…36 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 highlight the growing normalization of microaggressions and macroag- gressions. In 2022, the FBI reported that 63% of all religious hate crimes in Michigan targeted Jewish people (FBI Crime Data Explorer), and that num- ber is likely rising. While microaggressions might seem less severe than overt acts of aggres- sion, they can be more insidious, mak- ing them harder to identify and report. Being excluded from ...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 37 J N O n Oct. 7, 2024, Jewish communities across the world observed the anniversary of the tragic terrorist attack on Israel. In a show of solidarity and remembrance, Hillel of Metro Detroit, in collaboration with the Oakland University Office of Student Involvement, the Center for Civic Engagement and the Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community Engagement, hosted a screening of the 60-minute do...…
…38 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N faces&places S weater weather is upon us, and Jewish Senior Life’s trendy retail boutiques at Meer Apartments and Fleischman Residence on its West Bloomfield cam- pus showcased the hottest styles of the season as resident models strutted their stuff in front of adoring audiences at annual fashion shows in both buildings. On Sept. 24, the Meer dining room was fashion central as 15 male and female residents ...…
…W hile trying new hobbies may be intimidating, exciting or both, one thing is certain: These experiences are more enjoyable surrounded by people who are in the same position as you. JARC held its annual summer-long Hobbies and Hangouts, a program of Making Community Connections, that creates opportunities for the people they serve to learn a new hobby alongside the greater community. Introduced by JARC in 2022, this year’s program ...…
…4 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N analysis Assessing Hezbollah’s Severely Depleted Stockpile I srael’s military campaign against Hezbollah over the past two months has caused devastating losses to the terror organization’s once-formidable arsenal. Waves of large-scale Israeli Air Force strikes destroyed tens of thousands of enemy projectiles, alongside the elimination of Hezbollah’s senior military-terrorist leadership and severe harm ...…
…40 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N I t’s been quite a year for former sports broadcaster turned per- sonal trainer/exercise coach and senior swimmer extraordinaire Jim Berk. In addition to turning 70 on Sept. 13, the West Bloomfield resident won three gold medals at the Pan American Masters Games and four medals including three golds at the Michigan Senior Olympics during the summer, and he was a Pillars of Excellence recipient at the Mi...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 41 The team with the most cre- ative and unusual name in the Inter-Congregational Men’s Club Summer Softball League’s fall season took a most unusual route to the championship this fall. The Homeruntaschens won the league title, their first since 2017. The playoffs were held Oct. 6. All six league teams competed in the post-season, with the top two finishers during the regular sea- son earning a first-round bye....…
…42 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 O ne of the most striking features about Judaism in comparison with, say, Christianity or Islam, is that it is impossible to answer the question: Who is the central character of the drama of faith? In both of the other Abrahamic monotheisms, the answer is obvious. In Judaism, it is anything but. Is it Abraham, the founder of the covenant- al family? Is it Jacob, who gave his name Israel to our people an...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 43 down before the people of the land, the Hittites. He said to them, ‘If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you. ’” He takes their vague commitment and gives it sharp definition...…
…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...…
…REFORM Temple Beth El Bloomfield Township (248) 851-1100 tbeonline.org 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...…
…46 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N Y ou know it’s been a long music career when there’s a lost album in the annals. Especially when you can’t remember why it became lost in the first place. Susanna Hoffs is at that point now. Last month, the Bangles frontwoman released The Lost Record, a set of 1999 recordings that had been stashed away after they were made in the garage of the west Los Angeles home she was living in at the time wit...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 47 J N a particularly inspirational show by the Patti Smith Group. Hoffs played in a band — the Psychiatrists, later known as the Unconscious — and found a home in the southern California punk clubs of the late ’70s and early ’80s. “My older brother and I were both fascinated by punk rock,” Hoffs recalls. “When I came back to L.A. (from college) I got to see the Talking Heads at the Whisky-A- Go-Go, and there’s ...…
