What was the earliest message you received about people with mental or physical disabilities? Was the message positive or negative? metro :arty Childhod Center Hillel Gets Top Nod Contest Seeks Teacher 'That Changed My Life' The Teacher that Changed My Life contest asks Michigan elementary, middle and high school students to write a short essay describ- ing an inspirational teacher. The deadline is May 31. The winning teacher and a guest will be awarded by Cadillac Travel Group of Southfield, a four- or five-night cruise on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The student who writes the winning essay will receive an iPad. Send entries to Teacher Essay Contest, Cadillac Travel, 3000 Town Center, Suite # 22, Southfield, MI 48075. For information, contact (248) 358-5330 or info@ cadillactravel.com F allowing rigorous evalua- tion of the Hillel Day School Early Childhood Center, the Michigan Department of Human Services, Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing has awarded the pre- school four stars. "The ECC's four-star rating reflects the same commitment we place on all our students, grades k-8," said Steve Freedman, Head of School at Hillel Day School. "We're blessed to have a professional staff completely dedicated to our students. We are thrilled to be one of the first schools in the county to receive this gold standard:' The school received perfect scores in administration and management, and family and community partner- ships, and near-perfect scores in environment, curriculum instruction and professional development. "I am so proud that we have achieved this rating by the state:' said Robin Pappas, ECC Director at Hillel Day School. For prospective parents of preschool age children, "this rank- ing becomes another useful tool for parents as they compare programs in the area:' she added. In its third year, Hillel Day School's Robin Pappas and Allison Berman ECC offers full and half day programs for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds in a state- of-the-art facility that is safe and secure. Teachers offer a cutting-edge curriculum that uses Smart Boards and iPads, as well as a Judaic studies curriculum that introduces children to the Hebrew language and Jewish holidays in a warm, nurturing envi- ronment. ❑ Dinner Benefits Israeli Soldiers FIB . II 46 4 le look Allot Israel, Pyre 4 le Look Al ler nem. Their Joh 4 4 look Al fer Israel Ours 4 to look Al ter Thom. ID When we talk about bias, it is important to reflect on our own biases and understand where they come from. The Anti-Defamation League. Honoring 100 Years. Fighting Hate. Building a Better World. Anti-Defamation League® Imagine A World Without Hate 18 March 21 • 2013 Executive director of the FIDF Michigan Region, Tamir Oppenheim; FIDF supporters Alon Kaufman and Sheldon Yellen with IDF soldiers S ome $27 million was raised at the recent Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) National Gala Dinner in New York where more than 1,400 business and philanthropic leaders gathered to demonstrate their sup- port for the soldiers of Israel. A delegation from the FIDF Michigan Region participated. Among them were executive direc- tor Tamir Oppenheim; chairman and national board member, Alon Kaufman; executive board mem- bers Brenda Wayne and Eugene Sherizen; and FIDF supporters Sheldon Yellen and Gary Karp. The funds raised will provide academic scholarships to former soldiers, financial support for sol- diers, weeks of rest and recreation for entire IDF units as well as edu- cational, cultural and recreational facilities. ❑ Charity Event To Aid Couples' Weddings The Party at the Port fundraiser will benefit Wish Upon A Wedding, a local organization that helps provide weddings for young couples facing terminal illness who can't afford a small wedding due to overwhelming medical expenses. It will be held 6 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Waterview Loft at Port Detroit, 130 Atwater, Detroit Tickets begin at $80 and include and open bar, a strolling dinner and entertainment. For tickets, visit www.PartyatthePort.com . Kids Can Experience Broadway In Detroit Children ages 9-17 will have an opportu- nity to immerse themselves in the world of Broadway here in Detroit. Registration is open for Broadway Workshop's Musical Theater Intensive, which will allow participants of all skill levels to participate in theatrical work- shops. The opportunity is presented by Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit in cooperation with Broadway in Detroit. The Musical Theatre Intensive will be directed by Marc Tumminelli, owner of Broadway Workshop, and will take place Aug. 5-9 at Detroit School of Arts, 123 Selden, adjacent to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Max M. Fisher Center. Registration is open through April 1. For information, call (313) 872-6910 or visit mosaicdetroit.org . Holocaust Service At Temple Beth El On Monday, April 8, Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township will mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, with a service of learning and remembrance. The 7 p.m. service will include a candle-lighting ceremony and participation by the T'filah Teens; violinist Jordan Broder and the Temple's high school students. Temple families received a card with the name, age and place of origin of a Holocaust victim to read aloud prior to the recitation of the Mourner's Kaddish. The service is open to the community. For information, call Barbara Grant, (248) 851- 1100, ext. 3149.