"The congregation ranged from
"We always went to services and
those who were very observant to
so did our kids. So they understand
those who were not. We liked the
that things aren't going to change
fact that members were encouraged
just because they turn 1 3."
to study, then find out what was
In fact, John says, "Joe's gradua-
I best for them.
tion from Hebrew High turned out
"Everyone participated. For a bar
to be a far more meaningful and
mitzvah, for example, the parents of 1 wonderful experience than his [sec-
the bar-mitzvah boy were required
ular] high school graduation."
to study for two years and helped
write the [bar mitzvah] service.
Celebrating Judaism:
! There were no big bar mitzvah par-
The Seymours enjoy Friday-night
: ties; it was just a joyful experience.
dinner together as a family. Adele
makes the cholla and John braids
"When we moved to Detroit, we
it.
looked at many places and felt
most comfortable at Temple Kol
They do not eat pork or shellfish,
Ami. It's smaller and more intimate.
and do not mix meat with milk.
We wanted a place that is egalitar-
The family loves to celebrate the
ian, and we like the rabbi [Norman
holidays, especially Pesach seders.
Roman]."
"My mother eats matzo even
when it's not Passover," Adele says.
John adds, "Rabbi Roman pre-
sents a lot of traditional aspects of
"But we do get tired of it after the
Judaism, but he's very open, too.
first few days."
And he's absolutely fabulous with
The Seymours are looking for-
children."
ward to Rosh HaShana because
"He's down-to-earth, very involved
they view the High Holidays as
with all the members of the congre-
important for "reassessment," Adele
gation," Adele says. "The services
says. "It's a time to consider how to
are truly a spiritual experience."
improve ourselves and to tell our
children why we're proud of them,
Keeping Children Involved:
and I like that opportunity."
T he Seymours' son, Joe, is a fresh-
The couple recently observed
: man at the University of Michigan.
adult b'nai mitzvah ceremonies,
After becoming bar mitzvah, he
when they learned to chant their
continued to attend the Kol Ami
Torah portions. "We couldn't not
Hebrew High School. He recently
do it after making our children
! celebrated his affirmation with a
learn how to chant," John explains.
close-knit class and enjoyed partici-
"You really have to be active, and
! gating on the Teen Mission to
do what you ask your children to
Israel. Daughter Clara attends the
do. If you don't, they'll quickly fig-
temple's Hebrew High School and
ure that out as they get older."
is a gymnast who has participated
in the JCC Maccabi Games.
Hopes For The Future:
The Seymours say their children's
The Seymours hope their children
! Jewish education didn't stop at 12
will continue the family's obser-
vance of kashrut and that they will
or 13 because "we didn't give
them a choice."
"practice Judaism as adults and
Adele says, "It can be hard,
raise their children as Jewish,"
Adele says.
because there are so many other
activities that interest them. But you
They also are eager for their
have to say, 'This is a priority.'
daughter to visit Israel, an experi-
"They understand that it's expected."
ence they say helped their son
"You have to start when they're lit-
mature and increased his commit-
ment to Judaism.
: tle," John adds. "If you're doing
things constantly in your religious
"I hope they're happy," John
life, they become accustomed to it.
says. "I want them to do well in

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STUDY TR fi PS

To be eligible for a financial need scholarship, candidates must demonstrate need; for a merit scholar-
ship, he/she must demonstrate leadership ability in the Jewish community. Candidates must donate to
Federation's Annual Campaign, be between 13-28,' reside in Oakland, Wayne or Macomb counties,
be on an approved program and apply six weeks prior to start of program.

with exception of Singles Mission

For more information: Allison Rabinovitz at (248) 203-1497 or rabinovitz@jfmd.org

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