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.

