DJN October 1 2020

$

Dan Gilbert, recipient of Federation’s 2020 Butzel Award, reflects on a year of recovery and a life of philanthropy.

See page 12

200 Oct. 1-7, 2020/13-19 Tishri 5781

Antique Clock and Watch Auction Saturday October 10th at 11:00 a.m.

Featuring items from Estates and Private Collections in Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Florida and Alabama.

Bid and see the full catalog online now at: Liveauctioneers.com 25% Buyer’s Premium on all lots Absentee bids accepted.

This sale will be online with limited in-house seating, please call for a reservation

Schmidt's Antiques Inc.

5138 West Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, Michigan.

(734) 434-2660 Since 1911

www.SchmidtsAntiques.com We are currently accepting select consignments for upcoming Auctions Including our New Year’s Day Fine and Decorative Art Auction. We offer access to world-wide markets, competitive rates and on-time payments without excuses.

This sculpture by Sam Gilliam “Ain’t More Than Music” will be included in the January 1st sale.

contents Oct. 1-7, 2020/13-19 Tishri 5781| VOLUME CLVIII, ISSUE 9

18

31

33 20 WILLIAM COUPON

Views 5-10

Jews in the D Rocket Man 12 Butzel Award winner Dan Gilbert reflects on family, faith and philanthropy.

Spirit Torah portion

Shabbat & Holiday Lights

18

32

Boxes for Ballots

Arts&Life

Shabbat & Sukkot start: Friday, Oct. 2, 6:53 p.m.

Sukkot Day 2 begins Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:52 p.m.

Holiday ends: Sunday, Oct. 4, 7:50 p.m.*

Faces & Places

20 Group works to add ballot drop boxes to more locales to accommodate absentee voters.

A Jewish Jazz Guy 33 See Israeli pianist Guy Mintus as part of the Jewish Film Festival.

Festival of Huts 22 Metro Detroit families adjust to celebrating Sukkot during the pandemic.

Seeking Justice 26 New bills would improve legal pathways for U-M assault survivors.

To Cuba, With Gratitude 35 Island was refuge for Jews in the decades before the Holocaust.

Celebrity Jews 36

Hankie Couture 28 Oak Park native transforms hankies into doll clothes.

Moments Moments 30

Eretz Bosom Buddies 31 Israeli and Palestinian breast cancer survivors forge a unique alliance.

* Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.

Online Events

Cover photo/credit: Dan Gilbert/Courtesy of Rocket Mortgage Cover design: Michelle Sheridan

thejewishnews.com

37

Follow Us on Social Media:

Etc. The Exchange Soul Danny Raskin Looking Back

On the cover:

38 40 45 46

Facebook @DetroitJewishNews Twitter @JewishNewsDet Instagram @detroitjewishnews

OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to reflect diverse community viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. As an independent, responsible, responsive community member, we actively engage with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan.

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

|3

Mornings, nights, weekends or weekdays.

We’re here for it all.

&RQÀ GHQFH FRPHV ZLWK HYHU\ FDUG ®

Whether it’s 2 a.m. on the weekend or a routine appointment, Blue Cross is here to help you access the care you need. Call our 24-Hour Nurse Line with questions or see a doctor from home with Blue Cross Online Visits. Plus, our Blue Cross mobile app gives you on-demand access to the resources you need so no matter where life takes you, you’ll always be connected with your coverage anytime, anywhere. We’re here for it all and always will be.

Learn more at HereForItAll.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Views for openers

Let’s Chill

A

s you’re reading this, I’m making final arrangements to be cryogenically frozen until after the election. The only remaining decision I have to make is at what date in the future I should be thawed.

Should I wake up when a final result is in or would it be more interesting to wait 50 or 100 years to see what shape our country is in? Considering how Alan Muskovitz long the 2020 vote count could take, I’m at high risk for freezer burn.

If I’m thawed out only to find everything else is frozen, then I’ll know the Lions finally won a Super Bowl.

With an epic election just a few weeks away, I recall a fond quasi-political moment from my past. My son and daughter were assigned to portray presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, respectively, for a thirdgrade classroom presentation. My kids shared the same teacher and assignment, albeit four years apart.

They dressed up as their Commander-inChief and shared details of their policies and personalities during their time in office. My wife and I attended their classroom presentations and let me say, we were a very proud

First Family.

Their teacher has since retired, but can you imagine the challenge in today’s raging, politically divisive environment of trying to prepare a third-grade student for such a presentation? Would it surprise you in the least if some parents objected to their child portraying a leader of a particular party or candidate?

For the last 30 years, I’ve written unrestrained but respectful political satire and parody for radio and print. It’s always been even-handed, equal opportunity, bipartisan humor during a time when people still had the ability to laugh at each other and themselves.

But four years ago, prior to our last presidential election, in this very newspaper, I begrudgingly started offering what was essentially a disclaimer for my “humorous” political musings. In the Oct. 6, 2016, JN I said: “I’ve noticed folks are a having a tougher time laughing at political humor, but I hope you enjoyed what I considered a little bipartisan humor.” It was as if I had the need to apologize in advance, which is really a speed bump on the road to creativity.

I found some solace and hope in a Sept. 20 op-ed for the Washington Post by U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia, who wrote about the

unique and enduring relationship between his father, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“The two justices had central roles in addressing some of the most divisive issues of the day, including cases on abortion, samesex marriage and who would be president,” wrote Eugene Scalia. “Not for a moment did one think the other should be condemned or ostracized. More than that, they believed that what they were doing — arriving at their own opinions thoughtfully and advancing them vigorously — was essential to the national good.”

I would like to think I can continue to write humorously with that same freedom of expression.

In the meantime, as for my impending cryogenically frozen journey, I have only one wish upon my revival — that I wake up to a country at peace — with itself.

Pardon me, I do have a second wish. I hope upon reawakening I don’t go down in the record books as the first person to come out of suspended animation showing a weight gain.

Alan Muskovitz is a writer, voice-over/acting talent, speaker, and emcee. Visit laughwithbigal.com,“Like” Al on Facebook or email amuskovitz@renmedia.us.

letters

Let’s Return to Civility

Shame on Nessel

Thank you for Seth Gould’s guest column, “A Call for Unity,” in the Sept. 17 of the Jewish News (page 5). In my mind, this was the best article in the paper.

I used to be able to have good conversations with people who did not share my viewpoints as it helps me to either solidify my viewpoint or modify it according to other people’s opinions. However, this is no longer possible in this age where, instead of discussing issues, people seem to relish in name-calling and insults if you do dare to disagree with them.

I believe that people can have differences of opinion and both sides have rational reasons for their opinions. It does not mean that the other person is stupid or just doesn’t understand. I am hoping that this is the year that we return to civility in our country.

It’s amazing what Noah Arbit, chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, will say to defend a fellow Democrat (Sept. 17, page 42). What Dana Nessel said in comparing Trump to Hitler was outlandish and inappropriate.

Arbit accused President Trump of demagoguery, however. I hear false claims and promises by both parties to gain power in the upcoming election. He accused Trump of persecuting minority groups. Where is your proof, Noah Arbit? I think you need to study the real atrocities of Nazi Germany before you make these false comments to save Dana Nessel.

— Judy Ancell Farmington Hills

— Doreen Lichtman Orchard Lake

Attorney General Dana Nessel’s reported comments comparing Donald Trump to Adolph Hitler, whom she extolls as being able to read and write and brave, shows that she has little or no knowledge of the Holocaust.

Besides apparently not knowing about or dismissing the murder of 6 million Jews, Nessel, who is also Michigan’s first openly gay attorney general, must not be aware that the Nazis sentenced some 50,000 gay men, most to prisons but about 5,000 were sent to concentrations camps. I don’t see how any reasonable person could compare Trump’s actions to Hitler. Even if Nessel despises Trump, this type of ignorant, if not insensitive discourse is unbefitting of a high-level state official.

— Lee Schostak Beverly Hills

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

|5

Views publisher’s notebook

A New Era Begins

A

new era begins in Detroit Jewish journalism and community service. After 78 years as a for-profit entity, the Jewish News is now owned by the community through the independent, nonprofit Detroit Jewish News Foundation.

The Jewish News is the latest in an emerging trend of for-profit, community-focused print media companies transitioning to nonprofit ownership.

Since 2004, more than 2,100 newspapers across the U.S. have ceased operations, leaving “news deserts” in many of the communities they served. The Foundation board’s action helps assure the Jewish News will not be one of them.

Concurrently, another era of Detroit Jewish journalism and community service — this one spanning 34 years — has drawn to a close. I am honored to now be the publisher emeritus of the Jewish News. The Foundation is the new publisher.

“WHY DO YOU WANT TO MOVE TO DETROIT?” That was the startling question posed to me in November of 1985 as I toured the offices of the Baltimore Jewish Times.

At the time, I was working for the Baltimore Sun and its affiliates. Enjoyed my work. Enjoyed the community. My wife, Gina, and I chased after our toddling son, Daniel, in our free time.

However, a friendship developed through volunteer Jewish community service that would forever change my life and that of our family.

Chuck Buerger, the publisher of the immensely successful Jewish Times, had purchased

6 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

Gina and Arthur Horwitz

the Jewish News from Philip Slomovitz in 1984. Chuck was on the hunt for someone to grow the Jewish News. He thought I fit the bill — daily newsroom background, young “rising star” on the Baltimore Sun’s business side, advanced business degree and already an active volunteer in the Jewish community.

Chuck invited me to meet some of his work colleagues. The first question: “Why do you want to move to Detroit?” After subsequent conversations, I agreed to visit Detroit with Gina. And we haven’t looked back since.

“IT REMINDS ME OF MY GRANDMOTHER’S APARTMENT.” The editorially interesting but visually bland Jewish News reminded me of my grandmother’s apartment. Aside from plastic slipcovers, her apartment had a coating of dust. But beneath the plastic and dust, it had “good bones.” The Jewish News had very good bones.

Also, it was clear the Jewish News had a strong relationship with the Detroit Jewish community, one deeply rooted in editorial independence, a love of Israel and community service.

The opportunity was too alluring. I departed the Baltimore Sun and, in May of 1986 — just shy of my 32nd birthday — assumed publishing responsibilities for the Jewish News.

“THE JEWISH NEWS IS IN RUINS” Through most of the 1990s, the Jewish News enjoyed significant success. However, Chuck died unexpectedly in November of 1996. In February of 2000, I was joined by noted philanthropist and hedge fund manager Michael Steinhardt in acquiring the Jewish News and affiliated media properties from the Buerger family.

Within two years, the Jewish News was in ruins … or appeared to be.

On Jan. 27, 2002, an electric spark triggered a fire that destroyed the Southfield office of the Jewish News, creating great visuals for the local television stations on the scene. One showed bound volumes of back issues engulfed in clouds of smoke and framed by charred roof beams.

In the inferno’s aftermath, the resilient Jewish News staff transformed a nearby hotel ballroom into a makeshift office and — miraculously — produced a 116-page edition of the Jewish News. It reached subscriber mailboxes just one day late. While we received memorable and heartfelt support from the community, what lingered were the television images of the vulnerable bound volumes.

“WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO PROTECT OUR HISTORY?” The creation of the independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit Jewish News Foundation in July of 2011 provided the answer. It’s been a career highlight to be its organizer and founding president.

By 2015, the Foundation raised sufficient funds to protect, digitize and make freely available more than 330,000 pages of content from the Jewish News and the predecessor Jewish Chronicle. The

archive is known as the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History. A copy resides safely — and in perpetuity — at the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library.

But the Foundation was created to be more. With the print media industry’s decline, the Foundation would eventually be well-positioned to bring the Jewish News under its nonprofit community umbrella.

“THAT DAY IS TODAY” On Sept. 16, the Foundation voted to bring the Jewish News under that nonprofit umbrella. It takes effect Oct. 1.

So, my journey publishing the Jewish News concludes today. I’ll continue to have an active relationship with the Detroit Jewish News Foundation and assist it in its expanded role. I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful work colleagues, most significantly Kevin Browett, who joined me in July of 2002 and has been a valued colleague and business partner. Kevin continues as chief operating officer for the Jewish News and current staff remains in place. I am also grateful to Michael Steinhardt, who believed in my vision for Jewish media in Detroit and globally and, despite the increasingly difficult media landscape, remains a supportive friend.

And to you, the Detroit Jewish community … Thank you for embracing us, nurturing and educating our children, and providing us with an incredible village of support. We have been blessed to reach together this shehecheyanu moment — to express gratitude and celebrate this important moment in the history of our family, community and the Jewish News.

Wishing you a safe, sweet and healthy New Year.

Arthur Horwitz

DETROIT CELEBRATES

MAGEN DAVID ADOM

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14, 2020 7:30 p.m.

RECOGNIZING

Magen David Adom's 90th Anniversary Honoring the legacy of Dr. John and Eva Mames (z�l)

CO-CHAIRS Judy Grant and Dr. Margo Woll HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Lori and Steven Weisberg EMCEE Lila Lazarus

HOST COMMITTEE Sandy and Jim Danto Judy and David Karp Sue and Alan J. Kaufman Shari and Alon Kaufman Shelly and Jody Mendelson Judy and Mickey Stern Lori and Steven Weisberg

To register for this free event, and for sponsorship opportunities: afmda.org/detroit For more information, contact Sharon Kobernik at skobernik@afmda.org or 888.674.4871

afmda.org

Views essay

An ‘Impractical’ Practical Holiday

“Y

ou know, I heard Sukkot is an agricultural holiday. Is that

true?”

So began a conversation I’ve thought about for years. The answer to the question is, of course, yes. But the answer to the challenge posed by my friend’s question is more nuanced.

My friend is a Denise decidedly modern Berger woman, educated, with a high-powered career in the financial world.

She was also raised in the former Soviet Union, and risking her life as a Refusenik didn’t necessarily change the secular bent of her thinking. Surrounded now by friends who were fairly observant, her question was staking a claim, planting a flag in the Land of the Practical.

An agricultural holiday is a practical thing. It celebrates food.

There’s nothing more practical than food. Around the globe and across the millennia, humans have held harvest festivals. They persist to this day, though largely Arthur M. Horwitz Publisher ahorwitz@renmedia.us F. Kevin Browett Chief Operating Officer kbrowett@renmedia.us | Editorial Editor: Andrew Lapin alapin@thejewishnews.com Associate Editor: Jackie Headapohl jheadapohl@renmedia.us Social Media and Digital Producer: Nathan Vicar nvicar@renmedia.us Multimedia Reporter: Danny Schwartz dschwartz@renmedia.us

as a quaint nod to the past. There’s a unique aspect though when it comes to Sukkot. To paraphrase another holiday question, something about this harvest festival differs from all others…

Sukkot is held in the middle of the harvest season. The Hebrew date is the 15th of Tishri, which can fall anywhere from mid-September to mid-October. There’s no guarantee that all the work will be done by that date.

Also, unlike the majority of harvest festivals, Sukkot lasts for a full week, with an extra eighth day of celebration tacked on at the end. And somewhat ironically, the holiday that celebrates the culmination of work in the fields is itself quite labor intensive. The people are commanded to build a small hut — the sukkah — and dwell therein for the duration of the holiday. This means that field hands would be occupied gathering materials and constructing the sukkah prior to the festival, setting up whatever might be required for “dwelling” (different traditions have different interpretations) and then taking it all down afterwards.

Palm fronds, myrtle and willow Editorial Assistant: Sy Manello smanello@renmedia.us Senior Columnist: Danny Raskin dannyraskin2132@gmail.com Copy Editor: David Sachs dsachs@renmedia.us Contributing Writers: Nate Bloom, Michele Chabin, Suzanne Chessler, Adam Finkel, Madeline Halpert, Barbara Lewis, Alan Muskovitz, Mike Smith

The Detroit Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Hwy., #110, Southfield, MI 48034.

