4 | DECEMBER 31 • 2020
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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.
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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
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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