…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 35 outdoors and helping them build their own Jewish communities. After leaving camp staff, Jay spent multiple years on Tamarack’s Teen and Family Programming Committee, sharing his knowledge with new directors and camp leadership. He is a member of Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor and, during the pandemic, volunteered with their Backdoor Food Pantry. Jay lives in Ypsilanti with his spouse, Raysha Stacey, an...…
…36 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N E very family has “that” sentence that can have everyone dissolve into laughter because it reminds them of something from the past. In Lauren Slutsky’s case, it was her Holocaust survivor Grandma who said something memorable. But let’s backtrack. Meet Lauren, a born-and-bred Detroiter who grew up in Farmington Hills and attended Eagle, Warner and North Farmington. Her grand- parents, Nomi and Walter Lion,...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 37 A fter a long pandem- ic shutdown, the Jewish community’s greatest generation came back in droves for the 2023 Bessie Spector Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration. More than 300 guests attended, including 100 honorees who were 95 or older, 19 of whom were older than 100. This year’s event, “The Greatest Generation: Under the Big Top,” will be held on Friday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Adat Shalom Synagogu...…
…38 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N T he telltale squeak of basketball shoes on the parquet floor reverberated in the Farber Hebrew Day School gym for four consecutive days as the school hosted the sixth annual David Tanzman Memorial Tournament from Jan. 25-28. The school hosted Jewish day school teams from Columbus, Toronto, Cleveland, Denver and Pittsburgh in the premier small school tournament in Jewish high school basketball. Star...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 39 People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome. MORE COMFORT. MORE SUPPORT. MORE SAVINGS. TWO MONTHS FREE PLUS SAVE ON THE COMMUNITY FEE* Newly Renovated Assisted Living and Memory Care Apartments Our newly renovated apartments are even more attractive. Excitement fills the air as we reveal our newly renovated apartments, designed to offer both comfort and style. Explore a range of carefully crafted squ...…
…4 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N for openers Lion Tales T hank you, Detroit Lions, for what was truly a magical run. Yes, in the NFC Champion- ship game against the San Francisco 49ers we were 30 min- utes or one half of football away from feeling really “Super Duper. ” But alas, the ghosts of Lions past returned for an 8-minute stretch in the third quarter that led to our gut-wrenching loss. In an instant, we went from “Super Dupe...…
…40 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N L os Angeles-based Rabbi Sharon Brous, who was voted “ America’s No. 1 Most Influential Rabbi” by Newsweek and the Daily Beast, will dive into her new book, The Amen Effect, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek on Feb. 21 from 7-9 p.m. Brous, who serves as senior rabbi of IKAR in Los Angeles and whose TED Talk about reclaiming religion has been viewed 1.5 million times, will discuss the book based on themes...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 41 J N A n Adat Shalom Synagogue project that started during COVID-19 is finally being brought to life after experienc- ing delays due to the health pandemic. Phase one of the expan- sive 1,800-plus-square-foot Immersive Israel Playscape is undergoing final safety checks before being opened to Adat Shalom’s youngest members. The space, which is entirely inspired by Israel, will soon launch with a Masada-inspi...…
…42 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N T here are many reasons to volunteer your time in February. To start, volunteering strengthens your community. As a volunteer, you can help improve schools, support youth through mentoring and after-school programs, and beautify the community. You may even discover hidden talents you didn’t know were inside. Read on to learn about many ways you can help our community. Lighthouse was established in 201...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 43 MATTHILDUR MARK KELLER SINCE 1975 AUTUMN/WINTER 23 929 S ETON STREET OPEN THU - FRI 12-5PM SAT 11AM-6PM OR BY APPOINTMENT 248.550.1008 mark@matthildur.com www.MATTHILDUR.com 248-353-1000 Drew Ruby Bobby Raitt …
…faces&places 44 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N E nthusiastic and talented volunteers of all ages participated in Adat Shalom’s 10th Annual Volunteer Day, supporting many organizations throughout Metro Detroit and Israel. While acts of kindness are not saved for one day a year, Volunteer Day is always very special thanks to those that plan, implement and get creative during this event. Working together to create more than 1,000 item...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 45 J N T he Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Israel & Overseas department and JCRC/AJC hosted a unique Tu b’Shevat celebra- tion last month with our Hindu community partners. Tu b’Shevat is known as the Jewish new year of trees. It is a reminder to appreciate nature and what it provides for us, and to be thankful for the things we take for granted. Amy Ostroff spoke about her experience as an Indian- Israeli ...…
