DIGEST Studying Israel The president of the Detroit City Council took part in a seven-day, fact-finding mission to Israel as part of a trip sponsored and paid for by AIPAC, America's pro-Israel lobby. Mission-goers, consisting of elected U.S. offi- cials, studied the Israeli-Arab conflict. Monica Conyers was part of the 15-member delegation hosted by the American Israel Education Foundation's African American Leadership Mission. The trip ran from Jan. 7-13. The Rev. Kenneth Flowers of Greater New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Detroit was on a similar trip previously. The AIEF is a charitable organization affiliated with the Washington-based American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Monica "Monica Conyers was invited to travel as part of a delegation Conyers of important voices in the African American community:' said AIPAC's Josh Block. While in Israel, trip participants met with Israeli and Palestinian officials, journalists, academics, political leaders and everyday folks. "They heard from people representing views across the political spectrum, got a firsthand view of issues of great importance to American policy in the Middle East and explored up close the many ways that Israel's and America's societies shares basic demo- cratic values:' Block said. - Robert Sklar Fit To A Those who attend Indiana University's Borns Jewish Studies Program will get more than an opportunity to have Jewish studies as their four-year major. They'll get a T-shirt with a slogan attesting to the program written by a successful alumna. Amy Appleman, a 1995 Borns graduate and current director of education, youth and family programming at Congregation Beth Ahm in West Bloomfield, answered an e-mail from her former college adviser, Dr. Carolyn Lipson-Walker, which sought a phrase to grace Borns' T-shirts. "Wisdom from our past ... Leaders for the future," were Appleman's inspired words, soon to be emblazoned on the Amy chests of tomorrow's Jewish leaders at the Bloomington, Ind., Appleman Campus. For information about the Borns Jewish Studies Program, go to: www.indiana.eduHsp/. - David Sachs Building Business Some 10-15 Israeli companies will be represented next week at the second annu- al Michigan-Israel Automotive Partnership Event at Automation Alley in Troy. The three-day program is designed to promote business between Michigan and Israeli firms and is sponsored by the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, Automation Alley, the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, Government of Israel Economic Mission, and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The event brings together Israeli automotive suppliers and technology compa- nies to share products and technologies with Michigan-based automotive origi- nal equipment manufacturers, automotive research centers, Tier 1/2/3/4 suppli- ers and aftermarket companies. Last year's event resulted in several purchase orders worth tens of thousands of dollars and two strategic partnerships. Attendees will hold one-on-one matchmaking meetings, learn about auto- motive trends and collaborative opportunities, network with industry repre- sentatives and economic development organizations, plus learn about BIRD Foundation funding opportunities for joint U.S.-Israel research, development and commercialization. Opening speakers Jan. 21 will be Dr. David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, and Jim Epolito, president and CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corp. - Alan Hitsky Job Aid For Women Women who have been out of the workforce and need to find immediate employment are invited to attend a JVS Women to Work information meeting 9- 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, at JVS, 29699 Southfield Road, Southfield. Call Judy Richmond, (248) 233-4232. Motherhood Wisdom A workshop on the wisdom of mother- hood will be presented by therapist Lynn Halper Rosen 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at a private home. The "Caring & Sharing" series by the Birmingham- Bloomfield Chai Center also runs Jan. 29 and Feb. 12 and 26. A $10 donation is suggested each date. RSVP: (248) 203- 6721 or chai-rabbi@sbcglobal.net . A Heimish Hoedown Congregation Shir Tikvah's Heimish Hebrew Hoedown willl be 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, and include chuck- wagon food, music, dancing and raffle. The public is invited. Admission is $25 per person for non-members. Paid reservations are due by Wednesday, Jan. 21. Checks should be payable and mailed to Congregation Shir Tikvah, 3900 Northfield Pkwy., Troy, MI 48084. Proceeds will benefit the education and community service programs. Contact Miriam Finerman, (248) 601- 6760, or Heidi Press, (248) 544-3488. Cantorial Honors Cantor Earl Berris will be honored by the Jewish Theological Seminary and Congregation B'nai Moshe with a concert Sunday, Jan. 18, at 7 Cantor Berris p.m. at the synagogue in West Bloomfield. Along with Rabbi Elliot Pachter, Cantor Steven Stoehr, a past president of the international Cantors' Assembly, will pay tribute to Cantor Berris who received an honorary doctorate from JTS in December for his more than 30 years of service. Funds raised will go toward the creation of the Cantor Berris Cantorial Scholarship at JTS. Cantors from area Conservative and Reform congregations will take part in a musical program including Sam Greenbaum, Kat Hastings, Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo, Pamela Schiffer, Michael Smolash and Jamie Gloth of Toledo. Members of B'nai Moshe's adult choir will perform as well. There is a charge. RSVP: JTS Great Lakes office, (248) 258-0055, or e-mail Michele Siegal, misiegal@jtsa.edu . PURE GOLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN VALUED. Gurhan 24k Gold Bangle Bracelets SCHURAOT JEWELLERS I GEMOLOGISTS Detroit's Premier Jeweller Since 1917 3001 West Big Beaver Road Troy, Michigan 800.SCHUBOT www.schubot.coin 1470230 January 15 a 2009 A9