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 AppleTree, 27676 Franklin Road, Southfield, MI 48034, fax to (248) 354-6o69, or e-mail to philapple@earthlink.net. Include the name, address and phone number of the family, along with a brief description of why you think they belong in the section. ALL INFORMATION MUST BE TYPED. . 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"