8 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

branches had to be gathered and bound together as a lulav, and together with a citron fruit/etrog there would be daily processions and blessings. This involves still more logistics, more time away from the fields. If that were not enough, the last mention of Sukkot in the Torah includes a directive to be all together joyful. Even the Talmud recalls the incredible festive atmosphere.

None of this sounds especially practical or even rational.

To get a sense of what this means in modern terms, imagine if all the accountants were legally required to take a full week off from work just at the peak of tax season with no option for filing an extension. Imagine how stressful that would be, not just for the accountants but for all the clients depending on them. It would seem entirely crazy to do that.

Even when to outside observers a behavior appears completely nonfunctional, a deep need in the individual is being filled by that behavior. We can apply this concept to society as well.

Traditional observance of Sukkot could have appeared to | Advertising Sales Vice President of Sales and Business Development: Carol Kruemmer ckruemmer@renmedia.us Senior Account Executive: Keith Farber kfarber@renmedia.us Account Executives: Kristine Bonds, Tim Brown, Catherine Grace, Kathy Harvey-Mitton, Anne Perlin

| Business Office Operations Manager: Andrea Gusho agusho@renmedia.us Operations Assistant / Event Coordinator: Ashlee Szabo Circulation: Danielle Smith Billing Coordinator: Pamela Turner

be nonfunctional. And yet clearly people functioned and even thrived. This counterintuitive fact might just be the point of the holiday. In the middle of difficult, crucial, time-sensitive work, we are compelled to drop what we’re doing, leave our comfort zone, engage in religious ceremonies and revel with family and friends.

In his TED Talk “Start With Why,” Simon Sinek asks, “What’s your purpose? What’s your cause?

What’s your belief? Why does your organization exist? Why do you get out of bed in the morning, and why should anyone care?”

It might just be that this very impractical holiday has a very practical lesson to teach us.

Denise Berger brings an anthropologist’s view to her writings on culture, religion and the arts.

| Production By Farago & Associates Manager: Scott Drzewiecki Designers: Jessica Joannides, Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen, Michelle Sheridan

| Detroit Jewish News Partner: Arthur M. Horwitz ahorwitz@renmedia.us Partner: F. Kevin Browett kbrowett@renmedia.us Partner: Michael H. Steinhardt How to reach us see page 10

jn

1942 - 2020 Covering and Connecting Jewish Detroit Every Week

To make a donation to the DETROIT JEWISH NEWS FOUNDATION go to the website www.djnfoundation.org

COMMUNITY-WIDE TRUST

Candyce Ewing Abbatt · Julie Abear Nina Dodge Abrams · James Alle Tracey Allen · Denise Goodwin Alter Judy Ancell · Russell Anderson Hon. Michelle Friedman Appel & Jeffrey Appel · Libby August · Steve Baker Adele Band · Mark Bank · Elyse Jacob & Dr. Scott Bass · Daniel Bates Frannie Shepherd-Bates & Jesse Shepherd-Bates · Melonie Bates Gregory Bator · State Sen. Rosemary Bayer Ellen & Fred Bean · Bryan Beckerman Marcia & Morry Bednarsh · Alyse Belkin Elaine & Dr. Alan Belkin · Barbara & Alan Ben · Meredith & Joshua Ben Jaime & Michael Ben · William Berlin Sue & Sam Bernstein · Stephen Bernstein Hon. Annette Berry · Stanley Bershad Former Governor and Ambassador James Blanchard · Martin Bordoley Judie Blumeno · Suzanne Bolton Ann & William Booth · Hon. Leo Bowman “As Chairperson of the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Ethics Committee, I have worked sideby-side with Referee Savin...and based on her experience, problem-solving ability, fairness, and temperament, I believe she would be a great addition to the Judiciary of Oakland County.”

- HON. TERRY CLARK 70th District Court Judge

Kelly & Brent Bowyer · Louise Braun Jane & Dr. David Braverman · Kelly Breen Carol Breitmeyer · Stacy Brickman Merrilee & Andrew Broder · James Patrick Brennan · Jodi & Kim Thomas Capello David Caplan · Matthew Caplan · Sherry Cantor · Susan & Richard Carroll · Matthew Catchick Jr. · Gerald Cavellier · Dr. Deborah Charfoos & Dr. Hamid Banooni Carole Chiamp · Donald Chisholm · James Chryssikos · Susan & Dr. Jerry Ciullo · Hon. Terry Clark · Sharon & Steve Cohen Nancy & Howard Collens · Hon. Stephen Cooper · Christa Coxon · Mark Crane · Joseph Cunningham · Laurie Cunningham Marilyn & Mark Dailey · David Deeg Mark Dickow Lisa Dilg · Sharlan Douglas Marc Drasnin · Ilene Einstandig · Jodie & State Representative Jim Ellison · Catrina Farrugia · Adrienne & Robert Feldstein Lisa & Daniel Findling · Alyson & Darren Findling · David Findling · Laurel Stuart Fink & Steven Fink · Myrna & Milton Fisher Amy Folbe · Leah & Jeffrey Fox Hon. Laura Frawley · Francie & Mike Fruitman · Laurel & Charles Gabe Marie Garian · Kittie Garrison · Dr. Andrea Nakisher & Dr. Brian Gendelman Hilary Mellin & Joel Gershenson Randi & Harry Glanz · Sandra Glazier Susie & Jerry Gold · Lorne Gold Lori Goldman · Ruth Goldner · Henry Gornbein · Emily Parr & Jordan Gottsegen

“As a previous foster care therapist, I know how important it is for a judge to be in a family courtroom for the right reasons. Knowing her experience working with non-profit organizations and her commitment to advocacy for families and children, I am confident that Lorie is in this to bring fairness to the court system. Because of this, I highly recommend Lorie Savin for Oakland County Circuit Court Judge.”

- LISA DILG South Lyon City Councilmember

Cameron Goulding · Marion & David Grant · Sandra User Green & Jonathan Green Cathy Greenberg · Leslie Greenwald House Minority Leader Christine Greig Former House Minority Leader Tim Greimel Susan & Merrill Gordon · Renée Gucciardo Janet Gumenick · Barbara & Steven Gutman Dorothy & Robert Hack · Hon. William Hampton · James Harrington, III · Hon. Brian Hartwell · Ed Haroutunian · Susan Licata Haroutunian · Harvey Hauer · Michelle Herren Laura Eisenberg & Darren Hessenthaler Carole & Paul Hooberman · Debra & Albert Holtz · Judith Holtz · Elaine & Marvin Horowitz Roberta & Paul Ingber · Barbara & John Jablonski · Wade Jackman · Ellen & Michael Jaffe · Violet Jacob · Keela Johnson “Lorie is dedicated, loyal, compassionate, knows the law and ready for the challenges ahead.”

- HON. RANDY KALMBACH 27th District Court Judge, Retired

Mari & Dr. Sheldon Kaftan Hon. Randy Kalmbach · Hon. Melvyn Kalt Peter Keenan · Daniel Klein · Ryan Klein Yvonne & Edward Korkoian · Robert Kostin Sally & Dr. Richard Krugel · Loraine Kuhn Rita & Dr. Robert Lane · Arlene Gorelick & Jerry Lapides · Dr. Howard Larky Barbara & Sheldon Larky ·Barry Lepler Susan & Mark Lichterman · Lisa & Hannan Lis County Commissioner Penny Luebs Sherrie & Eddie Lumberg · Eric Lumberg Linda & Dan Lutz · Jeffrey Lutz · Beth & Steven Margolin · County Commissioner Gwen Markham · Carolyn Markowitz Seymour Markowitz · Carlo Martina Hon. Cheryl Matthews · County Commissioner Gary McGillivray · Hon. Matthew McGivney Hon. Deborah McNabb · Jon Midtgard Delia Miller · Diana & Robert Moak · Janet & John G. Mooney · John Morad Linda Moran · Stella & Dr. Jerry Morof Daniel Moss · Vanessa Moss-Wilson Carmen Moyer · Barbara Benko Murphy Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash Hilda & Phillip Neuman · Mary Anne Noonan Michael Nowakowski · Hon. Brian Oakley Ann-Marie Okros

Darrell Jacob & Richard Owen Susan & Robert Paletz · Jodie & Brett Panter · Hon. Marla Parker Denise & Elliott Parr · Richard Partrich Nicole & David Paull · Rhoda Paull Ellen Paynter · Rebecca Perczyk Gail & Velvel Perczyk · Julia Perkins Alisa Peskin-Shepherd · Mayor Melanie Piana · Roberta & Stuart Pinsky Randall Pitler · Richard Poling, Jr. Sharon & Ed Pugh · Andra Richardson Chelsea & Benton Richardson Debra Ribitwer · B. Andrew Rifkin Michael Robbins · Julie & Steve Robinson Emilie Rohrbach · Marcia Ross Harriet Rotter · Deborah Rubin Jorin Rubin · Dr. Wendy Sadoff Holly Safronoff · Paul Sarnacki · Nazli Sater Joanie & Neal Satovsky · Kari Schlaff Michele & Billy Schloner Roberta Goldstein Segel · Jerald Shatzman Julie & David Sidder · Glenn Sidder Sheila Siegel · Erica & A.J. Simon Sue Ellen Simon · Danielle Smith Kristin Smith · Levi Smith · Nicole Hauer & Mark Snover · Shannon Soliven Amy Spilman · Anthony Spokojny Barbara Starkman · Robert Starkman Amy Stawski · Samantha Steckloff Lisa Stern · Philip Sternberg Nelson Stieper · Nancy Stone Fay & Stuart Stone · Michael Sugameli Carole Sweetwine · Paula Talarico Teisha Tann · Margaret Tobin “Savin’s reputation as a fair and hardworking mediator in difficult custody cases, and her earlier experience representing indigent clients, suggest that she will be an especially valuable addition to the family division, where she hopes to spend her entire judicial tenure.”

- Detroit Free Press 8/2/20 Ann Tobin-Levigne · Ronald Tolbert John Paul Torres · Carol Tower · Barbara & Irving Tukel · Heidi & Melvin Turbow Diane Twitty · Sandy Tyner · Renee & N. Rick Unger · Randall Upshaw Anthony Urbani, II · Jenelle Velarde Denise & Richard Victor · Stephanie & Jason Wagner · Beth & Matthew Wagner Ava & Ronald Wagner · Howard Wallach Daniel Weberman · Amy Weinstein Regina Weiss · Todd Weiss Kimberly Wilson · Miriam Wolock Hon. Tracey Yokich · Hon. Joan Young Amy Yu · Gene Zamler · Neil Zechman Starla Zehr · William Ziem · Casey Zurawski Women Lawyers Association of MI AFSCME Council 25 · LiUNA! Local 1076 MEA · Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 Oakland Macomb NOW · Detroit Building & Construction Trades Council MI Democratic Jewish Caucus

VOTE ABSENTEE OR AT THE POLLS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD LEARN MORE

@SavinForJudge

www.savinforjudge.com

Paid For By Lorie Savin for Circuit Judge Committee | 6725 Daly Road #252373 | West Bloomfield, MI 48325

SAUL LOEB/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES AND JTA

Views

Contact Us FROM LEFT: Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the signing of the Abraham Accords at the White House, Sept. 15, 2020.

editor’s note

Visit the JN website

www.thejewishnews.com NEWS UPDATES Watch videos and read the latest news about Metro Detroit’s Jewish community. thejewishnews.com

MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION Renew your subscription, change your postal or email address, forward for your vacation, report a missed delivery. thejewishnews. com/my-account

LIFE-CYCLE ANNOUNCEMENTS Submit your life-cycle announcement, as well as obituaries — and learn about deadlines and fees. thejewishnews.com/lifecycleannouncements

COMMUNITY EVENTS Submit your community events for the JN calendar and find deadline information. thejewishnews.com/calendar

SUBMIT STORY IDEAS/ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Share your news or ideas. thejewishnews.com/contact

READ THE ONLINE EDITION Read the weekly online version of the JN print edition with a subscription. thejewishnews.com/ web-edition

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER Sign up for our daily or weekly email newsletter. thejewishnews.com/newsletter

LOCATIONS SELLING COPIES OF THE JN Visit thejewishnews.com/whereto-buy for a list of stores and boxes.

BACK ISSUES OF THE JN The Detroit Jewish News Foundation’s William Davidson Archive of Jewish Detroit History contains more than 330,000 pages of content — spanning more than 100 years — from the Jewish News and its predecessor publication. It is fast, free and accessible via djnfoundation.org

ADVERTISE Connect with the JN sales team. thejewishnews.com/advertise

DEPARTMENTS

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

General Offices: 248-354-6060 Advertising: 248-351-5129 Circulation: subscriptions@renmedia.us Classified Ads: 248-351-5116 / 248-234-9057 Advertising Deadline: Friday, 11am Editorial Fax: 248-304-8885

1 year $85 2 years $153 1 year out-of-state $125 2 years out-of-state $225 Online only $36

Detroit Jewish News | 29200 Northwestern Highway, Suite 110 | Southfield, MI 48034 OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to reflect diverse community viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. As an independent, responsible, responsive community member, we actively engage with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan.

10 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

Ask Us Your Questions About The Abraham Accords

A

mid the nonstop flood of news that has accompanied this election cycle, not to mention our High Holiday coverage and the JN’s own announcement about its future, we’ve barely had time to register one of the biggest stories to come out of Israel in decades.

Andrew Lapin It wasn’t so Editor long ago when the mere idea of Israel breaking bread with an Arab nation felt like something out of an alternate-history novel. But now, after negotiations overseen by President Trump and his sonin-law Jared Kushner, with an official ceremony held on the White House lawn, Israel has formal diplomatic agreements with two Gulf states: the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

More treaties seem likely to follow.

These breakthroughs, collectively referred to as the Abraham Accords, carry tremendous promise, but also a lot of uncertainties and apprehensions. You probably have questions. And we’d like to answer them for you.

So the JN is preparing a special upcoming “explainer” issue that will dive deeper into what

these agreements will mean in a practical sense, both for Israelis and for Jewish Americans. We will speak to experts, academics and people who live and work in the region. You can tell us what questions you have about these agreements and how they will work, and we will report them for you. Curious about how this will impact business?

Tourism? Military arrangements? The Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Let us know.

Look for that special cover story next month, once the election is over (and note that, because the election will be over, questions should focus on Israel and the region, not on Trump).

I know that coverage of Israel is important to our readers.

Even when the local coverage needs of the moment overwhelm our limited reporting capacities and reduced print space, we are always looking for new opportunities to tell stories from the region.

Tell us what you’d like to know by emailing letters@ thejewishnews.com, or message us on Facebook, and we will endeavor to answer as many questions as we can.

Next year in … Dubai?

Manama? Who knows where the world will take us.

Featuring Rabbi from Hezbollah, Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive, Love in Suspenders, Flawless, and many more!

For film lineup, live events with film luminaries, tickets, and information visit: filmfest.jccdet.org or call 248-609-3303

Jews in the D cover story

Butzel Award winner Dan Gilbert reflects on family, faith and philanthropy.

ADAM FINKEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

t has been a year of recoveries and beyond for Dan Gilbert, the founder of Quicken Loans and one of the most visible figures in the economic revitalization of Detroit.

