…26 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N S elf-reporting for “jury duty” at a mock trial next week, members and friends of SOAR Lifelong Learning Institute will be asked to make their choice about a relevant question of today — “Can it Happen Here? Fascism in America.” Mock trials are an imitation proceeding in which real jurists use court procedures to explore both sides of notable cases or issues. The public is welcome to attend SOAR’s free e...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 27 continued on page 28 although he’s newsworthy,” Sedler said. “He’s a phenomenon like we haven’t seen before.” Kosmala will call Warren- based attorney Bill Barnwell to testify as a “neutral witness to establish the parameters and contours of fascism” — stating what that ideology could look like in the U.S., Sedler said. During his time as a witness on the stand, Lessenberry said he will present the “historical a...…
…28 | MAY 9 • 2024 OUR COMMUNITY In 2016, trials held at both Temple Israel in West Bloomfield and the Macomb Center, posed the question: “Was there a second shooter in the Kennedy assassination or a conspiracy?” The next year brought: “Should elections be decided by popular vote vs. Electoral College?” at Macomb Center. After SOAR moved into its temporary home at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, the 2018 mock trial ...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 29 Be a part of the growth of Yad Ezra’s new fruit orchard and expanding gardens. Support nutrient rich, farm fresh produce for food insecure families. Your gift is worth twice as much. Every gift will be matched up to $10K. Your gift is worth twice as much. SUMMER GARDEN Rooted in Community INVESTING IN A FRUITFUL TOMORROW 2600 Harvard Street, Berkley, MI Light refreshments will be served June 9, 2024 3:...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 3 J N PURELY COMMENTARY 4-9 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 10 Baking up a Storm Jacob Gross has become integral to the operations at Dakota Bakery and Soul Café. 14 Purpose-Driven Lives Jewish Senior Life’s 31st annual Eight Over Eighty event celebrates special people. 20 The Best of the Best Two esteemed judges will be honored by the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan. 22 Small but Might...…
…30 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N A ndy Rosenfeld says his team has the most fun of any team in the Brotherhood-Eddie Jacobson B’nai B’rith Bowling League. That proclamation may be up for debate among the weekly league’s 23 other teams. But no one can debate that Rosenfeld’s team, named Uncle Miltie in honor the late Jewish actor and comedian Milton Berle, couldn’t be stopped this season and won the league championship. Uncle Miltie won th...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 31 SPOTLIGHT In 1948, as Israel fought for its independence, the medics of Magen David Adom were there, treating wounded soldiers and civilians alike. Today, as Israel celebrates Yom HaAtzma’ut, MDA is still treating the injured — even under fire. But for MDA to continue being there for Israel, we need to be there for MDA. Make a donation at afmda.org/give. AFTER 76 YEARS, WE’RE STILL FIGHTING FOR A JEWISH STATE. Inv...…
…32 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N T he meaning and expe- riences of motherhood transcend words. It’s a journey marked by profound moments of joy, challenges that test the limits of one’s patience, and a love so deep and bound- less that it defies explanation. I am so thankful to have witnessed the beautiful example of my wife, Mayim, who has shown me what it means to be a loving, patient and mindful mom. However one becomes a mother, t...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 33 J N D ozens of students unfurled Palestinian flags and banners at the main commencement ceremony of the University of Michigan. Of several graduation disruptions across the country, U-M experienced the biggest when dozens of students unfurled large Palestinian flags and marched toward the stage. According to the New York Times, they chanted, “Regents, regents, you can’t hide! You are funding genocide!” The p...…
…34 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N W hen Lawrence “Larry” Traison was in his early 20s, his father, Samuel Traison, who managed their family-run printing business Walker Printery, passed away in 1957. Larry Traison, now 90, was faced with the unimaginable task of not only continuing the Detroit-based business that his father founded, but also supporting his mother and younger siblings. Still, Traison persevered, a strength his daughter-in...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 35 J N wide range of industries that include government, auto and manufacturing clients. One client, in particular, has stayed with Walker Printery for an impressive 80 years. The reason? Larry Traison says it’s Walker Printery’s family-first approach that includes treating clients like family. “Their problem becomes our problem, and we take care of it,” he says. “When they call us, their problems are over.” Walker ...…
