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…Jeff & Matt Barker Obtaining record prices for our Sellers. Call today for a market valuation. 248.425.6000 thejewishnews.com $200 July 2-8, 2020/ 9-15 Tammuz 5780 Jews andJoints Michigan’ s…

… cannabis industry, propelled by Jews and ex-Detroit Lions, takes off during the COVID-19 crisis. See page 14. …

… JULY 2 • 2020 | 3 contents Views 5-12 Jews in the D Jews and Joints 14 Michigan’ s cannabis industry, propelled by Jews and ex-Detroit Lions, takes off during the COVID-19 crisis…

… Justice Social Justice Challenge 26 Three local Jews offer a way to help social justice organizations achieve their goals. Marching in Crown Heights 27 Michigan-based grad student Ilana Spencer helped…

…. Michigan Board of Rabbis Approves Guidelines for Re-opening Simchahs 21 New guidelines allow for weddings, b’ nei mitzvah and baby namings beginning Aug. 1. Have Mohel, Will Zoom 22 Guests in five states…

… quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. contents Views 5-12 Cover “It’ s the Same Folks Coming After All of Us” 14 Rep. Rashida Tlaib sits down with the Jewish News for the first…

… time. Tlaib Or Not Tlaib? Detroit’ s Jews Aren’ t Sure 19 The upcoming primary offers a path to oust the outspoken, pro-BDS congresswoman, but some Jews have decided not to get involved. Jews in…

… the D An Orthodox Jew in Congress? 22 Gabi Grossbard is running in the Republican primary to face off against Andy Levin. Muslim Group Helps Jewish Prisoner 24 CAIR-MI joins legal case of county…

… Adults 31 FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life open Online Boutique. Health Have We Truly “Flattened the Curve?” 32 We asked the term’ s founder. Jews and Racial Justice Serve the Moment 33 New program…

… connects Jewish young adults with social and racial justice volunteer projects. Moments 34 Spirit Torah portion 35 Sports He’ s a Boxing Promoter ... and an Orthodox Jew 36 Southfield resident Dmitriy…

… Accessory 40 Mask holders are beautiful and practical. The Kippah Drawer 41 Under each kippah, there is a story. Celeb Jews 42 Online Events 43 Etc. The Exchange 44 Soul 46 Raskin 53 Looking Back…

… company, PRIMITIV . Weinberg is one of many Jews in Michigan to become intimately involved in the cannabis industry since the state legal- ized medical marijuana in 2008. Since then, Jews have come to…

… cannabis Michigan’ s cannabis industry, propelled by Jews and ex-Detroit Lions, takes off during the COVID-19 crisis. MADELINE HALPERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER Michigan’ s cannabis industry propelled by Jews…

…14 | JULY 2 • 2020 Jews in the D W hen Josh Weinberg was working as an attorney at Honigman LLP in Detroit, he couldn’ t imagine that just a few years later he’ d be in the can- nabis business…

… to play an important role in the cannabis indus- try in Michigan. Half of the six cannabis testing facilities in the state are owned by Jews, including PSI Laboratories, Steadfast Analytical…

… loans for small businesses. He finds this ironic, since many governors, including Whitmer, have deemed marijuana dispensaries as essential businesses. JEWISH VALUES In the past decade, Jews have come…

… Laboratories in Hazel Park and Iron Laboratories in Walled Lake. Spivak-Birndorf says he has met several Jews working behind the scenes in laborato- ries, growing and processing facilities. From a science…

… perspective, he’ s not surprised to find Jews in cannabis laboratories. “The stereotype is we have a lot of nerds, ” he said. In addition to the scientific aspects of the business, Spivak-Birndorf believes…

… Jews might be attracted to the cannabis industry because of their willingness to question things. “We are allowed to ask questions to our God in a way that maybe other reli- gions aren’ t as often…

… for Jews, and many others, is as simple as opportunity. “Those of us of the Jewish faith, many of us are very entrepreneurial, ” he said. Many of those involved in the cannabis industry don’ t find…

… patients. Additionally, Weinberg explains that for 16 | JULY 2 • 2020 COURTESY OF GROW CANNABIS MARKETING The GreenHouse of Walled Lake dispensary Jews in the D Mort Meisner COURTESY OF GROW…

… Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing…

… offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 MISSION STATEMENT The Detroit Jewish News will be of service to the…

… more posi- tive light than I probably deserve. Yet, conventionally, our friendship is improbable. Yehuda is a self-identified ultra-Orthodox Jew. To label myself, I am an intermar- ried Jew that…

… person and a Jew because of our friendship. But even as I constantly grow within my faith, I am who I am. I am not halachically observant. I drive on Shabbat. I love a good cheeseburger. Pew asked…

… the partic- ipants how much they had in common with Jews from the various denom- inations. When Orthodox Jews were asked about how much they had in common with Reform Jews, 50% responded a lot or…

… some. 48% responded not much or nothing at all. When the question was asked of Reform Jews, 39% said they had a lot or some in com- mon with Orthodox Jews. And 60% said they had not much or…

