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…$200 March 28-April 3, 2024 / 18-24 Adar II 5781 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com Bookstock used books and media sale celebrates its 20th anniversary. See page 12 …

…10 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N continued from page 9 Lucille Ball of our time,” noting her Emmy Award for her role in Will and Grace, one of the first network television show with openly gay characters. Messing, making her first visit to Detroit, grew up in Rhode Island. Her parents were observant Jews active in the local Jewish federation, but she was one of only three Jews in her school. In second grade, she was told to “get to the ba...…

…she stood up and saw the sea of Israeli flags, “I didn’t want to be anywhere else.” More recently, Messing made her first trip to Israel to bear witness and to tell Israelis that American Jews are with them. She is looking forward to an upcoming documentary on antisemitism, Primal Fear, which she has helped to produce and which will be shown on college campuses and via social media. Messing says she wants to be remembered as so...…

…Buy the Books! OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER 12 | MARCH 28 • 2024 …

…A s Bookstock celebrates its 20th anniversary, its achievements keep grow- ing — hundreds of thousands of used books and media items sold, raising $3 million for local nonprofit literacy and education programs. Every year, thousands of readers look forward to what is believed to be the largest used book sale in the country and cer- tainly the only one that is operat- ed solely by volunteers. An amazingly dedicated volun- teer leader...…

…“THE BEAUTY OF BOOKSTOCK IS THAT WE GET BOOKS OUT OF BASEMENTS AND BACK INTO PEOPLE’S LAPS.” — NEAL RUBIN, DETROIT FREE PRESS COLUMNIST AND HONORARY CO-CHAIR OF BOOKSTOCK continued from page 13 OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER 14 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N Mall. According to Bookstock co-founder Jodi Goodman, “Roz had read in the Jewish News that the Brandeis ladies wanted to retire.” At the time, Roz Blanck and Jodi Goodman, both moth- ...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 15 J N continued on page 16 Special Days at Bookstock (bookstockmi.org) PRE-SALE Bookstock kicks off with a special Pre-Sale on Sunday, April 7, at 8:15 a.m. featuring a performance by the Ukaladies and the Bookstock parade of vol- unteers. Admission is $25 for the Pre-Sale only, which ends at 11 a.m., and offers first choice of Bookstock’s huge array of used books and media. MONDAY-FRIDAY BARGAIN DAYS Shoppe...…

…continued from page 15 OUR COMMUNITY ON THE COVER 16 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N Organizations that Benefit from Bookstock Many local nonprofit educational and literacy organizations have applied for and received grants from Bookstock proceeds. Randie Levin, Carolyn Tisdale and Margo Lazar chair The Bookstock Fund. A few of the recipients of Bookstock grants include: • Brilliant Detroit provides holistic services for kids 0-8 in 1...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 17 bookstockmi.org 248-502-2849 facebook.com/BookstockMI BookstockMI @BookstockMI 2024 LEAD SPONSOR IN HONOR OF OUR 20TH SALE: Monday - Friday Bring a Bookstock Bag from any previous year for 20% of entire purchase (One bag discount per customer. Not applicable with Teacher Appreciation discount.) TEACHER APPRECIATION Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10, 2-7 PM 50% discount for teachers with a valid id POCKE...…

…18 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N S eder is such a core part of Jewish identity, ” says David Stryk, a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Ahm in West Bloomfield and a Bloomfield Hills resident. “This year, for me, more than ever, with everything that’s going on in the world, the communal seder gives you a chance to get together with the broader com- munity.” This will be the second time that Stryk and many members of his family will ce...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 19 director of communications at Temple Beth El, echoes Stryk’s sentiment that “this year, more than ever, may we come to realize the ancient call for peace and fulfillment, and the freedom of our people … Next year in Jerusalem! “Passover is the most-cel- ebrated holiday across the American Jewish community, ” Weber asserts. “Our mission is to share the joy of our people’s foundational narrative through special ...…

…PASSOVER MENU 2024 To place your Passover order: order online at QualityKosher.com call us - 248-352-7758 ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10TH 2024 THIS PASSOVER, ENJOY HOME COOKING, WITHOUT COOKING AT HOME! PICK UP MONDAY, APRIL 22ND FROM 9:30AM - 12:30PM* at Shaarey Zedek 27375 Bell Rd. Southfield, MI. 48034 *please come at the time you select when placing your order GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST (PACK OF 2) Boneless flame grilled ...…

