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…, which covers 10 campuses statewide, including: Albion, Alma, CMU, EMU, GVSU, Kalamazoo College, Michigan Tech, NMU, SVSU and WMU, visit h-cam.net. MSU HILLEL AND THE HILLEL CAMPUS ALLIANCE OF…

…MAZEL TOV CLASS OF 2022 We look forward to seeing many of you on campus this fall. To learn more about Jewish life at Michigan State University, visit msuhillel.org. To learn about HCAM…

… MICHIGAN CONGRATULATE YOU! …

… Lerner Berkley High School University of Michigan Noah Lovy West Bloomfield High School Michigan State University HILLEL DAY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2018 ALUMNI Naomi Lupovitch West Bloomfield High…

… Gap Year University of Michigan Benjamin Schmeltz Frankel Jewish Academy University of Michigan Nora Skolnik Frankel Jewish Academy Michigan State University !בוט לזמ HILLEL ALSO…

… Bernard Berkley High School Michigan Technological University Elyssa Biederman Groves High School Colgate University Daniel Bernstein Frankel Jewish Academy University of Michigan Jacob…

… Michigan University Harry Feber Groves High School Michigan State University Max Friedman Berkley High School University of Michigan Rachael Gaft Berkley High School Gap Year Oz Gamer…

… Meira Goldman West Bloomfield High School Undecided Seth Goldstein West Bloomfield High School Michigan State University Rayna Golnick Frankel Jewish Academy University of Michigan Eli…

… Gordon Frankel Jewish Academy Michigan State University Bella Gottlieb Farber Hebrew Day School AMIT Gap Year Stern College Jacob Handler Groves High School University of Michigan, Ross…

… School of Business Micayla Jacob Aaron Kahn Matthew Kay Frankel Jewish Academy Michigan State University Caleb Kleinfeldt Frankel Jewish Academy Bar llan Gap Year Syracuse University Benny…

… School University of Michigan Honors College Logan Marx Lev Mechnikov Berkley High School University of Michigan Shayla Mostyn Frankel Jewish Academy Eastern Michigan University Honors…

… College Leah Phillips Frankel Jewish Academy University of Michigan Hannah Rashty West Bloomfield High School Machon Maayan Gap Year Binghamton University Brandon Rones West Bloomfield High…

… School Wayne State University Tali Rubenstein Groves High School Indiana University Isaac Saulson Groves High School University of Michigan Lindsay Schlussel Frankel Jewish Academy Kivunim…

… stronger relationship with Jewish learning. Nicole Ruza of West Bloomfield is a junior at Michigan State University studying psychology. Nicole Ruza, pictured left, poses for a group selfie with…

… Jewish learnings I participate in could use a refresh to be more relevant and exciting. This is why I was so drawn toward Michigan State Hillel’s Chavurah program, an initiative launched in October…

…’s Bigger Questions course that was offered to alumni of Hillel’s Jewish Learning Fellowship. We explored topics such as gossip, relationships and G-d. I would often leave sessions feeling more…

… connected to my Judaism. My favorite part of the Chavurah courses was each con- nection I made with my fellow Jewish Spartans. The Hillel staff educators made each session feel welcoming and warm…

…. With the success of Hillel’s Chavurah program in the Fall semester, more courses will be offered this year, and I am very excited to continue to learn and grow as a Jewish person and build a…

… other members of the MSU Hillel Chavurah #Blessed course. 46 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Honors the Memory of…

… 2021 to help students develop a better rela- tionship with Jewish learning. Chavurah, which in Hebrew means a small group of learners, builds upon the success of other paid learning opportunities at…

… Hillel, such as the Jewish and Israel learning fellowships, by offering short courses on inter- esting topics for college students. Each Chavurah course lasts four weeks, and students receive a sti…

…- pend upon completion. Last semester, I participated in both Chavurah courses that were offered. In the #Blessed: Judaism and Gratitude course, 12 of my peers and I learned about what Judaism has to…

…, allowing us to learn and connect with each other. Not only did I strengthen relationships I had already had, but I also met new people who I now get to see at Hillel Shabbat dinners and other events…

…-law friends, Nicole Golenberg, a sophomore from Los Angeles, and Eve Wasvary, a sophomore from Metro Detroit, and they reached out to the University of Michigan Hillel. “When one thinks about Hillel on…

… at Michigan Hillel and came up with a plan. They were going to start their own Jewish pre-law club. “Hillel has served as a place where we all immediately felt the sense of community we had…

… no time working alongside staff at Michigan Hillel to develop a rock-solid presentation. The students created their mission statement: “Our mission is to cultivate a space for members of the…

… was about to start. How do they grow their membership? What types of events should they consid- er? Guided by Michigan Hillel staff, the club planned interest meetings, created a logo and put…

…- dents face along the way. Many clubs on campus are extremely competitive. Olivia Yates, a soph- omore from Metro Detroit, said, “Most professional law organiza- tions at University of Michigan are…

… Leadership Scholarship, Michigan Elite 25 volunteer, National Honor Society. University of Kansas SETH KRUGER Bloomfield Hills High School Honors grad- uate, National Honor Society, Co-Editor of…

… Fellowship, TITAN Internship. University of Michigan BENJAMIN LERNER Berkley High School President National Honor Society, AP Scholar with Honors, Varsity Cross Country, Track and Field, Symphony…

… you will have a bright future! Love, Papa and Gigi Congratulations! OV M FJA's CLASS OF 2022! Students from the FJA Class of 2022 have been accepted to the following colleges, universities and…

… pre-reception at the Bell Tower Hotel, with appearances by University of Michigan Hillel Executive Director Tilly Shemer, NEXTGen Detroit Director Tomer Moked and JFMD Shaliach Yiftah Leket. UMS…

… performed on the Charles Baird Carillon by current graduate student and Hillel student leader Kevin Lieberman. This semi-staged concert performance of Fiddler on the Roof featured the Grand Rapids Symphony…

…NEXT DOR O n the night of Saturday, Feb. 19, 26 young Jewish professionals attended an event with the University Musical Society (UMS), sponsored by Nicole and Matt Lester. The event included a…

… president Matthew VanBesien provided a welcome speech and overview of the performance. Then, as the group walked to the Hill Auditorium, they could hear a medley of tunes from Fiddler on the Roof…

… playing the first- ever live performance of John Williams’ orchestral arrangement of the movie score, which premiered over 50 years ago. This unique collaboration explored the beloved musical and its…

… timeless theme of “Tradition!” through a modern lens and proved relevant given the current conflict in Ukraine. Community, passion and philanthropy meet at U-M event. Fiddler on the Roof SHIMON LEVY…

…. Levy. U-M students Ella Olesen (Tzeitel) and Diego Rodriguez (Motel Kamzoil) star alongside Broadway veteran Chuck Cooper (Tevye) in UMS’ production of Fiddler on the Roof. VOICE OF THE NEW…

… relation- ships between our community and theirs,” he says. Robinson also works with the president of Associated Students of Michigan State University, the school’s stu- dent government, and the Office of…

… Michigan State to students in the College of Social Science who are making an impact through diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Robinson is being honored for his passion and commit- ment to reducing…

… the President to address antisemitism at an institutional level. In addition, Robinson sits on the student cabinet with MSU Hillel and Hillel International and serves as the chair of the Israel…

…M ichigan State University senior Jordan Robinson is working hard to make the school’s campus more inclusive for Jewish students. As a recent recipient of the Diversity Torch, an award offered by…

… president of university relations for the school’s Jewish Student Union, among other initiatives. “In my role, I am working with other cultural minority organizations throughout the university to build…

… professionally.” Michigan State University senior receives Diversity Torch for efforts to combat antisemitism. Crusader on Campus Jordan Robinson ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER 28 | MARCH 24…

… antisemitism. It’s a pursuit that Robinson, 21 of West Bloomfield, has followed since sophomore year of high school. “When I got involved with BBYO, I realized that this passion could turn into a career path…

…, ” he recalls. “It’s something that I look forward to every single day. ” BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMMUNITIES Majoring in interdisciplinary studies and minoring in Jewish studies, leadership of…

… organizations and sociology, Robinson, set to graduate in May 2022, wants to go into the Jewish nonprofit world. “I want to work for Hillel International or BBYO International or a federation,” he says…

…. “Something like that.” As he wraps up his last semester at Michigan State, Robinson is getting experience — and staying busy — through his various on-campus involvements. He’s current- ly the executive vice…

… concern. Starr: I’ll shift gears a little bit. You are on the board now of the University of Michigan Hillel. What is the experience like today for Jewish college kids? And how do you see that…

… think this is the best of times and worst of times to be a college student on campus. I’m actually not concerned in a way perhaps I should be because of how strong Michigan Hillel is; but I think…

… impacting the Jewish future? Cosgrove: Not only am I a graduate of the University of Michigan, I have a daughter at U-M and another daughter on her way. So, I can look from both vantage points. I…

…, such as it was for me, when I walked into Michigan Hillel and someone tapped me on the shoulder. That’s not happening with the same ease now. It seems everything has to be intentional these days…

… for those students who are engaged, a good Hillel has been the anchor of commu- nity and identity. The work of Hillel is even more important right now. Starr: Just one more ques- tion. If you could…