… nothing at all in common. At first, these numbers appalled me. As Jews, we definitionally have some- thing in common with each other. But then I wondered, five years ago, before I became friends…

… JULY 9 • 2020 | 3 contents Views 5-10 Jews in the D Single Parenting During a Pandemic 12 Local Jewish single parents on homeschooling, need for support and the uncertain future. Papa Phil…

… Israeli PM’ s defense fund. Jews and Racial Justice BLM Baby Drive 22 Sports Who Is That Masked Man? 23 Bais Chabad pitcher Larry Lipnik says wearing a mask while playing softball ‘ isn’ t a big deal…

… summer in full swing, Jewish pop up drive-in theaters are gaining traction. Carl Reiner, Consummate Old Jew Telling Jokes, Dies At 98 33 Is Jon Stewart Still ‘ Irresistible’ ? 34 The Jewish comedian…

…’ s new movie is warmed-over political satire. Celeb Jews 35 Online Events 35 Etc. The Exchange 36 Soul 38 Danny Raskin 45 Looking Back 46 July 9-15, 2020/ 16-22 Tammuz 5780| VOLUME CLVII…

… dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. 22 26 …

… statements about Jews.” Is this a tall order to learn to say such calm replies? Yes! And we all must learn to do it — to educate one person at a time. I attended Michigan State University in the late…

… farm in Michigan. She had never before met a Jew. Third quarter — I shared with a young woman from Oak Park, who I heard tell someone on the dorm hall phone that she now had a Jewish friend. Then…

… comments calmly and in a way that educates the other person. In the case of the statement about Jews only caring about money, perhaps an appropriate answer could be: “You may not realize that what you…

… said is an antisemitic statement said for hundreds of years to harm Jews. I know you wouldn’t say such a statement about Blacks or Asian Americans. I hope in the future you won’t say such…

… 1960s. In my hometown of Elgin, Ill., I had been the only Jewish stu- dent in my classes, and I had so looked forward to being among Jews at college. Fall 1966 — I am assigned to be roommates in…

… when you heard about the deadly synagogue attacks on Jews in Pittsburgh? In Poway, Calif.? Remember the emo- tions you went through? Did you feel outrage? Were you sick watching the news…

… fired toward Israel from Hamas- controlled Gaza in a terrorist effort to murder Jews. Not all of them landed in empty fields; that miraculous Iron Dome that saves so many lives isn’t infallible…

…. I’m a Jewish mom of two teenagers living in a Philadelphia suburb. I grew up in a Connecticut town with very few Jews, and I was raised in a secular Jewish home with no connection to Judaism…

…; however, Israel and Zionism were an integral part of my upbringing. L’dor v’dor: I am raising my children to be unapolo- getic Zionists and Jews. I’m proud that my daughter, who just graduated high…

… enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. July 30-Aug. 5, 2020/ 9-15 Av 5780| VOLUME CLVII, ISSUE 26 Views 5-13 Cover Story: Camps! Camp Mom Michigan 14 Mission? Create…

… feelings. Jews in the D Thirsty to Learn 22 Detroit educators enjoy virtual NewCAJE Conference at reduced cost. Signed into Law 24 Local Hadassah members advocated for Never Again Education Act…

…. Michigan Courts Rule Against Oakland County in $8.41 Foreclosure Case 26 County says it will investigate treasurer over auction profits as primaries loom. Survivor Outreach 27 COVID care packages for…

… Holocaust survivors. Moments Moments 28 Spirit Torah portion 29 Yiddish Limerick: Tisha B’ Av 36 Jews and Arbor Trees 37 Reflections on Tisha B’ Av. Arts&Life Life-Affirming Expression 30 Poet brings…

… impact of grief in ‘ The Plague of the Tender-Hearted.’ Canceled! 31 West Bloomfield revokes permit for Orchard Lake Fine Art Show. Celeb Jews 32 Online Events 33 Health Front Porch Medicine 34…

…: Kaitlyn Schoen 20 Views 5-12 Jews in the D A Helping Hand in Southeast Michigan 14 Bob Schwartz’ s Here to Help Foundation offers emergency grants to Oakland and Wayne County residents and returning…

… quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. Shabbat & Holiday Lights Shabbat starts: Friday, July 24, 8:42 p.m. Shabbat ends: Saturday, July 25, 9:49 p.m Tisha b’ Av starts: Wednesday, July…

… Nazism in 1930s Vienna. Celebrity Jews 33 Online Events 34 Etc. The Exchange 36 Soul 38 Raskin 45 Looking Back 46 July 23-29, 2020/ 2-8 Av 5780| VOLUME CLVII, ISSUE 25 contents 22 30…

… Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Hwy., #110…

… existence of Israel, without renouncing its vicious message to Jews, is not clarification, it’ s conceal- ment. Many Jews today are conned by BLM’ s PR move. Melina Abdullah, the co-founder of BLM’ s Los…

… hateful rhetoric toward Jews, Abdullah came to his defense. “Facebook and Instagram’ s decision to ban The Honorable Minister Farrakhan along with known white-supremacists rep- resents the ultimate in…

