…$200 Sept. 12-18, 2024 / 9-15 Elul, 5784 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue building is named in memory of its dynamic leader Samantha Woll. See page 10 Her Lives On Legacy …
…10 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue building is named in memory of its building is named in memory of its dynamic leader Samantha Woll. dynamic leader Samantha Woll. Her Legacy Lives On OUR COMMUNITY COVER STORY The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue …
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 11 T he sun shone brightly when more than 425 people turned out for the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue’s Third Annual Block Party. There was much to celebrate! The massive $7.5 million, two- phase renovation of the entire building had been completed, including the much-anticipated rooftop deck and elevator that reaches every level. Entertainment and delicious food and drinks were in abundance. Joy filled th...…
…Dr. Monica Woll Rosen, Sam’s sister, was the final speaker before the building’s dedication was revealed. “In addition to the numerous progressive causes Sam fought actively for, ” she said, “my sister deeply believed in the revival of the Downtown Synagogue and Jewish Detroit in general. “It was her dream that this building behind me would serve as an epicenter for Jewish life in Detroit. That shared office spaces, programming a...…
…Dr. Monica Woll- Rosen speaks about her sister’s dedication to the Downtown Synagogue. Sam’s nephew and son of Monica and Ben, Gabriel Rosen, and Ben’s brother Jason Morrison pull the rope for the name reveal. Sam Rosen, David Dabbon, Andy Einhorn and Laura de Palma Yeona, daughter of IADS Board Member Jacinta Jenkins, gets her face painted by Face Flair. More than 425 people came to the IADS block party and building dedica...…
…I t’s safe to say the past 11 months have been among the most dramatic in Matisyahu’s 20-year career as a recording artist. And that’s saying something. In the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, the Grammy Award-nominated singer/ rapper/songwriter/producer has been among Israel’s most vociferous supporters and, consequently, any of his performances and other public appearances have become targets for protest. But he remains unbowed in...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 15 DISCOVER THE POWER OF SANCTUARY Discover Lincoln Owner Benefits Custom Ordering & Home Delivery Upon Request A, Z, X Plans Specialist 1950 W. MAPLE RD. TROY, MICHIGAN 48084 WWW.LINCOLNOFTROY.COM 248-643-6600 …
…16 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N continued from page 14 United Hatzalah Matisyahu’s concert on Sept. 17 will benefit United Hatzalah, an organization that hasn’t been around as long as he has but that’s made significant contributions globally with its humanitarian work. By its own description, United Hatzalah is “a community-based volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) organization committed to providing the fastest response to medi...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 17 art space.” Matisyahu is diving deep into that space now — on the business front, too, since he’s managing himself and is, he says, on “a learning curve” of working without a record company and amidst contemporary technology and distribution channels. In this effort, Matisyahu is assisted by his oldest son Laivy Miller, who’s a performer as well. The five tracks on the Hold the Fire EP came from a batch of ...…
…18 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N R ebekah Gregory in April of 2013 was standing on the sidelines of the Boston Marathon eating a chocolate- covered pretzel, her 5-year-old son at her feet, when terrorists detonated a bomb 3 feet away. She shielded his body with hers and, in the process, saved both their lives but lost the lower part of her left leg. But after 76 surgeries, learning how to live with a prosthetic and fulfilling a goal...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 19 National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan THANKS ALL OF ITS GENEROUS SPONSORS, DONORS, AND VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF ITS TENTH ANNUAL Back 2 School Store. The Back 2 School Store Committee, with the support of our donors, partnered with 19 local human service agencies to provide 900 Detroit students with new clothing and the right supplies for a successful school year. Volunteers helped to distribute the ...…
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…20 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N Secrets Women to Work program. Schlesinger-Wagner gives back to the community by sponsoring programs to help homeless children, shelters, women seeking to reinvent their working lives, medical research, and communities providing housing, food and health services. “People ask me when I am going to retire and I say never,” Schlesinger-Wagner, 76, said. “My business allows me to give so much and make p...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 21 Serving the Jewish Community for over 30 years! 4130 TELEGRAPH ROAD | BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302 NOAH BISHOP COHEN The Next Generation of “SOLD” ns.cohen26@gmail.com MELANIE BISHOP “SOLD” is my middle name melaniesold@aol.com MelanieSold.com 248.867.7800 OVER 1 BILLION IN CAREER SALES! WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP | $995,000 4 beds, 2.3 baths the 2-story great room with 2 story stainless fireplace, floor to ceil...…