…’t been in a classroom in a regular way. I’m seeing that take shape as to where their iden- tities, where their competen- cies are when they’re called up to the bimah as a bar or bat mitzvah. It’s of…

… the Israel BDS conversation is manageable. I think it tends to get more airplay than it deserves. I actually am more con- cerned about the inability of people to come together in the same way…

…. You’ve got to show proof of vaccination, and you have to make a conscious decision that you’re going to mask up and sit with someone. The numbers of Friday night din- ners are down. I know that…

… tell every Jew in America one thing, what would it be? Cosgrove: Do a mitzvah. When I say mitzvah, I mean an act of positive Jewish iden- tification. It might be lighting Shabbat candles. It might…

… be ordering from one side of the menu, as opposed to the other side. It might be putting on tefillin in the morning. It might be any number of acts that differentiate you as a Jew. It’s Jewish…

… Wayne State University, Oakland University, Oakland Community College, Lawrence Technological University, University of Detroit Mercy and University of Michigan-Dearborn. “This social worker will…

… Jewish college- age students in Metro Detroit. JFS, in partnership with Hillel of Metro Detroit, will hire a social worker who will interact with students across Hillel’s campus locations, including…

… campus mental health clinics. “Not only is JFS filling this gap in service, but, in partnership with Hillel of Metro Detroit, we are also providing culturally competent counseling at a time when…

… SPOTLIGHT The Yachad (7th/8th grade) community at Hillel Day School will come together at the school’s first Yachad retreat during the first week of school. Yachad students and teachers will spend the…

… night at Tamarack connecting, setting expectations, deepening relationships and launching the new school together. This connects to Hillel’s Core Values of K’lal Yisrael because the experience will…

… Alexander Ben Ami; many loving nieces and neph- ews. Mrs. Weiss was the beloved wife of the late Walter Weiss. Interment was at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens in Florida. Contributions may be made to…

… call Sy Manello, editorial assistant, at (248) 351-5147 or email him at smanello@ thejewishnews.com. Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit has received almost $1 million in grants from the…

… Jewish Fund to support the agency’s older adult and mental health services. The gift of $780,000 over the next three years will go toward providing home care and transportation services so older…

… adults living on a limited income can access services that support their daily functioning and improve their quality of life. “We are honored to have this continued support from the Jewish Fund…

…,” said Yuliya Gaydayenko, chief program officer, Older Adult Services. “It allows us to serve the most vulnerable members of our older adult community, helping them age in place with dignity.” The…

… annual Hazon Michigan Jewish Food Festival returns. SEPTEMBER » Sept. 8 — Queen Elizabeth II, longest-serving monarch of England, dies at the age of 96. » Sept. 11 — Michigan State University’s…

…, is chosen “Michigan Veteran of the Year” by the Commanders Group of Michigan. LEFT: The Detroit delegation gets ready to enter the opening ceremony for the JCC Maccabi Games. RUTHI…

… WARBURG Andy Levin Queen Elizabeth II WIKIPEDIA An MSU Hillel student and Sparty LEFT: A German policeman checks the identification papers of Jewish people in Krakow, Poland, 1941 in The U…

… — Michigan holds its election primaries. Andy Levin loses his primary, meaning that in January 2023, for the first time since 1979, there will not be a Levin from Michigan in Congress. » Aug. 21 — Sixth…

…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 9 Representatives from MSU Office of Admissions, MSU individual colleges, MSU Hillel and The Serling Institute for Jewish Studies & Modern Israel will be on hand to answer…

… questions! Refreshments will be served Families welcome ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS & SENIORS COME LEARN ABOUT THE MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE Jewish Studies, Study in Israel, MSU…

… Hillel and life on campus! KIRSCHNER RECRUITMENT EVENT O C T . 2 6 , 2 0 2 2 @ 7 : 3 0 P M J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R 6 6 0 0 W . M A P L E R O A D W E S T B L O O M F I E L D S P A C E…

… to some of the students. They mentioned both the Jewish Studies program and Hillel. That was wonderful to hear, ” she says. “It just signaled to me that the MSU community as a whole supported…

…10 | SEPTEMBER 1 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY ver the past 30 years, Jewish life at Michigan State University has experi- enced a renaissance. More Jewish students have started choosing the school…

… Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit under its leader Bob Aronson acted as a catalyst at the very beginning in the mid-1990s. The advisory board sought investment by the university to grow its…

… school she picked had a Jewish community and support for Jewish students. Learning about MSU Hillel and that MSU’s Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel had received a large…

… endowment and hosted a con- ference at the time, she says, were some of the elements that let her know she would be safe and comfortable as a Jewish stu- dent on campus. “I visited campus and got to talk…

… Jewish students and Jewish academics. ” MSU’s boom in Jewish life and culture comes as the result of decades-long efforts to connect Israel and MSU by the Serling Institute’s Board of Advisors. The…

… Jewish student body. Along with the increased pas- sion of professors and alumni, MSU was made to feel more like home for Jewish students, explains Michael Serling, who Serling Institute for Jewish…

… Studies and Modern Israel celebrates three decades of success. Victory for MSU KAREN SCHWARTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER • MSU PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE COVER Jewish Studies group in Israel with Dr. Yael Aronoff …

…, the daughter of Jewell and Lester Morris, for whom MSU Hillel’s building is named, attended Grosse Pointe University School and Kingswood School/Cranbrook before heading to Michigan State University…

… Metropolitan Detroit and agencies like mine is remark- able. MSU Hillel and the Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan would not have become the dynamic and vibrant organiza- tions we are today without her vision…

… Hillel’s Board President Patrice “Patti” Morris Phillips. In the form, MSU Hillel Executive Director Cindy Hughey noted that Phillips has been an active member of the Detroit Jewish community for…

…JUNE 2 • 2022 | 25 I n 2020, after the passing of Sheryl “Sheri” Schiff, one of Metropolitan Detroit’s extraordinary volunteers, it was obvious to the Jewish Community Relations Council…

…” Terebelo Schiff Heart of Gold Award. This acco- lade, given yearly at the May annual meeting, would go to an unpaid volunteer for any Jewish organization that serves the local community. All recip…

…- ients must have contributed to and for the general good of the Jewish community and demonstrated dedi- cation, knowledge and care in the provision of these services. “This award recognizes individuals…

… who carry on the legacy of Sheri Schiff’s passionate and devoted commitment to the Jewish community and its values, ” said Rabbi Asher Lopatin, executive director of JCRC/AJC. The first award was…

… more than 30 years. In that time, she has served on the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Board of Governors, representing her family’s foundation, the Prentis Family Support Foundation…

…, and on the board of Temple Beth El, among others. She also has volunteered and supported Federation’s Annual Campaign, Bookstock, Jewish Family Service, Tamarack Camps, Hadassah, National Council…

… of Jewish Women, Hebrew Free Loan and many more organizations, both in the Jewish and general community. Surprisingly, this past chair of the Jewish Women’s Foundation has never been widely…

… fundraiser. A portion of all sales for kosher apple cakes, honey cakes, and decorated cookies support Michigan Hillel's student-led programs. Pre-order by 9/16. Orders begin shipping 9/14. michiganhillel…

… university communities across the country. Although antisemitism is a hard topic to approach, Hillel of Metro Detroit is fortunate to work with faculty and administration who are understanding…

…I n my four years on the program staff of Hillel of Metro Detroit (HMD), I have seen and heard about an increase of antisemitic incidents on our six campuses. This is consistent with…

… and Inclusion at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. While the email was intended to acknowledge Arab American Heritage Month, it missed the mark of inclusion when it clearly…

… University of Detroit Mercy leads to learning for those involved. Olivia Berlin University of Detroit Mercy Dental School 42 | AUGUST 18 • 2022 START YOUR SOMEDAY AT OCC SCAN ME You’ve Heard Of OCC…

…, compassionate and listen to the needs of our campus communities. An example took place this past spring when an email with an article that mentioned the intifada was sent out by the Office of Diversity…

… delegitimized other minority groups. The email was reported to HMD and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC/AJC) by a student who was upset and uncomfortable with the distribution of this article…

…. The student felt like he couldn’t tackle this incident on his own and was nervous to speak up because many of his teachers were of Arab descent. HMD values the relationships we have with our…

… CAMPUS TOUR OR ATTEND AN ADMISSIONS EVENT. Or visit oaklandcc.edu/admissions with Sweet Seidner's Kosher Bake Shop! Sweet Holiday Treats Support Michigan students through their first High Holidays…

…, But Have You Heard The Top Reasons Why You’ll Thrive Here? u Programs designed for both direct entry into hot careers and university transfer u Faculty with real-world experience in the…

… was my own connection, ” she recalls. “I began fostering an independent relation- ship with the country. ” To pursue Jewish study further, Soleimani attended the University of Michigan following the…

…-old recalls. “My dream was to be a Bible teacher, to inspire the next generation in the way that my teachers inspired me. ” The current director of Judaic studies curriculum and instruc- tion at Hillel Day…

… of everything Jewish, ” she says. When it came time for her master’s degree, Soleimani felt an urge to step away from Michigan. “I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, ” she remembers. “I thought to…

… Alma, now 7. After her fifth year at FJA, she transitioned into a new role at Hillel Day School. “It was an exciting opportunity returning to the school that gave me that foundation of a love for…

