r inammalimmommoweimmin sommumiii "-W" inimummumeniumni CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM YEAR COURSE from page 102 New Year... New Rabbi... Join us for Services! Discover the renewed spirit at Beth Shalom, inspired by the arrival of our new spiritual leader, Rabbi Robert Gamer. Join us for the inspirational Yom Kippur Mincha, Ne'ilah, and Ma'ariv services and the exhilarating Great Shofar Blowout. It all starts on Saturday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. No tickets. No charge. Experience the warm, welcoming, inclusive community that is Congregation Beth Shalom. Get to know us. Check out our website. Contact Rabbi Gamer or Executive Director Steven Weiss. Detroiters on Israel: Yoni Buckman (now in Atlanta), Miki Levran and Erez Brandvain, both of Farmington Hills. Nathan Chesterman of Huntington Woods and Jessica Curhan of West Bloomfield. All were onYear Course except for Erez. 14601 Lincoln Rd. Oak Park, MI 48237 b e tli s `jka lo n) 248.547.7970 ice cream while watching tourists get ripped off. And instead of visiting the Kotel with a limited time frame, I had the leisure of going whenever I pleased. www.congbethshalom.org Being in Israel for the holidays is an experience Jews are not able to experience in the diaspora. For example, on Yom Kippur, I was able to walk with my friends in the middle Consider Yourself Home at Beth Shalom of a major intersection and, instead of cars zooming by, it was filled with children racing on their bicycles. I remember being surrounded by my friends as we lay down and felt the warmth of the pavement on our backs. 1618770 The next morning as I walked to synagogue, the air was filled with voices praying in unison from various synagogues along the way. Also, nothing can compare to walking the streets on Shabbat and being able to say "Shabbat Shalom" to everyone who comes in my path. Unlike at home, I was ultimately able to celebrate all the holidays in a way I never have before. In Israel, I Labor Day Sale felt more connected to each holiday and became a more passionate Jew. Before leaving for Israel, I did question myself if I had made the correct decision. I was nervous about missing out on my freshman year of col- lege. I did stay in touch with EITiRY RUG IS % • TUPO 5 111 ii n% orr: I my friends and, to me, it felt like they were missing out by not coming to Israel. Jessica Curhan volunteered teaching English to a family of Darfur refugees in Tel Aviv. STOP BY FOR THE HOT DEALS AND FREE HOT DOGS! 0 0 8 0 • • 9 i • ID 0 4 • 9 0 • • • 9 • 9 • Plus, We Pay Your 6' Sales Tax! 411 0E° •88440909•00••• • 94096 9 4/0 • 0••0•4 HURRY! SALE ENDS MONDAY, LH 1 - SEPTEMBER g 1,. RUG OUTLET SPECIAL MONDAY HOLIDAY HOURS: 10AM TO 3PM For The Original Hagopian Cleaning Services & Repair, call 1 800 HAGOPIAN (424 6742) - September 2 • 2010 iN Being away from home and independent, I realized that the stress I had in high school was unnecessary. By volunteering to tutor English at a Darfur refugee's home, I learned that education is not a burden but something I should appreciate. Now that I am continuing my education at the University of Michigan (with many col- lege credits that transferred from the program), I no longer look at college as another "thing to do," but as a privilege. Upon leaving Israel, I did not say goodbye, but rather l'hitraot, see you later, because I am confident I will figure out a way to return soon. 14000 W. Eight Mile Road, Just West of Coolidge 248-546-RUGS (7847) • www.originalhagopian.com 104 around school. Without the guidance of my parents, I was in charge. It became my responsibility to make the most out of each day. • OOOO Go to wvmoriginalhagopian.comilaborday and use Promo Code JEWISHNEWS for a free 6% Sales Tax coupon! Must print & bring in coupon by Monday September 6th. 8840 For the first time in my life, my schedule did not revolve - - L'shanah tovah! I hope this year will be filled with health and joy for everyone, and peace for Israel. @ Jessica Curhan, 19, of West Bloomfield will be a sophomore at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor