…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 51 attended with a Jewish boyfriend in New York, has worked with Lewis for 15 years. Their stage projects have included those for the discontinued Performance Network. Both have extensive theater careers, and Lewis has been involved with musical programs in New York and Washington, D.C. Founding artistic director of Theatre NOVA, Milarch has had a lengthy stage career and has brought some 25 new plays to audienc...…
…52 | DECEMBER 5 • 2024 J N UNUSUAL MOVIE, TWO ‘JEWISH’ HALLMARK HOLIDAY MOVIES Nightbitch, a drama/fantasy, opens on Dec. 6 in theaters. It focuses on a stay-at-home mom (Amy Adams) who sometimes (literally) becomes a tough dog (!). Marielle Heller, 48, directed, and she wrote the screenplay, too. Heller’s the secular daugh- ter of a Jewish father. Her most recent movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), was a critical a...…
…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 53 J N T he holidays are a time for people to come together to share a meal with family and friends. I like to serve different kinds of salads, and this is always a family favorite at our holiday celebrations. It’s easy and can be made ahead and so delicious! DEBRA’S SALMON AND WILD RICE SALAD Serves 6 Ingredients 2 pounds center-cut salmon, cooked to your liking, chilled 1 cup wild rice, cooked accordi...…
…PRESENT LAUGHTER NOW-DEC. 15 Present Laughter by Noel Coward is about the antics of a group of close friends. They are “pretenders” to high soci- ety who have polished their behaviors to mimic those above them. The primary character is a reluctantly aging matinee idol who experiences the “loneliness of fame.” It runs for two week- ends only at Birmingham Village Players. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 pm. Sunday mati...…
…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 55 J N I t has been said that many people get lost in thought because it is such unfamiliar territory. I am pleased, however, by the number of people who have shared with me their enjoyment at reading word play that needs to be thought about. In several instances recently, many of these same folks have sent me puns they have come across and they thought worthy of sharing. I would like to pay this forward by pri...…
…It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, only look like it. only look like it. Lois Haron Lois Haron Interior Designer Allied ASID Interior Designer Allied ASID (248) 851-6989 (248) 851-6989 loisharondesigns@gmail.com loisharondesigns@gmail.com www.loisharondesigns.com www.loisharondesigns.com Lois Haron Designs FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DECORATOR FULL-SERVICE INTERIOR DECORATOR Junk-B-Gone Junk-B-Gone ...…
…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 57 J N OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY JEFFREY BERSHAD, 46, of Farmington, died Nov. 22, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Casandra Bershad; parents, Barbara and Stan Bershad; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Eric and Shanelle Bershad; sister and brother-in-law, Amy and Brad McMahon; nieces and nephews, Georgette, Joshua, Pierce, Vivienne and Violette; uncles, Howard (Joane) Slusky, Ken (Lenie) Bershad; aunt, Car...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 58 | DECEMBER 5 • 2024 J N IDF-Michigan Chapter or the National Parkinsons Foundation. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel. DR. LESLIE R. “LES” COHEN, 73, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 23, 2024. Les graduated as valedictorian of Niles North High School (class of ’69). In the summer of ’68, he was a research student at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, solidifying his desire to join the medical...…
…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 59 J N Eliana, Brandon and Liam Zeitlin, Aly and Olivia Tarquinio, Nora and Goldie Kroin, Levi and Harry Faye, and Arielle McCloud; many other loving family members and friends. Milton was the beloved husband of the late Helen Faye. 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. DR. HOWARD FEIT, 81, of...…
…6 | DECEMBER 5 • 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: ...…
…60 | DECEMBER 5 • 2024 J N ARLENE HERMAN, 94, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 23, 2024. She was born in Detroit, graduated from Central High School followed by attendance at Michigan State University. She was a great wife, mother, relative and friend. Mrs. Herman is survived by her husband of 62 years, Morton Herman; sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Sharon Herman, Richard Herman, Jim and Brenda Herman, and Michael Herman; daughte...…
…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 61 DR. GERALD SHERMAN, 88, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 24, 2024. Dr. Sherman is survived by his wife of 63 years, Renee Sherman; sons and daughters-in-law, Mike Sherman and Alexis Schostak, and Ted and Emily Sherman; daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Erik Stamell; grandchildren, Jason, Eric, Tom, Andrew and Adeline Sherman, Alex, Bradley and Charlie Stamell, and Hayley and Benji Schostak; sister and broth...…
