…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Champion FOR DETROIT A The community mourns the loss of Eugene Driker, a civic leader who supported its cultural institutions and helped mediate the agreements that saved Detroit from bankruptcy. See page 12 $200 Oct. 13-19, 2022 / 18-24 Tishrei 5783 thejewishnews.com …
…1,400 HOMES SOLD HALF A BILLION IN SALES 248.425.6000 Jeff@JeffBarkerHomes.com www.JeffBarkerHomes.com J E F F B A R K E R 248.807.2232 Matt@MattBarkerHomes.com www.MattBarkerHomes.com M AT T B A R K E R SELLING A HOME A WEEK IN 2022! …
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 3 contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-11 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 12 A Champion for Detroit The community mourns the loss of Eugene Driker, a civic leader who supported its cultural institutions and helped mediate the agreements that saved Detroit from bankruptcy. 20 A Steadfast Leader Federation honors Ben Rosenthal with Butzel Award at annual meeting. 22 Michigan Veteran of th...…
…4 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 for openers A Kick in the Pants I ’m writing my column having just witnessed our beloved and beleaguered Detroit Lions find yet another innovative way to lose a close football game. (This was written in advance of this past Sunday’s Lions-Patriots game.) Instead, this account is from the day after the Lions’ Oct. 2 loss, which was for the birds, or rather to the birds, the Seattle Seahawks by a score of...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 5 …
…6 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 1942 - 2022 Covering and Connecting Jewish Detroit Every Week To make a donation to the DETROIT JEWISH NEWS FOUNDATION go to the website www.djnfoundation.org The Detroit 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: De...…
…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com OCTOBER 13• 2022 | 7 of the identity of many Jews. Its derogation is analogous, in this way, to other forms of hate and bigotry. Some commentators defend these exclusions on speech grounds, arguing that “groups also have a right to be selective, to set their own rules for membership.” They are wrong about this. As Dean ...…
…8 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 PURELY COMMENTARY column What I Saw as an Israeli Helping the Victims of Hurricane Fiona M y name is Tamar Shlezinger. I have a Ph.D. in social work and am a volunteer with United Hatzalah of Israel. Currently, I am taking part in the orga- nization’s delegation to Puerto Rico to offer psychological and medical aid in the wake of Hurricane Fiona. I landed in San Juan, Puerto Rico with my five partners, all Uni...…
…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 RECRUITM...…
…10 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 W ith the two-year anniversary last month, the historic signing of the Abraham Accords ushered in a new era in the Middle East. The normalization agreements established first between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, then later a renewal in ties with Morocco, have led to new opportunities in the Middle East. People- to-people exchanges, business partnerships and government agreements have ...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 11 In July, President Joe Biden visited Israel and Saudi Arabia, where speculation over warming ties between Jerusalem and Riyadh was front and center. The trip, the first Mideast visit by Biden since taking office, demonstrated that the U.S. remained focused on enhancing the region’s security through strengthening partnerships with its allies. While it did not feature any major announcements — like a new n...…
…OUR COMMUNITY ugene Driker was a loyal Detroit supporter, a highly respected attorney, a com- munity leader, a generous philanthropist and, above all, a devoted family man. On Sept. 29, 2022, Eugene passed away peacefully at his Palmer Woods home, surrounded by those he held most dear. He was 85. Eugene was known for his impeccable ethics, his remarkable negotiating skills and an uncanny ability to find workable solutions to seemin...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 13 FOR DETROIT “HE WAS A VOICE OF REASON DURING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME … A VERY SMART PERSON AND A TRUE GENTLEMAN WHO CARED ABOUT PEOPLE AND SHOWED IT.” — FORMER MICHIGAN GOV. RICK SNYDER “EUGENE DRIKER WAS THE FINEST LEGAL COUNSELOR I HAVE EVER KNOWN AS WELL AS A VERY CLOSE FRIEND FOR DECADES. HIS INSIGHT, ANALYSIS AND THINKING WERE INCOMPARABLE, AND THEY WERE COMPLEMENTED BY A SENSE OF FAIR DEALING AND C...…
…OUR COMMUNITY continued on page 16 continued from page 12 14 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 ON THE COVER chair for the Wayne State Law School and a steadfast donor, making numerous gifts and establishing several endowed funds. He was instrumental in creating the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at the law school and served as its first board chair. “His passion, generosity and brilliance made a difference to so many, ” said Wayne Sta...…
