations to cancer patients at DMC Hospitals and other charitable work. With the support of the Jewish community, family and various therapies, Lisa overcame a traumatic head injury to become a licensed esthetician, professional makeup artist and entrepreneur. She and her husband, Patrick, have three daughters and co-founded NorthStar Luxe. Their family-owned business offers beauty, skincare and luxury services and products. NorthStar’s debut facial moisturizer, Polaris Cream, is a custom water-based cream with CBD, white tea, wild rose, hyalcontinued on page 12 FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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“I FIRMLY BELIEVE: ‘THE ARC OF THE MORAL UNIVERSE BENDS TOWARD JUSTICE, BUT IT DOES NOT BEND ON ITS OWN.’” — SOPHIE LOEB uronic acid and natural extracts to help smooth skin and reduce signs of aging. Polaris Cream is available at NorthStarLuxe.com and in select salons. OLIVIA GUTERSON Olivia Guterson is a Detroit-based mother, creative and community organizer. She is committed to growing, building and supporting the diverse entrepreneurs and artists in her community and beyond. As an artist, she is deeply influenced by the textures, landscapes and patterns of her upbringing, as well as her Jewish and African heritage. She works predominately in black and white for its stability, intensity and honesty while incorporating ancestral patterns and narratives. In 2020, she curated her first exhibition, The Space Between, at the Ann Arbor Art Center. She presently is a resident at Sibyls Shrine and AS220’s Practice//Practice. She is a founding member of Art Mamas Alliance. Her work has
been shown at the Arab American National Museum, Art Week Miami, JADA Art Fair, Norwest Gallery, Detroit Artist Market, Ann Arbor Art Center and more. KYLE ZWIREN Kyle Zwiren, 36, joined the Rashty Group at Morgan Stanley in 2020. Kyle loves serving their clients, learning how they accomplished their success and helping them achieve their goals. Kyle is an alumnus of Birmingham Groves High School, Michigan State University and Boston University School of Law. He practiced law for seven years before changing careers to follow his passion. Kyle has been involved in the Metro Detroit Jewish community since moving home from Boston. He is a past board member of Tamarack Camps, where he co-chaired the agency’s signature fundraising event and chaired the Young Adult Advisory Board. He has also been involved with AIPAC and ADL, having chaired the Michigan Glass Leadership Institute. Kyle lives in West Bloomfield with his wife, Jodie, three sons and dog. Kyle enjoys spending time with family and friends, running and reading. SOPHIE LOEB A Michigan transplant from Southern California, Sophie Loeb dedicates her personal and professional life to tikkun olam and firmly believes: “The arc of the moral universe bends
toward justice, but it does not bend on its own.” Loeb has learned from and engaged with the Detroit community as a former DPSCD middle school teacher and current client advocate with the Detroit Public Defender Office. Loeb actively works toward building a more equitable world, starting at the micro-level. As a DEI Committee member, Loeb confronts and unravels white supremacy within West Bloomfield Schools. A firstyear University of Michigan MPH student, Loeb sees racial injustice as the preeminent social determinant of and gravest threat to public health, propelling her to address health inequities at the root. In the future, Loeb seeks to obtain her law degree to further marry this passion for public health and law. RABBI ARI WITKIN Rabbi Ari Witkin is the director of leadership development at the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. A graduate of Goucher College, Ari also holds a master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and rabbinic ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College where he was a Wexner Graduate Fellow. Raised in Minneapolis, he has lived and worked in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Uganda and Jerusalem. At Federation, Ari combines his love of Jewish tradition and community. He is passionate about building diverse leadership pipelines that represent the full spec-
trum of Jewish life. The great joy of his job is supporting Metro Detroiters leadership in the work of building and strengthening our community. In addition to his role at Federation, he currently serves as the part-time rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in Bay City. He and his wife, Liz Traison, live in Huntington Woods with their son, Hadar, and three backyard chickens. JAKE EHRLICH Jake Ehrlich (he/ him) is a radical Jewish culture worker, a title that incorporates his work in music, activism, community-building and social work. Originally from Long Island, Jake came to Michigan in 2015 and graduated from the University of Michigan Jewish Communal Leadership Program in 2018. Since his arrival, he’s been a member of Detroit Jews for Justice, Jewish Voice for Peace and other orgs, and has provided spirited song to hospices, protests and Shabbats across our region. As the community engagement associate for T’chiyah — a “progressive, intergenerational, queer-loving, justice-pursuing” Reconstructionist synagogue — Jake works with Rabbi Alana Alpert to connect people to Jewish spirituality and to one another. A socialist, Jake seeks to use creativity to critique power structures and to curate empowering spaces for marginalized people. He lives in Detroit with his partner, Nina, and their kiddo Oscar, and is currently recording an album of Leftist folk music. continued on page 14
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Mazel Tov
to our Director of Jewish Student Life
Nate Strauss
to
ARIELLE ENDELMAN, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
&
REBECCA STROBEHN '06, JEWISH ST UDIES FACULT Y
and the MSU Hillel/Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan Alumni in the
2021 Class of 36 Under 36 Brittany Begun Hallie Eisenberg Audrey Bloomberg Nicole Feinberg Jordan Ceresnie Lauren Herrin Jason Dizik Jamie Greene Kaniarz Michael Emmer Shelby Miller Ellie Small Rabbi Matt Zerwekh Kyle Zwiren TEE_36under36_Ad_V2.pdf
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on being chosen for the
36 UNDER 36!
A well deserved honor for two wonderful professionals. www.frankelja.org
3:32 PM
Rabbi Matthew J. Zerwekh C
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The Honor of 36 Under 36 by the Detroit Jewish News
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ALEX ROSENBERG Alex Rosenberg, 28, is the farm manager at Tamarack Camp’s Farber Farm. Alex’s work focuses on holistic land stewardship and building positive, reciprocal relationships with the places we call home. Eight years ago, Alex began farming with a love of good food, being outdoors, community building and a desire to participate in land restoration. She believes that a healthy and equitable food system is reflective of a responsibly tended landscape. Alex works to empower farm visitors to learn where food comes from and that growing food is for everyone. Through her work at Tamarack Camps, Alex brings farm-based education, agriculturally informed Judaism, a perspective of food justice, and delicious vegetables to the camp community and the greater Metro Detroit community alike. REBECCA STROBEHN Rebecca Strobehn is on the Jewish Studies faculty at the Frankel Jewish Academy, where she teaches Talmud, Jewish History and Israel Studies, focusing on creating diverse and engaging Jewish learning opportunities for her students. She leads the Art Minyan, interpreting Jewish prayer through art, and spends time learning Talmud with students outside of class. In September 2020, Rebecca spearheaded a partnership between FJA and The Well to
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“A GRANDDAUGHTER OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS, I TAKE PRIDE IN MY JEWISH HERITAGE.” — DR. SARAH KIPERMAN
bring #Reflect4Rosh to the FJA community, connecting students and staff through reflection over the course of the High Holidays. Rebecca is also a proud lifelong member of Congregation Beth Ahm and has been leading High Holiday services with her family for over 15 years. Rebecca was born and raised in Farmington Hills, attended Hillel Day School (2002) and FJA (2006). She has an M.A. in Jewish History and an M.A. in Jewish Education from JTS (2015). Rebecca lives in West Bloomfield with her husband, Zach, and son, Maxwell. AUDREY BLOOMBERG Audrey Bloomberg, 36, is the program coordinator at Temple Shir Shalom. Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Audrey is a graduate of Michigan State University with two bachelor’s degrees, and she holds an M.P.A. from the University of Michigan. She has spent her career as a Jewish communal professional. Passionate about building a sustainable Jewish community, Audrey is involved with The Well and co-chairs both the inaugural Shabbat Dinner Group and a Rosh Chodesh Group. Audrey is a participant of the Detroit Community Leadership
Program with the Shalom Hartman Institute and JCRC/ AJC. She currently serves on The Well’s Bucket List, is the development chair for Michigan Region BBYO Adult Commission and the treasurer of the Michigan Association of Calligraphers. Audrey and her partner, Tzvi, live in Farmington Hills; they enjoy hosting Shabbat dinner featuring Audrey’s famous challah, exploring new places and running the occasional 5K. DR. SARAH KIPERMAN After 15 years away, Dr. Sarah Kiperman returned home a licensed psychologist hoping to inspire kids to love and value themselves, just as they are. She’s a behavioral consultant with Beaumont’s Center for Human Development and an assistant professor at Wayne State University. Sarah is the founder and director of Project Support, a research team developing affirming, culturally relevant programming for youth, especially for LGBTQ+ teens. Sarah has specifically developed a mental health stress reduction video series that’s currently piloting in middle schools, high schools and colleges around Michigan. A granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Sarah
takes pride in her Jewish heritage. She’s a Metro Detroit BBYO alum and Adat Shalom member. She played coed JCC Sports in Atlanta and lost three teeth to prove it (thanks Atlanta Dentistry for the help)! Sarah celebrates her Judaism every week with her Shabbat family and won first place in a brisket cook-off against five Jewish mothers. BRITTANY BEGUN Brittany Begun, 31, is the associate director at Hillel of Metro Detroit, where she works to enrich Jewish life for students at six college campuses. Brittany has committed her professional career to the Jewish community. Prior to working at Hillel of Metro Detroit, Brittany worked at MSU Hillel, Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan and at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Throughout her career, Brittany has staffed five Birthright trips to Israel, bringing connection to Jewish college students and their Jewish identity. Brittany completed her B.A. at Western Michigan University. She is currently studying to receive a master’s degree in Jewish Professional Studies and Nonprofit Management at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. Brittany met her husband, Evan, at a Hillel graduate student event. They currently live in Ferndale with their dog, Beau. Together they like to travel, cook and explore new restaurants.
“I BUILD CREATIVE PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON ENGAGING YOUNG ADULTS IN THE DETROIT COMMUNITY TO FOSTER THEIR JEWISH IDENTITY AND BUILD CONNECTIONS.” — HALLIE EISENBERG NICOLE FEINBERG Nicole Feinberg graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 and is the current program coordinator at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, the last freestanding synagogue in the city of Detroit. Before starting her role at the Downtown Synagogue, Nicole oversaw immigrant and refugee support programs with both Southwest Solutions and Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. Since 2018, Nicole has developed programs for the Downtown Synagogue’s community to learn about and celebrate Jewish holidays and social justice-focused events. In addition, Nicole has established and fostered many interfaith partnerships with Detroit-based organizations. She has more recently transitioned her role to additionally support the growth of the synagogue through developing sustainable fundraising practices. Nicole is committed to the idea of expanding Jewish
Detroit and loves looking for ways to build connections and sustainable growth in the community. Nicole currently lives in Hamtramck and can be found traveling, hiking and cooking new recipes with her partner, Kate. JASON DIZIK Jason Dizik is in his fourth season as the lead game producer for the Detroit Pistons on FOX Sports Detroit and, at 35, remains the youngest producer in the NBA. He also produces Tigers games for the network where he’s been working since 2008. The six-time Emmy Award-winner also produces events for FS1, B1G Network and FOX Sports Midwest. Jason works hard to help students who share his love of sports and media. He serves on the Board of Governors for the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, where he sits on the scholarship subcommittee. He’s the second vice-chair of the Central Michigan University School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts Alumni Advisory Board, where he chairs the Hall of Fame subcommittee. He and his wife, Emily, met at CMU and endow a scholarship for students focusing on sports media. A graduate of North Farmington High, he sits on the Farmington Public Schools TV-10 Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee. He also serves as executive producer of the Night of Discovery Gala for the Michigan Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Jason and his family are longtime members of Temple Beth El.