And in recognition, today, Oct. 1, Gilbert, 58, will be the recipient of this year’s Fred M. Butzel Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Detroit Jewish citizen by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

“Without a doubt, Dan Gilbert stands alongside the

12 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

most important leaders and philanthropists in the history of Jewish Detroit,” said Steven Ingber, Federation COO. “Dan’s presence at the Fisher Meeting, our annual event for the leading donor families in Jewish Detroit, has helped galvanize the resources in our community, and his personal generosity has made in a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals each year.

“It is hard to think of anyone who better deserves this award, the highest that Federation offers. We are deeply grateful for

his commitment to our Jewish community.”

The award comes as Gilbert continues his journey of recovery from a debilitating stroke he suffered on May 26, 2019.

The stroke caused temporary paralysis of his left arm and leg, but Gilbert has persevered, returning to work in February and even making public appearances.

“With my recent physical condition, I just learned what gratitude is, because it’s just been a humbling experience,” Gilbert told the JN. And he has continued to blaze forward in his commitment to revitalizing the city of Detroit via his family of companies numbering around 80 entities — as well as the Gilbert Family Foundation, which he co-founded in 2015 with his wife, Jennifer, and into which they have channeled more than $125 million of their own money.

“Helping your hometown is like helping your family: If you can, and you’re in a position, I think you should do it,” Gilbert said. “That’s where it really comes from, for me.”

A POWERFUL REPUTATION Gilbert’s peers in the business and philanthropic world hardly

need an excuse to praise him.

“As an entrepreneur, philanthropist, citizen and friend, they don’t come any better than Dan,” world-renowned investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett told the JN on the occasion of the award.

For Gilbert, that kind of simplicity is highly valued.

“Dan has done something remarkable with his business and philanthropic work in Detroit,” native Detroiter Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, told the JN. “Not sure anyone anywhere has done as much to revive a city as Dan has. He inspires me.”

“Dan Gilbert is a passionate champion of the city of Detroit,” Stephen M. Ross, the influential real estate developer and namesake of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, told the JN. “His unwavering belief in the future of this city has inspired many, myself included, to invest in and forge new partnerships with Detroit to reinvigorate its enduring legacy as a global center of technological innovation.”

Ross and Gilbert both attended law school at Wayne State University. Each contributed $5 million to the school in 2016.

More recently, Ross and

BUILDING AN EMPIRE Daniel Bruce Gilbert was born in Detroit on an unusually cold day, Jan. 17, 1962, to parents Shirley and the late Sam Gilbert. They lived in a modest apartment before moving to Southfield.

“He was bright from the day he was born, a go-getter from an early age and always a giver,” his mother told the JN. She and the Gilbert family recently visited Israel together.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROCKET COMPANIES

Gilbert have teamed up on The Detroit Center for Innovation. The U-Manchored undertaking is expected to be a $300 million development.

In a 1992 article in the Jewish News, Gilbert, then age 30, remarked that fulfilling the goal of being a self-made man takes more than good ideas and hard work. “Drive, determination and focus are necessary ingredients in growing a successful business.”

And that drive has served Gilbert well. As of this writing, Forbes lists him as the 15th-richest person in America and one of the 20 most successful self-made individuals globally.

Gilbert Family: Nick, in foreground; Gracie, Jennifer, Nash, AJ, Dan, Grant.

“Helping your hometown is like helping your family. If you can ... I think you should do it.”

— DAN GILBERT

continued on page 14

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 13

Jews in the D continued from page 13

“Dan has always been a visionary, can-do, optimistic person,” his younger brother Gary said.

Gary Gilbert recalled many early entrepreneurial pursuits with his older brother. There were times in their teen years the brothers would buy pots and pans from the late Isadore “Bison” Goldstein on Seven Mile Road and then sell them door to door. They would walk into office buildings, suite by suite, and try to sell them to the receptionist or whomever else was there.

After hours, the brothers would go to nursing homes.

“The night shift nurses didn’t have much to do, the elderlies were sleeping,” Gary recalled.

“In a soft voice, we would sell them on what an incredible deal our pots and pans were.”

There was the time in 1981 when Billy Sims played for the Detroit Lions, and they had bumper stickers made that said, “The Lions are simmering!” and they would sell them in the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome before and after the games. In later years, they delivered for Papa Romano’s pizza — including during some of the chilliest days of winter.

Four years later, in the summer of 1985, Dan and Gary founded Rock Financial Corporation, along with Ron Berman and Lindsay Gross.

Gary said he and Dan shared a small 10x10 room in a shared Southfield office suite.

“There were no fax machines yet,” Gary recalled, “so Danny and I would drive around together, hand-delivering closing papers to the title companies … We drummed up

Masada: AJ, Gracie, Dan, Nick, Nash, Jennifer and Grant Gilbert

His unwavering belief in the future of this city has inspired many, myself included.”

— STEPHEN M. ROSS

business by schmoozing with realtors.”

No one would have thought that the firm could devour market share from industry leaders.

It began with $5,000, mostly from pizza deliveries and bar mitzvah savings. And yet, success ensued. In 1999, the company became Quicken Loans and made its focus more digital-oriented; by 2018, it was the largest overall retail lender in the U.S. When Rocket Companies — the holding company of Quicken Loans — had its IPO this August, it catapulted its chairman’s wealth to an unfathomable ecosphere.

Gilbert’s current net worth is estimated at nearly $50 billion.

When COVID-19 hit, Gilbert told Jay Farner, the

CEO of Quicken Loans and Rock Companies, to do whatever he could to help Detroit.

That included assisting with the state’s contact tracing efforts and supporting internet access within the city.

“Dan wanted to know how we could really help,” Farner said. “For everything that has gotten discussed over the years, there are dozens of things never talked about. Dan has sent a plane down to pick up team members impacted by a hurricane and has stepped in to support team members diagnosed with an illness, sometimes calling in to the Cleveland Clinic to help a team member in need.”

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY Gilbert is a past president of JARC, which his grandparents

Ruth and Manuel “Manny” Feldstein helped to start.

The Gilbert family, along with extended family members, have provided significant funds over the years to JARC, including dedicating residences in West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills. Dan has a special connection to JARC through his late uncle, Robbie Feldstein, who had Down syndrome and passed away recently at age 73.

Dan convinced David Carroll, a longtime friend and childhood neighbor, to get involved with JARC. Ultimately, Carroll would lead the organization as interim CEO and board president.

“Dan is a triple threat in philanthropy today,” Carroll said. “He has his own giving continued on page 16

14 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

FREE Y DELIVER

IMMUNIZ A AND SH TIONS IN SHOTS A GLES VAILABLE

10%

SENIOR CITIZ EN DISCOUNT

Mom gave you her best - now she deserves the best!

MAPLE PHARMACY MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! Maple Pharmacy offers: t -PX 1SJDF .FEJDBUJPOT t %BZ 4VQQMJFT t %VSBCMF .FEJDBM &RVJQNFOU t %JBCFUJD 4VQQMJFT

t /BUVSBM 4VQQMFNFOUT 7JUBNJOT BOE /VUSBDFVUJDBMT t $PNQPVOEJOH CJP JEFOUJDBM IPSNPOFT QBJO DSFBNT PUIFS NFEJDBUJPOT t #MJTUFS 1BDLBHJOH "WBJMBCMF

5829 Maple Rd. Ste. 129 West Bloomfield, MI 48322

248.757.2503

www.maplepharmacyrx.com OUR MISSION IS TO BRING SERVICE BACK TO PHARMACY FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU!!

Care for Everyone Call Jeanne Atkinson and Colleen McDonald for the best home care in Oakland County!

Discreet, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, meal preparation, running errands, transportation, companionship and personal care.

Call Today! 248.919.1244 synergyhomecare.com/oaklandcounty OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 15

LEFT: Gilbert and James Chapman, CEO Plain Sight, April Anderson co-owner of Good Cakes & Bakes, a Demo Day winner. RIGHT: With Big Sean, a rapper/music artist from Detroit.

Jews in the D continued from page 14

style. He uses his moral persuasion to impart the importance of philanthropy in others, and he has created wealth, jobs and employment within the firm and for vendors of the firm to now have the capacity to help advance the community as well.”

Family has informed much of what Gilbert does. “There are a lot of people along the way who should share in this award, especially my wife,” he said.

Jennifer Gilbert is a serial entrepreneur in her own right, having founded interior design companies Pophouse, Doodle Home and Amber Engine. She is president of NF Forward, a neurofibromatosis charity, and serves on multiple boards.

“I am so proud of the man Dan is,” Jennifer said. “Of course, he is known for his impact as a businessman. But I think his most important role is within the walls of our own home. He is a loving father who provides an incredible example of philanthropy and using time and energy to make the world a better place. Not only for our kids, but for generations to come.”

The Gilbert children have caught the business bug, as

16 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

well. Dan’s son AJ recently reached a million dollars in sales with his own company, Zuplift, which makes ethically sourced branding and promotional content.

The Gilbert Family Foundation has also become one of the largest donors in the nation to advance treatments around neurofibromatosis, an issue the family has felt personally through their son Nick.

The foundation is “going to take on more of a brand name soon,” Gilbert said, “as we promote the foundation and it really gets involved in some major projects.”

Joyce Keller is the foundation’s executive director and has worked alongside the Gilberts for more than a decade. Though she said medical research has been the foundation’s primary goal, “we’re now going deeper into the other piece of our portfolio, which is Detroit.”

The Gilberts also signed the Giving Pledge in 2012, signaling their commitment to donate the majority of their wealth.

Dan said, “All the dollars that come into the foundation will dwarf what the foundation itself has given out recently

because we didn’t even know the kind of assets that we’re going to fund it with very soon.

“I would hope people will think we are upholding Jewish values,” Dan said, referring to the phrase “whoever saves one life, saves the world.”

In their teen years, Gary remembers his brother telling him that he wanted to own a sports team one day, and saying, “When we’re in our 50s, there will be people our age doing big things, so it may as well be us.” Today, Dan is majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“That shows you how much of a ‘sky’s the limit’ guy he was right from the start,” Gary said.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Dan credits Dr. Steve Adamczyk, an emergency medicine specialist, with saving his life. The two knew each other from coaching their sons’ basketball games. They were together with their spouses the night when Dan began to face abnormal visual issues.

After a couple of hours of convincing from Adamczyk, Dan headed to the hospital.

Adamczyk, born and raised in

Bloomfield Hills, now works as a full-time medical adviser to Rock Ventures.

The experience has also deepened Gilbert’s perspective on faith. “I wouldn’t say I’m a very religious guy, but I believe in spirituality and spirit and all that,” he said. “When you have what happened to me happen, you start to really get some perspective on that and all the time to think your way through things, so I would say it’s grown. I feel very, very strongly that there’s spiritual existence out there everywhere.

You just have to figure out how to tap into it.”

At the culmination of the High Holiday season this fall, it will be near the 500th day since Dan raced, in the darkest hours of the night, to the hospital that May evening.

Dan, given the chance to have more time with Jennifer and children AJ, Nash, Nick, Grant and Gracie, embraced a mindset he’s long articulated as an entrepreneur. A value often learned far-too-late by way too many: Every second counts.

Time, not money, is the most valuable commodity of all.

Time can never be replaced.

Meet Farmington’s Newest Prosthodontist Dr. Jennifer Moeller is now accepting new patients, call and make your appointment today!

Franklin Cider Mill

(248) 626-6656 Dr. Moeller has joined the dental practice of Dr. Douglas Henke in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Dr. Moeller is a Prosthodontist, specializing in the maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and dental health of patients, including: • Replacement of missing teeth • Restoration of broken down and worn teeth • Complete and partial dentures • Dental implants • Cosmetic dentistry

National Historic Site Since 1832

Voted Best Apple Cider Mill

2020

Visit us online at

www.doughenke.com 31410 NORTHWESTERN HWY, STE E • FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334

dr_jennifermoeller

Zahler & Henke PC

New Online Ordering Options!

Pre-Pay Pick-up & Grub Hub www.franklincidermill.com

Following CDC & Michigan Safe Guidelines

Open NOW -> November 29th 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM DAILY

Weekly Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox.

7450 Franklin Road 14 Mile Road & Franklin Road 1 Mile West of Telegraph Phone: 248.626.8261

Same Great Fresh Cider & Warm Donuts Slushes & Caramel Apples

Best In-Season Michigan Apples Your Favorite Michigan Made Products 0DSOH 6\UXS -DPV +RQH\ &KHHVHV 0HDWV &KRZV 6DOVDV 'UHVVLQJV $SSOH 6DXFH

thejewishnews.com/newsletter OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 17

The Probate Law Firm of

Jews in the D | faces&places

Shofar Factory Fun sponsored by Michael Berman, in loving memory of his wife, Sherrill, who dedicated her life to educating children.

Children were able to tune in to a live, follow-along, presentation of Shofar making and honey cake baking.

“This year, of all years, is one in which we have to find ways to engage and excite our children,” said Rabbi Silberberg. “In challenging times, the Torah’s traditions and holiday foods can provide much needed joy and comfort.”

Bais Chabad also joined with Coby’s Judaica to provide enhanced Shofar Factory packages to 13 JARC homes in the area.

COURTESY OF BAIS CHABAD

We are here for you

Despite many annual celebrations and programs canceled this year due to COVID-19, the Sherrill Berman Shofar Factory Festival managed to provide fun, education and holiday treats to families in the Metro Detroit community.

Some 200 Shofar Factory packages were provided, each one including a raw Shofar to be worked on, ingredients for a honey cake along with other Rosh Hashanah crafts and treats.

The program, which in previous years took place at the JCC, was directed by Rabbi Shneur and Zeesy Silberberg of the Tugman Bais Chabad of West Bloomfield. It was

and any of your legal needs during the COVID-19 outbreak.

michprobate.com

Ashley and Eden Silverman of West Bloomfield have fun together with the holiday crafts.

Shofar Factory packages

24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034

1-248-945-1111

Elin Douville, age 7, with the shofar she made.

18 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

Gabriella Friedman, age 2, helps her mom make honey cakes.

Q

Facing financial difficulty?

� Call jhelp at 1-833-445-4357 � Visit jhelp.org � Chat online with a staff member or schedule a call at jhelp.org

X

� Do all of the above

We Have Answers.

Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

Need Help With An IRS or State Tax Problem?

Let our team of Attorneys, CPAs, Tax Consultants and IRUPHU ,56 5HYHQXH 2IĂ€ FHU SURYLGH \RX ZLWK LPPHGLDWH UHOLHI IURP ,56 DQG 6WDWH WD[ SUREOHPV

Why Choose Levy & Associates to help with your tax problems? • 22 years of specializing in tax resolution and working with the IRS and State Taxing Authorities • We have helped thousands of clients nationwide to :(=, ;,5: 6- 4033065: 6- +633(9: ,(*/ @,(9 • 8QOLNH RWKHU ð UPV DOO ZRUN RQ \RXU DFFRXQW LV NHSW LQ KRXVH • A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau

We Listen... We Care... We Help!

Â&#x2039; ;H_ 3PLUZ Â&#x2039; *VSSLJ[PVU 5V[PJLZ Â&#x2039; 7LUHS[PLZ Â&#x2039; <UĂ&#x201E; SLK ;H_ 9L[\YUZ Â&#x2039; (\KP[Z 4 - ! 6^LK [OL :[H[L VM 4PJOPNHU >P[O V\Y OLSW [OL JHZL ^HZ ZL[[SLK MVY 9 5 ! 6^LK [OL 09: 6\Y Ă&#x201E; YT ULNV[PH[LK HU 6MMLY PU *VTWYVTPZL [V ZL[[SL [OL KLI[ MVY : - ! >P[O V\Y HZZPZ[HUJL JSPLU[ÂťZ 09: KLI[ VM ^HZ YLK\JLK [V

Call us today to answer your questions or to schedule a meeting and say goodbye to those sleepless nights!

