metro » commentar y NEW MERCHANDISE ARRIVING DAILY continued from page 10 Sam Madorsky and Andrea LaFontaine STONE'S the Western Wall. On the final day of the trip, the couples ascended Masada to hear the story of Jewish resistance to oppres- sion. After a dip in the Dead Sea, they traveled back to Jerusalem to reflect on the trip’s impact on them and their relationship with Israel and the Jewish community. JEWELRY 6881 Orchard Lake Rd. on the Boardwalk www.stonesfi nejewelry.com Benefits of Cryotherapy t"OUJ*OGMBNNBUPSZ t1BJO.BOBHFNFOU t"DDFMFSBUFT5JTTVF )FBMJOH t5SFBUT4LJO%JTPSEFST t*NQSPWFT#MPPE $JSDVMBUJPO t"OUJ"HJOH4LJO 3FKVWFOBUJPO t*NQSPWFT4MFFQ 2088400 (248) 851-5030 TAKEAWAYS The participant couples unanimously agreed the mission was an eye-open- ing, deeply moving experience they will never forget. Some of the most significant takeaways: • Among the Jewish participants, the trip deepened their connection to Judaism, Israel and their partner. • The non-Jewish partners were able to understand the Jewish people’s strong historical, emotional and spiritual connection to Israel while forming their own relationship with and respect for Israel and its people. • The trip further committed non- Jewish participants to ensuring their children are exposed to Jewish his- tory, religion and culture. • Participants gained a clearer under- standing of Israel and its relationship with its neighbors by cutting through the misinformation often presented by the media. Several non-Jewish participants expressed their inten- tion to become advocates for Israel in their respective faith, political, business and social communities. • The couples hope to deepen their involvement with Federation and encourage their families (includ- ing children) to do the same. Group participants — who work in politics, law, medicine and business — are committed to dedicating their time and talent for the benefit of the Jewish community and Israel. • There is a need for Jewish organiza- tions to provide programming and resources for interfaith couples, individuals and their families. A new interfaith couples’ affinity group forming through NEXTGen Detroit is a step in the right direction. The phenomenal success of the Interfaith Mission and the profound effect on both Jewish and non-Jewish participants shows the importance and significant potential of welcoming and embracing interfaith couples and their families. Detroit’s Jewish community should capitalize on this momentum and increase its outreach efforts. While alarmist views on intermarriage abound, the reality is that intermar- riage is nothing new (remember Queen Esther?), and interfaith couples and people should not be marginalized or ignored. Rather, they should be wel- comed as valued and respected com- munity members. There is certainly more than enough room under the big Jewish tent for all of us. * Jonathan H. Schwartz of Plymouth is a business litigation attorney. He serves on the NEXTGen Detroit board and is the co-founder and vice pres- ident of the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan. 248.862.2405 www.boostcryospa.com 6253 Orchard Lake Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Open 7 Days a Week *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA 12 July 21 • 2016 Mona Chapman and Glenn Greenfield