Eight From Abroad from page 39 her husband never envisioned stay- ing, but the situation in Venezuela was too uncertain for them to move back. Their parents recommended they make the United States their new home. They worked hard to finish their degrees and focused on getting their green cards so they could officially call Ann Arbor home. They now have two boys, 8 and 11, who attend the Hebrew Day School of Arm Arbor. Monica is a dentist with her own practice in Dundee. In Ann Arbor, she's involved with activities through the Hebrew Day School and JCC. "Ann Arbor has been a great place for me and my kids," she says. "It's a stark contrast from Caracas. I came from a big community that was much more conservative. In Ann Arbor, the community has a wide range of beliefs and practices:' Now 41, Dr. Vaisman says that her children love Judaism and Israel because they grew up with it. They usually attend Chabad services during the High Holidays. She grew up in a community where all the Jewish children went to Jew- ish school. Monica has never lost her Jewish Venezuelan identity; she often thinks about the Jews in Venezu- ela who need help, including many friends and family members who desire to leave but face a challenging task. Potential immigrants need sponsors for their visas and a job in a new land. To help, she recommends a liaison be- tween Jewish communities to match talent with jobs, along with support during the immigration process. One other suggestion: "financial help" to send children to Jewish day schools because they are, at the end of the day, "super-expensive!" 7. MICHAL NODEL: A MICHIGANDER FROM ISRAEL Born in Kfar Saba, Israel, Michal Nodel never could have guessed just 10 years ago she'd be living in Michi- gan. "I don't think I had even visited Michigan 10 years ago," Michal says. She now lives in Birmingham with her husband, Jordan Nodel. "I do know that we're happy here and are enjoy- ing getting to know this tight-knit community?' Michal, now 32, moved to At- lanta at 10, after the Gulf War, before spending more time in Israel and New York for work. Her father and his family were born in Morocco, so her connection to Israel was informed by her Sephardic/Mizrahi heritage. In Atlanta, she was part of a strong Jewish community as well, attend- ing a Solomon Schechter school and participating in BBYO. She now works at a company she founded called Digital Powwow. Her firm, based in Birmingham and De- troit, develops digital product devel- opment services. Michal is already an advocate for Michigan, enjoying the snowy trails during the winter and the lakes in the summer. "I've found the community here to be incredibly welcoming?' she says. "I think it's a Midwestern thing. Ev- eryone is very inclusive and happy to show newcomers the ropes. I appreci- ate that." 8. RABBI CHANOCH HADAR: GROWING UP IN SOUTH AFRICA Rabbi Chanoch Hadar was born in Jerusalem, Israel, but grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, near the hometown of his late mother. In his youth, he went to one of South Africa's many Jewish day schools, where his mother taught first grade. In addi- tion to a textile business, his father worked as a traveling rabbi, affording his family the opportunity to experi- ence many old shuls in all corners of the country. Chanoch and his family now live in Huntington Woods, where he serves as the rabbi of the Woodward Avenue Shul. The polite nature of Detroiters reminds the 35-year old of his home- town. Yet, there are clear differences. Chanoch says his childhood in South Africa became quite "caged up" due to all the security measures. Even with its dwindled population, Johan- nesburg is home to a very proud Jew- ish community and a vibrant Jewish infrastructure. Chanoch says that he "relishes the fact that his children can ride freely around the block on their own?' His only advice for how the com- munity could better welcome new residents who grew up abroad: One idea would be to "teach a newcomer a winter sport to better enjoy the cold spells:' At the end of the day, he views it a blessing to be a part of the commu- nity and to befriend a diverse array of "some of the finest people he has ever met." RT Meet The Detroit Jewish News Account Executives... Joanne began her career in advertising after graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Communications and Marketing. Her professional experience includes promotional DETROIT JEWISH NEWS marketing, radio, print, and digital advertising. She views herself as a marketing consultant and is passionate about the importance of helping her clients to develop a marketing plan to most effectively grow their business. "I understand the importance of building relationships through education and customer Joanne Levine Account Executive Phone: 248.351.5129 Email: jlevine@renmedia.us Fax: 248.304.0049 satisfaction. I strive every day to make sure that I am meeting my clients' marketing needs and providing excellent customer service:' She is proud to be a member of the team at the Detroit Jewish News and looks forward to helping you grow your business. Call to make an appointment now and see what Joanne can do for you! 40 July 2014 I RED MEAD www.redthreadmagazine.com