…42 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N T hree acclaimed musi- cians play a significant role in an upcoming Chamber Music Detroit con- cert. The event honors long- time Jewish pianist Menahem Pressler, who just missed reaching his 100th birthday and had been featured in more than 30 concerts for the 80-year organization. The three are Daniel Hope, a celebrated violinist who joined with Pressler in the closing years of the Beaux Arts Trio; St...…
…JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 43 an incredible moment for me because I had grown up with the name of the Beaux Arts Trio and had been to their concerts when I was a kid. I knew their recordings really intimately. “Suddenly, to be stand- ing opposite this incredible musician who had so much knowledge of chamber music and then to be playing cham- ber music with him was an incredible moment for me. He was an amazing guide in tell- ing how to r...…
…44 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N CELEBRITY JEOPARDY JEWS, MEXICAN JEWISH FILMMAKER, LOVE STORY: DON AND BOB Other items have crowded out my coverage of the second season of Celebrity Jeopardy. But, as I write this (Jan. 8), one out of the three Jewish contestants are still in the running. The finale will air on Jan. 23, 2024 (ABC, 8 p.m.). There will be many online sourc- es happy to tell you who is in the finale (including ABC). This ...…
…JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 45 J N ARTS&LIFE JUST FOR FUN See next week’s issue for answers. Answers to the Jan. 11 puzzle are on page 33. Jewish Joke of the Week Answer: The house can’t jump. How was the boy able to jump higher than his house? 1. heather mops mills (3 words) 2. male reptiles (2 words) 3. ample melee nut (2 words) 4. lasagna someday tough (3 words) 5. attaching rook shivering (3 words) 6. antagonized greaser hockey (3 wor...…
…46 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N BIM BOM BABY 10-11 AM, JAN. 19 (FRI.) A Shabbat celebration at Temple Shir Shalom for babies to 5-year-olds. Welcome Shabbat with the rabbis and cantor, play, sing and braid challah to take home. There is no charge for this event. TOT SHABBAT 10-11AM, JAN. 20 (SAT.) The Well and Adat Shalom Synagogue will celebrate Tu b’Shevat. Gather at the Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater, Detroit, to learn abo...…
…JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 47 J N NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERTS 7:30 PM, JAN. 25+ (THURS.) The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will continue its 2024 William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series with a weekend of concerts at community venues across Metro Detroit conducted by British conductors Nicholas McGegan and Bertie Baigent, respectively. The concerts will take place on Jan. 25. at the Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfiel...…
…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. 48 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N Aaron Mendelson Heating and Cooling, LLC. 248-855-0437 Cell: 248-912-2292 License # 7118488 Maintenance, Installation, Repair & Hot Water Heaters Ajmendelson1@...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 49 J N c. 1955 HERBERT EDELSON, 95, of E. Hartford, Conn., died Jan. 10, 2024. He is survived by his children, Dr. Gary Edelson and Laura Friedman, Beth and Albert Kranc, and Lisa Edelson; daughter-in-law, Leora Bar-Levav; grandchildren, Daniel and Kelley Edelson, Dr. Rina Edelson and her fiance, Dr. Andrew Nathanson, Jacob Edelson, Elana Kranc and Morissa Kranc. Mr. Edels...…
…JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 5 J N JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 5 J N J N J for his contributions to the Jewish people, the Detroit Jewish community, and Aish HaTorah Detroit. May his memory be a blessing. Rabbi Alon Tolwin Rabbi Simcha Tolwin Aish HaTorah pays tribute to the memory of Lionel Margolick …
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 50 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N Edith was the beloved wife of the late Aleksandr Gertsmark; sister of the late Astrida Chikhalenko. Interment was held at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. RICHARD S. GOODMAN, 77, of Farmington Hills, died Dec. 15th, 2023. He is survived his beloved wife, Joan Goodman; ch...…
…JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 51 J N SHARON LYNNE ROCKLIN, 84, of Farmington Hills, died Jan. 9, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband for more than 62 years, Sheldon Rocklin; children, Andrew (Leigh) Rocklin, Marla Rocklin and Michael (Stacey) Rocklin; grandchildren, Alex Rocklin (fiancée,’ Phoebe), Olivia Rocklin, Sophie Jansen, Izzy Jansen, Ethan Rocklin and Adam Rocklin; brother, David Rosen; many other loving family members...…
