World
VIy
Sto
ORT Stalwarts
Two local leaders play key role.
0
4
Sam Bernstein hears stories of
hardship and disappointment on a
regular basis, both as a well-known
area attorney and as a board
member of Hebrew Free Loan. As
chairman of the Friends campaign
Sam helps make it possible for
Hebrew Free Loan to lift spirits and
lighten the load for many in our
community suffering financal stress.
"Every time I meet with a desperate
borrower, I think,'There but for the
grace of G-d ...that could have
been me.' Our borrowers often tell
us 'Thank G-d Hebrew Free Loan is
there.' That's how I know the work
we do is critical," Bernstein says.
Make a donation and
join the Friends of
Hebrew Free Loan today.
Friends of Hebrew Free Loan who
donate $100 or more receive special
recognition in HFL publications and
Jewish News ads. Every donation,
regardless of size, is important and
appreciated. Please donate and
become a Friend today.
www.hficletroit.org
248.723.8184
HEBREW
FREE"' LOAN
hfldetroit.org
We Provide Loans.
We Promise Dignity.
WE'RE P AR T OF THETEAM
14963E0
A24
April 9 2009
RT America's National
President Doreen N. Hermelin
of Bingham Farms and phi-
lanthropist and ORT leader Patti Aaron
of Ann Arbor joined with more than
200 attendees from 15 states for the
organization's 2009 annual meeting, held
in Santa Monica, Calif.
The meeting marked the beginning
of a 2009-2010 campaign to consolidate
relationships with existing donors, seek
out new supporters and increase revenue
in harsh fundraising conditions.
In her welcoming address, Hermelin
said, "By bringing together all of you from
across the country, we are building and
strengthening our network of leaders,
members and supporters. You as our most
valued ambassadors can have far-reach-
ing impact in your communities, educat-
ing others on how ORT is impacting the
lives of more than 300,000 students annu-
ally in 63 countries, equipping them with
a high caliber education and the tech-
nological training that results to become
productive members of their societies.
"On a positive note, I can affirm that
following a painful period of belt tighten-
ing, ORT America is now a leaner, more
efficiently run nonprofit. I am also pleased
to report that we have an organization
that is safe and sound, with a strategic
plan to move forward," Hermelin added.
Patti Aaron, who has been involved
with ORT for about 20 years and serves
as chair of the David B. Hermelin ORT
Resource Center in
West Bloomfield,
participated in an
educational panel
exploring the "State
of Education in
Israel and How
ORT is Impacting
Change," moder-
Patti Aaron and Doreen Hermelin greet Ed Asner at a
ated by CNN's Larry
gathering of the 1880 Society, ORT America's highest
King. Discussion
contributor level, at the 2009 annual meeting of ORT
delved into ORT's
America in Santa Monica.
philanthropic mis-
sion to provide
educational and
vocational programs to talented stu-
skills to become economically self-suf-
dents, many from at-risk households
ficient has never been more relevant to
living at the periphery of Israeli society.
Israel ... or to Michigan!"
In consensus, the panel of experts con-
The event was an opportunity to
cluded that ORT offers students the best
formally launch the Next Generation
possible educational preparation, social
Initiative as a national project. It also
services assistance and financial sup-
provided the backdrop to applaud the
port, assuring they remain in school and
contributions made by Holocaust survi-
break the cycle of poverty.
vor Dr. Sam Goetz, who was presented
Asked why she and her extended fami- with ORT America's highest honor, the
ly, including her father, D. Dan Kahn, and Tikkun Olam Award, by actor Ed Asner.
sister/brother-in-law, Andi and Larry
Asner recounted Goetz's personal
Wolfe, have been longstanding ORT
story, how he survived the Holocaust
believers and contributors, Aaron said,
and his role heading ORT operations in a
"I was raised to recognize a great invest-
displaced persons camp in Italy after the
ment when I see one. ORT is a great
war. Having established his new home in
investment, especially when measured in the USA, Goetz set up the first Holocaust
terms of human dignity and opportunity studies program at a public American
for its students and the communities in
university and was a founding member
which they live and work. ORT's mission of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
to provide marketable knowledge and
in Washington.
Art For Life
The Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish
Community Adult Day Care Program is
celebrating 10 years of service dedicated
to assisting older adults with memory
disorders remain able active and alert.
The 10th anniversary will be celebrat-
ed in conjunction with the second annu-
al Art for Life boutique show, Thursday,
May 7, and Friday, May 8, at the Jewish
Community Center in West Bloomfield.
There will be a special breakfast, which
has been provided for by an anonymous
donor, and preview prior to the opening
of the Art for Life Show. Sponsorships
are available. All proceeds from Art for
Life will benefit the older adults with
Alzheimer's and dementia-related dis-
orders.
The environment at the Brown
Centers, Southfield at JVS and West
Bloomfield at Jewish Home and Aging
Services, is designed to enhance the self-
esteem, wellbeing and dignity of each
participant. Through a partnership in
caregiving, the program enables fam-
ily members to keep their loved ones at
home.
Art for Life is jointly sponsored locally
by JVS, JHAS, the JCC and the Jewish
Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
Geri Margolis is chairperson; Susan
Brown Lewis is honorary chairperson.
Committee members include Elaine
Beresh, Geri Litt, Sheila Levine, Lainie
Lipschutz, Dana Lowenstein, Fran
Martin, Shirley Schang and Susan
Weinstock, with support from Noemi
Herzig, the JCC active life director; Leah
Rosenbaum, executive vice president and
COO, JVS; Carol Rosenberg, executive
director JHAS; and Peter Ostrow, direc-
tor, Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish
Community Adult Day Care Program.
Trials Impact Jews
Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education,
FedEd Department will offer a new class,
"Great Jewish Trials',' through the adult
education program.
The class, taught by Rabbi Herbert
Yoskowitz, will meet for six Tuesdays
from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning April 21 at
the Max M. Fisher Federation Building in
Bloomfield Township.
The course will focus on great Jewish
trials and how they have impacted both
Jews and the outside world. Students
will study transcripts and commen-
tary on such trials as: the Dreyfus and
Schwartzbard trials in France, the Beilis
trial in Russia and the Eichmann trial in
Israel. After studying the texts, class par-
ticipants will be invited to serve as a jury
in each of these trials.
The cost of the course is $100. To regis-
ter, call (248) 642-4260, ext. 372.