… the simple things in life, ” she says, “and connecting with others. ” 42 | MAY 19 • 2022 Connecting Youth to Judaism NEXT DOR VOICE OF THE NEW JEWISH GENERATION Hillel’s director of Judaic…

… further, Soleimani is also in the middle of writing the Tanach Sadna, a Torah curriculum that is skills-based and uses universal reading strategies. It’s a major undertaking: so far, third and fourth…

…T hroughout her education at Hillel Day School and Frankel Jewish Academy, Amira Soleimani realized her pas- sion for Judaism at a young age. “I felt this was my life calling, ” the 36-year…

… School never strayed far from her origins, even- tually working at both schools that she attended as a kid. With her mother from Israel and her father from Detroit, Soleimani grew up in the best of…

… intimate of ways on the roads, through the smells, the tastes, and sounds of my grandparents, my extended family. ” Yet after two years in Israel, Soleimani had a longing for home and moved to…

… Farmington Hills. She took a position teaching high school Judaics at FJA and became head of the Bible department, where she worked for five years. While working at FJA, Soleimani had her first daughter…

… the University of Michigan with a B.A. in communication and media studies. During his time at U-M, Alec was very involved with the Michigan Daily. He served as a man- aging photo editor in 2019…

… and a managing video editor in 2020. Additionally, Alec worked with MUSKET, the largest musical theater orga- nization at the University of Michigan, as the marketing director for two years. Alec…

… emphasizes particularly Judaic skills while integrating universal learning benchmarks. Amira earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, her master’s from Tel Aviv University, and is…

…. AMIRA SOLEIMANI Amira Soleimani is the director of Judaic Studies curriculum and instruction at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit. Amira has served the Detroit Jewish community as a…

… Jewish studies teacher and administrator for the past 12 years. Prior to joining the Hillel family, Amira was the head of the Bible department at Frankel Jewish Academy. Amira believes that the soul…

… a graduate of the Hartman Melamdim Program. Amira grew up in the Detroit Jewish community and is a proud alumna of both Hillel Day School and the Frankel Jewish Academy. In her free time, she…

…16 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 missions of these organiza- tions is very important to her. While a Spartan at heart, Emily graduated with a degree in radio broadcast from Columbia College Chicago…

… daughter Cash, 1, are the lights of their lives. Emily leads by example by donating time and money to initiatives that are close to her heart. Helping to provide resources to the underserved is a key…

…. JONATHON MARGOLIS Jonathon Margolis has always been a proud member of the Jewish community. He attended Jewish day schools through high school, which instilled in him a love of Judaism, Israel and…

… a sense of community. His first true internship was with JVS’s JOIN program, which was a fantastic introduction to the various organizations that serve our Jewish community. He’s always been a…

… family are members of Temple Israel, where his wife is a teach- er. He graduated from Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law School and has a private law practice. JEREMY MOSS Moss…

… resides. He was elected as Southfield’s youngest city council mem- ber in 2011. A graduate of Michigan State University, he participated in several domestic and overseas humanitarian ini- tiatives during…

… she lives with her husband. Steckloff served eight years as a Farmington Hills City Council member. Steckloff worked at Hillel while attend- ing Michigan State University, where she graduated. She…

… include many of their current constituents. Berman is leaving the state house to run for state attorney general. About Michigan’s Jewish State Legislators RYAN BERMAN Berman, 41, was elected to…

… college. He is an advisory board member of the Martin Luther King Task Force in Southfield. Moss is a Hillel Day School graduate and a former board member of Beth Ahm. SAMANTHA STECKLOFF Steckloff, 38…

…, is serving her first term in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 37th district comprised of Farmington and Farmington Hills. She is a lifelong resident of Farmington Hills, where…

…ticular legislative interests. Steckloff, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31, seeks to establish parity for insurance coverage of oral and infused cancer medications. During treatment…

… Legislative Open Records Act, which is currently awaiting action in the Michigan Senate. Berman also sponsored a bill to provide no-cost state photo identification cards that Michigan citizens could use…

… up government records, including the governor’s office and state legislature, to public scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act. The legislators have somewhat differ- ent views on the…

… redistricting that has changed the boundaries of legislative districts for the state House and Senate. Moss and Steckloff believe the new dis- tricts increase fairness in the election process. Berman…

…. Prior to moving to its current location in 1978, the congregation met in different homes and, at one time, shared a building with the University of Michigan Hillel Foundation. Among the longest…

… Holidays in the home of Osias Zwerdling. For the next 40 years, Zwerdling served as president of the con- gregation. Over the course of that time, Beth Israel functioned as the sole Jewish congregation…

… congregation made do without one off and on, sustained by a spirit of vol- unteerism. Beth Israel was one of the first Conser- vative congregations in Southeast Michi- gan to become an egalitarian congregation…

… Rabbi Nadav Caine A view of Beth Israel Congregation SYNAGOGUE SPOTLIGHT …

…- time state qualifier, Outreach 360 volunteer. University of Wisconsin JACOB BERG North Farmington High School National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, Varsity Baseball. Michigan State…

… Institute, Temple Emanu-El/Yachad TLC graduate. Kalamazoo College continued on page 58 MICHIGAN HILLEL | 1429 HILL STREET (734) 769-0500 | MICHIGANHILLEL.ORG GET CONNECTED GET CONNECTED @UMHILLEL…

…-editor of the school newspaper, Band Excellence Award, Creative Art Excellence Award, Numerous academic awards, accom- plished drummer. Oakland University EDEN BECKERMAN Berkley High School Summa…

…, BBYO: Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award, Aliyah BBG MIT Mom. Michigan State University THALIA BILLS Berkley High School National Honor Society, Tri- M, Madrichim Leadership…

… Goldsmith We are so proud of you and your accomplishments!! Congratulations on graduating Cum Laude from Tulane University; Honors from the School of Sociology; and a Full Service Award from the Tulane…

… cum laude, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Varsity Swim, Medaled at OAA Division League Meet, OAA-Scholar, LINK Program supporting students with disabilities. Michigan…

… @MICHIGANHILLEL Leadership | Learning | Engagement Community | Mentorship | Shabbat | Israel Shayna Foreman We are so proud of your high school years. We hope your college years bring you happiness, personal…

… Marching Band. May all your dreams come true!! We love you, Papa and Softa Mazel Tov! Mazel T ov! Ali Chapnick We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished! Continue pursuing your…

… State University CARLY BERNARD Bloomfield Hills High School Varsity Tennis Captain, All- State Tennis, Friendship Circle Teen Board President, Student Class Representative, DECA…

… Representative, Mental Health Club President. Indiana University LOLA BELCHINSKY Berkley High School National Honor Society, Summa cum laude, Varsity Tennis Captain, UMatter Board, DECA two…

…, attending both Hillel Day School and the Frankel Jewish Academy. She is now an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, where she practices obstetrics and gynecology and specializes in…

…FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 | 27 learn an incredible amount about the history of Judaism, which brought him closer to his religion. As a recently married man, he and his wife, Dana, have Shabbat dinner…

… every Friday night and always keep their doors open to anyone who would like to join. Outside of his work as a Realtor (www.melaniesold. com), which doesn’t leave him much time for anything outside…

… of family, his favorite hobbies are racing cars or riding his Harley. He has been involved with building race- cars for both a ¼-mile run or track. Sometimes he and Dana jump on their Harleys and…

… head north for a carefree ride and adventure. LINDSAY SIKORA Lindsay Sikora is the owner and lead counsel of Sikora Law Firm, a Farmington Hills law firm specializing in personal injury law…

… and commercial litigation. Lindsay has devoted her career to helping injured individuals in the community rebuild their lives. Lindsay is also the owner of Sikora Business Solutions, a business…

… consulting firm specializing in helping small business owners across the nation organize and systemize their businesses. Lindsay has been named a Michigan’s Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for the past five…

… years and chosen as a Top Women Attorneys in Michigan by Hour Detroit Magazine. Lindsay was born and raised in Metro Detroit and now rais- es her two children there with her husband, Matthew. She…

… has contributed in many ways over the years to the Metro Detroit Jewish community. Lindsay is a Hillel Day School alumni and participates in many Hillel events. She recently served as the…

… committee chair for the National Council of Jewish Women’s Green sub-com- mittee, where she organized the efforts for the production and distribution of sleeping mats for Detroit’s homeless community…

…, “especially on such a diverse campus as Michigan State University.” “JORDAN HAS WORKED HARD TO KEEP THE DISCUSSION OF ANTISEMITISM IN THE PUBLIC EYE.” Let Us Create Your Beautiful, Healthy Smile! www…

… survivors, leading Robinson to receive the Diversity Torch during Holocaust Remembrance Month. “It was really nice to receive it, ” Robinson says of the award. “[Michigan State] emailed me to discuss…

… interest has become increasingly apparent as he gets older,” he explains. In addition, Jordan Robinson has participated in dozens of meetings through- out his four years at Michigan State, helping…

… secure large donations for MSU Hillel to ensure its long-term stability. “Not only will he continue to make this place a stable, welcoming environment, but so will others,” Steve Robinson explains of…

… the university,” he explains. “Hillel International has also developed a new antisemitism education curriculum that’s set to be released soon, so I plan on using that as a really great…

