jews d in the Chanukah Lunch & Learn At Beth Ahm On Shabbat Chanukah, Saturday, Dec. 16, Congregation Beth Ahm will host a lunch-and-learn with local educator Dina Routin on the theme of “Ma’oz: From Strength to Strength.” Th is learning opportunity is free and open to the community. Th e program will begin about 12:15 p.m., Dina Routin following 9:30 a.m. Shabbat services and congregational kiddush lunch. All are welcome. To help plan for food and seat- ing, advance reservations would be appreciated. Th e Hebrew word ma’oz (meaning “strength” or “fortress”) is the fi rst word in two Hebrew poems written 700 years apart. While the latter is as- sociated with Israel’s War of Attrition follow- ing the Six-Day War and is hardly known, the earlier poem is the most popular Chanukah song, known as “Maoz Tzur.” So how did it all start, and what are these poems about? Dina Routin holds a master’s degree in He- brew literature and poetry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is a development associate at the JCC, teaches at Oakland Community College and is the author of a recently-published book of poetry, Ascending. To register for the Dec. 16 event or for more information, contact Nancy Kaplan at (248) 737- 1931 or nancyellen879@att.net. • Latke Tasting And Chanukah Story Time Celebrate Chanukah at two Sunday afternoon community programs sponsored by The Shul in West Bloomfield. The first event is a Chanukah cookie and latke tasting that will take place at Busch’s market on 14 Mile and Farmington roads on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3:30-5 p.m. The following Sunday, Dec. 17, the Somerset Collection in Troy will host a Chanukah story time from 2-3 p.m. in the South Atrium. Snacks will be provided, and children will have the chance to make their own Lego dreidels. The Somerset Collection is located at 2800 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy. Both events are free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. To reserve a spot or for more information, visit theshul.net/ reservations, or call (248) 788-4000. • Great minds think ahead. Improving health and medicine. Protecting our planet. Fighting cancer. Advancing technology. Enriching education. At the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, we’re always thinking ahead. Learn more at WEIZMANN-USA.ORG, or call 248-258-9890. P.O. BOX 250243 WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48325 The world needs our research. We need your support. 34 December 7 • 2017 jn Michigan Science Center Celebrates The Life Of Maimonides Many innovative people in history have had an impact on modern-day civilization. Join the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) as it celebrates the life of Maimonides, an influential 12th-century Jewish scholar, physician and philosopher from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. Known for his writ- ings on Jewish law and eth- ics, Maimonides was also a recognized philosopher and problem solver. General admission of $5 includes an educational and engaging historical presenta- tion featuring insights and learning from Maimonides, Averroes and Aquinas (“The Three Wise Men of Cordoba”), presented by Howard Lupovitch, associate profes- sor of history and director of the Cohn-Haddow Center for Judaic Studies at Wayne State University, Saeed Khan, teacher of Islamic and Middle East history at WSU and Keith Huey, professor of religion at Rochester College. Also included are refresh- ments and a menorah lighting, as well as access to MiSci’s newest exhibit, “1001 Inventions: Untold Stories from a Golden Age of Innovation.” In addition, guests will be able to experi- ence more than 250 hands- on exhibits, Sparks Theater electricity shows, Kids Town, Spark!Lab by the Smithsonian and more. Preregister for the $5 general admission, visit Mi-Sci.org/ 1001-inventions-evenings- events. •