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.