National Council of Jewish Women Greater Detroit Section Just 4 Kids Committee Invites you to the Grand Opening In addition to receiving two Shabbat candlesticks and candles, her package included an instruction booklet and a calendar of times to know when to light the candles. "My husband [David] and I plan to raise our children to practice and understand Jewish customs, includ- ing Shabbat," she said. "We hope to be positive Jewish role models for them. I have been lighting the can- dles and have found the experience to be very spiritual. I especially like how it shifts the focus from the stresses of the workweek to the calm and relaxation of the weekend. We hope that lighting the Shabbat can- dles will continue be a very special weekly ritual for our family." Who Lighting? "Many people think Shabbat candle- lighting is only for married women," Amzalak said. "But it is for single women and girls, too." She also says it is a mitzvah that transcends the streams of Judaism. "Lighting Shabbat candles is a very meaningful experience, no mat- ter what the Jewish affiliation," Amzalak said. "Also people some- times say they can't light Shabbat candles because they don't keep Shabbat, but one thing doesn't depend on the other. Every mitzvah we do adds light to the world and tips the scale a little more to the good side." While the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles has traditionally been given to women, when there is no woman present, the obligation falls on men. "Men lighting candles is part of the way we fulfill the com- mandment to 'remember the Shabbat and keep it holy,'" said Rabbi Daniel Nevins of Conserva- tive Adat Shalom Synagogue. "The custom is for married men to rely on their wives, but single men who don't live with their mother should certainly light candles." Even in a home where the women are lighting the candles, "it is a beautiful tradition to have the close- ness of the whole family present, Amzalak said. "The one constant piece of mari- tal advice I give to couples about to be married is that from the first Shabbat after the wedding, they should make the commitment to light candles together every Friday night," said Rabbi Paul Yedwab of Reform Temple Israel. "No matter how busy they have been during the week, whether they have fought or gotten along, Friday evening comes, they light the can- dles, look into the flames, say an ancient blessing, and remember that their life together is holy and their relationship sacred." Orthodox Rabbi Mendel Stock of Oak Park typically stands with his family while his wife lights the Shabbat candles. "There is a feeling of peace," he said. "The women who will pray for peace in Israel on May 30 remind me of [the Yalkut Shimoni biblical interpretation] "If you cherish the lights of Shabbat, I will show you the lights of Zion." • • • A ALL Kiri 9LAY4ROUND Vti'lere A': Kids Ale NATIONAL COUNCIL Of IRVISH WOMEN GriCAIER CIETIMITSECRON A universally accessible playground where children of all abilities, Including those with spacial needs, can play together. Date: Sunday, June 8, 2003 2:00-4:00 p.m. I- fess-Hathaway Park in Waterford Glorious Glow "Our hope is for hundreds and thousands and millions of women to light candles May 30, and to think of peace in Israel," said Tzivie Greenberg, a New York-based Neshek project coordinator. That could add up to a lot of flames, with women traditionally lighting two candles — representing the two times the fourth command- ment is recited in the Torah: "Remember the Sabbath" and "Observe the Sabbath." Some add an additional candle for each of their children. Girls and single women light one candle, in deference to their mothers. Women and girls have committed to the May 30 candlelighting from as far as Scotland, Singapore and Australia. In the United State, their homes span from Honolulu to Gainesville, Fla., and from El Paso, Texas, to Delaware. "Every week students in our pro- grams around the world distribute candles and brochures in their com- munities," said Rochie Alevsky, a Neshek project coordinator. "But for this week, we have created 100,000 extra brochures, candle kits and posters. Every day more and more people call us with orders." Brochures have been translated into languages including French, Dutch and German. Shabbat Candles for Peace is a first-time endeavor of Neshek, an ongoing project of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Neshek is a program of Kinus HaShluchos, a New York-based resource center for the 3,000 Chabad emissaries worldwide. "We wanted to do something to $5.00 per family grins Your Family and Friends (Pay at the plerygrarred) Please RSVP by June 4, 2003 NCJW/GDS 0-f-f;ce (248) 355-3300 In case of inclernet weather call (248) 64 6-2800 between 11:00 arn.-1:00 p.m on June 8th A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO STAR TRAX EVENTS 715040 I A pen it came to reconfiguring the V V interior of their Huntington Woods home, Brian and Julie Unatin were more than impressed by the transformation. "Gittleman turned our house into a home," said Julie. They totally changed the flow by opening it up for relaxing and entertaining. It came out beautifully." And during construction, Gittleman stayed on schedule and budget without disrupting the household. "The job was completed from start to finish in just eight weeks," Julie said. "They showed up every day, worked hard and were incredibly respectful. The company president was out all the time, checking up on the progress and answering questions. That was really impressive." So, if you're looking to remodel or add on, why not put one of Southeast Michigan's most trusted names in residential construction to work for you? From our top management to our skilled trades people, we place an emphasis on function, aesthetics and budget that exceed the highest expectations. Just ask the Unatins. Call today, and discover how easily Gittleman can convert your house into your dream home. GITTLEMAN CONSTRUCTION inc 28580 ORCHARD LAKE RD., SUITE 102 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 248.538.5400 LIGHTS OF PEACE on page 54 CUSTOM www.gittleman.net RENOVATIONS 684120 5/30 2003 53