…DECEMBER 16 • 2021 | 49 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030, donate.doctorswithoutborders. org/onetime.cfm. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ALAN EIDELMAN, 77, of Commerce Township, died Dec. 5, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Eidelman; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Joshua Cutler, and Lori and Mark Langenderfer; grandchildren, Emma, Zoe, Alexa, Riley and Payton; brother and sister-in- law, David and Judy Eidelman; sist...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 50 | DECEMBER 16 • 2021 continued from page 49 Joshua Sims, and Emma and Benjamin Fellows; brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Sheryl Fellows; sister, Rosalind Gumenick; sister-in-law, Loretta Littky. He is also survived by his loving companion, Frances Wolok; her children, Jeffrey and Linda Wolok, and Ronald and Lori Semel; and her grandchil- dren, Adam, Adelina, Caleb and Elianna Wolok, and Lilli ...…
…DECEMBER 16 • 2021 | 51 continued on page 52 Don; they were married on June 26, 1960. Eileen loved to spend time with her family. Also, she loved working out, and she skied for most of her adult life in northern Michigan and Snowbird, Utah. She also spent summers boating in Boyne City, rotating with her children and grandchildren. Eileen continued to enjoy the outdoors and remained active when she could by hiking with Don and he...…
…52 | DECEMBER 16 • 2021 OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY (Arlene) Green, the late Betty (the late Chuck) Crisp, the late Ted (Eloise) Green, and the late Loyce (the late Kathryn) Green. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, dear friends; neighbors, Jim and Mary Schirmer; and his loving caregiver, Barbra Waegner. A memorial service will be held at Ira Kaufman Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Contributions may be made...…
…DECEMBER 16 • 2021 | 53 S tephen Sondheim, the Jewish lyricist and composer who redefined the American musical through a monumental canon of influential and innovative theatrical works, died Nov. 26, 2021, at 91. Sondheim’s stunning debut came writing the lyrics to Leonard Bernstein’s score for West Side Story in 1957, at age 27. Sondheim was born to Jewish parents in New York City but raised without any formal Jewish backgrou...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org 54 | DECEMBER 16 • 2021 People of the Book I am a dinosaur. While I spend several hours every day reading online news and stories, when I want to seriously read, I still turn to books. You know, those old-fashioned, paper-based things that you hold in your hands. No scrolling down the screen: When reading a book, y...…
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…$200 Dec. 9-15, 2021 / 5-11 Tevet 5782 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT 100 Years 100 Years IN MOTOWN thejewishnews.com Downtown Synagogue celebrates centennial and plans to enhance its future. Page 10 …
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…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 3 PURELY COMMENTARY 4-9 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 10 100 Years in Motown Downtown Synagogue celebrates centennial and plans to enhance its future. 16 Response to Tragedy The Jewish community lifts up the Oxford community in prayer and support. 18 Dealing with Trauma Crisis expert shares guidance on how to help kids navigate the aftermath of the Oxford shooting. 20 The Jewish Bubbie D...…
…4 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 essay Argue, Don’t Fight T here’s an enormous difference between an argument and an attack. Calling someone a liar or a traitor is not an argument; it’s an attack. If you marshal facts and reason to make your case, that’s an argument. Have you noticed how so many arguments these days quickly unravel into nasty fights? OK, be honest: When you get an email, what kind of “information” gets your adrenaline pump...…
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…6 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 I am a member of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. As you may be aware, the Commission is responsible for draw- ing the U.S. Congressional, State House and State Senate maps for the State of Michigan. The Commission has proposed several maps for comment by the public, with the intention of adopt- ing one of each type of map at the end of December (Dec. 28-Dec. 30). The Commis...…
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…8 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 essay Peace, Innovation and the Synergy Between Them T wenty-five years ago, the Peres Center for Peace was established and since then it has complet- ed amazing work, which is unfortunately not known to the public. I would like to take this oppor- tunity to high- light the Center’s accomplish- ments, and to answer the questions of many of my friends in the field of peace activism as to why the Center do...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 9 vation in science and technology could help subdue the underly- ing motivations for conflict itself. With approximately 60% of the Middle East’s population aged under 30, Peres believed that a vastly more innovative landscape in the region would ensure a prosperous future for all. If we can help our neighbors create an ecosystem of innova- tion similar to what we have in Israel, they will be less attracted by ...…
