Partnership Region, exploring and enjoy-
ing the hospitality of locals. When they
return to Detroit, they are encouraged to
continue their Jewish journey back home.
"The Mifgash is one of the things we do
to help translate the powerful Birthright
experience into an ongoing and hopefully
lifelong engagement in Jewish life and
community:' says Ayelet Kon, Federation
NEXTGen Detroit's Birthright coordina-
tor. "Having made deep connections with
fellow Jews from their community on
this trip, it's imperative that we give them
opportunities to stay connected with each
other as well as their Jewish community."
A past Detroit Community Birthright
participant, Lauren Henkin of Royal Oak,
wrote, "Birthright is defined as a gift, but
what we experienced in Israel is a mil-
lion times stronger than what others get
to experience, and that is in no short part
because of the amazing Detroit staff, but
also because of our eight Israeli brothers
and sisters from the Partnership Region"
Describing her overall experience she
said, "It was life-changing and affected me
in a way I could have never imagined"
For more information about Detroit
Community Birthright, visit www.
detroitbirthrightisrael.com or contact
Ayelet Kon at kon@jfmd.org . ❑

once little pick-up game is now a
basketball juggernaut. They play
every day, with double headers three
days a week. The schematic to keep
it organized requires a master's
degree in algorithms. And while this
is certainly a basketball bromance,
Hermiz and Somero were both quick
to thank one special lady, Kim,
Norm's wife, who Tim describes as
"a kind-hearted and very gracious
person [who] deserves a lot of credit
for putting up with all of us for all of
these years!"
The relationships have extended to
off the court as well, both personally
and professionally. Players meet for
lunch, attend simchahs, even check
up on the health and well-being of
each other's family members.
Recently Tim Somero took his
basketball devotion to a whole new
level; admitting to me that one of his
"primary considerations when look-
ing for a new home for my family is
the drive time to Norm's court:'
Jackie Robinson made history by
performing on a sports stage that
was once thought impossible and, in
the process, changed more than just
a sport. I'm not suggesting that this
wonderful Jewish/Chaldean basket-
ball story rises to that level. It does
remind us, though, that sports offers
a unique and profound way of chang-
ing the course of human interaction;
where differences are celebrated and
where understanding is born. It can
happen in a major league stadium
or, as Rick Sherline discovered, on a
backyard basketball court.

❑

What's in
a name?

Everything our
grandfathers
stood for.

We represent each of their names.
And all of their values.

The name "Talmer" combines the last names of
our principals' grandfathers—two remarkable
humanitarians who shared a common purpose:
to enrich the communities they served. Which
is why being a bank that puts our community
and its citizens first isn't just our business — it's
our mission.

Visit www.talmerbank.com to find out how we
can best serve you, your family or your business.

BANK AND TRUST'""

Community. Integrity. Service.

vri/,‘Jct—tAvt6_-__--

John Van Neste Talmage II

otw

Member

M. Manuel Merzon

SAVINGS
DEPOSIT

$100
In Honor of Grandparents Everywhere*

If you're a grandparent and you open
a Classic Savings Account for your

grandchild, Talmer will match your initial
deposit up to $100 dollars.

Stop into a Talmer Banking Center today
for details.

*Up to$100 match when you open a Classic Savings Accountforyour grandchild. Must present your grandchild's birth certificate or social security card attime of account
opening. Funds must remain on deposit for 90 days. Talmer Bank will match initial deposit, up to $100. Match will be paid at 91 days. The minimum balance to open the
account and obtain the bonus is $50. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is .05% for all interest rate tiers. APY is accurate as of 9/1/2014. APY is variable and subject to
change after the account is opened. Fees could reduce earnings on this account. Promo runs 9/1/2014 — 9/30/14. You will receive a 1099-INT from us for your cash bonus.
Promotion may be discontinued at anytime.

800.456.1500 I Telephone Banking: 800.405.9997 I www.talmerbank.com

JN

August 28 • 2014

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