4 | DECEMBER 31 • 2020 

contents

OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to reflect 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.

Views 
6-10 

12 
The Right to Read 
 
Seven Detroit students and a Jewish 
 
attorney with Michigan roots sued the 
 
state for education access. Behind the 
 
landmark lawsuit and its aftermath.

15 
The Man Behind the 
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Trials 
 
Virologist credits Detroit upbringing 
 
with skills he used to expedite vaccine.

16 
Hillel Head of School Reflects 
 
on “Rollercoaster” First Year 
 
Katz began planning the school’s fall 
 
reopening in April. 

17 
Turning Up the Heat 
 
New Jewish climate justice group 
 
‘Dayenu’ mobilizes Michigan 
 
voters. 

18 
Alumni Step Up 
 
The Friends of Pasteur School help 
 
needy families during the pandemic.

20 
A Bar Mitzvah Like No Other 
 
A very socially distant bar mitzvah 
 
celebration.

Eretz

22 
Abraham Ambassadors 
 
Two local businessmen, serving as 
 
diplomats in Arab nations, play role in 
 
Middle East peace accords. 

Moments 

24 
Moments 

Spirit 

25 
Torah portion

Community Directory 

26 
Listings

Technology 

31 
Jews in the Digital Age: New 
 
App Enhances Prayer During 
 
Pandemic

ARTS&LIFE 

32 
Andrew’s Top Movie Picks 
 
of 2020

34 
Suicide Hotline Inspires Play 
 
Ann Arbor native wins national 
 
writing competition.

35 
Danny Raskin’s 2020 Recap

36 
Celebrity Jews 

Online Events 
37

Etc. 

The Exchange 38 

Soul 
40 

Looking Back 46

18
32
20

Shabbat Lights 
Shabbat Starts: 
Friday, Jan. 1, 4:52 p.m. 
Shabbat Ends: 

Saturday, Jan. 2, 5:59 p.m. 
* Times according to Yeshiva Beth 
Yehudah calendar. 

ON THE COVER: 
Cover photo/credit: Osborn High 
Counselor Andrea Jackson, gradu-
ate Jamarria Hill and attorneys Mark 
Rosenbaum and Michael Kelley. 
Courtesy of Detroit Literacy Group 
Cover design: Kaitlyn Schoen

thejewishnews.com

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Dec. 31, 2020-Jan. 6, 2021 / 16-22 Tevet 5781 | VOLUME CLVIII, ISSUE 22

For the Joys of Independent Senior Living

We have adopted new standard of care in our 
daily operations by implementing COVID- specific 
initiatives for our residents’ well-being including:

 Contact-free “EasyMove” program

 On-site COVID-19 rapid response testing 

 Proper use of PPE

 On-site electrostatic cleaning 

Even now, All Seasons is designed to delight 
every one of your senses…every day! 

 An expansive menu of freshly prepared 
meals and daily chef specials, served in one 
of our dining rooms or delivered to your 
home several times per day

 Individual chauffeured transportation

 A variety of thoughtfully planned activities 

 Outdoor fitness classes

 Fine arts performances

 A host of technology-based forms of 
enrichment 

 Family engagement app

IN 
THED
JEWS

