…DECEMBER 14 • 2023 | 51 Merrily We Roll Along stars Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez and Jonathan Groff in a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s 1981 musical. When the show first ran in 1981, the ill-fated production featured music and lyrics by Sondheim and was directed by Hal Prince. It was panned by critics and closed after 16 performances. Subsequently, Prince and Sondheim ended their collaborations. However, this 2023 revi...…
…52 | DECEMBER 14 • 2023 J N Just for Fun ACROSS 1. Chat 3. Motherly pride 6. To burst 7. Blessing 10. Pray 11. Piece 12. A gossip 14. Prayer of thanks and praise 17. Shabbat staple 18. The point of the matter 19. Neither milk nor dairy DOWN 2. Perfect homemaker 4. Hearty Shabbat stew 5. See 16 Down 8. Snack or nibble 9. To whine 12. Pointer 13. Spirit or breath 14. Skullcap 15. To Carry 16. See 5 Down See solution in next week’s is...…
…DECEMBER 14 • 2023 | 53 J N KINDNESS ART MENORAH 5:30-6:30 PM, DEC. 14 (THURS.) This year’s Kindness Art Menorah will be created by hundreds of students from local Jewish and public schools. The menorah will be made of tzedakah boxes. Kindle all eight candles in Franklin Village, near the Franklin Public Library, 32455 Franklin Road, Franklin. Enjoy the traditional Chanukah delicacies: donuts, latkes and warm soup plus an am...…
…54 | DECEMBER 14 • 2023 and sisters in Central Galilee; support Detroit’s homeless through local nonprofit Heart 2 Hart; pack 100 lunches with a special cookie hand- decorated by students; assemble 100 essentials for the Detroit homeless. At Congregation Shaarey Zedek. Complimentary pizza lunch for volunteers. Sign-up: shaareyzedek. shulcloud.com/event/ ProjectMitzvah. FILM OFFERING 2 PM, DEC. 17 (SUN.) At Detroit Fim Theatre i...…
… 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 SINCE 1973 $85 SERVICE FEE 24/7 Emergency Service Call today for your free in-home consultation 248.855.8747 Caren Bass Custom Closets,Inc. WHERE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE as featured on HGTV Leading the industry with over 30 ye...…
…56 | DECEMBER 14 • 2023 OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY R abbi Laurie Phillips, 55, a visionary spiri- tual leader, innovative educator and ambassador for kindness, passed away over Thanksgiving weekend at her childhood home in Southfield. In 2017, Laurie commis- sioned 10,000 red, oblong- shaped pins with the words “BE KIND” emblazoned in white capital letters to enlist thousands to join her as kind- ness ambassadors. Adorning lap...…
…DECEMBER 14 • 2023 | 57 J N continued on page 58 BRUCE LAWRENCE COLTON, 81, of Bloomfield Hills and Delray Beach, Fla., passed away Dec. 3, 2023, after a brief illness. A graduate of Mumford High School and the University of Michigan, where he received both an undergraduate degree in economics and a juris doctor from the law school, Bruce was a shareholder at Domestic Linen Supply and Laundry Company, where he served for nea...…
…58 | DECEMBER 14 • 2023 J N C.C. Colton; and friends and relatives from all over the country. Bruce was the son of the late Sol and the late Diane Colton; the younger brother of the late Marilynn and the late Norton Weiss. Interment was at Oakview Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Friends of the IDF, Michigan Chapter, P .O. Box 999, Walled Lake, MI 48390, fidf.org/donate; or National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd Street, Ne...…
…DECEMBER 14 • 2023 | 59 J N law of Sylvia (the late Harry) Smaller. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, other family members and friends. Mae was the beloved wife of the late Louis Woodberg and the late Albert Fink. Interment was held at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to Jewish Family Service in San Diego, Calif., or to the San Diego Cent...…
…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 14 • 2023 J N of Greater Detroit (hadassah. org/region/greater-detroit); or PanCAN (pancan.org/donate). STEVEN HEISLER, 86, of Livonia, died Dec. 7, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Heisler; children, Fern (Al) Jensen, Stacey (Kevin) Mason, Suzanne Mason, Stuart (Kamala) Heisler, Neil (Carol Myers) Heisler, Frank Zychowski; grandchildren, Jen (Alex) Gruin, David (Hugo) Heisler, Mark (Hilary) Heisl...…
