…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 37 J N tions manager for Friends of the IDF Central Region helps her feel a sense of purpose as she works to sup- port the IDF with its most immediate needs. Toby, who was involved in planning the FIDF annual dinner in October, was over- whelmed by the outpouring of support. “When you raise almost $3 million in one evening, I can’t even tell you how it feels as an Israeli to see all the love and support of o...…
…38 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY N urturing children’s creativity is like giving them a magic wand; it not only sparks their imagination, but also helps them discover a world where every stroke and color connects to a meaningful masterpiece. The ability to be creative, to create something from personal feelings and experiences, can reflect and nurture children’s emotional health. As the Thanksgiving season approached, ...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 39 J N embraced the challenge of designing floats and coordinating a miniaturized version of the iconic parade focusing on our love for Israel as an inspiration. Given all that has been happening with our brothers and sisters in Israel, it felt most appropriate for us to use this opportunity to help our students connect to all the things we love about Israel, its culture, its landmarks and history, as well ...…
…4 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N for openers More Tasty Speech essay A Friend in Lansing A s evidenced in past articles, I have a penchant for dis- cussing food, eating, etc. I am not promoting diets; I am not castigating you for being overweight (but you know who you are). I am only interested in calling your attention to col- orful expressions involving food items. I do not insult others because I am brimming over with the milk o...…
…40 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 On Sunday, Oct. 15, 200 guests attended the 2023 annual fundraising event for JARC, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities, to kick off the fall fundraising campaign that looks to raise $1.2 million for the nonprofit’s important mission of enriching the lives of people with disabilities. The Studio 54-inspired event, a nod to the nonprofit’s 54th anniversary, recreated t...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 41 J N Jewish Family Service was one of several agencies to partici- pate in the Domestic Violence Community Forum held on Nov. 8. Around 200 people gath- ered in the Southfield Pavilion for a roundtable discussion on domestic violence. JFS clinical therapist and Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA) representative Aliza Bracha Klein and JFS social worker Sarah Graves partici- pated on the panel, along...…
…T he return home from summer camp might be marked by laundry piles, family visits and haircuts but even when the duffels are stored and the new friends are texted, “if you know you know,” camp never really ends. Beyond the more than 72,000 Jewish overnight summer campers*, it goes on in winter camp, family camp, FaceTime calls, out-of-town camp friends’ b’nai mitzvot, becoming the camp nurse or doctor, and in camp reunions and fun...…
…44 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 continued on page 46 a couple of occasions, with a decorative sticker in its place. A couple were envelope-less — just a piece of paper, folded and taped shut, with the address scribbled on the back. This year, our Florida grandson, Noam, sent a letter merely to “Mom and Dad” with the street address and zip code. No names, no city, no state. One of my brothers once stuck the envelope flap shut with two Band-...…
…46 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 canvas tote. Problem was, instead of the T-shirts, bathing suits and hoodies he left home with, it was filled entirely with hundreds of various-sized pieces of chocolate, multi-flavors of gum and variety packages of beef jerky. ON THE ROAD Getting to camp can be an adventure in itself, from a plane or train ride away to a multi-family road-trip caravan. My children traveled in an iconic green Tamarack bus. ...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 47 Send your kids to a summer camp where they will develop an appreciation for nature, learn new skills and make friendships that will last a lifetime, all without the help of social media. CONNECTING WITH NATURE FAMILIES SAVE UP TO 30% WITH THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE CANADIAN DOLLAR HOME PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE CAMPER REFERRAL PROGRAM • INTRO SESSIONS E S T . 1 9 3 6 tamakwa.com • lonepine@tamakwa.com ...…
…48 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 themselves, gather life skills and chant one-of-a-kind ditties that could only have been cooked up by clever camp staffers. And some 50-plus years after my last camp adventure, I can genuinely say that there is no Havdalah like camp Havdalah. CONNECTED Our grandson, Ari, described camp as the place where he learned to play poker and helped bring a camp goat into one of the bunks. Our grandkids, even those ...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 49 CAMP GUIDE 2023 CAMP LISTINGS BLACK RIVER FARM & RANCH 5040 Sheridan Line Road Croswell, MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 blackriverfarmandranch.com Giddy up and get registered! Saddle up for adventure this summer at Black River Farm and Ranch, an all- girls overnight camp. Our mission is to inspire leadership, self-confidence and independence through horsemanship and a variety of camp activities, including riding ...…
