Family Focus

AROUND TOWN

Eyes on the Prize

Machon L'Torah Chinese auction raises money for education, outreach.

Fern Herschfus
of Southfield with
her children Batti,
19, Gabriella, 17,
Brittany, 18, and
Zachary, 12

T

here was a hidden prize amid dozens of auction
items up for grabs at the Machon L'Torah/The Jewish
Learning Network of Michigan fundraiser "Seasons, A
Chinese Auction." The more than 450 people who attended the
Jan. 16 event at Young Israel of Oak Park got the added benefit
of helping the organization carry out its mission to educate and
inspire young Jews to lead more observant lives.
It's a goal that's been the focus of the Oak Park-based organiza-
tion since its inception in 1980. The gathering included dinner,
dessert and the chance to win more than 70 prizes ranging from
trips to furniture, gift certificates, appliances, electronics and more.
"Ifs just a fun evening. People really enjoy it:' said Rabbi
Avraham Jacobovitz, Machon's founder and director. "We had 70 very happy people
that night; they all went home with prizes:'

Money raised at the auction benefits Machon L'Torah's programs, including the
Maimonides Jewish Leaders Fellowship at the University of Michigan and JAAM (Jewish
Awareness America), which brings similar programs to more than 40 college campuses
worldwide.
"We encourage Jewish students who are not affiliated to get more involved and to go
to Israel:' said Rabbi J. "Right now, it's going very well. At U-M, we're involved with close
to 500 students. But the economy over the last year and a half has been extremely dif-
ficult. We could serve even more students with more funds and manpower; we just don't
have enough resources."
The auction was sponsored by Shari and Mon Kaufman, Judy and Rob Newman, all
of West Bloomfield; and Ann Newman of Novi. ❑

For more information about Machon L'Torah, go to www.machonitorah.org or
call (248) 967-0888.

seasons

a chinese auction

1

Shneur and Miriam Steinberg of
Oak Park

44 January 28 • 2010

Master of ceremonies, Rabbi Fully
Eisenberger

JN

Rabbi Avraham Jacobovitz delivers
opening remarks.

Elishevas Sarne and Bayla Elchonen,
both 17 of Oak Park