… often been the men and women who courageously stood up to racism and hatred. The stat- ue of Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, stands in Los…

… bigotry was one of their tar- gets. Jews have got to be literate enough to read the hand- writing on the walls. We Jews helped start the NAACP and walked with Dr. King. We ask, where is the reciprocity…

…-ed commemorating Martin Luther King Day, Congressman Lewis recalled the wise and prescient words of Dr. King spoken at Harvard a few weeks before his death: “When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews…

…; you’ re talking anti-Sem- itism.” — Ed Kohl Co-President, Michigan Jewish Action Council West Bloomfield LETTERS from page 5 …

… make so much sense. ” Cantor Smolash said he doesn’t like getting into poli- tics. “I like sticking to music. It brings people together. Where there are tensions between American Jews and Israeli…

… Jews ... music is the perfect counter- balance.” The cantors’ relationship with Rabotai dates back to Purim. Cantor Smolash left a comment on Rabotai’s YouTube channel praising the group’s work…

… FOR THE ADL MICHIGAN ANTI-BIAS SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH TEENS APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 23 @ 10 PM PROGRAM DATES: August 10-12, 2021 QUESTIONS? kjager@adl.org or 248.353.1264 Supported by the…

… Schulman Family Foundation ADL Michigan's Inaugural Anti-Bias Summer Institute will empower Jewish teens (ages 12-17) to be social justice leaders and act against bias and hate during three virtual 90…

… demonstrate their new leadership skills with the support of the ADL Michigan Education team. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE: www.michigan.adl.org/2021summerinstitute …

… Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing…

… offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 MISSION STATEMENT The Detroit Jewish News will be of service to the…

… statements and acts around the globe, the rise in these statements and acts in recent years has been alarming. And as Evelyn Markus, a Dutch Jew and the daughter of Holocaust survi- vors, discusses in…

… interviewing both Jews and non-Jews about the antisemitism they or oth- ers currently face, their antise- mitic experiences in the past, and the first time they learned about the Holocaust. That show has…

… non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism that many organizations are adopting: “ Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews…

… reason our podcast is important is the same as the reason this definition is important: To make people aware of what antisemitism is. For example, when someone says in front of you that Jews only…

… worth of a Black family. WHAT CAN WE DO? As compassionate human beings and as Jews who are obligated to care for our own people (which includes Jews of color), we must try to remedy the causes of…

… there is so much on which most of us agree, there appears to be a border that we Jews choose not to cross in terms of ending racial inequality. While Jews have long supported affirmative action in…

…, one might support more people of color attending the University of Michigan. However, one might object if allowing more people of color to attend the University means that his or her own child…

… our own day the German government gave reparations to Holocaust survi- vors. On the other hand, today’s African American community is generations removed from slavery and, for many Jews, our…

… scandals that have hurt their reputations. From sexual assault and blatant racism at Michigan State University to cheating scandals at Georgetown and Stanford, universi- ties are under the…

…- sons for this, the major one being ignorance or a lack of knowledge of the history of anti-Semitism. Hatred toward Jews on campuses is often expressed in a non-obvi- ous way, such as a political con…

… one or more classic anti-Semitic canards, such as that Jews control the media; Jews are more loyal to Israel than the U.S.; and Jews talk about the Holocaust too much. In Europe, the situation is…

… dire as well. In a 2018 CNN poll of Europeans, over a third said that Jews use the Holocaust to advance their own positions or goals. The rapid rise of anti-Semitism in the last several years has…

… neg- atively impacted Jewish students on college campuses and should not be a political issue. The threats Jews face from far-right and far-left forces are significant, and both must be actively…

… American politics and that Jews stole all the land in the Middle East from Arabs to create the state of Israel. The recent rise of anti-Semi- tism has led to Jewish students feeling attacked and alone…

… on U.S. college campuses. Students, faculty and staff have not received adequate training for addressing anti-Semitism, resulting in Jews being forced to stand up for themselves. To make Jewish…

… guiding Jewish children in and out of ghetto gates, taking food into hiding spaces, removing waste so that the Nazis would not notice additional waste for a fam- ily that was hiding Jews, exchang- ing…

… BDS were “an affront and very offensive to Jews. ” Despite their differences on Israel, though, Hannan Lis said he thinks Tlaib is a “hard-working, smart” legislator. “She really worked hard to get…

… represent the Palestinian people or to advocate for Israel, ” he said. “She’ s there to represent the people she’ s rep- resenting. ” The Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus has also decided not to get…

… involved in the 13th district’ s Democratic primary. “While MDJC has endorsed and sup- ported five of Michigan’ s seven incumbent Democratic members of Congress for the 2020 cycle, no plans exist for an…

… endorse- ment in the 13th District, ” a statement from MDJC Chair Noah Arbit reads. From the right, the Michigan Jewish Action Council is not getting involved in this election, either. In a statement…

… Farrakhan, who has a history of anti-Semitism. “While we at MJAC think that Rashida Tlaib is a poor choice for Jews and for our country, Brenda Jones needs to clarify some of her positions, ” reads the…

