Left: rchiyah members Carol Dmitruk of Detroit, Sandy Hansell of Bloomfield Township, Harold and Mary Ellen Gurewitz of Detroit and Steve Gutow chat before the first class on Jewish Arab relations. Right: Mary Ellen Gurewitz chats with Steve Gutow during a Feb. 7 class he led on Jewish Arabrelations. modernity, to accommodate the demands of both continuity and change, reformulating ancient beliefs and practices to meet the needs of our time. For Gutow, that means his "level of observance is not set by the ancient rabbis but by my own understanding of how Jewish tradition and Jewish law fit into the living of a holy life. "I meditate every day," he said. "Shabbat is a holy day and I treat it that way. I've been a vegetarian for a while, but now I see it in terms of kashruth and the holy presence of God within animals. I pray before I eat." He finds halachah (Jewish law) important. "I study its demands and its underlying rationales," he said. "I believe that each person needs to grap- ple with its mandates for himself or herself. I respect those who are more observant or less observant than I." Typical of the Reconstructionist syn- agogue, T'chiyah is inclusive, spiritually vibrant and egalitarian, in both princi- ple and practice. "T'chiyah is participatory, with a commitment to discussion and under- standing of Judaism and its concerns," Gutow said. Although he has removed himself from political and legal work, he retains many friendships forged there. Ironically, one of his newest friendships — made within his rabbinic work in Detroit — is with attorneys Mary Ellen and Harold Gurewitz, who typically host Gutow's weekend visits. "His background is particularly appealing to me as one of my clients is the Michigan Democratic Party," said Mary Ellen Gurewitz, a union labor lawyer and politically involved. 'As I have come to know Steve, I am seeing that he has, in a way, moved beyond political activism, or perhaps that he is taking it to a new, more spiri- tual and ethical dimension. In a deeper study of Judaism, he seeks the founda- tion of social responsibility and tikun olam (repairing the world). On a more personal level, she refers to him as delightful and fascinating. "I am sure we'll continue to follow his progress and to be friends after he leaves our congregation," she said. Not ready to hire a full-time rabbi, the 26-year-old T'chiyah has enjoyed the presence of many rabbinical stu- dents, and Gutow will certainly leave his mark. He now is in the process of inter- viewing for a pulpit rabbinic position to follow his June ordination. "I'm not looking to be in the biggest synagogue in the biggest state," he said. "I'd rather be in a smaller place where I can be a friend to the community." Wherever he finds himself next, he will go with enthusiasm. "I love my life — it's a fun life," he said with satisfaction. Then with his typical look forward, he added the words, "So far." O Milton Avery Harry Bertoia Charles Burchfield Alexander Calder Samuel Cashwan Stuart Davis Lester Johnson Marsden Hartley Hans Hofmann Richard Lindner George Rickey Zoltan Sepeshy William S. Schwartz William Sommer Hughie Lee-Smith Bob Thompson The gallery is actively purchasing work by the above mentioned artists Call to set up an appointment. David Klein Gallery 163 TOWNSEND BIRMINGHAM MI 48009 TELEPHONE 248.433.3700 FAX 248.433.3702 HOURS: MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 1 1 - 5:30 www.dkgallery.com 685680 Our Specialty... 2485 Coolidge • Berkley, Michigan 1-888-FARINA1 Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs & parties for every occasion. ( 3 2 7 - 4 6 2 1 ) Visit our u)ebsite at: www.f-b-c.com Brunch, Lunch & Dinner Menus available. C,9i3120 Love your Kids In a program exploring Jewish- Arab relations, Congregation T'chiyah has begun a series of monthly lectures titled "Connections and Conflicts: The Complex Relationship between Jews and Arabs — Past, Present and Future." MARC J. COHEN PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE ENJOYING LIFE 248-543-3637 656650 We appreciate your business! 3/14 2003 57