…T his issue of the JN has its annual “Gift Guide.” I thought I should assist you with a few great ideas from the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History. Research for “Gifts” is not a straightforward proposition. The term is mentioned on a mere 69,030 pages! This amounts to about 15% of all the pages for the Detroit Jewish Chronicle and the JN over the past 100+ years. Detroit’s Jewish community just loves ...…
…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Scan the QR code and keep your family & friends connected to our community Need a gift for the person who has everything? How about a subscription to the Detroit Jewish News? …
…Annual New Year’s Day Gallery Auction Featuring a Bronze sculpture by Marshall Fredericks, 18th-20th c. Furniture & Art including twenty paintings & sculptures by Ann Arbor artists Leon Makielski & Gerome Kamrowski, a Steinway Adams model piano, Sterling Silver, Estate Jewelry & more! View the catalog & bid online by visiting www.SchmidtsAntiques.com. 5138 West Michigan Avenue Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 info@schmidtsantiques.com 734-434-...…
…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 7 J N of “The Churkendoose, ” a parable of tolerance about a barnyard misfit (part chicken, part turkey, part duck) scorned by the other animals until they learn the lesson of tolerance. When I entered junior high, I heard the words “dirty Jew” for the first time. The slur wasn’t directed at me, but the sting was considerable. Growing up, I had heard stories about evil people named Nazis who hurt and killed Je...…
…I n a city defined by its resil- ience, the Grand Ballroom of Detroit’s Renaissance Center shimmered with hope and unity at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah’s Annual Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 3. It was an evening where over 2,500 people from every corner of Michigan gathered — not just to celebrate but to share in something deeply human: the act of coming together to support each other. The theme of unity wasn’t merely spo- OUR COMMUNITY ON THE C...…
…DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 9 J N ken — it was lived. Attendees from all walks of life, from elected officials and business leaders to devoted parents and alumni, filled the room with an energy that transcended division. With an illustrious lineup of speakers, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the evening was a testam...…
…$200 Dec. 28, 2023 – Jan. 3, 2024 / 16-22 Tevet 5784 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com Year in Review Stories the Detroit Jewish News covered this year. See page 10 2023: thejewishnews.com A Day of Terror in israel October 7, 2023 $200 Oct. 12-18, 2023 / 27 Tishrei-3 Cheshvan 5784 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT …
…2023: Year in Review Stories the Detroit Jewish News covered this year. P erhaps Charles Dickens’ prose from The Tale of Two Cities best describes the year of 2023: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times … It was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” The spring of 2023 was, indeed, a time of joy. On May 14, Israel celebrated its 75th birthday, a...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 11 Rabbi Alicia Harris from Shir Tikvah offered a prayer at the inauguration of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 01 The Omicron Virus is still infecting thousands in Michigan, but it’s on the wane. Hassan Chokr, the man who intimidated parents and children in the Temple Beth El parking lot, is held over for trial on Jan. 5 with a $1 million bond. Protests in Israel begin in response to proposed judicial re...…
…12 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 continued from page 11 2023: Year in Review OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER 08 MARCH ADL releases a report on white supremacist propaganda distribution in U.S. Michigan ranks fourth. 12 MARCH MARCH For the first time since 2008, the Jewish Federation of Detroit sponsors a Motor City Mission to Israel. Over 130 participate on this eight-day whirlwind tour of Israel. The renovated Davidson Center...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 13 14 MARCH Many parents and community members are outraged when Bloomfield Hills High School hosts a lecture by anti- Israel activist Huwaida Arraf. The school administration scrambles to explain. Community meetings are held over the next several months. 22 MARCH The ADL releases the results of a fall 2022 survey that shows a substantial rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., the most since 1979. T...…
…14 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 continued from page 13 2023: Year in Review OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER 04 JUNE JUNE JewishGen, the world’s leading digital archive for Jewish family history, races to preserve 1 million records related to Ukraine Jewish family history. Wayne State University Professor Howard Lupovitch is honored with the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan’s Leonard N. Simons History-Maker Award The Jewish ...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 15 18 JUNE Bais Chabad Torah Center opens the Mallo Walder Mikvah Center in West Bloomfield. 20 JUNE Congregation Shaarey Zedek’s synagogue is a clue on the national television game show Jeopardy. 21 JUNE Roz Blanck, Guy Barron, Amy Goldhaber, Shimon G. Levy, George Roberts and Tracy Proghovnick Edelstein are honored at the Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Annual Awards Night. The USS Carl M. Lev...…