…46 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N faces&places F orty-three Repair the World Detroit volunteers packed 380 winter wellness kits for Detroit Community Fridge, made 640+ tea bags for those kits, made 42 dog toys for Reb Dogs Detroit, made 70 bookmarks for Brilliant Detroit, donated 22 books to Brilliant Detroit, noshed on delicious baked goods from good cakes and baked, and read stories that uplifted Black leaders, authors and illustr...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 47 SPOTLIGHT On Nov. 14, 2023, hundreds of Metro Detroiters look- ing to attend the March for Israel were left stranded at the D.C. airport when the busing company they con- tracted with experienced a “sick-out” from drivers who didn’t want to take them to the rally. Recently, a lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York alleging that bus driv- ers coordinated an antise- mitic refusal of service to a group...…
…48 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N quick hits BY STEVE STEIN H ouse balls are a staple of every bowling establishment. Racks hold dozens of worn-down, sometimes pock-marked balls of all colors and weights, used by bowlers of all ages and expertise levels. Rarely is a house ball mentioned in the same sentence as the pinnacle of bowling, the perfect 300 game. Much less two 300 games. But that’s how many perfect games Ken Folkoff has bowle...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 49 Max Sasson Is One of the Top Rookies in the American Hockey League “I thought I’ d never throw another 300 game. I’ d given up. And I hadn’t started a game with eight or nine strikes in a row in a while, ” he said. Having previous 300-game experience didn’t help him as he neared the conclusion of the latest perfect game, he said. “I was really nervous on my last couple shots. I could feel myself shaking, ” he...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 5 J N Serving the Jewish Community for over 30 years! CHAD BISHOP and ALAN BISHOP 4 0 1 E . L A S O L A S B LV D # 1 0 0 | F O R T L A U D E R D A L E , F L 3 3 3 0 1 ChadBishopGroup@gmail.com 954-999-7317 ChadBishopGroup.com ALBA PALM BEACH WEST PALM BEACH Premier waterfront enclave of 55 superbly crafted ultra-luxe residences. Offering graciously appointed two to four bedroom residences within South Florida...…
…50 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N I n the wake of the rising antisemitism being experienced across the country, some college campuses are doing more than others to educate students and the community at large. Oakland University’s president Dr. Ora Pescovitz was engaged in a discussion last April to address the roots of some of these issues and what she is doing about them, which hit close to home for the proudly Jewish leader. Not...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 51 want us to leave her lecture discouraged. We learned throughout her presentation that antisemitism has existed throughout history and presents itself in many ways. “Antisemitism will vary in time, place and context, and you cannot start to work on a cure if you do not understand the problem,” Bergman said. After her many years of research, she compiled several examples of children’s books, adult cartoon...…
…52 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N I t all started with a dream for change, increasing opportunities and belonging for all. I am an undergraduate nursing student at Northern Michigan University. Originally from a suburb of Kansas City, I engaged in various activities and experiences while coming of age. I was raised by my single mother, Michell Benjamin, who encouraged me to strive to become the leader I am today. With a single moth...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 53 ter became more than just a group of Jews; it became an understanding of safety and belonging. As Jews, we understand that, no matter what, our Jewish identities are intrinsic to one another. The Hillel at NMU chapter has been essential to my life through our Shabbat dinners, activities and storytelling. During our Shabbat dinners, we learned from all members about their Jewish faith and what being Jewish...…
…D uring my winter break, I felt obligated to go to Israel and help a nation in need. Israel has always been agriculturally independent, given the region’s geopolitical landscape. Following Hamas’ horrific attack on Oct. 7, many of the migrant workers left the nation, creating a significant labor shortage on the farms, which has caused Israeli farmers to struggle to keep their farms operational. My goal was to help provide more ...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 55 FEATURING Leypsa and Rabbi Irwin Groner Memorial Lecture Join us for a fascinating evening with Michael Oren! Statesman, historian, soldier, and author -- Former Ambassador Michael Oren has devoted his life to serving Israel and the Jewish people around the world. CSZ is excited to provide this unique opportunity to offer multi-faceted insights into what Israel is facing today. Admission is free and open to the ...…