…In loving memory of our beloved partner Eugene Driker may his memory be for a blessing. …
…OUR COMMUNITY TOP: Dedication of the Eugene and Elaine C. Driker Trail on the east end of Belle Isle in April 2022. MIDDLE LEFT: Eugene and Elaine were avid bicyclists. Six weeks before he died, Eugene completed a 15-mile bike ride in Glen Arbor, Michigan. MIDDLE RIGHT: Stephen Driker with his dad. BOTTOM: The entire Driker clan in Israel on the occasion of Eugene’s 80th birthday. continued on page 18 continued from page 14 16 | OCTOB...…
…Eugene Driker February 24, 1937 - September 29, 2022 With the death of Eugene Driker, the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy has lost a wise, steady, and committed leader. Serving as the Chair of our Advisory Board for over seven years, Eugene touched us all with his kindness, humor, candor, and warmth. He will be greatly missed. The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy celebrates the life of Jewish Federation of Metropo...…
…18 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 continued from page 16 groundbreaking ceremony for the Eugene and Elaine C. Driker Trail on Belle Isle, part of the Ralph Wilson Gateway and Trail, the official southern trailhead for Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, a 2,000-mile hiking and biking route stretching from Belle Isle to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula. The trib- ute holds special meaning for Eugene, who spent many happy afternoons at Belle Isle wit...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 19 New York and Florida. They spent many happy summers at their condo in Glen Arbor, exploring scenic Leelanau County with their children and grandchildren. Eugene and Elaine took up bicycling together and enjoyed numerous bike rides with friends and family. As recently as August, Eugene completed a 15-mile ride up north, which he commemorated with a photo of his odometer to authenticate his accomplishment. I...…
…20 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 B en Rosenthal will be presented with the Fred M. Butzel Memorial Award for Distinguished Community Service at the Jewish Federation/United Jewish Foundation’s 2022-23 annual meeting on Oct. 13. The award, Federation’s highest volunteer honor, is named for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s first president and is presented every fall to a com- munity member for his or her leadership and devotion....…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 21 heading up Federation’s Israel and Overseas Allocations Committee, have been mean- ingful. “In everything he did, he always got into the details of each task, and he always kept a certain big-picture perspective of what this meant to the entire community, ” Neistein says. “He has an ability to not only attend to the details and the pieces that go into that, but he understands how the pieces fit together. ” ...…
…22 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 W orld War II Jewish War Veteran (JWV) Art Fishman, 95, never tires in the giving of his time and energy in support of his fellow veterans, both in and out of the Jewish community. And I never tire of writing about my dear friend — at least a dozen times in the JN, if you’re keeping track, two times as a cover boy. Art is a member of JWV Shapiro-Rose Post 510. He’s their past commander and is the J...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 23 SUPPORT FROM ALL OVER Numerous letters of endorsements were received by the CGM in the lead-up to their voting for the award, including from Kate Melcher, executive director of Fisher House of Michigan. The Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while loved ones are hospitalized in nearby VA medical centers. One residence is currently open ...…
…24 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 of July holiday weekend, you’re guaranteed to find Art facilitating the participation of the JWV in community parades throughout the Metro Detroit area — this year marching in Oak Park. And what can only be a fitting conclusion to a busy year for our veteran community’s biggest cheerleader, the Metro Detroit Veterans Coalition, sponsors of Detroit’s annual Veterans Day Parade, has named Art Fishman, one ...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 25 As the new year begins, we invite you to join us in our advocacy work, community service projects, and programming. NCJW | MI is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action, is inspired by Jewish values, and strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. WISHES OUR ...…
…26 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY A bored teen? Not the best expe- rience for anyone (yes, parents, I’m talking to you, too.) A Teen Board? Well, that’s a different story and, by all accounts, a great experience in learning to help others. Teen Board is an initiative of The Jewish Fund that aims to develop teens as “philanthropists” and engage them in hands-on grant-making. Established in 1997 from the sale pro- ceeds of Sinai...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 27 WHAT LESSONS FROM TEEN BOARD WILL SHAPE YOUR FUTURE? Madison Charnas: I will con- tinue to be involved with nonprofits in the future and, through Teen Board, I was able to find many different nonprofits in the Metro Detroit area that I am inter- ested in volunteering with. Ella Fried: Knowledge about philanthropy has greatly bol- stered my ability to act upon my passion for social justice. It will continue t...…
