JUNE 23 • 2022 | 3
contents
PURELY COMMENTARY
4-11 Essays and viewpoints.
OUR COMMUNITY
12
A ‘Tree’ of Remembrance
Shoah survivor’s family donates memorial
sculpture to Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids.
16
A New Name
After merging last year, JVS + Kadima
rebrands as Gesher.
18
Social Action Is at Its Roots
Grand Rapids’ Temple Emanuel does
its best to meet the needs of a diverse
population.
20
From Student to Volunteer
Meet Lisa Keller, a dedicated Hillel Day
School volunteer.
22
Hello, Country Radio Hall of Fame
Huntington Woods resident will be honored
June 30 in Nashville.
24
Ziggy’s Playground
Family dedicates a playground in Rwanda in
memory to their father, a Holocaust survivor.
26
Puzzle Wiz
Teenager can solve a Rubik’s Cube in
seconds using only his feet.
28
‘Open Space, Open Minds’
Hillel Day School starts capital campaign
for outdoor athletic facilities.
29
Shoah Ambassadors Wins Three
Michigan Emmy Awards
BUSINESS
30
Strengths & Challenges
Business leaders assess Michigan’ long-
term economic prospects.
NEXT DOR
32
The Candy Woman
Through colorful candy, Claudia Halpern
makes stunningly sweet creations.
SPORTS
34
Best of Three
Frankel Jewish Academy baseball team
wins its first Catholic League division title
in 17 years.
ERETZ
36
An Enduring Partnership
The P2G program smoothly pivoted to
virtual during the pandemic, continuing
its success.
MAZEL TOV
39
Moments
SPIRIT
40
Torah Portion
41
What Is Going On?
43
Synagogue Directory
ARTS&LIFE
45
A Conversation with Ariel
Schlesinger
Artist of Ways to Say Goodbye shares
his creative ideas and processes for
Holocaust memorial.
36
22
28
32
Shabbat Lights
Shabbat starts:
Friday, June 24, 8:56 p.m.
Shabbat ends:
Saturday, June 25, 10:08 p.m.
* Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.
ON THE COVER:
Cover photo/credit: Ariel Schlesigner,
Ways To Say Goodbye (c) Compton
Verney, photo by Jamie Woodley
Cover design: Michelle Sheridan
thejewishnews.com
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June 23-29, 2022 / 24-30 Sivan 5782 | VOLUME CLXXI, ISSUE 19
49
Letting Go of Hatred
New children’s novel tells a
survivor’s story of tolerance
and forgiveness.
51
Celebrity News
EVENTS
52
Community Calendar
FACES&PLACES
54
A Shavuot Cheese Party
ETC.
The Exchange/Spotlight 55
Obituaries
57
Looking Back 62