…Amplifying the voices of Jewish Influencers Influencers are the new celebrities. They are the people our young people “follow” - listen to, reach out to. They aren’t just called influencers - they really do have influence. Through Amplified, OpenDor Media is launching a community for content creators to propel the voice of Judaism and Israel. opendormedia.org One voice is powerful. A community of voices is unstoppable. DECEMBER ...…
…50 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 CAMP TANUGA Winter Address: 139 W. Maple Road, Suite E Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 258-9150 camptanuga.com Summer Address: 6874 Camp Tanuga Road N.E. Kalkaska, MI 49646 (231) 258-9150 Camp Tanuga is uniquely suited to provide children with an enriching experience they’ll never forget. Friendships formed, confidence gained and the skills learned keep campers returning year after year. An electronics-free envir...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 51 CAMP WALDEN 5607 South River Cheboygan, MI 49721 (248) 225-1256 (817) 253-0722 summer@campwaldenmi.com Celebrating our 65th summer, Walden provides an inspiring environment that challenges campers to step outside their comfort zones. Our program combines elements of individual choice and group dynamics, building confidence, character and resilience. At Walden, college-age counselors raise the bar when it ...…
…52 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 ROEPER SUMMER CAMPS 41190 Woodward Ave. Bloomfield, MI 48304 (248) 203-7370 roeper.org From lacrosse to coding to theater, Roeper Summer Programs offers a variety of enriching and rewarding camp experiences to children throughout Metro Detroit. Diversity and respect for everyone’s potential are central characteristics of the community. SKULL ISLAND CAMP 8226 Highland Road White Lake, MI 48386 (248) 789-2223 ...…
…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT A Subscription To A Subscription To The Gift The Gift Everyone Will Everyone Will For More Information Scan Here …
…54 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N T he magnificently restored Book Tower in Downtown Detroit boasts a new French restaurant on the ground floor that harkens back to the city’s 1920s heyday. Step inside Le Supreme Detroit for dinner and drinks and you’ll encounter an intimate, welcoming space. With windows framed by café curtains fronting Washington Boulevard (at the corner of Grand River Avenue), the room features colors of fore...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 55 J N heavily damaged. The historic renovation, taking seven years and more than $300 million to complete, was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this year on June 8. The renamed 38-story ROOST Book Tower and adjoining 13-story Book Building are now restored to their previous glory, including hand-painted plaster ceilings, marble hallways and a large glass dome skylight. As described by Andrew Leber, Be...…
…56 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 specification and the portion size was generous. For me, the dish was a little too seasoned. Beside the plate was a bowl of wilted spinach with specks of fresh garlic. Trout Amandine, the third entrée Sadoff mentioned, consisted of Michigan rainbow trout, haricot verts, almonds and brown butter. My companion, Susan, chose Mediterranean Sea Bass, accompanied by thinly sliced rounds of saffron-braised potatoes....…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 57 J N SPORTS A s summer and fall fade into the sunset, here are some accomplishments by Jewish athletes during those seasons that should not go unnoticed: A SURPRISE HOLE-IN-ONE Jack Shapiro made the most of the final time he played golf this year. He shot a hole-in-one on a pleasant fall day Oct. 26 at the nine-hole Copper Creek Golf Course in Farmington Hills. The ace came on the 166-yard par-3 eighth hole....…
…58 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 medals — 23 in bowling and four in softball — competing in the National Senior Games and Michigan Senior Olympics since 1990. Friedman most recently won gold medals in singles and doubles bowling this summer in the men’s 85-and-over age group at the Michigan Senior Olympics. Just prior to that, he won gold medals in doubles and team (men’s 80-and-over) bowling at the national competition in Pittsburgh. Fried...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 59 MAZEL TOV! Ethan Simon Sapeika of Farmington Hills will become a bar mitzvah at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. He is the son of Amy and Daniel Sapeika and the brother of Noah and Ethan. He is the grand- son of Linda Feinfeld and the late Harry Applebaum, Raphael and Karen Sapeika, and the late Gillian Cohen. Ethan is a student at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan...…
