Send a card. Serve the community. Make it a sweet new year...for everyone. eRACE Hunger Inaugural race/walk will benefit Yad Ezra clients. 44444 ..1111 111 miu I --404- 111111frfT\ 1, Jewish Family Service of Detroit — 6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 eRACE Hunger planning committee: Adam Finkel, Nancy Finkel, Wren Hack, director of the Berman Center, and Sarah Broner. Karen Couf Cohen Special to the Jewish News T raining for your first 5K race? Or just a walk around the park? Lace up your Nikes, stretch and eat your energy bar. But before you do, Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield might tell you to ask yourself: "Gratitude. Obligation. Joy. Are you on a path toward a meaningful life?" Not your typical pre-race warm-up, but a question that is precisely the vision behind eRACE Hunger 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Run, sponsored by the Berman Center for Jewish Education. The event will take place 9:30 a.m. at Shaarey Zedek on erev Sukkot, Sept 27, rain or shine, followed by the Spectacular Sukkot Celebration. The Berman Center for Jewish Education is a new education facility at Shaarey Zedek made possible through a grant by Mandell "Bill" Berman. The center offers state-of-the-art space and staffing to bring the best of Jewish edu- cation and values to the community through programming, classes and events. The launch of eRACE Hunger, to be an annual event, seeks to lead the Berman Center beyond the bricks-and-mortar expression of its mission into action. All donations from the event will benefit Yad Ezra in Berkley, the kosher food pantry that has been providing food packages to needy families since 1990. Planners hope to bring together a uni- fied Metro Detroit Jewish community and raise $12,600 to feed 700 people through Yad Ezra. "This event is a way for us to live out our mission of inspiring Jews — begin- ning with gratitude and obligation to God — to communal transformation and touching lives," Starr said. "One in 20 individuals in our com- munity relies on Yad Ezra for assistance. As the event takes place in the midst of the holiday season, in which we express our gratitude to God and celebrate joyful Jewish living, let us remember, too, our Divine obligation to care for all those in need" The event is spearheaded by David Broner, a longtime Shaarey Zedek con- gregant, and Adam Finkel, a synagogue board member. Wren Hack, Berman Center director, said the community is urged to participate, volunteer or donate to help those in need. The 5K race will be supported by A2race Management and winners will be awarded medals and prizes. "For the Family Fun Run, families and runners of all abilities are welcome to participate Hack said. "Fun Run partici- pants can even walk their dogs with us" Race registration and all post-race events will take place on Shaarey Zedek grounds, including the Spectacular Sukkot Celebration, a free event that will include hayrides, bounce houses, Quality Kosher Catering food, a Star Trax DJ, face painting and other family-themed activities. Kroger is the event's top spon- sor, along with other local businesses, such as Meijer and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Event registration opens at 9:30 a.m. with the race/walk beginning at 10:15 a.m. Race fee is $20. The Spectacular Sukkot Celebration runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. To register for the race, donate, volunteer or get more information, go to www.shaareyzedek.org. ❑ This Rosh Hashanah, send a card that does more than wish your loved ones a L'Shana Tovah. With a tribute card from Jewish Family Service, your donation will help us continue to provide assistance to our community, including counseling, aging in place and safety net services. To order your cards, visit jfsdetroit.org or call Jenny Kabert at 248-592-2339 SHOLEM ALEICHEM INSTITUTE invites you to join them at their SECULAR HIGH HOLIDAY ASSEMBLIES to be held at Steinway Piano Gallery - Recital Hall 2700 East West Maple Rd Commerce Twp MI 48390 (SE corner of M-5 and Maple) ROSH HASHANAH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH 9:30AM - 12 NOON KOL NIDRE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND 8PM - 9:30PM YOM KIPPUR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD 9:30AM - 12 NOON As Always No Ticket Required Membership inquiries welcome. Call Institute Office (248) 865-0117 2017700 September 3 • 2015 23