MICHAEL EMMER Michael Emmer, 31, of West Bloomfield, is a real estate attorney at Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss P.C., where he works with owners, private and institutional developers, builders, real estate management companies, brokers, operators and investors on various real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions and leasing in the commercial, retail, industrial and residential areas. Michael graduated from Wayne State University Law School and Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in economics. Michael is devoted to the Metro Detroit Jewish community, with roots in Temple Israel and Temple Beth El. He has also become more involved with the regional AIPAC chapter and looks forward to more in person AIPAC events postCOVID. Michael and his wife, Elizabeth, live in West Bloomfield where they enjoy spending time outdoors, cooking and skiing. In their spare time, they also volunteer, most recently with Brilliant Detroit, creating sanitation kits for Detroit residents. EMILY FOXEN-CRAFT Emily Foxen-Craft is an assistant professor of pediatrics at University of Michigan. As a psychologist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, she conducts research, teaches and provides clinical services to children and adolescents experiencing chronic pain. She
serves on the Pain Task Force of the Michigan Psychological Association and co-leads a telementoring program for pediatricians around the state about headache management. Throughout her time at Akiva Hebrew Day School and McGill University, she particularly enjoyed volunteering and contributing to the local and global communities through Friendship Circle, NCSY and Save a Child’s Heart. These experiences inspired her to pursue her master’s and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, after which she was able to return to Michigan to complete her advanced training. Emily is involved in the Ann Arbor Jewish community and has taken lots of walks and honed her banana bread recipe during the pandemic. CHRIS HARRISON Chris Harrison (he/him) is a writer/editor at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and an alumnus of the URJ’s 2018 JewV’Nation Fellowship’s Jews of Color Leadership Cohort. He earned his B.A. in English-Creative Writing and Film Studies at Miami University and his certificate in Jewish Leadership through Spertus Institute and Northwestern University. A Black and bisexual Jew-byChoice, Chris is passionate about Jewish mysticism, all things related to cinema, and making diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices a central part of Jewish communities. He has been published in two anthologies: None Shall continued on page 16 FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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Make Them Afraid: A Rabbis Against Gun Violence Anthology and The Social Justice Torah Commentary (coming spring 2021). Chris lives with his partner, Christy, and four pets and serves on Temple Beth El’s Audacious Hospitality group, the Jewish Federation’s NEXTGen LGBTQA Pride Committee and the Hermelin Davidson Center for Congregational Excellence Committee. SARAH ROLLINS Sarah Rollins is a clinical social worker at the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry and started her own private practice, Embodied Wellness, PLLC in July 2020. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. She has expertise in issues related to addiction and mental health and works with both adolescent and adult populations. Sarah is currently in the second year of a three-year training program, Somatic Experiencing — a form of therapy focused on relieving the symptoms of mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on a client’s perceived body sensations. Her goal as a therapist is to help clients feel empowered in finding their own sense of purpose and meaning in the world. In her spare time, Sarah loves to travel, spend time with her niece, volunteer in the local community, practice yoga and enjoys being with friends and family.
LAURA FELDMAN Laura Feldman has called Detroit home for almost a decade. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Wayne State, Laura has published on African asylum seekers migrating to Israel, was an award-winning executive banker with Quicken Loans and currently is the director of business development for a local staffing company. Her position entails cultivating partnerships that meet the needs of growing businesses while simultaneously collaborating with the city of Detroit and several NGOs aimed at helping people find meaningful work to support themselves and their families. She is an active advocate for women, children and POC, and has served on the Board of Directors for The Well for a number of years. Laura enjoys exploring other countries and their cultures and has lived in six states and three countries. In the coming months, she will be relocating to Buffalo with her Israeli American fiancé for his Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellowship and will continue to pursue her passions and education. SHELBY MILLER Shelby, 25, was born and raised in Metropolitan Detroit. She returned to the area after graduating from Grand Valley with her degree in Human Resource Management and Marketing. Shelby currently works in Talent Acquisition at Sun Communities & RV Resorts, where she connects people with
fulfilling job opportunities. Her position allows her to channel her passion for diversity and inclusion, and utilize her certification from Cornell University. Having grown up in the area, Shelby has a strong connection to the local Jewish community. She currently sits on the Young Professionals Board of Partners in Torah Detroit and is an active participant with The Well. With a love for travel, she has had the opportunity to experience Jewish culture and history abroad through both organizations. In her free time, Shelby enjoys reading, performing improv and volunteering with animal rescue. Still growing professionally, she is excited about what her future may hold. JORDAN CERESNIE From executive chef, entrepreneur and butcher to organic farmer, Jordan Ceresnie has had a diverse and unique background in the food service industry. Raised in Farmington Hills, at age 19 Ceresnie moved to California to work for some of the world’s best chefs. While living in the Napa Valley, he received his Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry certifications. Jordan then moved to Los Angeles to work in West Hollywood, where he cooked for celebrities such as Madonna and Gordon Ramsay. Jordan eventually moved back to Michigan and enrolled in the Organic Farming Certification Program at Michigan State University. Since then, he launched a successful gourmet grilled cheese mobile food business and appeared on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games, twice!
After donating a kidney to his uncle in 2019, Jordan had an epiphany and knew he wanted to change careers. Jordan is now pursuing his bachelor of science in Nursing and lives in Royal Oak with his wife and two children. DANIEL SNYDER Dan Snyder, 29, of Farmington Hills, works in finance at AGC Automotive Americas. He is responsible for developing accurate costs for automotive glass and helps communicate an overall business perspective for new business proposals, early advanced engineering projects and corporate initiatives. Dan also has previous purchasing and supply chain experience. Dan’s current Jewish involvement is being a board member of Partners Detroit Young Professionals and helped to launch its new Platform 18 building in Royal Oak. His past Jewish involvement includes being on the steering committee for the 2019 JCC Detroit Maccabi Games, Moishe House Royal Oak resident, BBYO adviser, Wayne State University Jewish Student Organization president, in addition to staffing four Birthright Israel trips. Dan is also the current vice president of Institute for Supply Management of Southeast Michigan and is the co-chair of Student Relations for the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business Alumni Council. In his spare time, Dan has a passion for international traveling, new restaurants, tennis and exercising. continued on page 18
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Emily Snider
Congratulations TO
Daniel Snyder on being chosen for the 36 UNDER 36 — a well-deserved honor! AGC Automotive Americas congratulates Daniel for the positive impact he has on his community. Service to the community is a value we take seriously, and are glad to be able to highlight our team members who go above and beyond. We look forward to the continued positive impact Daniel will make at AGC and in his community for many years to come.
Mazel Tov to Daniel and the 2021 class of 36 under 36!
Kyle Zwiren
Reuben Rashty Jacob Rashty
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DR. JOELLE ABRAMOVITZ Dr. Joelle Abramowitz is an economist at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research and serves as director of the Michigan Federal Statistical Research Data Center. Her research focuses on health insurance, medical expenditures, self-employment and the family. Joelle sits on the executive board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor and is also president of its young adult division, JYP (Jewish Young Professionals of Ann Arbor). Previously, she has held a number of roles in the Jewish communities where she has lived, including teaching Hebrew school, leading services and Jewish learning, leyning Torah, organizing events and writing for Jewish outlets. A New Jersey native, Joelle moved to Ann Arbor in 2016 after stints in Washington, D.C., Brussels, Hong Kong, Chicago and Seattle. She is an accomplished cyclist who biked across her adopted state of Michigan, and an avid cook and baker who writes about her culinary exploits. HALLIE EISENBERG Hallie Eisenberg, 29, is a Michigan State University alumna residing in Metro Detroit (Go green!). She graduated with a degree in public policy/public administration and a desire to make an impact in her community and the world. After graduation, she worked in development at JARC to raise money for children and adults
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with developmental disabilities. Currently, Hallie continues to serve as a dedicated Jewish professional in her role as the NEXTGen Detroit Associate Director at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Through her role, she builds creative programs focused on engaging young adults in the Detroit community to foster their Jewish identity and build connections. Most notably, she is responsible for executing NEXTGen Detroit’s largest fundraiser, EPIC, which raises over $300,000 for the Federation’s Annual Campaign. When finding some free time, Hallie enjoys testing out new treats to bake, attending country concerts, travel and making the most of time with her family and friends. SHAYA BAUM Shaya Baum is the CEO of Wing Lake Capital Partners. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wayne State University. He started and sold a tax preparation company at the age of 19. In 2004, he joined Franklin Capital as an accountant. Franklin bought and sold numerous distressed businesses and he eventually became the CEO of Franklin in 2010. Baum launched a debt fund in 2017 and in 2019 it merged and is now known as Wing Lake Capital Partners. He serves as the CEO of the combined entities. Wing Lake lends money to distressed companies and helps them get back on their feet by providing financing, consulting and restructuring services. Businesses that get caught up in
the vicious cycle of needing capital to fund their activities and promote growth, while not having the credit and reputation to obtain that capital, in the past have been forced to turn to unscrupulous lending agencies that extort exorbitant interest rates that are almost impossible to pay down. This often leads to garnishing of wages and freezing of bank accounts and ultimately the loss of people’s hard gotten businesses. That is until Wing Lake opened its doors. With Baum’s innovative thinking, and creative mind, the fund has grown significantly. Wing Lake can now proudly say that they help nine out of 10 companies that reach out avoid bankruptcy. Wing Lake recently partnered with Rocky Mountain Bank in Wyoming. They currently have funded over 75 companies across the United States to the tune of over $100 million. DR. ERICA HERC Erica was born and raised in Metro Detroit, where she has been active in the Jewish community. She graduated from the University of Michigan where she was involved in Hillel. She attended medical school at Wayne State University and completed her internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship at the University of Michigan and is currently an infectious diseases doctor at Henry Ford Hospital. She has been actively involved during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only taking care of patients, but has also been involved in COVID-19 research and is an investigator in the vac-
cine trials. She has been a medical adviser for her local temple and has devoted many hours to assisting members in the community throughout the pandemic. She is the mother of Ian and Emma, who both attend Temple Beth El ECC, and the wife of David. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling (during non-pandemic times) and working out. ELLERY ROSENZWEIG Ellery was born and raised in Metro Detroit with a strong connection to her close-knit Jewish community. She studied at the University of Michigan where she received her B.A. in psychology and minor in community action and social change and hopes to return there one day to receive her master’s in social work. Ellery is currently working at Repair the World Detroit as their youth and family engagement associate running PeerCorps Detroit, their teen service-learning program, and supervising Repair fellows in their year of service at Detroit nonprofit organizations. During the pandemic, she has created an online series for PeerCorps exploring social justice issue areas within the context of COVID-19. Outside of work, Ellery is the co-creator of an Instagram account, @___ Shelle___, where she shares size-inclusive clothing and resources on combating diet culture and fatphobia. She is passionate about empowering young people, swimming in lakes, listening to podcasts and eating bagels!
We’re Seeking Terrific Teens!
Nominations are now open for JN’s and JCC’s “Rising Stars.”