…DECEMBER 14 • 2023 | 61 OBITUARY CHARGES The processing fee for obituaries is: $125 for up to 100 words; $1 per word thereafter. A photo counts as 15 words. There is no charge for a Holocaust survivor icon. The JN reserves the right to edit wording to conform to its style considerations. For information, have your funeral director call the JN or you may call Sy Manello, editorial assistant, at (248) 351-5147 or email him at sman...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at thejewishnews.com 62 | DECEMBER 14 • 2023 J N Love Him or Hate Him H enry Kissinger died on Nov. 29, 2023, at the age of 100. Kissinger led a remarkable life and, like many prominent people, he was a highly controversial figure within his lifetime. Indeed, for many observers, Kissinger was a great diplomat who did a lot of good in the w...…
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…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com DECEMBER 14 • 2023 | 7 J N unity and volunteerism is shining brightly. This year, I am celebrat- ing the miracle of solidarity. Grassroots efforts have popped up overnight like nothing Israel has ever seen. Meals have been dis- tributed, people have been welcomed into homes, and thousands of reservists, 130% of those calle...…
…8 | DECEMBER 14 • 2023 J N PURELY COMMENTARY analysis How the IDF is Reducing Civilian Casualties in Gaza T he Israel Defense Forces is making great efforts to limit civilian casual- ties in its war against Hamas, despite the terror group’s core strategy of embedding itself in the heart of civilian areas and sites. According to a senior IDF offi- cial, the military’s approach is com- prehensive, inte- grating advanced technologi...…
…DECEMBER 14 • 2023 | 9 J N EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Invest in your dreams, build your future with Hunter Pasteur www.hunterpasteur.com Homes starting from $1.3 Million Homes starting from $1.3 Million For more information contact our sales team at: 248.762.4955 info@hunterpasteurhomes.com www.prescottparkhomes.com 4177 PRESCOTT PARK CIRCLE WEST BLOOMFIELD• 48323 Email: Brian.shapiro@ccm.com Cell: 248-227-4882 Website: ccm.com/bria...…
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…10 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N opinion Social Media Has Become ‘Unhinged’ I t was a slow trickle, each long press of the finger and ensuing quick tap was days and sometimes weeks apart (it’s hard to comprehend that two months have passed since Oct. 7), but I am here to tell you that I — a former social media manager — have removed each and every social media app from my phone. In fact, as I was writing this very essay, I realized...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 11 J N Regency at Troy 2685 West Maple Road | Troy, MI 48084 248-965-7900 Ciena Healthcare’s Regency at Troy Healthcare Resort for Seniors AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Restaurant-Style Dining with three main dining rooms and separate family dining spaces • Family visitation rooms with anti-viral technology • Spa • Micro Green Garden • Recreational areas and lounges with fireplaces • Outdoor Courtyard • TeleHealth/...…
…12 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N E very year, the staff at the JN is amazed by the creative and beautiful submissions we receive from local artists who share their talent during our cover art con- test. Choosing the cover art is hard! Many submissions are worthy of being on the cover. As we select, we keep in mind the aesthetic of each piece, how it will look with the other elements on our cover and the intent of the artist in making hi...…
…continued on page 14 SECOND PLACE: Joshua Rodner, age 11, Bloomfield Hills THIRD PLACE: Hannah Rodner, age 13, Bloomfield Hills AGE 10 AND UP AGES 7-9 THIRD PLACE: Tamar Gottfried, age 8, Southfield AGES 6 AND UNDER SECOND PLACE: Lainey Weisel, age 6, West Bloomfield THIRD PLACE: Eden Rosenberg, age 6, Bloomfield Hills FIRST PLACE: Noah Gitlin, age 11, Birmingham FIRST PLACE: Emma Geiringer, age 7, West Bloomfield SECON...…
…14 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 OUR COMMUNITY COVER STORY HONORABLE MENTION: Cooper Seidman, age 5, Berkley HONORABLE MENTION: Leah Gottfried, age 10, Southfield HONORABLE MENTION: Joel Barenholtz, age 7, Huntington Woods HONORABLE MENTIONS continued from page 13 Need Help with an IRS or State Tax Problem? As featured on: Need Help with an IRS or State Tax Problem? Call the experts at 1-800-TAX-LEVY (829-5389) • Tax Liens • Collectio...…
