…SAME DAY EYE WEAR IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES We believe that eyewear should be an extension of your personality, so we strive to provide a variety of styles to fit each individual’s unique look. We have frames in all shapes and sizes, from classic designs to the latest trends. Our knowledgeable latest trends. Our knowledgeable staff is always on hand to help you find the perfect pair of eyeglasses to suit you. Schedule Your Eye Exam ...…
…JUNE 29 • 2023 | 7 these verses expansively, saying that when Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai began to teach mystical secrets, the trees started to sing. The Zohar, the mystical Torah commentary, imagines that when the Creator visits the Garden of Eden at mid- night, the trees burst into song. This description of plants is a reflection of the way many of us experience plants — as alive and in relationship to us. And it’s likely they reflect h...…
…8 | JUNE 29 • 2023 opinion Should the Pittsburgh Shul Murderer Hang? I n a decidedly unsurprising verdict, the man who mur- dered 11 Jews in the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh has been found guilty. Now, Robert Bowers faces a second judgment: The court must determine whether he will receive the death penalty. Three congre- gations were using the Tree of Life facility at the time of the massacre — New Light, ...…
…JUNE 29 • 2023 | 9 O n Tuesday, June 20, the JN’s website might have looked a bit dif- ferent to our frequent visitors. The JN moved to a new online platform specifically designed for news to create a better online expe- rience for our readers. The revamped website offers improved navi- gation, making it easier than ever to find the information you need, regardless of wheth- er you’re using a desktop, tablet or mobile device — ...…
…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Dec. 29, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023 / 5-11 Tevet 5783 thejewishnews.com A look back at the year that was. See page 10 …
…1. Visit Your Dermatologist Suffering from itchy, flaky winter skin or other concerns? We can help. Reminder: book your Annual Total-Body Skin Cancer Exam. 2. Use Your Sunscreen Snowy days still require a broad- spectrum 30 SPF sunscreen or higher. 3. Exfoliate More Exfoliate and moisturize your skin even more this winter. AdvancedDerm.com has dermatologist-recommended products. 4. De-Stress Your Life Stress hormones can make y...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 3 contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-9 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 10 Year in Review: 2022 A look back at the year that was. 20 In Memoriam A few of those we lost in 2022. 26 2022 Newsmaker of the Year: The War in Ukraine 27 Catching Up with the Jewish War Veterans Special honors came at this year’s Detroit Veterans Day Parade. SPORTS 28 Girl Power For the first time in many yea...…
…4 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 opinion In Fighting Antisemitism, Jews Can Be Our Own Worst Enemies. We Shouldn’t Be. U nless you have been living under a rock for the past few weeks, and even if you’re not Jewish, you can’t miss the fact that antisemitism is back in the news again: Kanye West, Kyrie Irving, Nick Fuentes; extrem- ists returning in droves to Twitter; President Donald Trump kowtowing to antisemites over dinner at M...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 5 for our fellow Jews. We fero- ciously can disagree internally while standing completely united to external hate. We are our brother’s keeper, and any Jew suffering from antisemitism is ultimately our responsibility. We must come together, despite our differ- ences, and fight those who hate our people. How can Jews stand togeth- er against antisemitism while respecting our ideological divides? First, this isn’t...…
…6 | DECEMBER 29 • 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: D...…
…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com DECEMBER 29• 2022 | 7 The Detroit Jewish community has one of the most far-reaching and sophisticated security apparatuses in the country. Jewish Community Security Inc. is the successor to the Federation’s security program, which began in 2006. Since then, Federation has invested in excess of $10 million in hiring, trainin...…
…8 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 PURELY COMMENTARY continued on page 9 opinion Israel: One of the Most Progressive Countries in the World W hile so-called progressives and biased media in the United States level a relentless stream of accusations against Israel, these critics uniformly ignore the fact that Israel is one of the most lib- eral, progressive nations in the world. If Israel’s “progressive” critics really cared about socia...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 9 ISRAEL from page 8 Winter is Here! Vinter iz doe Indroisn is snow. Ich zog: Oy vay iz mir Farmach yeder tir, Oy, avu can I go? Vinter iz doe: winter is here Indroisn: outside Ich zog: I say Oy vay iz mir: woe to me Farmach yeder tir: close every door avu: where By Rachel Kapen guest column A New Beginning for the Zekelman Holocaust Center T he lessons of the Holocaust have taken on greater urgency in recen...…