…V adim Avshulamov moved to Downtown Detroit after finishing grad school in 2012. One Friday night, “after a difficult day,” he happened upon the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue (IADS) on Griswold Street and walked in. Knowing not a soul, “I was asked to lead the Maariv service during Kabbalat Shabbat,” Avshulamov said. His immediate impression was that “IADS is a very inclusive community.” Avshalumov quickly plugged into synagogue lif...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 11 TOP: A Simchat Torah celebration. BOTTOM LEFT: Children work at Eden Gardens. BOTTOM RIGHT: Members meet in fellowship and prayer. continued on page 12 People Of IADS Staff RABBI ARIANA SILVERMAN Spiritual Leader “When IADS launched a national search for a full- time rabbi in 2016, they ultimately chose the one who lives 2 miles away. I am so glad they did. I am committed to Detroit, committed to the values ...…
…continued on page 13 12 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 Fintex Men’s Clothing store. Board member Rick Agree said his parents, George and Shirley Agree, led the group that pur- chased the four-story building. Located at 1457 Griswold Street, between Clifford Street and Grand River, IADS is mem- orable for its brightly colored window squares. Walking distance from numerous Jewish-owned clothing shops and profes- sional offices, the Downtown Syn...…
…ABOVE: The flame-thrower menorah with all lights burning brightly. FACING PAGE: IADS when it was over Kosins Clothes on Griswold, before moving across the street continued from page 12 M etro Detroiters were invited recently to #EngageforEight with the Downtown Synagogue, “and be the miracle this Chanukah,” said Jaemi Loeb, co-chair with Carrie Reinis of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue 100 Years Committee. “On the third night...…
…14 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 JAEMI LOEB 100 Years Committee co-chair Joined 2018 “IADS is like my Jewish home. It’s a com- munity that is supportive, engaged, root- ed in tradition but working in the now, and always reaching for the stars.” JODEE FISHMAN RAINES Former Board President, 2016-2018 Joined 2013 “I have the deepest respect for the board and volunteers who continue to pour such passion and hard work into making the synagogue the h...…
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…OUR COMMUNITY O n Tuesday, Nov. 30, the unthinkable became reality as a disturbed teenaged boy opened fire at Oxford High School in Oakland County, killing four teenagers and wounding seven others, including one teacher. The 15-year-old suspect has been charged as an adult with terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of assault with intent to murder and 12 counts of possession of a firearm dur...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 17 memory of those who died, in empathy with those who are suffering, in hopes of Hashem helping us create a better world.” Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills shared the following message on social media: “Our thoughts, prayers, comfort, love and strength go to our neighboring communi- ty. May the memories of those who perished be a blessing and may those who were injured have a speedy recovery and return t...…
…18 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 OUR COMMUNITY I n the wake of the Oxford High School shooting on Nov. 30 that left four stu- dents dead and seven others injured, the Oxford community and the surrounding Metro Detroit area are navigating the after- math. Students, parents and the general population alike are now dealing with the effects of trauma, an experience — like the Oxford High School shooting — that is deeply distressing or disturbing....…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 19 Partner with our scientists to solve humanity’s most difficult challenges. And if that isn’t reward enough, there are year-end tax benefits, too. Every day, hundreds of scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel pursue breakthroughs in cancer research, health & medicine, education, technology, the environment, and the world beyond our planet. A Charitable Gift Annuity gives you the opportunity not only to ...…
…20 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 OUR COMMUNITY O n the new NBC show Baking It, Detroit- born journalist and comedian Norma Zager is known as the “Jewish bubbie. ” The former Detroit Jewish News contributor will be one of four hosts judging the new baking series produced by Amy Poehler, which will stream on NBC’s streaming service Peacock beginning Dec. 2 and began airing on NBC Dec. 3. “I am Bubbie Norma, ” Zager, 74, of Beverly Hills, Ca...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 21 A P P L Y T O D A Y F O R T H E ADL MICHIGAN GLASS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE L E A R N A B O U T : Fighting antisemitism Hate crime laws Extremism & hate groups Anti-bias education Civil rights history Advocacy Learn more & apply: michigan.adl.org/gli APPLICATIONS DUE DEC. 17 Questions? michigan@adl.org or 248.207.9099 If you know someone who could benefi t from a Mitzvah Subscription, please email subscripti...…
