!-1 Ishpeming's Temple Sholom members plant trees in U.P. Greg Peterson Special to the Jewish News Marquette A For Judy Gottlieb, life went along in a normal fashion until a health scare changed everything around her. Her illness and treatment required her to stop working, even as costs mounted. Her family, dealing with the economic downturn on their own, could offer emotional support, but not an outpouring of financial backing. Judy came to Hebrew Free Loan looking for assistance as she restructured her life. "I sat there, nervous and wondering how on earth I got there," Judy says, "but the people at Hebrew Free Loan made it so easy for me. They gave me more than money, they listened to me and made suggestions. Those people cared about me. By the time I left, I felt so much better about myself." Now feeling well and with a positive attitude, Judy says, "I can focus on other things. I have a lot more living to do." Donate to Hebrew Free Loan. It may help change the life of someone you know. Hebrew Free Loan provides interesi- free loans for Hying expenses, medical fees and many other needs: small business start-up costs, tuition assistance, summer camp, training, and much more. if yOU or someone you know needs help. please click or call. www.hfldetroit.org 248.723.8184 HEBREW LOAN FREE hfldetroit.org We Provide Loans. We Promise Dignity. lc Jewish lJ Federation , ,E,REZZZE= , A22 15044g 0: May 21 2009 northern Michigan synagogue was one of 100 churches and temples whose members planted 12,000 trees across the Upper Peninsula during the first two weeks of May. Dr. Michael Grossman, a member of Temple Beth Sholom in Ishpeming, said a Jewish prayer to bless trees before vol- unteers started planting, then translated his Hebrew blessing into English and explained some of the Jewish beliefs about protecting the environment. "We are grateful to God for bringing trees from the Earth — when we eat we bless the bread; when we drink wine we bless the fruit," said Grossman, 56, of Ishpeming. "Trees are symbolic of life. Trees are very important in Judaism as I am sure Temple Beth Sholom members Cary Gottlieb plants trees they are important to with Helen and Michael Grossman in Negaunee in the all faith traditions." Upper Peninsula. In all, volunteers planted the 12,000 trees by homes, camps, parks, American Gottlieb and Judd Johnston. Indian reservations and many other Speaking at the NMU EK student places with help from hundreds of team Sacred Planet series, Grossman children during the interfaith Upper said Jews "believe we are guests of the Peninsula EarthKeeper Tree Project. Earth and that the Earth is sacred!' White spruce and red pine seedlings Citing the writings and beliefs of measuring 12-16 inches tall were given to ancient Jewish mystics, Grossman said churches and temples in all 15 U.P. coun- tikkun olam (repair of the world) involves ties and Minocqua, Wis. said Catholic acts of environmental protection. EarthKeeper Kyra Fillmore of Marquette, The tree project is reminiscent of Tu the project distribution coordinator. b'Shevat that celebrates the blossoming Grossman planted the trees at several of the almond trees in Israel at the start locations in west Marquette County and of spring, said Dr. Constance Arnold, in the city of Negaunee with help from Temple Beth Sholom board president. temple members and two employees This is the fifth year that Temple Beth from his office. Sholom members have participated in Temple members helping Grossman an EarthKeepers Earth Day environ- were his wife, Helen Grossman, Dr. Cary ment project. • Holocaust Survivors Annual benefit honors Garfinkel family. T he Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families, a ser- vice of West Bloomfield-based Jewish Home & Aging Services, held its sixth annual benefit on May 7 at the United Artist Theatre in Commerce Township. The feature film was Noodle, an Israeli movie about reuniting family. The event was sold out. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Sara and Nathan Slow Fund for Holocaust Survivors. Each year, this annual benefit is held in conjunction with the Lenore Marwil JCC Jewish Film Festival. The honorees this year were the Garfinkel family, including Regina Muskovitz, Sonia Notham, Helen Greenspun and the late Nathan Garfinkel and Bela Soloway Hurtig. These five siblings were exploited for several years as slave labor under unspeakable living and working conditions. On immigrating to the United States after the war, the Garfinkels realized the American dream many times over. Nathan, Bela, Sonia and Regina rebuilt their lives in Detroit. Helen did so in Cleveland. The Garfinkels were hon- Event co-chairs Molly Chernow, Bloomfield Hills, ored for their courage and and Nikki Raimi, Birmingham, with Sharon Silver Teweles, program coordinator; and event commit- compassion. Despite the cruelties they have suffered, tee member Laura Gorosh, Birmingham. Honoree Sonia Nothman, West Bloomfield; Carol Rosenberg, execu- tive director, Jewish Home & Aging Services; honorees Regina Muskovitz, West Bloomfield, and Helen Greenspun, Longwood, Fla. the Garfinkels have always sought the goodness in others. This year's benefit was co-chaired by Molly and Aaron Chernow and Nikki and Mike Raimi. Dr. Charles Silow is director of the Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families; and Sharon Silver Teweles is the program coordinator. E