The Staff of Caucus Club wishes you a very Happy New Year iscovering zyntown. . Our Greatest Potential A t my shut, we had the privi- These are fantastic tools for self-evaluation when looking back at our Jewish year Did we do business faithfully WAN. Technically, the movie and honestly? Did we set aside shed no new information to me about the Holocaust. But it did time trying to study God's Torah? Did we have children, powerfully convey just how and invest our time and energy strongly we prejudge people we in them? Did we try and grow have never even met. And by both as people, grappling with seeing how the people of Whitwell, Tenn., changed the wisdom and understanding, and as Jews, by hoping for the way they viewed both Germans redemption? and Jews, I also learned a great But they won't ask us what deal about myself, how I label type of shut we belonged to, and judge others and how they and how often we attended must perceive me. services — which Our Jewish Federa- brings me to back to tion is about to embark the issue of labels. upon a very ambitious I struggle with the population study to understand the chang- way we label ourselves in the Jewish world. ing nature and needs of Orthodox, our community. One of Conservative or the first questions on Reform. While people the survey is about Ra bbi synagogue affiliation: Reuven Spotter use labels to identify "Do you belong to a Specia 1 to the who and what they are, they also use synagogue? lf so, what Jewish News them to describe what denomination? How they are not. It's comfortable for often do you go?" I certainly understand why people to ignore what chal- lenges them in life by using a they ask these questions; they label: "No, Rabbi, I don't do are important measurements of affiliation to the Jewish commu- that because I'm not kosher." Or, "Rabbi, I can drive because nity. But according to the I'm not Orthodox." Talmud, they're the wrong ques- tions to ask when evaluating So, I've decided that this year, I no longer want to be an Jewish life. "Orthodox rabbi." That seems The Talmud teaches us that when every person leaves this very intimidating to people, I guess. No, I'm still a rabbi; and world and stands before the Holy I still follow the tenets of Tribunal to look back at his life, Orthodox Judaism. But, in reali- the court asks him a few ques- ty, I'm just a Jew trying to follow tions. Since Rosh Hashanah is God's instructions and trying to the Day of Judgment — the day that God judges each of us and help other Jews do the same and grow closer to Him. the world as a whole — it seems logical to me that if these are That, I think, is our greatest the questions that I'm going to potential: to be less of a move- be asked at the end of my life, ment that shuts others out — then in some form, God asks albeit unintentionally — and these very same questions about more like a family; open and each of us on Rosh Hashanah as loving and welcoming to anyone looking to grow closer to God, well. What will they ask us? "Said Rava, when they bring a His Torah and the Jewish people. I wish each and every one of person into judgment, they say you a happy, healthy and joyous to him: Did you engage in busi- new year, and the prayer that ness faithfully? Did you set aside God grant us peace and pros- time for Torah study? Did you perity here, in Israel, and engage in procreation? Did you hope for the redemption? Did throughout the world. you grapple with wisdom? Did Reuven Spolter is rabbi of Young you understand one thing from Israel of Oak Park. another?" (Talmud Shabbat 32a) lege of watching the movie Paper Clips over this past Tisha „721 September 29 • 2005 Xa The Max, casinos, opera, theater, sports Our Famous Dishes... Dover Sole, Sauteed Perch, Baby Back Ribs, Pancho Burger; Medallions of Beef * the * Caucus 'I' Chlb * * A Detroit Institution Since 1952 DINNER MONDAY-SATURDAY LUNCH MONDAY-FRIDAY Reservations Recommended Private Party Room Available 150 West Congress Detroit 313-965-4970 Main Floor Penobscot Building Our groomer is a graduate of the New York School of Dog Grooming • Clean, comfortable professional styling with a passion for pets • Clothes for your spoiled children with 4 paws Hours: Mon-Fri: 7-6 • Sat: 9-4# • "lie Grooming Spa & Boutique 61 W. Long Lake Rd. • Bloomfield Hills • 248-203-9553 "If you haven't tried Ember's Deli, you're missing some great food on a budget." DANNY RASKIN Aug. 11, 2005 Approaching Holidays ...Think Rose Guttman's Famous Homemade • Potato Pancakes •Roasted Chicken • Chicken Noodle Soup •Gefilte Fish • Homemade Red •Matzo Balls Horseradish •Stuffed Cabbage • South Beach Turkey Meat Loaf Kids Menu Carryout Catering Trays Mon-Sat 9-8 Sunday 9-3 3258 Orchard Lk Rd North of Commerce RESTAU RANT 248.683.3344 102E210 We wish our family & friends a very healthy, happy and sweet New Year. 143