…28 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY S tandWithUs, an international nonpartisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism, recently announced the 2022-23 students participating in its high school and campus programs. The StandWithUs 2022- 23 Emerson Fellows from Detroit are seniors Hope Winslow, Michigan State University; Jeremy Soper, Wayne State University; and sophomore Aidan Harris, University o...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 29 OUR COMMUNITY conference, “Israel in Focus” from March 2-5, 2023. Held in Los Angeles, the conference is open to both student leaders and community members. Students have their own track, there are breakout sessions, and everyone joins the plenaries to hear from renowned experts from all over the world. NEW FACES AT STANDWITHUS Hailey Stern is the new StandWithUs Midwest High School Regional Manager. ...…
…30 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 An Oasis of Judaism J ackson’s Temple Beth Israel (TBI) is a Reform synagogue formed in 1862 by Jews of German background. The temple developed out of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, which had been organized in 1858. The congregation includes fifth- generation members. “This is either the oldest or second-oldest Reform congregation in the state of Michigan that is still active,” said president Cathy Glick. ...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 31 “We have seven deep freezers in various places in the synagogue, and we make matzah ball soup, chicken, brisket, stuffed cabbage, noodle kugel, all kinds of soups and desserts,” Glick said. “And we have big community outreach for that, and people wait all year to get really good Jewish food. “We don’t have a deli in Jackson. This is really not deli food, but this is traditional stuff you would have at home....…
…32 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY S amantha Foon, 34, of Bloomfield Hills was nominated as Volunteer of the Week for her active role as a volunteer in countless organizations throughout the Metro Detroit Jewish community. “Samantha is a superstar,” said Nicole Miller, director of ORT America Michigan Region. “She is a true leader, and ORT is so lucky to have her involved in two of its four annual fundraisers. As co-chair of ...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 33 Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation. Need help taking care of a parent? ☐ Call jhelp at 1-833-445-4357 ☐ Visit jhelp.org ☐ Chat online with a staff member or schedule a call at jhelp.org ☐ Do all of the above X Q We Have Answers. SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS! IMMACULATE AND SPACIOUS WEST BLOOMFIELD You’ll fall in lov...…
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…36 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 faces&places Jewish Family Service employees attended a staff appreciation event with America’s greatest pastime at Comerica Park on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The event was preceded by a staff lunch at both the Oak Park and West Bloomfield offices and was an opportunity for people to connect with colleagues they don’t interact with on a regular basis. “People enjoyed hanging out, laughing, learning more abou...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 37 S ara Kirsch wanted to make aliyah to Israel for career purposes. At the time, she was teaching high school in China and taught high school in Korea as well. Still, something was missing for the Birmingham- born teacher, who attended Temple Israel and Tamarack Camps growing up. “I wanted to work in Israeli high-tech,” Kirsch, 32, explains. Israel is a world leader in the high-tech indus- try. She had also ...…
…38 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 High-Tech, which aims to educate global readers about cutting-edge Israeli technol- ogy and how to navigate the industry. Her most popular post, she says, is about how to get legally fired in Israel, since getting fired from a job requires a “Shimua” or a hearing. “The goal is to provide information that’s not really accessible in English online,” Kirsch explains. “Some legal information about employ- ment...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 39 NEXT DOR M oishe House is a global leader in creating peer-led programming and opportunities for meaning- ful engagement in Jewish life for young adults who find themselves in between campus life and starting families of their own. Moishe House now offers more than 150 homes and pods in over 30 countries. One of the thriving Moishe House homes is right here in Royal Oak (MoHoRo). The residents describe the...…