…MARCH 24 • 2022 | 29 Crusader on Campus ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER ADDRESSING CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM Robinson takes a number of approaches to combat antisemitism and build Jewish…

… inclusivity on campus, the first of which starts with simply engaging with other students and faculty. “The first one is building those relationships with other organizations and hiring offi- cials within…

… educational tool.” Robinson hopes the new curriculum can teach stu- dents and staff alike factual, truthful information about the impacts of antisemitism. He’s also shared wisdom on how to honor Holocaust…

… it, but I didn’t realize that it was an actual award. I thought it would just be an article. ” A member of Temple Shir Shalom, Robinson hopes to continue his education and pursue a master…

…’s degree in business administration. His four years of hard work build- ing inclusivity for Jewish stu- dents and a stronger on-cam- pus Jewish life, however, will continue to make waves. A PASSION THAT…

…-year-old University of Michigan student Eve Wasvary of Franklin who is currently completing internships in Tel Aviv and is affiliated with University of Michigan Hillel. “I saw photos [of the…

…JULY 7 • 2022 | 23 A fter Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, former University of Michigan student Dustin Ross spent a month trying to figure out how to help Ukrainians in need. Most…

…, Poland and Ukraine, speaking to refugees and learning how to construct an emer- gency supply of food, hygiene, medical and other products into embattled territories — where some 40 million people are…

… an ever-expanding network of people in the United States and abroad who channel critical supplies into Ukraine. The network consists of many college-age students or recent graduates, including 20…

… of medicine and basic needs to Ukrainians. Also delivered were water purification systems and civilian protective gear. Inspired, she wanted to find a way to help. “They’re going directly to them…

…,” she says of supplies. “Sunflower Network has an Amazon Wish List so you can directly buy goods.” This helps donors feel confi- dent in where their donations are going, she explains. THE PRIDE OF…

… THE SUNFLOWER As a symbol of Ukrainian national identity and pride, the sunflower holds deeper meaning than just a clever name for a network. With several Metro Detroit-based members, the work spans…

… ambulance to Ukraine’s war-torn cities. ASHLEY ZLATOPOLSKY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Members of the Sunflower Network are working on the ground in war-torn areas of Ukraine. Supplies of all kinds are…

… community as a whole up here — tremendous support from Michigan Tech, Finlandia University and the cities of Hancock and Houghton, ” Holden said. Other religious organizations in the area banded…

… provides. Shabbat services are held every month, but not weekly. B’nai mitzvah classes are also offered. Michigan Tech established a Hillel last year and Temple Jacob is working with them to provide…

…SEPTEMBER 29 • 2022 | 21 Holden said. During the academic year for Michigan Tech, the High Holidays, Chanukah, Purim and Pesach are the main festivals and services the temple observes and…

… services for their students. It was three years ago this month that Temple Jacob was the victim of antisemitic vandalism. After that, the local community came out to support the temple en masse. Locals…

… together and formed Keweenaw Faiths United, an interfaith group seeking to provide support for inclusiveness and diversity in the immediate aftermath of the incident. “That group is still going strong…

…. It’s continuing to pay dividends, the amity and camaraderie we experienced in the aftermath. It’s been a net positive for the synagogue that we establish deep ties with other members of the…

… community. ” Holden says the doors to Temple Jacob are open. “If anyone is interested in touring the synagogue when they come up to vacation to Keweenaw, they can. That’s honestly one of the largest…

… sources of donations and contributions we have — people who come up, tour our beautiful building and stay with us for a Shabbat. ” …

… University of Michigan. She is married to Elliot and is the mother of twins, Phoebe and Eloise. RABBI ELYA SILFEN Rabbi Elya Silfen is direc- tor of the Bais Chabad Yeshiva (BCY), a free international…

… resident, received her bachelor’s degree in the hospi- tality business from Michigan State University. A member of Temple Israel, she is married to Michael and is the mother of Riley and Easton. RENEE…

… carriers. In addition to her work with JScreen Detroit, Foon devotes much of her time to various local organizations including NEXTGen Detroit, Hillel Day School, Friendship Circle (with her certified…

… Center board. Samantha is co-chair- ing ORT Michigan’s fall fund- raiser, Come ORT and Play, in support of ORT’s critical mission of impacting lives through education. Samantha, a Bloomfield Hills…

… LIBERMAN Renee Liberman of Royal Oak is a language arts and social stud- ies teacher at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit. Fulfilling a lifelong aspiration, Renee is in the middle of her 13th…

…22 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 LACEY FOON Lacey Foon, 34, is most recently the founder of JFamily’s newest program — JScreen Detroit — an initiative created to help Detroit Jews receive education…

… mutation. She did not want a single member of this commu- nity not to have the resources available for this lifesaving technology that is so import- ant for Jews, who are at a higher risk of being…

… of instructors and stu- dents. Classes span a variety of topics in Torah and take place daily on Zoom. Rabbi Elya designed the program primarily for those with little or no formal Jewish educa…

… commu- nity. She is actively involved in countless organizations and is always finding new and valu- able ways to help others. As social event vice presi- dent of the NEXTGen Detroit Executive Board…

…-police brutality pro- tests. A lifelong resident of Southeast Michigan, Eli grew up in West Bloomfield, attended Hillel Day School and Frankel Jewish Academy, and spent his summers at Tamarack Camps, where he…

… continued to work through college. He earned a degree in Hebrew and Judaic cultural studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He first developed an interest in broadcasting at the college…

…-year career, Eli has received numerous accolades from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the Society of Professional Journalists in Detroit. In 2017, Newman was named the Michigan Associated…

…’s student-run radio station, WCBN-FM. Eli was also involved in Michigan Hillel and participated in various volunteering opportunities. He now resides in continued on page 26 Jonathon Margolis Senior…

… nature and com- munity really blossomed. Over the past several years, Brittany has had the pleasure of work- ing within the Metro Detroit Jewish community. She started her career work- ing as an…

… the Seal of Sustainability program where she was able to pro- vide guidance and support to advance sustainability-related education, action and advo- cacy in Jewish institutions throughout the…

… Vice President of Asset Management Mazel Tov LAURA GOTTLIEB! Temple Beth El’s Director of Cultural Resources We’re so proud of you every day! w w w . t b e o n l i n e . o r g …

…. Lutz to be honored by ZOA Michigan Region. 22 New Season of Lifelong Learning Shir Tikvah embarks on another season of educating the community. NEXT DOR 24 A Jewish Journey…

… Comes Full Circle Meet Hillel of Metro Detroit’s new social worker, Aliza Bracha Klein. FACES & PLACES 26 Challah Roll Family Bike ‘N’ Pray 27 Detroit Jewish Expat Reception…

…OCTOBER 6 • 2022 | 3 contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-12 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 13 Putting Dollars to Work Meet Ida Benson, American Friends of Bar-Ilan University’s new…

… Students wake up to antisemitic fliers. 17 Greater Farmington Film Festival KickstART Farmington announces film lineup and schedule for 2022. 18 Thriving on Michigan’s Coastline…

… Alpena’s Temple Beth-El has been in the same building since 1891. 20 The Family that Keeps Giving Meet the Abraham family of Windsor. 21 ZOA Plans Annual Gala Dr. Barry Tigay and Eric Y…

… SPORTS 28 End of an Era New team wins playoff championship in Inter-Congregational Men’s Club Summer Softball League’s top division. SUKKOT 30 Etrog Art Transforming ancient…

…, biblical fruit into custom tallit clips and pendants. 34 Music of the Holiday Sukkot Sounds is back as a full- fledged festival complete with music, art and food. 36 Graffiti in the…

… Sukkah Chabad of Troy holds kickoff event for the Chabad Jewish Teen Club. 37 Where the Etrog Grows 39 Special Sukkot Monday Night Experience ERETZ 40 Israel, Up Close and in Person…

…D of Greater Downtown Detroit Takes to Chess 54 The Exchange 56 Obits 62 Looking Back ON THE COVER: Cover photo credit: Monica Milberg Cover design: Kelly Kosek thejewishnews…

… & Jewell Morris Hillel Jewish Student Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing, attended as the Maccabi Educator Fellow. around 20 miles outside of Nashville, is returning to Ann Arbor for…

… USA’s Gold Medal in Masters Golf. • Mikaela Schulz of West Bloomfield, a University of Michigan senior, was part of Team USA’s Gold Medal in Open Golf (female). • Ryan Berke of Farmington…

… Silver Medal in Weightlifting. • Abigail Binder of Ann Arbor, a University of Michigan senior, was part of Team USA’s Gold Medal for Volleyball (Women’s). She was joined in the Maccabiah by her…

… of East Grand Rapids, and Benjamin Rosenthal of Franklin, a sophomore at Vanderbilt University, competed in Open Swimming. • Mina Fedderly, IACT and director of engagement at Lester…

…Another dozen Michiganders joined Gerdov, Wooten and Fishman on the 1,300-member Maccabi USA delegation. • Jeremy Modell of Bloomfield Hills, an attorney in Birming- ham, was part of Team…

… Hills was part of Team USA’s Ice Hockey (Men’s) Gold Medal. • Celia Gold, formerly of Ann Arbor and now a legal policy specialist at Google in Boulder, Colo., achieved two Gold Medals and one…

