NEIGHBORHOODS
CITY OF OAK PARK
Population:
29,793
OAK PARK HAS LONG BEEN
known as a Jewish stronghold,
which has remained fairly sta-
ble over the last 50-plus years.
More synagogues, Jewish
educational institutions, Kosher
butchers and bakeries can be
found in Oak Park than in any
other suburb in our community.
A large Eruv, which connects
with the nearby Southfield
Gardens subdivision, allows
people to push strollers and
wheelchairs through the neigh-
borhood during Shabbat.
Oak Park, which recently cel-
ebrated its 50th anniversary as
a chartered city, has long been
Rabbi Herschel Finman, his wife, Chana, and their seven children, Shira, 7; Alex, 10; Geula, 12;
Aidel, 13; Hinda, 15; Bracha, 17; and Tsivia, 19
home to the majority of metro
Detroit's Orthodox families,
many of whom are second- and
even third-generation resi-
dents.
[FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Finman
Mayor Gerald E. Naftaly
currently presides over the city,
which is served by three school
districts; Berkley, Ferndale and
Oak Park.
In more recent years, after
the completion of the 1-696
freeway that provides conven-
ient east-west access, Oak Park
has become a popular choice
for young families of all
denominations.
The Neighborhood Project,
which provided interest-free
loans to Jewish people buying
homes in Oak Park and
Southfield, also increased its
desirability. Real estate value
has appreciated accordingly,
although housing prices are
still considered very afford-
able, especially considering the
amenities the neighborhoods
have to offer.
The construction of the 1-696
overpass included the Victoria
and Rothstein parks, adjacent to
the Oak Park Jewish Community
hen Rabbi Herschel
Finman, his wife, Ghana,
and their seven children came to the
Detroit area after living in Australia
for several years, they were drawn to
Oak Park because of its solid Jewish
community, its central location and
affordable housing.
Rabbi Finman likes the sense of
community and belonging that he and
his family feel in their neighborhood.
"If a person is alone, somebody
will invite him to Shabbos dinner; if
someone is sick, a neighbor will bring
over some hot chicken soup," Rabbi
Finman said.
The Finmans and their children
(Shira, 7; Alex, 10; Geula, 12; Aidel,
13; Hinda, 15; Bracha, 17; and Tsivia,
19), have made many friends and
become very involved in the Jewish
community during the 15 years
they've lived here.
Rabbi Finman presides over
Congregation B'nai Teshuva, an
independent organization that pro-
vides a variety of educational pro-
gramming such as classes, seminars
and speaking engagements. He also
hosts the only Jewish radio show in
Detroit, "The Jewish Hour," which is
aired every Friday afternoon at 3
p.m. on WPO\ (1460 AM).
Ghana Finman participates in a
variety of community volunteer activ-
ities, does original artwork in her own
studio, substitute teaches in the local
day schools and works with
Mitmazel.com , an international
Jewish matchmaking Web site she
helped establish.
"It's suburban, yet it's an urban
community in many ways," she said.
"The kids have good friends in the
neighborhood, and they feel safe
walking or riding their bikes."
The Finman family belongs to
Mishkan Israel, a 45-year-old
Lubavitch congregation in Oak
Park.
Center Campus. These parks are
popular family destinations for
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT:
playing and picnics as well as for
reader," Chana Finman said, "and all the kids love going to Zeman's bakery. Shira enjoys playing
a variety of local events.
3 6 • SOURCEBOOK 2003-2004
in the parks behind the JCC."
"Alex loves the library; she's an avid