…Let’s celebrate the light! Candy-Colored Chanukah LYNNE KONSTANTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER Bring in some colorful yet elegant fun to your holiday table, balanced with a bit of classic blues. ▼ Based in Chapel Hill, N.C., artist (and mom) Arielle Zorger creates colorful “hand- painted, happy art” that she transforms into usable, modern Judaica. The cotton twill Rainbow Menorahs Table Runner (top) is available in two sizes; the Rainbow Dre...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 17 To create her Chanukah Centerpiece DIY Jar Menorah, mom, blogger and crafter Menucha started with repurposed baby-food jars. For full step-by-step instructions, visit jewish.momsandcrafters.com. Part of Crate & Barrel’s Hanukkah Tablescape collection, Mercer Blue Rim Star of David Platter and Mercer Blue Rim Hanukkah Menorah Salad Plate — glazed porcelain with hand-painted icons — can be easily mixed- and-ma...…
…18 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 Ann Arbor-based Marzipops’ radiant Hanukkah Stained- Glass Dreidels marzipan confections are painted by hand using edible colors. Marzipops.com. Dig in to a Bundt cake or cheese board with the classically ornate cast and stamped brass and stainless steel Ricci Serve Set. Area Anthropologie stores. Anthropologie.com. COURTESY OF MARZIPOPS Create a true centerpiece with Nordic Ware’s nonstick cast aluminu...…
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…20 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N All the Chanukah All the Chanukah happenings happenings around town. around town. Eight Nights of Fun! OUR COMMUNITY L ook out for menorahs displayed throughout the area, bringing Chanukah cheer and warmth to the community. 1st Night Of 1st Night Of Chanukah Chanukah Thursday, Dec. 7 Thursday, Dec. 7 CAMPUS MARTIUS, DETROIT Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan Menorah in the D: In-person and live- str...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 21 J N 5th Night Of Chanukah 5th Night Of Chanukah Monday, December 11 Monday, December 11 SOUTHFIELD Lubavitch Cheder, Yeshiva and Young Israel of Southfield Menorah Lighting Parade 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Menorah Lighting at Southfield Public Library southfieldmenorah.info BIRMINGHAM Chabad of Bloomfield Hills Shain Park Menorah Lighting 5:30 p.m. Shain Park info@bhchabad.org FLINT Chabad of Eastern Michigan A...…
…22 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N M y brother-in-law asked me a surprising question: “How many different kinds of latkes do you make at Chanukah?” “Just the potato kind,” I said. “Why?” “Since you prepare eight different char- osets at Passover, I figured you’d make lots of exotic latkes, too,” he said. While Robbie meant this as a compli- ment, he caught me off guard. Since he knows I enjoy cooking and inventing rec- ipes, he set the bar high...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 23 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 significant tax benefits. To start experiencing these rewards, cal...…
…24 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 large (12-inch diameter) skillet, pref- erably the no-stick variety, until but- ter sizzles but doesn’t burn. 6. Pour half a soup ladle of batter at a time into hot pan. When bubbles appear in batter and bottom surface turns golden brown, flip pancakes. Turn only once. Gradually add more milk to batter if it thickens while first batch cooks. Add more butter to pan, if needed. 7. Serve pancakes immediately. If m...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 25 T his year, more than ever, it is critical to celebrate Chanukah, and our Judaism, with added pride and confidence. As Israel and the Jewish people continue to go through a challenging time, we must take advantage of the light, festivity and Jewish pride that celebrating Chanukah provides. Bais Chabad of West Bloomfield is very excited to share all sorts of opportunities for celebration. “We hope you’ll...…
…OUR COMMUNITY H e’s known to many as Mr. Oak Park. Gerald “Jerry” Naftaly, for- mer mayor of the city where so many members of Metro Detroit’s Jewish com- munity grew up and remember it close to utopia, is so knowledgeable about the history, the people, the businesses, restaurants and shops, that he literally wrote the book. Images of America: Oak Park, with a foreword by former gover- nor James Blanchard, was published in 2012, cov...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 27 J N “I asked everyone for their top three places and memories throughout Oak Park and, in less than three weeks, I filled the 40 spaces on the board,” Naftaly says. And this year, just in time for Chanukah, he creat- ed Northland-Opoly: The Northland Mall Edition. An extension of his Northland Mall book, Northland-Opoly draws on the history of the world’s then-largest shopping center, opened in 1954. The inn...…