… community, and in the Jewish community especially, talking to our friends and our neighbors and our parents and telling them why Rashida is the choice if you are a progressive Jew, ” he said. Other…

… progressive Jews living in the city support Tlaib as well. Rabbi Alana Alpert, who leads Congregation T’ chiyah and is a community organizer with Detroit Jews for Justice, has been an outspoken defender…

… moment to strengthen our Judaism by devoting time to learning from our synagogue clergy. Each of us must also ensure the security of Jews and the success of America by engaging with and listening…

… genuinely to our neighbors, especially those with whom we disagree, and by assuming the best in each of those around us. Moreover, for Jews and for Judaism to thrive, our syna- gogues and communal…

…. — Ed Kohl, West Bloomfield Hebrew Free Loan Detroit 6735 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE 300 • BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MICHIGAN 48301 @HFLDetroit STORY Our STORY Our Milton M. Ratner made his living in commercial…

… foundation’s namesake was a very quiet and private philanthropist, but his forethought allows Hebrew Free Loan to help support Michigan’s Jewish students at all levels. Learn more about Hebrew Free Loan…

… local Jews for a variety of personal, health, educational and small business needs. …

… English-language Jewish newspaper in the city. The latter honor belongs to the Detroit Jewish Chronicle, 1916-1951. The JN, however, developed a reputation that extended well beyond the Michigan border…

… Butzel, Federal Judge Theodore Levin and Maurice Schwartz (co-publisher), he launched the Detroit Jewish News. At that time, American Jews faced several massive ideological questions, with divided…

… Charles Coughlin and G.L.K. Smith, should Jews aggressively call out their antisemitic speeches and behaviors? Or would such protests increase hatred toward Jews? Also important were these questions…

…: Should American Jews support the Zionist vision of a homeland in Middle East? Or would it be better to just concentrate on promoting themselves as good citizens of the United States? What communal…

… groups should the local Jewish community support? WWII was raging in 1942 — what should America do about the atrocities occurring to Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe? And, how should America deal with…

… Jews. In 1942, Slomovitz decided the JN would take firm positions on the leading issues of the day. While attempting to listen to all voices, the JN, nevertheless, staked out principles that were…

…JULY 28 • 2022 | 21 Jewish with a few non-Jews, including some African Americans,” says Feinberg. “Everyone knows each other, and people stay in touch.” That closeness is evident in their…

… frequent reunions — Central’s class of 1952 has held reunions every five or 10 years since graduation. This year, the most famous member of the class — Michigan’s U.S. Sen. Carl Levin — will be…

… bring Central High School memorabilia. Central was the first public high school in Detroit — opening in 1858 — and the second oldest in Michigan. At one time there were 4,000 students. Today, 314…

… General during the Civil War nor a slave-owner or racist figure from America’ s past, why target Wallenberg? Because he saved tens of thousands of Jews from the Nazis during the Holocaust. Sad to say…

… loaded into the Archive, but I’ ll bet Wallenberg is mentioned at least once. Wallenberg also has a local connection. He studied architecture at the University of Michigan and graduated in 1935…

… Jews from Nazi death camps. He continued to help Jews until January 1945, when he was taken into custody by agents of the Soviet Union. Wallenberg was never heard from again. As reported in the Dec…

… Among the Nations” at Yad Vashem in Israel to his honorary American Citizenship, which only he and Winston Churchill enjoy; from the University of Michigan’ s Raoul Wallenberg Award to Raoul…

… Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing…

… offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 MISSION STATEMENT The Detroit Jewish News will be of service to the…

… narrow range of rabbinic homilies and expli- cations antiquated texts that often resonated very little with the pressing issues of the present — encour- aged more Jews to attain a level of literacy…

… retaliation hills student six staff forces center center scene american united vol fact 10 10 dr prayer fur rockaway staff rockaway staff that that michigan first rabbis outright…

… structor has nursing policy when all all brith jews jews jews jews jews half been prof reprieved n n race meant hillel chapter annual soldiers pace bldg to to to to to to to…

… alumni of higher education across the country as well at the University of Michigan have launched a campaign for universities and other institutions to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance…

… Association’s (IHRA) Working Definition of antisemi- tism so hatred toward Jews on campus can be more clearly identified. IHRA defines antisemitism as: “A certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed…

… as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical mani- festations of antisemitism are direct- ed toward Jewish or non-Jewish indi- viduals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions…

… it to standards expected of no other dem- ocratic state, denying Israel’s right to exist, and holding Jews collectively responsible for its actions.” Criticizing the Israeli government and its…

… that it is the pol- icy of the University of Michigan to maintain an academic and work envi- ronment free of discrimination and harassment for all students, faculty and staff. “At the University of…

… platform, with multiple smiling photos, hands on heart, to claim that she’ s only against Netanyahu’ s policies, and favors boycotting Israel’ s products as a protest against Israel — not Jews. You…