…20 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N F ollowing is a roundup of programs that local synagogues and temples of different religious streams are presenting during the days leading up to the start of Passover 2024 (Hebrew year 5784). The events listed are for congregants and others, as indicated, in the broader Jewish community. RSVP dates are given when known. Continuing into Passover, the first seder this year will be held on Monday, April 2...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 21 J N children in the community. • Sisterhood will share the spirit of the coming Passover holiday with a nod toward the Sephardic observance of the holiday. The meal will include Sephardic-style charoset and salad. Aviva Phillips will lead the service and CBS Executive Director Shira Shapiro is the song leader. • $48 adult; $20 ages 5-12, March 28-April 3. • RSVP: (248) 547-7970 (CBS office); vegetarian meals ...…

…22 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N I n life, timing is everything. Unfortunately, the clash of Passover falling during Michigan State University’s schedule of finals and April 26-28 graduation weekend is causing the MSU Jewish community to have to juggle their religious observances with final projects and exams and crossing the commencement ceremony stages. Jewish students, families and faculty at MSU pointed out this calendar clash ov...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 23 will keep Passover and have a delayed celebration. “We usually break Passover with pizza, but because it’s my graduation, I’m hoping we scale it up a bit when the holiday is over,” Saulson said. MSU HILLEL STEPS UP According to MSU Hillel, there are about 3,500 Jewish students on campus, around 9% of the total student body of over 39,000 students. MSU Hillel Executive Director Robyn Hughey said plans are ...…

…M ichael Krebs, 64, has long flown an American flag on the porch of his home in St. Clair Shores. Starting in December, in a show of solidarity with Israel after the Oct. 7 massacre, he began to fly an Israeli flag next to it. On Feb. 10, the flag was sto- len. Krebs, who says he may be the only Jewish person on his block, said it was stolen three times after that. Krebs’s daughter Michelle Sprader, 39, also of St. Clair Shores...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 25 “We are seeing the trend (of stealing and vandalizing Israeli flags) all over the country,” Normandin said. “Sometimes it is just vandalism; sometimes it is accompanied with assault and a violent grabbing of the flag from someone’s hands. When incidents like this hap- pen, I encourage people to make a report with the ADL. It is our data that drives decisions. “We can then help coordinate our efforts with law e...…

…26 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N A re you an Ed Asner fan? Ed was an Ashkenazi Jew and seven-time prime time Emmy Award-winner by the time he passed away in 2021. One of his little-known accomplishments is that he inadvertently made a shidduch for a Huntington Woods couple. In the 1970s, Ed played Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show … and Lou’s backstory was that he had worked for the Detroit Free Press. At the same time and a few...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 27 admitted Laura. “So, when I learned that Marty wrote for the now bygone lifestyle section called ‘For & About Women, ’ I asked him, ‘What’s a man doing working in a women’s section?’” Marty explained that he wrote things that were of interest to anyone, not just women. “That’s when I realized this is a nice, good, cool, interesting guy … and I thought, I’m interested, ” said Laura. When Laura asked Andy for M...…

…28 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N OUR COMMUNITY G esher Human Services, The J Detroit and Jewish Federation of Detroit will again co-sponsor the Metro Detroit Nonprofit Career Expo, which will take place on Wednesday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at The J Detroit in West Bloomfield. The Metro Detroit Nonprofit Career Expo will feature seven local nonprofit agencies offering approx- imately 50 jobs, including part-time, full-time and ...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 29 J N B ryan Robbins has done it all at the JCC Maccabi Games: inline hockey player for four years, hockey coach for nine years and, now in 2024, co-commissioner of ice hock- ey at the Detroit Games being organized by The J in West Bloomfield from July 28-Aug. 2. Robbins, 39, loved his time playing hockey as a teen, first in Detroit then in Cherry Hill, N.J., Staten Island, N.Y., and in Philadelphia. “I’d look forw...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 3 J N PURELY COMMENTARY 4-8 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 9 A Record-Breaking Crowd At Women’s Philanthropy’s Signature event, guest Debra Messing shares message of empowerment. 12 Buy the Books! Bookstock used books and media sale celebrates its 20th anniversary. 18 Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat Metro Detroit synagogues offer communal Passover seders. 20 Preparing for Pa...…

…30 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N continued from page 29 TOP (left to right): • Bryan Robbins at 2015 Milwaukee Games is flanked by Zachary Raider (left, who passed away in 2021) and (right) Stephen Friedland. • Maya Gurfinkel, Games Director at The J. BOTTOM (left to right): • Doris Shanbrom-Ross (right) with her daughter Franci Silver at the 2015 JCC Maccabi Games in Fort Lauderdale. • Bryan Robbins now. • Doris Shanbrom-Ross...…

…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT A SPECIAL SECTION PRESENTED BY …