…H a ha! LOL. Heh-heh. For the tech-savvy and non-techies alike, most of us can still recognize what these words are express- ing: laughter. What I find to be laughter’s most powerful quality is its ability to strengthen a com- munity. Laughter can diffuse tensions, elevate understand- ing between individuals or groups and even amplify com- munication by strengthening relationships. Whether we are young or old, quiet or loud, a co...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 57 J N T he Byron and Dorothy Gerson Emerging Leaders Retreat was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on all who attended. The retreat aimed to cultivate the leadership skills of Hillel students from across Michigan including Hillel of Metro Detroit, MSU Hillel, Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan, and Michigan Hillel. It certainly did so. With a raging blizzard outside, we gathered to wel...…
…58 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N D espite facing several hurdles, such as a worldwide shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and now the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Lester Ambassador Program continues to connect young Jewish leaders in Metro Detroit and Israel. The privately funded program, whose members Jewish Federation of Detroit initially helped connect through its Partnership2Gether program in 2018, facilitates community-buildin...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 59 A CHANGE OF PLANS Since then, the Lester Ambassador Program has facilitated several trips for participating Israelis to come to Metro Detroit and Metro Detroiters to visit Israel. While in Metro Detroit, Stern was introduced to area synagogues, organizations and community members to learn more about American Judaism. In Israel, meanwhile, participants learned about Israeli culture and how different sects of...…
…1942 - 2024 Covering and Connecting Jewish Detroit Every Week To make a donation to the DETROIT JEWISH NEWS FOUNDATION go to the website www.thejewishnews.com 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: Detroit Jewish News, 322...…
…60 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 F irst in Yitro there were the Aseret Hadibrot, the “Ten Utterances, ” the Ten Commandments, expressed as general principles. Now in Mishpatim come the details. Here is how they begin: “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without pay- ing anything … But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not ...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 61 even when making economic decisions we frequently mis- calculate their effects and fail to recognize our motivations, a finding for which Kahneman won the Nobel Prize. How then do you stop people doing harmful things without taking away their freedom? Thaler and Sunstein’s answer is that there are oblique ways in which you can influence people. In a cafeteria, for example, you can put healthy food at eye l...…
…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 Congregation B’nai Moshe West Blo...…
…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 SECULAR/HUMANISTIC Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 ...…
…64 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N M ark Lipson, who built a career around social work in the Rochester schools, has retired from that field and is building pursuits around preserving and promoting Detroit jazz composers, past and present, along with their music. A lifelong drummer and composer who has appeared with many bands even while doing social work, Lipson is now giving his attention to recording albums, developing sheet music and...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 65 J N continued on page 67 P ictures representing New York City life — including scenes of lone workmen atop a high- rise building, children dancing along a sidewalk and people of all ages at the beach — are among 150 images in a newly awarded book by Deborah Dash Moore, a University of Michigan history professor, Frankel Center for Judaic Studies leader and Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization edi...…
…66 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 CATCHING UP ON FEUD, EINSTEIN DOCUMENTARY, WINEHOUSE: SOUR? Feud: Capote Versus the Swans is an eight-episode series. The first two epi- sodes were released on Jan. 31 (on FX) and Feb. 1 (on Hulu). The remaining epi- sodes stream on successive Wednesdays or Thursdays. As I write this, I have seen the first two episodes and I thought they were terrific. Most of the many reviews are positive. Here’s the c...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 67 because everybody looks in New York. It goes to letting go and going out.” Dash Moore, who lived in New York for a time, began this book in 2005 and did her research by visiting the city’s historical centers and photographers’ studios. She has written almost 10 books in addition to this one. Although she personally takes photos of personal value, a deeper interest in photography has been with her husband, ...…