… and Pioneer High School were part of Team USA’s Silver in Soccer (Juniors Soccer-Boys). • Sydney Bierwirth, a native of Walled Lake who now practices law in Colorado Springs, was part of Team…

… USA’s Silver Medal in Ice Hockey (Women’s). • Alex Engel of Commerce Township was part of Team USA’s Silver Medal in Juniors Track and Field 4x400 and Bronze Medal in the 4x100. • Rotem Andegeko…

… this year. He also was named NCAA All- American high bar in 2021 and 2022. Named Michigan team captain for 2023, he received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award this year, as well. Gerdov’s swan song for…

… games have only been interrupted twice in its 90-year history, the first time by the Second World War and, more recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Sheryl Raskin, founder and CEO of Out…

… HMD Names Driker Award Winner Hillel of Metro Detroit is proud to announce that Benjamin Rosenberg is this year’s Elaine C. Driker Award recipient. The award was given at a recent Hillel of Metro…

… Detroit Board of Governors meeting. The Elaine C. Driker Award recognizes a Hillel of Metro Detroit student who has demonstrated a commitment to Jewish life in Detroit. Benji is a Hillel of Metro…

… Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC), a region- al nonprofit art center cele- brating its 65th anniversary milestone of promoting visual arts experiences for all, has announced the winners of its 2022 Michigan…

…) 212-9390. 24-HOUR AFFORDABLE CAREGIVER w/ Memory Care, Med Reminder & Companionship Experience. 26 Years of Excellent Services! References Available. Call April 586-335-5377 TRANSPORTATION…

… Fine Arts Competition (MFAC). The exhibition, sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor/ Birmingham, is free and open to the public through Aug. 18. The entire exhibit also is available online for virtual…

… viewing at BBArtCenter.org. The show, which fills all of BBAC’s four exhibition gallery spaces, features pieces from this year’s nine winners, as well as works from dozens of other artists. “It’s so…

…. “If you love contemporary art, the Michigan Fine Arts Competition exhibition never disappoints in its variety and quality.” BBAC exhibitions, which are always free and open to the public, are on…

… Detroit Applebaum Family Engagement intern, a Maccabee Task Force intern and a Wayne State University Jewish Student Organization board member. SPOTLIGHT BBAC Announces Winners The Birmingham…

…12 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 continued on page 14 degree from the University of Michigan in 2020, where she studied nonprofit man- agement and the Jewish community as part of the Jewish Communal…

…’s degree in macro social work/community organiz- ing from the University of Michigan. Rachael works as a proj- ect manager for Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. Her position entails reducing…

…, Bowie. RACHAEL DAWSON- BAGLIEN Rachael was born and raised in Metro Detroit. She is a graduate of both Hillel Day School and Frankel Jewish Academy and was active in BBYO. She earned a master…

… privacy. Lauren attended Wayne State University Law School, where she was vice president of the Jewish Law Students Association. Lauren was previ- ously an executive member of the Jewish Bar…

… Edelman Willens is a partner at the law firm of Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C. She is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property & Information Technology and Data Privacy & Cyber- security…

… cancer-related disease. Lauren grew up in Metro Detroit and currently lives in Huntington Woods with her husband, David, children, Carter and Stella, and dog, Miss Maisel. Lauren’s kids attend Hillel…

… inspired development and implementation of Hillel houses across Michigan college campuses. She also coordinated and spearheaded endless officer installations, Jewish programs and charities. Mrs…

… enjoyed ski trips and vacations to Oscoda with the family. He was a Michigan graduate and an ardent U-M sports fan. Howie leaves Drew, his beloved wife of 26 years. He was the devoted father of…

… lifelong member of Congregation B’nai Moshe, Mrs. Ruben was president of the sis- terhood, president of the local Morgenthau Women’s Chapter and state-wide president of Michigan B’nai B’rith Women. She…

…HOWARD PIKSTEIN, 66, of Northville, died March 14, 2022. He was raised in Oak Park. He helped develop the baggage conveyor sys- tem at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta…

… Casey (Natalie) Jentzen; proud zaydie of Cameron and Noah. Howie’s father, Herman, died at a young age. It was then his mother Helen’s determina- tion and values that nurtured the lifelong bond…

… summer when Marty and Laura can return from China. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association. BELLA RUBEN, 94, of West Bloomfield, died March 16, 2022. She graduated from Central…

…. Ruben was exception- ally astute at selling cosmetics in local malls for more than 10 years. Her unabated energy and youthfulness made her a paragon of hope, optimism and resilience. But it was her…

… contagious smile that melted the hearts of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, earn- ing her the reverent nickname “Maimie. ” She was her husband Charles’ sunshine and respected matri- arch of the…

… on happiness and values on a good marriage continued from page 59 OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 60 | MARCH 24 • 2022 …

… High School in Detroit and advanced two years at Wayne State University, pursuing a teach- ing degree. Bella met Charles Ruben in McKenzie Hall in her second year and life changed. They were…

… reproductive rights issue on Michigan ballot. 20 What Would Overruling Roe v Wade Mean for Michigan? A conversation with constitutional law professor Robert Sedler. 22 Educators of the Year The JN…

… Crisis Health care expert Harry Nelson to be guest speaker at Congregation Beth Shalom event. 41 JN Wins 13 SPJ Awards NEXT DOR 42 Connecting Youth to Judaism Hillel’s director of Judaic studies…

… Assumption University and Windsor Jewish Federation and Community Centre launch new course. 36 ‘Freedom Stories’ Night of stories from the Jewish and Black experience raises over $10K for…

… Jews in the war-torn region. 16 Honoring the Best of Jewish Detroit Federation’s 2022 Awards Night honors outstanding community leaders. 18 Advocating for Change Jewish groups mobilize to get…

… Medical Student Association) Antisemitism Training 101 Gen Z and Zionism 102 Wayne State Celebrates Israel ARTS & LIFE 103 Inspired by Nature West Michigan-based poet’s new volume is Nature…

…’s Olympics. 104 Rescued Yiddish Stories A review of Fear and Other Stories by Chana Blankshteyn, translated by Anita Norich. 106 Celebrity News EVENTS 107 Community Calendar ETC. 108 The Exchange…

… Us on Social Media: Facebook @DetroitJewishNews Twitter @JewishNewsDet Instagram @detroitjewishnews May 19-25, 2022 / 18-24 Iyar 5782 | VOLUME CLXXI, ISSUE 14 CORRECTION: The cover photo and most of…

… the photos for “Motor City NFT Drop” (May 12, 2022) were taken by Sal Rodriguez; Jeff Cancelosi took the head- shot of Chris Turner. 30 28 32 …

… Management in New York. He graduated from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, where he met his wife, Amanda, who is from West Bloomfield. They have a daughter who attends Hillel ECC…

… board member of MSU Hillel and Congregation B’nai Moshe. She has also been involved with NEXTGen Detroit, JFamily and Partners Detroit. She lives in Huntington Woods with her husband, Joey, and…

… state rep- resentative in Michigan’s 20th House District — including West Bloomfield, eastern Commerce Township, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake. Noah previously served as director of…

… Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, a first-of-its-kind grassroots political organization aiming to provide Michigan’s Jewish community a greater voice within the Democratic Party and to strengthen…

… fundraising event. She also created new program- ming to engage children and young adults. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in social work and Jewish studies. Jackie is a past…

…. Although not originally from Michigan, Dan has been com- ing to Metro Detroit since 2006 and has spent many a Jewish holiday in town attending services at Temple Beth El and participating in the broader…

… Jewish community. He is proud of his Jewish heritage and is very much looking forward to being an active full-time mem- ber of the community. Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending as much time as he…

… founder and CEO of Klein’s Rentals, a resource to help Jewish families have a full kosher vacation experience. Klein’s Rentals helps by finding a vacation villa and supplying everything from…

…. She is so passionate about it that she made a career of it. Jackie is the director of teen programs at Tamarack Camps. There, she oversees wilderness programming for high school- ers. Last summer…

… communications for Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and served as a staffer for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in the Michigan House and on the 2016 presi- dential campaign. In 2019, Noah founded the…

… Franklin and attended Hillel Day School, Detroit Country Day School and the University of Michigan. He moved back to his home- town from Chicago last year with his wife and now resides in Birmingham. His…

… exclaimed: “City and state officials this week signified their readiness to join the Jewish communities of Michigan in welcoming to Detroit the world president of the Jewish National Fund, Menachem…

… Ussishkin, on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 18 and 19. Plans outlined by the committees in charge of arrangements include a reception at the Michigan Central Depot on Sunday morning, Jan. 18.” In October 1946…

…, an emotional gathering took place when nine survivors of the Nazi terror who traveled from Shanghai were received by a delegation at Michigan Central before they were provided housing. They were…

… by a large reception committee at Michigan Central. A few hours later, he would be a guest of Ford Motor Company for lunch and be taken for a tour of the Ford plant. In front of an audience of 5…

… Ford was recognized by Steven Spielberg. NEARBY DEVELOPMENTS The development of Michigan Central’s campus has led to several other newswor- thy investments in recent years. Matthew Kalt, a senior…

… officials, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. The transformation includes preserving some of the original architecture of Michigan Central Station. Matthew Kalt …

