frontlines
End-Of-Year Musings
D
on't look now, but this is my last
where are you going, for how long,
column of 2014. Hard to believe.
and why? — I just cant seem to
So, here's wishing you and yours
tamp down the panic in my eyes
a happy and healthy New Year. By the
that may suggest that I'm in posses-
way, remember to take advantage of the
sion of more stolen state secrets than
second chance we get at mak-
Edward Snowden.
ing resolutions; you know, the
I think we'd all agree
ones you've already made and
that Canadians are more
broken since Rosh Hashanah.
laid-back than us, but
I think 2015 will be an inter-
seriously, why does that have to
esting year for me, especially
extend to their speed limits? A
because in the next few months
100 kilometer maximum speed
I will be turning slum, mina
on their highways might sound
... sixty. Now for some random
like a nice big number, but to us
thoughts as I do some year-end
"Type A-mericans" it's still only
mental house cleaning.
62.137 mph! On the plus side, the
How is it that a few weeks
nicest
surprise I found traveling
Alan
ago, after 10 years and mil-
on
the
401 between Windsor and
Muskovitz
lions of miles of travel through
Toronto
was the fact that I don't
Jewish News
space, scientists were able to
recall
seeing
one single billboard.
Columnist
land an orbiter precisely where
I believe Canadian laws prevent
and when they wanted to on a
annoying advertising messages
comet going 425,000 miles per hour, but my from saturating their highways; a nice
cable company still can't narrow down their change of pace for us drivers but much to
arrival time to my house?
the chagrin of personal injury attorneys.
Speaking of travel, I just spent a wonder-
My international experiences have not
ful weekend in Toronto visiting relatives. I
been limited to my travels to Canada. With
don't know why, but whenever I cross into
a Dec. 15 deadline looming for me to make
Canada, I still get shpilkus every time I pull
a decision on a new 2015 health care plan,
up to the border patrol officer. I liken it to
I've been spending countless hours research-
the white coat syndrome anxiety I experi-
ing numerous plans. However, the labyrinth
ence when I'm about to have my blood
that are the charts outlining the gazillion
pressure taken. Though the attending offi-
formulas for deductibles, coinsurance,
cer's questions are innocent enough — like
out-of-pocket maximums, co-pays, etc. is
JN CONTENTS
enough to give you a pre-existing condition.
I learned a lot, but I had a lot of questions,
which led me to call a major "American"
health insurance carrier's helpline that turns
out is manned by ... phone operators in the
Philippines! I kid you not.
Look, I've gotten used to getting my com-
puter issues straightened out by some really
nice folks from overseas, but I just can't see
signing off on my health care coverage to
someone whose language barrier might lead
to me getting pre-approved for a lobotomy
instead of a colonoscopy. Even though I
already had a colonoscopy last week. Wait,
sorry, that wasn't a colonoscopy. I'm con-
fusing that with the feeling I got just after
finding out what my new monthly premium
was going to be!
See you next year, everybody!
❑
Alan Muskovitz is a writer, voice-over/acting tal-
ent, speaker, emcee and a regular guest host on
the Mitch Albom Show on WJR AM 760. Visit his
website at laughwithbigaLcom and "Like" Al on
Facebook.
theJEWISHNEWS.com
Dec.4-10, 2014 I 12-18 Kislev 5775 I Vol. CXLVI, No. 17
Around Town
22
Arts/Entertainment ...53
25
Calendar
28
Camp Guide
Food
58
Gift Guide
40
Here's To
16
Israel
11-12, 38
JN Archives
6
Letters
5
61
Life Cycles
Love Connection ....64
Marketplace
64
Metro
8
Obituaries
69
Out To Eat
26
Points Of View
38
Sports
52
Staff Box/Phone List... 6
Synagogue List
50
Torah Portion
49
Shabbat: Friday, Dec. 5, 4:41 p.m.
Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:47 p.m.
Shabbat: Friday, Dec. 12, 4:41 p.m.
Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Dec. 13, 5:48 p.m.
Times are from Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.
Columnist
Danny Raskin
Shabbat Lights
60
Marla Kaminsky has walked the
walk. A few years ago, when she
was living in Memphis, Marla had
delivered her second child and
was pushing 200 pounds.
"I knew I needed help to lose
the weight," Marla said. "but I was
a busy mom and I needed account-
ability. I looked around and found
success with Diet Center. Some
time later, an opportunity presented
itself for my husband and Ito return
to Michigan and open a Diet Center
franchise of our own in West
Bloomfield, and we took it."
The couple approached Hebrew
Free Loan's Marvin I. Danto Small
Business Loan Program with their
business plan and requested help
with funding their new venture.
After approving an interest-free
Danto Business Loan for Diet Center,
Hebrew Free Loan Board members
were present to support Marla at
her ribbon-cutting in January.
"HFL has been just wonderful,"
Marla said. "They've helped give us
confidence starting a new business
in our hometown. There was a
tremendous opportunity in front of
us, and we felt we could take this
calculated risk with their advice and
support, just as we advise and
guide our own clients. We're now
approaching the end of our first year,
and the challenge has been worth it.
"HFL helped us so we can help
others to be well and bring their
family and friends to wellness
along with them."
Click. Call. Give Now.
www.hfldetroit.org
248.723.8184
Health. A fresh start.
A good education.
The next great business idea.
Hebrew Free Loan gives interest-
free loans to members of our
community for a variety of per-
sonal and small business needs.
HFL loans are funded entirely
through community donations
which continually recycle to
others, generating many times
the original value to help main-
tain the lives of local Jews.
HEBREW
Our JN Mission
The Jewish News aspires to communicate news and opinion that's useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. It strives to
reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continu-
ity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, caring, enjoyable work environment that encourages creativity
and innovation. We acknowledge our role as a responsible, responsive member of the community. Being competi-
tive, we must always strive to be the most respected, outstanding Jewish community publication in the nation. Our
rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, contented employees and profitable growth.
Cover page design: Michelle Sheridan.
The Detroit Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is
published every Thursday at 29200 Northwestern
Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical
postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and
additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes
to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern
Highway, #110, Southfield, MI 48034.
FREE * LOAN
hfldetroit.org
We Provide Loans. We Promise Dignity.
6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 300. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
O Hebrew Free Loan Detroit
1. @HFLDetroit
:A2tSEE
-11
VIE
JN
December 4 • 2014
3