…52 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY Harry was a graduate of Deerfield Academy and MSU Agricultural Science Program. In 1953, he married Joan Friederichs, his wife of 63 years. Harry is survived by his daughter, Barbara Lydia, and her husband, Harold Hanson; son, Harris Lewis III (Chip); and his wife, Paula Winston; grandson, Harry L. Winston IV. He has two surviving sisters, Sally Winston Robinson and Ernes...…
…JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 53 J N L ionel Margolick, 81, formerly of Franklin, died peacefully on Dec. 1, 2023, in his hometown of Montreal, Canada. Margolick was a prominent, successful businessman and dedicated philanthropist whose achievements and generosity crossed multiple geographic barriers. He is remembered for his strong commitment to the Jewish people and Jewish ideals, and as a warm and giving friend and family member. ...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at thejewishnews.com 54 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N Lone Soldiers — A Sense of Duty T he war against Hamas continues, and as I read the daily updates from the U.S. and Israeli media, I have often thought about the “Lone Soldiers” in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Anyone who has served in America’s armed forces may know the feeling of being alon...…
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…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...…
…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 7 J N education you are providing is shattered. Universities have been failing right beneath our noses, and former president Gay played a role in fomenting that failure for years. Her essay exemplifies why she represents exactly what has gone wrong in higher education. She complains that she “fell into...…
…8 | JANUARY 18 • 2024 J N essay Making good on a 50-year promise to Israel M y now-husband Tim and I were in college 50 years ago when the Yom Kippur war broke out. We didn’t know one another then, but we both called home asking our parents if we could go to Israel and support the war effort. Unfortunately, we couldn’t. However, five decades later, the minute Jewish National Fund- USA offered us a chance to volunteer, we...…
…JANUARY 18 • 2024 | 9 J N JOIN US! LUNCH & LEARN EVENT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH 12:00 - 2:00PM CRISPELLI’S BAKERY AND PIZZERIA 6690 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322 Join us for a special lunch and learn event with Rose Senior Living Farmington Hills, a brand-new senior living community in your neighborhood. Learn about Rose Senior Living and the benefits of joining our Founders Club! RSVP by Thursday, February 15th by ...…
…$200 Jan. 11-17, 2024 / 1-7 Shevat 5784 thejewishnews.com Are Sliding into Town JCC $200 Jan. 11-17, 2024 / 1-7 Shevat 5784 thejewishnews.com JEWISH NEWS JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Town Hundreds of host families will help make the Games possible. See page 12 Are Sliding into JCC …
…10 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N Opinion Pro-Palestinian or Anti-Israel? T hose who claim to support the Palestinian Arabs, in fact, do precious little to help them. The plight of the Palestinians globally — such as the denial of civil rights by their own dictators, withholding of citizenship rights by other Arab nations and the murder of thousands of Palestinians by their Arab brethren — is largely ignored by Western leftists. ...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 11 J N continued from page 8 someone who confided that he envies people who lost family members in the massacre. I completely understand. In a way, carrying that sign, whether the physical sign or the permanent one in my heart, is a privilege. Some of those people at the bus stop, particularly the Haredim, might not have had another way to feel connected. Carrying my sign around, whether figuratively or lite...…
…12 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N Hundreds of host families will help make the Games possible. Maccabi Games KAREN SCHWARTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER Are Sliding into Town JCC …
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 13 J N R iley Agrest, 16, of White Lake is getting excited for the 2024 JCC Maccabi Games. They’re taking place July 28-Aug. 2 in Detroit this year, and he says he’s looking forward to not only playing, but also welcoming kids from other cities to his hometown. Agrest played basketball in Florida last year and has fond memories of his host family. “It was a cool experience to get home hosted; the family took...…
…14 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 says, adding that when Detroit hosted in 2019 it generated a strong feeling of commitment and togetherness. “They’re going to feel a part of some- thing big.” Aside from the sports com- petitions, participants will also take part in Jewish program- ming, community service proj- ects, and opening and closing ceremonies. “It’s not just about the sports, it’s about the expe- riences; it’s about being Jewish and h...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 15 …