1.800.TAX.LEVY www.levytaxhelp.com

AS FEATURED IN

28400 SouthďŹ eld Rd, Lathrup Village, MI 48076 OCTOBER 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

| 19

Jews in the D Sukkot

Festival of Huts Metro Detroit families adjust to celebrating Sukkot during the pandemic.

BARBARA LEWIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

20 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

C

OVID-19 has led to creativity and innovation in Jewish observance, and the trend continues with Sukkot.

Normally, Sukkot, the Festival of Huts, where temporary structures are built in yards to commemorate the temporary dwellings of Israelites during their 40 years in the desert, is a very social holiday. Celebrants welcome ushpizin — honored guests — into their sukkot and children enjoy “sukkah hopping” from one home to another, collecting treats at each. Congregations build large sukkot and hold communal meals.

Social distancing protocol makes these practices difficult, if not impossible, so this year congregations and individuals are improvising.

The leaders of Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township thought about just not building their sukkah this year, but realized there are ways to use it safely.

“The very nature of being an outdoor holiday makes Sukkot a perfect opportunity for us to celebrate in a safe way,” said Rabbi Mark Miller.

Students who opt for Beth El’s in-person program (others are learning virtually) are meeting outdoors while the weather is still nice, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing; they will help decorate the temple’s sukkah, said Miller, as will preschoolers in the temple’s early childhood center.

Congregants will be invited into the sukkah in small groups during the weeklong festival. Blessings over the lulav — the bundle of four types of tree branches — and etrog, a citron, will be posted on the wall where no one has to touch it. Congregants will wear gloves to handle them.

Keter Torah in West Bloomfield normally erects a sukkah that seats 85. This year, Rabbi Sasson Natan is building one that will hold a table and four chairs for families that don’t have a sukkah at home.

“They will do kiddush on wine and have a small piece of bread or cake — enough to fulfill the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah — and continue the festive meal at home,” he said. No more than four people will be in the sukkah together, and all must wear masks.

LEFT: Carly Sugar’s 2018 sukkah at her home in Rosedale Park on the northwest side of Detroit. BELOW: “Hallel” by Abre Ettah, New Malden, Britain, UK: This sukkah, a part of the sukkah design competition by the Downtown Synagogue in 2018, brings together the historic elements of Sukkot — light, water and festive celebration.

Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield is planning a masked, physically distanced Lulav and Etrog Open House for those who want to experience the mitzvah and don’t have their own set. Registration is required. The congregation is also planning two virtual Sukkot seders at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, and Thursday, Oct. 8.

“We’re going to honor the Feast of Booths with a special Sukkot Haggadah recalling some of our favorite Passover traditions, including the four cups, the four questions, a text study, some beautiful songs and lots of thoughtful conversation,” said Rabbi Aaron Starr.

CREATIVE SUKKOT Temple Israel in West Bloomfield is having a two-track sukkah-building contest. “The first is for the best decorated traditional sukkah, with walls made of wood, tarps, etc.,” said Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny.

“Then we are going to have a second track: best creative sukkah. Make your sukkah from cardboard, Legos, skis, whatever.

It just has to be open at the top so that the stars can be seen. We want everyone to send us their

sukkah pics so we can share this holiday together in the most creative ways.”

Congregation B’nai Israel in West Bloomfield is planning several outdoor activities, including a recitation of the Hallel prayers with lulavs and etrogs on the afternoon of Oct. 4, a Hoshana Rabba ceremony the morning of Oct. 9, and hakafot (processions) for Simchat Torah on the afternoon of Oct. 11.

To observe the tradition of honored guests, Congregation B’nai Moshe is doing a virtual tour of congregants’ sukkot.

Each night after evening minyan, the congregants will remotely visit the sukkah of one family, and the hosts will be invited to talk about the ushpizin they have hosted in the past.

Chabad of Greater Downtown Detroit has become well known for its sukkah-in-a-shipping-container, where up to 80 guests would gather for dinner each night.

This year, Rabbi Yisrael Pinson and his wife, Devorah, are putting up a smaller sukkah with latticed sides that allow air to flow through easily, making it “almost outdoors.” They plan to

host about 20 people each night with social distancing. They will also drive their “mobile sukkah” to the Detroit homes of people unable to visit the Chabad center.

INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS Individuals are also modifying their traditional Sukkot practices. Nancy and Mike Kaplan of West Bloomfield are planning to build a smaller sukkah with only two-andand-half walls instead of the usual three-and-a-half. “We will have only one or two guests at a time, with a schedule of specific times for guests to visit. No open houses this year!” Nancy said.

Mandy Garver and her husband, Allen Wolf, of Bloomfield Township, thought

about erecting their sukkah and inviting small numbers of guests. But the sukkah is a complicated design, and they are both committed election volunteers. With the holiday so close to the election, they decided to use the time and energy they would normally put into building the sukkah and hosting guests into working on the Biden campaign.

Franki and Jeff Bagdade of West Bloomfield are building their first-ever sukkah, despite the pandemic. It will be a simple structure — a pop-up canopy with the roof and one wall removed — just big enough for them and their three children. “I feel like today more than usual I need concrete ways for our family to feel connected,” she said.

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 21

Jews in the D

Boxes for Ballots Group works to add ballot drop boxes to more locales to s. accommodate absentee voters.

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

ith increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases and increasing complaints of mail delivery delays, a nonpartisan organization is working to make voting more convenient and comfortably accessible.

The Michigan Election Reform Alliance (MERA) is advocating for an increase in the number of ballot drop boxes available across the state before the official election day of Nov. 3. Members also are advocating for ways to make sure registered voters know about them and their locations in each voting jurisdiction.

Jan BenDor, statewide coordinator of MERA, is a former election administrator who became a voting rights activist after retirement and is leading her organization in anticipation of increasing numbers of absentee voters, resulting in part from the 2018 passage of state legislation permitting all registered voters the option of sending in their ballots.

“People involved in advocating for voter rights are very passionate,” said BenDor, who recalls participating in an archaeological trip to Israel where she learned about ancient voters using pebbles to cast their preferences. “We realize opening voting opportunities saves our democracy, and it isn’t easy.

“Drop boxes are among the most important issues in this year’s election because we have a perfect storm of problems. COVID19 makes it risky for people to come to a polling place, both for the voters and the poll workers, and we hear about so many

22 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

DROP BOX VOTING STEPS 1.Request an absentee ballot from your city or township clerk.

2. Identify the locations and accommodations of drop boxes in the jurisdiction where you vote, either by calling the office of your city or township clerk or going to Michigan.gov/Vote and clicking on the “Who is my clerk?” choice.

3. Deposit the ballot as early as possible.

Jan BenDor at the ballot drop box in Superior Township.

problems with the U.S. Postal Service.”

MERA members, active throughout the state, began their drop box efforts in March by conducting surveys of city and township clerks to determine the use of drop boxes in different voting jurisdictions. They wanted to know about the number of boxes, the capacity of each one, locations, availability for drive-up service, accessibility for people in wheelchairs and signage relevant to the boxes.

Brian Steinberg, who is leading the MERA drop box project, reminds voters they can access a state website (Michigan. gov/Vote) to make sure their ballots have been received.

“I wrote my first email about drop boxes the day after the Wisconsin primary election,” said Steinberg, raised in a Jewish household with a strong voting ethic. “It was peak COVID-19, and they were trying to find ways to get people to vote without going to the polls. I saw all those huge lines around the block with people wearing masks, and I didn’t want to see that happening in Michigan. I centered on drop boxes as a great solution for people who were going to vote absentee to vote safely [and get their votes counted].”

Although the MERA phone survey did not include all the voting jurisdictions in Michigan, members say they called enough

Join us November 8th!

Safe, family-friendly volunteer event with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Brian Steinberg in front of a ballot drop box.

to represent 65 percent of registered voters. They found that most city or township halls did have some sort of a drop box, although not necessarily exclusively for voting and not accessible 24/7. Drop boxes also could be used for matters involving other municipal services, such as paying water bills.

“MERA didn’t have an [intentionally] persuasive campaign,” Steinberg said.

“We learned, as we were doing our survey, that just asking questions — about expected increases in absentee voting and whether they planned to expand or upgrade the capacity of drop boxes — a lot already had that on their minds, but I think our bringing it up especially early on started making people think [more] about the subject.

“As we talked to more clerks, especially in the larger jurisdictions, we talked about putting drop boxes offsite [and away from clerks’ offices]. It’s very easy to use city property for drop boxes, and fire stations are pretty secure by being staffed 24-7. That seems to be a go-to where some of these jurisdictions did it.”

QUICK PICKUP An important part of using the drop boxes is that ballots are expected to be picked up and enter the clerk’s domain in less

than 24 hours. Those mailing their ballots are being advised to post them three weeks ahead of Nov. 3.

Voters unable to go to polling sites or drop boxes only can ask close family members or those living at the same address to place signed and sealed ballots in drop boxes in the jurisdiction area of the person whose ballot is involved. Of course, there are no postage requirements when using drop boxes.

Right now, there are two current drop box initiatives being pursued by MERA. The first is hoping to convince clerks to include a sheet providing drop box location information as they send out each blank ballot although this information can be obtained with a phone call to each clerk’s office or a visit to Michigan.gov/Vote and clicking on the “Who is my clerk?” choice. Another initiative is identifying a Michigan metal fabricator who can make drop boxes that are becoming scarcer as more jurisdictions add them.

“It’s never been easier to vote in the state of Michigan than it will be this year,” Steinberg said. “I’d like to see a stronger voting ethic with more people voting.”

Absentee ballots were expected to be sent out at the end of September.

Fix Up in your Community Invite your family, friends or members of your “pod” to help rake leaves and winterize homes (outdoor only) of older adults served by Jewish Family Service.

ALL AGES WELCOME Congregation Shaarey Zedek 27375 Bell Road, Southfield Drive-thru contact-less supply pickup by appointment starting at 9am

Fix Up the Cemetery Young adults will be working at the historic B’nai David Cemetery to restore and beautify the grounds.

YOUNG ADULTS B’nai David Cemetery 9535 Van Dyke Street, Detroit 9:30am registration 10:00am community service begins In partnership with NEXTGen, Repair the World and Hillel of Metro Detroit

To register, visit jfsdetroit.org/fallfixup or contact Sarah Strasberger at 248.592.2267 or sstrasberger@jfsdetroit.org.

Worksites are pre-assigned.

Register by October 30th.

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 23

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Jews in the D

U-M Union

WIKIPEDIA

over

Seeking Justice 28th Annual Celebration Jewish Senior Life’s Eight Over Eighty recognizes eight distinguished leaders in our community, all over the age of 80, who have demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam - Repairing the World.

Nominations will be accepted through December 3, 2020

FOR NOMINATION FORMS jslmi.org/eight-over-eighty-event or contact Beth Tryon at

248-592-5026

TTY #711

Btryon@jslmi.org

SAVE THE DATE A Virtual Celebration

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 NOON

Without your generous support, Jewish Senior Life could not continue to provide quality services and programs that are so vital to the lives of the older adults and their families we serve.

26 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

New bills would improve legal pathways for U-M assault survivors.

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

T

wo bills were introduced on the steps of the state capitol Sept. 22 that would make it easier for former University of Michigan students who have accused the school’s former physician Robert Anderson of sexual assault to sue the univerRep. Ryan sity.

Berman The bills are sponsored by Rep. Ryan Berman, R-Commerce Township, who is Jewish, and Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit. The bills were announced alongside three former U-M athletes who allege abuse by Anderson: former U-M football players Jon Vaughn and Dr. John Lott, and Tad DeLuca, a former U-M wrestler.

Berman, an alum of Michigan State University, kept up to date on the Larry Nassar sexual assault case at his university. He wasn’t in office at the time, but he believes the survivors there didn’t receive the support and assurances they deserved quickly enough, and that the U-M Robert Anderson sexual assault cases are a chance to help hold institutions accountable.

“Whether Michigan State intended to or not, we heard about them stumbling into doing the right thing, in putting things in place to help these survivors, in trying to make them whole, in instituting changes,” Berman said.

The lack of support and assurances in a timely manner for the MSU survivors can be traced back to an important exemption in universities typically having governmental immunity from lawsuits: improper medical care. MSU attempted to dismiss Nassar-related lawsuits by saying Nassar was sexually assaulting individuals, not providing medical care.

To Berman’s understanding, U-M is willing to compensate the survivors and give out-of-court settlements, but to do so, they’re trying to get the lawsuits thrown out through the immunity loophole.

Seeing what happened at MSU, Berman created a governmental immunity bill with that loophole in mind, hoping to aid survivors in getting their day in court by halting the immunity.

“My bill says that if the assault came under the guise of medical care, and the university knew or should’ve known that the

assaults were taking place and didn’t do anything to prevent them, then they don’t get immunity and they’re liable,” he said.

Victims of Larry Nassar had pushed for legislation that would’ve ended any governmental immunity as it relates to sexual abuse, immunity of which MSU has used as a legal shield for many years, but dropped as part of a $500 million settlement.

A companion statute of limitations bill announced Sept. 22 would amend the three-year statute of limitations law related to sexual abuse under the guise of medical treatment, opening up a one-year window for victims of abuse to come forward and file suit, no matter how long ago it occurred.

“Our law still isn’t in the best position to allow these survivors to seek the justice they believe they deserve, and I believe they deserve,” Berman said. “We shouldn’t use our laws the way they are. We need to make a change to empower (the survivors) to seek justice and not have justice denied.”

More than 100 lawsuits have been filed against U-M in connection with Anderson’s alleged sexual abuse. He served as director of University Health Service from 1968-80, and then served as the team physician for the U-M Athletic Department until 2003. He died in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2020 that the first accusation against him was made public.

Berman believes the strength it takes for survivors to come forward shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“Having that courage in the face of stigma, I think

that’s what brought about these bills, we owe it to them to help in any way we can,” he said. “It’s kind of like the Me Too movement, it’s ‘hey, you’re not alone,’ and all of a sudden more people are coming out and it gets bigger and bigger.”

In a statement, U-M Spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald told the JN that the university is currently engaged in mediation with representatives from several former patients while its own independent investigation of the abuse remains active. He did not address the proposed new bill.

“The university is eager to engage with former patients and their attorneys regarding the best approach to resolving these claims,” the statement reads. “We want to bring closure for those who have so bravely come forward to share their experiences and want to develop a fair resolution process that does not require drawn-out litigation.”

According to Berman, the bills would not only help individuals suing the University of Michigan, but also any individual sexually abused under the guise of medical treatment.

“What these bills do is hold any agency accountable, not just U-M, for their actions or inactions,” he said.

“I think it sends a strong message moving forward.”

After the bills were introduced last week, they were referred to the Judiciary Committee, which Rep. Berman is a member of.

Berman has been in contact with the committee’s chairman, Rep. Graham Filler (R-Clinton County), trying to lock in a hearing date for the bills, and is hoping a date is set sooner rather than later.

Fabulous Franklin

Beautiful 3,200 sq ft colonial on almost an acre. 3-Car garage and updated mechanicals. Plenty of space for working and schooling from home. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the open entry level. Enormous family rm. Secluded rear yard. Updated, light-filled granite kitchen. Master with WIC, large bath with tub & shower. Whole house generator. Ramps at front entrance and garage plus entry level bedroom (office) with roll-in shower. $599,900 Elisa Sophia Sboukis | esboukis@cbwm.com | 248.709.0066 900 W. University Dr., Rochester MI 48307 © 2020 Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

WEIR MANUEL

Keyes Real Estate Throughout South Florida, Including Boca, Boynton, Delray, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties

Let Old Friends be your Michigan-Florida Connection Nina Spinner-Sands

Rita Morse

(954) 290-8293

(305) 609-7559

NinaSpinner-Sands@keyes.com RitaMorse@keyes.com

BUY • SELL • INVEST

Estate Property Sales from Listing to Clean-Out!

