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14 | JULY 4 • 2024 
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can’t make it to this book club or this event, 
they’re going to reach out, they’re going 
to call you, they’re going to make you feel 
like you’re part of something bigger, and it 
always feels nice.
” 
Howard Schwartz of White Lake 
Township was introduced to Chabad some 
three decades ago when he represented 
Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan in a local 
real estate transaction and became close 
with Rabbi Berel Shemtov. Schwartz started 
studying about the Rebbe and says he was 
impressed by the Rebbe’s ability to get to the 
heart of any matter in seconds. 
“I felt a connection to him because of his 
mission, and that was to help teach people 
about their Judaism, and I think to appreci-
ate not only humanity, but the Jewish part 
of an individual you came into contact with 
— appreciating interacting with other Jews, 

whether it’s in any walk of life,
” he says. 
Schwartz delved further into Chassidus, 
Chabad’s teachings, and says he found it 
to be interesting, relatable and good guid-
ance. Over the years, he’s been involved in 
Friendship Circle, repairing a Torah that 
came from Russia dedicated to The Shul, 
and supporting area Chabads, among other 
efforts. 
Robin, his wife, studies with the girls 
at the local Chabad high school where 
the family sponsors the annual play in 
Schwartz’s sister’s name. She is eager to see 
the young women go out and serve as the 
base of Jewish life in all the different cities 
where their emissary work takes them. “You 
can never stop learning, and the Rebbe’s 
been a wonderful influence and teacher to 
us as well as our kids,
” Schwartz says.
These days, Schwartz says he’s excited 

about the latest Chabad House, which is 
being set up in Waterford Township, and a 
new center in Traverse City, where he says 
he’s impressed to see the emissary bought a 
building in the first year to 
support their growth.

NEW CHABAD HOUSES
Rabbi Berel Grossbaum arrived in Michigan 
earlier this month with his wife, Chana, 
and young son Mendel from Minnesota to 
launch the Waterford Chabad. A 26-year-
old who wasn’t alive during the Rebbe’s 
lifetime, he says the Rebbe’s teaching and 
vision remain as pertinent and potent as 
ever. 
“It’s a timeless message,
” he says. “It’s not 
an issue that we don’t see the Rebbe and 
the Rebbe’s not with us physically anymore; 

Rabbi Berel Grossbaum puts tefillin on a Jewish visitor to the Virgin Islands.
Chabad offered a baking event at Busch’s.

OUR COMMUNITY

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