…P reserving memories of the Holocaust and the years to follow remains a race against time. Documentary film Nathan-Ism, which will screen across the country later this year, captures the urgency of saving those memories before there is no one left to share them. Following the journey of Jewish soldier and artist Nathan Hilu, a reclusive storyteller in his 90s at the time of filming, Nathan-Ism recounts his life-altering mission at...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 49 J N In fact, as a testament to his mem- ory, Nathan-Ism screened at the Nuremberg Courtroom nearly 80 years after Hilu himself was stationed at one of history’s most critical legal events. Directed by Jewish filmmaker Elan Golod, Nathan-Ism debuted to widespread acclaim. It won the Yad Vashem Award for Outstanding Holocaust-Related Documentary, a shortlist spot at the International Documentary Association Awa...…
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…50 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N WICKED, THE MUSICAL, AND GLADIATOR II, A SEQUEL Wicked, the huge musical stage hit, has finally been made into a film, and it will open in theaters on Nov. 22. The stage musical premiered in 2003. The musical’s story was loosely based on a 1995 novel entitled Wicked. The novel drew on the original (early 20th century) Oz novels, but it had a “different spin” about the origins and lives of the “Good Witc...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 51 J N ARTS&LIFE WEEKLY RECIPE T he leaves are turning and there is a chill in the air. What better time to have a big pot of soup simmering on the stovetop? I love to make all kinds of soups and have them in the freezer for those nights when you do not feel like cooking. This vegetable lentil soup is so delicious and filling. Serve with a big piece of challah and dinner is ready! LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP Ma...…
…52 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N ‘LITTLE WOMEN’ NOW-DEC. 21 At Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. Box Office Wednesday-Friday various times; (248) 347-0003. This novel by Louisa May Alcott is presented in an entirely new way: a whimsical and adventurous play that’s perfect holiday fare for the whole family. The story unfolds as the sisters experience the Christmas holiday, family hardships, artistry, love and loss. NO...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 53 J N L ast year, while celebrating Rosh Hashanah, entrepreneur and spirits connoisseur Greg Sobol realized kosher spirit options were limited for a proper toast. There were kosher vodkas and whiskeys, but kosher tequila was hard to find — at least a quality kosher tequila. Suddenly, while at synagogue, the idea struck him: Why not start his own kosher tequila brand named in honor of Tekiah, or the long, dee...…
…54 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N The reposado, meanwhile, is aged for four months and picks up barrel notes of vanilla and toffee butterscotch. “It has this sweet caramel flavor to it,” Sobol says. On the label of Tekiah Spirits tequila is a Hamsa, which Sobol says was intentional to make it stand out at a distance. Of course, it represents the Jewish spirit as well. “You’ll see all of the different elements in there,” he says, “from th...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 55 J N BOOKS LIBRARY BOOKSTORE Bought & Sold Open 7 Days M. Sempliner Books Bought In Your Home 248.545.4300 Sold Open 7 Days M. Sempliner Books Bought In Your Home 248.545.4300 Open Tues.–Sat. | 10am–6pm LIBRARY BOOKSTORE Sold Open 7 Days M. Sempliner Books Bought In Your Home 248.545.4300 169 W 9 Mile Rd. | Ferndale, MI 48220 LOOKING FOR A DRIVER AND COMPANION? Retired medical assistant seeking em...…
…56 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY J effrey Hale Miro, 82, of Bloomfield Hills, passed away on Oct. 4, 2024, from Lewy Body dementia at his home, sur- rounded by the love of his wife and three children. Incredibly sharp, affable, hum- ble and wise, Jeffrey was one of the foremost attorneys working in real estate, orchestrating some of the most influential deals of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. He was also a devoted hus...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 57 J N accomplishments — and no doubt his pride — are nowhere more evident than in the achievements of his wife, children and grandchildren. Marsha was the art critic for the Detroit Free Press from 1974-1995 and is the founder and founding director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. Jeffrey’s eldest son, Doug (52), is a screenwriter who created the Netflix shows Narcos and Griselda. His eldest daughte...…