…16 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 volunteers — his father was involved when Detroit first hosted, he says, and he’s picked up the baton. He’s host- ed mostly Israelis, as he speaks a little bit of Hebrew, he says, and enjoys making sure the athletes have a great experi- ence. “It’s something I hope they remember for a long time,” he says. “They’re going to carry away an impression of the Detroit Jewish community, and I want that to be a posi...…
…appreciate the efforts as well, he adds. “I’ve gotten very nice notes from parents who just say their kids blossomed,” he says. “The kids come home and can’t stop talking about Maccabi. It’s just a great expe- rience for them.” The athletes even grow above and beyond during their trips, he says, pointing to parents who were pleasantly surprised when he sent them a video of their athletes helping make salads for Shabbat din- ner. “...…
…D r. Jeff London loves telling his grand- children about the old days, but there’s one part he stresses. “Before cell phones, people actually wrote and mailed let- ters to each other, ” he likes to say. “When I think back to my 17-year-old self, I had no idea that one particular letter would have such a profound effect on my life. ” In January 1966, Jeff’s AZA chapter (Rose) scheduled a weekend of activities with Leslie Silverma...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 19 They saw Dr. Zhivago. “I remember this date felt very different than all the other dates I had gone on before … It felt exciting and promising. She was cute, she laughed at most of my jokes, and she was not afraid to express herself with just the right amount of assertiveness, ” Jeff said. He also fondly remembers them belting out “Barbara Ann” together along with his AM car radio. “Most importantly, she se...…
…SUPPORT JEWISH JOURNALISM The Detroit Jewish News has been telling and preserving our stories since 1942. Subscribe today so that we can continue telling them tomorrow. JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT SCAN TO DONATE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! …
…20 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N OUR COMMUNITY T hey may seem like an unlikely duo, but an Orthodox rabbi and a former atheist offer the perfect complement to one another in a new Metro Detroit-based Jewish podcast. Together, Rabbi Alon Tolwin of Aish Detroit and financial planner Gary Rosenberg of Huntington Woods, a self- proclaimed “skeptic, ” blend thoughts, ideas and perspectives in “ A Rabbi and a Skeptic Walk Into a Podcast. ” ...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 21 J N O n Dec. 18, the Secure Community Network said that it had tracked a staggering 199 (and count- ing) swatting incidents and false bomb threats across the country in 24 hours targeting Jewish facilities, including 93 in California, 62 in Arizona, 15 in Connecticut, five in Colorado, and four in Washington state, as well as one in Michigan, among others. “Swatting” is a false call to 911 to dispatch an...…
…OUR COMMUNITY T he 5784 Chanukah sea- son in Metro Detroit included an innovative menorah lighting facilitated by Rabbi Bentzi and Moussia Geisinsky of Chabad of Bingham Farms: The Kindness Art Menorah. The lighting took place on the eighth and final night of Chanukah outside the Franklin Public Library in Franklin. “Every year, since 2016, Moussia and I sit down a few months before Chanukah and come up with a creative idea, w...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 23 Welcoming a future son or daughter-in-law into the family? Share your excitement with the Detroit Jewish community by scanning the QR code. Congratulations! …
…C habad Centers of Metro Detroit are launching “ Advice for Life: The Rebbe’s Guidance for Leading a More Purposeful Life, ” a six- week course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), set to debut this winter. This immersive journey explores the extensive wisdom and guidance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory. Through countless letters, spoken discourse and personal audiences, the ...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 25 J N A my Nederlander grew up in Michigan, spending lots of time at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, then owned by her family, and she returns to the stage Jan. 15 in a program that recognizes, in part, her bringing theater elements to a young people’s organization. Rainbow PUSH, in the free program “Let Freedom Ring” held in Detroit’s Fox Theatre, will present her with the Social Service Award for her founding ...…
…26 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N O ne night in early December 2023, Yaffa Magier, a Lone Soldier from Southfield, stepped off a bus at her army base and saw a red cloth lined with rocks on the desert ground. Momentarily confused, she then caught a glimpse of her boyfriend holding flowers and a ring. As her fellow soldiers began to cheer, Jonah Peterson dropped to one knee and proposed. Both Jonah and Yaffa grew up in Southfield and a...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 27 was the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, ” Jonah said. He confirmed they were on the same page … and moved on to the fun part: Figuring out how, when and where to pop the question! He’ d planned to do it at Park Teddy in Jerusalem, but it was closed. Jonah’s mother and Yaffa’s sister suggested trying to surprise Yaffa on her army base. “I thought it was a cool idea, ” Jonah said. “I texted Yaffa...…