… allowed Tlaib to come across as a woman who simply is fighting for human rights for everyone: Why should we Jews consider her Local Public Enemy No. 1? A comparison would be you interviewing Orville…

…, the land both love, can there finally be a solution of this seemingly endless problem. This, aside from the fact that Rep. Tlaib has to remember that she was elected to care for her Michigan…

… for a com- parison between her words and reality. She says that she is united with Jews in battling the same enemy. In reality, she allowed her Congressional office map to be “corrected” with the…

… erasure of Israel. She tried to use the murder of Jews in New Jersey as a political tool. She rewrote history, bizarrely claiming her ancestors suffered through giv- ing refuge to Jewish Holocaust…

… survivors. In reality, local Arabs had been murdering Jews since the 1920s and worked with the British to keep survivors out. She celebrated “Nakba Day” with a tweet mourning the failure of five Arab…

… armies to push the Jews into the sea. She’ s accused Jews of dual loyalty. This is sid- ing with our enemies. Her claim of “In Congress, I was instantly ‘ the Palestinian, ’ ” is also dubious. It was…

… Michigan’ s 13th Congressional district, which Tlaib is trying to defend in her Aug. 4 primary. She steps into the park’ s tennis courts, which have weeds poking through them, gives an elbow…

… protests against racism and police brutality. “Have you seen the marches?” she asks. “Jews and Muslims holding signs together … It makes me smile. ” Tlaib’ s primary race, against Detroit City…

… Councilwoman Brenda Jones, is competitive, and some Detroit-area Jews see danger no matter who wins. At the same time, Tlaib has many Jewish supporters, and says she wants to have a respectful dialogue with…

… have worked with organizations like Detroit Jews for Justice on stopping water shutoffs, pushing the community benefits movement in the city, always working side-by-side on social justice issues…

…. First, one has to keep in mind that until the post- World War II era, Jews were not allowed to become mem- bers of golf clubs or social clubs, nor were they wel- comed into certain suburbs or…

… neighborhoods in Metro Detroit. Even after the war, there were still restrictions at some clubs and social organizations until the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 and the Elliot-Larson Act in Michigan…

… open to Jews when the Phoenix Club was founded in Detroit in 1872. This is believed to be the first Jewish social club in the city. Until it closed in 1942, the Phoenix Club was an important…

… meeting place for Jewish literati, as well as a place to host meetings of Jewish organizations or Jewish celebrations, such as weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs. For Jews who liked to golf, but could…

…34 | JULY 14 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY Those in attendance tore their cloths in two to symbolize mourning. Rabbi Marla Hornsten Susan Gertner, NCJW Michigan executive director Rabbi Megan…

… true is being lost, and that is where we as Jews must turn to the few truths that are eternal.” Everyone then tore their black squares as a symbol and custom of Jewish mourning. “Life and death…

… are bound up in one another. There is no living without choosing. There is no life without choice,” Nosanwisch said. Susan Gertner, executive director of NCJW Michigan, said, “We are happy to be…

… Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing…

… offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 MISSION STATEMENT The Detroit Jewish News will be of service to the…

… Farago & Associates Manager: Scott Drzewiecki Designers: Kaitlyn Iezzi, Kelly Kosek, Deborah Schultz, Michelle Sheridan PURELY COMMENTARY essay The Jewish Dilemma A s a Jew I was always taught…

… that there were three levels of observance (Reform, Conservative and Orthodox). In my early life, I thought of myself as a Conservative Jew, as my mom called us. Growing up, I went to a Jewish…

… Jewish customs and holidays and thinking that all Jews ate fruit on Tu b’Shevat and lit the candles on Friday nights, or at least aspired to. After I graduated from Jewish day school at 13 and went…

… to a public high school, I was in for a big reality check. I realized that in our fast-paced world, every Jew has their own level of observance. Each far too varied to simply categorize under…

… defines Israel as an apart- heid state is “an insult to Jews and Christians alike which damages interfaith relations,” said Rabbi Eric J. Greenberg, Simon Wiesenthal Center’s (SWC) director of United…

… policy, effectively demanding that Israel end its own existence and deny Jews the right of self-determina- tion,” said the activist group Presbyterians for Middle East Peace, which opposed the…

… tested, ” said David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister. Naomi Miller is director of Israel Partnerships at the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator and the director of Missions and…

… learning before returning to the Honors Program at the University of Michigan the following year. PURELY COMMENTARY Jessica Caminker Antisemitism’s Real Name: Jew-Hatred The lid is off on Jew…

…/ Palestinian issue. It’s relevant to our concern about Critical Race Theory and the issue of Caucasians and our relationship to people of color. Well, let’s take a look back in history. Jew-hatred has been…

… a permanent feature for Jews for thousands of years. Before party politics, the Israel/Palestinian issue and Critical Race Theory, there has been the desire to eliminate the Jewish people…

…. They are gone and we remain. A miracle! What does it take to admit the truth about the real cause of Jew-hatred and for our genera- tion to take its place beside our ancestors in this fight for our…

