tont Line \ =hen Tom and Barb Kowalski decided it was time to st upgrade their master bathroom and closet in their 1979 colonial, the decision to hire Gittleman was a simple one. In addition to the fact that Gittleman had done kitchen renovations for them three years prior, the Kowalskis knew Gittleman brought more than just superior craftsmanship to the table. "We had a high level of confidence in their work and knew they were knowledgeable," Tom explained. "But we also knew Gittleman would be easy to work with because they have all of the building contractors available to do the job from start to finish." Gittleman came up with a solution for the Kowalskis that was lower in cost than what they had anticipated. They now enjoy a spacious master bath and closet, which extend over the first floor family room and provide an extra 130 square feet of living space. Barb said the decision to turn to Gittleman was based on the assurance their team provided in the past. "It's about trust. You have these people coming in and out of your home when you're not there and you can trust them to clean up after themselves and double lock the door before they leave." The finished project encompasses everything the Kowalskis were looking for — more space, more light and premium features — and has added to the entire home's ambiance. "It upgrades the whole house to a more contemporary style of living that you would see in a new home," Tom noted. "It makes the master bedroom more usable and house far more resalable." So the next time you want to expand your living space and enhance your life, turn to someone you can trust to give you what you are looking for at a price that's fair — turn to Gittleman. JUST ASK THE KOWALSKIS. GITTLEMAN CONSTRUCTION inc 28580 ORCHARD LAKE RD., SUITE 102 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 248.538.5400 www.gittleman.net CUSTOM RENOVATIONS Good Faith Financial LendingYou CanTrustIm Attention HOMEOWNERS! NO Fees. NO Points. NO Closing Costs. Same Day Approvals. Cash Out Up to 100% Fixed Mortgages and Option ARMS Cedl itnnes Cohen or Ari TI,AAAre Let us help you do what is mart for you and your family." 32600 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Bingham Farms, MI Office: 248-644-8771 Fax: 248-644-8779 1201460 10 December 28.2006 Respecting Others Talmudic lecturer teaches the "Dignity of Self." Susan Tawil Special to the Jewish News N oted lecturer Shira Smiles frequently broke into tal- mudic singsong as she addressed a crowd of 150 women at the Max M. Fisher Federation Building in Bloomfield Township on Dec. 11. Her topic, "The Dignity of Self," dealt with valuing and treating oth- ers with respect. Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education (AJE), Yeshivat Akiva, Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, Yeshivas Darchei Torah and several private individuals sponsored the talk. Although Smiles Shira Smiles currently lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel, where she teaches at Darchei Binah Seminary, her lectures are videocast Sunday mornings at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah. Smiles is the sister of AJE Director Rabbi Judah Isaacs, and this was an opportunity to hear her in person. "It was like meeting a celebrity," said Seema Selmar of Oak Park, who regularly attends the Sunday video hook-up. Smiles began her talk citing the Torah passage in Deuteronomy where Moses recaps the Jews' 40-year journey through the desert. Rashi, the fore- most biblical commentator, explains that Moses is rebuking the Children of Israel, but veils his criticism within the names of the places recounted to uphold the dignity of his people. This key passage, said Smiles, teach- es the obligation to be sensitive to the feelings and honor of every individual. "The most important lesson we must teach our children is the impor- tance of appreciating all people, of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone has kedushah (holiness) and is worthy of kavod (respect)," she said. Smiles brought the talk to a short discussion of practical, mundane issues of life that reflect kavod, or the lack of it. For example, she asked, why do we write notes to our kids' teachers on whatever scrap of paper we lay our hands on? "Surely, our children's teachers deserve more respect than that!" she admonished. Smiles further suggested showing appreciation for the dignity of friends by starting e-mails with "Dear (name):' Then she laughed and disdainfully bashed that nemesis of honor, the call- waiting telephone feature. Smiles told a story illustrating the importance of the simple act of greet- ing one's fellow. By extending ourselves to say hello, we show that we recognize the other person's existence and affirm their sense of worth. People hunger for this rec- ognition, she explained, and we have so many opportunities to take an interest in others. By paying attention to details in the lives of others, such as remarking on such things as new shoes or a haircut, we make them feel they are irreplaceable. Someone feeling alienated will consequently not see themselves as a worthwhile part of the community. Citing the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot that says: "There is no man who doesn't have his time, and no thing that doesn't have its place," Smiles noted that everyone has value and urged the audience not to confuse a person's value with what he achieves. "Who are we to judge? That person could be using his potential to the utmost," she said. Referencing the writing of Rabbi Abraham Twerski, Smiles taught that everyone has a unique purpose in life that cannot be fulfilled by anyone else. "It was inspirational to see women from across the spectrum of the Jewish community attending this class," said Devorah Rich, senior plan- ning associate at Federation and pro- gram organizer. "I've gotten wonderful feedback from the lecture. What Mrs. Smiles taught about respecting others is really a universal message." Shira Smile's lectures are avail- able to download at www.613. org . For information on the Sunday videocasts, call Yeshiva Beth Yehudah at (248) 557- 6750.