This Week

Insight

Nearly Goodbye

to NCSY, he has worked in more for-
mal Jewish education, including teach-
ing Jewish history courses to high
school students through the Michigan
Jewish Institute in Oak Park.
Since coming to Detroit, his family
has expanded to include sons Aryeh,
3, and Elie, born April 21.
Rabbi Tzali Freedman, NCSY
Central East Region director, said he
feels "real strong, mixed emotions"
about the Burgs leaving the area.
"We are very happy and proud for
them," he said. "Since Steven was in

etroit's National Council
of Synagogue Youth is
looking for someone with
the heart, enthusiasm, ide-
. alism and energy of a teenager to take
over as chapter director.
In other words, someone just like
the soon-to-depart Rabbi Steven Burg.
Since 1996, Rabbi Burg has been
Detroit chapter director for NCSY, and
associate regional director for the
Orthodox youth group's Central
East Region, also based in Detroit.
For the past two years, he has
served as director of The Jerusalem
Journey (TJJ), a national NCSY
summer tour in Israel.
Now he is heading to Los
Angeles, where he will direct
NCSY.'s West Coast Region.
For Rabbi Burg and his wife,
Rachel, the move represents a
promotion for him, along with a
chance to be nearer to her fami-
ly. But for the many young peo-
ple influenced by the pair during
their four years in Detroit, their
going will be a great loss.
"The Burgs have been role
models and mentors here in
Detroit for people of all ages,"
said Ricky Dorfman, 17, of West
Bloomfield. "Detroit will feel
their loss but wish them much
hatzlacha [luck]."
Rabbi Steven Burg with his wife,
During Rabbi Burg's tenure,
Rachel, and son, Aryeh.
Ariella Goldfein, 16, of
Southfield said NCSY events
have gotten better each year. The
three yearly Shabbatons are a big draw,
college, we were encouraging him to
she said, especially the one over
make a long-term career out of infor-
Memorial Day weekend.
mal Jewish education.
But the opportunity to meet per-
"On the other hand, he and Rachel
sonally with the Burgs was just as
are great talents and a tremendous asset
valuable to her and other teens.
to our organization and community
"Everything is always, 'come to my
and we are real sad to see them go."
house' — we feel like it's our second
Although Rabbi Burg is well over 6
home," Goldfein said.
feet tall, with the physique of a foot-
Rabbi Burg began his career with
ball player, it's his open, interested
NCSY as a teen adviser in New York.
eyes, dimpled smile and seemingly
In 1996, he graduated from Yeshiva
limitless ability to listen that make
University with rabbinic ordination
him an effective leader.
and a master's degree in Jewish history.
He's called simply "Burg" by some
Along with his enthusiastic devotion
of the teens.

Rabbi Steven Burg has been
named head of the NCSY
West Coast Region.

"When I found out he was leaving, I
was very upset," said Shim Traison, 18,
of West Bloomfield. "Not only is he a
great director, he's a very good friend."
On June 4, about 60 of Rabbi and
Mrs. Burg's younger admirers threw
the couple a surprise party at Young
Israel of Southfield, including a video
presentation, open mike and many
heartfelt speeches. There were very
few dry eyes in the house.
"I love Detroit," Rabbi Burg said.
"People actually make an effort to get
along. When you deal with Jews as Jews,
and not as different movements,
you see how much we have in
common.
"I hope I helped in that effort."
"Rabbi Burg has been a won-
derful asset to the Detroit Jewish
community," said Oak Park's
Gary Torgow, NCSY vice presi-
dent. "He has fantastic rapport
with the teenagers in our com-
munity and has been a wonder-
ful role model for our youth."
For next year, Dassie
Hochheiser, 21, of Oak Park will
fill in as interim Detroit chapter
director — only part of Rabbi
Burg's job here — while the
NCSY seeks a more permanent
head. Hochheiser, who ran
junior NCSY for students in
grades 6-8 last year, said she
knows she has a tough act to fol-
low, but is full of enthusiasm.
"It's a great opportunity," she
said. "I love getting together
with Jewish kids, helping them
learn about their background.
"Rabbi Burg was amazing," she
said "He turned this city around." ❑

Staff photo by Krista Husa

D

DIANA LIEBERMAN
StaffWriter

On Sunday, June 18, the Burgs
will be guests of honor at the
NSCY annual garden champagne
brunch, held at the home of Mrs.
Chayala Levitz. Rabbi Burg will
receive the inaugural Stephen
Levitz Memorial Award. For
information, or to make a contri-
bution in honor of Rabbi and
Mrs. Burg, call (248) 557-5279.

Remember
When • • •

From the pages of the Jewish News for
this week 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50
years ago.

Graham A. Orley was elected presi-
dent of the United Jewish
Cahrities.
Ninety eastside Jewish families
have joined the recently formed
Grosse Pointe Jewish Council.
Dr. Joseph M. Jacobson was
named chairman of the Detroit
Committee for the Weizmann
Institute of Science.

Soviet authorities canceled all of the
entry visas previously granted to
Israelis who paid $400 in advance
to attend the Olympic Games in
Moscow.
Alex Blumenberg was elected pres-
ident of the Labor Zionist Alliance
Council of Metropolitan Detroit.

`

,
ate

Dr. Joseph S. Krakauer was named
to the surgical staff at Sinai Hospital.
Young Israel of Oak-Woods hon-
ored Alex Saltsman and Mrs. David
(Fayga) Dombey as their man and
woman of the year.
Dr. Joel Morganroth of Southfield
delivered the valedictory address to
U-M Medical School graduates.

. .
The first outbreak of antisemitism
in several months in Montevideo,
Uruguay, was reported with the
bombing of a synagogue.
Detroit attorney Joseph Kadans
filed petitions for a place on the
ballot in the August Democratic
congressional primary.
Dr. Ira M. Altshuler, a Detroit
psychiatrist, was named to a four-
year school board post in Southfield.

Israel purchased two DC-4
Skymasters for El Al airline.
Entertainer Eddie Cantor
announced he would give up his
radio program in the fall to devote
time to the United Jewish Appeal.
Leo Green celebrated his 30th
year in the gasoline business.

— Compiled by Sy Manello,
editorial assistant

iN

6/16
2000

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