…10 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 2022 OUR COMMUNITY F or many, 2022 was a challenging year. Russia launched an unjust war in Ukraine. Inflation put a dent in everyone’s wallet. Incidents of antisemitism surged, and the year, which began with a COVID surge, is ending with a triple threat of respiratory infections: COVID, flu and RSV. Despite these challenges, the Jewish community of Metro Detroit found many ways to cel- ebrate and many reasons t...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 11 2022 FEBRUARY » COVID still rages — JARC has run more than 25 vaccine clinics at the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit’s Max Fisher building since 2020. » Davidson Foundation announces $6.5 million in arts and culture grants in honor of Byron and Dorothy Gerson. » Feb 14 — Local community leader Guy Stern, professor emeritus from Wayne State University, WWII “Ritchie Boy” and former director of the Zekelman H...…
…12 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY MARCH » March 1 — Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit spins-off its security program. It is replaced by the standalone Jewish Community Security Inc., led by Gary Sikorski. » March 10 — JN publishes its first cover story dealing with the invasion of Ukraine. “Standing with Ukraine” is about local Jewish connections to Ukraine. » Farber Hebrew Day School (formerly Yeshivat Akiva) in Sout...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 13 Lifetime dental group is a locally owned dental practice providing complete dental care for the entire family. Our experienced dentists utilize the most advanced technology to provide elite dental care. For over 25 years we have been entrusted by thousands of patients and we are honored to now serve the city of West Bloomfield! (248) 855-8000 4320 Orchard Lake Rd West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323 www.lifet...…
…14 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY APRIL » April 7 — groundbreaking for WWII Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak. Jewish War Veterans are prime supporters. » April 26 — ADL releases its Audit of Antisemitic Incidents that shows a 56% increase in 2021. » April 28 — Detroit Historical Museum opens major exhibit on the legacy of Albert Kahn, the premier industrial architect of the 20th century. MAY » Okemos resident Oded “Ody” Norki...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 15 JUNE » Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit announces its annual campaign that ended on May 31 was the largest in history. The campaign raised $35.45 million. » June 1 — Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit Awards night. Marta Rosenthal, Jessica Katz, Amy Neistein, Neil Satovsky, Keith Schonberger and Yoni Torgow are honored. » June 20 — Israeli Prime Minister Bennett and Alternate Prime Minis...…
…16 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY AUGUST » July 31-Aug. 5 — After two- year hiatus, Maccabi Games for Jewish youth are held in San Diego, California; 18 Detroit youth attend. » Aug. 2 — Michigan holds its election primaries. Andy Levin loses his primary, meaning that in January 2023, for the first time since 1979, there will not be a Levin from Michigan in Congress. » Aug. 21 — Sixth annual Hazon Michigan Jewish Food Festiv...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 17 OCTOBER » Kayne West or “Ye” makes global headlines with his antisemitic remarks. » Oct. 13 — Ben Rosenthal is awarded the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s highest honor, the Fred M. Butzel Memorial Award for Distinguished Community Service. » Oct. 30 — Limmud returns and is held on the Wayne State University Campus. » Oct. 30 — James Grosfeld receives Outstanding Leadership Award at Yeshiva...…
…18 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 NOVEMBER » Nov. 19-21 — The first #nomoreantisemitism International Conference is held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. » Nov. 22 — Terrorist bombing at Jerusalem bus stop, the first major bombing in the city in many years. DECEMBER » Dec. 2 — Hassan Yehia Chokr, 35, drives into the Temple Beth El Parking lot in Bloomfield Township during preschool drop-off time, spewing anti-Israel rhetoric and anti-J...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 19 Every day, scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel pursue breakthroughs in cancer research, brain and neural science, technology, education, medicine, and protecting our planet. A Charitable Gift Annuity gives you the opportunity to partner with our scientists to make remarkable discoveries possible while you receive payments for life and signifcant tax benefts. W E I Z M A N N U S A . O R G To start ex...…
…20 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY In Memoriam 2022 A few of those we lost in 2022. COMPILED BY MIKE SMITH DJN FOUNDATION ARCHIVIST JANUARY Arthur Tarnow, United States District Court Judge, died at 79. Yale Kamisar, nationally renowned University of Michigan legal scholar and author known as the “Father of Miranda,” died at 92. …
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 21 continued on page 22 FEBRUARY Longtime district court Judge Benjamin Friedman died at 91. Legendary Federal District Court Judge Avern Cohn died at 97. Local author Harriet Schiff, whose books included Living through Mourning: Finding Comfort and Hope When a Loved One Has Died, and The Support Group Manual: A Session-By-Session Guide, died at 86. Detroit dancer and dance teacher Blanche Gantz die...…