MEL DRYMAN Raised in Detroit, Experienced in Arizona

Your Professional & Dedicated ARIZONA REALTOR

Mobile: (480) 239-8686 mel.dryman@azmoves.com

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

Desiree Cataldo-Cialone Realtor

RE/MAX LEADING EDGE 25050 Ford Road Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 Cell: 313-549-7333 Office: 313-277-7777 F: 313-277-6600 desireereo@gmail.com One Smart, Hardworking Woman 25+ Years Experience

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 27

Jews in the D

Hankie Couture Oak Park native transforms hankies into doll clothes.

ROCHEL BURSTYN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

t might look like an old hanky to some, but to Marsha Greenberg of Oak Park, it’s a doll outfit waiting to happen.

Greenberg, 66, is the creator of Hankie Couture, which revamps vintage items such as handkerchiefs, tea towels, tablecloths, napkins and doilies into one-of-a-kind doll clothing.

At age 10, Greenberg was already creating amateur designs out of newspapers for her dolls. By 11, she’d mastered knitting, crocheting, embroidering, cross stitching and needlepoint, to name just a few.

She married her husband, Brian, in 1972 and together they started Marsha Inc., a company that designed and manufactured women’s clothing. After selling the business in 1986, Greenberg began designing custom-made dresses for private clients, even some for the Academy Awards. (“No one famous, though,” she said.)

Life would have continued along that projected path if not for their fateful trip to Pennsylvania in 2002. In a corner of an antique shop, Greenberg noticed a display of vintage handkerchiefs.

“I heard the music of a hundred-piece orchestra in my head,” is how Greenberg later described that moment in the first of her three books on the subject. “Here were my

28 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

Marsha Greenberg celebrating her August birthday social-distancing style

… vintage treasures! Flowers mated expertly with scallop borders! Romantic roses lit up by enchanting vines!

Such a happy combination of elegance and elan! And so small!”

Greenberg purchased more than 100 and realized they would make the most amazing doll dresses. Most exciting of all was the fact that no two were alike. “Where can you go anywhere these days and find only one of something?” she said.

With each hankie, Greenberg considers its size, border, colors, design and decides what would best suit: a bodice with long or short sleeves, with possibly even a matching hat or purse.

Equally as important to Greenberg is that kids enjoy

them. “I’ve seen the way doll clothes are made today, and it’s appalling — cheap polyester fabrics, Velcro that’s barely stitched on,” Greenberg said.

“How can anyone have fun playing with something so poorly made?”

Children are not the only ones who benefit from Greenberg’s creations. Over the years, she’s received many letters from around the world, from people who couldn’t bear to throw out their deceased mother’s or sister’s handkerchiefs.

On the other hand, what exactly were they supposed to do with them? Greenberg to the rescue! She revamps the handkerchief into a unique doll outfit, which the family can display proudly on a doll.

“Such a happy combination of elegance and elan! And so small!”

— MARSHA GREENBERG “I think it’s because my dresses strike a chord in people’s hearts. They evoke a fond memory. People feel and see the love that I have put into my dresses,” Greenberg said.

To date, Greenberg has created more than 6,500 doll outfits, which she sells on eBay (price ranges from $15-$300, depending on custom detail) and has the rest on display in her basement. Still, she knows there are plenty more vintage items out there just waiting to be discovered, and she’s prepared: she never goes anywhere without her tape measure.

For more information or to purchase doll clothes or Hankie Couture books (which include patterns), email marsha@hankiecouture.com.

YOU WILL NEVER GET MORE FOR YOUR HOUSE THAN YOU WILL TODAY!

LOW INVENTORY, LOW INTEREST RATES & HIGHER VALUES! CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS.

MELANIE

BISHOP

NOAH

The Next Generation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;SOLDâ&#x20AC;?

melaniesold@aol.com

ns.cohen26@gmail.com

248.867.7800 OVER $50 MILLION SOLD ANNUALLY! BLOOMFIELD HILLS BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS

BISHOP COHEN

â&#x20AC;&#x153;SOLDâ&#x20AC;? is my middle name

MelanieSold.com

4130 Telegraph Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

COMING SOON

UPDATED CONTEMPORARY

BIRMINGHAM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

5865 sq. ft. plus full finished walk-out, 5 bed, 5.3 baths. Wooded cul-de-sac setting, 1st & 2nd floor master suites, 3 car garage.

West of Woodward, 2059 Sq. ft. plus fin. lower level.3 bed, 3.1 baths. Built in 2015 with open floor plan, 2 car detached garage with space above.

$635,000

$899,900

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS

3450 sq. ft. plus fin. lower level, 4 bed, 3.1 baths.

Gorgeous white & stainless island kitchen, open floor plan, main level master, spectacular yard.

$625,000

CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY HOME

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS

3657 sq. ft. plus finished walk-out, 5 bedrooms, 4.1 baths.

Bridge floor plan with 2 story great room & copper fireplace.

All bedrooms with balconies, 3 car garage.

$525,000

GREAT VALUE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS

3654 sq. ft. plus fin. lower level, 4 bed, 3.1 baths.

Spacious & versatile with huge family room off kitchen. Over sized bedrooms, sprawling yard.

$499,900

SPACIOUS AND OPEN CONDO

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

2698 sq. ft. plus fin. walk-out, 3 bed, 2.1 baths.

High ceilings, open floor plan, newer kitchen and windows. Overlooking Cameo Lake.

$475,000

SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

Wishing everyone a 6OĂ&#x201C; g <Se GSO` Things you use every day.

Created for a new way of living.

NX1 Toilet

TOTOUSA.COM | 800-350-TOTO

Celebrating Our 100-Year Anniversary

100 www.advanceplumbing.com

YEARS 1920 - 2020

Come Visit Detroitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award-Winning Decorative Plumbing Showroom

NEW SHOWROOM

DETROIT 150 Parsons Street Detroit, MI 48201 313-831-7770

WALLED LAKE 1977 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-669-7474

OCTOBER 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

| 29

Moments

UNDERSTANDING Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder can be a devastating illness, for both individuals and families. It is a chronic disease with unstable and unpredictable moods. However, the positive news is that bipolar disorder is treatable, and new research advances are underway. Join us for this free virtual presentation featuring our experts to learn more about the latest research on the causes and treatments for bipolar disorder.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 6:30-8 PM ZOOM WEBINAR Preregistration is required: michmed.org/kvdg8 A ZOOM link will be emailed to all registered attendees.

This program will award 1.0 CE Clock Hours for Social Workers.

Generously supported by the Tyler Howard Memorial Fund

30 |

OCTOBER 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

Elliot Blake Foreman, son of Lezlie and Dr. Eric Foreman, will lead the congregation in prayer on the occasion of his bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, Oct. 2, 2020. He will be joined in celebration by his sister Shayna and proud grandparents Marilyn and Paul Meyer, and Anita and Arnold Foreman.

Elliot is a student at Orchard Lake Middle School in West Bloomfield. For his most meaningful mitzvah project, he adopted families through both Temple Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No Family Without a Chanukah Program and the West Bloomfield School District.

He was exceptionally happy to be able to bring friends and family together to join him in supporting this wonderful cause.

Asher Braden Langwell will become a bar mitzvah at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. He is the son of Stephanie and Jason Langwell and brother of Gavin and Davis. Proud grandparents are Bruce and Barbara Goldstein, Sue and Rick Enos, and Dennis and Johnna Langwell.

Asher attends West Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. His mitzvah project

involved raising money to help his cousin Mason with his medical expenses.

Davis Ryan Langwell will become a bar mitzvah at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. He is the son of Stephanie and Jason Langwell and the brother of Gavin and Asher. Proud grandparents are Barbara and Bruce Goldstein, Sue and Rick Enos, and Dennis and Johnna Langwell.

Davis attends West Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. His mitzvah project involved raising money to help his cousin Mason with his medical expenses.

Samantha Ilana Moss will become a bat mitzvah Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield. She is the daughter of Mara and Andrew Moss, sister of Nathan Moss and granddaughter of Francine and Paul Hack, and Sue Moss and the late Douglas Moss.

Samantha is an eight-grader at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit in Farmington Hills. For one of her mitzvah projects, she visited JARC homes and did activities with the residents such as going bowling and playing bingo.

HOW TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Mazel Tov! announcements are welcomed for members of the Jewish community. Anniversaries, engagements and weddings with a photo (preferably color) can appear at a cost of $18 each. Births are $10. There is no charge for bar/bat mitzvahs or for special birthdays starting at the 90th.

For information, contact Editorial Assistant Sy Manello at smanello@ renmedia.us or (248) 351-5147 for information or for a mailed or emailed copy of guidelines.

Eretz

Bosom Buddies Israeli and Palestinian breast cancer survivors forge a unique alliance.

MICHELE CHABIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ruth Ebenstein and Ibtisam Erekat

Jerusalem – rowing up in Southfield, Ruth Ebenstein always felt energized by the ethnic and religious diversity that characterizes Metro Detroit life.

So when Ebenstein, who moved to Israel in 1990, was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago, it felt natural for her to join a Jerusalem breast cancer support group for Jewish and Palestinian women.

“When I found out about this breast cancer support group, I thought it would be a great way to forge a connection,” Ebenstein said. “Breast cancer is a huge thing to have in common.”

In addition to seeking the support group’s advice and reassurance, Ebenstein was hoping to find friendship.

“I was looking for someone going through the same experience to connect with. I felt lonely on this journey.”

The woman she connected with — to the point of feeling like sisters — is Ibtisam Erekat, a Palestinian breast cancer survivor who lives in Abu Dis, a

G

Palestinian village on the other side of Israel’s soaring security barrier that separates the West Bank from Jerusalem.

As the political impasse and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians has grown, so has their devotion to each other.

Erekat, a devout Muslim, and Ebenstein, a Modern Orthodox Jew, have much more than breast cancer survival in common.

Both were in their 30s when they married divorced men with children, and both gave birth to three children within three years.

And they both believe that love can overcome hate.

“Ibtisam is so comfortable with herself, something we have in common,” Ebenstein said. “She’s strong-willed in the best sense; she has her own opinions. She’s warm, has a wonderful sense of humor and incredible faith.”

Soon, they began meeting outside the confines of the support group, woman-to-woman, and, later, family-to-family.

Their common language is English.

“We talk about everything,”

Ebenstein said. When they talk about the “hard stuff ” — terror attacks, wars — they discuss how these events relate to their personal lives.

During the 2014 Israel-Gaza war, for example, the friends leaned on each other for emotional support as Hamas launched thousands of mortars and rockets into Israel, and the IDF retaliated, decimating parts of Gaza.

On a day-to-day level, “if I hear of something that happened in Abu Dis, I’ll check in and see if she’s OK,” Ebenstein said.

“Ibtisam does the same for me.”

WIDENING HORIZONS Erekat initially joined a Palestinian support group, and then joined the Jewish IsraeliPalestinian group through the Patient’s Friends Association at Augusta Victoria Hospital in eastern Jerusalem.

“It was a beautiful experience where we got to know a group of Israeli and Arab women,” she said.

She was struck by Ebenstein’s warmth and desire to help Palestinian group members.

“She treated me with great respect and helped me in several situations,” Erekat said. The more time they spent together, the more their friendship blossomed.

“I got to know her family, her father, mother, sister and two brothers, and also her husband Yonatan. He is a very fun person and respects me, and I appreciate this about him. I respect them, and love them all,” Erekat said.

Eventually, the friendship evolved into speaking engagements in the U.S. and Israel.

Erekat and Ebenstein addressed groups, large and small, about their unique relationship and the fact that individual Israelis and Palestinians have the power to overcome ingrained hatred by seeing each other as people.

They’ve started giving talks over Zoom to groups near and far.

“We’re individuals,” Ebenstein said. “She’s not Palestine. I’m not Israel. She’s Ibtisam; I’m Ruth.”

Along the way, Ebenstein has learned about Palestinian culture — and suffering.

“Getting close to someone across the divide has taught me how much we don’t know about the ‘other.’ Getting close to someone makes you see how little you know. It really hammers it home.”

OVERCOMING SEPARATION Erekat, who has asthma, lives close to the Separation Barrier.

Sometimes there are skirmishes between Palestinians and Israeli military or border police, and the tear gas wafts into her home.

“She can be vomiting for hours from the tear gas, but if you don’t know anyone affected, you wouldn’t know that this is happening,” Ebenstein said.

“You don’t realize an innocent person sitting on her couch will be sick for hours, or that many Palestinians who are sick can’t get an entry permit into Israel for much-needed medical treatment.

“As a cancer survivor the thought of not being able to get treatment is frightening,” both for herself and Erekat, Ebenstein said.

“We are an occupied people,” Erekat said. “At first, when I got to know Ruti, I could not visit her at her home except with a permit from the Israeli government. Then the laws changed, and I was allowed in without a permit because I’m over 50 years old. Now such a visit is forbidden, possibly related to the Coronavirus pandemic.”

For the vast majority of Israelis, Palestinians are “arbitrary concepts,” Ebenstein said. Having a dear friend who is Palestinian “changed so much for me.”

Erekat feels the same way.

“We have our own bodies but share one soul. We feel each other’s pain and help each other in many matters. Ruti is my sister and best friend,” Erekat said.

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 31

Spirit torah portion

Seeking Inner Strength could imagine in the ancient n the Torah on the first day of Sukkot, on Shabbat Near East what it might have meant to ask people to give morning, we read about up animals or grain that takes sacred times and sacred so much time and energy to actions. raise or grow. This would not In most communities, we have been a simple ask, nor a have heard our last shofar simple action. Israel is asked blast at Neilah, the concludto sacrifice something deeply ing service of Yom Kippur. personal. As my teacher in A final t’kiah g’dolah — a blast rabbinical school Dr. Job pushed until one is out of Jindo has taught me, breath — making perhaps what one sacthe space for somerifices is the intention, thing new. And we effort and love. As we sit said l’shanah habah in our sukkot, our tembi-rushalayim, similar porary huts, we are fragto the Passover seder ile; and we can consider — we are looking Davey Rosen what we intend to offer forward to the year this year. How much of ahead. our time, our resources Parshat In that moment of and our hearts will we Sukkot I: looking ahead, we sacrifice for others?

Leviticus may feel very fragile A central teaching 22:26-23:44; or vulnerable, after from Vayikra is found Numbers fasting and repenting 29:35-30:1; just before the reading and doing the hard on Sukkot, Leviticus Zechariah work of asking others 19:18, “love your neigh14:1-21 for forgiveness. In bor as yourself.” Rabbi this potentially fragile Aaron Bergman of frame of mind, perhaps with Adat Shalom often says, in a softer heart, we sit in a order to love your neighbor fragile structure, the sukkah, as yourself, you first have to built just for this moment. love yourself. In a moment of It’s a moment of transition, fragility, we can find strength caught between looking back in knowing that sacred acts and looking ahead, the Torah of chesed, of kindness and reading on Sukkot calls out empathy, show honor to the to us to live with intention.

Divine, to each other and this The Torah reading on the will make us stronger for the first day of Sukkot is from the year ahead.

Book of Leviticus. God called Rabbi Shefa Gold has to Moses and the Torah calls written, “When we walk in out to each of us to find that connection, listen well and still small voice inside, to act in accordance with that share it with others and to lis- interconnection, then the ten to the voices of others.