A
JN STAFF
t the JN, we often hear of young people doing great things and making a difference in our community and in the lives of others. We bet you know some, too, and have already sung their praises to those you know. Now is the time to shine the public spotlight on these remarkable young people. Once again, the Jewish News and the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit’s JFamily and JTeen are inviting community members to nominate worthy teens for “Rising Stars: Teens Making a Difference” — a showcase that will highlight 18 Jewish teens making an impact in the Metro Detroit area. Winners will be featured in an issue of the JN and will also be recognized on the JN and JCC’s JFamily social media pages. Nominees must live in Michigan, identify as Jewish and be a student in grades 9-12; they can be self-nominated or may be nominated by others today through March 17. Nominees should be recognized for impact, contribution and/or achievement in areas
including (but not limited) to: • Tikkun olam, volunteerism, social action, advocacy, philanthropy • Academics/education • Athletics • Music & arts • Business & entrepreneurship • Overcoming obstacles and challenges • Jewish growth and learning • Leadership “In this unique year, we are also looking for nominations of teens who have been advocates, volunteers and allies when it comes to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, standing up against racial injustice, and being politically educated and active,” said Katie Vieder, Director of Teen Engagement for JFamily at the JCC. The Jewish News looks forward to recognizing the many teens who are doing fantastic things and making a positive impact on their peers and the community in a late-April issue. To nominate yourself or a teen you know, go to thejewishnews.com and click on the Rising Stars button or go to jfamily.jccdet.org/rising-stars. The deadline is March 17.
Mazel Tov Nicole Feinberg Development and Program Manager
On being named to the 2021 class of 36 under 36. We are thrilled to have you as part of the IADS team!
Board and Staff www.downtownsynagogue.org
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OUR COMMUNITY
Nina Serenko gets her initial dose of the COVID vaccine.
Edith Bernstein gets vaccinated at JFS.
Glad to Be Vaccinated
Holocaust survivors now focus on surviving the pandemic.
A
bout 170 Holocaust survivors received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, Jan. 29, at the Jewish Family Service (JFS) building in West Bloomfield. Brother and sister Alfred Zydower and Anna Lindemann, ages 91 and 89 respectively, were among those at the JFS building receiving the vaccine. Born in Germany, the siblings fled to Shanghai, China, in 1940 by way of Siberia. “I feel fine,” Zydower of Madison Heights said after receiving the vaccine. “No problem,” Lindemann of Oak Park added. Neither Zydower nor Lindemann thought they’d see anything like the pandemic at this point in their lives, but as Holocaust survivors they have lived through much worse. “You cannot really compare to the Holocaust era when
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DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER
all that suffering went on,” Zydower said. “Today, if you obey all the rules, you wear your mask and you stay at home, you’ve got nothing to worry about in a way. “Nobody is really bothering you here, you’ve got all your freedom, and nobody will ever call you ‘dirty Jew’ like they did in Germany, even if they didn’t know you.” Zydower thinks the development of the vaccine is a good sign. “I believe it’s going to help tremendously,” he said. “If you do catch it still, it will not kill you and stuff like that. It will be more like you’re having a flu.” The clinic came about when JFS contacted the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) to see if their staff and volunteers could get vaccinated as essential workers. JFS, which helps Holocaust survivors yearround, also inquired about the
survivors getting vaccinations, and the ball started rolling from there. JFS CEO Perry Ohren said they did some pre-work before receiving the go-ahead, with JFS geriatric case managers reaching out to every survivor they knew in the area, amounting to over Perry Ohren 400 in total. They asked the survivors about their interest if they were to have a vaccination clinic, as well as if they needed a ride. JFS also got the word out through social media, the Holocaust Memorial Center and through the Holocaust program at Jewish Senior Life. That Monday, JFS got the call: The clinic for the first dose would be that Friday. “We scrambled,” Ohren said. “I work with lots of amazing people who figured out the
logistics, and today the Oakland County Health Division is scheduled to vaccinate 170 or so Holocaust survivors. Maybe 50 of them are getting rides here through JFS transportation.” (Some of the survivors served by JFS had already been vaccinated prior to the clinic.) About 75 JFS employees were also vaccinated, along with about 50 Meals on Wheels volunteers. While the pandemic has affected everyone, being able to help facilitate vaccinations to the Holocaust survivors, with all they’ve been through, renders Ohren nearly speechless. “Of all of our sacred work, working with survivors anywhere from 75 to 105 years old, there’s nothing more important than to help survivors,” Ohren said. “For us to be able to do a homey clinic at a place that’s familiar to them, I don’t have words. I could cry.”
CAREFUL PREPARATION Ohren said the OCHD has been great to work with, and JFS helped educate them on what they would be dealing with before they arrived. “We created an interesting flyer on the concept of trauma-informed care, to think about what it might be like for a survivor to have to stand in line, to smell something, to have somebody come at them with a needle,” Ohren said. “We did a mini-crash course so the folks who are vaccinating have a sense of who the main audience is that they’re vaccinating.” Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust was leading the charge at the clinic and said he believes it’s owed to the most vulnerable to get them protected. “We’re trying to get every dose into as many arms as possible, so I think it’s important that we get out and vaccinate the most vulnerable in our community, and certainly Holocaust survivors, based on age alone, meet that criteria,” Faust said. While Zydower and Lindemann didn’t mention any similarities between the pandemic or vaccinations with the Holocaust, Missy Lewin, JFS’s director of Holocaust Survivor Services, has seen survivors respond on both ends of the spectrum. “We see people who feel cooped up again, and it’s starting to trigger them of those memories they have, and then we’re also seeing people who are saying ‘this isn’t the Holocaust, we know we’re going to be safe and we’re able to get out’ — so we’re really seeing both extremes,” Lewin said. “We know so many things can be triggering for them,
especially coming here today with medical personnel, so we really tried to prep for that and walk the survivors through that.” The survivors received the Moderna vaccine and will receive the second shot on March 1 to avoid doing it on the four-week anniversary Feb. 26, which is Purim. There is a tentative plan for another clinic, in collaboration between Jewish Senior Life and JFS. This would be in February, limited to survivors and their spouses. Details are still in the works. ‘NO PROBLEM’ Zoltan Rubin, 102, of Farmington Hills, born in Czechoslovakia, was among those receiving the first dose as well. “Perfect. Couldn’t be better, no problem,” Rubin said after injection. “I hope it helps. I hope this vaccination will stop this unusual thing which is a tragedy for the whole world.” Rubin, who comes from a family of 11 siblings, said he lost all but two brothers to the Holocaust. Speaking on how he’s dealt with the isolation and consequences of the pandemic, Rubin said he’s lucky that he has his daughter to help him, but otherwise it’s very hard. “I think God is trying to show people they have to believe in something, and people should realize they’re here only on borrowed time, they’re not here forever, and they should always consider their behavior toward other people around them and all over the world,” Rubin said. “We should realize we are here because we are allowed to be here.” FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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OUR COMMUNITY
Christ Church Cranbrook
A Spirit of
Sharing During its renovation, church rents space at Temple Beth El.
BY DAVE PARKER
BARBARA LEWIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
C
hrist Church Cranbrook needed space for offices and educational programs during a major renovation project. Temple Beth El opened its doors. Clergy from both congregations see it as a match made in heaven. Christ Church Cranbrook, a large Episcopalian congregation in Bloomfield Hills, embarked on a $10 million expansion and renovation project in 2019. The efforts focus on the church’s program center, which includes offices, classrooms and the early childhood center. The program center opened in 1938, 10 years after the adjacent majestic Gothic sanctuary. By late last year, the renovation work got to the point where the people using the space would soon need to move. Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township, with a large building less than 5 miles from the church, seemed worth investigating. The two institutions have cooperated on numerous programs in recent years, and their lead clergy are good friends. “Although a church and a synagogue
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are very different organizations on the surface, the truth is that we share much more in common than people might expect,” said Temple Beth El’s senior rabbi, Mark Miller. He said he regards Christ Church Cranbrook’s rector, the Rev. William J. Danaher Jr., as “one of the most thoughtful and impactful religious leadRabbi Mark ers in our vicinity.” Miller Danaher suggested Temple Beth El to the church’s tenant advocate, Mark Bowman of Bowman Ecker, a real estate strategy firm. The renovation and moving plan went through an intricate review Rev. William process at the church. After J. Danaher approval by the vestry (the Jr. church’s governing board), the proposal had to be approved by the parish as a whole and also by the Standing Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. “At every level, the vote was unanimous, which rarely happens,” Danaher
said. On the Beth El side, member Gary Goodman, who has worked in commercial leasing for more than 20 years, helped ensure that the arrangement was beneficial for the temple and handled professionally, Miller said. It didn’t hurt that Rev. Danaher’s wife, Claire Danaher, works as the chief financial officer at Temple Beth El. “Because we are married, Claire and I discussed this project as little as possible,” he said. “However, she was kind enough to let me know that I could count on her support,” The 22-member church staff — which includes four priests, administrative and support staff, a music director and assistant, and a director of children and family ministries — along with nine professional singers and 17 teachers in the Little Lambs early childhood program — were to begin their move Feb. 10. They hope to be settled at Temple Beth El by Feb. 15. SEVERAL PARTNERSHIPS The two congregations have partnered
BY DAVE PARKER
Temple Beth El
in numerous programs in recent years, including service projects over the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The church has participated in the temple’s annual Glazer Institute for several years. Christ Church Cranbrook took an active role in a vigil held at Beth El after the
2018 shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Last fall, the two congregations jointly sponsored a six-part class (presented via Zoom) by Vanderbilt University Professor Amy-Jill Levine that examined stories and parables in Genesis and the New Testament. Another series is
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planned for this spring. The 900-member-family Christ Church Cranbrook is at the corner of Lone Pine and Cranbrook roads. Temple Beth El, at 14 Mile and Telegraph roads, has more than 1,000 members. The remodeling plan does not involve the church’s sanctuary, and worship services will continue there. Services have been livestreamed since the beginning of the COVID shutdowns last spring and have been so popular that they have attracted regular participants from as far away as Arkansas and Colorado, Danaher said. Miller said in addition to the leased offices and classroom space, Christ Church Cranbrook staff and parishioners will be welcome to use the temple’s communal spaces, including the board room, library and Handelman
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Hall. Danaher says he hopes the partnership will help both congregations grow spiritually. “I very much look forward to spending the next two years deepening my knowledge of Judaism, particularly the roots that my own Christian faith has in the unbroken promises of God to Israel,” he said. “This partnership is about so much more than space, but about ways our communities can grow together. My hope is that we will become more of ourselves as we learn to love each other better.” Miller agreed. “One of the great joys of this growing partnership will be the opportunity for our clergy, staff and members to deepen our understanding not only of our neighbors but of our own commitment to living a meaningful Jewish life in the 21st century,” he said.
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FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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OUR COMMUNITY
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his Purim, the Conservative Jewish community in Metro Detroit is reassuring its community that on Zoom, as the Purim song goes, “we’ll merry merry be.” Marking the one-year anniversary and noting that Purim was the last Jewish holiday that most Jews celebrated together in the synagogue, Conservative congregations will combine their efforts to celebrate Purim virtually through a variety of programming over Zoom. Also, there will be opportunities for Jews to enjoy traditions such as mishloach manot (goody baskets given to friends) and collecting and delivering food for the needy through socially distanced means. Kicking off the night of Feb. 25, there will be a family musical Megillah party at 6:30 p.m. and, in a separate Zoom at 6:45 p.m., a full Megillah reading chanted by various members of participating synagogues. To continue the merriment, Israeli comedian Joel Chasnoff will entertain following the Megillah. At 7:30 a.m. Feb. 26 there will be a
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traditional morning reading. All virtual events are free and open to the community and registration can be found at www.conservativeshuls.org. In past years, congregations in West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills would gather on Purim for evening and morning Megillah readings and celebrations, while congregations like Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, Beth Shalom in Oak Park and the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue would have their own readings and festivities. Because of the way religious services have evolved virtually in this year of the pandemic, leaders across the Conservative Jewish community decided to join forces for one coordinated celebration, according to Linda Jacobson of B’nai Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield. “The silver lining of the pandemic is that congregations are working more closely together to combine efforts,” said Jacobson, who for years has been on the Purim planning committee for the Conservative community. “Efforts from this time will extend beyond the
The cast of Temple Israel’s 2020 shpiel, “A Very Frozen Purim”
COURTESY OF TEMPLE ISRAEL
STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ruth Bergman and Adat Shalom Rabbi Aaron Bergman at a previous Conservative Purim celebration at Beth Ahm
Shir Shalom congregants get into Purim in a prior year.
