JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Nominations for The Detroit Jewish News’ annual 36 under 36 are now open to recognize doers, activists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, community organizers and other young Jewish professionals reshaping and broadening Metro Detroit’s Jewish community. Do you know someone making an impact in the community for this special honor? 36 UNDER 36 Nominations Now Open! A special group of volunteer judges will be reviewing submissions and choosing the 36 winners. Honorees will receive a free subscription to the JN and be featured in a February 2025 issue. GO ONLINE TO THEJEWISHNEWS.COM AND SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION BY DECEMBER 29, 2024 Do you know someone who gives of themselves to the community in robust — and often thankless — ways? Someone you admire and aspire to be like? Someone whose accomplishments you want to celebrate? 18 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 ABIGAIL EPSTEIN Abigail Epstein, a native of West Bloomfield, takes pride in being a member of the Detroit Jewish community, finding a sense of fortune in the unique and vibrant community that has helped shape her identity today. Her formative years were enriched by summers at Camp Tamarack, a mission to Israel and involvement in BBYO, laying the foundation for a lifelong connection to Judaism. This deep-rooted commitment is evident in her current roles, where she serves on NEXTGen Detroit’s General and Executive boards, as well as the Board of Trustees for Adat Shalom. In her professional life, Abigail serves as a dedicated director of human resources, balancing her career with cherished moments spent with her two children, Penelope and Arthur, and her beloved husband, Jonathan. In 2023, she achieved one of her bucket list goals by becoming a published children’s book author. Her commitment extends beyond personal and professional realms; she is devoted to contributing to the community’s growth. Through her involvement, she strives to ensure the creation and sustenance of a vibrant Jewish Detroit for generations to come. The somewhat shy Abigail likes to knit and watch Pixar movies. She says she wants to be a Jewish bubbie when she grows up. JAIME BEAN Jaime Bean is the associate director of programming and engagement at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. Her role focuses on programming, community engagement and managing the Downtown Synagogue’s new shared workspace. Born and raised in Huntington Woods, Jaime has dedicated her professional life to building and strengthening Jewish community. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she holds a B.A. in anthropology and a master’s in social work and is an alumnus of the Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP). Prior to being at the Downtown Synagogue, she worked at the Jewish Federation of Detroit in its NEXTGen Detroit and Israel & Overseas departments. Outside of her professional life, Jaime has been involved in Jewish community through Tamarack Camps by sitting on its Camp Maas Committee, and Israel Policy Forum by being selected as one of its 2021 Charles Bronfman Conveners. She is passionate about relationship building and is always available for a coffee date or to take you on a tour of the newly renovated Downtown Synagogue! When she is not working, Jaime enjoys spending time with her husband, Ethan, being outdoors and playing board games with friends. One of her favorite places to visit is Marvelous Marvin’s. DANIEL SHAMAYEV Daniel Shamayev is a college student at Yeshiva University Sy Syms School of Business. He was born and raised in West Bloomfield and attended Akiva/Farber Hebrew Day School through 12th grade. His family belongs to Keter Torah Synagogue and have been active members of the community. After high school, Daniel opted to study abroad in Israel for two years in Yeshivat Torat Shraga in Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem. After he returned in May 2021, he was eager to participate in basketball pickup games, but to no avail due to the COVID pandemic. As soon as vaccines came around and people started going out again, he decided to host his own pickup games at Farber on Tuesday nights. Soon, he made it a basketball league, and then next thing you know, 40 people came into the gym. Then, in the summer of 2022, 70 people came and in 2023, 80 people. As of fall 2023, 85 people joined the fun. Today, the Detroit Jewish Basketball League is an integral part of the Detroit Jewish community, and it is constantly welcoming new members. Daniel is also involved with Detroit NCSY, serving as an adviser for the teens since 2021. He returns to Metro Detroit each summer to run the Detroit Jewish Basketball League. He’s also interned at United Wholesale Mortgage, Wing Lake Capital Partners and Raymond James. The most enjoyable thing to do in Metro Detroit, in his opinion, is to catch a Lions game at Ford Field. JESSICA SHINDLER Jessica is a first- and second- grade teacher at Hillel Day School. She loves teaching elementary-aged students because she is passionate about instilling a love for school during foundational years. She loves that her students are excited about learning each day. Along with teaching core subjects, Jessica helps her students develop social and emotional skills that foster an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive. Each year, her students learn about communities as their social studies theme and raise money for charities through various events, including an annual Shuk, teaching them that helping one another is a vital part of being in a community. Jessica enjoys taking on leadership roles at Hillel to contribute to the growth of the learning environment. As the elected Community 6 3 UNDER THIRTY-SIX continued from page 17 continued on page 20 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield MI 48323 | www.temple-israel.org | 248-661-5700 $200 Feb. 15-21, 2024 / 6-12 Adar I 5784 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com Meet this year’s cohort of young professionals making an impact on Detroit’s Jewish community. See page 16 6 3 UNDER THIRTY-SIX