Divine Spirit moves within In Vayikra 22:26-23:44 and between us. We come ancient Israel is called to into relationship not just with mark sacred moments and the parts, but with the Whole given details for when and of Creation.” how to observe several Jewish holidays, including Davey Rosen is a rabbinic intern Shabbat and Sukkot. Israel is at Adat Shalom Synagogue in to engage with God through Farmington Hills and a rabbinic student at the Academy for Jewish ritual offerings, sacrifices, Religion in New York. of animals and grain. One

I

32 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

COURTESY OF GUY MINTUS

Arts&Life music

A Jewish Jazz Guy See Israeli pianist Guy Mintus as part of the Jewish Film Festival.

SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

details Guy Mintus

“Miracle of Miracles: Guy Mintus Live” goes on at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 29. culturalarts. jcc.org/filmfest/.

sraeli pianist Guy Mintus knows the Motor City jazz scene. He has performed at local clubs, including Cliff Bell’s, and his trio has appeared with Lady Champagne, a Detroit blues singer.

Mintus had been planning a return trip to the metro area last May, when he would be performing solo to enhance the showing of the film Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles, one feature scheduled for this year’s Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival. Original Mintus music enhances the narrative of the documentary about the development of Fiddler on the Roof productions.

When the festival had to change into a digital platform because of COVID-19, Mintus accommodated the change by agreeing to perform live from Israel. He will be the finale of the event, running Oct. 4-30, and perform selections from the film and apart from it in “Miracle of Miracles: Guy Mintus Live” on Oct. 29.

“I want to bring people into my musical world,” said Mintus, also a recording artist who is 29 and single. “I like to take music that I love and is meaningful to me and reimagine it — give it a new spin and a new life. It can be Chopin; it can be Gershwin; it can be a classic Israeli song.

“Whatever it is, I Mintusize it.”

Mintus was drawn to the piano from the time he was 10. He heard a song he liked and asked his mother to help him sound it out on their keyboard.

“It left me wanting to find more, and I started studying but not seriously,” he said.

“I played some pop melodies, not practicing much. Then I discovered ‘’Round Midnight’ continued on page 34 OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 33

Arts&Life continued from page 33

LET US DESIGN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN FREE In-Home Estimates )XOO 5HPRGHOLQJ 6HU YLFHV $YDLODEOH 6KHOE\ 7RZQVKLS Â&#x2021; :HVW %ORRPILHOG ZZZ ODIDWD FRP Â&#x2021;

by Thelonious Monk, and that kind of shifted me because I learned that I can improvise and express myself. Music can be this [way] of expressing myself at a whole other level.â&#x20AC;?

As Mintus explored jazz, he also studied classical music and went to an arts high school in Israel. After serving as a musician in the military, he earned a scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. While enrolled, he entered the New York performance community and moved on to tour internationally, sometimes appearing with orchestras.

Among the honors he has received are the Leonard Bernstein Award presented

by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and the Bernstein Family Foundation, the Prix du Public given at the Montreux Jazz Festival and two of ASCAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards.

While performances have been limited during the pandemic, he has interacted with audiences by taking online requests and filling some by raffles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I played the requests as an artistic challenge to personalize

â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do You Love Me?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; is my favorite song from Fiddler.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; PIANIST GUY MINTUS

34 |

OCTOBER 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

songs from different worlds of music,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People who have experienced loss, sickness or tough things â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or wanted to wish happy birthday to their father or something like that â&#x20AC;&#x201D; reached out and asked for certain songs that are special. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I made personal dedications, and the response was incredible. It was amazing to see how powerful music can be and the healing powers it can have on so many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives.â&#x20AC;?

The pianist-composer hopes his upcoming album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gershwin Playground,â&#x20AC;? will also have those kinds of effects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do You Love Me?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; is my favorite song from Fiddler,â&#x20AC;?

Mintus revealed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something so real and charming.

It gets me, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to sharing lots of special music with the people of Detroit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meet in person now, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to have as much interaction as possible through Facebook or my email.

Communication is one of the most beautiful things. If we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it physically, digital means can be cool, too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To share this music is a blessing, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to know where it took people.â&#x20AC;?

Arts&Life books

To Cuba, L With Gratitude

ast December, Ann Arbor resident Ruth Behar returned to Havana, her place of birth, to put the finishing touches on her newest novel, Letters from Cuba. She stayed in the same apartment building where she lived her first five years until 1961 — when her family left the island two years after Fidel Castro took over.

During her visit, the author worked in the nearby park In a new book, local author she went to as a child, using public Wi-Fi to go over final Ruth Behar recalls the island editorial changes. The neighas a haven for Jews. borhood is just a half-block from Temple Beth Shalom, MADELINE HALPERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER also known as the Patronato Synagogue, a major hub of the Jewish community built just years before Behar’s birth.

She said the nostalgic location for the visit was intentional.

“I wanted to feel the island right before my book went to press,” said Behar, a writer, anthropologist and the Victor Haim Perera Collegiate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan. She is the first Latina to receive a MacArthur “Genius” Grant.

“I wanted to be there in Cuba again as I was letting the book go,” she said.

For Behar and her family, Cuba is not only a place of birth, but a site of refuge. Her TOP: Agramonte Street in Havana, Cuba. great-grandfather Abraham Levin journeyed Baby Ruth with her grandparents in there from Poland in 1924 during the rise of Havana. CENTER: Goworowo map from Memorial Book. antisemitism in Europe. He lived in the rural Cuban village of Agramonte.

Behar’s Letters from Cuba, geared toward middle-grade students, was inspired by the

true story of her maternal grandmother, Esther, a Polish Jew who journeyed by ship alone at age 17 in 1927 to join her father in Cuba. There, she helped make enough money to bring over the rest of her family from Poland, on the eve of the Holocaust.

The book features fictional letters from Esther to her younger sister, Malka, and imagines the experience of Esther as a young Jewish immigrant in a foreign country.

Behar said that fiction became the perfect outlet for a Jewish immigration story that history does not have much record of.

Instead, she used details heard in family stories, like the bread and bananas her great- grandfather sustained himself on upon arrival.

“That was a clue to how these new immigrants were taking care of themselves,” Behar said. “It showed how they were gently immersing themselves, trying the fruit of this new culture, while still trying their best to follow the kosher traditions of the old country.”

In addition to her grandmother’s story, Behar said she was motivated to write the book by the climate of hostility toward immigrants exhibited by the Trump administration. She saw connections between her family’s migration patterns and current events.

“It brought the past and the present together for me,” said Behar. “I thought, ‘My own family went through this.’”

In the 1920s, when Behar’s family was trying to escape persecution, the U.S. continued on page 36 OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 35

CUBA continued from page 35

Arts&Life

Maya Rudolph

celebrity jews

NATE BLOOM COLUMNIST

LOTS OF PREMIERES The new season of Saturday Night Live begins Oct. 3. Five episodes will air this October. All will be filmed, live, on stage, in front of a small audience. The first episode features a sketch about the presidential election. Host Jim Carrey will play former VP Joe Biden. Of course, Alec Baldwin will play President Trump. Maya Rudolph, 48, will play Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic VP nominee. Rudolph portrayed Harris in three SNL sketches last year and just won an Emmy (guest actress, comedy) for one of those sketches.

Last month, I briefly noted that the Showtime documentary series The Comedy Store would premiere in October. But, that was not absolutely certain. Now, it is certain: The five-part series will start 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4.

The director and main writer is Detroit native Mike Binder, 62.

Binder, a sometime actor, was a former stand-up comedian himself. The series features never-before-seen footage of famous comedians. Interviewees include David Letterman and Howie Mandel, 65.

Mitzi Shore (1930-2018) co-founded The Comedy Store, a Los Angeles nightclub, in 1968.

She had a truly great eye for young talent and is credited with giving many great comics their start or big break (a partial list: Robin Williams, David Letterman, Andy Kaufman, Jay Leno and Garry Shandling). Mitzi was the real talent in the family. She effectively ran the club from its inception because her husband and club co-founder, “so/so” comedian Sammy Shore, was usually on the road. Mitzi became the club’s sole owner after she and Sammy split in 1974. Their son, comedian

36 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

Pauly Shore, now 52, had a miniburst of fame in the ’90s.

Monsterland is an original Hulu series that begins streaming Oct. 2. It is an eight-episode anthology series (each episode stands alone) about “broken” people who have encounters with mermaids, fallen angels and other strange beasts.

Jonathan Tucker, 38, who has many film and TV credits, co-stars in the first episode. Tucker, whose mother is Jewish, will also co-star in the NBC sci-fi series Debris, which will premiere sometime early next year. The seventh episode of Monsterland co-stars Michael Hsu Rosen, 30ish. He is just breaking into TV/film work following years as a ballet dancer and stage actor. His father is Jewish. His mother is Chinese.

The Good Lord Bird, a Showtime series, starts Oct. 4.

The focus of the series is the (fictional) relationship between famous abolitionist John Brown (who was real) and Onion, a fictional slave he frees. Onion rides with Brown and his followers as they violently battle (1856) pro-slavery forces in Kansas.

The series’ climatic moment comes when Brown leads a famous raid (1859) on a Virginia federal armory.

Hamilton star Daveed Diggs, 38, has a large role as Frederick Douglass (1818-95), a famous African American leader who was an ally of Brown. Wyatt Russell, 33, appears as J.E.B. Stuart, an American army officer who helped repel the armory raid and later became a famous Confederate general. Wyatt’s mother is Goldie Hawn, 74.

Immigration Act of 1924 set quotas on how many people could come to the country from Southern and Eastern Europe.

“My family was unwanted here, so our American lives began in Cuba,” she said.

After Communist revolutionary Castro seized power in 1959, Behar said 94 percent of the Jews in Cuba left. Until her immediate family could obtain American passports, they spent a year in Israel living on a Spanish-speaking kibbutz.

The family then immigrated once more to join her maternal grandparents in Queens, N.Y. “I can actually remember looking out [the] ship’s window and seeing the Statue of Liberty when we arrived,” Behar said.

There, they joined a sizeable community of Jewish Cubans, and Behar worked hard to learn English. Still, she held onto her love of Spanish, and eventually pursued a career that allowed her to engage with her passion for language and diversity.

“As a cultural anthropologist, I have this intellectual passport that not only allows but encourages me to connect with the places I write about,” she said.

As part of her anthropological research and writing, she has lived and worked in Mexico and Spain. She has also made many return trips to her native Cuba.

“I do research there on the Jewish community, art and literature, and try to reconnect with the place I was born,” she said.

HAVEN FROM THE HOLOCAUST Now, Behar enjoys a home base in Ann Arbor, where she teaches courses on Cuba and its diaspora and the concept of home at the University of Michigan.

For herself, the concept of home evokes feelings of gratitude. She recognizes Cuba as the sanctuary that saved her family from a possible death in the Holocaust.

In Letters from Cuba, Behar aims to repaint this picture of

the island as a center of welcome for many Jews. She said when it comes to Jewish migration to Cuba, scholars focus on the story of the SS St. Louis, a German luxury ship that carried more than 900 Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany in 1939. Only a handful were allowed entry into Cuba upon arrival. Behar believes this tragedy is out of character for the diverse country.

“I wrote this book in contrast to those stories,” Behar said. “I wanted to show that Cuba did offer sanctuary to very many Jews, that the majority, in fact, did find refuge.”

Behar also hopes the book will fill a gap in children’s learning, to deliver them the diverse kind of anthropological material she teaches to her students at the University of Michigan.

“They’ve read a lot of World War II stories,” Behar said.

“They’ve read a lot of immigrant stories. But they don’t know the stories of Jews who went to Cuba.”

In sharing this history, she believes the novel will teach young readers to have compassion toward other immigrant children and hopefully make her readers better citizens of the world.

Perhaps most integral to Behar’s newest literary adventure, however, is remembrance.

As remaining Holocaust survivors pass on, and as Behar worries about what she sees as a new climate of fascism, the author wants to make links between past and future traumas.

“We have to do everything we can to bring this historical memory into the present so young people can see it in relation to the contemporary struggles occurring,” she said.

“We have to be able to connect all these things and understand how past and present are always in relation to one another.”

On The Go people | places | events

HEALTH & WELLNESS NOON-4 PM, OCT. 3

SISTERHOOD PROGRAM 6:30-9 PM, OCT. 6

This activity is presented by Yoga Moves MS. Attend all or select sessions. Event is free of charge; $25 donation appreciated For more information and to register visit: yogamovesms.org/holistichealthandwellnessforum.

Temple Israel Sisterhood virtual paid-up membership event will feature global psychic/medium sensation Thomas John, who has wowed audiences across the world with his impressively accurate messages from the “other side.” He will do a presentation and live readings. Free for paidup sisterhood members; $36 for non-members (you do not need to be a member of Temple Israel to attend). Info: temple-israel.org or 248-661-5700.

FILM FESTIVAL OCT 4-30 This year, the Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival will partner with the Detroit Film Theatre. The virtual festival will be a mix of things to do together and things to do on your own. Anyone can participate in all aspects. Films will be available for rent on-demand throughout the entire festival to watch any time. No more worrying about missing a film because it’s being shown when you’re busy.

Festival Pass holders will have access to a Netflix-like premium streaming area beginning on Oct. 4. where they can scroll through movies and watch as they please.

Those without a pass can purchase virtual tickets to each film individually beginning on Oct. 4. Virtual tickets are single-use codes for watching a film that expire in 24 hours. All can gather in real time for live virtual film discussions.

Anyone can watch and participate in these either on the JCC of Metro Detroit’s YouTube channel or through the Detroit Jewish Film Festival’s smart TV app. Preview the film lineup and get a pass at culturalarts.jccdet.org/filmfest. Info: call 248-609-3303.

AFA CONFERENCE 10 AM-12:30 PM, OCT. 6 The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host a free virtual educational conference as part of its national Educating America Tour to help Michigan residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease during the COVID-19 crisis.

The conference, which is free and open to everyone, will provide information and advice from health and caregiving experts. To register, go to alzfdn.org/tour. Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of The Dr. Oz Show, will be a guest speaker and share his family’s personal Alzheimer’s story regarding the diagnosis of his mother, Suna Oz, last year.

Speaking Truth to Power: The White Rose Student Anti-Nazi Resistance 3KRWR FUHGLW *HRUJH :LWWHQVWHLQ

A virtual program by Dr. Jud Newborn with stirring music, powerful images and suspenseful storytelling

Register at www.holocaustcenter.org/October

THURSDAY, OCT. 8 Q 7:00 PM HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTER ZEKELMAN FAMILY CAMPUS

ZOOM PLAYS 8 PM, OCT. 7-11 Theatre NOVA will present 15 juried plays written specifically on Zoom to be performed live and available for streaming after the performances. Three different new short plays each night will be performed live online over the course of five nights. Tickets are $5 per person per evening, or $20 for a festival pass which admits ticket holders to all 15 plays. Prior to the event, ticket holders will receive a link to click on to view. Purchase tickets online at www.TheatreNova.org.

For more information, email a2theatrenova@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Theatre NOVA’s ongoing efforts to stay alive through the pandemic.

248.553.2400

Q holocaustcenter.org

Stay in the know with all things Jewish...

Get The Detroit Jewish News print edition delivered to your door every week for less than $2 per issue.

Subscribe Today!

thejewishnews.com/subscription

JLEARN CLASSES BEGIN OCT. 9 The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit will present this year’s JLearn classes. For a catalogue go to jccdet.org/JLearn.

Register at jlearn.online or call 248-205-2557.

Compiled by Sy Manello/Editorial Assistant. Send items at least 14 days in advance to calendar@thejewishnews.com.