…22 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 OUR COMMUNITY L ooking east from Church Street north of 10 Mile Road, you can see a gleaming playground. Around the playground is a wide grass-covered field with curved paved walkways shaded by low trees. You could enjoy this bucolic scenery without sus- pecting that a major highway runs right beneath your feet. You are standing on an excep- tionally wide bridge, an over- pass of the I-696 freeway, but it ...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 23 during the construction, antici- pated to last from 2024-2025. Monica Monsma, public involvement and hearings offi- cer of MDOT, opened the meet- ing by stressing that MDOT wishes to gather as much input as possible from the public in the process of designing the replacement bridge. Jeff Pitt, senior contracts engineer at MDOT and proj- ect manager, explained the constraints on designing the replacement bridge...…
…G rowing up, Alana Blumenstein didn’t understand why she and her younger brother, Jacob, were struggling in classes. Now 21, Blumenstein, who attends Oberlin College in Ohio, knows that they were navigating learn- ing disabilities without knowing for many years. “We didn’t understand what learning disabilities were, ” she recalls. “We had no idea. ” It wasn’t until high school that the Blumenstein siblings (which also include bro...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 25 launched in October 2020 during the COVID-19 pan- demic, is a custom digital publication directly made by and for kids with learning dis- abilities. “ At that time, we were all home together, ” Blumenstein recalls. “We thought a maga- zine would be a great oppor- tunity to provide a [safe] space for kids and take our mission one step further. ” The free digital magazine features parent advice columns, spotlight...…
…OUR COMMUNITY 26 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 L aura Gottlieb spends her days combing through archives that contain decades of Metro Detroit Jewish history, much of it seldom told. Yet the 28-year-old director of cultural resources at Temple Beth El, who oversees the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives and the Prentis Memorial Library, wants to change that by bringing those stories to the public. Through Out of the Box, a program launched by Te...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 27 by finding a document or a picture hidden in the archives, then adds context around its history by bringing in things like newspaper articles or other items. “I take people on this journey with me and through the discovery of more information,” she says. In Temple Beth El’s archives, Gottlieb says there is no shortage of interesting stories. With about 1,500 linear feet of archival material housed in hund...…
…28 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 NATIONAL I t took more than four years, but nine individuals who were injured and traumatized by white supremacists have now achieved a measure of justice. More than four years ago, hun- dreds of white nationalists from a dozen “alt-right” white suprema- cist organizations joined together in Charlottesville, Virginia, to march with tiki-torches and flags, shouting antisemitic and racist slogans. They oppos...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 29 On Sunday, Nov. 21, Yad Ezra staff and their fami- lies distributed more than 500 turkeys to clients at a Thanksgiving turkey pickup drive-through. Approximately another 150 turkeys were distributed in the immediate days after. “We did our best to make sure that if a client wanted a turkey, they had a way to get one. Our goal, as always, was for our clients to be able to enjoy the holiday regardless of financi...…
…30 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 faces&places M enorah in the D on Sunday rep- resented a Chanukah miracle all around, not only for the holiday itself, but for journalist Danny Fenster’s homecoming two weeks after being freed from jail in Myanmar. Fenster, Huntington Woods native and managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, helped light the Chanukah candle on the giant menorah. Fenster said he’s doing great and is thankful to be back home with...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 31 Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, State Rep. (D-37th) Samantha Steckloff, State Rep. (R-39th) Ryan Berman, Federation CEO Steve Ingber, Federation President Matt Lester and NEXTGen Detroit President George Roberts. Justice Bernstein and Ingber were lamplighters along with Fenster. State Sen. Moss said Fenster’s return is a miracle, fitting of the holiday. “Today is the culmination of a mira- cle, a miracl...…
