. 411111111P,
41111111111111111111P
Side b side corifirqied
Notes from fsrii et c:ontirt Lied
crowd: first the horses, then the calf and donkey,
followed by wheeled carts of wheat, flowers,
potatoes, watermelon, carrots, and eggs. Soon
rf:411J4It
HACItC‘i
products from the factory are proudly displayed.
A variety of MSU programs help small
businesses start and succeed.
Cleaning cloths, stuffing for sleeping bags, textiles,
and decorative gift boxes are shown to enthusiastic
Sustainable solutions
applause.
In neighborhoods and communities
in Southeast Michigan, MSU is
But something else was produced in the kibbutz in
partnering to support small
the past year—babies! Doting mothers and fathers
businesses and develop solutions
dance to the beat of some more lively folk songs
that provide green energy and
and proudly hold up their babies to the crowd.
healthy foods.
Next, even more doting grandparents show off
The scarcity of grocery stores in
Detroit has resulted in a "food
their grandchildren and some fancy dance steps
le
Professor Carl Taylor conducts field research
on youth culture and violence in Detroit.
of their own.
desert," but an extensive effort to establish sustainable urban farms and
In a closing ceremony that rivals the Fourth of July
community gardens that provide produce to area families is under way. MSU
parade in Mason, Michigan, giant American-made
Extension and several colleges within the university are collaborating with a
furrowers, plows, seeders, harvesters, and other
variety of organizations to transform the area into an oasis for fresh, healthy food.
mechanized marvels put on a choreographed
In 2007, MSU researcher David Douches joined Northwest Detroit Neighborhood
Development Inc., MSU Extension, and Greening of Detroit to launch a garden
demonstration of every step of the agricultural
process leading to the production of flour and bread.
project in the Brightmoor neighborhood. Today, at six sites, community
Around the country, people wonder whether
members and volunteers grow crops that help feed neighborhood residents.
kibbutzim can remain the gloried symbol of
"We've planted rotation crops and grasses to keep the soil healthy and provide
education for residents so they will be able to sustain the crops themselves,"
says Douches.
And, thanks to MSU Extension and the state's largest horse population, many
homes in the area are being powered by green electricity. Southeast Michigan
horses create tons of waste from bedding—made up mostly of wood chips.
Zionism and the soul of Israel or if it will wither
away as the young people succumb to the allure
of urban nightlife and high-tech careers.
But that is grist for another day's conversation.
.
New life and a bountiful harvest
are causes for celebration at the
Urim Kibbutz during Shavuot.
Today, on the Urim Kibbutz, people are proud and
upbeat: it was a very good year for milk and eggs. 0
Matt Shane, MSU Extension director in Lenawee County, teamed up with
Mid-Michigan Recycling near Flint to launch a collection and recycling
program that turns soiled bedding into electricity.
"We're giving horse owners another option for managing waste, and
Mid-Michigan Recycling benefits, too," says Shane.
Jewish Studies Program models
interdisciplinary education
Since its inception in 1992, the Jewish Studies Program at MSU, directed by
So far, the partnership has resulted in creating enough electricity from
Kenneth Waltzer, has evolved into a model for interdisciplinary education.
steam to power 1,800 homes in Southeast Michigan for an entire year. 0
Faculty from four colleges and eight departments provide an experiential
learning environment for students interested in the study of Jewish history,
For more information about MSU's presence and partnerships in Southeast
Michigan, go to semich.msu.edu .
society, and culture through a modern lens.
A Jewish studies specialization enables students to explore the two
contemporary centers of modern Jewish life—the United States and Israel—
MSU partners with urban neighborhoods and communities to grow fresh produce for area residents.
while working closely with faculty mentors on undergraduate research projects,
independent studies, and senior theses. Study abroad programs provide
opportunities to witness firsthand the history, religion, language, and culture
of Jewish life in Israel.
The program's many outreach activities engage citizens of all backgrounds
from Michigan communities. Annual events include the Detroit Jewish Book
Fair and the Michigan Teachers Holocaust Education Workshop. The program
also sponsors MSU's Israeli Film Festival and organizes the annual Holocaust
memorial, which features a keynote lecture, community brunches, film
screenings, and exhibits. 0
Learn more at jsp.msu.edu .