Th k

Rugiero Promise Foundation along with the University of Michigan Medicine Center Present the Virtual 2020 CASINO ROYALE Silent Auction & Raffle.

HELP US FIND A CURE FOR DIABETES!

OCT. 22-24

We invite you, your family and friends to join our virtual event with a Silent Auction, Raffles, Prizes and Direct Donations!

R For more info visit www.rugieropromise.org or Register at https://Rugiero20.givesmart.com to join this exciting-FUN-virtual event!

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 37

the exchange community bulletin board | professional services

For information regarding advertising please call 248-351-5116 or 248-234-9057 or email salessupport@renmedia.us Deadline for ad insertion is 10am on Friday prior to publication.

Lois Haron Designs

Pet resort • Daycare Training • Grooming Web Cameras

248-230-PAWS (7297) 2244 Franklin Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 www.4pawscc.com

Designs in Decorator Wood & Laminates It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, only look like it.

Lois Haron

“Let us love your pet while you are away”

Apple a Day Take a bite out of learning!

Interior Designer Allied ASID

(248) 851-6989

loisharondesigns@gmail.com www.loisharondesigns.com

ELECTRONICS UNLIMITED Sales

•

Ser vice

Sound Systems • TV Mounting WiFi & Network Wiring Telephone Systems • & More Warren Mendelsohn 248-470-7715

Call Debbie! (248) 514-8349 On Site Apple Training and Support

Gutter Installation, Repairs and Cleaning Roofing Installation, Repairs/Cedar Roofs Decks and Refinish Rotted Wood Replacement Mold/Flood Restoration Chimney/Brick/Paver, Seamless Gutters

248-855-0437 Cell: 248-912-2292

JF Green Renovations

Maintenance, Installation, Repair & Hot Water Heaters

CALL JOHN: 248-770-8772

Ajmendelson1@gmail.com

FORMER MARINE

Custom Closets,Inc.

Junk-B-Gone We Haul It All!

WHERE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE as featured on

HGTV

Leading the industry with over 30 years experience in the Metro Detroit Area.

Now also organizing the Metro Denver Area with our 2nd location Custom Closets, West, Inc. Call today for your free in-home consultation

38 |

OCTOBER 1  2020

JF Green Renovations

ROOFING & SIDING INSTALLATION & REPAIR

Aaron Mendelson Heating and Cooling

Caren Bass

All Brick/Stone Concrete / All Masonry Porches, Patios, Retainer Walls, etc.

Decks and Refinish - Rotted Wood Replacement Seamless Gutters Mold/Flood Restoration

**COVID-19 Exempt — Services Still Available**

SINCE 1973

248.855.8747

CHIMNEY RESTORATION

FORMER MARINE

$65

License # 7118488

**COVID-19 EXEMPT — SERVICES STILL AVAILABLE!**

CALL JOHN: 248-770-8772

SERVICE FEE FAMILY OWNED

Email: jrcmycomputerguy@gmail.com

Michael Goldenberg Painting, Inc. Commercial - Residential Exterior - Interior

Cell: (248) 224-3053 Office: (248) 541-7804

Still the Lowest Prices in Town!

SAME DAY SERVICE! Proudly Serving the Jewish Community for over 25 Years Owner Present on EVERY job!

248-760-4450 FREE

ESTIMATE

Mention the Jewish News and get 10% Discount

SENIOR AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS

LACOURE’S LANDSCAPING New landscaping, maintenance, re-landscaping, walkways, retaining walls, patios, sod, fall and spring cleanups, Shrub/Tree trimming & removal, irrigation winterization.

Free Estimates Southfield Company

248-489-5955

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HEALTHCARE A1A CAREGIVER/COMPANION. Experienced, excellent references. 248-991-4944

Heating, Air Conditioning Service and New Installations

24 Hour Emergency Service RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Serving the Community for Over 55 Years WHATEVER IT TAKES:

248-352-4656

24-HOUR AFFORDABLE CAREGIVER. 26+ yrs exp.

Exc Ref. April 586-335-5377 Mature compassionate caregiver / companion with 10+ yrs exp. serving chronically ill patients.

Seeking private duty care.

Rates are reasonable. Please contact Ms. S Taylor (313) 334-1090.

Certified CNA with 20+ yrs exp. working with the elderly. Reliable with many qualifications. Lawreese (313) 718-5141

CHANGING HANDS CHANGING HANDS ESTATE SALES ESTATE SALES

Always Show’ guarantee.

Experienced, mature and caring individual available for hourly or live-in position.

Contact Debbie 248-444-3353.

Letexperienced our experienced teamhandle handle all your estate needs: Let our team allofof your estate needs: • Hands free-hassle free estate sales • Hands free-hassle free estate sales

Visit our Leshoppe showroom in Keego Harbor

Visit our Leshoppe showroom in Keego Harbor Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation

Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation

248-709-9648

TRANSPORTATION

248-709-9648

& ketubahs BOOKS Bought Sold

LIBRARY BOOKSTORE Open 7 Days M. Sempliner

248.545.4300

Books Bought In Your Home

MAX THE HANDYMAN

You Name It – I’ll Do It! Toilets • Disposals • Electrical • Door & Lock Repair • Shower Grab Bars • ETC

248-356-0114

and Other Wedding Stuff

Alicia R. Nelson

tradition! tradition!

(248) 557- 0109

www.traditiontradition.com

ProTouch Painting: Exterior/ Interior Painting, Power Washing, Drywall Repairs and Staining. Please call Njegos (248) 495-3512 Dependable caregiver available to assist w/ your loved one's daily living call 734.838.8166 INSTRUCTION SPANISH TUTORINGALL LEVELS Sr. & Sra. Vennettilli-Former teachers of WBHS and Andover HS Private & group ZOOM sessions presently available for the fall.

Sr. V-248 840-1450....

Sra. V-248-840-4669 AUTOS- DOMESTIC/ IMPORTS CASH FOR VEHICLES any make or model Call Barry 248-865-2886 MISCELLANEOUS

A1A DRIVER for Drs appts,shopping, errands,airports and more.

Renee (248) 991-4944 Reliable Driver-Best Rates Airport, appts., errands, shopping & more or ask?

Call David 248-690-6090 SERVICES AAA Cleaning Service.15 yrs. in business.Natalie 248-854-0775

TRADITION! A MOVING truck toFlorida TRADITION!

15+ yrs experience. Expert in elderly care. Part time. Cynthia 248.896.4372 DOG WALKING & CAT CARE. Feeding & in-home pet sitting (your house or mine)Bonded.

Refs.Becky 248-884-7301 Group Home Care w/ limited space available for live in clients. Medicare accepted.

Dearborn Heights Area. Anna 313.673.5672

and returning Bud 239-273-3565

Weekly Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox. thejewishnews.com/newsletter OCTOBER 1  2020

| 39

Soul

of blessed memory

RICHARD KEITH BARNETT, 85, of Birmingham, died Sept. 22, 2020.

Mr. Barnett owned and operated Chrome Craft Corporation, a chrome plating and finishing company. He enjoyed traveling and had a passion for his family, the Michigan Wolverines and a Saturday round of golf with his friends.

He is survived by his son, Anthony Barnett; daughter and son-in-law Amanda Barnett Pedigo and Chris Pedigo; grandchildren, Mayah and Adam Pedigo; many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Barnett was the devoted son of the late Arthur Barnett and the late Lillian Greenberg Barnett; the loving brother of the late Virginia Barnett Warren and the late Stanley Warren.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Arrangements

by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MARGARET “MARGIE” CHARNES, 83, of Commerce, died Sept. 22, 2020.

She is survived by her daughters and son-inlaw, Ellen Charnes, Marilyn Engel, and Sandy Simmons and Steve Rymal; grandchildren, Samantha and Daniel Edgar, Sydney Simmons, Alex Engel and Michelle Engel; brother, Howard Ellias; brother-in-law, Jerry Glassman; nieces and nephews, Lenore and Alan Deutch Singer, George and Sherri Glassman, and Judith G. Etkin. She is also survived

40 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

by Zona and Richard Ribiat, Norman and Barbara Herbst, Alan and Elaine Herbst, and many loving great-nieces, great-nephews, other loving and special family members and friends. She was also loved by Chloe and Lucy.

Mrs. Charnes was the beloved wife of the late Allen Charnes; the loving sister of the late Phillip Ellias, the late Stanley Ellias and the late Naomi Dallen; the dear sister-in-law of the late Debbie Glassman; the devoted daughter of the late Meyer and the late Esther Ellias; the loving daughter-in-law of the late Saul and the late Martha Charnes; and the proud aunt of the late Harvey Deutch.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Colon Cancer Foundation, 201 N. Charles St., Suite 2404, Baltimore, MD 21201, coloncancerfoundation.org; Michigan Animal Rescue League, 790 Featherstone, Pontiac, MI 48342, michigananimalrescueleague.org; or Leader Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48308-5000, leaderdog.org.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

LISA KRAFT DORF, 45, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 23, 2020.

She is survived by her husband, Stuart Dorf; sons, Alec Gabriel Dorf and Zachary Samuel Dorf; mother and father, Joanne and Robert Kraft; sisters and brother-in-law, Ellen Kraft, and Andrea and Stephen Taub; mother-in-law and father-inlaw, Myra and Larry Dorf; brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw, Robert and Denise Dorf, and Joseph and Erica Dorf; many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, tons of cousins, and a universe of friends.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Temple Israel, Susan and Rabbi Harold Loss Early Childhood Center Scholarship Fund, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, temple-israel.org/ tributes. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

KAREN JACOBSON, 72, of Birmingham, died Sept. 21, 2020.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Logan Jacobson Most. She was the adoring “Kiki” of Oakley and Brighton Most; loving sister of Stanley “Bowie” Jacobson, and Scott and Roz Jacobson; beloved auntie of Lacey and Elliot Foon, Maxwell, Charlotte, Emilia, Luke and Cole Jacobson. She is also survived by dear cousins, Sheryl and Bob Anderson, Lori Brooks, Steven Perlman; and their children; adored

by Ronnie and Jodi Weiss; and her loyal support team, Theresa Zemke, Bozena Walat, Debi Weinstein, and Esteline Johnson.

Ms. Jacobson was the devoted daughter of the late Mark “Ted” and Mildred Jacobson.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, 200 1st St. SW, Development Dept., Rochester, MN 55905, philanthropy. mayoclinic.org/donateMC; or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

EVELYN KEPES, 89, of Birmingham, passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2020.

She was a strong, intelligent, beautiful person.

Mrs. Kepes is survived by her daughter and son-in-law,

Debra and Fred Jacobs; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Dorene Kepes; son-in-law, Scott Silver; grandchildren, Joshua Silver, Ariel Silver, Benjamin (Tracey) Silver, Gabe Silver, Alyssa Silver, Allison Jacobs, Mickey Jacobs, Heather Kepes; great-grandchildren, Yael and Ryan Silver; sister and brotherin-law, Mitzi and Ron Brown; many other loving family members and friends.

She was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Kepes; the mother of the late Jan Silver; the grandmother of the late Cindy Kepes.

Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia.

Contributions may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

SEYMOUR KLEIMAN, 87, of West Bloomfield, died peacefully, surrounded by family, Sept. 17, 2020.

He was born in Newark, N.J., before moving to Michigan with his mother and father.

His wife, Estelle, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joys in life. He was a generous and loving person and willing to do whatever his wife, children and grandchildren might need.

Mr. Kleiman was involved for 64 years as a Mason and for 58 years as a Shriner. He was a member of Temple Israel for 50 years. He belonged to the Detroit Zoo, Holocaust Memorial Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and he was a longtime member of the JCC. He worked as a salesman for Covington Fabrics and was a co-owner of Mattress Warehouse.

He is survived by his beloved

wife of 64 years, Estelle Kleiman; daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Paul Walter; daughter-in-law, Susan Binder; grandchildren, Mallory (Matthew) Shiffman, Dr. Ari Walter, Zachary Walter; great-grandchildren, Emerson and Morrison Shiffman.

Mr. Kleiman was the father of the late Dr. Michael Kleiman; grandfather of the late Max Walter.

Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia.

Contributions may be made to the Penrickton Center for Blind Children or to JARC. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

AGNES LUGOSI, 82, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 21, 2020.

She was active at the Holocaust Memorial Center as a docent and speaker. She and her husband had many meetings at their home for Children of Holocaust Survivors, and she participated with the Spielberg interviews of Holocaust survivors.

An active member of Congregation Beth Ahm, she also belonged to B’nai B’rith.

Mrs. Lugosi is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas Lugosi; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Matthew Burnstein of West Bloomfield, Dianne and Dr. Stewart Baroff of Commerce; grandchildren, Samantha Burnstein, Sydnie Burnstein, Dr. Brandon Baroff, Kaila Baroff; sister-in-law, Gabriella Karp; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; four wonderful caregivers.

She was the dear sister and

NO ONE LIKES TO PLAN A FUNERAL.

BUT YOU CAN PLAN TO LIKE THE GUIDANCE AND SERVICE YOU GET FROM A FUNERAL HOME. Arranging a funeral is an emotional process.

But choosing the right funeral home can help alleviate the stress. That’s why people turn to us. We understand the wants and needs of families from all walks of Judaism. Our fresh look and feel make everyone feel welcome. We’re centrally located, and our pricing is fair. Our care—and our caring—help ease the burden of a SVZZ 4HRPUN H +VYMTHU KPќLYLUJL everyone will appreciate.

30440 W. TWELVE MILE ROAD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334

248.406.6000 | THEDORFMANCHAPEL.COM

continued on page 42 OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 41

The sooner you call, the more we can help.

Soul

of blessed memory continued from page 41

Our State. Our Town.

Our Hospice.

888-247-5701 www.hom.org Caring for Detroit's Jewish community since 1980

PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE JEWISH HOSPICE & CHAPLAINCY NETWORK

Monument Center Inc.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Same Location Over 80 Yearsâ&#x20AC;?

Monuments and Markers Bronze Markers Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning

www.MonumentCenterMichigan.com

Some days seem to last foreverâ&#x20AC;Ś

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering one that actually will.

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 Kollelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Torah Scholars brings immeasurable heavenly merit. Please call us at 248-557-6750 for more information.

Edward Borray 16 Tishrei Oct. 4, 2020 Samuel Kief Tillie Koss Leah Budnick Elizabeth Brown Sol Kwartowitz Bernice Cole Julius Corman Abraham Sender Lipson Herbert H. Freedland David M. Edelman Tania Safran Mary Guterman Harold Kaplan Fannie Warsen Harry Jaffin Allen Krakow Sam Weintraub Pearl Kind Harry Levine 19 Tishrei Oct. 7, 2020 Morris Lubkin Celia Margolis Elka Rutzimring Henry Benach Phillip Rossen Shiah Rutzimring Isadore Berkowitz Morris Silverstein Morris Saham Tova Goldstein Esther Rose Smith Rose Schwartz 17 Tishrei Oct. 5, 2020 Berko Iger Fanny Unrot Robert Jonas Leon N Cutler Ida Katzman 22 Tishrei Oct. 10, 2020 Joseph Hess Harry Levin Sollie Antman Sadie Kaufman Sam Bernstein David Levine Minnie Kideckel Michael Berris Dora Strom Rothenhaus Bella Raim William Bordelove Isadore Rolnitzky Simon Shlom Betty Cohen Sol Stein William Solomon George Raymond Terebelo Louis Julius Cohen Rose Weingarden Howard Robert Cornfield 18 Tishrei Oct. 6, 2020 Richard Neal Wayne 20 Tishrei Oct. 8, 2020 Kate Gormezano Jack Blue-Bluestein John Sidney Ketchen Jack Beckwith Dorothy Bodzin Louis H. Levine Sam Bielewitch Stanley Brawer Hilda Lezell Harry A. Davidson Sadie Ettinger Goldie Mendelsohn Benjamin Eizelman Shirley Feldman Abraham Oakman Charles Rubel Jack Franks Gertrude Rosenberg Harry Wexler Harry Nathan Goldman Harry Shulman 21 Tishrei Oct. 9, 2020 Samuel Granitz Edward Simon Meyer Beigler Fred Spindel William Morris Isenberg Charles Binder School for Boys â&#x20AC;˘ Beth Jacob School for Girls â&#x20AC;˘ Bais Yehudah Preschool Weiss Family Partners Detroit â&#x20AC;˘ Kollel Bais Yehudah â&#x20AC;˘ Maalot Detroit P.O. Box 2044 â&#x20AC;˘ 6RXWKoHOG 0, â&#x20AC;˘ 248-557-6750 â&#x20AC;˘ www.YBY.org

42 |

OCTOBER 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 2020

sister-in-law of the late Irving and the late Helen Biel, and the late Alex Karp.

