FEBRUARY 11 • 2021 | 5
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www.hfldetroit.org • 248.723.8184
Hebrew Free Loan Detroit
6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 300 • Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301
@HFLDetroit
Eli Golshteyn was six years old when his parents
brought him to the United States from the Soviet
Union. The Golshteyns arrived in Michigan and
began the enormous task of settling into new jobs,
schools and a new culture. Along with other relatives,
the Jewish community and Hebrew Free Loan were
valuable resources.
“I was young and I thought it was all a big adventure,
but we were starting over, and we needed help,” Eli said.
“Several times HFL helped my family as we acclimated
– with our first car, with a computer, and with medical
expenses. My parents are brilliant, they’re both engineers,
but navigating a huge life shift like that wasn’t easy.
The Jewish community was there for us. As I got older,
I realized what an amazing concept it was to have a
Jewish community that helps others, and I’m glad to
even slightly repay the debt, first as a NEXTGen
Liaison to HFL, and now as an HFL Board member.”
Right away, Eli was impressed by the dedication of
the HFL Board.
“Each time HFL Board members interview potential
borrowers it’s a new opportunity to help someone,”
Eli said. “The HFL Board, who are so diverse in their
approach and experience, act with teamwork and
heart, and with the specific goal in mind of making a
difference for others. I understand what it’s like to
have to ask for help, and it’s a great responsibility to
be on the other side of the table.
“HFL helps secure the future for so many people.
Whatever the reason, HFL can help Michigan Jews
attain a goal or a better situation, and I’m proud to be
a link in that chain of possibility,” Eli said.
Community donations help Hebrew Free Loan give
interest-free loans to local Jews for a variety of personal,
health, educational and small business needs.
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PHOTO CREDIT JERRY ZOLYNSKY
The JN and the Jewish Community Center’s JFamily
will once again shine the public spotlight on teens
in our community with Rising Stars: Teens Making a
Dif
erence. 18 remarkable Jewish teens in the Metro
Detroit area will be selected and featured in the April
29, 2021, issue of the Jewish News and recognized
on the JN and JCC’s JFamily social media pages.
Nominees must live in Michigan, identify as Jewish
and be students in grades 9-12; they can be self-
nominated or may be nominated by others today
through March 17.
Nominees should be recognized for impact,
contribution and/or achievement in areas
including (but not limited) to:
• Tikkun olam, volunteerism, social action,
advocacy, philanthropy
• Academics/education
• Athletics
• Music & arts
• Business & entrepreneurship
• Overcoming obstacles and challenges
• Jewish growth and learning
• Leadership
SEEKING
TERRIFIC TEENS!
To nominate yourself or a teen you know, go to
thejewishnews.com and click on the Rising Stars button
or to jfamily.jccdet.org/risingstars. The deadline is March 17.