16 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J
N

T

he award, sponsored by 
Sam and Nancy Shamie and 
family, honors the legacy of 
Ambassador David Hermelin (of bless-
ed memory) by recognizing a student 
(or students, in the event of a tie) from 
a local Jewish day school, specifically in 
middle or high school grades. 
The recipient must demonstrate aca-
demic excellence in Judaic and/or secu-
lar studies and exhibit strong leadership 
skills within their school or community. 
This award is open to both male and 
female students attending community 
day schools.
Students are nominated by their 
school administration, with nomina-
tions reviewed by a selection committee 

consisting of members from the Shamie 
and Hermelin families and a repre-
sentative from the Jewish Federation 
of Detroit. Applicants must submit an 
essay, two recommendations and their 
school transcript.
Caleb Starr of Frankel Jewish 
Academy was this year’s winner.
“Caleb represents the best of our day 
school students,
” Steven Ingber, CEO of 
the Jewish Federation of Detroit, said. 
“We thank Sam and Nancy Shamie and 
family for honoring the memory of 
Ambassador Hermelin with this mean-
ingful award in his memory.
” 
This year’s essay prompt was inspired 
by Pirkei Avot 4:1, which quotes Ben 
Zoma: “Who is wise? One who learns 

from all people. As it is written, ‘From 
all my teachers, I have grown wise.
’”
Caleb Starr’s winning essay, titled 
“From All My Teachers I Have Grown 
Wise,
” reflected on this teaching from 
Pirkei Avot. He emphasized that true 
wisdom “stems from a multitude of 
teachers and cannot be replaced by 
websites or social media links.
” 
Caleb shared his experience of study-
ing for a semester in Israel and his 
participation in the inaugural Coalition 
for Black and Jewish Unity Leadership 
Academy — a program bringing 
together Black and Jewish students 

united by the common hope for peace. 
He concluded, “
As Ben Zoma empha-
sizes, wisdom can only be gained when 
we listen to everyone. As Jews, it is 
imperative that we seek out new teach-
ers to gain a broader perspective.
”
Caleb Starr is the son of Rebecca and 
Rabbi Aaron Starr of Southfield. 

Ambassador David Hermelin was the United 

States Ambassador to Norway from 1997-

2000. He was the 1996 recipient of the Fred M. 

Butzel Memorial Award, the Federation’ highest 

volunteer honor. A noted worldwide philanthropist, 

businessman and entrepreneur, he passed away 

in 2000. 

SPOTLIGHT

Marcie Hermelin Orley, daughter of Ambassador David Hermelin (z’l) and Doreen 
Hermelin, Caleb Starr, FJA Head of School Rabbi Azaryah Cohen and Detroit 
Jewish Federation CEO Steve Ingber

Caleb Starr of Frankel Jewish Academy 
is this year’s awardee.

2024 David 
Hermelin Award 

MARIANNE BLOOMBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS 

OUR COMMUNITY

Give the lifesaving gift of blood 
this Giving Tuesday at The J 
Detroit’s Community Blood Drive. 
The upcoming blood drive ini-
tiative of The J and Magen David 
Adom will be hosted at The J on 
Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3) from 8:30 
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is open to all 
eligible community members to 
participate. 

Your donation supports the local 
blood supply and helps ensure 
Blood Centers of America is ready 
to provide blood to Magen David 
Adom, Israel’s emergency services 
system, whenever needed. 
Spots are limited. Reserve your 
time slot by calling (866) 642-
5663 or visiting https://jlive.app/
events/9679. 

Jewish Federation’s Israel and 
Overseas’ next Coffee Press event 
presents “Power Surge — The 
U.S. Election Results: What the 
Israeli Public Sees” with Dr. Eli 
Cook, head of the General History 
Department at the University of 
Haifa. The virtual event takes place 
Sunday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. 
Dr. Cook, a renowned expert 
on American politics and the U.S. 

economy, will provide insight on 
how the power shift in U.S. leader-
ship impacts the views of everyday 
Israelis, and what influence it will 
have on Israel’s continuing war. 
Come with your coffee, and 
questions for this deep dive into 
Israeli current affairs. Please include 
your questions for the speaker 
when registering: https://jlive.app/
events/9760. 

U.S. Election Results: What the Israeli Public Sees

Giving Tuesday Community Blood Drive

MATERIALS
Almost Anything* BOLD and BRIGHT.

*Items not allowed:
• Glitter
• Light blue crayons
• Pencils • Computer generated artwork

REQUIREMENTS
A fully completed entry form (below) as well as a
color photo of the artist who submitted. Photos must be 
taped or glued to the back of the art submission along
with the entry form. Please no staples or paperclips.
Only one submission per child is allowed. 

PRIZES
$100 GRAND PRIZE and their submission on the front
cover of December 19th issue of the Detroit Jewish News.

First, Second, and Third place winners in each age
category will receive $18.

DEADLINE: Sunday, December 8, 2024

PLEASE MAIL SUBMISSIONS OR DROP
IN THE BOX OUTSIDE OF OUR OFFICE: 
The Detroit Jewish News ATTN: CCC
32255 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 205
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Artist's Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Age:___________

Parents' Names: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________________

City:____________________________________________________________ State:__________ Zip:________________

Day Phone:___________________________________
 Evening Phone: _______________________________________ 

Email:_________________________________________________________________________________________________

School:_______________________________________ 
Religious 
School:______________________________________

SEND TO: The Detroit Jewish News ATTN: CCC | 32255 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334

ENTRY FORM

CHANUKAH

AGE
GROUPS

PreK-3rd grade
4th-7th grade
8th-12th grade

SCAN TO 
DOWNLOAD 
A PRINTABLE 
ENTRY FORM.