…58 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N PHYLLIS ABRAHAMS, 87, of Commerce Township, died Nov. 13, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth Abrahams; children, Ellen (Doug Freidenstine) Abrahams, Howard (Jennifer) Abrahams and Jon (Dana) Abrahams; grand- children, Owen Freidenstine, Ashley Abrahams, Cameron Abrahams, Noah Abrahams, Lindsay (Matthew) Curtis and Carly Abrahams; devoted caregiv- ers, Latrisse Borndes, Pam Parker; ...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 59 J N and approaching his next victim to perform a coin trick. In 1943, during WWII, he joined the Army at age 19 and was in active duty for more than two years. One of his favorite stories was about riding in an elevator with General MacArthur. He was present during D-Day and V-J Day. He met many people from Europe and the Pacific and kept in touch through- out the years. Anyone he met was a friend for life. W...…
…6 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N 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: ...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 60 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N Rosenthal; six beautiful great-grand- children. Contributions in memory of Kitty may be made to the American Stroke Association, www.stroke.org. BETH NORMAN, 68, of Southfield, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. She is survived by her lov- ing sisters, Andrea Gordon (Dr. Sheldon), Diana Shelby (Irv); and brothers, Nathan Norman, Brian Newhouse (Roxanne); caring nieces and nephews, J...…
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 61 BETH (WEINGARDEN) RISEMAN, former Detroiter of California, died Nov. 9, 2024. She was born in Detroit on St. Patrick’s Day, 1943. She grew up in Detroit, graduating from Mumford High School, followed by the University of Michigan (1964). She worked as an elementary school teacher, raised three children and completed her M.S.W . at Michigan State University. She practiced social work in Lapeer, until moving t...…
…62 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 J N Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at thejewishnews.com A Mensch of the Highest Order T his header was in the Dec. 27, 1996, JN: “Avoiding the Attention: Federation President Robert H. Naftaly doesn’t want the limelight. He just wants the work done.” The latter phrase, “He just wants the work done,” may encapsulate “Bob” Naftaly’s personal philosophy...…
…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Nominations for The Detroit Jewish News’ annual 36 under 36 are now open to recognize doers, activists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, community organizers and other young Jewish professionals reshaping and broadening Metro Detroit’s Jewish community. Do you know someone making an impact in the community for this special honor? 36 UNDER 36 Nominations Now Open! A special group of volunteer judges will be reviewi...…
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…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 7 J N essay Outrage Over Amsterdam A fter a soccer match in Amsterdam a few weeks ago, there was horrific antisemitic violence in the streets as supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv were confronted by an anti-Israel mob in what was apparently a coordinated attack. Footage online shows fans being beaten by assailants using knives, clubs and vehicles and running for their lives. This modern-day pogrom is par- ticula...…
…8 | NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 These young Israeli emissaries want to make life-lasting connections in the Detroit Jewish community. DANNY SCHWARTZ SENIOR STAFF REPORTER OUR COMMUNITY COVER STORY Home Home away from FIDF …
…NOVEMBER 21 • 2024 | 9 J N T he 2024-25 Detroit Shinshinim arrived three months ago, and Shahar, Ori, Ofir, Shira and Nisan’s intentions are clear: They want to leave a lasting legacy here. The individuals in the Shinshinim (Young Israeli Emissary) program are 18-year-old high-school graduates who choose to defer their military service for a year of service abroad. The ambassadors are carefully selected and brought over by the ...…
…$200 Nov. 14-20, 2024 / 13-19 Cheshvan 5785 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com A compelling memorial A compelling memorial to Israel’s tragic Oct. 7 to Israel’s tragic Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival Nova Music Festival comes to Detroit. comes to Detroit. Nov. 17–24. Nov. 17–24. See page 8 Music Stood Still The Moment …
…continued from page 9 10 | NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 J N OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER in West Bloomfield, invites visitors to reflect on the tragedy and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable violence. Visitors will travel on a timeline of the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7, telling the story of the events on that dreadful day, a carefully crafted mosaic of information, evidence and emotion. This compelling exhibit brings t...…
…NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 | 11 J N to the spirit of life and a symbol of hope for a future of unity and healing. “The Nova Exhibit is not only a profound and moving tribute to the innocent lives lost on Oct. 7,” said Steve Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit, “but also a sacred space for remembrance, healing and solidarity. “I encourage everyone to experience this show, to reach out to friends and colleagues and to invite th...…
