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AROUND TOWN

Grilling Out

Orthodox shul gathers for sizzling summer tradition.

Dr. Mitch Klausner,

Howard Greenstein,
and Avi Smith, all
of Southfield

W

hen members of Congregation Shomrey Emunah of Southfield get together
for their annual shul picnic, they really go all out! This year's event, held
July 27 at the Beech-Woods Recreation Area in Southfield, featured glatt
kosher spicy Italian sausages and garlicwurst specially ordered
from Chicago, "Bruce's chili;' burgers, dogs, grilled vegetables
and some chewy fudge brownies from Zeman's New York Kosher
Bakery in Oak Park.
"We cook with a custom-made, artisan-built, double-barrel
barbecue said Avi Smith of Southfield, one of the event orga-
nizers.
He attended with his wife, Tziril, and children, Daniel, 10,
Cobi, 5, and Amalia, 3. "It's two 50-gallon drums welded togeth-
er; it's just one gigantic grill," he said.
As many as 150 people attended the Orthodox congregation's
26th annual event, which has grown in popularity over the years.

Selim Friedman, 11, of Southfield

Organizers say the only marketing tool they need is a simple pulpit announcement after
Shabbat services or a memo taped to a bakery window, and people flock to the park to
participate.
"It's not about raising money; ifs about everyone getting together and having an
enjoyable time together;' Smith said. "It's nice to gather outside of the shul environment!'
The picnic is a family-friendly event with games for the kids, a moonwalk with a slide,
and volleyball. This year, the Southfield Police Department also put on a demonstration
with highly trained dogs from their K-9 unit. The event ended with a super soaking
water fight, another picnic tradition.
"Our rabbi, Shaiall Zachariash, is very learned and he's also kind and loving to his
congregation;' said Howard Greenstein of Southfield. "The shul is like one big family;
everyone is welcome."
Spotted in the crowd were: Nina, Desbe, Maya, Sammy, Piper, Penny and Seymour
Greenstein, Yehudit, Mark and Shifra Jubas, Enda, David and Devorali Herman, and
Dahlia, Jason and Audrey Rogers, all of Southfield. El.

Gabi and Dena Krinsky with Noa Brodman, 8, all of Southfield

Yochai Brin, 8, of Southfield

August 7 • 2008

A17