MARCH 21 • 2024 | 25
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LEFT: Michael Pytlik, director
of Judaic Studies and Cis
Maisel Center. RIGHT: Jean
Boyer reads Oshman’s book.
Jewish Center of Troy and recently recognized by the
Detroit Jewish News as part of the 2024 36 under 36 cohort
of community leaders, reflected briefly on the fuel of a
successful four years and counting of the center. “Jews are
hungry to learn more.
”
In his introductory remarks, Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov
of The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch asked what is the parallel
between people and the Earth, challenging the guests
to consider what is beneath the surface and that every
individual is fertile soil.
Oshman presented as part of a panel. To her right sat Dr.
Michael Pytlik, director of Judaic Studies and the director
of the Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community
Engagement. To her left sat Rebbetzin Mushka Matusof,
director of Friendship Circle in Toledo, Ohio. Pytlik and
Matusof took turns asking Oshman questions.
Immediately, Oshman chose to stand to answer and
address the guests, joking she invested in her outfit for the
occasion, and it needed to be seen.
A key part of Oshman’s story and the substance of her
book is turning to and digging deep into Jewish wisdom.
Oshman was born in Israel to a secular family. She served
in the Israel Defense Forces and developed as a leader the
skills that would eventually lead her to executive positions
with major global companies, including Facebook (now
Meta) and TikTok. But despite her ability to be composed
and lead others, Oshman was struggling with paralyzing
anxiety and worry.
Trying to find answers and healing to relieve her emotional
unrest and the struggle beneath her outer perfection, she
“looked to all the -isms before Judaism.
” The wisdom that
she discovered within Judaism, that she continues to lean in
on and be rooted in, is universal, she shares.
Now at the center of Oshman’s paradigm is “Replace
fear with purpose.
” She credits this foundational anchor to
the work of Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Dr. Viktor
Frankl, author of the acclaimed Man’s Search for Meaning.
“The search for meaning is itself meaningful,
” Oshman
shared. “Searching for meaning is one of the healthiest
things we can do in our lives.
” (See related story on page 52.)
Reflecting on the event, Caytak said, “The tremendous
local Jewish turnout from the east of Woodward Jewish
community is testament to amazing growth of the
community and the tremendous appeal of Michal Oshman.
“Michal’s talk was both incredibly inspiring and practical,
giving useful steps to make our lives better.
”
Rebbetzin Itty Shemtov of The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch
said, “Coming together with so many to focus on personal
growth is empowering and reflects the beauty of our
community.
”
Each chapter of Oshman’s book ends with a section
titled: If you change nothing, nothing changes. The phrase is
borrowed from Dr. Albert Einstein. What are you willing to
change to attain that desired change?
Perhaps start with reading Oshman’s book.
Dr. Ora Hirsch
Pescovitz,
President of OU
Rabbi Menachem Caytek of
the Chabad Jewish Center of
Troy introduces the panel.