…22 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 MARCH OUR COMMUNITY Madeleine Albright, first women U.S. Secretary of State, died at 84. Haredi Orthodox Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, known as the “Prince of Torah,” died at 94. APRIL Controversial comedian with a distinct raspy voice, Gilbert Gottfried, died at 67. Noted newsman and author Norm Prady died at 88. Noted local neurosurgeon Dr. Norman Rotter died at 85. continued from page 21 …
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 23 MAY Acclaimed former director of the Michigan Department of Health Dr. Maurice Reizen died at 103. Noted scientist and Holocaust survivor Miriam Brysk died at 87. Local prominent communal leader and former CEO of Farmer Jack supermarkets Paul Borman died at 89. Longtime internationally recognized professor of developmental biology at Wayne State University, Dr. Robert Arking, died at 85. JUN...…
…24 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY AUGUST Ann (Hannah) Newman, notable local businesswoman, Polish-born immigrant from Israel, died at 94. Ann Arbor’s nationally known innovator in Jewish education, Harlene Appelman, died at 75. Prominent local Holocaust survivor and Holocaust educator, Michael Weiss, died at 97. SEPTEMBER A legal giant in Metro Detroit’s Jewish Community, a promoter of Yiddish culture, former Way...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 25 Longtime advocate for elder care Alan Robert Weiner died at 90. OCTOBER NOVEMBER Local businesswoman and philanthropist Mary Must died at 103. District Judge Jamie “Judge W” Wittenberg died at 48. MORE INFO www.caninetofive.com BOOK NOW 248-246-6646 4278 Haggerty Rd. Commerce Twp, MI MENTION CODE FOR A FREE FIRST DAY JN22 Live Webcams Overnight Attendants CPR & First Aid Certfied Largest...…
…26 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 OUR COMMUNITY T his year, one story has dominated our pages more than any other and that is the war in Ukraine, which began with the Russian invasion of the country on Feb. 24, 2022. Since then, the war has caused unimaginable destruc- tion, death and human misery. As of press time, there were an estimated 40,000 dead and 15,000 missing in Ukraine; 100,000 soldiers have died on each side; 14 million Ukra...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 27 T he Jewish War Veterans, Dept. of Michigan were once again well represented at this year’s 17th Annual Detroit Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, Nov. 6, presented by the Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition (MDVC). A generous turnout by JWV members and the Ladies Auxiliary marched along the route that began at the corner of Trumbull and Porter Street in Detroit, eventually making its way down Michigan Ave...…
…28 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 SPORTS S ports history is being made this winter at Frankel Jewish Academy. For the first time in at least a decade, there’s a Frankel girls bowling team. “We’ve had one or two girls on our boys bowling team a few times during my nine years as coach, but never a girls team,” said Joe Bernstein, who is in charge of the Frankel bowling program. “Hopefully, we can get more girls out for the girls team in the fu...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 29 faces&places T he Shul’s Women’s Circle enjoyed a wonderful eve- ning of camaraderie with food and inspiration. The highlight was a unique presentation by Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson about his book Positivity Bias. Following the presentation was a Q&A portion that was animated and insightful. The event was followed by five weeks of continued discussion amongst friends sharing insight and inspiration. Rabbi Kalmenso...…
…30 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 A friend of mine named Hannah told me last year in November, to apply to Birthright because it would absolutely change my life,” said Sarah Markowitz. As an individual actively in recovery from addiction, Markowitz thought it would be a bad idea to go on Birthright after hearing stories of partying on the trip. But Markowitz decided to listen to her friend and did some research. “I went to the Birthright...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 31 spirituality. “One of the therapists was a Chasidic Jew, and he gave me a siddur,” Markowitz explained. “He told me that I have a Jewish soul, and God wants to hear from me.” Markowitz’s journey to recovery and finding her spirituality really took a turn when her friend, Hannah, told her about the life-changing experience. Unfortunately, due to COVID and other complications, the trip kept getting canceled. As...…
…32 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 S ometimes people assume mental health issues only happen to “other” people, but this a myth, especially when it comes to eating disorders and body image issues. These issues have long been a huge problem and particularly so for the Jewish community. According to empirical study, up to 24% of the female Jewish community is at risk of developing this devastating illness at some point in their lives. In respo...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 33 possible that she doesn’t charge for the educational materials or her time, only the beautiful workshop journals that each student receives as part of the program. The second part is parent education through talks and workshops. “The mothers have grown up in the same culture; they’re struggling with the same issues, ” Forta said. “I’m not preaching a positive body image, rather a neutral body image. Sometimes...…
