Happy Passover from the Mortgage Experts at Countlywide. Harold Berry ty. With tight financial re- sources and a national inter- marriage rate of 52 percent, Federation and synagogues no longer can work as totally sep- arate entities. "We want to build bridges," he said. Mr. Berry and 24 other local Jews comprise the Federation- Synagogue Task Force, which will promote Jewish involve- ment in the community at large. The immediate objective is to help Federation, syna- gogues and temples pool strengths to mutual benefit. "We both need each other," said James Jonas, co-chairman. Federation will lend its ex- pertise in fund raising in hopes of strengthening the financial viability of synagogues. Through community-wide cul- tural events, such as the Michi- gan Miracle Mission, Federation can include a broad spectrum of Jews in its pro- grams, task force members say. Synagogues, in turn, serve as spawning ground for spiritual- ity and religious commitment. "The synagogue is the insti- tution that nurtures and trans- mits Jewish identity and Jewish education," said task force member Irwin Groner, rabbi of Congregation Shaarey Zedek. Mr. Jonas hopes the task force will encourage families to "recognize the importance of continuing their memberships" at congregations after their chil- dren have received their bar or bat mitzvah. He also wants metro Jews to stay involved with Federation beyond the point when it serves their pro- fessional or personal interests. "People come and go from both institutions depending on what their particular needs are. We've got to create lifetime com- mitments," he said. Mr. Berry does not forecast competition between the two types of institutions. "When people become givers, it doesn't end at a certain point. Sure, there are financial limitations, but when you understand the needs of your synagogue, you'll also understand the needs of your community at large." ❑ Your friends at Countrywide wish you and yours a happy Passover! COME VISIT OUR TWO NEW BRANCHES IN: WATERFORD FARMINGTON HILLS (810) 673 4860 (810) 489 8500 - - Or call your local branch today! Novi (313) 344-9050 Birmingham (810) 647-3701 Lathrup Village Troy (810) 443-2449 (810) 680-9880 Livonia Ann Arbor (810) 476-6699 (313) 663-6767 Plymouth (313) 459-5511 Look for our new branch opening soon in Detroit. COUNTRITITIDE'ff HOME MORTGAGE LOANS No one works harder to deliver the American Dream. ID 01994 Countrywide Funding Corporation. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Credit Industries, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. RBA 40329-394 From Our Family To Yours... Happy Passover David Wachter AWARD WINNING ns SINCE 1922 Creato of Timeless Classics.. . C) 0) 100 S. Woodward 8 10 5 4 0 4 6 2 2 or Corner of Maple and Woodward Toll Free 800.345.6003 Downtown Birmingham OPEN SUNDAYS Certified Gemologist Members American Gem Society U) C C_D 2 21