…28 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N O n Nov. 19, 600 Jewish women gathered at the Nancy Grosfeld Campus of the Yeshiva Beth Yehudah in Oak Park to knead and braid challah, pray, dance and sing. At a difficult time for many Jewish women impacted by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and rising antisemitism, many are seeking out the company and support of other Jewish community members. RISE Challah Bake offered that sense of community for loc...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 29 J N months before the war began and organizers already anticipated a high turnout, Indig believes the war elevated the sense of emotion that was present during RISE Challah Bake. “This is what Partners Detroit wants to do,” she says. “Bring the Jewish community together. We like to share the joy and pride of being Jewish and give people an opportunity to learn and engage in their heritage and the Torah.” ...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 3 J N PURELY COMMENTARY 4-10 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 12 Celebrating the Season Local artists bring out their best for the JN’s Chanukah art contest. 16 Candy-Colored Chanukah Let’s celebrate the light! 20 Eight Nights of Fun! All the Chanukah happenings around town. 22 A Whole Lotta Latkes 25 Chanukah Wonderland 2023 This year, the fun is spread over several days. 26 Northlan...…
…30 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY continued from page 29 ongoing conflict in Israel, Partners Detroit Women’s Division, which holds events year-round, is planning to move forward with its 2024 trip to Israel. “We don’t just stand with Israel,” Bausk says. “We’re going to Israel, and we’re really excited to take women of all ages and backgrounds to Israel in May.” HONORING RYAN DEMBS The Dembs Mission to Israel, May 12-...…
…Older Adult Services Mental Health Support T ransportation Employment Housing Food Financial Assistance And So Much More Who to call when you don’t know who to call. When you call Jhelp you’ll be connected to a caring, knowledgeable professional who will guide you to the Jewish Detroit resources that can help you navigate life’s challenges and changes. Jhelp calls are answered by the Jewish Family Service (JFS) Resource Cente...…
…32 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N J udge Bernard Friedman and Stan Meretsky’s friendship means the world to them. It’s an alliance celebrating its 75th year, forged in 1948 when the two were kindergarten classmates at MacCulloch Elementary School on Wildemere and Tyler in Detroit. Their lifelong friendship was nurtured though the closeknit community they called home — the beloved old Dexter-Davison Jewish neigh- borhood. This yea...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 33 J N CHILDHOOD ADVENTURES Kindred spirits since kinder- garten, that’s the best way to describe Bernie and Stan. For the record, it all began in Mrs. Bacon’s class at MacCulloch Elementary in 1948. They’ve been practically inseparable since then. I learned that early on Friedman and Meretsky took on major responsibilities together. “One of the most important things in our friend- ship was being worm gatherers...…
…34 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 Jewish activities in Detroit. Stan became active in Brandeis AZA and Bernie spent time at sponsored clubs at the old JCC at Meyers and Curtis. These affiliations would have profound impacts on both boys that over the years nurtured their shared love for, dedication to and eventual trips together as adults to Israel. More on that in a moment. Even as they got busy with their adult lives — college, getting m...…
…A special group of volunteer judges will be reviewing submissions and choosing the 36 winners. Honorees will receive a free subscription to the JN and be featured in a February 2024 issue. GO ONLINE TO THEJEWISHNEWS.COM AND SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION BY DECEMBER 29, 2023 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Do you know someone who gives of themselves to the community in robust — and often thankless — ways? Someone you admire and aspire to be like? Some...…
…36 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N I t’s been a difficult two months, to say the least, since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. It’s been particularly challenging for Israelis living in Metro Detroit, many of whom are coping with feelings of guilt as well as concern for their loved ones and their homeland. Plus, they are witness- ing something they wouldn’t be experiencing in Israel: an unprece- dented rise in antisemitism. “My body is here,...…
…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, ...…
