THINK >11 RINK pifik 10 of its very diverse members, includ- ing Marion and Shlomo, the founders. Their stories of aliyah all revolved around their desire for their children to be part of the Jewish people's future. Feeling part of a family was the theme that emerged as they shared their connection to their congrega- tion. For many of the women, the synagogue community offered them inclusiveness and egalitarianism. In their transition to a new land, they found it comforting to be participants at Kehillat Hakerem. Some spoke of their children's com- mitment to synagogue life and follow- ing in their footsteps. After the Katyusha attacks, one congregant, Michael Marcus from Farmington Hills, spoke about Karmiel's kindness in providing his family with food and gifts. After brainstorming with our new friends, we recognized the need to create some programs that would build people-to-people connections between our congregations. We spoke of e-mailing and visiting one another, b'nai mitzvah twinning, virtual book clubs and financial assistance for other programs and outreach opportunities to the many immigrants who have no religious connections in Karmiel. We were energized by visiting with our new family in Karmiel. We do not want to remain tourists, but partners in building our sister congregation. I hope that our congregation at Adat Shalom can build stronger people-to- rocket attacks. "Israelis sometimes take their Jewish identities for granted so when they meet Jews who have to think about being Jewish, it's good for them as Jews," Rabbi Landau says. For American Jews he says, "It's good for them to see a real Jewish society. It gives them a sense of pride and a sense of belonging. The more we connect with Jews all over the world the more our identities are strengthened." Adat Shalom Rabbi Rachel Shere, who visited Kehillat HaKerem in late November during a Masorti Movement mission to Israel, agrees that the relation- ship can strengthen both congre- gations. She says each of Adat Shalom's rabbis and departments is looking for ways to connect with their sister congregation. "We want to give our congre- people connections with our congre- gational family in Karmiel. Only when we connect face-to-face will redemp- tion come. As I reflected on our visit to Karmiel and our new initiative, I was reminded of Yehuda Amichai's poem, "Tourists," that resonates strongly in me: Detroit's Destination For Winter Fun! Dr. Renee Wohl is professional develop- ment director at the Frankel Jewish Academy of Metropolitan Detroit in West Bloomfield. gants an address in Israel that feels like home," she said. "Rabbi Landau's recent visit cemented that commitment." Rabbi Landau made aliyah from New York 11 years ago. After five years of study at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, the Masorti seminary in Jerusalem, he was ordained in 2001. He moved to Karmiel soon after and recently marked five years with Kehillat HaKerem. His bottom line is building unity among Jews. "With all the terrible enemies of the Jews, wherever they are located, we will get through it as long as we are unified," he says. "Unity keeps the Jewish people alive." CAMPUS If MAR 11U ,S )PARK V ad Feel the nip of the crisp winter air, enjoy the music, and take in the view as you skate (gracefully or not) alongside family and friends. Warm up with some tasty treats from Au Bon Pain and you've got a winter getaway you won't soon forget! • 3 Hours FREE PARKING in the Compuware Structure (From 11 am - 6 pm with Skating Admission • Evenings and weekends $5.00) Tourists One day, I was resting on some steps near a gate at David's Citadel, having set down nearby my two heavy bas- kets. Standing there surrounding their guide was a group of tourists. I served as their signpost. You see that man over there with the baskets? A little to the right of his head there is an arch from the Roman Period, a little to the right of his head. But he moves! He moves! I said in my innermost being: Redemption will come only if they are told: You see that arch from the Roman period? It's not important: but at its side, a little to the left and in front, is resting a man who has bought fruits and veg- etables for his family. ■ • Skate Rentals & Group Rates Available • Great for Families, Field Trips & Private Parties Open 7 Days Including All Holidays a. MON-THURS 11 am - 10 pm FRI 11 am - Midnight SAT 10 am - Midnight SUN Noon - 8 pm %MN OPEN ALL HOLIDAYS!! 800 Woodward Avenue - just 3 blocks North of Jefferson. (Cadillac Center People Mover Station) For reservations & further info, call 313-963-9393. CampusMartiusPark.org Do you know teens who*. *Participate in a Jewish youth group? *Want to be a teacher's aide? *Had a great experience in Israel? * Love Jewish summer camp? JCRS Online courses will help them... *Earn college credits *Interact online with Jewish teens nationwide *Enhance their college applications *Enrich their Jewish knowledge The Kenneth I. Rothbart Distance Learning Program For Teens A DIVISION OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL OF GRATZ COLLEGE Call 800-475-4635 ext. 113, email rothbart@gratz.edu or go to our website: www.gratz.edu/rothbart Spring semester: January 29 - May 25, 2007 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 6:00 Closed Sunday - 265 Old Woodward 248-642-2555 JN January 4 ' 2007 1173740 23