Sanford Schulman of West Bloomfield:
Yoe just knew I would do whatever
was necessary for Alec."

Jeffrey Cohen of West Bloomfield: "Bn
very honored to be part of this book."

just knew I would do whatever was nec-
essary for Alec.
"I want Alec to understand his dad,
and I make that connection by telling
him about my memories. Alec loves lis-
tening to the stories. I believe he thinks
of me as having the same characteristics
as his dad. It's the idea that 'birds of a
feather flock together."'
Before agreeing to be part of the book,
Schulman asked his wife and godson,
and they approved. He found that the
experience helped him verbalize his
thoughts, and he went on to describe
how his dad raised him and how he
relates to his own family.
Connection also was an important
part of Jeffrey Cohen's essay, but in this
case, the connection involved families
confronting fragile X syndrome, a dis-
ease that affects learning and was diag-
nosed in his twins.
After Cohen felt successful in helping
the twins adjust as they entered their
teen years, the West Bloomfield attorney

made himself available through speaking
engagements and one-on-one meetings
with new parents through the National
Fragile X Foundation.
"This has been an almost enriching
experience in all respects, and I'm very
honored to be part of this book,"
explains Cohen, a member of Temple
Israel. "There's nothing for anyone to
pity. I think my kids are self-aware and
self-confident although there has been
extra effort and a struggle. They are
capable and happy. They fit in and have
fun."
Jewish Fathers is replete with stories of
fun and struggle as it introduces dads
who are religious and secular, old and
young, easy-going and strict.
"This book has reinforced that we
need to work on our better values and
the ideals embodied in tradition," says
Wolf, the father of a 20-year-old. "I
think it shows that Judaism can help in
practical ways through honest commit-
ments." ❑

able to perform in school choruses while
growing up in New York State. He
thought about eventually working in
entertainment, but he then wanted to
stay behind the scenes and considered
going into production. The change of
heart toward performing resulted from a
growing comfort level with the stage.
After studying writing at New York
University's Tisch School of the Arts,
Cohen graduated from the San
Francisco Conservatory of Music with a
degree in vocal performance.
While writing industrial films, he
opened a performance space in New
York City. Besides appearing with adult
music, he presented new acts, including
Blue Man Group.
After winning roles in summer stock,
Cohen went on to perform as a baritone
with opera companies and orchestras.
Moving in a different direction, he
wrote and performed in Lee Nashville
and Felicity, a country music comedy
act.
"I wanted to find work that had a
focus, and I made that focus kids," says
Cohen, son-in-law of Bernard. Linden,
who taught viola at the University of

Michigan. 'Also, children's music didn't
seem quite as competitive."
Cohen got into recording by making
a-private one for his own children. The
entertainer wanted them to think about
him while he was on the road. He then
decided to try CDs for the general pub-
lic.
Cohen, a member of a Conservative
synagogue and a nearby Jewish commu-
nity center, branched out by developing
specialized concerts for children.
Bananukah, a holiday show he wrote
to include traditional music and his own
songs, gives insight into the meaning of
the December celebration. Seeds of Song
teaches about American and/or world
history through folk songs, opera arias,
spirituals, show tunes and more.
"My next recording project will be a
CD of one of my live concerts," says
Cohen, who has rejected banana cos-
tumes in favor of casual dress. "I'm
thinking about having some standard
fare."

❑

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852810

Birmingham East Lansing
Grosse Pointe Rochester

6/18
2004

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