…War II, for emotional greetings of refugees reaching Detroit for the first time, and for receptions to welcome dignitaries to the state. An early 1931 cover of the Detroit Jewish Chronicle…

… graduates of an esteemed yeshivah that previously taught 500 students, almost all of whom perished in the Holocaust. In January 1948, Tel Aviv Mayor Israel Rokach was welcomed upon his arrival in Detroit…

… presence of Ford Israel. Culler, who also now serves as the president of the company’s philanthropic arm, the Ford Fund, recalled an early assignment of assisting the Shoah Dinner in Dearborn, when Bill…

… neighborhoods near the University of Michigan campus over the weekend. The fliers have been reported to Ann Arbor Police. “These fliers were unequivocally hateful and antisemitic. There is no place for…

… of hate — on campus or off. “Hillel is here for students throughout the holiday to talk and process what happened. We are working with the university to support students through CAPS (Counseling…

….). U niversity of Michigan students in neighborhoods near campus woke up to antisemitic fliers placed on their porches on Sunday morning, Sept. 25, as Jews in Ann Arbor and around the world were…

… antisemitic, racist or xenophobic when they cross the line from contested ideas to attacks on humanity. ” Michigan Hillel posted this statement on its Instagram account: “There is no place for this kind…

… has not heard back at press time. The JN reached out to the university, which issued the following statement: “We are aware of reports that antisemitic fliers were posted in Ann Arbor…

… organization can continue to build from in this new effort. The coalition also plans to put heavy focus on engaging teens and younger adults, who are the future of the community (and addressing the climate…

… cri- sis for generations to come). “We’re going to be working with groups of young people within Jewish congrega- tions and organiza- tions locally, ” says Julia Cunnien, Seal of Sustainability…

… of tikkun olam or repairing the world. It’s a value many Jewish leaders agree is part of the foun- dation of Jewish responsibility. “The climate crisis is daunt- ing, ” Cooper says. “There’s a lot…

… of overwhelming anxiety when looking into a future that can seem unknown and scary. ” In that space is a chance to take action, she adds. “In place of anxiety, we can respond with hope and with a…

… sense of urgen- cy, a sense of obligation to take action. ” Still, while each individual action matters in addressing the climate crisis, it’s the group effort that can truly make a difference…

… 29 Years A series of events takes place June 10-25 in Metro Detroit. 52 Shoah Ambassadors Nominated for Four Michigan Emmys Filmmaker Keith Famie connects with Hillel of Metro Detroit to…

… set up screenings at universities. 54 Art in the Park “Embracing Our Differences SE Michigan” can be viewed at parks in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. 57 Celebrity News contents 26 54 12…

… Strictly Business Event Back In-Person JVS + Kadima to announce new name for combined organization at event that features headliner Jason Raznick, Benzinga founder and CEO. 18 A Home of Its Own…

… Congregation T’chiyah has tripled in size in seven years. 26 Mitzvah for Dogs Meet Eliana Weiss and Drew Edelstein who make an impact with their love of dogs. 28 Community Security Update Federation…

… + Kadima Frame of Mind Benefit and Arts Showcase 31 Temple Beth El Celebrates Lag b’Omer 32 Friendship Circle Village Volunteer Open House SPORTS 34 They’re ‘Beaming’ over Their Trip to…

… Sari Diskin makes honest storytelling a priority. MAZEL TOV 44 Moments SPIRIT 46 All of Us Count! 47 Torah Portion 48 Synagogue Directory ARTS&LIFE 50 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival Marks…

…) and Alan Gerdov. Photo Credit: Michigan Athletics Cover design: Michelle Sheridan thejewishnews.com Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook @DetroitJewishNews Twitter @JewishNewsDet Instagram…

… impressed with the enthu- siasm and creativity of our awesome Michigan high school and college student leaders. They learn from previous participants in our programs and nominate candidates for the…

… concentration in Jewish studies. As a student, Kylie spent her summers counseling campers on the foundations of Judaism, served as president of the Greek Jewish Council, was a member of Sigma Delta Tau…

… sorority and played a significant role in the 20th Campus Superstar competition hosted by Hillel. Kylie looks forward “to working with college students who — like me —are passionate about Israel…

… also organizing program- ming that shares the beauty, accomplishments and expe- rience of Israel,” Grumberg added. Jennifer Kutner is StandWithUs director of media relations. Hailey Stern Kylie…

…WithUs Midwest High School Regional Manager. While attending Ohio State University, where she graduated with honors and received a bachelor’s in environmental science and natural resource management…

… individuals and combating hatred.” Kylie Wexler is the new StandWithUs Midwest Campus Regional Manager. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a…

… with MSU Hillel or spending my time brain- storming camp programs. ” These opportunities, Yashinsky explains, felt more exciting than most of the work she was doing in the classroom as she studied…

… Jewish Academy says the “aha” moment came during her years at Michigan State University, when she realized that working with the Jewish community was a career path she could easily pursue. “It took…

…46 | AUGUST 11 • 2022 NEXT DOR J ackie Yashinsky always knew she wanted to work with the Jewish com- munity, but the question was how. The associate director of the annual campaign at Frankel…

… me a little bit of time to realize that people do this for a living, ” she says of the field she’s currently in. “I real- ized I was spending all of my time focused on programming in my involvement…

… CAREER IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY Now in her role at Frankel, Yashinsky, 33, of Huntington Woods, manages the annu- al campaign by helping with fundraising, galas and crowdfunding. The other half of her…

… high school experience had on them, ” she says of Frankel. “Especially the oldest alumni who helped to really build the school. ” Yashinsky, who began her role in March, says it was a natural comple…

…- ment for her interests. “I’ve always been impressed by what Frankel Jewish Academy has done,” she explains, “and I wanted to be a part of it. I saw this role, and it seemed like a good fit.” Yet this…

… isn’t Yashinsky’s first foray into Jewish life in Metro Detroit. She previously worked as director of teen programs at Tamarack Camps’ she remained with the organization for six-and-a-half years and…

… created important summer programming for teens. She also helped organize teen missions to Israel in conjunction with the camp. Before that, Yashinsky worked at the Frankel’s associate director of the…

… Yashinsky VOICE OF A NEW GENERATION …

…’ Woodward Avenue Shul offers study program in-person or on Zoom. 19 Grant for ‘Freedom of Religion’ Initiative Society For Humanistic Judaism receives grant to launch Michigan…

… programming. 20 Ann Arbor Federation’s Main Event Award-winning author Dara Horn to headline Feb. 9 fundraiser. 20 The Challah Train JFamily program sends challah to the doors of…

… community members. 21 Newish and Jewish NEXTGen Detroit to host special networking event for new and returning Detroiters. 22 A Helping Holiday Hillel student and friends decorated…

… Slovakia. BUSINESS 32 Healthy Food, Fast Former Hiller’s VP Justin Hiller brings Saladworks and Frutta Bowls to West Bloomfield. FOOD 34 From the Home Kitchen of Chef Aaron…

… Blintzes from 1918 MAZEL TOV 35 Moments SPIRIT 35 Torah portion 36 Why the Giving of the Torah is a Turning Point in History 38 Synagogue Directory ARTS&LIFE 40 Ain’t No Passing Craze…

… Ben Lipitz is Disney’s The Lion King’s Pumbaa for 19 years. 42 Slice of Life — and More 3-minute vacation film snippet of small-town Jews in pre-Nazi Poland yields a revealing movie…

…. 22: 6:19 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar. ON THE COVER: Cover photo/credit: Elle Hartje. Photo from Yale University. Cover design: Michelle Sheridan thejewishnews…

… her doctor of osteopathy degree from Michigan State University. She practices pediatrics with her father and grandfather at Southfield Pediatrics in Bingham Farms and Novi. Kevin received his…

… grandchild of Idee and Alan Fox, Susanne and Richard Thomas, and Carl Kahn. She is the loving great-grandchild of Dorothy Krashin. Mia attends Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit in Farmington…

… doctor of podiatry degree from Kent State University. He practices with his father at Garfield Podiatry in Birmingham. Natalie and Kevin will be married in spring 2022 at the Henry Ford Museum in…

… (Effman) Gotlib, who died three years ago after 72 years of marriage. His chil- dren are Michael and Sylvia Gotlib of Arizona, Deborah and Jules Marks of Illinois, and Daniel and Joanne Gotlib of…

… Southfield. He has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A celebration was held in Boca Raton, Fla., on Feb. 20, 2022, when Sam was surround- ed by all his children, many of his grandchildren and…

… great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew, along with a few friends. MAZEL TOV! JAN. 12, 2022 Alexis Sack is so excited to announce the birth of trip- lets: Olivia, Brody and Drew. Grandparents are Lee…

…. NOV. 4, 2021 Melanie and Michael Lieberman of New York City are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Louis Elliott (Lev Elan). Proud grandparents are Nancy and Steve Kirshenbaum of…

… Scarsdale, N.Y., and Rochelle and Joel Lieberman of Farmington Hills. Louis is named for his great-grand- mothers Lucy Kirshenbaum and Eve Lieberman. Mia Olivia Gantz, daughter of Jill and Adam Gantz…