…16 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 continued from page 15 2023: Year in Review OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER 27 AUGUST After a major renovation, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue reopens to the public. Rosalie Toubes is the new cantor at Temple Emanu-El. B’nai Israel Synagogue celebrates its 90th anniversary. Temple Koi Ami welcomes new rabbi, Natalie Shribman. OCTOBER 06 OCTOBER Florine Mark is honored with the “Women Who M...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 17 Jewish Western Michigan University hockey star, Max Sasson, signs with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. International social media phenomenon, “#EndJewHatred,” opens Michigan chapter with Adar Rubin as its director. The movie Barbie is a box office blockbuster. The famous Barbie doll was invented in 1959 by Jewish co-owner of Mattel Toys, Ruth Handler. 09-10 SEPTEMBER 60-Year Reunion of Mumford...…
…18 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 continued from page 17 2023: Year in Review OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER Cranbrook orders an unauthorized display of Palestinian flags removed from the windows of the Cranbrook Academy of Art. An estimated 1,000 people attended a vigil for the hostages taken by Hamas held at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. 14 NOVEMBER An estimated 250,000-300,000 supporters attend the “March for Israel” on the...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 19 21 OCTOBER Michigan State Reps. Noah Arbit and Samantha Steckoff sponsor successful legislation for official celebrations of religious holidays including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Beginning after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel, college and university campuses experience a rise in antisemitism. NOVEMBER DECEMBER 07 DECEMBER “Menorah in the D” is held in Downtown Detroit, the celebration co...…
…WWW.NBN.ORG.IL 1-866-4-ALIYAH Aliyah: It's your move. …
…OUR COMMUNITY By Mike Smith Alene and Graham Landau Archivist Chair 20 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N The JN honors those we lost this year. Memoriam 2023 IN Ruth Adler Schnee, prominent building and fabric designer and Cranbrook Academy of Art graduate, died at 99. Sherry Kaye, vocal- ist, actress and local media personality, died at 85. JANUARY Dr. Nichola Zeev Kerin, Detroit- area cardiologist and Wayne State University p...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 21 J N Richard L. Gould, architect for Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, died at 85. MARCH John “Jack” Harley Winkelman of the Winkelman’s women’s clothing stores died at 93. Abraham Zerem, one of the last Manhattan Project scientists who created the first atomic bomb, died at 106. Chaim Topol, Israeli actor who became famous playing the character of Tevye the Dairyman in Fiddler on the Roof on...…
…OUR COMMUNITY 22 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N Paul Katzman, well- known local entrepre- neur, owner of Kay & Kay Tile and other home décor stores and a philanthropist, died at 90. MAY Dr. Aron M. Blumenthal, well- known Windsor dentist and Holocaust survivor, died at 91. Dr. Alan Simmons, well-known and inno- vative Metro Detroit dentist, died at 62. Nicolas “Nick” Gilbert, popular and fearless son of well-known entrepre- neur...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 23 Start The New Year fresh with Shop Buschs.com Start The New Year fresh with Shop Buschs.com …
…24 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N JULY Dr. Jill Susan Syme, mental health practi- tioner and Rebbetzin at Temple Beth El (wife of Rabbi Daniel B. Syme), died at 77. Sue Marx, Oscar- winning film maker and photographer, died at 92. Burton Farbman, local entrepreneur and community lead- er, founder of the Farbman Group, died at 80. Alan E. Schwartz, attorney, prominent community leader and philanthropist, and founder of Honigman...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 25 PEACE OF MIND IS A PHONE CALL AWAY 248-534-4702 Bring new meaning in the new year to those you love who may need extra assistance. A change of address to our caring neighborhood can enhance seniors’ lives with compassionate support, social connections, and engaging, purposeful activities. We invite you to see for yourself. CONTINUE YOUR LIFE STORY WITH US WILL 2024 BRING A NEW HOME FOR YOUR LOVED ONE? AN...…
…OUR COMMUNITY 26 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N OCTOBER Florine Mark, notable entrepreneur, prom- inent local business and community lead- er, and well-known nationally for her leadership of Weight Watchers, died at 90. Samantha Woll, prominent Democratic Party activist, pres- ident of Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and one of the JN’s “36 under 36” in 2017, died at 40. Ellen Labes, self-pro- claimed “professional volunteer,” but...…
