Front Lines The New Hechtman Apartments Conservative Shul Group Offers Strategic Plan New York/JTA T he Conservative movement's synagogue association released a draft strategic plan calling for a narrowing and streamlining of its functions. The plan is a joint product of the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism and Hayom, a coalition of Conservative leaders that Rabbi Wernick emerged in 2009 to demand funda- mental reforms. The draft strategy urges the synagogue association to focus on three functions: strengthening con- gregations; creating an integrated educational system; and seeding new congregations and congrega- tional leadership. It also calls for the development of new philan- thropic sources and the reduction of synagogue dues. "As we enter a second century of Conservative Judaism, this plan calls for significant changes in focus and leadership and dra- matic improvement in the way United Synagogue partners with its congregations and others across North America," said Rabbi Steven Wernick, USCJ's chief executive, in a statement. Hayom had complained that the USCJ was not providing adequate services to synagogues. The plan calls for reconceptual- izing the United Synagogue con- stituency — from synagogues to kehillot, or sacred communities — a nod toward the many informal movement-inspired groups that don't formally identity with the USCJ. Rabbi Michael Siegel, the Chicago rabbi who helped initiate Hayom, said the plan's implementa- tion would "go a long way toward demonstrating the value of United Synagogue and restoring the confi- dence of member congregations." Once the country's dominant Jewish stream, Conservative Judaism has been in decline since the 1960s, a trend that has given rise to much hand-wringing among the leadership and which was starkly acknowledged in the report. I) Quotable "Our sages suggest that every one of us is the author of our own book a book that tells the story of the charity and kindness we do throughout our lives. Eight-hundred children at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah are each beginning to write their own books. Books that keep our most cherished values alive — the values that make for a wiser, kinder and more unified world. Timeless Jewish values." — Rabbi Tzvi Muller, Weiss Family Partners In Torah program, Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, Southfield Model Open Weekly 9-5 Sunday 12-4 / Call 248-661-1836 to schedule dinner and a tour or visit our website for an application! ec. e O $500 off the first full month's rent (Time limited) O Complimentary JCC Membership O Social Transportation Now Available .... Select Apartments from $1295 ---- Call for more infoimation „ .. Call to learn more about our move-in specials! Luxurious Apartments JN CONTENTS eJEWISHNEWS com Feb. 10-16, 2011 I 6-12 Adar I 5771 Vol. CXXXIX, No. 1 Our JN Mission 47 39 31 45 6 61 57 11 70 19 8 Spotlight Staff Box/Phone List Synagogue List Teen2Teen Extra To Do!/Calendar To Do!/Crossword Torah Portion World/Israel Shabbat Lights 61 9 42 16 52 55 44 17 Columnists Danny Raskin Robert Sklar jewish@ed page Cover Story on page 11 Arts/Entertainment Business Camp Health/Fitness Letters Marketplace Mazel Toy , Metro Obituaries Opinion Roundup Open floor plan Newly appointed kitchen appliances Walk-in shower, Spacious walk-in closets 50 5 The Jewish News aspires to communicate news and opinion that's useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. It strives to reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continu- ity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, caring, enjoyable work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. We acknowledge our role as a responsible, responsive member of the community. Being competi- tive, we must always strive to be the most respected, outstanding Jewish community publication in the nation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, contented employees and profitable growth. Shabbat: Friday, Feb. 11, 5:41 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Jan. 12, 6:44 p.m.* Shabbat: Friday, Feb. 18, 5:50 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Jan. 19, 6:53 p.m.* * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar. Havdalah practices may vary. Consult your rabbi. On The Cover: Ian Williams, 3, of West Bloomfield tunes into Jewish rock musician Dan Nichols' medley of Shabbat songs at Temple Shir Shalom preschool. Photography, Jerry Zolyns4 Page design, Deborah Schultz The Detroit Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, MI 48034. 24 hr. lighted monitored parking and 24 hr. monitored Personal Emergency Devices Café and convenience store on premises. Recreational activities, computer center, exercise, library. On staff social workers. Personal care services available. Kosher meals, Transportation, Pet friendly JEWISH SENIOR LIFE Hechtman II Apartments a residence of Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit 6690 W. Maple Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Eugene and Marcia Applebaum Jewish Community Campus For appointment, application, tour and dinner call 248-661-1836 www.jslmi.org Q 12 • :s.'0? ■ 1 February 10 2011 3