B"H TUGMAN BAIS CHABAD TORAH CENTER AND ORCHARD MALL PRESENT: /71 7 With Gratitude Beth Ahm benefactors believe in looking toward the future. AT ORCHARD MALL Northeast Corner of Orchard Lake and Maple Zina Kramer Special to the Jewish News WWW.CHANUKAHWONDERLANDMI.COM FREE ADMISSION A fter surviving the Holocaust and losing most of their family, Asa and Sara Shapiro came to America, to a life filled with promise. Much hard work and determina- tion resulted in financial success, which allows the couple to give back to the community. Their lat- est philanthropic project is the establishment of the Asa and Sara Shapiro Endowment fund for Congregation Beth Ahm in West Bloomfield and the designation of its main entrance as the Asa and Sara Shapiro Entrance. "The gift is part of a synagogue initiative titled 'Our Home — Our Sara and Asa Shapiro Future: which is strengthening the congregation by providing funds for work and a knack for business, Asa capital improvements and program- grew the business to become the very matic goals," said David Goodman, successful ASA Builders Supply and Beth Ahm executive director. ASA Cabinet Corporation, now in Both Asa and Sara Shapiro were Walled Lake. born in Koretz, Poland. Sara was only Gratitude became a recurring theme 10 when she and her older brother fled for the Shapiros. They are grateful Koretz after the rest of her family was for their three sons, Mickey, Steven killed by Nazi occupiers. She survived and Edward; for the community that after being sheltered by a farming enriched their lives; and for a country family in the Ukraine. She returned to that gave them the freedom to be Jews. Koretz in 1945. They continue to express their At age 15, Asa was sent to a Siberian gratitude by sharing their good fortune prison camp where he was forced into with those in need. Their hardships hard labor. After three years, he was sensitized them to the importance of told he could leave Siberia if he enlist- making major contributions to groups ed in the Russian army. He did, and like the United States Holocaust served until the war's end in 1945. Memorial Museum, Friends of the When he returned to Koretz, he Israel Defense Forces, the Mayo Clinic was re-introduced to Sara. They were and more. married in 1945. With no home and Love For Their Synagogue no family, the Shapiros spent the next four years in a displaced person's camp With their gift to their beloved Beth in Germany, where Mickey, their first Ahm, they continue to make sure that they have an impact on future genera- child, was born. tions who care about their Judaism, their Even in these difficult circumstanc- community and their sense of family. es, Asa managed to work as a truck "For almost 20 years, Asa and Sara driver. In 1948, he, along with some Shapiro have been active members American soldiers and other Jewish of Beth Ahm", said Rabbi Steven refugees, purchased 50 jeeps that then were smuggled into Israel to aid in the Rubenstein. "They are leaders of birth of the Jewish homeland. our congregation, both publicly and Then, at the invitation of Asa's uncle, privately. Asa's regular presence on the family came to the United States Shabbat puts a smile on our faces. He and settled in Oak Park. Asa found serves as an example of how to live a immediate employment by working meaningful Jewish life. for Rockefeller Lumber Company "Together they also demonstrate their in Berkley. Only four years later, commitment to Beth Ahm through he assumed ownership of the busi- acts of tzedakah. In times of need ness and changed the name to ASA and on a regular basis, Asa and Sara's Builders Supply Company. With hard philanthropy has benefited all of us:' ❑ FOUR MAGICAL DAYS SUNDAY - WEDNESDAY " DECEMBER 1 - 4, 2013 (V? ATTRACTIONS Fry-a -Latka Station Olive Press Workshop Decorate an Edible Dreidel Dreidel Bounce House Layer a Wax Candle in a Jar Weave a Chanukah Handbag Vintage Photo Booth Come Once, Come Again and Come Back for More! SA1•ON DRUGS 1-1 Chanukah Tot Land Giant Dreidel Mascot 164: _ ■ irm Email rabbishneur@baischabad.com or visit www.chanukahwonderlandmi.com 1Chabad flisahCoAr HIGHLIGHT EVENT! Food 141: de ORCHARD ALL Live Music Klezmer Band wafidezo DECEMBER 2 5:30,a/n, Dance Performance 13C PRINTS Store hours: Mon & Thurs 9-8 Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 9-6 Sun 12-4 and FREE CAMERA CLASS with camera purchase See store for details 33501 Woodward • Birmingham (4 blocks N. of 14 Mile Rd.) 48-642-1985 Log on to JNonline.us giveaways • forums • calendars VISIT JNonline.us JN November 28 • 2013 17