…34 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 W hen a woman is expecting for the first time, motherhood can seem like a whimsical dream with soothing lullabies and a sweet sleeping baby. Then she gives birth; her hormones are completely out of whack; the baby never stops crying and her partner’s just snoring through the chaos. Suddenly, the new mother is hysterically weeping, “What’s wrong with me? Everyone else makes it seem so easy!” Four years ago,...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 35 After seeing how successful the support group has been, Rina and Julia realized they were on to something important. “It was absolutely wonderful,” Rina said. “Our goal was to offer a safe space for women to come together and talk about stuff we all go through, so they could feel less alone, and see that they’re not unusual or weird for having certain experiences … whether it’s depression, anxiety or just ...…
…36 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 MAZEL TOV! HOW TO SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS Mazel Tov! announcements are welcomed for members of the Jewish community. Anniversaries, engagements and weddings with a photo (preferably color) can appear at a cost of $18 each. Births are $10. There is no charge for bar/bat mitzvahs or for special birthdays starting at the 90th. For information, contact Editorial Assistant Sy Manello at smanello@thejewishnews.com or (24...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 37 SPIRIT The Essential Quality of Leadership I n October 2000, the market research company Roper Starch conducted a poll for the Boston Brewing Company, best known for Sam Adams beer. They asked which of the two presidential candidates the poll’s respondents would rather sit down and have a beer with. As unscientific as the poll was, something about that resonated with the American public; now, more than...…
…38 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 T here are rare and spe- cial moments when the world changes and a new possibility is born: when the Wright brothers in 1903 made the first man-made flight, or in 1969 when Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon, or when, almost 6,000 years ago, someone discovered that marks made in clay with a stick could, when the clay dried, become permanent signs and thus writing, and civiliz...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 39 me in proper respect. My dig- nity has been restored. There is a classic example of appeasement in the Torah: Jacob’s behavior toward Esau when they meet again after a long separation. Jacob had fled home after Rebecca overheard Esau resolving to kill him after Isaac’s death (Gen. 27:41). Prior to the meeting Jacob sends him a huge gift of cattle, saying “I will appease him with the present that goes before ...…
…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...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 41 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 Farmingt...…
…42 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 ARTS&LIFE ART F or decades, Mark Schlussel has played a vital role in developing Metro Detroit’s Jewish community and healthcare system. As a longtime attorney, managing member of Schlussel and Shefman Law Firm, past president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and CEO of Curus, which manages healthcare solutions, Schlussel has led a vibrant and impactful career. He was also one of two foundi...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 43 him not to take any lessons and to try to develop his skills and creative vision on his own. Day-by-day outside of work, Schlussel tried his hand at drawing. Eventually, he transitioned to painting. “I started to paint with a feel, and I was able to become more expressive,” he explains. “I feel like I’ve blended both the discipline of being a lawyer with the freedom to explore how I want to express myself on c...…
…44 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 CHANUKAH FOLLOW- UPS, A MOVIE, A MUSICAL SPECIAL, ROOTS AND MORE Here’s some follow-up info on my previous “all about Chanukah” column. First, due to bad advance publicity, I said that singer Lisa Loeb, 54, played the romantic female lead in the Hallmark Hall of Fame film Hanukkah on Rye (premiered Dec. 18). Yael Grobglas, 38, played the love interest of Jeremy Jordan, also 38. Groglas grew up in Israe...…
…DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 45 DINO EXPERIENCE DEC. 30 At the Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. Step into the world of SUE: The T. rex Experience to uncover the mysteries about the life of this fearsome dinosaur. Tickets are $10 for adults who are non-members and $9 for all Institute of Science Standard Members. Children 2-12 and individuals 65+ are $8 each. Non-members must also pay general muse- um ad...…
…46 | DECEMBER 29 • 2022 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY A JEWISH NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ANTIQUES SCHMIDT’S ANTIQUES INC. Since 1911 (734) 434-2660 SchmidtsAntiques.com Auctioneers, fine antiques and appraisers since 1911, Schmidt’s has been instrumental in uniting buyers and sellers of art and antiques through the process known as auctions. We strive to make the entire process simple, honest and productive for both parties. For ind...…