…Memoriam 2023 IN NOVEMBER Rabbi Irving Schnipper, Jewish war veteran, a founder of Yad Ezra and the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network, and beloved rabbi at Congregation Beth Ahm, died at 96. Natalie Charach, local philanthropist and communal orga- nization leader, died at 97. Henry Kissinger, former U.S. secretary of State and expert on global political affairs, died at 100. WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM/SWISS-IMAGE.CH Dr. Guy...…
…28 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY O n May 14, 2023, Israel and Jews throughout the world celebrated the 75th anniversary of the day David Ben-Gurion declared the modern state of Israel in the wake of the UK leaving British Mandate Palestine. It was a rocky start. Surrounding Arab nations immediately attacked Israel, but the newly formed country prevailed against overwhelming odds. Since then, the tiny but mighty nation gr...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 29 DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S. Certifi ed by The American Board of Surgery, The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery W est Maple Plastic Surgery (248) 865-6400 5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfi eld Awaken the Beauty Within... CINDY KAHN 248.568.7309 CKAHN@THE...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 3 J N contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-8 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 10 2023: Year in Review Stories the Detroit Jewish News covered this year. 20 In Memoriam 2023 The JN honors those we lost this year. 28 Newsmakers of the Year — The People of Israel From celebrations in the spring of 2023 to days of darkness in the fall and winter — Am Yisrael Chai. 30 Shabbat Surprise Non-...…
…30 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N A Friday night tradition for Jewish families worldwide took on a new meaning for Ellyn Davidson of Huntington Woods and her management team at Brogan & Partners. On Dec. 1, as the team gathered in Florida for an annual planning meeting, Davidson’s five partners, none of whom is Jewish, prepared and surprised her with a beautiful Shabbat dinner, candles, challah and wine, and even learned and rec...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 31 J N stay silent. It’s become clear that many are confused and uncertain about what to do. Here’s my guidance. “Please don’t stay silent. If you are afraid to outwardly support Israel because you are fearful that your customers may think you are making a political statement, I suppose that’s your choice. But please do something. “You can share messages of hope, prayer and peace to all who are suffering. ...…
…32 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N M ichelle Sider has family mem- bers living in Israel and serving in the Israeli military, and she remains worried about their safety as well as the safety of all Israelis and inno- cent people affected by hostilities in the region. While Sider is in touch with those close to her and listens to news reports, the difficult conditions involving combat and antisemitism stay on her mind. Still, she does not...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 33 J N a prayer was said for the IDF, and Sider’s husband, Bill, an attorney with vocal abilities, sang the piece dedicated to the IDF. “I wanted these seven people to feel like they weren’t alone and were in a supportive environment,” Sider said. “It was OK to express whatever they wanted. I gave them free form to do something with the glass to express whatever was inside of them and let out their feelings in a...…
…34 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N L ife was hard enough for Nirit Maizels, 43, of Ramat Hasharon outside of Tel Aviv before the rockets started flying. The wife and mother of three children, a 14-year-old daughter and two boys, ages 11 and 7, lives with cystic fibrosis (CF). The genetic disorder causes chronic and fatal lung infections and affects the body’s cells, tissues and glands that make mucus and sweat. There is currently no c...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 35 J N a volunteer with CF Israel, she’s been helping to make phone calls to find out who needs help and how they can assist. “So many people are asking for treadmills from their CF organization and for portable nebulizers like inhalator machines, ” she explains. “I personally even tried to help one of the families that lived in the South — they evacuated from their house; they needed alternative housing. W...…
…36 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N W hen COVID hit in early 2020, many businesses were thrown into turmoil. But for the Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine (RCBM), the pandemic offered new accessibilities to provide much-needed help to more and more people. Under the direction of Jaime Saal, who was then chief oper- ating officer and who has since been promoted to chief execu- tive officer, the practice quickly pivoted to an almos...…
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