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» Ties That Bind Doctors visit Germany to see the
family of the woman who saved their father. See page 12.
» Sayers Of The Earth Young Beth Ahm members
learn about Tu b'Shevat, superhero style. See page 29.
DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
» Journeys Through Grief New documentary helps
us survive the loss of loved ones. See page 35.
Beth Ahm Earth Ranger Sarah Aguilar
creates a table centerpiece for Tu b'Shevat.
metro
Gun Control
Some Jewish views of Obama's
efforts after Sandy Hook.
Harry Kirsbaum I Contributing Writer
I
n the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School
tragedy on Dec. 14, when 20 schoolchildren and six
adults were murdered in Newtown, Conn., President
Obama called on Congress Jan. 15 to renew a ban on
assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and to
implement universal background checks for those pur-
chasing firearms.
While many Jewish organizations
support the measures, many Jews say
the problem of violence is caused not
only by guns, but by other widespread
causes, and the bans trample on Second
Amendment constitutional rights.
Sharon Lipton, president of the
Jewish
Community Relations Council
Sharon Lipton
of Metropolitan Detroit, cited a "long-
standing policy" supporting stricter gun
control laws and has been opposed to
more permissive concealed weapons regulations.
"Our Jewish community has a deep and abiding con-
cern for public safety, firmly rooted in Jewish tradition,
which compels us to uphold the sanctity of life and the
commandment against murder," she said.
Lipton, who also serves as the Michigan state policy
advocate co-chair for the National Council of Jewish
Women, said that issues that affect quality of life and pub-
lic safety are important to both organizations.
"Since 1969, NCJW has worked hard for sensible gun
legislation:' she said. "NCJW will work to ensure the
success of the White House initiative. As citizens and
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
riendly W
Divorce
Despite the odds, this local
blended family makes it work
for their kids.
Ronelle Grier I Contributing Writer
Covering and
Connecting
Jewish Detroit
Eve y Week
1
8 0880
hen Darrell Marx and Jill Sherman-
Marx ended their 11-year marriage,
they made a different kind of vow:
to put their three children first and resolve their
disagreements without putting the kids in the
middle.
Almost 10 years later,
Making divorce
that vow remains intact, work: Jade Marx,
despite both parents'
Isaac Mayers,
remarriages and a large
Josh Charlip and
blended family. The two Emeri Charlip, Jill
families spend birthdays Sherman-Marx,
and holidays together.
Landon Marx,
They back each other up Chase Marx, Jill
when schedules conflict
Mayers-Marx and
with parenting duties.
Darrell Marx.
They have keys to each
other's homes and even
attended each other's weddings.
Despite couples' best intentions and high
hopes, approximately half of all marriages in
the United States end in divorce, and 50 percent
of new marriages involve children from one or
both partners. Unfortunately, the majority of
these divorces are contentious, causing long-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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