…1942 - 2023 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 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N ERETZ T he Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on innocent citizens in Israel was heinous, to say the very least. If there is any such thing as finding a bit of good from unspeakable horror, it might be that Israelis have united in their efforts to fight the enemy, maintain the state and work toward the homecoming of all the hostages. To this end, the National Library of Israel (NLI) is doing its part through...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 61 J N Hostage Has a Story” is unique, and most fitting for a library exhibit. Along with an image, each chair has a book specifically chosen for every hostage. Relatives of the hostages shared stories of their loved ones, and librarians chose a book for each person that they thought might help exhibit viewers gain a bit of perspective about the hostage as a person. For one example, there is Elyakim Livma...…
…I n his Hilchot Teshuvah (Laws of Repentance), Moses Maimonides makes one of the most empowering statements in religious literature. Having explained that we, and the world, are judged by the majority of our deeds, he continues: “Therefore we should see ourselves throughout the year as if our deeds and those of the world are evenly poised between good and bad, so that our next act may change both the balance of our live...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 63 come back to the cistern later, when the others were elsewhere, and rescue Joseph. When the Torah says, “Reuben heard this and saved him from them,” it is using the principle that “God accounts a good intention as a deed.” Reuben wanted to save Joseph and intended to do so, but, in fact, he failed. The moment passed, and by the time he acted, it was already too late. Returning to the cistern, he found Jo...…
…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 Bloomfield (248) 78...…
…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 ...…
…66 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N P rior to her junior year at Michigan State University, Emily Elconin had a camera, but it was sitting around collecting dust. Then, during a photojournalism study abroad program that took her to Prague, Paris and London, she discovered a surprising love for photography. Stunning architecture certainly helped, but Elconin, 28, of Berkley realized there was more she could do with photography, such as t...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 67 time, “It’s something that’s very personal to me, ” she continues, “and I use it as a tool in my own personal life for self-expression and photographing my family. ” When Buckfire was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, Elconin was encouraged by her mentor, fellow photographer Nancy Borowick, to start documenting her family’s life. Elconin took photos of her grandmother, mother, father and more as her ...…
…68 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N R oberto Kalb, new music director of Detroit Opera through the 2025-2026 season, began his interest in instruments as a 5-year-old pianist being raised in Mexico. Although the early years were just for fun, by the time he was a teenager, Kalb knew that a stage career was for him only expanded into conducting. In a long line of experiences leading various orchestras, Kalb is preparing to lead the Detro...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 69 assignments in many cities, including Atlanta, Kansas City, Chicago, San Diego and Santa Fe. Mexico City and Sao Paulo have been among his out-of-country destinations. For five years, he was resident conductor and head of music for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In Detroit, before his present position, he conducted for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the organization that had been Michigan Opera Theatre. ...…
…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 7 J N state. Like many other Michigan politicians have, in 2019, Sen. Theis participated in the American Jewish Committee’s Project Interchange trip to Israel. The experience was eye-opening, particularly when she encountered bomb shelters innocently painted with animals next to a playground in Isr...…
…70 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N J ulia Luterman has had experiences that especially relate her to the play Talley’s Folly, which she is assistant directing for the Inspired Acting Company in Walled Lake. It is being presented weekends through Dec. 17. The two-character production, which takes place in the 1940s and acts out an interreligious relationship, reminds her of the household in which she grew up but with important distincti...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 71 no matter where they are sitting. Luterman, who grew up in Farmington Hills and now lives in Hamtramck, enjoyed singing before she got into acting and considers both among her career talents as she enhances her dancing skills. A graduate of Harrison High School before entering Wayne State University, she was not sure at first of the educational path she would follow and then decided to pursue a bachelor’s ...…
