Metro

AROUND TOWN

Kosher Cowpokes

Temple Kol Ami hosts a swingin' hoedown.

Michelle and Jim Taigman
flank Barry Levine, all of

West Bloomfield

T

hey swung their partners and do-si-do'd during a down-home
hoedown Feb. 14 at Temple Kol Ami in West Bloomfield. About
36 congregants and their friends got in touch with their inner
cowboys and cowgirls during the second annual fundraiser for the
temple's religious school. Professional caller Joe Schultheis from the Lazy
J Ranch in Milford kept everyone twisting and stepping in time with the
country music beat.
"It's just fun; it's something different and it's something people definite-
ly enjoy," said Sue Roberts of Farmington Hills, who organized the event.
"Last year, we went out to the ranch; this time, we brought the hoedown
to the temple'
Participants got into the country groove, wearing cowboy hats, cowboy
boots and bandanas. Attendees provided appetizers, snacks, drinks and
desserts. Roberts says even first-time dancers caught on quickly.
"The beauty of it is no one has to know what they're doing;' she said. "Joe
teaches you all the dance steps. Everything's geared toward beginners."

Janice and Alex Morgan of Birmingham

Religious school director Andee Liberman of West Bloomfield says she
and her husband, David, had fun giving it a whirl.
"I brought two left feet and he brought two right feet:' Liberman said.
"We had a lot of laughs and because of the way country dance is; it mixes
people up, so you get to meet new people'
Liberman runs Temple Kol Ami's religious school with 148 students
from pre-school through high school. They're in their own building this
year for the first time in temple history after a major fundraising cam-
paign and construction project.
"We're a really vibrant congregation and we have a lot of ruach (spirit)
in this building;' she said. "It's wonderful having our own facility. We love
it!"
Also spotted in the hoedown crowd were: Sandy and Bo Jessop and
Debbie and Steve Kendler, all of Farmington Hills.

Joe Schultheis of the Lazy J Ranch in Milford

Richard and Joanie Goodman

of Farmington Hills

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February 19 2009

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