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Viva Las Vegas!

Emanu-El's Casino

and Vino night draws a crowd, including "Elvis."

T

emple Emanu-El in Oak Park held a Casino and Vino night Saturday,
Jan. 28. More than 150 people enjoyed appetizers and desserts made
by the women of the committee, co-chaired by Jill Hart, Chris Gross
and Amy Wise.
Guests bid on silent auction prizes donated by temple members and retail-
ers from across Metro Detroit. The evening's entertainment included casino
games and music provided by Jackpot Jamie and the Vegas Vagabonds. Even
"Elvis" stopped by-to join the action.

❑

Deb Stock' and Jodi Quail, both of Huntington Woods,

Ellyn Davidson, Tiffany and Erik Elie, Gordy Oliva, Howard and Nancy Collens, all of

Huntington Woods

"Elvis" made an appearance with the band.

Guests enjoying the games

toast the evening.

Teens On The Go

Beth El teens travel to Chicago to see the

sites and experience at different Shabbat.

T

emple Beth El's seventh- and eighth-graders, members of the
Bloomfield Township temple's Junior Young People's Society (JYPS),
made their biennial trek by bus to Chicago Jan. 20-22. There they
conquered snow and wind, visited sights and proved a hotel room can easily
become a sanctuary for celebrating Shabbat.
Their visit began with viewing white-sided dolphins and beluga whales at
the Shedd Aquarium. Prior to dinner and entertainment, they lit Shabbat can-
dles. Then, back at the hotel, they held services and shared Shabbat dreams
and what had been the best parts of their day.
On Saturday morning, they read parashat Va'eira, focusing on the plague
of frogs, and discussed how good things (really cute frogs) can become bad
things in excess. This led to a deeper discussion about what things should be
in moderation: shopping, eating, drinking, acquisition, seeking popularity.
Following dinner that night, the students marked the end of Shabbat with
Havdalah. While smelling the spices, they talked about the special scent of
Shabbat, something to breathe in and provide strength and good memories,
including that of bonding with one other during the trip. The celebration
came to an abrupt end when the Havdalah candle set off the fire alarm, but
they managed a quick singing of "Eliyahu Hanavi" before saying good night.
The trip proved you can experience the joys of Judaism and Shabbat any-
where. ❑

Hancock Tower visitors: Mia Mansfield, Farmington Hills; Keren Alpert, rabbinic

associate; Justin Radin and Tyler Radin, West Bloomfield; Max Richardson,
Farmington; Zach Wein, Bloomfield Hills; and Brandon Baril, Farmington Hills.

The students held Shabbat services in a Chicago hotel room.

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February 9 • 2012