COURTESY SHIR SHALOM
Conservative shuls unite to provide virtual Purim festivities.
COURTESY BETH AHM
the
pandemic, as we have created a community-wide website to better communicate about resources and upcoming programming and educational opportunities.” After Purim, the website, which is hosted by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, will remain as a resource for the synagogues to continue collaborating on efforts to serve the Jewish community. Beth Ahm Executive Director David Goodman said the website will be a central place to learn about and register for events, classes and other activities. FOR ALL AGES Though there will be none of the usual in-person revelry of carnivals, costume parades or gragger-filled Megillah readings, leaders in the Conservative Jewish community say that online programming will cater to a variety of age levels, from
“WE CREATED AN ORIGINAL SHPIEL BASED ON CINDERELLA TO TIME WITH THE PREMIERE OF THE NEW CINDERELLA MOVIE.” — HAZZAN DANIEL GROSS family-friendly and traditional readings to discussions for teens and young adults about the Feast of Lots. Hazzan Daniel Gross of Adat Shalom in Farmington Hills said he and Ari Reis, director of youth and family learning at Shaarey Zedek, worked to plan the family musical Megillah party that is geared for families with young children but will be “entertaining for all ages.” “We created an original shpiel based on Cinderella to time with the premiere of the new Cinderella movie,” Gross said. “Clergy and staff from all the
congregations will perform to some original musical numbers.” Rabbi Steven Rubenstein of Beth Ahm in West Bloomfield said in typical years, Purim celebrations happen outside the home — in a synagogue or out in the community. But unfortunately, for the health of the population, celebrations must be confined to one’s home. “Purim is a tough holiday to do on your own from a distance,” Rubenstein said. “But I think that our plans this year will give everyone an opportunity to feel a real celebration this
Q
Purim even though we will be online.” Rabbi Aaron Starr of Shaarey Zedek said just as there is no mention of God in the Megillah and that instead God’s presence was conveyed through the actions of the heroes of the story, Mordechai and Esther, we can see parallels in how the coronavirus story has unfolded in the last year. “This Purim, while we celebrate from a distance, we give thanks to today’s heroes: the scientists who developed the COVID-19 vaccine and especially the health care professionals who have protected us, cared for us and who will deliver to us the vaccine,” Starr said. “We seek to follow their lead and their wisdom. In this way, by honoring today’s heroes and yesterday’s heroes, by caring for others and for ourselves, we fulfill our role as God’s partners in the sacred covenant.”
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FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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business SPOTlight
BIRMIN GH A M
COURTESY OF GLOBE MIDWEST ADJUSTERS
brought to you in partnership with
Insurance Assurance
Globe Midwest Adjusters International has had Jewish roots for generations. ROBIN SCHWARTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A
friend’s house fire nearly 100 years ago sparked a business idea that continues to grow and flourish, led by two local Jewish families. Globe Midwest Adjusters International traces its roots back to that century-old fire. In today’s world, public insurance adjusters help people get fair settlements from insurance companies after they suffer fires and other losses. Globe is now a national leader in the field. The Southfield-based company has handled major claims from terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center to the Oklahoma City bombing to natural disasters locally and
Carl Gross
Ethan Gross
At the recent Hillel International Virtual Global Assembly, University of Michigan Hillel was presented with the prestigious Philip H. and Susan Rudd Cohen Outstanding Campus Award in recognition of its excellence in strategically engaging students on the periphery of Jewish life.
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FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
Danielle Levin Gabbard
nationally. They negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of businesses and individuals and do everything from documenting inventory after
here’s to
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Bobby Levin
floods, fires and other damage to assessing the loss of business revenue and more. The company’s four owners — brothers Carl and Ethan Gross, and father and daughter, Bobby Levin and Danielle Levin Gabbard — are carrying on the family tradition. “Legend has it that in 1924, my great-grandfather, Abe Mackey, had a friend whose house caught fire,” recalls the company’s CEO Ethan Gross. “He wanted to borrow some
The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue has announced that Gavri Yares will be joining their staff as the congregation’s musician in residence. He will provide joyous devotional music and service leadership to enhance Shabbat, Tot Shabbat, Havdalah and holiday services. Yares is a musician and music educator who has toured, performed and taught in North America, Europe and the Middle East and is a multi-instrumentalist proficient.
Top Row (left to right) is Maury Levin and Abe Mackey, center row is David Gross, the company’s original founders.
money for repairs. Abe agreed to loan him the money but wanted to handle the claim to make sure there were enough insurance proceeds to pay back the loan. That’s when he became a public adjuster.” In the early 1950s, Abe and his partner, son-in-law David Gross, formed a company with Maury Levin, bringing the two
University of Michigan Assistant Professor Devi Mays has won a National Jewish Book Award from the Jewish Book Council for her first book, Forging Ties, Forging Passports: Migration and the Modern Sephardi Diaspora, published by Stanford University Press. The book won in the category of Sephardic Culture, receiving the Mimi S. Frank Award in Memory of Becky Levy.
families together. Over the years, they’ve worked together and separately at different times, but by 1985, Globe Midwest Adjusters International was formed and the families have worked side-by-side ever since. “We took a local business and turned it into a national business and started generating some of the largest clients around the country,” says Bobby Levin, Globe’s president and chairman of the board. “We started with 10 employees and now have more than 50. It’s a successful story of how, from generation to generation, the company has grown and continues to grow.” Globe has strong connections to the Jewish community. They work with property owners (both residential and commercial) who own one property or hundreds. The company represented the Jewish News in 2002 after the fire at its Southfield
headquarters. They also represented Jewish Senior Life’s Hechtman Apartments after a fire there in 2008. Matt Lester, president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, is among Globe’s clients. Lester is also the founder and CEO of Princeton Enterprises LLC., an international real estate holding company and property management firm. “Globe’s experience and expertise is unmatched in the industry,” Lester said. “We have been the beneficiary of their ingenuity countless times.” KNOW YOUR POLICY One key problem is that insurance policies are hard to read and comprehend. Danielle Levin Gabbard, the company’s national director of claims, says a big mistake most people make is not knowing what they’re entitled to.
“Your insurance policy is one of the most important documents that you’ll ever sign, and most people never even read it,” Levin Gabbard said. “We understand policy language, and we work to help people and businesses get more than the insurance company will offer, often during the most stressful times.” Levin Gabbard is the first woman in the family to become an owner. Eden (Gross) Glasser, Carl and Ethan’s sister, also works for the company as manager of the residential contents department. Their father, Allen Gross, who passed away in 2007, was a founding partner. “We’re not a ‘quantity’ organization; we’re a ‘quality’ organization,” Levin said. “Our growth has been a result of the strong relationships we’ve built with our clients.” Despite the company’s success and continued growth,
many people are not aware this type of help is available. Levin Gabbard says most people attempt to deal with their insurance company alone, something that’s hard to do when you’re also in the midst of recovering, rebuilding and trying to keep your business afloat after a disaster. She says another common mistake people make is waiting too long to reach out for help. “In our business, at its core what we’re doing is helping people when they’re going through the most challenging times of their lives,” Ethan Gross said. “What’s special about our team is that everybody cares. We all truly want to help our clients. We all enjoy the work we do because we enjoy helping people every day.” To learn more, visit: globemw-ai.com or call (888) 632-8676.
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FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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BUSINESS
Finding the ‘Write’ WORDS New PR firm to help businesses improve communication with their customers. REISA SHANAMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“I
was always a grammar and words fanatic,” says Jamie Sherman, a Farmington Hills native now residing in Huntington Woods. “When I was trying to figure out what to major in in undergrad, I loved communications, I loved advertising, and I loved psychology. They all center around ways to get to know people, to express yourself and to understand people.” Her decision was ultimately determined by the fact that the Public Relations curriculum fell under Communications. “With PR you still have to understand what people respond to and how their minds work,” she explains. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 2008. After graduating, Jamie moved to New York City for an opportunity at Rubenstein, a large communication agency, although she’s always longed to return to Detroit. “I was working with clients like Lionsgate Films, Cirque du Soleil, the Tribeca Film Festival and the Museum of Modern Art. With
Jamie Sherman
all these accounts the sky was the limit, and you could think as big as you wanted,” she says. Recognizing that her entertainment background was making it difficult to translate her talents to a Detroit market, she broadened her focus and switched gears to brand and corporate PR. Jamie found herself doing the writing and crisis communications for such notable global brands as BMW, Netflix, HBO, Walmart and Refinery29. In 2018, she was hired as a communications consultant to help with the opening of the Shinola Hotel in Downtown Detroit. “What I really want to be able to do is help business owners tell their story in a way that feels authentic to them, and that makes sense to the audience they’re trying to reach, freeing them to focus their energy on running their business,” Jamie says. “I want to be the voice that guides them through the process of communicating and executing their mission in the most compelling way.” She has
just created WORDS Detroit, her own business and brand communication consultancy, in order to do just that. “I decided to found WORDS at the intersection of a couple realizations: That a lot of people absolutely hate writing, and that writing is the through-line of all my professional experience — and my favorite part of the work I have done,” she said. “Helping businesses tell their stories from the inside out is not only interesting and rewarding to me, but it is a real pain-point for many business owners. They can easily talk to you about their business and why it is important, but when it comes to succinctly conveying their passion on a website, creating supporting content for their blog or newsletters, or condensing their big, complex ideas into digestible soundbites and sales tools, it becomes an overwhelming and arduous task.” MULTI-DIMENSIONAL WORDS offers services that include writing press releases,
speeches and talking points, website copy, biographies, webinar and blog content, and more. What advice does she have for business owners when it comes to their own branding and communication? “Keep it as concise as you can,” Jamie says. “Less is more when it comes to your brand communications. This can be especially difficult when it’s your own business because every step that you had to take to get where you are feels so important. That’s why having an outside perspective from somebody who can home in on ‘the point’ can be a good thing.” Jamie also recommends resisting the urge to use “sales-y” language in brand materials. “This is where you want to highlight your features and benefits, your brand mission and your personality — with the right words, it will sell itself.” In her own words, “Words are not everyone’s forte, but they are necessary for every business. The right phrasing can tell the story of your mission, set the tone for what your clients can expect and provide consistency while setting you and your unique vision apart from the crowd. Corporate communications and public relations are my trade; words are my obsession.” Learn more about WORDS Detroit and the services offered at www. wordsdetroit.com.
