… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 45 So why has Taylor-Abt lived on three continents in his young life? That’ s where jobs have taken his mother, Rabbi Abi Taylor-Abt. She’ s in her fourth year as the education director and principal for the Yachad Religious School, a pre-K through high school part- nership of Temple Emanu- El and Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park. Gideon Taylor-Abt is Ben’ s father and Ben has four older siblings — Eitan, ...…
…46 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 sports HIGHlights brought to you in partnership with NMLS#2289 quick hits BY STEVE STEIN Billy Slobin and Doug Lemberg helped the North Farmington High School foot- ball team reach heights this season the Raiders hadn’ t reached in decades. Slobin and Lemberg were two of the former Farmington Hills Harrison High School assistant football coaches who took their talents to North Farmington after Harr...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 47 Access to top doctors and hospi tal s al l over Mi chi gan? Count on i t. Count on Bl ue Cross Bl ue Shi el d of Mi chi gan and Bl ue Care Network to gi ve you the peace of mi nd that comes wi th knowi ng you’ l l have access to heal th care that’ s ri ght f or you. For 80 years, Bl ue Cross has been doi ng more to bri ng you the choi ces, access and experti se ...…
…48 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Frankel Jewish Academy boys basketball team doesn’ t play on Shabbat, of course. Here are the remaining dates of the FJA Jaguars’ games (home games are at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit in West Bloomfield): TUESDAYS at Novi Christian Academy (Jan. 7); vs. Clarkston Everest Collegiate (Jan. 14); at Allen Park Cabrini (Jan. 21); vs. Detroit Cristo Rey (...…
…Moments DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 49 OCT. 3, 2019 Elizabeth and Joshua Zeman of Bloomfield Hills are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Hannah Joy Zeman. She is the granddaughter of Ann and Jonathan Podolsky of Bloomfield Hills and Marci and Paul Zeman of West Bloomfield. Hannah is named for her paternal grandfather Harold Wolfe and maternal grandfather Harold Podolsky and her maternal grandmother, Judith Weitz. Hannah’ s Hebr...…
…50 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 Spirit torah portion I t’ s that time of year. We pause our diets for oily treats; we break our bank accounts for some gifts; and we take time off to see our loved ones. Despite never being men- tioned in the Torah, the holiday of Chanukah is perhaps the most well-known holiday of the Jewish calendar. But why is that? Shouldn’ t Shavuot, the day of receiving the Torah, the foundation of our religion, get...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 51 Arts&Life music 51 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 Enduring Holiday Stylings Temple Israel’ s artist in residence infuses original music with Chanukah-themed lyrics. J acob Spike Kraus has taken a cue from famous Jewish songwriters and added his own twist. Kraus, artist in residence at Temple Israel, picked up on the melodic stylings of Irving Berlin, Mel Tormé and Jerry Herman, among many others known for their...…
…52 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 T wo swimmers have dived into the imaginary world of SpongeBob. Tina Landau, once a competi- tive swimmer, is director of The SpongeBob Musical touring Dec. 24-29 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Tristan McIntyre, buoyed by a recent deep-sea adventure with buddies, portrays the villain in the musical. The two, who also attend- ed Beverly Hills High School in California but years apart, are helping turn ...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 53 40380 Grand River Avenue Novi, MI 48375 248.615.2102 Visit us at: bigtommyscomedyclub.com or email: bigtommyscomedyclub@yahoo.com NEW YEAR’S EVE - 2 SHOWS! EARLY BIRD SHOW - $25 5:30 PM - 7 PM Dinner available in main dinning room before or after show. ONLY WITH RESERVATION. BRINGING DOWN THE NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW 8 PM - 1 AM Doors open at 8pm — Dinner starts at 8:45pm-10pm Dinner Menu: Lamb chops, chicke...…
…54 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 A Star Wars T-shirt — with bold Hebrew lettering — stands out as a prized possession of Kenneth Friedman. He can’ t wear the shirt because it’ s not his size, but he smiles whenever he comes across it among the many items of Star Wars memorabilia he owns. Friedman, 49, an Oak Parker and long- time member of Congregation B’ nai Moshe, has been a Star Wars fan since he was 7. His interest launched when he was ...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 55 Arts&Life A Movie Marathon for All 8 Nights of Chanukah ELANA SPIVACK ALMA VIA JTA F ry up some latkes and fulfill the 11th commandment by observing a movie marathon for each day of Chanukah. Here are some suggestions perfect for the occasion: Night 1: Little Fockers This third installment of the Meet the Parents saga is a phenomenal way to start the holiday for five reasons: 1. Barbra Streisand 2. Barbra St...…
