AKIVA LETTERS We prefer letters that relate to articles in the Jewish News. We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Brevity is encouraged. Letter writers generally are limited to one letter per 4-6 week period, space permitting. Letters must contain the name, address and tide of the writer, and a daytime telephone number. Original copies must be hand signed. Mail to the Jewish News at 29200 Northwestern HWy., Suite 110, Southfield, MI 48034; frix to (248) 304-8885; or e-mail to: rsklar@thejewisluiews.com We prefer letters to be e-mailed. More original letters are posted at www.detroitjewishnews.com HEBREW DAY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Meet teachers, administrators, and Akiva families. See our students in action. Schoolwide Open House For Current and Prospective Parents and Students Nursery-12th Grade Sunday, January 9, 2005 1 - 3 pm Early Childhood Open House .4 - See our newly expanded Early Childhood Center in action. Pre-Nursery-1 st grade Monday, January 17, 2005 9-11 am David Wolpe's visit to Congregation Shaarey Zedek ("Kids And God, Dec. It is with deep appreciation I write to 3, page 5). thank Staff Writer Shah Liebman I also wanted to publicly thank the Dorfman for the outstanding article Laker family for generously sponsor- about the Jewish Gay Network of ing the weekend. It truly was an Michigan ("Among Friends," Dec. 3, incredible weekend for the Shaarey page 17). Zedek family, with several hundred Her enthusiasm for the mission of families participating in Shabbat JGN was evident as she gathered the activities. information, which translated into a fine What was really special was the fact introduction to the Jewish community. that the weekend was multi-genera- The impact of the Jewish News was tional; my husband's grandmother felt immediately when several new indi- (who is 90), my parents, my in-laws viduals attended the JGN book discus- and my own family all participated in sion on Dec. 5. the lectures. The synagogue provided If you or someone you know would babysitting which was fantastic for like to be included in the Jewish Gay people with young children. It Network listserv, just send a note to enabled everyone who wanted to learn info@jewishgaynetwork.org from Rabbi Wolpe the chance to do Addresses are not shared, to maintain so, without being separated from their confidentiality. children on Shabbat. My life has been enriched by getting I had the pleasure of personally to know GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual knowing both the late Harry and the and transgender) individuals. Join me late Sarah Laker. I know they would and celebrate the diversity of have been so proud and happy to see humankind. the synagogue bustling with energy Linda Lee during the weekend that was named West Bloomfield in their honor. Yashei Koach to the leadership, the clergy and the Laker family for bring- Thanks, Shaarey Zedek ing Rabbi Wolpe to us last month. Marianne Milgrom Bloomberg I wanted to thank you for your Farmington Hills Editor's Notebook article about Rabbi Coverage Welcomed Committed to academic excellence - Judaic and Secular - in a warm, supportive environment. Goldberg Thanksgiving Food Basket Event, call Michelle Malamis, (248) 559-1500. DISCOVER AKIVA FOR YOURSELF Akiva Hebrew Day School JAS Gets Grant 21100 W 12 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI (248) 386-1625 919030 JFS Volunteer Board Liaison Mara Moss of Birmingham packs up treats with JFS Volunteer Services Co-Chair Melissa Orley Lax of Bloomfield Hills. Thanksgiving Helpers s leRL//vo MO UN SILVER — N — REPAIR JEW E L R‘i 205 Pierce Street • Birmingham 12/17 • 2004 6 248.647.8670 M-F 10-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 ame evyaknceSAWCS)aothe 2d'ef6- o(gzez, &ow 265 Old Woodward • Birmingham 248-642-2555 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30-6:00 Closed Sunday Nate Goldberg, organizer of the Jeanette and Harry Goldberg Thanksgiving Basket Distribution event at Jewish Family Service, is looking for donors and volunteers for next year's event. This Thanksgiving, 100 Jewish Family Service client families received the ingre- dients for a full turkey dinner. While most clients came to Yad Ezra, the Berkley-based kosher food pantry, to pick up baskets, those with no trans- portation received home delivery, thanks to the JFS volunteers and case managers. To volunteer or to donate to the 2005 Jewish Apartments & Services (JAS) received a third Assisted Living Conversion Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant is about $1.6 million. JAS was the only organiza- tion in Michigan to receive this grant and is one of only three organizations nationally to receive it three times. The Assisted Living Conversion Program (ALCP) has enabled JAS to convert two existing floors of its Prentis Apartment building in Oak Park from independent living into 24-hour, subsi- dized assisted living. JAS has 24 Prentis apartments dedicated to assisted living. This program has enabled lower- income seniors to age in place when the degree of care they require rises. The grants are a key means of promoting HUD and JAS's shared goal of develop- ing an affordable continuum of care with housing and services. Construction on the new floor will begin in spring with occupany next fall. K