…12 | NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 J N A Jewish and Israeli music event at the Farmington Community Library that was originally set to take place Sunday, Nov. 3 — which was then postponed due to negative feedback from community members — has now been rescheduled for Dec. 1 after blowback from the Jewish community and intervention from people in positions of influence. The event was the “Best of Jewish and Israeli Music with David Rodgers....…
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…14 | NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 for is a part of a national political conversation.” The second option was to simply cancel the Nov. 3 concert. “That was very quickly shut down because we all adamantly agree this is cultural programming that is valuable to our community, and especially our Jewish community,” Zitter said. “We also believe it would have put us in a position where we needed to cancel any of our other cultural programming th...…
…NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 | 15 as we are positioned and prepared to help and intervene as these situations arise.” Eventually, library management and Rodgers reconnected. They were apologetic. “They said they made some mis- steps, that they’re only human and they were trying their best to make everyone happy, which I accept,” Rodgers said. “I mentioned that for the show to go on, I think everyone would expect some kind of security presenc...…
…16 | NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 J N F rom its founding to its upcoming ninth annual installment, Chanu-Con! is first and foremost a “Community- Wide Chanukah Festival.” Beth Rodgers, the event founder and leader, goes to all lengths necessary to make sure everyone feels welcome to attend and to participate fully in the shopping, activities and food. “We are very excited to be taking Chanu-Con! into its ninth year,” shared Rodgers. “We ar...…
…NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 | 17 J N J ewish candidates in Michigan can be pleased about their own results in the Nov. 5 election. Incumbents Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown and Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg won re-election. Michigan state congresspeople Samantha Steckloff (MI House 19) won with 65% of the vote; and Noah Arbit (MI House 20) prevailed with 53% of the vote. Both will be returning to Lansing. In the closely watched Sena...…
…18 | NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 J N M ost people aren’t too excited when they’re selected for jury duty; about one-third don’t even bother showing up. But everyone should know that serving might come with some unlisted benefits … like the possibility of making a friend for life, or even finding a spouse, such as in the case of Hanna LoPatin and Steve Gebhardt. In 2015, Hanna was living in Los Angeles when she got called for jury duty. “...…
…NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 | 19 J N Take part in a powerful memorial dedicated to the lives lost and forever changed at the Nova Festival on October 7 in Re’im, Israel. Through a collection of remnants and personal artifacts salvaged from the festival grounds, as well as video testimonies and written first-person accounts, visitors are invited to experience the stories, memories and messages of those who were present at the festival. Novem...…
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…20 | NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 J N L ife in the former Soviet Union was no easy feat for its Jewish citizens. Tsila Pleasant (Vinik), employment specialist at Gesher Human Services, recalls rampant antisemitism growing up in Moldova, a former Soviet republic. By the time she was ready to attend college, the antisemitism had reached levels her family could no longer tolerate. In 1973, the Vinik family made aliyah to Israel. Like many oth...…
…NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 | 21 decades working within the Jewish community, Tsila Pleasant hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to come to a new country without language or opportunities. “People aren’t just looking for a job,” she says. “In conversations with newcomers to this country, it doesn’t matter where they come from, you have to understand the family dynamics; you have to understand the person here [today] and where they left from.” F...…
…B rothers Jon and Nathan Kunzman grew up in a family that celebrated wine and enjoyed exploring boutique wineries while traveling, but never imagined it would one day become a family business. However, it was a seamless transition for the Kunzman brothers. Jon and Nathan, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills, were always involved in their father Michael’s business, Kunzman & Associates, working closely with the automotive industry. Ma...…
