Great Gesture

In the truest manifestation of tik-
kun olam (repair of the world) an
important mitzvah and tenet of
our Jewish tradition, Congregation
Shaarey Zedek in Southfield hosted
hundreds of homeless people from
Detroit — men, women and chil-
dren, at its second "SouperBowl,"
providing them with a day of nutri-
tious, delicious meals, warm clothes
and entertainment galore ("Always
A Winner," Feb. 8, page 17).
This beautiful tradition actually
started a year ago when Detroit was
hosting the Super Bowl. It is sure to
become a beautiful congregational
tradition so long as it is necessary.
Admittedly, this once-a-year
beautiful gesture towards those
neighbors of ours down on their
luck by no means will solve the
daunting problem of poverty and
homelessness in our midst.

Are you

a Jewish resident of Metropolitan Detroit?

Rachel Kapen

West Bloomfield

Raising Awareness

between the ages of 13 and 28?

As the executive director of the
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of
America Michigan Chapter (CCFA),
I was deeply touched by the cover
story "Living with Crohn's" (Feb.
8, page 13). Special Writer Robin
Schwartz portrayed sensitively
and informatively the challenges
faced by individuals who deal with
Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis,
known collectively as inflammatory
bowel disease (IBD). She talked
about the current treatments and
research. As the writer explained,
IBD is fairly common in the Jewish
community.
It was gratifying to see mentioned
some of the remarkable people
in the Michigan Chapter of CCFA
who volunteer tirelessly to orga-
nize events and raise funds for our
programs and for research into the
causes and cure for IBD. Our orga-
nization is extremely fortunate to
have many others who also go above
and beyond to help. I would like
to take this opportunity to thank
all those individuals and families
who support our mission with their
geerosity eand commitment.
We are extremely grateful to the
Detroit Jewish News for helping
raise awareness. We look forward
to the day when Crohn's and ulcer-
ative colitis no longer affect anyone.

planning a trip to Israel of

12 months or less?

If so,

Get ((There!

Federation's new Teen & Young Adult Travel Fund is for you!

Fund made possible by:

gtmuel & Jean Frankel Jewish Heritage Foundation Israel Youth Travel Fund

Ben Teitel Israel & Overseas Teen Travel Fund

Application packets are now available.
Contact Cherron Jackson, Israel & Overseas Department
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
(248) 203-1494 cjackson@jfmd.org

jp ) Jewish
Illij
vz- -- -f Federation
of Metropolitan Detroit

Bernie Riker

executive director

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America,

jewishdetroit.org/getthere

Michigan Chapter

Farmington Hills

1216500

8

February 15 • 2007

