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