…32 | MARCH 28 • 2024 …

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 33 Create an Bar/Bat Mitzvah unforgettable - minus the stress • Exceeding Your Expectations at Every Step • Experienced Culinary Staff Providing Classic & Modern Cuisine • Private Bar Service • We Do It All – From Facilitating Fun Designer Centerpieces, DJ’s, Videography and More • Winter to Summer • Experienced, Knowledgeable, Ready to Serve • Exclusive Access to 10 Acres of Unparalleled Fun! • Formula Go Karts...…

…Mothers-of-the-bride (and groom): Shine on! MamaMia LYNNE KONSTANTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER Make an entrance with a big bold bow: Sachin & Babi’s Cupid’s Clutch in Electric Lime in duchesse satin opens to pink satin lining and includes a chain. Sachinandbabi.com. Mac Duggal’s Puff Sleeve Sequin Wrap Gown in Plum is subtle yet stunning. Macduggal.com. The Dominica Earrings by Adorn Pili are centered around lustrous freshwater pea...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 35 S ure, it’s the bride’s big day. But that doesn’t mean the moms can’t shine, too. The mothers-of-the-bride and groom are no longer relegated to the matronly corner — from flowing gowns to architectural cocktail frocks and everything in between, the new MOB/G attire has elements of all the trends in fashion, and there are more options than ever. Delicious colors, tons of shimmer, big stand-out bows and floral...…

…36 | MARCH 28 • 2024 Hand-sequined floral appliqué with pearl accents embellishes the sheer tulle overlay of Mac Duggal’s Floral Applique Long- Sleeve Illusion Gown in Sage. Macduggal.com. Sachin & Babi one-shoulder satin-crepe midi Carmen Dress in blooming Noir Blossom oozes elegance. Sachinandbabi.com. Lovely lavender and just enough sparkle in a classic silhouette, and best of all: Pockets! Lavender Sequin Gown with satin hi-l...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 37 Troy | West Bloomfield | Novi TAPPERS.COM Give a gift they will Bar Mitzvahs Bat Mitzvahs Birthdays Anniversaries Graduations Just Because Your destination for all of life's celebrations, including: reasure forever …

…38 | MARCH 28 • 2024 A trio of dresses: Simple, elegant and made of a luscious scuba material that gently holds you. Navy Evening Gown with freshwater pearl side applique; Floral Jacquard Evening Gown with belt, styled with a gray stone necklace; Lilac Evening Gown with side applique. All three are available to order in long or short sizes. Peacock Room, Detroit. Shoppeacockroom.com. From Roxanne Assoulin’s Gem Palace Collection, the ...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 39 SCAN ME TO PURCHASE GIFT CARDS! www.krystynaseuropeanspa.com | 248.540.0600 31815 Southfield Road | Suite 32 | Beverly Hills, MI Anti Aging Treatments R Facials R Massage R Body Treatments R Hand and Foot Celebrate Spring! Spring has sprung, and with it, longer days, and new beginnings. If your hands, feet, and skin need some attention after winter’s harsh temperatures and dry weather, why not ind...…

…essay Daniel — A True Hero of His Generation T his war that Hamas started has caused terrible pain and loss to countless people and no more so than for a beautiful family that I have the merit of living alongside in Yad Binyamin. A day we hoped would not come, their son, brother, grandchild, neph- ew, cousin, friend Capt. Daniel Perez, may his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life, was confirmed as having been killed on Oct...…

…40 | MARCH 28 • 2024 Mac Duggal’s statuesque V-Neck Long Sleeve Column Gown in Rosewood Pink: (above) A comfortably stretchy mesh fabric is lined with metallic sequins. Macduggal.com. Sachin & Babi’s Grande Dame: The Zoe Gown in Pink/ Magenta is a v-neck box-pleat ball gown of satin crepe and single-face Mikado. Plus — pockets! Sachinandbabi.com. The Bonnie Gown in Pewter by Sachin & Babi wraps you up in a big beau...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 41 An Iconic City Venue | Expertly Crafted Cuisine Specializing in Multicultural Celebrations Book your wedding or special occasion by calling 1.313.465.8773 1777 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226 mgmgranddetroit.com Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. your STORY CELEBRATE …

