10 | MARCH 5 • 2020 OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’ s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to refl ect diverse community viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. As an independent, responsible, responsive community member, we actively engage with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. 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BACK ISSUES OF THE JN The Detroit Jewish News Foundation’ s William Davidson Archive of Jewish Detroit History contains more than 330,000 pages of content — spanning more than 100 years — from the Jewish News and its predecessor publication. It is fast, free and accessible via djnfoundation.org Visit the JN website www.thejewishnews.com Views including those who are not citizens of the United States. We are part of a huge effort to rep- resent our states in the ultimate count, as in the Biblical times, the Israelites were part of a huge effort to raise the silver needed for the Sanctuary. Without our input in the Census, our society would be missing something important, a half-shekel of indi- viduals all with infinite worth. This is why we have to ensure, as a society, that we protect those populations mentioned earlier. When we ask those who might not want to be noticed to step forward, they are taking a risk and are vulnerable. Therefore, U.S. law is strict about the privacy of Census responses, as stated on the website of the U. S. Census: “When you respond to the Census, your answers are kept anonymous. They are used only to produce statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. ” Of course, this assurance by the government can sound scary and, understandably, it may even sound suspect, but the Jewish community is standing by to ensure these laws are kept and these vulnerable individuals and families are pro- tected. As you read this, many in the community, including those of us at JCRC/AJC, are finding ways to volunteer for the Census in order to make sure that everyone is counted and, importantly, safe. Whether we just answer the call of the Census or help to ensure all those around us are counted, let us hear the call of our Jewish and American tra- ditions: Everyone has infinite value, everyone counts and everyone deserves to be noticed, to be cherished and to be pro- tected. Households will begin receiving the official Census Bureau mail in mid-March, leading up to April 1, which is Census Day. By this date, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the Census by phone, online or by mail. Rabbi Asher Lopatin is executive director of the JCRC/AJC. MICHIGAN MATTERS Michigan stands to lose an estimated $1,800 of federal funds per year for every per- son not counted in the Census. The state may also lose a congressional seat, resulting in a decrease in the number of seats held by Michigan in the Electoral College. THE U.S. CENSUS continued from page 6 speak about never giving up, and explore with them what gives them strength, meaning, purpose and hope. We finish by singing inspirational songs together, songs I often hear patients singing on their own. Whether Jewish or not, we all need a compassionate ear when we’ re in trouble. At some point, we will all require help from someone else. We can make an impact on someone’ s life by simply listening and saying something kind when needed. It doesn’ t matter what religion we are, we all need to feel that we are not alone in what we are going through. We all need hope. As it says in Ecclesiastes 9:4: “ As long as there is life, there is hope. ” Michael Aldouby is a chaplain at a Detroit hospital. He can be reached at michaelaldouby@gmail.com. KINDNESS continued from page 8