…72 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N SWIFT’S ISRAELI BODYGUARD, HALLMARK’S CHANUKAH FILM, BAD CASTING Funny how one bit of information leads to something “pretty hot.” I also write for the American Israelite, the Cincinnati Jewish paper, and an Israelite assistant editor forwarded an email from Gil Kaufman, 60ish, about a new film that he is in. Kaufman, a Cincy native, is a senior writer/editor for Billboard, an important showbiz weekl...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 73 TEEN EVENT 5-7 PM, DEC. 7 (THURS.) Hosted by Congregation Shaarey Zedek Teens and Tweens. Celebrate Chanukah with laser tag and social action. At Zap Zone, 31506 Grand River Ave., Farmington. Play games, eat and pack gift bags for those who may not be receiving gifts this year. Kosher dinner will be served. Pick up and drop off at Zap Zone. Register: jlive.app/events/6205. MUSIC & DINNER 5-8 PM, DEC. 8 ...…
…74 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit announced its collaboration with Powerback Rehabilitation to further enrich and support active, healthy lifestyles for the nonprofit organization’s residents. The new collaboration, which began Oct. 16, includes a range of complimentary services provided by Powerback Rehabilitation, such as in-depth vitality checks and the establishment of optimal health goals ...…
…the exchange community bulletin board | professional services For information regarding advertising please call 248-351-5116 or 248-234-9057 or email salessupport@thejewishnews.com Deadline for ad insertion is 9 a.m. on Friday prior to publication. 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 SIN...…
…76 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY RHODA CANTOR, 89, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 27, 2023. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Karen Cantor; grandchildren, Rachel Cantor and Ryan Swearingen, Max Cantor, Steven Cantor and Shira Orlowek, Dr. Zachary Cantor, Jared and Jillian Cantor, Mallory and Scott Bourbina, Amanda and Tim Watkins, and Aidan Cantor; great-grandchildren, Ruby and ...…
…continued on page 82 B arbara Jean Woodell Melnik, 72, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and good friend, was born Sept. 19, 1951, in Detroit and passed away on Nov. 19, 2023, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Barbara was raised in Oak Park and attended Oak Park High School. She received her B.A. degree in Russian language from the presti- gious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and an M.B.A. from...…
…N atalie Charach was a loving mother, a devot- ed wife, a loyal sister and a philanthropist known for her extraordinary generosity and energetic spirit. Through her life- long commitment to helping others, she impacted the lives of countless people in her community and across the world. Natalie passed away on Nov. 21, 2023, at the age of 97. Natalie was born in 1926 in New Kingston, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Lithuanian imm...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 79 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Scan the QR code and keep your family & friends connected to our community Need a gift for the person who has everything? How about a subscription to the Detroit Jewish News? THE JHCN TEAM SALUTES THE LEGACY AND MOURNS THE LOSS OF OUR MORAL INSPIRATION RABBI A. IRVING SCHNIPPER Z’L APRIL 25, 1927 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 A GUIDING LIGHT WHO MADE PEOPLE AND PRINCIPLE THE FOUNDATION ...…
…8 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N opinion Israel’s Just and Moral War O n Oct. 6, a ceasefire was in effect between Israel and Hamas. Hamas breached that ceasefire on Oct. 7 and attacked Israeli civilian communities along the Gaza border. They massacred some 1,200 babies, children, women and men, many after torturing them in the most heinous manner. They took around 240 hostages. In response, Israel did what every country in the ...…
…R abbi A. Irving Schnipper, 96, of West Bloomfield, died on Nov. 24, 2023. Rabbi Schnipper was a devoted congrega- tional and community leader — a giant of kindness who positively impacted everyone he crossed paths with. Driven by an innate passion for helping those in need, Rabbi Schnipper was a found- er and key supporter of Yad Ezra kosher food pantry and the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network. He also served as a U.S. A...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 81 Arranging a funeral is an emotional process. But choosing the right funeral home can help alleviate the stress. That’s why people turn to us. We understand the wants and needs of families from all walks of Judaism. Our fresh look and feel make everyone feel welcome. We’re centrally located, and our pricing is fair. Our care—and our caring—help ease the burden of a loss. Making a Dorfman difference everyone will a...…
