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.