Contributions may be made to Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; or Congregation Beth Ahm, 5075 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322.

A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

LEONARD MEISEL, 67, of Bay City, died Sept. 17, 2020. He is survived by his dear companion, Bobbie Nichols; sons, Alex Meisel and Austin Meisel; sister, Shelly Meisel. He is also survived by his former spouse, Karen Meisel; and many other loving family members and friends.

Mr. Meisel was the loving son of the late Irvin and the late Yetta Meisel.

Interment took place at Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery in Clinton Township. Contributions may be made to Keeping the Blues Alive or to a charity of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

HERBERT MILLER, 94, of Northville, died Sept. 22, 2020.

He retired after 30 years at General Motors Livonia Spring and Bumper.

Mr. Miller will always be remembered as the guy who loved to tell jokes and make others laugh. He had a passion for music and loved to sing

and record music, which will be cherished by his family for years. He also loved to write poetry.

He had a gift for making others feel welcome and appreciated no matter who they were, and he made friends easily. He was always complimenting others and asking how he could help them, even in his final days. He never wanted to burden anyone with his needs and he never complained about anything.

He loved the simple life. His favorite thing to do was just spending quality time with his wife, Shirley. They were content with their simple daily routine, which included lunch at Panera and a trip to TJ Maxx or the mall. Half of his heart went with Shirley the day she died.

The family will miss this dad, grandfather and great-grandfather, but will always hold him close to their hearts and will remember all the ways he made them feel special. They are very grateful to have had him in their lives for 94 years.

Mr. Miller is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Howard E. and Heidi Miller; daughter and son-in-law, Donna S. Miller and David Hawrylak; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Dehaan, Rebecca (Stephen) Crews, David and Erik Hawrylak; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Ava DeHaan, Jacob Crews and Lily Crews; many other loving family members and friends.

He was the beloved husband of the late Maxine Frank Miller and the late Shirley Gorney Goldsmith Miller; son of the late Rose Reifler Roth and the

late Phillip Miller.

Interment took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Lupus Foundation of America.

Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

BARBARA PEARL, 82, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 19, 2020.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Randi and Harry Glanz, Debbie Yendick and her life partner, Corey Haber, and Jill and Steve Dean; grandchildren, Eric Glanz, Sydney and Nicholas Bierwirth, Darin Gross, Jake Gross, Taylor Yendick, Josh, Samantha, Nicole and Hayden Dean; former daughter-in-law, Lindsay Gross; brother-in-law and sister-in-law,

Barry and Vera Pearl; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Pearl was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Conrad Pearl; the dear mother-in-law of the late Michael Yendick; the loving twin sister of the late Richard Weiner; the devoted daughter of the late David and the late Faye Weiner; the dear daughter-in-law of the late Joseph and the late Sadie Pearl.

Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jewishhospice.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MICHAEL PERLMAN, 72, of New York, N.Y., formerly of Bloomfield Hills,

died Sept. 22, 2020.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana Perlman; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Elizabeth Perlman; granddaughter, Lily Dee Perlman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Peter and Carrie Perlman, and Dr. Owen and Sheila Perlman; brother-in-law and sisters-inlaw, Dr. Jeffrey and Sharon Lipton, and Naida Simon; many loving nieces, nephews, caregivers and a world of friends.

Mr. Perlman was the beloved husband of the late Diane “Dee Dee” Perlman; the devoted son of the late Elaina and the late Charles Perlman; the dear sonin-law of the late Dr. Benjamin and the late Ida Bader.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, the Dee Dee and Michael Perlman Caregivers

Fund, 6735 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, jewishdetroit.org. Arrangements

by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

DR. MARTIN ROSENBAUM, 82, of West Bloomfield, died Sept. 20, 2020.

He had many passions in life.

First, being with his wife Eileen for 66 years and family. Then on to dentistry, which included a long tenure at U of D, being a captain in the Army and amassing a large group of lifelong friends.

He was also a true car enthusiast, enjoying car shows and often visiting Woodward Ave. as a teen with his wife and, up to a few months ago, meeting old and new friends to discuss and enjoy their love of automobiles.

Dr. Rosenbaum is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eileen continued on page 44

WE ARE THE COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME We combine tradition and personal service in a modern world

ENTERING OUR SECOND CENTURY OF CARING AND RESPECTFUL SERVICE HebrewMemorial.org | 248.543.1622 | 800.736.5033 | 26640 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 43

Soul

of blessed memory continued from page 43

Rosenbaum; son, Andrew Rosenbaum; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Mark Merian; grandchildren, TJ Kirschner, Matthew and Athena Kirschner, Michael Kirschner, Kyle Merian and Taylor Cordone; brother and sister-in-law, Jan Rosenbaum and Dora Galitzki.

He was the dear brother-inlaw of the late Leslie Rose.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be to American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076, cancer.org; Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 260, P.O. Box 2030, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303, jewishdetroit.org/send-a-tribute;

44 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

or Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

MARTIN SUMMER, 83, of Independence Township, died Sept. 16, 2020.

A retired veteran, Martin Summer was a captain in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era. He was also an attorney, an avid stamp collector and an all-around nice guy.

Mr. Summer is survived by his wife of 52 years, Madelyn Summer; children, Meredith Summer of Oak Park, Stephanie and Jason Pollak of West Bloomfield, and Alison Feiler of Huntington Woods; grandchildren, Josh Pollak, Hudson Leo Pollak, Sophie Feiler and Sammy Feiler; sis-

ter, Jeannie Ross of San Diego, Calif.; brother and sister-inlaw, David and Betsy Summer of McClean, Va.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Hilary and Dr. Robert Weisman; many other loving family members and friends.

Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements

by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

GERALDINE ZACKS, 72, of Farmington Hills, died Sept. 16, 2020.

She is survived by her husband, Howard Zacks; children, Matthew Mercadante of West Bloomfield, Daniel and Valerie Mercadante of Rochester Hills, Matthew and Lisa Zacks, Stephen Zacks,

Michele Zacks; brothers and sister-in-law, Lee and Dawn Gayer, Mitchell Gayer; sister and brother-in-law, Diane and David Scheingoltz of West Palm Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Oliver Mercadante, Aria Mercadante, Dylan Zacks; loving nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to Partners Detroit, 15751 W. Lincoln Road, Southfield, MI 48076; or Yeshivah Beth Yehudah, P.O. Box 2044, Southfield, MI 48037. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel; CORRECTION The obituary for Yetta Pomerantz (Sept. 17) should have indicated her date of death as Sept. 3, 2020.

Raskin the best of everything

From Siberia to Southfield Sid Neuman transformed a tiny deli into something magnificent.

P

STAR DELI FACEBOOK

eople never had to wear face masks or be afraid to leave the house as ordered by a higher up … but residents were lucky then to even get a piece of bread …

And tuna salad? … Forget it! …

The closest they came to any kind of fish was an occasional Danny Raskin drawing of what Senior Columnist it looked like.

They didn’t have corned beef sandwiches in Siberia either … The closest that people living there, such as Sid Neuman, came to a corned beef sandwich was his first one

Sid Neuman

in 1956 after coming to the United States from Poland.

During World War II, Sid was sent to Siberia by the Russians … And after six years, they finally allowed him to return to Poland only because of his being a Polish citizen …

He ran away to the American occupation sector in Germany and received permission to go to the United States.

Sid bought Star Deli on 15 Mile Road, west of Telegraph, coming here from Chicago to take over a little carryout operation whose kitchen, 500 square feet, was as big as the entire front.

But oh, what that tiny 1,200-square-foot carryout delicatessen had become … eventually ranking, today, as one of the largest volume carryout-only Jewish delicatessens in the nation … open seven days a week with regular hours.

Imagine this little carryout deli selling almost 1,500

pounds of white Albacore tuna a week … a salad that continually received rave notices.

Sid changed all that … remodeling it with four refrigerated cases … a large walk-in cooler …and everything imaginable in Jewish traditional foods among many other items that could be jammed into its crowded but neat areas.

Those refrigerated cases are now filled with tradition Jewish dishes … smoked fish, sable, kippered salmon, herring in both cream and wine sauce, etc.

Star cooks its own corned beef, pastrami, tongue, roast beef, etc. … Makes its own seafood salad and potato salad … plus coleslaw, pasta salad, rice pudding, fruit salad, etc.

The story of Star Deli is an amazing success tale … No one could ever foresee that this little operation would someday produce so much volume surrounded by enough

food now to feed that entire camp in Siberia.

Certainly, Sid can only shake his head when looking around at the untold amount of food carried by Star Deli and recall those lean days in Poland and Siberia.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES… The doctor held a stethoscope up to a man’s chest. The patient asks, “Doc, how do I stand?” … The doctor says, “That’s what puzzles me!

A drunk is in front of the judge … The judge says, “You’ve been brought here for drinking” … The drunk says, “OK, let’s get started.”

There is a big controversy on the Jewish view of when life begins … In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from medical school.

CONGRATS …To Denice Dunn on her birthday.

Danny’s email address is dannyraskin2132@gmail.com.

@] pfl Xi\ efk n\Xi`e^ `k¿ j\cc `k %%% fi 9FIIFN fe `k Pfl can’t enjoy jewelry if it’s sitting in your safe deposit box. Sell or borrow on it for immediate cash.

We deal in jewelry, watches, diamonds and coins.

A Service to Private Owners, Banks & Estates

Coins & Jewelry

Contact Larry Allan

**.'' Nff[nXi[ 8m\% 9\kn\\e (+ D`c\ 8[Xdj 9`id`e^_Xd# D@

248-644-8565

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

| 45

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

Fighting Hunger

I

read the cover story in the Sept.

10 issue of the JN with great interest. In 2020, like antisemitism, hunger is still with us. With the pandemic and its accompanying severe economic woes, unfortunately, hunger, like antisemitism, will be on the rise in the near future.

It was therefore heartening to read Madeline Halpert’s recent story about Hazon and Chad Techner doing their best to “rescue” extra food around the city and use Mike Smith it to alleviate hunger.

Alene and Graham Landau This is an admirable Archivist Chair partnership, to say the least.

I was also very interested in the “Food Rescue” story for another reason. Recently, while on one of my frequent (one might say, obsessive) searches in the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History, I ran across two related hunger stories from the past.

First, I read about the launch of the JN’s yearlong campaign to fight hunger in Metro Detroit in 2005. The campaign was launched to coincide with Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish New Year and the High Holidays. An editorial by then-Story Development Editor Keri Guten Cohen introduced the campaign in the Sept.

29, 2005, issue of the JN. Much like the current focus on antisemitism throughout 2020, the JN published stories that year about efforts made by organizations and individuals to combat hunger, and sponsored events that raised awareness and resources. All proceeds were donated, non-kosher items to Gleaners food bank and kosher items to Yad Ezra, which leads to my second point of interest — Yad Ezra is

46 |

OCTOBER 1 • 2020

celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Yad Ezra’s vision is succinct but powerful: “A Jewish Community Without Hunger.” And, for the past three decades, “Michigan’s Kosher Food Pantry” has provided millions of pounds of food to Jewish families in need around Southeast Michigan.

My search for “Yad Ezra” in the William Davidson Archive showed that its name appeared on 4,371 pages of the JN since 1990. In short, there are many stories about and photos of Yad Ezra volunteers and the good deeds they performed. Several of these stood out. The Sept. 29, 2005, issue of the JN that launched its campaign has excellent stories by Shelli Liebman Dorfman about then 15-year-old Yad Ezra. I also like that issue’s cover photo of Lea Luger, Paul Finkel and Elaine Ryke in the Yad Ezra warehouse.

The Feb. 16, 1990, issue of the JN reported the opening of Yad Ezra, with very nice photos of its first director, Jeanette Eizelman, and volunteer Rabbi A. Irving Schnipper. I also liked the photo of volunteers in the Dec. 6, 2018, JN when Yad Ezra celebrated over 20 million — yes, that is 20 million — pounds of food distributed to needy Jewish families.

Hunger is still an issue in Metro Detroit. However, the efforts of organizations such as Hazon and Yad Ezra, to name just two, and of individuals like Chad Techner and all those who volunteer their time and effort, and because the Detroit Jewish community as a whole provides support in a myriad of ways, fewer families will go hungry this year. Tikkun olam in action, I would say.

Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT, CREDIBLE JEWISH JOURNALISM Dear valued reader, Let’s get right to it.

During these very difficult times, why does the Jewish News matter more than ever?

• It connects us when we feel separated and surrounded by chaos. With the Jewish News, we are not alone. We are all in this together as a community.

• It is our trusted, distinctive, independent news source. With fake news, conspiracy theories and half truths rampant, the Jewish News provides us with facts, not sensationalism.

• It updates online content multiple times a day, always having a Jewish Detroit focus. The Jewish News and its www.thejewishnews.com website provides us with free access.

• It helps us continue to purchase goods and services from local friends and neighbors whose businesses are struggling. The Jewish News brings us to who’s open for business.

However, like other small businesses and especially media companies that depend on advertising, the Jewish News continues to suffer from the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

That’s Why Your Help Is Needed Today.

Please go to www.thejewishnews.com/contribute and give generously in support of independent, credible Jewish journalism. Help the Jewish News continue to matter – more than ever during these turbulent times — to all of us and Jewish Detroit.

Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy and sweet New Year.

Sincerely,

Arthur Horwitz Publisher

thejewishnews.com/contribute In addition to contributing online, you may also send a contribution to: The Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Highway #110, Southfield, MI 48034

FOR THE JOYS OF

Independent Senior Living

CALL TO LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS! Even in the new normal, All Seasons is designed to delight every one of your sensesâ&#x20AC;¦ every day! We offer an expansive menu of chef prepared meals and daily specials that are delivered several times per day, a variety of outdoor fine arts performances, individual chauffeured transportation, lively discussions, and a host of technology based forms of enrichment including programming exclusive to All Seasons. Our family engagement app allows families to view activities, community events and stay connected in real-time.

Call to learn more and schedule an IN-PERSON* or VIRTUAL TOUR! BIRMINGHAM 111 Elm St, Birmingham AllSeasonsBirmingham.com 248.845.2162

ROCHESTER HILLS 175 Nawakwa Rd, Rochester Hills AllSeasonsRochesterHills.com 248.825.4055

WEST BLOOMFIELD 5600 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield AllSeasonsWestBloomfield.com 248.237.6948

INNOVATIVE. ENGAGING. ENLIVENING. TOTALLY CAPTIVATING.

Managed by:

*as allowed by city ordinance.

Proud Recipient of the Prestigious

Ask Us Why!