… Hills. Her most meaningful mitz- vah project was making sandwiches for the home- less. Noah Brady Tepper, son of Jodi and Brian Tepper, will be called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah at Temple…

… Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, March 18, 2022. He will be joined in celebration by his sisters Jordyn and Allie. Noah is the loving grand- child of Joyce and Michael Levin, Stephen Tepper and…

… Society and Forgotten Harvest. He received his BA from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctor from Loyola University in Chicago. Proud parents of Sophie and Henry, Danny and his wife, Morgan…

…- time member of Congregation Shaarey Zedek. He gradu- ated from the University of Michigan with a degree in political science. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of…

… Cranbrook. He then left the area, earning an economics degree at Cornell University, working as an economic consultant in New York City, achieving an MBA with honors from the University of Michigan’s…

…18 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 of North America National Young Leadership Cabinet since 2015. Here in Detroit, Danny serves on the boards for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Historical…

… removed due to lack of popularity. JOSHUA DEAN Joshua Dean is a third-year obstetrics/ gynecology res- ident at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He is passionate about women’s health and…

… Medicine. During his time at Wayne State, he was vice president of the Jewish Medical Student Association. His upbringing in the tight- knit Detroit Jewish communi- ty has instilled strong values of…

… Kevin Sack is vice president and the fourth generation of his family at Sea Fare Foods Inc. Located in Detroit’s his- toric Eastern Market, Sea Fare Foods is the producer of Ma Cohen’s award…

… Festival. Kevin lives in Royal Oak and is a proud Wolverine, having attended U-M’s Ross School of Business. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys traveling, growing his art and record collection, innovating…

… relationships with future Jewish leaders and helps tell the story of FJA to the broader community. Marlee is responsible for all FJA’s social media pages; she writes and edits the yearly Mah Hadash…

… psychology at the University of Michigan and then studied painting at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While at U-M, he became intrigued by Eastern meditation and yoga. “I was thinking of…

…, attending Akiva and Hillel for grade school and Southfield-Lathrup for high school. His parents were founding members of Young Israel of Southfield, which he attended while growing up. He studied…

…ROSH HASHANAH 52 | SEPTEMBER 22 • 2022 W hat does the sound of the shofar look like if it were a piece of art? Metro Detroit native Avraham Loewenthal has been making paintings of…

… the pattern of the shofar sounds for many years. He uses software that analyzes the sound waves of the shofar and then makes art inspired by the resulting images. Loewenthal grew up in Southfield…

… going to an ashram in Ann Arbor and spoke about it with Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg, who was the rabbi of Young Israel of Southfield and a family friend, ” Loewenthal said. “Rabbi Goldberg recommended…

… I read the book Jewish Meditation by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. I had never heard of Jewish meditation and the book was life-changing for me. “Instead of going deeper into Eastern meditation, my…

… interest to learn more about Jewish meditation was sparked … I began to read other books Rabbi Kaplan wrote about Kabbalah. I didn’t know anything about the inner spiritual wisdom of Judaism and…

… starting to learn about it was exciting. ” At age 25, Loewenthal finished art school in Chicago and went to Israel on a six-month artist program in the south. “ At the end of the program I came to the…

… holy city of Tzfat for Shabbat, ” he said. “I, like so many other people, fell in love with this amazing place. I have been blessed to be living here for almost 30 years. “ Loewenthal lives in Tzfat…

… learning Kabbalah and making art inspired by the spiritual learning. Above our home in the Artist Quarter, I have a studio and gallery called Tzfat Gallery of Mystical Art. Many tour groups come to…

… Temple Israel and NFTY Michigan. Ashley grad- uated from Michigan State University in 2018, where she was a student leader at MSU Hillel. She received her master’s in social work 36 Under 36 …

… years, the JN has had the privilege to meet an amazing group of people through our annual “36 Under 36.” Each of the people you’ll meet in these pages today was nominated by a member of our…

… community and selected by a judging panel made up of community leaders. This year’s cohort is incred- ibly diverse in their profes- sions, skills and passions. We congratulate them on being selected as…

… passed the one-year mark as executive director of the Windsor Jewish Federation and Community Center. Canada is Dan’s third immigration, having lived most of his adult life in Israel and South…

… Africa. Windsor’s Jewish population of 1,200 has sig- nificantly diminished over the years, and one of Dan’s main goals in his role is to leverage Canada’s pro-im- migration policies to attract new…

… Jewish arrivals to the city. In partnership with the Jewish Federations of Hamilton and London, Ontario, Dan is oversee- ing the launch of Welcome Home, a campaign to attract new Jewish families to…

… these three communities in south- ern Ontario. He has also built a coalition of local part- ners that has been lobbying the federal government for Windsor to participate in a pilot immigration…

… participant at Partners Detroit, The Well and Limmud Michigan, as well as a contributor to the Detroit Jewish News. He aims to better integrate the Windsor Jewish community with the vibrant Jewish…

…, Dan owned a cor- porate education travel com- pany in South Africa. He is an amateur travel writer and continues to visit some of the world’s most unique and unusual destinations. ASHLEY SCHNARR…

… Ashley Schnaar is a planning associate at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Through her role, Ashley advocates for the needs of Jewish community agen- cies and helps organizations…

… were incorrect. Rep. Steckloff attended Purdue University, not Michigan State University. She worked at Hillel at the University of Kansas and the Hillel at the University of Michigan. Her mother…

…) wrote to Mikhail in some distant Soviet province. Nobody ever heard back from Mikhail, but plans on our end in New Jersey went uninter- rupted, just without the “ben- efit” of Mikhail necessarily…

… knowing that a Jewish boy in New Jersey had “twinned” his bar mitzvah, or what that even meant. I had a different takeaway. My bar mitzvah had been four years earlier. I never heard of the “adopt a…

… refused. With refusal came a series of discriminato- ry and even legal threats, leav- ing Jews who stepped forward wishing to leave marked as traitors or worse. Because in 1979 there had been a…

… relatively large number of Jews given permission to leave (yes, they couldn’t just buy a ticket and go, they actually needed permission from the state), a larger number of Jews applied to leave, hopeful…

… that they’ d also be given permission. But when the doors were shut again, that just left that many more Soviet Jews in the cross- hairs of Soviet society, stuck and branded as refuseniks. The idea…

… less really even know about the persecution of Soviet Jews. Not to be left out, I adopted a family of my own. Not to share or twin anything, just to help them, help raise aware- ness and be part of…

… on a single link of what became a huge paper chain that I delivered to the Soviet embassy. I launched my first fund- raising campaign ever, $2,000, to join an official Soviet tour in July 1985…

… student could be. Without the benefit of cell phones, Google maps or any other such modern device, I was able to meet Katya at a metro station before going to her home where I gave her an application…

… to Emory, which she filled out and brought to me the next day. Oh, and I proposed marriage within an hour of meeting her and her father, with the scheme (illegal as it is) to get her U.S. citizen…

…/Chief Medical Officer, McLaren Health Care; and Monica Woodson, CEO Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. Stay in the know with all things Jewish... Get The Detroit Jewish News print edition delivered to…

… Educational Psychology, Wayne State University; Sharlonda Buckman, Assistant Superintendent Detroit Public Schools Community District, Office of Family and Community Engagement; Dr. Justin Klamerus, E.V .P…

…DECEMBER 15 • 2022 | 59 After graduating high school, Perczyk visited rela- tives in Michigan and decided to move to the Mitten State. California had grown increas- ingly expensive for young…

… adults, and she planned to go to school in Michigan and later move back to California. However, life took a dif- ferent turn. Perczyk met her now-husband, Jeffrey, and the two became extremely active…

… at Chabad Detroit. One day, during a Shabbat dinner at the Chabad Detroit house, Jeffrey proposed. “There was a table of 40 to 50 people but no cameras around, ” Perczyk laughs. “So we have no…

… evidence of that. ” Eventually, the Perczyks were married by their long- time friend and Chabad Detroit executive director Rabbi Yisrael Pinson. Then, after becoming pregnant with her first child…

…, Sophia, Perczyk went into labor at a Chabad Detroit event. “Every one of our big life cycle events has been in that house, ” she says. “I’ve watched my kids learn to walk, crawl, talk and run around…

… in that house. ” THE LIFE CYCLE MAGIC Now, the Perczyks are parents to two children, Sophia and Zahava. Like their own experience with the magic of lifecycle events, Perczyk continues to bring…

… that same connection to others in the Metro Detroit Jewish community. “My faith goes back into my business, and my business goes back into my faith, ” she explains. “Within Judaism, a lot of these…

… life cycles are big deals and very spiritually con- nected to Hashem. ” A wedding day, she describes, is the most special life cycle of all — and one that she feels honored to contribute to and help…

… different programs in Israel.” Subsequently, as a student in the University of Michigan’s School of Art and Design, a T-shirt she created became a fundraising campaign for the Ofer School for Autistic…

…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org L ike you, I read the JN. Two recent stories by Associate Editor Rachel…

… Sweet inspired me. Rachel writes a weekly feature about members of the Jewish community who volunteer to help others. In the recent July 27 JN, she wrote about Casey Belen, 12, who dedicated his bar…

… Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History? The answer is … plenty! Thousands of such stories, reports and announcements have been preserved in the Davidson Archive. They provide plenty of evidence that…