“WORDS ARE NOT EVERYONE’S FORTE, BUT THEY ARE NECESSARY FOR EVERY BUSINESS.” — JAMIE SHERMAN
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his Shabbat, when we nor can he, separate himself read Parshat Mishpatim, from God.” (Rabbi Shneur is the first day of Adar. Zalman of Liadi.) This week’s additional readWhy was it specifically a ing for the month of Adar is half-shekel and not a full shektitled Parshat Shekalim; el? There is one commenin it is the Jewish peotary which explains that ple’s half-shekel contrithis alludes to the fact that bution to the Mishkan, atonement for the soul is the Tabernacle. only necessary for half of After the Jewish the soul. There is always Rabbi people sinned with the part of the soul that Mendel the Golden Calf, God remains as pure as ever Polter commanded Moses to throughout the struggles Parshat tell the people to each of the integrated (with the Mishpatim: body) part of the soul. This bring an atonement of Exodus a half-shekel. From that unaltered portion is what 21:1-24:18; II year onward, every Jew leaves us eternally bonded Kings 12:1was required to bring a 17. (Shabbat with God and fellow Jews. half-shekel to be used 3. “One who brings a Shekalim) for the purchase of substantial offering and communal offerings. one who brings a meager offerAlthough this donation ing have equal merit, provided became unnecessary after the that he directs his heart toward destruction of the Temple, we heaven.” (Menachot 13:11). read this portion as a replaceWhen it comes to matters ment for its actual fulfillment. of atonement and reconciliaHere are three life lessons that tion for the Golden Calf, a sin may be derived from this spewhich has had repercussions cific commandment: throughout Jewish history, the 1. “God’s love of each and every question arises: How is it that a Jew is infinitely greater than the half-coin donation is meaninglove of elderly parents for their ful enough to atone for this sin? only child born to them in their The Talmud tells us that this later years.” (The Ba’al Shem Tov.) question bothered no less than The verse states, in regard to Moses. God responded to Moses the half-shekel: “The rich shall by “taking a half-shekel coin of give no more, and the poor shall fire from beneath His throne of give no less than half a shekel, glory and telling Moses, ‘Like with which to give the offering this you shall give.’’’ What is the to the Lord, to atone for your meaning of this Godly response? souls” (Exodus 30:15). When it It is not the quantity that counts, comes to matters of the Jews’ but the quality. relationship with God, there is There is no greater step no elite status for someone who toward reconciliation than a is rich or who has any worldly Jew who gives what seems to be advantage. The requirement an insignificant half-shekel, but upon every Jew equally repgiven with a fire and passionate resents the ultimate unification yearning to return to God. which God has with every Jew, Rabbi Mendel Polter is a rabbi at the regardless of achieved status. Woodward Avenue Shul. 2. “A Jew does not desire to,
ARTS&LIFE BOOKS
SHAI HANSAV
Jaclyn Goldis
The of a
Former lawyer, now romance novelist, finds inspiration in Tel Aviv.
J
SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
aclyn Goldis has written and critiqued her own novels and feels confident about the time to pursue publication. Her first, completed when she was 17 and living in Bloomfield Hills, never reached an agent’s desk. Almost 20 years later, her fourth, completed in Tel Aviv, became the first submitted for agent consideration and was moved along to be accepted by a publisher. When We Were Young (Grand Central, Forever Imprint), with a release date of Feb. 16, recalls the early loves of three generations of women in a Jewish family. It reaches from a Greek island during World War II to Florida in current times.
“The book mostly focuses on the grandmother and granddaughter,” said Goldis, who shares a close relationship with her maternal grandmother, Libby Newman of West Bloomfield. “It’s the story of a bride just before her wedding. The bride’s old boyfriend comes back to tell her why he broke up with her the last summer their families vacationed together on the island of Corfu. “Meanwhile, the girl’s grandmother begins to correspond with the lover she had during World War II on a Greek island.” Goldis wanted a beach setting for her novel, and she picked Corfu because she was looking
for a lesser-known area with Tel Aviv is a small city. I walk the history of being invaded by down the street and see people I the Nazis. Research brought her know. It feels like home because focus to Greek territory, where I have a ton of family here.” she spent three weeks, about four years ago, as she started the STAGES OF WRITING book. As the author develops books “I don’t know that I could beyond her debut novel, she folwrite about a place I hadn’t been lows a routine depending on the to,” she said. stage of development. During Goldis, who attended Hillel the brainstorming/outlining Day School and graduated phase, she needs quiet time and from Andover High School spaces for ideas to flourish and while her family belonged takes her notebook wherever to Congregation Beth Ahm, she goes. majored in economics at the The research stage comes University of Michigan and next, and that includes interearned a law degree from New views. Moving into the first York University. She practiced draft, she writes new material estate law in Chicago between in the morning and edits in the afternoon. 2007 and 2015 before deciding “I am not a writer who subto devote her days to writing. scribes to the philosophy that “I always want to follow my one needs to write every day,” dreams,” she explained. “I’ve she said. “I like to be in flow, been a writer since my earliest and there are many days I don’t memory. When I left my job in Chicago, I was up for a partner- write new material because I am in a different stage of the ship, but I think there’s really process, like brainstorming or something to be said about folediting or doing promotional lowing your heart.” things.” Before deciding to move into Goldis, whose favorite a Tel Aviv apartment in 2017, authors include Pat Conroy and Goldis traveled the world. Daniel Silva, labels her style as “I have traveled a lot in my “book club fiction,” which she life, and I believe that those experiences generally have con- defines as offering thought-provoking themes and conflicts tributed to my writing in that I that lend themselves enjoy writing about to discussion. She American women also classifies her abroad, perhaps books as women’s also because I live fiction with historabroad,” said Goldis, ical and romantic a single who enjoys elements. running and mediWith the pantating daily. demic restrictions, “I think there is something interestGoldis is scheduling digital presentations ing about exiting — for other writers your everyday life COURTESY OF FOREVER and for readers. A and assimilating or visit to her website, jaclyngoldis. trying to assimilate to another com, provides details for an culture and people. upcoming workshop, Feb. 21, “I went to Tel Aviv and on how to pitch a manuscript. thought I would just stay for More and varied presentations a month but never left. I love are in the works and will be warm weather and living 20 posted. steps from the sea. I like that FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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ARTS&LIFE MUSIC
RANDYKAPLAN.BANDCAMP.COM
up to anybody and say ‘put your mask on.’ There are horror stories about people doing that; but as a writer, I always have an outlet. A tune comes to me, and I can say it that way. Probably, more people hear and get the message [through a song] than if I had just said something to guys in a store. “I don’t know what the controversy is with masks. It just seems like a respectful thing to do. It just drives me crazy when people are flouting that rule for no reason and endangering people.” Kaplan, 53, who lives in Bloomfield
Cover that Nose! Farber teacher composes songs for kids about facemasks and safety during the pandemic. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
R
andy Kaplan teaches in two ways — through classes at Farber Hebrew Day School and through songs he writes, performs and records. Kaplan hopes both ways have the element of fun. During the pandemic, Kaplan instructs Farber classes that include literature, composition and drama. His most recent song, “The Mouth Is Connected to the Nose,” explains why masks are needed. It asks: “Are you equal to the task of putting on your mask So that it covers up your nostrils (those two holes)?” The inspiration for the song came as Kaplan was walking through a supermarket and saw two young, muscular guys — each wearing a mask over his mouth but not his nose — regardless how close they came to other shoppers. “It just seemed so arrogant and hubristic to me,” Kaplan said. “Whatever you believe about the efficacy of masks, it’s pretty clear about the rules of the stores. You can’t come in without a mask, and it’s better to operate within a system of rules so fairness prevails. “This day and age, I hesitate to walk
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FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
Hills, grew up on Long Island and attended the University of Michigan into his sophomore year. He moved to California to pursue a career in acting and music and appeared in guest roles on programs such as Growing Pains, Beauty and the Beast and A Different World. While working in entertainment, he also earned a degree in English from the University of California at Los Angeles and got a temporary job at a preschool. That job veered him into music for young people and their families.
ACCLAIM FOR SONGS Kaplan has released seven full-length family albums and about a dozen digital singles, available through his website, randykaplan.bandcamp.com. During the pandemic, he released six of those singles. One, “Your Mask Is Like Your Underwear,” was written after another teacher complained of problems getting her son to keep his mask clean. Kaplan’s recordings for children have been recognized with National Parenting Product Awards and Nickelodeon Parents’ Picks Awards. His work has been on the Top 10 lists of National Public Radio and People magazine. He also is a three-time winner of the ASCAP Plus Award. With teaching responsibilities partly digital and partly face-to-face, Kaplan has been able to maintain a studio at the school. “I like teaching virtually,” said Kaplan, who moved to Michigan in 2015 to be close to the family of his wife, the former Julie May, whom he met in California while she was pursuing a singing career. “I have tricks of sharing screens, moving to a quick video, highlighting someone and using the availability to chat. “The problem is that it’s hard to monitor certain students who might not be paying attention. They could wind up falling more into the background, which is not good for them. The students who are intrinsically motivated thrive online.” The Kaplans’ 9-year-old son learns digital techniques from Dad. “I’ve been doing MP3 digital releases, so there’s no CD during the pandemic,” Kaplan said. “People can listen to them a few times for free. They will eventually be linked with iTunes, Spotify and all of that. “For ‘The Mouth Is Connected to the Nose,’ I got to work remotely with a friend, Mike West, who is a family recordings producer, as well as his children — now living in Wales.” While Kaplan sang and played guitar, West performed harmonies and worked with banjo, mandolin and bass. Julian West can be heard on drums, shakers and tambourines. Vega West added to the harmonies, and Esther West did unison singing.
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Jenny Lumet is best known for writing Rachel Getting Married (2008), a critically acclaimed NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST film. Her husband is Alex Weinstein, an artist she once SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, referred to as “a nice Jewish boy.” REDUX & HORROR/THRILLER If you’ve ever seen The Clarice, a new CBS series, starts Silence of the Lambs, you Feb. 11 at 10 p.m. It follows FBI remember Dr. Chilton, the prison agent Clarice Sterling a year psychiatrist whom serial killer after (1993) the events depictHannibal Lector detests, played ed in the film The Silence of by Anthony Heald, now 76. A the Lambs. Michael Cudlitz, New York native, he graduated 56, whose father is Jewish, from Michigan State in 1971 plays a main cast character. and began his acting He was a series regular career at the Boarshead in Band of Brothers and Theater in Lansing. Southland. Clarice was Chilton was by far created by Alex Kurtzman, Heald’s biggest film 47, and Jenny Lumet, role. He is mostly a 53. Kurtzman’s credits stage actor, appearing include co-writing Star on Broadway and at the Trek (2009) and Star Trek: Anthony Heald Oregon Shakespeare Into the Darkness (2013). Festival. Around 2007, Lumet is the daughter of Heald converted to Judaism. the late, great director Sidney Lumet (Dog Day Afternoon and He and his secular Jewish wife were looking for “more,” and 12 Angry Men). Lena Horne guided by an Oregon rabbi, was her maternal grandmother. IMDB
CELEBRITY JEWS
they became and remain serious practicing Jews. Heald co-stars in Alone, a small budget thriller/horror movie released to a few theaters last September. Most films like this get terrible reviews. Alone is an exception. Reviews have been outstanding and Hulu recently began streaming it. The film was directed by John Hyams, 51. Alone is a three-character movie. Basic plot: Jessica, a young widow, is travelling on the highway when she notices someone following her. The stalker kidnaps her and hides her in a cabin in the woods. Heald plays Robert, a hunter who tries to help Jessica. French Exit, a new film, opens in theaters Feb. 12 and will begin streaming on-demand shortly after. Michelle Pfeiffer plays an aging American socialite living on the remains of an inheritance. She moves to a
small Paris apartment with her son. The film played the New York Film Festival and major reviews are already in. Pfeiffer’s performance has been widely praised, and she will probably get an Oscar nod. Reviewers were evenly split on the film. Critics were also divided on how well Azazel Jacobs, 49, directed the film. I root for him because his father, filmmaker Ken Jacobs, 87, was my college cinema studies professor. Sports Short: Congrats to Strauss Mann, 21, a University of Michigan junior, who got very good “press” in the latest issue of Jewish Sports Review. This Connecticut native is the first goalie in 78 years to be the U-M team captain. Last year, he was a finalist for Big Ten Player and Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year. Also, last year, the campus magazine, The Wolverine, named him its male athlete of the year.
