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Rabbi Strear Departs
One year after arriving in Detroit following rabbinic ordi-
nation from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the
University of Judaism in Los Angeles, Rabbi Jay Strear is
returning to the college.
A rabbi at Adat Shalom Synagogue since last summer, Rabbi
Strear will begin his post as U-J director of development Aug.
15. Rabbi Strear, who also received a
master's of business administration in
non-profit management from U-J, will
work in the department where he met
his wife, Beth Solush Strear, who was a
staff member there while he was a stu-
dent at the school.
While at Adat Shalom, the rabbi
worked with young adults and yoLith
and in the area of outreach. "He
worked quite a bit with nursery
school kids and their parents," says
Beverly Liss, Adat Shalom president.
His primary focus was on youth,
teaching in the religious school and
confirmation classes. He also led a con- Rabbi Jay Strear
firmation trip to New York, Adat
Shalom United Synagogue Youth trips,
as well as a trip to Florida for synagogue high school students
to participate in a Habitat for Humanity project.
Rabbi Strear also was involved with the young married
and young adult groups and was instrumental in establish-
ing a Synagogue 2000 connection at Adat Shalom. He
worked with facilitators of the project.
Although the original plan was for him to remain at Adat
Shalom for at least two years, "we wish him well," Liss says.
"We were very pleased with him and are disappointed that
he's leaving, but we didn't want to stand in his way when he
was offered the position at the University of Judaism."
Although the Strears have left town, the rabbi will return
to fulfil commitments, including officiating at weddings
and b'nai mitzvah.
Synagogue leadership will begin the process of searching
for a new rabbi soon. ❑
— Shelli Liebman Dorfman
"She helped me to build up this place," Ayoub says. "I
wanted CO give her a special parry."
Customers filled the restaurant; many had tears in their
eyes. "Bazzi was very proud to be in this country," says
Judge Friedman. "And the swearing-in was great."
Ironically, Judge Friedman's wife's family is from Beirut,
too, but is Jewish, he says. Bazzi and Ayoub are Muslim.
"It was a nice event with the whole community. Total
diversity."
"I thank everyone who came," says Ayoub. ❑
— Sharon Luckerman
Eilu Eilu Summer School
A first-time offering of revised tuition rates for high school
and college students by Eilu v' Eilu has proved kids can
learn in the summer.
The plan to offer half-price tuition for college students
and no cost at all for high school students has enticed
members of both groups to enroll in classes offered
through the Metropolitan Detroit Conservative move-
ment's adult Jewish learning project.
Project director Nancy Kaplan says the idea emerged
during a discussion with Eilu v' Eilu instructors. Speaking
with community educator Michael Weiss and Rabbi Lee
Buckman, head of school at the Jewish Academy of
Metropolitan Detroit, Kaplan says they discussed "how
great it would be if we could attract JAMD parents and stu-
dents to come and learn together."
She adds, "A no-charge policy for the high-schoolers
seemed a fruitful approach."
Later, while composing an announcement of classes for
the Hillel of Metro Detroit summer newsletter, she "decid-
ed to make them an offer, too," reducing the cost of classes
to half-price for college students.
Kaplan says that the young persons' discount enriches the
learning experience for everyone by bringing together stu-
dents from different generations.
To encourage continued Jewish learning, Eilu Eilu will
continue the tuition discount — with no cut-off date con-
templated at this point.
For information on Eilu v' Eilu, call (248) 593-3490 or
e-mail learn@eiludearn.org ❑
— Shelli Liebman Do an
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Only in America
The Coney Island restaurant has become a truly
American tradition.
Last Monday, July 30, U.S. District Judge
Bernard Friedman swore in Lebanese immigrant
Salam Bazzi as a U.S. citizen at her job, Leo's
Coney Island in West Bloomfield.
The judge, who lives around the corner from the
restaurant and is there "all the time," often saw
Bazzi studying for her citizenship test in between
customers at the restaurant.
A policeman, another regular at the shop, once
teased her that she'd never become a citizen.
Pointing to the judge, the man added, "He's a
1 judge and he's not going to swear you in."
Rising to Bazzi's defense, Judge Friedman said,
"I'm going to swear you in right here, in front of
your family and friends."
Two years later, he made good on his promise.
Bachar Ayoub, restaurant owner and Bazzi's
cousin, threw her a festive party in the coney to
honor her citizenship.
Judge Bernard Friedman
Call (248) 398-9711
•
505 S. Lafayette Royal Oak
www.lorioross.com
8/3
2001
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