"CLOSED was the word that ID- 'Its• for many Occasionally there are per- sonality conflicts, or sometimes one or both of the families do not realize the commitment involved and decide not to continue. At least one member of each interested American family is required to attend an orienta- tion session before a match will be made. The program is explained in detail, and par- ticipants are asked to take the applications home and discuss the idea with other family members before mak- ing a decision. "Once the names are ex- changed, the Soviet families are very anxious for the first meeting to take place, and we want to avoid situations where someone signs up im- pulsively at the orientation and then goes home and changes her mind, or finds out her fmaily doesn't want to participate," said Levine. Rosie Schlussel, another Family-to-Family co-chair, is often asked how much time an American family is ex- pected to contribute to the program. "How much time do you put into a friendship? That's up to you," she answers. Family-to-Family has five co-chairs in all: Schlussel and Levine from National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section; and Gloria Cohen, Ellie Slovis and Karen Myerson from the Women's Division of Jewish Welfare Federation. So far, over 200 families have been matched. But more American families are need- ed to keep up with the in- creasing influx of Soviet Jews to the Detroit area. Schlussel points out that the program is not designed to convert the Soviet im- migrants any branch of Judaism, but to introduce them to the customs they were not free to practice in Russia: lighting Shabbat candles, eating hamentashen on Purim, or making latkes and lighting a menorah on Chanukah. "You don't have to be a religious person to teach so- meone how to be a Jew," said Schlussel. At a Chanukah workshop Dec. 17 at Temple Israel, Soviet and American families heard the story of Judah Mac- cabee, told in Russian and English. They learned how to say the blessings over the menorah, and watched a live- action dreidel game. Hot latkes were served, and recipes in Russian were hand- ed out so that novices could try their hands at home. Some Family-to-Family events have centered around years described \61 ' 41 her —P the educational CALL 5374304 FOR YO opportunities available to learning handicapped children in the Jewish schools of America. But now. . . TACH (NO LIMIT) SHIRTS LAUNDERED means "OPEN!" ON HANGERS • MEN'S BUSINESS ONLY With any incoming dry cleaning order of $6.95. This coupon ex- cludes all other laundry specials (3 Shirt Min.) Expires 3/12/90 JN Parents for Torah for All Children For further information P'TACH of Mich., Inc. 18150 Alta Vista Southfield, Michigan 48075 (313) 399-6281 With any $6.95 or more incoming cleaning order. Not good with other dry cleaning coupons. Expires 3/12/90 IQvana Bauction.s presents over 90 bands: The Simone Vitale Band • Krosswinds Pam Martin • Higher Ground • Paul Lochrichio and many more . . . PLUS! Customized entertainment planning for every aspect of your special private and corporate parties Call Susan Stuart at 2880070 ENTERTAINMENT THE UMMATE IN QUALITY BANDS The New Jerry Ross Band Rumplestiltskin Keepsake -- Loving Cup Hot Ice - Simone Vitale Band Vizitor Mark Philips Band Secrets (313) 398-9711 Just Us r•W PHOTOGRAPHERS CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL Pf i0TOGRAPHE Specializing In: * WEDDINGS * BAR/ BAT MITZVAHS 647-5060 $1.00 OFF any incoming cleaning order of $6.95 or more. Not good with other dry cleaning coupons. Expires 3/12/90 JN .00 OFF SUEDE AND LEATHER CLEANING & REFINISHING. Coupon must be presented with incoming garment. Excluding other offers. 1 coupon per order. Expires 3/12/90 JN .00 OFF TAILORING/ALTERATIONS Coupon must be presented with incoming garment. Excluding other offers. 1 coupon per order. Expires 3/12/90 JN ::1111.Y.1111111111111, .:. THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 107