…22 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N Adat Shalom Al Fresco Outdoor pavilion completed in time for the High Holidays. A dat Shalom Synagogue now has an outdoor pavilion. Construction began at the start of August and has just been completed in time for the High Holidays. Over the last several years, the Farmington Hills synagogue has been hosting an increased number of outdoor family services and outdoor events. During these years, the sy...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 23 Join us in celebrating the 34 Join us in celebrating the 34th th anniversary of Yad Ezra anniversary of Yad Ezra providing free kosher food for Jewish families in need. providing free kosher food for Jewish families in need. HONORING HONORING JEFF & DEBBIE SUPOWIT JEFF & DEBBIE SUPOWIT Dinner Co-Chairs: Monica Brockmeyer and Ken Bernard, and Lucinda and Sandy Rosen Dinner Co-Chairs: Monica Brockmeyer and Ken ...…
…24 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N A bout 100 members of the Jewish community gathered for an impromptu vigil outside the Royal Oak Library on the evening of Sept. 4 for the six hostages who were found executed in Gaza after more than 330 days in captivity. Their names were Ori Danino, 25; Carmel Gat, 40; Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23; Alexander Lobanov, 32; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Eden Yerushalmi, 24. A complete grassroots effort, the event wa...…
…U-M Hillel Memorializes Slain Hostages JN STAFF O n Tuesday, Sept. 3, the University of Michigan Hillel’s Wolverines for Israel planned a memorial for the six slain hostages, murdered by Hamas when they were so close to being rescued. About 500 people attended. “I am so proud of our student leaders for bringing together the Jewish community on campus last night in memory of Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg- Polin, Alexander Lob...…
…26 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N L ast year, 600 Metro Detroit Jewish women gathered to knead and braid challah at RISE Challah Bake at the Nancy Grosfeld Campus of Yeshiva Beth Yehudah in Oak Park. It was a time of unity. Taking place in November, just one month after the events in Israel that would set off a war with Hamas and increased antisemitism worldwide, RISE Challah Bake was an emotional, powerful and moving event for women...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 27 …
…L immud Michigan returns this year with an expansive, diverse program on Sunday, Sept. 22, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield. Limmud, which means learning in Hebrew, is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that provides a day of wide-ranging educational opportunities for individuals with varied Jewish affiliations and interests. Limmud was founded in Great Britain during the 1980s to provide activities for the loc...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 29 ROSH HASHANAH GREETINGS Ad Deadline: September 19th, 2024 Continue an 80-year tradition! Wish your family and friends and the entire Jewish community a Happy New Year with an ad in The Detroit Jewish News. For information, call 248-351-5116 or email salessupport@thejewishnews.com STEP 1: Select Your Style STYLE #1 Rosh Hashanah May the New Year bring to all our friends and family health, joy, prosperity ...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 3 J N contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-8 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 10 Her Legacy Lives On The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue building is named in memory of its dynamic leader Samantha Woll. 14 Unbowed Matisyahu to perform at United Hatzalah benefit at Adat Shalom Synagogue. 18 Women of Vision Boston Marathon bombing survivor to speak at NCJW’s annual event. 2...…
…30 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N T he children are back in school, swimming pools have closed for the season and the trees are starting to change color. This must mean the first day of fall is right around the corner. As we all settle back into our routines, I offer you a variety of options to help our community. Whatever your schedule allows, I encourage you to pick something from this list — I promise it will be fun! Fall in Mi...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 31 As featured on: Need Help with an IRS or State Tax Problem? Call the experts at 1-800-TAX-LEVY (829-5389) • Tax Liens • Collection Notices • Penalties • Unfi led Tax Returns • Audits Call us today to answer your questions or to schedule a meeting and say goodbye to those sleepless nights! 1-800-TAX-LEVY (829-5389) www.levytaxhelp.com We Listen …. We Care … We Help! HQ: 28400 Southf eld Road., Lathrup Villag...…
…A t a time when American Jews are grappling with anxiety about Israel’s safety and their own, Hadassah brought a group of Jewish women together this summer to hear about the organization’s impact. The local chapter, which has seen a substantial jump in membership since Oct. 7, gathered a group of Jewish women from Metro Detroit ahead of the organization’s national convention in Las Vegas to hear from two Israel- based speakers from...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 33 current events in Israel. “They realize how Israel is important as it is, and I think knowing what Hadasash is and does drew some people to come, to learn about more about it. Post-Oct. 7, I think a lot of people who were a little disconnected were finding they want to be connected, and Hadassah can do that for them in many ways. ” From speakers talking about what Hadassah has done since Oct. 7 to save liv...…