… JULY 30 • 2020 | 13 She and Rep. Ilhan Omar planned to visit Palestine under the direction of Miftah, a Palestinian group that has pub- lished articles accusing Jews of using Christian blood to…

… refusals of the state they claim to want. It was Mahmoud Abbas who told the world Jews “have no right to desecrate” Islamic and Christian holy sites “with their filthy feet, ” yet Tlaib calls…

… of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. Detroit Jewish News | 29200 Northwestern Highway, Suite 110 | Southfi eld, MI 48034 DEPARTMENTS General Offi ces: 248-354-6060 Advertising: 248…

… appear to be on the upswing as of this writing. All registered Michigan voters should have by now received their vote-by-mail applications, and you have until the Friday before the elec- tion — this…

… which some, but not all, of the candidates are Jewish is tricky business for us. Our readers do not necessarily cast their ballots exclusively for other Jews; in fact, in the past, many have backed…

… Gentile can- didates over Jewish ones. We don’ t feel it’ s our job to tell any- one to vote for or against Jews, nor do we feel we “ owe” cov- erage to the Jewish candidates simply because they’ re…

… Jewish. And sometimes there are no Jews running for positions in heavily Jewish areas. We recommend going to vote411.org, which gathers information about all the can- didates on the ballot, to read…

… “ anti-Christ. ” The internet is awash with anti-Semitism, and NPR reported that Israeli researchers have tracked a global trend of anti-Semitic hate speech blam- ing Jews and Israelis for the…

… George Floyd’ s tragic death. When Black people, union leaders, gay rights activists and other minorities fight for their rights, they are labeled “liberals. ” When Jews confront anti-Sem- itism and…

… JULY 2 • 2020 | 27 Marching in Crown Heights Michigan-based grad student Ilana Spencer helped organize a groundbreaking solidarity rally among Brooklyn’ s Chabad community. ELI REITER…

… ral- lies against police brutality and to build solidarity with people of color. One of the organizers of the Crown Heights rally was Ilana Spencer, a University of Michigan research assistant who…

… Facebook group and migrated into a WhatsApp group of like-minded progressive, observant and formerly observant Jews who shared articles, Twitter screenshots and memes, which started so we could follow…

… the 2019 Democratic primary debates. I was already in Michigan at that point. HOW DO JEWISH VALUES PLAY INTO BOTH THE GROUP AND PROTESTS? Part of the reason I was drawn to religious life and…

… American daily life is sorely lacking.” — ILANA SPENCER jews and racial justice continued on page 28 …

… tea biscuits. Without refrigeration and large storage facilities, the food pantry has managed to find ways to deliver supplemental food packages to Jews in need in the Warsaw com- munity, and it…

… rabbi told of the second group of needy recipients of food from the pantry. There are approx- imately 40 Righteous Among the Nations, non-Jews who helped to save Jews during the Holocaust, who…

… Black Lives Matter organization specifi- cally to the Black community in general. We know that one organization no more represents the entire Black community than Michigan Jewish Action Council or…

… his/her continued success as a healing messenger. — Henry Friedman Historian, Educator, Lecturer Correction The article “Visa Freeze” (July 16, pg. 30) reported that the Michigan Immigrant Rights…

… enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. Detroit Jewish News | 29200 Northwestern Highway, Suite 110 | Southfi eld, MI 48034 DEPARTMENTS General Offi ces: 248…

…, essentially blaming Jews for U.S. involvement in the region, and accusing Jews of manipulating American cit- izens and administrations into wrong foreign policy decisions. While discussing the creation of…

… the state of Israel, he describes the supposed effort of Zionist Jews internationally to gain American sympathy for their cause. “The American Public — saddened by Jewish suffering and largely…

… take communities and students of all backgrounds working together and support- ing each other make all students feel safe, including Jews, people of color and the LGBTQ com- munity. It will also take…

… senior at Michigan State University majoring in international relations with minors in Russian studies and Jewish studies. Read his full paper on campus anti-Semitism at thejewish- news.com. ANTI…

… founders grew up in Metro Detroit and attend- ed Hillel Day School and the University of Michigan. Sklar and Greenberg were neighbors in Franklin. Greenberg and Silverman went to Tamarack. Sklar and…

…. ” CORPORATE MATCHING PROGRAMS In its first two weeks, the plat- form expanded to include corpo- rate “challengers” who are moti- vating their employees by match- ing individual donations. The first Michigan…

…@ socialjusticechallenge.com. Josh Sklar, Matt Greenberg, Steve Silverman RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER Social Justice Challenge Three local Jews offer a way to help social justice organizations achieve their…

… goals. COURTESY OF SARI CICUREL Jews in the D Jews in the D jews and racial justice …

… been many people crossing the border from Canada to attend their events. In the early ’80s, there was a major grant given to Chabad of Michigan, and Chabad decided to open five new centers…

… way for young Canadian Jews to broaden their events and activities by taking part in events in the city,” Pinson explains. Michael Breshgold has long known about the deep connections between…

… Michigan and Windsor’s Jewish communities. Having moved from Michigan to Windsor some 25 years ago, he commuted daily for work and to see family. He also knew families who drove their children in to…