… the local community, as well people across the U.S. and in Israel, have been the beneficiaries of Detroit youth mitzvahs. In fact, it was a bit difficult to select a few to discuss for this column…

…. An investigation into youth mitzvahs might begin with Danny Raskin’s early “Youth Listening Post“ columns in the JN in the 1940s. Danny often noted the good works of young Jewish Detroiters…

…. Likewise, in the 1960s through 1980s, “Youth News” was a feature dedicated to, as the title states, news of young Jews. References to good works can be also found in bar and bat mitzvah announce- ments in…

… education students as well as Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit. I found a number of excellent fea- ture articles on young individuals with big hearts. Cameron Warshawsky gave a concert for the residents of…

…). Both of these youth mitzvahs were made possible through Rabbi Daniel Syme of Temple Beth El, with help from 8-year-old Noah Ostheimer. Together, they launched “ Angels and Dreamers,” a foundation to…

… assist 7- to11-year-old children like Molly and Cameron to perform the mitzvahs they dreamed of making. Another nice story is about Carson Litvin. He was thinking about his eighth birthday and decided…

… project, she raised money for food allergy research at the University of Michigan. Tatum Elizabeth Saltsman (Talia Channah), daughter of Karen and Glenn Saltsman of Huntington Woods, became a bat…

… grandparents are Arthur and Beverly Liss, Jerry and Belle Kohen; and great-grandmother is Sheri Kohen. Lily is a student at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit in Farmington Hills. For her mitzvah…

…50 | FEBRUARY 10 • 2022 MAZEL TOV! Quinn Regan Cohen, daughter of Cassi and Michael Cohen, will be called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, Feb. 11…

…, 2022. She will be joined in celebration by her siblings, Jaden, Madison, Logan and Ethan. Quinn is the loving grandchild of Esther and the late Morry Wexler, the late Ronald Cohen, and Margaret and…

…. Nathaniel James Emery, son of Carolyn and Jerrold Emery, was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. He is the loving grandchild of Judith and…

… time at the Temple Israel Fresh Food Pantry. Bailey Hannah Jacobs, daughter of Jessica and Mark Jacobs, will lead the congregation in prayer as she becomes a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel in West…

… Bloomfield on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. She will be joined in celebra- tion by her sister Devyn. Bailey is the loving grandchild of Sue and Abe Gershonowicz, and Marlene and Michael Jacobs, and the loving…

… great-grandchild of Sarah Mervis. Bailey is a student at West Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. Among many mitzvah projects, her most meaningful included collecting donations and putting…

… together boxes for the Detroit chapter of Balancing Boxes, a youth-led organization that provides low-income communities academic and fun activities. Lily Eva Liss of Birmingham will be called to the…

… Torah as a bat mitzvah at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. She is the daughter of Zachary and Ilana Liss and big sister of Eden and Ruby. Lily’s proud…

…12 | DECEMBER 15 • 2022 A ntisemitism seems to be in our faces daily, both on mainstream media and the local level. An incident on the campus of Michigan State University last month — where…

… of pressing criminal charges against the perpetrator, Gun met with him face-to-face (along with MSU Hillel’s Nate Strauss and Rabbi Shemtov) and told him how his actions had not only impacted her…

… a Jewish student had her mezuzah ripped down from her door- post — served not only as another example of that antisemitism but also as a strong display of Jewish pride in response. The Chabad…

… a response, respond with where and when they want it hung, and right away one of the Shemtovs are there to hang up the mezuzah free of charge. “We hang up hundreds at the start of every year…

…,” Simi said. “It’s a really beautiful thing to show the world there’s a proud Jew living there.” Adina Peysakhov, a West Bloomfield native and MSU freshman majoring in human biology, was one of the…

…- tional because of how loud it was when it hit the ground,” Peysakhov said. “ And it would not have just fallen because of how tightly secured it was on the doorpost. It was also like 10 feet away…

… but also the greater Jewish community at MSU. The dia- logue led to the perpetrator agreeing to take an educational route, a guided tour of the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills as well…

… as compensating Gun for the cost of the vandalized and stolen mezuzah. SPREADING THE WORD While Chabad MSU has been in touch with MSU’s Department of Housing to get to the bottom of the recent…

… incident, in freshman housing like Peysakhov’s, there aren’t any video cameras — so no footage of the incident exists. No police report has been filed. Instead, Chabad MSU con- tacted multiple news…

… here.” Simi says often when these types of things happen, stu- dents are afraid to further promote their Judaism. With Adina, it was different. “ Adina’s first message was, ‘My mezuzah was taken…

…AUGUST 11 • 2022 | 57 walls in the Malbin home. Later, in the start of a career following her graduation from the University of Michigan, Farbman got to know Gertrude Kasle, who had a gallery…

…. Brenda Goodman, for instance, is a friend who moved outside of Michigan but has pieces of her work displayed by local presenters. “Brenda’s work just gets better and better,” Farbman said. “It…

…. Farbman labels that the most impressive experience of all the artwork she has observed. The Farbmans, members of Temple Beth El, have two sons and seven grandchildren who attend Hillel Day School…

… daughter-in-law likely will be the recipient and, with this book, will have an outline of the contents of the collection. “I want readers to derive joy from my book, and I hope they will come away…

… derive a joy and pleasure from their surroundings and from what collecting can do in terms of enriching their lives. “I hope the book gives a little more credibility to a remarkable group of artists…

… - 7:30PM BASED ON SHOLEM ALEICHEM STORIES BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT OF ARNOLD PERL BOOK BY JOSEPH STEIN MUSIC BY JERRY BOCK LYRICS BY SHELDON HARNICK ORIGINAL NEW YORK STAGE PRODUCTION DIRECTED AND…

… CHOREOGRAPHED BY JEROME ROBBINS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON THE NEW YORK STAGE BY HAROLD PRINCE DIRECTED BY BARTLETT SHER CHOREOGRAPHED BY HOFESH SHECHTER INSPIRED BY THE WORK OF JEROME ROBBINS PHOTO BY JEREMY…

… of Michigan Hillel, assistant director of Camp Ramah New England and family educator at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in New York. Rabbi Davey and Jillian, and their two children, Elah and Jonah…

… last year’s awards in Minneapolis. “We received tons of appli- cations from organizations all across the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan who understand if they don’t take the initiative…

… and Deputy Mayor of Detroit Todd Bettison. Cohen hopes to bring the awards back to Michigan in the future. “I hope next time we will also partner with Jewish organiza- tions here to amplify what we…

… Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in 2008, and a B.A. in Jewish history and thought at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles in 2003. During the summer, he is the…

… camp rabbi at Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake in New York state, where he and his wife, Jillian, first met. Rabbi Davey’s past leadership includes serving as associate director of the University…

…18 | JULY 7 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY T he Israeli Consulate’s first-ever Michigan Social Impact Grant Awards Ceremony took place June 17 at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, highlighted by…

… three “Detroit change-mak- ers” winning $5,000 each. In the spring, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest launched a grant opportunity for individuals and organizations committed to…

… creating critical social impact in their communities in Michigan. Change-makers were sought whose mission, in line with Israeli and Jewish values, seeks to advance public health, envi- ronment, social…

… justice, diversi- ty, education and more. The ceremony recognized the founders of three local Detroit nonprofits, with the Israeli Consulate investing $5,000 to enhance each of their communal…

… initiatives. The winners were Rasheda Williams, founder of Empowered Flower Girl; Laprisha Daniels, executive director of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice; and Jonathan Quarles, founder/ CEO…

…OCTOBER 6 • 2022 | 25 her field placement at New Oakland Child Adolescent Services and the John D. Dingell VA Hospital. After graduation, Klein worked for ALS of Michigan as a patient services…

… from her role with the Oak Park School District, she’s excited to embark on a new career path with Jewish Family Service, where she was recent- ly hired as a social worker for Hillel of Metro…

… “returning home. ” “Hillel of Metro Detroit is a place that helped me start my Jewish journey, ” she says, “and helped me get to where I’m at today. ” Photo: Pari Dukovic THE DAILY BEAST TICKETS NOW ON…

… Contact Dr. Pad today: rachelpadphd@gmail.com | 248-325-8068 a recent graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy's Clinical Psychology PhD program, is now taking new adult patients (18+) seeking…

… who were on federal pretri- al, probation or parole, ” she explains. While working at Eastwood Clinics, Klein also took a leave of absence to study at Neve Yerushalayim in Jerusalem, the oldest…

… and largest college for Jewish women in the world. “There I learned so much and grew as an individual and a Jew, ” Klein says. “I met a lot of great Jewish women from dif- ferent countries, and I…

… still talk to many of them. ” Following her Israel stud- ies and time with Eastwood Clinics, Klein went on to work for the Detroit Police Department Victim Assistance Program, where she provided…

… crisis intervention, one-on-one therapy and group therapy to victms of domestic violence, sexual assault and secondary victims of homicide. RETURNING HOME However, around that time, Oak Park School…

… challenging. “The most rewarding part of social work is empowering individuals to be their best selves, while help- ing them through challenging times, ” she says. “The most challenging part of social work…

… is that you’re not able to help everyone and you don’t always know if you’re making a dif- ference in that person’s life. ” Outside of work, Klein loves spending time with her hus- band, Aryeh Klein…