PHOTO BY GARY NORTH
ARTS&LIFE
as The Henry Ford].” A small replica of the Model T sedan complements a panel explaining the rabbi’s relationship with Henry Ford. After Ford began publishing antisemitic booklets titled “The International Jew,” Rabbi Franklin tried to convince him to stop; when that did not happen, the rabbi gave up ownership of his Model T. Two other members of the Jewish community also are referenced but not in as much detail. Louis Surowitz, in the “Business” section, was a teenager in the 1920s working with his father selling vegetables in a horse-drawn wagon. Members of the Surowitz family later established Surwin’s clothing stores at Northland and Eastland. Jean Goldkettte, a musician and jazz bandleader, brought dance music to live crowds and radio listeners. He opened the Graystone Ballroom on Woodward.
HISTORY
Boom Town Exhibit SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
T
he late Rabbi Leo Franklin, 11th spiritual leader of Temple Beth El, is one of 20 people spotlighted in an exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum. The information and artifacts from the rabbi’s life are part of the display Boom Town: Detroit in the 1920s, which focuses on community luminaries of the decade. “Rabbi Franklin has been included in the section on ‘Social Activism’ because of his interaction in the larger community, advocating for assimilation and non-discrimination,” said Joel Stone, exhibit curator. Other segments of the exhibit designate notables in “Technology/Engineering,” “Business,” “Arts and Culture” and “Entertainment.”
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“These are stories of Detroit told through individuals whose lives flesh out broader thematic concepts,” Stone said. “They represent a broad cross-section of the people living during a period that saw great wealth and great poverty at the same time.” Three mannequins hold different suits Franklin wore as he fostered relationships among different ethnic groups: a business suit, formal tails and an outfit with some military-type piping on the sleeves, all donated to the museum by the rabbi. “The exhibit points out that Rabbi Franklin was a member of the first executive board of the Anti-Defamation League,” Stone said. “Other artifacts brought out from museum archives include a pair of glasses, an art deco desk
Rabbi Franklin’s suit
DETAILS
Boom Town: Detroit in the 1920s is open through spring of 2023. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday). Exhibit viewing comes with general admission ($6-$10). (313) 8331805. Detroithistorical.org.
lamp and a guest lapel identification badge from the opening of the Edison Institute [now known
ON THE GO
PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS
SHABBAT WITH FRIENDS 6:30 PM, FEB. 12 The Well invites you to join Rabbi Jeff and Steph and special guests. Register on the Well’s Facebook page. TOUR ISRAEL NOON-1PM, FEB. 11
TOUR ISRAEL NOON-1PM, FEB. 11 Temple Shir Shalom is offering a live, virtual “From the Underground to the IDF” tour with Rabbi Daniel Schwartz and Israeli tour guide Beni Levin. See three different fronts as we walk the Burma Road, fly with the air force in Ashdod and ride a tank at Latrun to learn about the formation of the Israel Defense Force. There is a charge. To register: shirshalom.org/ event/israel-5.html or call 248-737-8700. JET THEATRE PRESENTS 7 PM, FEB. 11 The JET Theatre, for one night only, will present via Zoom a public performance of A Conversation with Anne Frank: A Virtual Classroom Experience. The cost to receive the link is $5 and can be purchased at jettheatre. org or by calling 248-7882900. WHISKEY TASTING 8 PM, FEB. 11 NEXTGen Detroit Clusters presents Sniffers and Sippers: Whiskey Tasting Cluster, a virtual event. Meet up with fellow whiskey whisperers to share recommendations and try something new. Sample some Kentucky bourbons. There is no cost to attend but get your own bourbon. Register online in advance. NEXTGen Detroit
Clusters are intended for young adults ages 21 to 45. Info: Ken at Schneider@jfmd. org.
Zindle
LIVE FROM THE ARK 8 PM, FEB. 12 Erin Zindle, contemporary songwriter, will stream live from The Ark in Ann Arbor as part of the Ark Family Room Series. Free; donations accepted. Info: theark.org. VIRTUAL CONCERT 3 PM, FEB. 11 The Ark in Ann Arbor will present a live stream of Darlingside. Tickets: $15 Single/$25 Group/$50 All Access. Info: theark.org. THE UYGHURS IN CHINA 7 PM, FEB. 11 The Holocaust Memorial Center is making this virtual program possible. The Uyghurs, a Turkic Muslim ethnic group in western China, are being persecuted by the Chinese government with incarceration in concentration camps, forced sterilization, mass disappearances and the destruction of their culture. Dr. Ellen J. Kennedy, executive director of World Without Genocide, discusses the efforts to hold the Chinese government accountable. Watch live at facebook.com/hmczfc. You do not need a Facebook account to view.
TOT SHABBAT 10 AM, FEB. 13 The Well invites you to learn all about “Shabbat in the Home.” Sing a song, hear a story with friends from the PJ Library. Register at meetyouatthewell.org/calendar/2021/2/13/tot-shabbatshalom-in-the-home-edition. Info: Marni Katz, marni@ meetyouatthewell.org. FAMILY ROOM SERIES 7:30 PM, FEB. 14 At Ann Arbor’s The Ark Facebook page, a live Valentine show. Free. Donations are welcome. Info: theark.org. MUSICAL EVENING 8-9 PM FEB. 14 The Chamber Music Society of Detroit will present the Four Nations Ensemble. Visit info@cmsdeteroit.org. LANGUAGE & CHANGE 7 PM, FEB. 15 The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan is bringing this
Zoom program on language with Eastern Michigan University’s Eric Acton and Veronica Gróndona. EMU’s Jewish Life and Language of Southeast Michigan project provides insights into what life and language in Jewish Metro Detroit looks like today and how it has changed over time. The program will present new evidence that local pronunciations among Jewish women — which differ from those of Jewish women in other parts of the U.S. are changing considerably over time and provide examples of the pride that young women have in their Jewish culture and language. Cost: $10 for members and $18 for non-members. EMU affiliates with an emich.edu email address can register for free by calling (248) 9151826. Register by 9 pm on Sunday, Feb. 14. Info@michiganjewishhistory.org. A POETRY EVENT 8 AM-5 PM, FEB. 16 U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies will host a Zoom webinar on “Stranger Still: Translating Contemporary Poetry from Israel/Palestine.” Poets and translators Sabine Huynh and Karen Alkalay-Gut will join in a conversation about their experiences as multilingual poets in Israel and the role of translation in their work. Info: judaicstudies@ umich.edu or 734-763-9047 MEDITATION & BRAIN HEALTH 1-2:30 PM, FEB. 17 Jewish Family Service and Adat Shalom Synagogue will present “Creating Healthy and Happy Spaces” with Rabbi Aaron Bergman. Meditation can be a powerful tool. It will look at research continued on page 36 FEBRUARY 11 • 2021
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ON THE GO
PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS continued from page 35
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about the effects of meditation on emotional and physical well-being and discuss techniques to developing a meditation practice. Register in advance at: zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJArcO-uqzsqHtFwUiad4Hxm5KlWDTebuGxn. After registering, you will receive a link via email to join the meeting. HEBREW POETRY 7-8 PM, FEB. 17 U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies will present a free Zoom webinar “Releasing Roots: Hebrew Poetry in Translation.” Adriana X. Jacobs, Frankel Institute Fellow, is a scholar and translator of modern Hebrew poetry whose academic research is intertwined with her work as a literary translator. Drawing from her translations of Hebrew poetry by Leah Goldberg, Vaan Nguyen and Hezy Leskly, among others, Jacobs will share her experiences as a scholar-translator and the research that her practice of translation has made possible. Info: judaicstudies@umich.edu or 734763-9047. NOURISH AT THE WELL 8:30 AM, FEB. 18 The Well invites you to join a new morning minyan every Monday and Thursday at 8:30 am. For song, prayer, yoga and meditation all in 30 minutes. Visit meetyouatthewell.org. EUCHRE CLUSTER 7 PM, FEB. 18 NEXTGen Detroit Clusters presents Table Talkers, a virtual event. Bring a partner or come solo (we can
partner you up) to play a friendly game of virtual euchre. In this cluster, you will be able to enjoy all euchre has to offer. We’ll be using the website trickstercards.com, if you want to check it out prior to the event. You can play on a computer, smart phone or tablet. There is no cost to attend this event; have your own deck of cards on hand. Register online by Feb. 16. NEXTGen Detroit Clusters are intended for young adults ages 21 to 45. Info: Mimi at mmarcus@jfmd.org. PURIM PET CONTEST NOON, FEB. 20 NEXTGen Detroit encourages you to enter your sweet fur baby in our Purim Pet Parade & Costume Contest for fun, for glory, for prizes, for fine tuning your arts and crafts skills, for bringing smiles to the faces of all who see your pet in costume … and for years of bragging rights. Send a photo of your pet in costume along with your pet’s name and a brief description of the costume to Mimi at mmarcus@jfmd. org no later than Feb. 20. On Feb. 23, they will share the Purim Pet Parade (in the form of a slide show and photo album) all over social media. On Feb. 24, the distinguished panel of pet costume experts will select the winners of the Esther Award for Best Female Pet Costume and the Mordechai Award for Best Male Pet Costume. Winners will receive a gift card to Pet Supplies Plus. Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews.com.