… Monday, November 7 @ 6 PM The Matchmaker’s Gift Lynda Cohen Loigman Friday, November 11 @ 11 AM Modern Jewish Comfort Food Shannon Sarna Celebrating the Art of Jewish Storytelling Celebrating the Art of Jewish Storytelling PATRON NIGHT! Saturday, November 5 @ 7:30 PM I Was Better Last Night | Harvey Fierstein A poignant and hilarious memoir from the cultural icon, gay rights activist, and four-time Tony Award-winning actor and playw...…
…For the full lineup, visit: jccdet.org/bf-lineup Celebrating the Art of Jewish Storytelling Celebrating the Art of Jewish Storytelling PATRON NIGHT! Saturday, November 5 @ 7:30 PM I Was Better Last Night | Harvey Fierstein A poignant and hilarious memoir from the cultural icon, gay rights activist, and four-time Tony Award-winning actor and playwright. To become a Book Fair patron, please call (248) 609-3303 or visit www.jccdet.org/...…
…42 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 SPORTS A fter a two-year absence caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic, the annual Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner has returned. It will be held Oct. 24 with a familiar look at a familiar place. The dinner will be at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, its original venue. The first dinner was held at Shaarey Zedek on Dec. 4, 1985. The dinner moved from Shaarey Zedek to the Jewish C...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 43 Maccabi Games and Maccabi USA, which oversees the U.S. team that competes in the Maccabiah Games. He was the chairman when Detroit hosted the Maccabi Games in 2008. Gurwin was a high school and college football official and officiating clinician, continuing a football career highlighted by two state championships at Farmington Hills Harrison High School. He was a 1995 Jewish News High School Athlete of th...…
…44 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 WOMEN’S HEALTH I t was a tough moment when Lauren Willens, 34, of Bloomfield Hills discovered she had a BRCA1 (Breast Cancer gene 1) gene mutation in 2018. “Both of my parents died at young ages from cancer. When my husband, David, and I were married and trying to conceive, as an Ashkenazi Jewish couple, before getting pregnant, we underwent routine genetic screening. “We were planning on only undergoing a ...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 45 by the age of 40. “And approximately around that age range, we want patients to complete their childbearing,” she said. In 2021, Willens was diagnosed and courageously defeated triple-negative breast cancer. As a part of her journey, she underwent 20 rounds of chemotherapy, 20 rounds of an additional immunotherapy and a double mastectomy. “When I was in remission from my breast cancer and two months afte...…
…46 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 WOMEN’S HEALTH F or more than 30 years, licensed psy- chologist Linda Sircus has been serv- ing the Metro Detroit area and the greater United States. “I was always inter- ested in people’s stories, ” she says. “I’m still fascinated by human beings and behavior. ” Based in Franklin, Sircus Psychological Services, PLLC, is the result of many years of hard work. Throughout her three-decade career, Sircus has work...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 47 Your Oral Health: The Gateway to a Healthier Body! www.drnemet h. com 248.357.3100 29829 Telegraph Road, Suite 111 Southfield, Michigan 48034 Did You Know Your Mouth is Connected to Your Overall Health? We provide breakthrough techniques and outstanding care for gum disease, gum recession, and missing teeth so you can enjoy a healthier smile and a healthier body. Minimally Invasive LANAP Laser Treatment for G...…
…WOMEN’S HEALTH WOMEN’S HEALTH DIRECTORY FOR 2022 BARBARA ANN KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE 4100 John R Detroit, MI 48201 (800) 527-6266 www.karmanos.org Headquartered in Detroit, Karmanos is the largest cancer care and research network in the state with 15 locations. It is among the nation’s best cancer centers as one of the National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers and the only one located in Metro Detroit...…
…OCTOBER 13 • 2022 | 49 WOMEN’S HEALTH T he Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, in partnership with the Karmanos Cancer Advocacy Program (KCAP), Karmanos Cancer Network and McLaren Health Care, will host the 12th Annual All Cancer Symposium on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s conference is free and available virtually and in per- son at three locations through- out Michigan: • Hospitality House at ...…
…business SPOTlight brought to you in partnership with B I R M I N G H A M 50 | OCTOBER 13 • 2022 T albert Stein is not a physician. He doesn’t even play one on TV. But the former physics professor is a scientist, so while it’s unusual, it’s not totally surprising that he has had two pieces published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Both are based on his experience developing treatments for his own medical problems. “Th...…