…34 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 A Jewish-owned and Detroit- based creative studio offers creative storytelling platforms for people of all ages and abilities. Tink Tank Animate, an autism center located on Livernois, helps artists from beginners to advanced exercise and develop their cognitive skills through animation, story creation, and a guided approach through the overall creative and production process. Through both in-person and ...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 35 OLD-FASHIONED FUN While Tink Tank Animate is full of high-end production gear and equipment — pens that can draw on screens, a recording studio with instruments, an infinity stage for filming, a theater and a stop-motion studio — Dorenfeld says there’s zero intimidation. In fact, the studio’s name is derived from the art of “tinkering,” or simply playing around. “We don’t want anyone to think, ‘Oh, I can’t ...…
…36 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N A n international Jewish teen choir group is opening its doors in Metro Detroit. The new Detroit chapter of HaZamir, the teen division of Zamir Choral Foundation, is currently recruiting teens entering grades 9-12 to join its up-and-coming choir group. It’s the latest iteration of 36 HaZamir chapters across the U.S. and Israel (with 27 in the U.S. alone) that offer meaningful musical experiences to te...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 37 J N W hen we look back at our lives, many of us relish our days in college, if we were lucky enough to enjoy that special educational experience. Even if we weren’t so lucky, being a lifelong learner can keep us vital and engaged even in our later years. Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit (JSL) is known for signature programming spanning a range of interests for the older adults it serves in i...…
…38 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N T here’s nothing quite like eat- ing ice cream on a hot sum- mer day. For adults served by JARC, a Bloomfield Hills-based nonprofit organization serving adults with developmental disabili- ties in Metro Detroit, an ice cream social was a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. The people JARC serves were all smiles as they played lawn games like croquet and cornhole, socialized with friends and, of cour...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 39 J N M ore than 100 people attended an open house on Aug. 8 for the new Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Center, operated by Gesher Human Services and designed for individuals with a serious mental health diagnosis. Supporters of the center and board members, along with participants and families interested in finding out more about programming with their loved ones, visited the new 8,676-square-foot space located wi...…
…4 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N opinion Our Collective, Endless Grief Is an Expression of Love — and Our Most Powerful Weapon W hen I was a little girl, my teacher told us about an ancient Jewish tradition — a story of a miraculous goblet that God keeps in the heavens, a tear catcher. It is said to be so delicate, yet so powerful, that it can hold the tears of our entire Jewish people, across time and space. She told us that every t...…
…40 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N E li Katz admits he’d never heard of the JCC Maccabi Games until six months or so before they took place in Detroit this summer. The Ann Arbor Pioneer High School freshman is glad he learned about the Maccabi Games, signed up and joined the 14U Detroit baseball team. Make that the gold medal- winning 14U Detroit baseball team. “I want to play in the Maccabi Games again next year,” Katz said. “It was so...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 41 J N third inning and looking like it was going to lose its third straight game, Detroit scored five runs to tie Mexico. After falling behind again 7-5 in the top of the fourth, the Motown boys came back with three runs in the bottom of the fourth to move in front 8-7. Mexico failed to score in the top of the fifth, the time limit ran out, and Detroit won the game. “That victory gave us so much confidence. We...…
…business SPOTlight brought to you in partnership with B I R M I N G H A M 42 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N Y oung “plantreprenuer” and plant enthusiast Jake Janowitz, 24, of Birmingham, has recently launched Botany Birmingham, a boutique plant shop featuring rare, uncommon, collector’s editions and unique houseplants available for residential and commercial use. As a lifelong nature fanatic, the recent Michigan State University ...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 43 J N here’s to The Michigan Bankers Association announced that Congressman Jack Bergman is the recipient of the 2024 Economic Impact Award. This award recognizes public officials for their unwavering leadership in shaping public policies that foster and invigorate a robust Michigan economy. The award recognizes “Bergman’s commitment to creating policies that strengthen and uplift the state of Michigan.” mo...…
