18 | OCTOBER 5 • 2023 J
N

retreat to Detroit in the first place? 
 “Detroit has a proud, longstanding 
history of Jewish philanthropy. It is a 
great revival story of a great American 
city with a super vibrant Jewish 
community and Federation,” the retreat 
organizers say. 
 “This community really punches 
above its weight class, and we want to 
showcase that to everybody.” 
But, above all, was the positive 
feedback. 
“We played a significant role in 
dispelling any misconception that they 
may have had about Detroit,” says 2023-
2024 Cabinet Co-Chair Lacey Foon. 
“Many of our guests, who had never 
been to the city before, expressed their 
awe and admiration for its greatness. 
Especially in Huntington Tower, many 
of the chevre conveyed that they felt 
genuinely hosted at retreat. 
“Moreover, we are seeing chevre from 
communities already stepping up to the 
plate and taking preliminary steps to 
host Cabinet in their respective city — 
from Nashville to Cleveland in 2025. 
The retreat in Detroit inspired Cabinet 
chevre to step up, take initiative and 
dream.”
But above all, the 31 
Detroit chevre understand 
that it was the outstanding 
JFMD professionals 
who brought it over the 
finish line. Through the 
exceptional dedication and 
countless hours devoted 
by Rabbi Ari Witkin, 
Lauren Rubin and JFNA 
professional staff, Cabinet 
Retreat in Detroit was a 
resounding success. 
Their hard work and 
commitment played an 
instrumental role in achieving the goals 
and creating an unforgettable experience 
for everyone involved. 

Capt. (Res.) Shimon G. Levy is the Managing 

Partner of SGL Acquisitions and LR Partners. He 

is a sixth-year Cabinet member and together with 

Aaron Bass and Lacey Foon, is a co-chair of Detroit 

Cabinet. He is married to Jennie, father to Eli and 

Eden, and lives in the city of Detroit. 

OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER

continued from page 16

FROM TOP: Sixth-years pose at a goodbye dinner with Detroit chevre. Chevre at Ari 
and Monica Fischman’s goodbye barbecue. Tour of Downtown Synagogue with George 
Roberts.

Rabbi Ari 
Witkin

Lauren 
Rubin