…56 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 Arts&Life celebrity jews MOVIE NEWS Opening Dec. 20 is Star Wars: The Rise of Starwalker. Advance publicity promises this film will be the final part of the nine-episode Skywalker saga. I won’ t go into plot details. I will simply note that this one, like the last three really big Star Wars films, was directed and co-written by J.J. Abrams, 53. A sad note: Carrie Fisher, who died in 2016, does appear as ...…
…On The Go people | places | events DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 57 SOUPER SUPPER From 6-7 p.m. at Birmingham Temple. Enjoy up to 30 different soups, including vegan and vegetarian varieties, breads (including glu- ten-free) and desserts, most of these homemade. There will also be lat- kes with apple sauce and sour cream and Chanukah songs. Suggested donation: $10 per person, $25 per family + cans of food that will be used to make creative scul...…
…Nosh COURTESY OF PROLOGUE The Longboard A new West Coast eatery by Jolly Pumpkin Debuts in Dearborn. T he Longboard by Jolly Pumpkin, the newest concept by the founders of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, opened in downtown Dearborn Nov. 25. The Longboard by Jolly Pumpkin, at 21931 Michigan Ave., Suite 100, represents a return to Jolly Pumpkin’ s origins. Founder Ron Jeffries established more than an all-sour beer Michigan-bas...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 59 Let our experienced team handle all of your estate needs: Hands free-hassle free estate sales Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation 248-709-9648 CHANGING HANDS ESTATE SALES Visit our Leshoppe showroom in Keego Harbor the exchange 10 BULLETIN BOARD 12 ADVERTISING 15 LOST & FOUND 20 REAL ESTATE SERVICES 25 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 27 LAKEFRONT PROPERTY FOR SALE 28 NORTHERN PROPERTY...…
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… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 61 Soul of blessed memory A Gifted Physician, Philanthropist and “Hero” with a Strong Moral Compass RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER D r. Melvin A. Lester was a man of many talents. He was a gifted and caring physician, a savvy business- man, an innovative hospital administrator, a musical virtuoso, a proficient sailor, a skillful chef, a knowledgeable patron of the arts and a generous philan- thropist. Dr. Le...…
…Soul of blessed memory 62 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 TZVI (HAROLD ALLAN) BERKAL, 84, left us on Dec. 6, 2019, after a lengthy battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Born on Feb. 7, 1935, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Abe and Hilda Berkal, he was extremely lucky to join Habonim Canada and participate in the Second Habonim Israel Workshop in 1952, where he met his Zionist counterpart, Gerry Barish. After a lengthy stay in the Ho...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 63 MELVIN DENENBERG, 93, of West Bloomfield, died Dec. 6, 2019. He is survived by his nieces, nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews, David (Gloria) Wilen, Helane (Craig) Maer, Dennis (Carole) Borinstein, Eric Engelson, Matthew (Christina) Milter, Courtney (Chad) Larson, Alyssa (Anthony) Jaroenngarm, Meredith (Jim) Pharis, Clark Engelson. Mr. Denenberg was the loving son of the late David and the late C...…
…64 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 Soul of blessed memory “Jack of all Trades” with a Heart of Gold RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER D r. Jack Wayne’ s life is a story of resiliency in the face of adversity. A devoted family man, he was a legendary baker, a gifted teacher, a talented dancer and a skilled handyman. A Holocaust survivor who endured unspeakable horrors, he had an irresistible smile and a positive outlook that bright- ened th...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 65 DR. JOEL FORMAN, 75, of Commerce Township, died Dec. 11, 2019. He survived by his beloved wife, Linda Forman; sons and daughters-in-law, Seth and Marisa Forman, Adam and Alizah Forman, and Jeremy and Yuki Forman; grandchildren, Lia, Zachary, Alexis and Danielle Forman; brother and sister-in-law, Saul and Helen Forman; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Martin Mizel; many loving nieces, nephews, other ...…
