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Roaring Success

"Oldest Jewish Americans Brunch" draws 300 to honor seniors 95 and up.

T

he Jewish community honored and cel-
ebrated its oldest members on May 6 amid
a crowd of 300 at the annual Oldest Jewish
American Brunch. The theme was "They were just
beginning to roar in the Twenties, and they're still
roaring today!"
Dressed as a 1920s flapper, Carol Weintraub
Fogel greeted the audience.
"May is Older Americans Month, and wow, the
Jewish community of Metropolitan Detroit really
outdid itself' she said. "We truly know how to show
our appreciation for our oldest citizens."
"We just had to make this event fun and life
affirming because they are the foundation of our
community,' said Carol Rosenberg, Jewish Senior
Life Foundation director, dressed in 1920s garb.
Each of the 153 honorees was 95 years or older,
the oldest being 104. This was the largest Oldest
Jewish Americans Brunch in its 10-year history.
Joan Chernoff Epstein, whose family helped
underwrite this inspiring event, beamed with pride
at this fitting tribute to her grandmother, Bessie
Spector.
The JSL Community Education Committee spon-
sored the program as a way to raise the visibility
and awareness of the partnership of Federation
agencies providing a continuum of care for Jewish
older adults through supportive programs and ser-
vices in a variety of living environments.
As one of the youngest guests said, "I will
never make fun of my zaydie again for being so
old." I I

Double-Chai

Honoree Martin Shubin, 99,

right, with friend Chuck Aaron

Honoree Eve Lieberman,

97, with volunteer Geri
Margolis

n 1974, a small group of dedicated individuals gathered
to discuss the possibility of establishing a Jewish day
school in Ann Arbor. "How do you start?" reminisced
founder Tzivia Garfinkel, whose granddaughter Priya
Weisberg now attends the school.
"You start with 13 families willing to be chalutzim (pio-
neers) in Jewish education',' Garfinkel said. "Those 13 fami-
lies would eat, drink, sleep and breathe Hebrew Day School
for years."
The Ann Arbor Jewish community gathered in March
to celebrate the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor's impact
and legacy and to honor the many people who contributed
to its success, particularly this year's honorees Susan and
Barry Gross, who were involved in the school's progress
for 26 of the 36 years. Their three children are graduates,

16 May 26 - 2011

Belle Siegel, 104, the oldest person at the brunch

Cantor, both 101

Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor looks back at its 36-year legacy.

Honorees Barry and Susan Gross

I

Emcee Carol Rosenberg dressed in 1920s garb with

Honorees Sophie Mayea and Mary

Dina Shtull, head of school, and Aaron Fried,
board president

and Susan has served on the board and as president of the
board.
The 36th anniversary campaign effort, chaired by Judy
and Todd Endelman, raised $700,000 in gifts and pledges.
Most gifts will be given over a span of five years to provide
sustained support for the school.
"The success of the campaign is a testament to the dedi-
cation and commitment of the whole community' said
Aaron Fried, HDS board president.
At the event, it was announced that another full-time
professional will be added to the HDS administrative team
to work exclusively on the school's educational mission. An
anonymous multi-year additional gift of $350,000 will help
support this position. The gift is contingent upon HDS rais-
ing another $100,000, of which 75 percent has been raised.

Campaign co-chair Todd Endelman

The position is expected to be filled in the spring of 2012.
HDS has educated 734 students since it opened its doors 36
years ago.
"The warm, caring atmosphere of the HDS prepares the
students to excel in the larger community;' said Marlene
Gitelman, founding principal. "Less recognized are the
benefits of the close friendships that are forged in a small
school and the Jewish pride that becomes second-nature to
our students."
HDS is currently housed in Ann Arbor's Jewish
Community Center building. The school provides a full
general studies curriculum and immersion Hebrew lan-
guage instruction in grades K-5.
For more information about HDS, call (734) 971-4633 or
go to www.hdsaa.org . I