frontlines My Yiddishe Swami Keri Guten Cohen Story Development Editor Edsel dealership, then had an auto repair shop. His parents imparted Jewish traditions and values that admit I was intrigued by the press included a fine sense of gratitude. So release. Author Radhanath Swami far, nothing that extraordinary. was coming to Metro Detroit But, at age 19, this son who pos- as part of a tour for his book, The sessed a certain sensitivity and con- Journey Home: Autobiography of an cern for all around him, wanted to American Swami (Mandala). take a semester off from college to travel with a friend. He OK, I do take had his parents' bless- yoga once a week ing for a three-month from an extremely journey. Little did they lithe 65-year-old know this trek to find whose soothing a closer connection voice challenges to God would last for our spirits as several years and land much as our bod- him in India, where ies. And yes, I have he now lives as one of been known to that country's great listen to a certain spiritual leaders. Wayne Dyer CD The Journey Home over and over is truly a page-turner. again in my car, I was sucked in, find- absorbing positive ing myself staying up vibes about love until 2 a.m. some and intention. Radhanath Swami nights because I was But what so intrigued with all hooked me Slavin encountered and all he discov- about the American swami were his ered about himself. He was relentless humble beginnings in a middle-class in his pursuit, driven from within. Jewish family in Chicago's suburb of Highland Park. It was the 1950s, and All that passion, singlemind- edness and faith led him across Richard Slavin played sandlot base- Europe, through Turkey, across Iran, ball; his hero was Nellie Fox of the Afghanistan and into India. Chicago White Sox. Now traveling alone and living the His father, Jerry, first owned an I JN CONTENTS June 23 29, 2011 - Ann Arbor 13, 27 Points Of View 27 12 Sports 23 29 Spotlight 37 Calendar 18 Food 34 Staff Box/Phone List Synagogue List Torah Portion World/Israel 5 Life Cycles 38 Marketplace 40 Obituaries from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on both Tuesday, June 28, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, and on Wednesday, June 29, at the Royal Oak Music Theater, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak. Free. RSVP at (248) 632-0740. (Note: An incorrect date was in last week's Calendar.) : 21-27 Sivan 5771 I Vol. CXXXIX, No. 19 Arts/Entertainment Metro Radhanath Swami will speak and sign books JEWISHNEWS Around Town Letters life of an Indian sadhu, or monk, pen- niless and barefoot, he writes of his adventures and shares what's going on in his head and heart. He explains it all in a way that resonates with readers and takes us with him as he evolves deeper and deeper into thought and spirit. Along the way, he meets amaz- ing teachers and is awed by natural beauty. He especially feels the pull of India's mighty rivers. He has danger- ous and mystical encounters with humans and animals. Everything prompts a deeper look inside. He perseveres with a resolve few might exhibit, following his inner voice in search of meaning. In turn, his con- templation pushes you to do some soul-searching, too. Now a swami, or priest in the Hindu tradition, he practices Bhatki Yoga (devotional yoga) and passionately pursues a lifelong mission of reducing suffering in the world; this includes his charity, Midday Meals, which pro- vides more than 260,000 daily lunches to indigent children in India. 1 8 46 5 24 26 21 Danny Raskin Loan was always there in the back- ground. "Growing up, I knew about it," Randy said, "because Bubbe went to HFL." Then Randy's son, Matthew, needed both oral surgery and braces to correct a serious issue, and Randy's mother reminded her about the agency and how, if Bubbe went, it had to be a good solution. "It wasn't a huge amount of money," Randy said, "and it might not have seemed like a big deal to some people, but for us, it was important. It wasn't merely to make my son better-looking, it was work he really needed to have done, and if we didn't do it then, it would have become worse." Randy qualified for a loan through HFL's Project HEAL program which targets medical, dental and related health care expenses. A grant from The Jewish Fund helps support this important program. "Now I tell everyone, if you need something, Hebrew Free Loan is where to go, because things come up all the time in life, and you aren't always ready for what comes your way." The Power of Recycling Shabbat Lights Shabbat: Friday, June 24, 8:56 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, June 25, 10:08 p.m Shabbat: Friday, July 1, 8:55 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, July 2, 10:07 p.m. Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar. Columnist For Randy Frankfort, Hebrew Free 35 On The Cover: Hebrew Free Loan gives interest- free loans to members of our community for a variety of personal and small business needs. HFL loans are funded entirely through community donations which continually recycle to others, generating many times the original value to help maintain the lives of local Jews. www.hfldetroit.org 248.723.8184 HEBREW FREE -,, LOAN hfidetroit.org Page design, Deborah Schultz Our JN Mission 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. 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. We Provide Loans. We Promise Dignity. n k 'Like" Hebrew free Loon Detroit Vad cZoo p iN Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit June 23 2011 3