frontlines P In a scre Rappin' Maccabee Defeats Antiochus Sam Ser Special to the JN R abbi Reuven Margrett, who teaches rabbinics and scribal arts at Frankel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield, was tasked with preparing content for the school's weekly Town Hall presentation, which often includes a humorous short video produced by students and staff Knowing that two of his scribal arts students, seniors Mitchell Schwartz and Gabe Dell, were interested in rap music production, he started brainstorming ideas with them and suggested a Jewish twist on the Youtube sensation, Epic shot fro video, FJ senior Mitchell Schwartz plays Judah Maccabee; Rabbi Reuven Margrett, scribal arts teacher, plays Antiochus. Rap Battles of History (http:// epicrapbattlesofhistory.com/about). "At first, I was reluctant to do it, but Rabbi Margrett showed me his vision and made me realize that it could be really cool:' said Schwartz. The two collaborated on lyrics while Dell prepared the beat. Margrett brought in props for both his character, Antiochus, and Schwartz's character, Judah Maccabee. At the end of the video, Antiochus helps light Chanukah candles. They recorded their lyrics and filmed their scenes with FJA video and graph- ics editor Adam Luger during lunch breaks and after school over a few days, adding Dell's beat and background images to create the final product that they presented to the school at last Friday's Town Hall. "It was good for the students involved, and it created a nice Chanukah feeling in the school:' said Margrett. "I'm very happy that the students were able to use their talents in constructive, Jewish ways that are inspiring and entertaining for others." After seeing the positive response that the Chanukah rap battle video generated, Margrett is now thinking of ways to continue the theme for other Jewish holidays. To see the video, go to http://bit.ly/ WOlebo. ❑ Stay in touch. Add your insight. Be informed. Go to thejewishnews.com . n al .ft.d11 Photo Gallery Videos Blogs JN CONTENTS law, • ..• ■ ••• Community Calendar theJEWISHNEWS.com Dec. 20-26, 2012 I 7-13 Tevet 5773 I Vol. CXLII, No. 20 Around Town 20 Arts/Entertainment 47 Business 38 Calendar 25 Dining Around the D ....24 Family Focus 36 Food 52 Israel 6, 21, 40 Letters 5 Life Cycles 55 Marketplace 57 Metro 8 Next Generation 32 Obituaries Points Of View Sports Spotlight Staff Box/Phone List Synagogue List Torah Portion Tzedakah 62 40 44 34 6 42 43 28 Danny Raskin Robert Sklar Shabbat Lights Shabbat: Friday, Dec. 21, 4:45 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Dec. 22, 5:51 p.m. Shabbat: Friday, Dec. 28, 4:49 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Dec. 29, 5:56 p.m. 54 40 On The Cover: Page design, Michelle Sheridan 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. relationship with Hebrew Free Loan. Years ago, when Scott and his wife were purchasing their first home, the agency helped with financing through a program designed to keep Jewish families in Southeast Michigan. Years later, when the Warners were ready to pursue adoption, they selcted an adoption agency, and, after examining their savings and other resources, they approached HFL for help with the costs. "In adoption, there are expenses at certain stages in the process, Scott said. "I came to HFL with the plan and the paperwork ready, and we met with the interviewers, and talked. They heard our story, asked thoughtful questions, understood our situation. It helped us push through the process, so we could begin our family." A few months later, the Warners brought a baby boy into their lives. "He has a huge family now, lots of cousins, and he's as happy as we are. He's the best kid...l truly don't remember what life was like before him," Scott said. "Hebrew Free Loan is a community resource," Scott said. "They've been an active part of my life, and everyone should know they are there to help." Click. Call. Give Now. www.hfldetroit.org 248.723.8184 Times are according to the Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar. Columnists Scott Warner has a longstanding 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. Health. A fresh start. A good education. The next great business idea. 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. HEBREW FREE*LOAN hfldetroit.org We Provide Loans. We Promise Dignity. 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 300 • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 Hebrew Free Loan Detroit im 111. @HFLDetroit D-Jew arac tfjT il o i vim December 20 • 2012 3