LETTERS

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Mr. Bittker And B'nai B'rith

B'nai B'rith has always played an
integral role in the life of David L.
Bittker ("Jewish Youths' Hero And
Mentor," March 3, page 97). He
joined B'nai B'rith in 1957, as a char-
ter member of Centennial Lodge here
in Michigan. He held various posi-
tions in his lodge and served as presi-
dent of the former District Six, which
in addition to Michigan, encom-
passed Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota,
Nebraska, North and South Dakota
and Wisconsin.
David served B'nai B'rith on the
international level in many capacities,
as former chair of the B'nai B'rith
Foundation, and most recently as
chair of the board of overseers. He
was a member of the B'nai B'rith
board of governors, of the executive
committee and the budget commit-
tee. Most importantly, he has served
as special adviser to numerous inter-
national presidents of B'nai B'rith.
Upon hearing the news of David's
passing, International B'nai B'rith
President Joel Kaplan said: "David
Bittker represented the highest attrib-
utes of a leader in American Jewish
life. He was generous, concerned,
involved and sensitive to the chang-
ing needs of our community. For
B'nai B'rith and for all of the organi-
zations he served and for the Detroit
Jewish community, his loss will be
immense. Our heartfelt condolences
go to his wife Arline, his children,
Alan and Sandy, Ron and Caryn, Jodi
and Keith, and his seven grandchil-
dren."
David served B'nai B'rith on a local
level as well. He served on the Great
American Traditions Award (GATA)
dinner committee and was a great
support to our annual golf classic,
which his son Ron now co-chairs. He
served as president of the then-
Michigan Regional Council and has
been a mentor to every Great Lakes
regional president since his own
tenure in 1975-76.
David was a quiet and unassuming
gentleman who earned the respect
and admiration of everyone fortunate
enough to cross his path. He was a
man of strong values and principles
and when he spoke ... just like EF
Hutton ... everyone listened! He
knew the true meaning and was the
essence of tzedakah, never looking for
any acknowledgement for his many
deeds and acts of kindness. His gen-

erosity has made a difference for so
many, his vision has been a source of
encouragement for everyone, and his
efforts have added significantly to the
well being of Jewish communities
throughout the world.
David L. Bittker leaves a priceless
legacy for everyone.

Bobbie Levine,

program coordinator
B'nai B'rith Great Lakes Region
Bloomfield Township

Please Join Us

Sunday, A HI 10, 2005

41st Annual Ban met

Honoring

A Communal Effort

Your cover story on Project Chessed
did a fine job of informing the com-
munity about our new program for
those lacking medical insurance ("No
Patient Left Behind," Feb. 24, page
16).
I am pleased that Jewish Family
Service is able to coordinate this
innovative clinical service and corn-
mend Rachel Yoskowitz and the rest
of the JFS staff.
More importantly, your article rec-
ognizes that Project Chessed would
not be possible without so many
dedicated doctors whose concern for.
patients truly is in the tradition of
Maimonides. It is especially worthy
of note that area hospitals have
joined JFS as partner institutions.
And, of course, none of this would
be possible without the tradition of
commitment and service within the
Detroit Jewish community and the
support of our fellow agencies.

Dr. Jason & Pearlena Bodzin

Recipients of the
Community Chesed Award

Terran Leemis,

president
Jewish Family Service
West Bloomfield

`Project Lifeline'

We read with interest the letter from
the Midwest Region of the American
Red Magen David for Israel
(ARMDI) ("Aid Israel's EMS," Feb.
10, page 6). Michigan has its own
ARMDI chapter, which, for over 35
years, has maintained a 2-3 percent
overhead.

Our Michigan Region is a "quieter"
organization because it does not
spend money on advertising. Our
community should be proud that the
John J. Mames Chapter, Michigan

LETTERS on page 6

Congregation Shaarey Zedek
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3/10

2005

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