…Soul of blessed memory 66 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 continued from page 65 BERTHA GREEN, 100, of Oak Park, died Dec. 6, 2019, nine days before her 101st birthday. Born in Pittsburgh during the Great Depression, she was the youngest of six children. As a girl, she never had a doll or a toy and had to quit school at 16 because her family could not afford bus fare. That difficult start paved the way to the love of her life. As a te...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 67 continued on page 68 Her life was devoted to her family, including her sisters- in-law and brothers-in-law, Estelle and Kopel Kahn, Ethel and J. Phillip Levant, and Dr. Paul and Mrs. Joyce Pensler. During her last years, she spoke lovingly of her memories and looked forward to reuniting with her beloved sister Betty Gold, and her brothers, Charles (Elaine) Canvasser and Darwin (Joycelyn) Canvasser. Int...…
…68 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 Soul of blessed memory (Qiaoyan) Rosenberg and Allison (Scott) Snyder; great- grandchild, Sophia Snyder; sister, Beverly Salter; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Mr. Sachs was the father- in-law of the late Jeffrey Belfy; the brother-in-law of the late Charles Salter. Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the Natio...…
… DECEMBER 19 • 2019 | 69 Matt Prentice returns to the dining scene with Three Cats in Clawson. the best of everything Raskin Welcome Back! T he return of a restaurant icon is always most wel- come … Especially when that person is someone whose past record in the gastronom- ic business is impeccable. Such is that of Matt Prentice… Although the new Three Cats in Clawson may not be in the same dining vein as his previous ones, ...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org 70 | DECEMBER 19 • 2019 Philip Slomovitz – Dean of Jewish American Journalists W hen you write for a newspaper, you have to work with a unique group of people called “editors. ” Over the years, my col- umns have been scrutinized by an editor or two. While some writers have a, ahh, let’ s say, a somewhat conten- ...…
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… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 3 OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’ s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to reflect diverse community viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. As an independent, responsible, responsive community member, we actively engage with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in South...…
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… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 5 Views Jewfro What’s Newf? Me ... Rushmore! G reetings, Michiganders and Michigeese! Ben has been pretty sleep deprived lately — can’ t imagine why — so I am here in shed, lending a paw to share some good newf. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rushmore and I am a dog. Now I know what you’ re think- ing: Dogs are unreliable narrators, least of all 10-week-old puppies. Well, I have Disney+ and it ...…
…Views 6 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 continued on page 10 Levin Gets it Wrong There he goes, again. Freshman Democrat Congressman Andy Levin displays his ignorance and anti-Israel bias by drafting a letter — co-signed by 100 Democrat members of Congress (including our own Brenda Lawrence and several other members of Michigan’ s delegation) — complaining about Secretary of State Pompeo’ s recent statement that Israel’ s settlements in t...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 7 FedRadi oDetroi t i s Li ve! FedRadi oDetroi t i s Federati on’s podcast seri es hosted by Sam Dubi n and Beverly Li ss and featuri ng bi g personali ti es from Jewi sh Detroi t’s di verse cast of characters. Scott Kaufman, who recently stepped down from the role of Federati on’s CEO, shares hi s journey i nto Jewi sh leadershi p, reflects on hi s decade-long run ...…
…Views 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 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Hwy., #110, Southfield, MI 48034. 8 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 ...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 9 Your Chanukah Headquarters We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express and EBT Cards 32906 Middlebelt Rd (at 14 Mile), Farmington Hills | 248-855-0007 Hours: Mon - Sat 8:30-8:30, Sun 8:30-7pm | www.JohnnyPomodoros.com TUESDAY’ S SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT 10% (excludes beer, wine, sale items, garden center, and special orders) Johnny Pomodoro’ s makes every effort to insure that the prices and items listed...…