…28 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N OUR COMMUNITY O n Dec. 17, Hadassah Greater Detroit installed Marcie Rosen as its new region president. Marcie, former president of Tikvah chap- ter, said, “I’m honored and humbled to begin this new era of Hadassah Greater Detroit. We’re on an upward trajectory, and I’ll be working hard with my great board to ensure it continues over the next three years of my presidency.” The region’s executive committee ...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 29 Going to Israel During Yeshiva Break Week? A merican Friends of Yeshivot and Ulpanot Bnei Akiva invites Americans visiting Israel in January to enhance their trip for one day and participate in a special AFYBA Mission experience. Scheduled for Jan. 22-23, these AFYBA hosted one-day events will emphasize values such as solidarity, brotherhood and Ahavat Yisrael. The primary objective is to demonstrate A...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 3 J N contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-11 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 12 JCC Maccabi Games Are Sliding into Town Hundreds of host families will help make the Games possible. 18 How We Met: How We Met ‘All Because of a Letter.’ 20 An Unlikely Pair An Orthodox Rabbi and a former atheist host a new podcast on Judaism. 21 Record Number of Swatting Incidents Secure Community Network sounds the ...…
…30 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N T he Jewish community of Detroit did an amazing job in raising money for the Federation emergency campaign that started in light of the war in Israel, with donations close to $30 million dollars so far in a period of just weeks. But beyond donations, there is a strong feeling of unity as people find reasons to be together and to feel a sense of belonging and brotherhood in these difficult times ...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 31 environments and on social media. On Nov. 20, Federation’s NEXTGen Detroit held a program for close to 30 people where I, Tomer Moked, director of NEXTGen Detroit, and David Kurzmann, Federation’s senior director of community affairs, led a group discussion and answered the difficult questions that currently preoccupy young people in our community. FACES OF OCT. 7 — TESTIMONY OF A NOVA MUSIC FESTIVAL ...…
…32 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N SPORTS T he most “feel good” sports story of 2023 took place in July during the hot Israeli summer in an ice arena in Tnuvot, Israel. Players from Detroit, Grand Rapids and New York City made up one of the eight teams in the ages 14-17 JCC Maccabi Games hockey competition. The Detroit team didn’t win a medal, but it won the hearts of everyone who knew the story of Sully Popour. Popour was one of the ...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 33 J N Melissa’s mother Cindy Bolokofsky and sister Cathy Prue also made the trip to Israel from their homes in North Carolina and Florida, respectively. Sully made it to all three of the Detroit hockey team’s practices at the Farmington Hills Ice Arena before the Maccabi Games and the one practice in Israel. “I could tell from the first practice in Farmington Hills that Sully was going to be a better playe...…
…business SPOTlight brought to you in partnership with B I R M I N G H A M 34 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 J N J ordan Field, 46, Detroit native and an alum of Hillel Day School, is working his dream role as director of player and alumni relations at the Detroit Tigers. The Detroit Jewish News caught up with Jordan, as well as his two colleagues, Mike Singer and Ben Fidelman, to discuss their roles at the Tigers, life in Detroit and ...…
…JANUARY 11 • 2024 | 35 J N notable, the role I played in overseeing the authentica- tion of the artifacts related to Miguel Cabrera’s major career milestones (500 home runs, 3,000 hits). Making sure the artifacts were collected, secured and authenticated in real-time was important to Miguel, our organization and Major League Baseball. Handing the 500th home run baseball to Miguel in the Clubhouse in Toronto was one of the greatest...…
…36 | JANUARY 11 • 2024 to present him an award at a Jewish Historical Society event. Not sure if he was the first member of the Jewish community to work in the front office for the Tigers, but I’m certainly proud that people like Jeff, Ben, Mike and I have been able to follow in Irwin’s footsteps. MEET MIKE SINGER Mike Singer, 42, lives in Birmingham and is the vice president of Business Strategy and Activation with the Detroi...…
