Family Profile
A Love Of Learning
Elizabeth Applebaum
AppleTree Editor
NAME: Jeff and Debbie Chutz
CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS:
Ben, 14 /2, Groves High School
Zack, 12 /2, Covington Middle
School
Evie, 8, West Maple Elementary
RESIDENCE: Bloomfield Hills
CONGREGATION: Temple Israel
WORK: Debbie has her own busi-
ness, Natural Health Advantage.
She helps to expand the fitness and
prevention division of Rexall Sun-
down Co., both in Michigan and
throughout the country.
Jeff also owns his business, the
Health Advantage Co., through
which he offers a program called
CareWise. CareWise is a benefit
that self-insured companies can
offer employees to help save money
on medical costs.
HOW THEY MET: Debbie is a native
of Michigan. Jeff, originally from Penn
sylvania, moved here with his parents.
Debbie was working at a store.
Jeff was the customer. He came in;
they talked; they liked each other,
"but he never even asked my
name," Debbie recalls. Jeff was
planning another shopping trip, but
the two might never have gotten
together (Debbie had left her posi-
tion at the store the next week)
were it not for Christmas. They "re-
met," as Debbie says, when both
attended the Jewish Community
Center's annual Christmas Eve party
for singles.
WHY THEY CHOSE TEMPLE
ISRAEL: The couple wanted a con-
gregation that
offered a great
deal for their chil-
dren. They were
especially
impressed with
the temple's
school. In fact,
Debbie says all
three of the chil-
dren love going
to Temple Israel,
where Ben was
just confirmed.
Additionally,
The Chutz family members enjoy incorporating new
Debbie appreci-
holiday
traditions into theirJewish observance.
ates the fact that
Temple Israel is
the kind of con-
Jeff as "extremely supportive."
gregation where both she and her
Debbie says her family likes to try
husband feel comfortable, despite
different traditions during their Jew-
their diverse backgrounds. Jeff is
ish holiday celebrations. "Evie espe-
from a Reform home, while Debbie
cially likes this," she says.
was raised Conservative.
"But all my children love going to
[Aish HaTorah] Rabbi and Mrs.
FAMILY FAVORITES: "We love
Alon Tolwin's for Shabbat. At first, I
learning, taking classes, continuing
didn't know how they would react,
to grow in our observance and our
but each time they really enjoyed
understanding of Judaism," says
it."
Debbie, who attends numerous pro-
When she was younger, Debbie
grams presented by Aish HaTorah
did much the same thing. Because
and Machon ['Torah. Though her
of her friendship with their daughter,
husband often is working while
Rabbi and Mrs. Joseph Hirsch wel-
Debbie goes to study, she describes
comed Debbie into their observant
In Family Profile, AppleTree introduces you to local families committed to
Judaism and the Jewish community. We hope you find their lives inspiring.
The AppleTree welcomes your recommendations for Family Profile.
Candidates need not belong to a congregation or be leaders in Jewish
organizations. We're simply looking those families who, through their
daily actions, show a serious interest in a Jewish life and serve as role
models for all. Please send your suggestions to Family Profile, c/o
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address and phone number of the family, along with a brief description
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.
home. She was there every Friday
night. She recalls with tenderness
watching as the father blessed his
children each Shabbat. "That's
where I really learned about Jewish
tradition," she says. "I can't tell you
how much it impacted me. Because
of the Hirsches, I have such positive
feelings about . Judaism. I love the
peacefulness of Shabbat, which is
difficult to find in our world."
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT LEARNING: "It's great
because it's one step at a time. It's
not an all-or-nothing thing," Debbie
says.
At the lectures and programs she
attends, she finds everyone "open
and welcoming, and anyone can
go and feel completely comfort-
able. All kinds of different people
are there. And don't worry — no
one will call and solicit you and
make you crazy.
"
FAMILY TRADITIONS: "We always
have Shabbat dinner," Debbie
says.
"It's the one meal [challa, bread-
ed chicken, salad, potatoes and
another vegetable, plus sparking
grape juice for the children] every-
one in our family likes."
The family hosts big seders each
Passover, and will always incorpo-
rate something new "to spice it up,"
Debbie says.
Giving tzedaka — both daily and
on special occasions — also is
important to the Chutz family.
"I believe in everyday miracles,
Debbie says. "It's not the parting of
the Red Sea each day, but you may
have been headed for an accident
when suddenly you stopped ...
That's the time I'll put extra money in
the tzedaka box." 1 - 1
6/18
1999/
Detroit Jewish NeWs
7"