…10 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 Views with his hateful speech and growing number of followers, including rappers and the Women’ s March’ s Tamika Mallory. In May of this year, the Philadelphia branch of the Muslim American Society (MAS) had an event where young children from a MAS school sang and read poetry about killing Jews. Then, there is the BDS movement on college campuses, which speaks to anti-Zionism, which, in reality, is a...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 11 …
…Jews in the D 12 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 JUDY GREENWALD CONTRIBUTING WRITER I n keeping with its dedication to pro- vide compassionate, personalized services to help thousands in the Jewish community and its vitally import- ant role in assisting Holocaust survivors, Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit (JFS) has been named Midwest Administrator for the Holocaust Claims Conference. Since 1951, the Conference on Jewish Material...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 13 …
…14 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 A deal is drawing near between the legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Lansing to restore some of the nearly $500 million Whitmer line-item vetoed from the state’ s 2020 budget, including the $8 mil- lion appropriated to “multi- cultural integration funding.” For the Jewish community, the impact would be about $2 million that is usually allocat- ed to Jewish Family Service, JVS, Jewish Community Cent...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 15 Jews in the D O n Nov. 22, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor was successfully able to light a 9-foot meno- rah alongside the 61-foot Christmas tree in front of the Michigan State Capitol during the Silver Bells in the City event. Later that night, the menorah was taken down and returned to City Hall, where it will stay in the lobby during the holiday season. This is not the first time the Capitol has been in the...…
…16 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 Jews in the D Shine Some Light Beaumont’ s Moonbeams program uplifts the spirits of kids in the hospital. ROCHEL BURSTYN CONTRIBUTING WRITER H aving a seriously sick child is a devastating, heart- wrenching experience. As Rachael Grushko of West Bloomfield said, “It was the worst day of my life. ” In late December 2017, Grushko’ s daughter Bella, then 19 months old, was rushed to the emergency room at Beaum...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 17 participants showed up during the month; some nights alone had more than 1,000 people. It gets so crowded that Grobbel warned parking can be a challenge. If you’ re going, be sure to arrive early! They also prefer if people register in advance so they can organize volunteers accordingly. Last year, more than 800 children and their families enjoyed the lights from the inside, not including adults in the ...…
…Jews in the D T hree young speakers presented their stories of resilience at the third annual Teen Shabbat Dinner on Friday, Nov. 22, at Friendship Circle. About 200 teenagers heard from Emily Coon, Mandi Fealks and Brandon Klein. Coon, 16, spoke about developing depression after losing her sister to suicide. “Her laugh was contagious. It could make anyone happy even on their worst day,” Coon said of her sister who was 18 years...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 19 Philanthropist Donates Millions to Windsor Federation Windsor philanthropist Alan Quesnel presented the Windsor Jewish Federation (WJF) with a more than $2 million donation to sup- port the work of the Jewish community in Windsor and to be distributed to humanitarian organizations in Israel. Quesnel has asked that the WJF reach out to Christians United for Israel (CUFI). “I would like to try in some smal...…
…Jews in the D 20 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 continued on page 22 T hree million Polish Jews died during the Holocaust — more than any other nationality. Many died in Auschwitz- Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, but others were killed near the villages where they lived. Despite the Holocaust’ s devastating impact on Polish Jewry, Poland as a nation and many of its citizens have for decades waivered and backtracked on ...…
… DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 21 Elevate Your Lifestyle T H E N E W LY R E N O V A T E D W A B E E K C LU B P R E M IE R G O L F C O U R S E - 4 0 0 P E R S O N B A N Q U E T M E M B E R S O N LY W W W . W A B E E K C C . C O M …
…22 | DECEMBER 12 • 2019 Jews in the D Jan Gross brought the attack to public attention in 2000. The president of Poland apologized to survivors. A public prosecutor re-opened the case, but the perpetrators had died. “The democratic transformation of Poland brought about an ability to talk about it publicly,” he added. But there was a growing backlash to such honesty. “Some Poles asked, ‘ Why do you speak about bad stuff? Why...…