…32 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 V I C E C H A I R S Barbra & Peter Alter Lisa & Robert Aronson Penny & Harold Blumenstein Nicole & Matt Lester Rachel & Josh Opperer Malke Torgow Andi & Larry Wolfe Lori & Alan Zekelman A D V I S O R S Eleanor & Larry Jackier C O - C H A I R S Jim Grosfeld Gary Torgow Barbara & Harold Beznos Eric Billes Susan Camis & Gail Gibson Margaret Cooney Casey Sandy & Jim Danto Gretchen & Ethan Davidson Frances & Kenneth ...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 33 for supporting the Holocaust Memorial Center,s 37th Anniversary Benefit, November 14, 2021 L to R: Benefit Co-Chair Jim Grosfeld, Michael Feinstein, Honoree Nancy Grosfeld / Photo: Brett Mountain Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus H O N O R A R Y V I C E C H A I R S Mary & Jonathan Aaron Amy Peterman & Matthew Abel Nina Abrams Debbie & Eric Abramson Allied Printing Kari & Edward Alterman Ascensi...…
…34 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 H O N O R A R Y C H A I R C O M M I T T E E , C O N T I N U E D Shelley & Joel Tauber A. Alfred Taubman Foundation Janelle Konstam & Stuart Teger Temple Israel Suzanne Tyner Nicole Miller & Bubba Urdan Lewis Wagner Barbara & David Wallace Robin & Mitchell Wayne Lori & Michael Wayne Dana Zakalik & John Weber Gwen & S. Evan Weiner Adela Weisman Trudy & Arthur Weiss Arthur J. Weiss Sandra & Michael Weitz Nancy Katzman ...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 35 V I P R E C E P T I O N S P O N S O R D E S S E R T S P O N S O R Thank you for your generous support of the Holocaust Memorial Center’s 37th Anniversary Benefit. P R E S I D E N T Gary Karp C H A I R M A N O F T H E B O A R D Steven Grant C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R Eli Mayerfeld 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 • (248) 553-2400 • holocaustcenter.org H O N O R A R Y H O S T...…
…36 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 S arah Calanchi left her mark on the Novi High School volleyball program, and not just on the stat sheet. Her energy, enthusiasm and unending pos- itivity will be remembered as long as her 519 digs this season that rank No. 10 all-time in the team’s record book. The 5-foot-1 senior was a two-year team captain and three-year starter for the Wildcats at defensive specialist and libero, perfect posi- tions for her ...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 37 P aul Karlin, 81, made aliyah in August 2007 with his wife, Gladys. They initially lived in Modiin and then moved to Jerusalem to be near their daughter, Rachel. They would like to visit Michigan soon, but not when it’s snowing. Q: Tell me about your first trip to Israel. PK: It was right before the Gulf War. Rachel was here for her last year of high school at Akiva [now Farber Hebrew Day School]. They organize...…
…38 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 Correll-Farber J ill Farber of Wixom, David and Nanci Farber of Bloomfield Hills, and Bethany and Ray Correll of Waterford are thrilled to announce the engagement of their children Hailey Jessica Farber and Jordan Matthew Correll. Hailey graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor of arts in child development and elementary education and a master of arts in special education. She is a specia...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 39 SPIRIT TORAH PORTION Make Pain Thy Teacher S omething about Joseph’s character impresses me every time we come upon his story. His experiences are so painful. He is betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, framed by his master’s wife and imprisoned. He could have so easily become a broken person, but he doesn’t. Torah sets up this week’s piv- otal moment when the sons of Israel hold an audience to request...…
…40 | DECEMBER 9 • 2021 I f someone asked you to summarize your life in a few sentences, how would you do it? What if you had just one sentence in which to do it — what would you say? The truth is, these days, the scenario is not just hypothetical. People give pithy accounts of themselves all the time on social media. But that’s more of a marketing blurb than a forthright answer, which we search for deep within ourselves. If we’r...…
…DECEMBER 9 • 2021 | 41 appreciating our blessings and finding meaning even in the darkness. The sages of the Talmud highlight an episode from this week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, to emphasize the importance of constructing a positive narrative. In the wake of famine, Jacob and his family journey to Egypt where they join Jacob’s son, Joseph, who has risen up the ranks to become viceroy of Egypt and is shepherding the country’s economy...…
…Synagogue Directory CONSERVATIVE Adat Shalom Synagogue Farmington Hills (248) 851-5100 adatshalom.org Ahavas Israel Grand Rapids (616) 949-2840 ahavasisraelgr.org Congregation Beth Ahm West Bloomfield (248) 851-6880 cbahm.org Congregation Beth Israel Flint (810) 732-6310 cbiflint.org Congregation Beth Shalom Oak Park (248) 547-7970 congbethshalom.org Beth Tephilath Moses Mt. Clemens (586) 996-3138 bethtephilathmoses.com B’nai Israel Sy...…
