20 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023
J
N
A
little bit of light repels a lot of
darkness (Duties of the Heart,
Chapter 5)
During this time of global turmoil,
darkness and challenge, attending the
Yeshiva Beth Yehudah’s Evening of Unity
provided the light and warmth so many
have been seeking.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, a broad
and diverse cross section of the greater
Detroit community graced the Renaissance
Ballroom and dais of the Detroit Marriott,
uplifting the sellout crowd with the palpable
sense of togetherness and hope, of light and
positivity.
They were all there to recognize the
children of the Yeshiva, 1,400 bright and
beautiful young men and women, all
receiving the essential knowledge and tools
to become the leaders of tomorrow. They
were there for the 400+ children receiving
invaluable support at the James Grosfeld
Center for Special Education, each one
learning and growing at their own pace,
with individualized attention, incredibly
loving teachers and staff, and the goal of
reaching the same heights as their peers.
They were there because they understood
the future of our community relies on the
brotherhood and unity of each one of us.
There were the usual touches one has
come to expect at the Yeshiva Dinner
— an abundant and delicious strolling
dinner, a first-class orchestra, inspiring
speeches by community and business
leaders, heartwarming performances by
the young men of the Yeshiva Boys Choir.
There was the Partners Detroit Torah
learning program an hour before the
reception, where hundreds of Jews from all
backgrounds gathered to engage in Torah
study and join together in prayer for the
safety of Israel and its soldiers.
And there was the feeling everyone
has come to expect from a Yeshiva
event: the unity of guests from all walks
of life, different political parties, varied
religious affiliations, corporate leaders
and community members of every stripe,
joining together in solidarity and support of
our shared values.
The ballroom was filled with hundreds
of tables, a four-tiered dais graced by
the leadership of our state and scions of
our religious, philanthropic and business
communities, souvenir journals packed
with congratulatory messages and adorable
photos of the children everyone had come
to support.
Parents, grandparents and friends of the
students of the Yeshiva joyfully attended
to show their love and support for these
wonderful children and the marvelous
education they are receiving.
But this year, after singing the anthems,
all the guests were asked to sit as seven
young boys were introduced and sang a
haunting, beautiful song of unity, a vision
for our world of peace, goodness, kindness
and love. Their rendition brought tears to
the eyes of many.
These seven boys set the tone for the
rest of the evening. Mayor Mike Duggan,
Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow
and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer all spoke of a
Yeshiva Beth Yehudah annual dinner
was a showcase of light and warmth.
An Evening of Unity
COURTESY YESHIVA BETH YEHUDAH
Yeshiva supporter Mickey
Shapiro and dinner
honoree Jerry Norcia
The Yeshiva’s Boys Choir thrilled
the audience with heartwarming
songs and dedications.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF YESHIVA BETH YEHUDAH
Guest speaker Pennsylvania
Gov. Josh Shapiro
OUR COMMUNITY