…JUST FOR FUN See answers in next week’s issue. For answers to the Feb. 8 puzzle, look on page 69. 68 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? In honor of President’s Day, can you unscramble the letters of these 10 American presidents? 1. harry lazy coat 2. likely lawn mimic 3. clanged revolver 4. jean or memos 5. fill mermaid roll 6. crankier elf pin 7. abhor ninja miners 8...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 69 OR VISIT: simplecirc.com/subscriber_login/the-detroit-jewish-news GET THE JN A DAY EARLY FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD All you need is your account number and zip code, both can be found on your mailing label or renewal form. Issues are posted Wednesday afternoon. SCAN HERE to Login and View Digital Issues JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Scan the QR code to book. We Stil Do. Celebrate your anniversary with the De...…
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…70 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N ON STAGE NOW-FEB. 24 Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig is a furiously paced comedy with more than a touch of the Marx Brothers. Now at the Farmington Players, 32332 W. 12 Mile, Farmington. Set in 1934, it is a hilarious combination of slapstick, word play, romance and great opera music. Tickets: ci.ovatio- intix.com/35951. Info: 248- 553-2955. MEGA MINYAN 10:30 AM-NOON, FEB. 17 (SAT.) At Adat Shalom Sy...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 71 Admission is $12 and includes admission to Outdoorama; $5 for chil- dren 6-14; and children 5 and under admitted free. Advance weekday tickets are $10 and are available for purchase through Wed., Feb. 21. On-site parking is available for a fee. For information, visit NoviCottageShow.com, facebook.com/novicot- tageshow, instagram.com/ novicottageshow or call 616-447-2860. ISRAEL HISTORY 7-8 PM, FEB. 22 (TH...…
… Aaron Mendelson Heating and Cooling, LLC. 248-855-0437 Cell: 248-912-2292 License # 7118488 Maintenance, Installation, Repair & Hot Water Heaters Ajmendelson1@gmail.com FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 $85 SERVICE FEE 24/7 Emergency Service Call today for your free in-home consultation 248.855.8747 Caren Bass Custom Closets,Inc. WHERE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE as featured on HGTV Leading the industry with over 30 ye...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 73 J N ADRIA ARONOVITZ, 83, of Southfield, died Feb. 7, 2024. She is sur- vived by her husband of 63 years, Marvin Aronovitz; sons and daughters-in- law, Danny and Joanne Aronovitz, and Jimmy and Mindy Aronovitz; daugh- ter and son-in-law, Margie and Marc Katz; grandchil- dren, Sara Aronovitz, Ben and Jill Aronovitz, Anna Aronovitz, Jordan and Sam Schlechter, Sydney and Jeffrey Talasazan, Anthony Aronovitz ...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 74 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N Renee and Mark Silverstein; son and daughter-in-law, Zachary and Lisa (Bebchick) Beim; grandchildren, Max Silverstein, Ariana (Ari) Silverstein, Elijah (Eli) Beim, Isabel (Izzy) Beim; nieces and nephew, Zeeda Mavian, Jennifer Lewis and Dr. Mark Kopel. Interment was held at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the Harvey M. Beim Scholarsh...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 75 J N dedication and contribu- tions to the plant processes. Naomi’s co-workers remem- ber her contagious smiles, frequent spirited laughter and treasured friendships. Naomi always had a pos- itive outlook on everything, took pride in her children, her work and her family. She was a kind, gentle and generous woman, who lived her life with joy until the very end; though her passing leaves an empty hole in the wo...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 76 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N KENNETH ANDREW STONE, 75, of West Bloomfield and Jupiter, Fla., died suddenly and unexpectedly in his Florida home on Feb. 2, 2024. He was born on May 2, 1948, in Detroit, son of Ralph and Rosalyn (Bronstein) Stone. He lived for a short while in Oak Park and later most of his youthful years in the Sherwood Forest area of Detroit. Ken attended Henry Ford High School and ...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 77 DR. MELVYN DAVID WOLF, 91, of Flint, died Feb. 6, 2024. Dr. Wolf was a loving, dedicated and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born Aug. 10, 1932, Melvyn was a bril- liant and wonderful individu- al who had profound impact on the lives of those around him. He served his country with honor and distinction as a captain and doctor of the U.S. Army in Fort Benning, Ga., from 1...…
…68 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at thejewishnews.com F eb. 14 was Valentine’s Day. Time to send your valentine a card, candy and/or flowers … or maybe jewelry, if your valentine has been really, really sweet! The origins of Valentine’s Day can be found over 1,000 years ago in a Christian feast in celebration of St. Valentine. Once Hallmark and o...…
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…8 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N essay ‘Go … Just Go to Israel’ I ’m putting out a challenge to everyone — go to Israel now and volunteer. I spent a week volunteering there in mid-December. Go there to visit, volunteer and let the people of Israel know that we support them. Go … just go. For many decades, there’s never been a more dire time for Israel to need volunteer support than now. Remember that all army reservists have been cal...…