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JANUARY 2 FEBRUARY 11 2020 • 2021
WENDY MARIE BLAU, 71, passed away Jan. 25, 2021, in Virginia Beach, Va. Wendy was a very passionate person in her beliefs. She created her own company, Ethan’s Wooden Toys. Also, she loved the outdoors and exploring nature amongst many other hobbies. Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Harry Blau; and her brother, Jeffrey Blau. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Irving and Judy Blau; nieces, Ali Otis, Lindsay Hords, Lainie Sacks, Zoey Zamarripa, and their families; her son, Ethan Blau and his fiancée, Dakota; four grandchildren, Ashlyn, Mason, Nixon and Zaiden of Virginia Beach. BARRETT CHOMSKY, 74, of Detroit, died Jan. 28, 2021. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, David and Susan Chomsky; nieces and nephews, Erica Lynn Chomsky Adelson and Jeff Adelson, Madison and Ryan Albright, and Nathan Hillel Chomsky. Mr. Chomsky was the devoted son of the late Max and the late Bertha Chomsky; the loving brother of the late Frieda Lynn Chomsky. Interment was at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, 1457 Griswold St., Detroit, MI 48226, downtownsynagogue.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
ROBERT “BOB” COHEN, 87, of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, died Jan. 29, 2021. He was an amazing person, kind, loving and generous. He and Shirley were married for 63 years and were consummate snowbirds, flying down to the warmer climes of Florida for the winter. Bob loved stained-glass art and created beautiful stainedglass pieces, which are hanging throughout both homes. He owned and ran Empire Glass Company, working alongside his son, Dale. Bob was heavily involved in the glass industry and served as president of the Ohio Glass Association. Always up for an adventure, he included his family on many trips to the National Glass Association’s annual conventions throughout the country. Bob was always involved in his children’s lives, from working with his sons’ Boy Scout troops to helping with his daughter’s Bluebirds group. He enjoyed fishing and boating and caught lots of fish with his kids and extended family members Roger and Chucky. He loved spending time with his nine grandchildren and keeping up on their comings and goings. His sense of humor was passed down to his children and grandchildren, who always have a joke or off-the-cuff remark on the tips of their tongues; it meant so much to him. Bob was so happy to meet his new great-grandson, Asher Bennett Epstein, through a video. He will be greatly missed but will always be remembered with love and laughter. Mr. Cohen was the dearly continued on page 40
The Fan Behind the Legends STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
D
r. Robert E. “Bob” Matthews, of Farmington Hills, famous for his sports memorabilia collection, died Feb. 2, 2021, at age 85. A private family service was held Feb. 5 at Dorfman Chapel. For those who want to learn about Hank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Moe Berg, Al Rosen and other Jewish sports stars, the place to go is the “Matthews Sports Exhibit: Jewish Heroes & Other Legends,” a permanent display of sports memorabilia at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. The exhibit opened in 2012 and is only part of Dr. Matthews’ vast collection. The collection has so many items that 350 or so are rotated in and out of the JCC exhibit on a seasonal basis. Stuart Raider is among many in the community who will miss Dr. Matthews, a retired orthodontist. Raider is president of the Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation’s board of directors. Dr. Matthews became a board member shortly after he was named a Pillar of Excellence recipient by the foundation in 2016. “Bob was absolutely ecstatic to be a Pillar,” Raider said. “I always enjoyed talking to him because he was so positive and happy. He and his wife, Sandy, truly loved coming to the foundation’s events. “Bob did a lot of work as a foundation board member. He spent his winters in Florida, but if you needed
something done, Bob took care of it.” The Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, overseen by the foundation, also is based at the JCC. “The Hall of Fame is a focal point of the JCC. Bob’s exhibit also is a focal point, especially because it’s there because
Berg titled The Spy Behind Home Plate. Kempner relied on Dr. Matthews’ expertise about Berg in the making of her documentary, with good reason. There’s a Moe Berg Wall of Fame at the Matthews JCC exhibit. A sneak peak of the doc-
BOB MATTHEWS HAD AN ENCYCLOPEDIC MEMORY WHEN IT CAME TO SPORTS. Bob Matthews
Bob wanted to share his sports memorabilia, not show off,” Raider said. “I’d love to combine the Hall of Fame and Bob’s exhibit someday. It would be a perfect marriage.” The foundation’s Facebook page is filled with tributes for Dr. Matthews, including one from Raider that says, “A gentleman’s gentleman. I was lucky to have him as a friend.” Other tributes include one from Stephen Bernstein: “A wonderful guy. I was honored to be inducted as a Pillar of Excellence the same year as Bob. May the memory of this total mensch be a blessing.” MOE BERG TRIBUTE Dr. Matthews’ exhibit at the JCC gained national attention in 2019 when acclaimed filmmaker Aviva Kempner released a documentary on
umentary was held June 20, 2019, at the Maple Theater in Bloomfield Township. Dr. Matthews introduced Kempner that night. It was a special night for him for another reason. It was his 84th birthday. “This is one of the best birthday presents I could have asked for,” he said in a 2019 Jewish News story. Dr. Matthews’ memorabilia on Berg includes Berg’s handwritten 1934 income tax return, a canceled check for $100 signed by Berg in 1951, Berg’s World War II ration card, a book by Winston Churchill from Berg’s library, the only article written by Berg, a piece titled “Pitchers and Catchers” that was published in Atlantic Monthly, and declassified top-secret
documents. “Thanks to Bob’s exhibit at the JCC, I already knew a lot about Moe Berg before I saw the documentary,” Raider said. Collecting sports memorabilia was Dr. Matthews’ lifelong passion, and he had an encyclopedic memory when it came to sports. His passion for sports may have begun as early as 1940, at age 5, when he went to his first Detroit Tigers game and saw Greenberg play for the Tigers. Among the other highlights of the Matthews JCC exhibit are baseballs, a bat, a first baseman’s glove and 1927 James Monroe High School (Bronx, N.Y.) yearbook signed by Greenberg; two kippot signed by Koufax, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitching star; and an original work of art with autographs and personal notes from 26 current and former Jewish Major League Baseball players. Dr. Mathews was the beloved husband of Sandra Matthews; dear father of Alan Brown and Michelle Brown; loving pappa of Samuel Brown, Jenna Brown and Leah Brown; devoted brother-in-law of Dr. Claude (Terry) Oster, Dr. Jerry Loomus and Irwin Fenster. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Charitable contributions in his honor should be made to Jewish Senior Life, (248) 661-2999. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. continued on page XX
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OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 38
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beloved husband of Shirley (nee Brody); devoted father of Dale Cohen (Cindy), Steven Cohen (Susan) and Lisa Keffer (Bryan); cherished grandfather of Robin, Ryan and Rachel Cohen, Jaymie Epstein (Matthew), Samuel, Noah and Joshua Cohen, Haley and Jayme Keffer; loving great-grandfather of Asher Bennett Epstein; dear brother of Sharon Ishee (Roger) and Leonard Cohen (the late Gloria Cohen). To view the service, navigate to YouTube and search Robert Cohen Funeral Service Jan. 31, 2021. Contributions are suggested to Temple Israel Ner Tamid in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, or Children’s Wish Foundation. CATHERINE “KITTY” GARRISON, (nee Starler), 96, of Southfield, died Jan. 28, 2021. She was born in Detroit, on Oct. 30, 1924. After graduating from Central High School in 1942, she went to work as a secretary for the U.S. Army Ordnance Division in the Fisher Building. She met Morris Garrison on a blind date, and they were married on Sept. 29, 1946. They had three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren while living in Detroit, Southfield, North Miami Beach and Boynton Beach. Morris died in 2002. Mrs. Garrison is survived by her children, Howard and Ellen Garrison, Marc and Linda Garrison, Lori and Martin Lonky; her grandchildren, Aaron and Andrea Garrison, Trevor and Lyndsi Garrison, Blake Solomon, Brittany
Solomon, Rachel Garrison and Federico Picca, and David Garrison; great-grandchildren, Ella Garrison, Will Garrison, Emersyn Garrison and Freya Garrison. Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 27777 Franklin Road, Suite 1150, Southfield, MI 48034, heart.org/en/ affiliates/michigan/detroit; or Brookdale Hospice of Farmington Hills, Attn: Valerie Madveck, 32300 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 125, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, please indicate: In memory of Catherine “Kitty” Garrison. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. CINDY JOY GUDENAU, 62, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 28, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Alexandra Gudenau, and her fiance, Albert Budnetsky; her son, Matthew Gudenau; brothers and sisters, Nelson and Robin Resnick, Ronald and Cinda Lou Resnick, Howard and Shari Resnick, and Lori and Van Conway; nieces and nephews, Carly and Kendall Conway, Julianne, Adam, Michael, Brandon and Tracy Resnick, Michelle Nunnally, Erica Fonck and Kimberly; sister-in-law, Debbie Guss. Mrs. Gudenau was the loving sister of the late Stephen Resnick; the devoted daughter of the late William and the late Mignon Resnick. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Michigan Humane Society, Development
Dept., 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025-4507, michiganhumane.org/tributes; Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, holocaustcenter.org; or Tamarack Camps, 6735 Telegraph Road, #380, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, tamarackcamps.com/ tributes. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. LYNNE RAE KONSTANT, 76, of Huntington Woods, died Jan. 28, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Erica Konstant; son, Victor Konstant; sisters and brothers-in-law, Amy and Steven Hanegan, and Stephanie Mason and Hal Margolit; nephews, Jacob Hanegan, Lee and Aaron Margolit; many loving cousins and close friends. Mrs. Konstant was the devoted daughter of the late Leonard and the late Connie Mason; the special niece of the late Ruth Bornstein. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. There will be a celebration of Lynne’s life at a later date when family and friends can all be together. Contributions may be directed to Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072, yadezra.org/ donate; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
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OBITUARIES
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You can honor the memory of a loved one in a most meaningful way by sponsoring a day of Torah learning at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. During the coming week, Kaddish will be said for these departed souls during the daily minyan at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. Your support of the Torah learning of our children and our Kollel’s Torah Scholars brings immeasurable heavenly merit. Please call us at 248-557-6750 for more information.
2 Adar February 14 Jack Abramson Lilly Bocolor Nathan Dinkin Bella Ellias Evelyn Gruber Harry Kahn Adolph Komer David N. Madgy John Markowitz Mary Olstein (Sorkin) Rebecca Pearlstein Henry Rich Arline Goldfarb Schafer Ben Solomon Abie Stein Jennie Puckovitsky Tamaren Louis Waltman Gussie Wedgle 3 Adar February 15 Mary Faigin Regina Jablonka Morris Kraizman Hyman Reuben Kreitman Sam Lux Esther Novitz Leonard Sandweiss David Schoichit Martin L. Singer Idel Unrot Maurice Wagman Yitzchak Wainer Tzvi Weinberger Ann Wilner Pearl Goldie Wool 4 Adar February 16 Lena Climstain Alan Bruce Cohen Nathan Deutsch Jennie Feldman Louis Goldberg Israel Goldin Pinchus Kaplan Anne Katkowsky Herbert Katz Al Kaye Arthur Klein Fannie Moss Frank Orechkin Elkuno Rosenheck Sarah Weingarden Betty Goudsmit Zaientz 5 Adar February 17 Louis Bordoley Benjamin Brodman Gabriel N. Eisman Sam Elias Jack Falkauff Simone Fishman Anna Newman Graff Meyer Greenspoon Morris Gunsher Joseph L. Holtzman
Philip Kawa Erno Klein Jean Krowitz Sheila Lazowsky Oscar Lerchin Yale Levin Bertha Migdal Rachel Pomerantz Harry Smith Morris Stein Sam Tarnopol Henry Waterstone Phillip Zager 6 Adar February 18 Rose Benjamin Bella Chestnuk Anna R. Chinitz Dora Cohen Bena Heitkamp Sally Hess Roslyn Kauffman Louis Harold Kaye Rose Raimi Fredric Alan Rivkin Fannie Rosenfeld Elaine Roth Eva Singerman Louis Spitzer Joseph I. Stewart Hyman Sweet 7 Adar February 19 Doris Bean Samuel (Sayd) Beber Max Berris Joe Bigman Ida Klein Moses Koller Pauline Max Sarah Miller David H. Rom Lillian Silverman Morris Smith Blanche Irene Stern Janet Straus Bertha Weitzman Leo Zentman 8 Adar February 20 Abraham August Bessie Berris Jacob A Bocoler Freda Freed Emanuel Greenspan Ralph Koelner Rose Konikof Helen Esther Lampke Karl Levin Anna Levine Katherine (Katie) Radner Jay M. Rosenthal Sara Rotenberg Joseph Saks Hyman Schwartz Susan Topor
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GERALD LORENCE, 92, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 31, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra Sussman Lorence; sons and daughters-in-law, Geff and Pepi Lorence, and Matthew and Hannah Lorence; grandchildren, Mallory Lorence, Zach Lorence, Noah Lorence and Lorelai Lorence. Mr. Lorence was the devoted son of the late Elemer and the late Shari Lorinczi. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ALBERT E. MOEHLMAN, 89, of Farmington Hills, died Jan. 29, 2021. He was born on c. 1956 Nov. 21, 1931, to Harry and Dinah Moehlman. Gifted with a mind for numbers and order, he went into accounting and law, with a specialty in tax. Albert met the love of his life, Ruth Donna Roth, in college. Soon thereafter, Al was drafted into the Navy in one of the few peacetime drafts in American history. Rather than wait for Albert to return from his service, the couple decided to marry immediately, putting together a formal wedding for 200 people in two weeks. They then went off to San Francisco to start their life together, which would include moving back to the Detroit Metro area, having four daughters, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and finding pleasure in international travel once they were empty nesters. While Al’s main focus was
his family, he also practiced tax law and loved tennis, both as a player and spectator. Together with Ruth, he was active in the Farmington Hills Historical Society and Commission for decades, serving as treasurer for almost the entire history of the organization. Albert was a man who loved to be in perpetual motion, walking as much as 10 miles a day. He was known for erupting in joyful dance at the sound of any music with rhythm. Mr. Moehlman is survived by his daughters and son-inlaw, Elizabeth Guss, Denise Moehlman, Laura and Dr. Mark Golden, and Theresa Moehlman; grandchildren, Lea (Jason) Onken, Ashley (James) Mills, Harrison Golden and Joseph Little; great-grandchildren, Rayden Onken; brother and sister-in-law, Herman and Barbara Moehlman; many other loving family members and friends. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Donna Roth Moehlman. Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. JONATHAN E. RAVEN, 70, of Okemos, passed away Jan. 26, 2021, in Lansing. He was born Jan. 13, 1951, in Chicago, Ill., to Seymour and Norma (Blackman) Raven. Jonathan was a 1975 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and did his undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University.