…44 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N C orewell Health welcomed Lamont Yoder, RN, as its new president of Corewell Health East, effective May 6. He reports to the system’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Darryl Elmouchi. “We were searching for a dynamic, proven health care leader to oversee our eight hospitals in the Metro Detroit area,” Dr. Elmouchi said. “Lamont has more than 25 years of heath care leadership experience across the countr...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 45 J N Wener-Pyle A lexandra and Joseph Wener are thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter Gillian Wener to Dr. Benjamin Pyle, son of Judith Wiener and John Pyle of Oak Park, Calif. Gillian is an environmental lawyer with Lathrop GPM in Boston, Mass. Gillian earned her bachelor’s degree in environment from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. ...…
…46 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N FOOD I t’s hard to believe that a new year will soon be upon us, including ample gatherings based around food. As it is traditional to start a Rosh Hashanah dinner by eating simanim (signs or omens), foods considered auspicious for a positive year, I include recipes for dishes incorporating these foods in Rosh Hashanah appetizers and side dishes. The origin of the tradition to eat simanim comes...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 47 Ingredients 8 3-ounce boneless salmon fillets, skin on 2 tsp. brown sugar ½ tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. cornstarch or potato starch Black pepper ¼ cup pomegranate molasses, room temperature 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil Fresh pomegranate seeds and mint for garnish (optional) Directions Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 300°F. Rinse the salmon fillets with cold water a...…
…48 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 I t is, by any standards, a strange, almost incomprehensible law. Here it is in the form it appears in this week’s parshah: “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around yo...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 49 CONSTANT VIGILANCE There is such a thing as rational xenophobia: fear and hatred of the foreigner, the stranger, the one-not- like-us. In the hunter-gatherer stage of humanity, it was vital to distin- guish between members of your tribe and those of another tribe. There was competition for food and territory. It was not an age of liberalism and tolerance. The other tribe was likely to kill you or oust you, gi...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 5 J N How could Alex Lobanov, whose wife gave birth to their second child while he was in captivity, documenting each new moment of life to share with him, be killed just miles away from his new baby? How could Almog Sarusi, who had already experienced the agony of seeing his girlfriend murdered at Nova, suffer even more? How could Carmel Gat, with her laughing brown eyes, who cared for the hostage children ...…
…50 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 Synagogue Directory METRO DETROIT CONSERVATIVE Adat Shalom Synagogue Farmington Hills (248) 851-5100 adatshalom.org Congregation Beth Ahm West Bloomfield (248) 851-6880 cbahm.org Congregation Beth Shalom Oak Park (248) 547-7970 congbethshalom.org Beth Tephilath Moses Mt. Clemens (586) 996-3138 bethtephilathmoses.com B’nai Israel Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 432-2729 bnaiisraelwb.org Congreg...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 51 REFORM Temple Beth El Bloomfield Township (248) 851-1100 tbeonline.org Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org Temple Israel West Bloomfield (248) 661-5700 temple-israel.org Temple Kol Ami West Bloomfield (248) 661-0040, tkolami.org Temple Shir Shalom West Bloomfield (248) 737-8700 shirshalom.org REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org SECULA...…
…52 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N ARTS&LIFE ART H untington Woods-based mixed media artist and Jewish community member Michelle Sider is returning to ArtPrize with two pieces of artwork that showcase Jewish themes and messages. The Grand Rapids international art competition takes place annually and features artists across all mediums. Last year, Sider was a finalist, and this year she hopes her artwork will shed important light on growi...…
…SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 | 53 J N PUZZLE ANSWERS Solution to puzzle in 9/5/24 issue. Sider also applied the Japanese craft of Kintsugi by using gold pieces along the rip lines of the image to show the value in mending what’s broken as a way of embracing imperfection and history. The original photo, Sider says, became wrinkled and damaged in transit to Canada. Filled with hope and courage, “ Anna” represents bravery in the face of dang...…
…54 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 J N ARTS&LIFE CELEBRITY NEWS T he Emmy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15. It starts at 8 p.m. (on ABC). This year’s co-hosts are Eugene Levy, 77, and Dan Levy, 41. This is the first time that a father and son will share the honor of being Emmy hosts. Here are the “verified” Jewish Emmy nominees. ACTORS AND ACTRESSES There are 12 acting categories. The number of nominees varies from one ca...…
