Call for Nominees for the 26th Annual

development" branch of Judaism that
seeks to reinterpret traditions for the
modern world. That ancient-modern
duality appeals to Kolton.
"Too often we define ourselves as
one thing or the other: We believe
in God or we don't" she said. "We're
Reform or Conservative. Why can't
we be both? People can hold several
beliefs at once, even if they seem con-
tradictory. Part of me is very rational.
Part of me believes in the Divine. I
don't want to pick. I just want to be
and to explore and learn"
During her year of spiritual search-
ing, Kolton became close to several
people who helped guide her way.
One was Marge Alpern of Bloomfield
Hills, a renowned yoga instructor and
philanthropist. Alpern offered Shir
Tikvah a grant to help Kolton create a
program about soulful living.
"Marge feels we're in the middle
of a global shift, that we're living at a
critical time in human history" Kolton
said. "There's so much violence and
pain, but there's also a spiritual awak-
ening going on all over the planet.
We're on the cusp of something that
could be very good"
To prepare for the "Soulful Shabbat"
service on June 7, Kolton has had
to learn traditional Jewish prayers
and songs that aren't used at the
Birmingham Temple. When she went
on vacation with her family recently,
she took along audio recordings of
Sleutelberg so she could practice.
"Soulful Living: A Divine experi-
ence" will continue with two classes
at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, June 16 and
Aug. 11, along with another "Soulful
Shabbat" service at 7:15 p.m. Saturday,
July 27. Starting in the fall, Kolton
plans to offer weekly classes.
"We'll explore areas where we find
meaning, what we need as humans
and the sources for energy and life"
she said. She hasn't developed the
entire program yet, but says, "We'll
create it as we go"
Sleutelberg is excited about the pro-
gram and credited Marge Alpern for
making it happen.
"Tamara is an exceptional young
woman; she is open-minded, knowl-
edgeable and has earned a respected
name in our community" said Alpern.
"As a woman of our times, I believe
she has a perspective that will bring
needed peace and a new perspec-
tive to our ancient Jewish tradition.
I expect that she will be an excellent
partner with Rabbi Sleutelberg"
Sleutelberg said Kolton is "a really
beautiful soul. To have her as our
scholar-in-residence is an incredible
blessing. For members of our congre-
gation and the community, to explore
soulful living with her guidance will
leave everyone more enriched"

Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman

Rprman Awar

for Outstanding Professional
Jewish Communal Service

ELIGIBILITY FOR NOMINATION
All Jewish communal professionals employed by local constituent agencies
of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, who have been working in th
Detroit Jewish community for a minimum of five years.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
The recipient of the Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Award shall manif
the highest standards of Jewish communal service. The professional must hav
made a contribution to and for the general good of the Jewish community,
demonstrating creativity, dedication, knowledge and care in the provision
of services to the Jewish community. Moreover, in awarding the Berman
Award, consideration shall be given to special innovations that reflect quality
professionalism. First consideration is given to agency professionals, followed
by Jewish Federation staff and agency executive directors.

NOMINATION PROCESS
To receive a nomination form, please contact Julie Zuckerman Tepperman
at the Federation, 248.203.1497 or zuckerman@jfmd.org

Names of the nominees will remain confidential, and may be renominated
in subsequent years.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: JUNE 26, 2013
Mail to: Julie Zuckerman Tepperman - Confidential
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
P.O. Box 2030
Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48303-2030

Nominate online: jewishdetroit.org/bermanaward

Fax to: 248.642.4941

16% Jewish

Federation

OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT

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June 6 • 2013

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