He was a longtime shareholder at Fraser Trebilcock, was a member of the State Bar of Michigan, U.S. District, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan and a board member emeritus of Sparrow Health System. Mr. Raven is survived by his wife of 47 years, Leslie (Shapiro) Raven; a daughter, Jane (Brad) Rosen; grandchildren, Elana Rosen and Sydney Rosen; a son, David (Marisa) Raven; brothers: Jeremy Raven, identical twin brother, Joel (Linda Rakolta) Raven, and Marc (Wendy) Raven. Contributions may be made to Lymphoma Research Foundation, lymphoma.org, or Foundation for PraderWilli Research, fpwr.org.
Arrangements by the EstesLeadley Greater Lansing Chapel. ANNETTE SACK, 92, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 31, 2021. She is survived by her sons and c. 1988 daughter-in-law, Dr. Marshall and Jody Sack, and Dr. Bruce and Lee Sack; daughter and son-inlaw, Sherry and Eric Wexler; grandchildren, Geoffrey Sack, Anna and Seth Rogers, Alexis Sack, Evan and Lisa Sack, Austin Wexler and Jordyn Wexler; great-grandchildren, Slade and Steele Rogers, and Ethan Sack; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mrs. Sack was the beloved wife for 67 years of the late Dr. Maurry Sack; the devoted daughter of the late Joseph and the late Ida Schatten; the loving sister of the late Bea and the late Jack Sill; the dear sister-in-law of the late Sidney and the late Mary Sack, and the late Laura and the late Ben Figoten. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org; or Michigan Humane Society, Development Dept., 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025-4507, michiganhumane. org/tributes. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.
CLARA SELIK, 104, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 30, 2021. She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Dr. Richard and Terri Selik; daughters and sons in law, Elin and Barry Becker, Dr. Marilyn and Eric Berkley; grandchildren, Melissa (Chris) Thornton, Michael Selik and Dr. Cristina Kendall, Kate Becker and Sam Polk, Sarah and Geoff Zilan, Jaime and Michael Frayne; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Gregg Thornton, Hannah and Jack Polk, Olivia and Sydney Zilan; niece, Jill Burlak. She is also survived by her loving caregivers, Sherry, Ethel, Mary, Katherine and Neece. Mrs. Selik was the beloved wife of the late Louis Selik. Interment took place at continued on page 44
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OF BLESSED MEMORY continued from page 43
Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to the Macular Degeneration Research at BrightFocus Foundation. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. FELA SZYMKOWICZ, 92, of Oak Park, died Feb. 3, 2021. She was active with Holocaust surc. 2010 vivor groups. Mrs. Szymkowicz is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Marvin Szymkowicz and Diana Savit of Chevy Chase, Md., Michael and Patti Szymkowicz of St. Louis, Mo.; daughter and son-in-law, Ruth
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and Eliyahu Allon of Oak Park; grandchildren, Sarah and Avi Hein, Rebecca Szymkowicz, Evan Szymkowicz, Ephraim and Shulamis Allon, Moshe and Devora Allon, Sara and Dovid Seligson, Shoshana and Yaakov Englander, Batsheva and Tuvia Davis, Zev and Elisheva Allon, Matthew Szymkowicz; many great-grandchildren. She was the beloved wife of the late Wolf Szymkowicz. Fela had three siblings who perished during the Holocaust: the late Ephraim Granek, the late Rivka Granek, the late Raizel Granek. Contributions may be made to Misivta of West Bloomfield, 4200 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323; or Kollel Institute of Greater Detroit, 15230 W. Lincoln, Oak Park, MI 48237. A graveside service
was held at Hebrew Orthodox Cemetery in Mishawaka, Ind. Local arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. ELEANOR GOLDEN ZUPPKE, 88, of West Bloomfield, died Feb. 1, 2021. She is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth Zuppke; daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia Golden and David Dukes, Joyce Golden and Ronald Rich; sons and daughters-in-law, David Zuppke, Allen and Julie Zuppke, Scott and Kelly Zuppke; grandchildren, Sara (Matt Frank) Rich, Lauren (Jonathon Weiss) Rich, Anna (Adam Rave) Golden-Dukes, Sandy GoldenDukes (fiancée, Kristi Savage),
Jacob (Angelica) Zuppke, Michael (Andrea Butler) Zuppke, Jordan (Ray Goutman) Zuppke, Adam (Stacy Indianer) Zuppke, Sean Zuppked (fiancée, Jessica Digdigan), Jessica (Joseph) McGrady, Bryce Zuppke and Jacob Wartel; many other loving family members and friends. Mrs. Zuppke was the beloved wife of the late Sanford Golden. Interment took place at Hebrew Memorial Cemetery in Clinton Township. Contributions may be made to the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation, Hospice of Michigan, the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.
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here was a restaurant that served only French cuisine for just 42 people at one time … at booths and tables. Those who went to Raphael’s in Novi expected to spend at least three hours of epic moments in gastronomy. It was a high gourmet restaurant that did not place Danny Raskin all the emphasis Senior Columnist on show at the expense of its food … Surely, elegance symbolized by fire and ice is fake elegance … This, Raphael’s was not guilty of … The total concentration was on
perfect food … excellently prepared … and impeccable service. Raphael’s was classic cuisine … like a good bottle of wine that gets better with age … Everything at Raphael’s was made from scratch … No such thing as powders or starters … unheard of things. SOLE PARTNER OF former Hill Seafood and Chophouse in Grosse Pointe with Joe Vicari will be the building’s owner, Anthony “Tony” Soave … It will have a new name, remodeling, new staff and new menu … with hopeful reopening in March or April … Joe’s takeover of the three restaurants in Birmingham will also have new names, staffs and menus … also hopefully opening then … All four are hoping to open when dining restrictions go to 50 percent capacity or more. THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS is a demanding business that many times
requires dedication, long hours and patience … Perhaps in no other industry are there as many Horatio Alger stories as in foodservice, where, armed with basic criteria of a strict work ethic and a dream, many have risen to achieve both fame and considerable wealth … However, when celebrities invest in restaurant projects as a social diversion or simply as a tax break, it unfairly dilutes the legitimate hard work of those who have pledged their savings and sweat to become successful restaurateurs. OLDIE BUT GOODIE … A man tries to enter heaven but first he has a chat with St. Peter, keeper of the Pearly Gates. St. Peter explains that it is not easy to get into heaven … He asks the man several questions … Was he religious in life? Did he attend temple? Did he give money to the poor and charity? Did he do any good deeds? Did he help his neighbor? The man answered, “No.” St. Peter said, “Not good.
Not good.” Exasperated, he says, “Look. Everybody does something nice sometime. Work with me. I’m trying to help. Now think.” The man said, “Well, I came out of the store and found this little old lady surrounded by a dozen thugs. They had taken her purse and were shoving her, taunting and abusing her. I got so mad I threw my bags down, fought my way through the crowd and got her purse back. I helped her to her feet. Then I went up to the biggest, meanest guy there and told him how despicable, cowardly and mean he was and then I spit in his face.” “Wow,” said St. Peter. “That’s impressive. When did this happen?” “Oh, about 10 minutes ago.” CONGRATS … To Jackie Headapohl on her birthday … To Sharen Bender on her birthday. To William “Bill” Wolf on his 80th birthday. Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.
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Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org
Displaced Children
I
nternational Holocaust Remembrance Day was commemorated two weeks ago on Jan. 27, 2021. The date marks the anniversary of the Soviet Union Army’s liberation of the largest Nazi death camp in Poland: Auschwitz-Birkenau. In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated the date as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This year, the theme for Holocaust educational proMike Smith grams and commemorations Alene and Graham Landau was “Facing the Aftermath: Archivist Chair Recovery and Reconstitution after the Holocaust” with a special focus upon the estimated 1.5 million children who perished at the hands of the Nazis. Much has been written about World War II, an event that claimed the lives of about 20 million people; 6 million of whom were Jews murdered in Nazi death camps. The end of the war and the Holocaust should be remembered, yet that did not end the suffering. There were millions of Displaced Persons (DPs) in the aftermath, and more than 1 million were Jews, including hundreds of thousands of Jewish children. The focus on children this year reminded me of stories in the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History that have left a deep impression upon me; that is, the coverage of the immediate years after the war in the JN and Jewish Chronicle. In some ways, these reports are just as striking and as sad as newspaper coverage during WWII, but there are also heartening stories. Shortly after WWII ended, the July 6, 1945, issue of the JN had a chilling report that 1.2 million Jewish children had perished. The month before, on June 20, the headline on page 6 of the JN was: “What Becomes of our Refugee Children?” Many children went to DP camps established in such places as Italy, Cyprus and
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the Middle East, or to the Oswego Camp in New York. While waiting to immigrate, the DPs often suffered extremely poor living conditions. The irony is that many Holocaust survivors went from one form of internment into another. Many prominent Detroiters visited the DP camps. For a few examples, see reports in the JN from Nate Shapero (June 11, 1948), Louis Berry and Joseph Holtzman (Feb. 27, 1948), and Congressman John Dingell Sr. (Oct. 1, 1948). Over the years, the majority of Jewish DPs were resettled in either British Mandate Palestine or the United States, with smaller groups staying in Europe or going to South America and other places around the world. There are reports, however, that provide some positive counterweight to the sad ones. There are numerous articles in the JN and Chronicle (1945-1950s) regarding the massive support Jewish Detroiters provided for DPs including those adults and children who arrived in the city. Agencies such as the Jewish Social Services Bureau, the Detroit Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women, and local synagogues and congregations, to name just a few, did their best to place the children in foster homes. Many children grew up in Detroit and became successful citizens who raised their own families here. You may know them as your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, uncle or aunt. The Davidson Archive holds a tremendous history regarding the theme of International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2021. It is important, impactful reading. Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.
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