…42 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N O n Feb. 18, 2024, 1-month-old Jacob Leonard (Yaakov Levi) Weiss took center stage in a rare Jewish ritual. Unlike the previous ritual he’d starred in on his eighth day of life, he didn’t find this one painful in the slightest. In fact, he slept through the ceremony. There is a little known but clearly worded Torah com- mandment (Exodus 13:12-15) to redeem firstborn sons, along with firstborn farm ani- ...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 43 Seamless Events, Exceptional Catering 248.851.1100 TBEONLINE.ORG Unlock your potential and rent our versatile space for your next event! Meetings SImchas To-go Catering Shivas Guest Speakers Temple Beth El is your one-stop destination for all rental needs, complemented by Platinum Dish's versatile catering offerings 947.207.9957 PLATINUMDISH.COM High Holiday Meals Ease into Passover with our hassle-free Peseach P...…

…continued from page 42 44 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N coin shop by Daniel’s brother- in-law, Dani Ungar. Isaac pur- chased the coins from Daniel so he could use them at the event. The entire ceremony took about two minutes, after which the guests enjoyed a delicious dairy brunch catered by Spreads Bagels. Centerpieces were party bags of sugar cubes and garlic cloves. “Both of these ingredients are easy for guests to cook with at a late...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 45 J N | 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323 | temple-israel.org | 248-661-5700 Photography: Visi Productions Extraordinary LIFE EVENTS...AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN Extraordinary LIFE EVENTS...AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN …

…46 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N continued from page 44 Oak Park had celebrated both his own and his son’s Pidyon HaBen within an 11-year time span. Kotsias first heard about the mitzvah when he was 16 years old. He asked his rabbi, Rabbi Moshe Shechter, if he should have one. “It’s pretty rare,” Rabbi Shechter warned. “ Are your parents a Kohein or a Levi? Did your mother have a miscarriage before you were born? Were you born by C-section...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 47 Busch’s Fresh Food Market is not a Kosher establishment. Please check product packaging for Kosher labeling. Supporting the breadth of neighborhood cultures with a variety of preparations for both modern and classic Passover traditions. Passover season Happy from er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er er ...…

…48 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N T he trend continues in 2024 for caterers to take a sustainable approach to their business prac- tices. Many people consider sustainability an essential part of facing current and future global challenges. Because more are aware of the impact their lives have on the environment, professionals in the food industry — including the vendors that supply them — are supporting the consumer desire for products and...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 49 Antonio’s Cucina Italiana 2220 N. Canton Center Road Canton, MI 48187 www.antoniosrestaurants.com “Promising a Better Future” e mission of the Rugiero Promise Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. e Foundation helps individuals, of all means; bringing hope and the promise of a better tomorrow. “I made a vow to God that in gratitude for all of his blessings; our fam...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 5 Family picture of Daniel Perez. Serving the Jewish Community for over 30 years! 4130 TELEGRAPH ROAD BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302 NOAH BISHOP COHEN The Next Generation of “SOLD” ns.cohen26@gmail.com MELANIE BISHOP “SOLD” is my middle name melaniesold@aol.com MelanieSold.com 248.867.7800 OVER 1 BILLION IN CAREER SALES! THIS COULD BE YOU! SOLD IN DAYS FOR LIST PRICE OR WELL OVER! CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE MARKET ANALYS...…

…continued from page 48 50 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N Rosenbloom, owner of Chef Cari Catering and two local restaurants. “We’ve been lead- ing by example for almost 10 years. “We have been using a completely green line in all of our companies since each has opened,” Herskowitz said. “We mostly order from Detroit- based Green Safe but are able to and do order from all of our vendors as competitive pricing and availability have grown tre...…

…MARCH 28 • 2024 | 51 Book your next event here or have it catered right to your place! Perfect for Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Graduations, Rehearsal Dinners and more! Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday & Saturday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm 248.61 5.2 102 | bigtommys.com BIG TOMMY’S PARTHENON, COMEDY CLUB & BANQUET CENTER 4 0 3 8 0 G R A N D R I V E R A V E N U E , N O V I DINE IN - CARRY OUT - CATERING-BANQUETS ONLINE O...…

…52 | MARCH 28 • 2024 J N I n the world of bar/bat mitzvah planning, there’s a delightful balancing act at play. It’s about making a state- ment that says, “I’m unique, ” but in a way that whispers, “but still part of the crowd. ” This is the challenge: crafting a celebration that’s as individual as a fingerprint, yet as welcom- ing and familiar as a family gathering. It’s not just party planning; it’s a rite of passage, wrapped...…

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…54 | MARCH 28 • 2024 LOGO MAGIC: EXPRESSING IDENTITY WITH FLAIR Then comes the logo, that emblem of identity that’ll grace everything from invitations to Instagram posts. Here’s where creativity meets personal brand. Will it be theme-based, or will it play with fonts and shapes? Will the name be front and center, or will it be a subtle nod hidden within the design? Some of the most successful logos are those that sneak initials ...…