…18 | JULY 16 • 2020 continued on page 20 Cover Story M any Michigan Jews are unhappy with Rashida Tlaib. But they’ re not mobilizing against her in the upcoming primary. When Tlaib was…

… elected to represent Michigan’ s 13th district in the House of Representatives in November 2018, she made history as the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress. Along with Minnesota Rep…

…) and Coleman Young II. This time, they are the only two on the ballot. Steve Tobocman Brenda Jones The Aug. 4 primary offers a path to oust the outspoken, pro-BDS congresswoman, but Jews are…

…22 | JULY 16 • 2020 Jews in the D G abi Grossbard, a former car salesman and Orthodox Jew, is running for Congress in the 9th District in the Aug. 4 Republican pri- mary for the chance to face…

… moved to Michigan in 1998. He and his wife live just outside the 9th District in Southfield and have six children. His Republican opponent, Charles Langworthy, is a U.S. Navy veteran and fervent…

… backer of President Trump. If he wins, Grossbard would face off against another Jew this fall, Democratic incumbent Andy Levin. Read about why Grossbard has entered the race and what he hopes to…

… candidate that I am, and not just based on the fact I’ m running on the Republican side of the ticket. And I do think that there is an opportunity here. An Orthodox Jew in Congress? Gabi Grossbard is…

…6 | JULY 1 • 2021 essay Israeli Arabs, Jews Refuse to Be Enemies W alking under the silver-laced sky late at night on May 20, with our beloved dog Lucy, I look up at the moon, which is not…

… Arab neigh- bors celebrating a wedding. For we are in the North of Israel, and things here are very different. Ever since the vio- lence began, Arabs and Jews have been tirelessly working together…

… every Thursday at 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to…

…: Detroit Jewish News, 32255 Northwestern Highway, #205, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 MISSION STATEMENT The Detroit Jewish News will be of service to the Jewish community. The Detroit Jewish News…

… clarify the post, Savabieasfahani changed the word “hacks” to “honchos. ” She also added that Ron Weiner and Lon Johnson, both former chairs of the Michigan Democratic Party, and retired school…

… fifth ward, told the Jewish News. Michigan Jewish Democratic Caucus issued a statement later that week, con- demning Savabieasfahani’ s campaign tactics and anti-Israel views. In addition to the post…

…. And so that alone was more than a dog whistle … I think non-Jews might not recognize it unless they’ re real students of history, but certainly Jews do. ” But Savabieasfahani, a native of Iran who…

… CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jews in the D CARTOON COURTESTY OF MOZHGAN SAVABIEASFAHANI COURTESY OF VOTEFORTHEDOCTOR.COM …

…, villages and towns in the county and the state, ” Meisner said. Michigan Courts Rule Against Oakland County on Foreclosure Auctions Jews in the D PIXABAY 26 | JULY 30 • 2020 Andy Meisner Ruling…

…T he Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Michigan counties can no longer keep profits from foreclosure auc- tions, according to the July 17 ruling. The state Supreme Court’ s ruling is the result…

… profits, the matter now goes on to the state legislature, which will replace the current law with a new one. Foreclosures in Michigan are managed by county treasurers. In Oakland County, that role…

… the constitutional rights of an elderly homeown- er, and other residents, as determined by the unanimous Michigan Supreme Court today, ” the statement reads. “This carelessness and ineptitude will…

… a practicing Jew, ” he said. He hasn’ t received any details on the Board of Commissioners’ investigation into his practices yet. In the meantime, he said he plans to stay compassionate and…

… flexible. “I’ m looking forward to … a new law that incorporates the lawsuit and the finding of the Michigan Supreme Court and to do it in a way that’ s fair to property owners, to the local cities…

…; her brothers, Arthur and Harold Grossman; and her dear friend, Shirley Schreidell. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 43097 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302; or to a…

… James Caan Dies at Age 82 JTA James Caan, one of the leading movie stars of the 1970s, died July 6 at age 82. Caan staked out rare ground in Hollywood as a Jew known for blockbuster tough guy roles…

… career highlight came in 2003, as Buddy’s dad in the Will Ferrell Christmas-themed hit Elf. Caan played football for two years at Michigan State University, where he was a member of the Jewish Alpha…

… to be a fun mom with half the work!” Goldner grew up in Michigan and even she didn’ t know about some of the plac- es that parents posted on the Facebook page. Some new places she explored with…

…, 8. Though her kids were dis- appointed, with the help of the ideas from Camp Mom Michigan, they’ re still having a fun summer. “Thanks to the group, we’ ve been to Dodge #4 State Park, which I…

… continued from page 14 continued on page 18 Jews in the D cover story …

… and Director, Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel at Michigan State University. Yael Aranoff, Serling Chair in Israel Studies MSU Philanthropist Spencer Partrich wants to donate…

… his “close friend and a committed, dedicated Jew, Spencer M. Partrich. ” The FIDF would not comment for this story, citing policy. According to the AP , Netanyahu’ s ties to Partrich date as far…

