There's moreThan one Way to use A Futon! Z5//ilcte,/ Futon Furniture Collection 0-25% OFF ALL FRAMES THROUGH JANUARY 23RD r Natural Bedding and Home Furnishings ROYAL OAK NOVI TOWN CENTER NEW - UTICA 306 S. Main St. 26164 Ingersol Drive 7770 Auburn Rd. (313) 548-4422 (313) 349-5040 (313) 254-9828 SINAI HOSPITAL Sinai Hospital Ambulatory Services Division is pleased to welcome Support For Jewish Adoptive Families JENNIFER FINER JEWISH NEWS INTERN lissa Rosenfeld knows how hard it is to be a Jew- ish parent trying to adopt a child. It took her and her husband almost three years to adopt their son, Noah, and she considered herself luckier than many adoptive parents. When she found out there were no Jewish groups for adop- tive families, she established a local Stars of David chapter, part of a national network that offers support for adoptive Jew- ish parents and couples plan- ning to adopt. More than 30 local families meet every six weeks for an in- formal Stars of David meeting. Occasional events like Chanukah parties are planned. Members receive newsletters and educational programs are offered. "Everyone in the group shares a common bond," Ms. Rosenfeld said. "Many of us tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant and then tried to adopt, which isn't an easy thing." Stars of David works as an outlet to let adopted Jewish children meet and develop re- lationships with other Jewish E children. It also gives them the opportunity to universalize their experiences, Ms. Rosen- feld said, and allows parents to share common experiences. "Stars of David is important because adoption is different; therefore, Jewish people need to be together," said Esther Krystal, coordinator of adoption and foster care at Jewish Fam- ily Services. Rosa Schindler has been in- volved with Stars of David since its Michigan inception. She and her husband adopted two for- eign-born children. "I needed a group that would consist of Jewish parents and adopted children and would bring up Jewish issues," Ms. Schindler said. "My children may or may not have to come to terms with these issues; but if they do, they will have others around who are in the same boat." Adoptive families of any re- ligion face similar issues, but Jewish adopted children may have additional inquiries. "There is an identity issue with the children who may question if they are really Jew- ish," Ms. Rosenfeld said. ❑ Melvin Linden, D.O. and David Rothenberg, D.O. as family practitioners located at 2014 Beech Daly Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 ■ ■ ■ For an appointment, call 274-3320. LLJ (/) w F- LU fa) w F- 20 Stars of David children enjoy last month's Chanukah party. Michigan Adoption Laws May Change JENNIFER FINER JEWISH NEWS INTERN Next time you feed your face, think about your heart. Go easy on your heart and start cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The change'll do you good. V American Heart Association WE'RE FIGHTING FOR YOUR LIFE N ow that lawmakers in Lansing have deter- mined how to fund edu- cation in Michigan, they will be able to focus their at- tention on other issues affect- ing children, including adoption. A handful of bills introduced by Rep. David Gubow, D-Hunt- ington Woods, could slightly al- ter Michigan adoption laws. Some of Rep. Gubow's pro- posed legislation could change state law to permit direct place- ADOPTION page 22