… Studies at the University of Michigan, said the outside donation to a sitting prime minis- ter “is incredibly unusual. ” “Over the past decade or so, there have been, in the Likud party particularly…

…, attacks against the center and left-wing parties for receiving foreign donations from American Jews, and that it is an unnecessary and undue foreign influence on Israeli pol- itics, ” Roby said. “To…

… hear that [Netanyahu] is openly soliciting donations from American Jews is not surprising, but pretty shock- ing. ” CORRIE COLF STAFF WRITER Bibi’s Buddy in Bloomfield Hills Spencer Partrich…

… Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, jewishdetroit. org/donate-online; Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, jfsdetroit.org; University of Michigan Depression…

…-legal studies from the University of Michigan in 1964 and his J.D. at the University of Michigan Law School in 1967. He met the love of his life, Phyllis, while an undergradu- ate student. They married in…

…, Jill Powers and Annette Powers; grandsons, continued on page 60 We believe that every Jew has a portion in the world to come. Trust us to prepare your loved one for that journey. …

…18 | JULY 30 • 2020 Jenny Schwartz, her husband, Brian, and her kids Eli, Jonah and Kayla JENNY SCHWARTZ Mom Michigan also has ideas from par- ents for easy, affordable and fun at…

… Michigan has even man- aged to unearth a small silver lining in the midst of the pandemic. Gotlib said, “Michigan is such a beautiful state with so many magnificent places to hike and explore that were…

… explore that were in our backyard all along, but it took a pandemic to make us go out and fi nd them.” — SHIRLI GOTLIB Jews in the D cover story HUNNY KHODORKOVSKY Hunny Khodorkovsky and kids…

… Jew. He observes the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sun- down Saturday. That means no checking his phone, watching tele- vision, surfing the internet or driving, no handling of money, and no boxing…

… medalist and world champion, and Marie- Eve Dicaire in Shields’ home- town of Flint. With Michigan slowly reopening, Salita has a plan for his next show. He wants to put together a boxing card at the…

… loosen its grip on professional sports STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER He’s a Boxing Promoter ... and an Orthodox Jew continued on page 38 Dmitriy Salita connects in a bout against Ramon Montano at…

…24 | JULY 30 • 2020 Local Hadassah members advocated for Never Again Education Act. for Never Again Education Act. ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jews in the D T wo life members of…

… Advocacy Committee, successfully interact- ed with Michigan’ s congressional delegation to back bills implementing Holocaust edu- cation in school districts nationwide. The “Never Again Education Act” was…

… signed into law on May 29. The 302 co-sponsors of the House of Representatives’ bill, passed on Jan. 27, included nine from Michigan: Democrats Debbie Dingell, Dan Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, Andy Levin…

…, Elissa Slotkin, Haley Stevens and Rashida Tlaib, and Republicans John Moolenaar and Fred Upton. A Senate bill, nearly identical to the House version, had 79 co-sponsors (not including either Michigan…

… Council and co-vice president of Education. Lowe worked more than 30 years as legal counsel in a nonpartisan Michigan Senate office. Originally from Muskegon, she moved to Lansing in 1970. She and her…

… her little sister was called “ a dirty Jew. ” Lowe remembered their grand- mother’ s lament for the six million and said a book by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel “ changed my outlook on humanity…

… Peters, both Michigan Democrats. After the House bill passed, Lowe followed up with both “ to stay on their radar. ” Hadassah tracked the bills’ progress on the congressional website. Lowe said she…

…. For information, contact Kara Schuchman at kschuchman@michjewishhistory.org. JEWS AND CIVIL RIGHTS LECTURE 7 PM, AUG. 6 Jewish Historical Society of Michigan welcomes San Francisco State University…

… explores timely issues of prejudice, how it is spread by organized hate groups and how to combat it. JHS TRIVIA NIGHT 7 PM, JULY 28 Jewish Historical Society of Michigan holds its second Virtual Trivia…

… Night. Questions will be themed around Michigan’ s diverse and fascinating Jewish history. JHSM’ s Trivia Night is $10 for members and $18 for non-members. Attendees should register by 9 pm on July 27…

… (SFSU) Professor Marc Dollinger on Zoom. Dollinger will speak on “Jews and Civil Rights: 1950s-1970s.” The lecture is $10 for JHSM members and $18 for nonmembers. Attendees should register by 9 pm on…

… Aug. 5. For information, contact Kara Schuchmanat kschuchman@michjewishhistory.org. UPCOMING BOOK CLUB 7 PM, AUG. 12 The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan Book Club will discuss Replica Dodge…

… am also obligated to offer compassion. I know that my fellow Americans and that my fellow Jews are suf- fering and therefore I am obli- gated to help, but I am afraid to give up too much. I wonder…

…- tions of race and racism at the very heart of the battle. Among Judaism’s gifts to the world, though, is the teaching that the antidote to political polarization is the ability, modeled by Jews, to…

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… Loan give interest-free loans to local Jews for a variety of personal, health, educational and small business needs. If you have a home in Detroit, or are interested in moving into the city, HFL’s Move…