…36 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N T he Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA), the nonprofit international trade organization committed to accelerating Michigan’s economic growth through Israeli corporate connections, announces the most recent innovative companies based in Israel to choose Michigan for international growth. They include: Upstream, an automotive cybersecurity and data management company that has opened an office in ...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 37 1. Extravaganza 2. Audience 3. Dreamers 4. Showgirls 5. Performer 6. Minstrel 7. Tableau 8. Comedy 9. Vaudeville 10. Showman PUZZLE ANSWERS Solution to puzzle in 5/2/24 issue. AFTERNOON CONCERT SERIES FEATURING.... THURSDAY, MAY 16TH • 2:00 PM AT TEMPLE ISRAEL DAVID SYME Open to the community free of charge. Registration is required. More Info and RSVP: www.temple-israel.org/event/afternoon24 Partial...…
…38 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N T he business district in Berkley is sweeter, a tad saltier and decidedly more fun since the official opening on April 19 of Jill and Matt Kasle’s Bombshell Treat Bar. The corner store with a red awning and brick wall mural replaced the former Sugar Kisses Bakery on Coolidge Highway, a block north of Catalpa Drive. With Bombshell, a name that came to Jill in a dream, the Kasles have created a cool de...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 39 find a permanent location for Bombshell. What had started as a hobby became a passion, especially for Jill. She took the lead on the storefront’s design, working with Michigan partners McIntosh Poris Architects, Shaw Construction and Unsold Studio. Bombshell is now a welcom- ing space encompassing 2,200 square feet. The shop has windows fronting Coolidge, a light oak floor, white walls with scattered colored spr...…
…4 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N opinion Is There a Better Way? S ince Oct. 7, I have felt loneliness like I have never felt before. Being an Israeli in America, I am used to some degree of everyday loneliness, but this is uncharted territory. Who can I talk to? What is OK for me to say? Who wants to hear me, and what will they think of me if I tell them how I really feel? Friends from across the spectrum reached out to me immediately...…
…MAZEL TOV! Aden Cetner (Adar Levi) of Bloomfield Hills will become a bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Ahm in West Bloomfield on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Proud parents are Shirley and Lenny Cetner. His brother and sister are Jonah and Lila. Aden is the grandson of Mia and Ike User, and Barbara and Manny Cetner. Aden is a student at South Hills Middle School in Bloomfield Hills. He raised money for IDF therapy dogs to help so...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 41 J N To Be Holy I n the opening lines of this week’s Torah portion, the Israelites are told: “Holiness you shall be, for holiness am I, the Lord your God.” As Jews, we are instructed to be holy, to be sacred. But what does that mean? There are two prima- ry understandings of sacredness in Judaism. The first understands separation as definitional to sanctity. In the words of Rabbi Adin Steinzaltz: “To be holy is,...…
…42 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N A t the center of the mosaic books is Vayikra. At the cen- ter of Vayikra is the “holiness code” (Chapter 19) with its momentous call: “You shall be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” And at the center of Chapter 19 is a brief paragraph which, by its positioning, is the apex, the high point, of the Torah: “Do not hate your brother in your heart. You must surely admonish your neighbor and...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 43 J N your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”). This is entirely untrue. There is a wonderful teaching in Avot deRabbi Natan: “Who is the greatest hero? One who turns an enemy into a friend.” What sets the Torah apart is its understanding of the psy- chology of hatred. If someone has done us harm, it is natural to feel aggrieved. What then are we to do in order to ful- fil the command, “Do not hate your ...…
…Synagogue Directory METRO DETROIT CONSERVATIVE Adat Shalom Synagogue Farmington Hills (248) 851-5100 adatshalom.org Congregation Beth Ahm West Bloomfield (248) 851-6880 cbahm.org Congregation Beth Shalom Oak Park (248) 547-7970 congbethshalom.org Beth Tephilath Moses Mt. Clemens (586) 996-3138 bethtephilathmoses.com B’nai Israel Synagogue West Bloomfield (248) 432-2729 bnaiisraelwb.org Congregation B’nai Moshe West Blo...…
…Temple Emanu-El Oak Park (248) 967-4020 emanuel-mich.org Temple Israel West Bloomfield (248) 661-5700 temple-israel.org Temple Kol Ami West Bloomfield (248) 661-0040, tkolami.org Temple Shir Shalom West Bloomfield (248) 737-8700 shirshalom.org REFORM/RENEWAL Congregation Shir Tikvah Troy (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org SECULAR/HUMANISTIC Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit Farmington Hills (248) 477-1410 ...…
…46 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N ARTS&LIFE ART A n image from Naomi Hart’s artistic works, made using beeswax with drawing and print skills falling into the category of encaustics, has been chosen to go on promotional materials for this year’s Art Birmingham. The event, held May 11-12 in surrounding areas of Shain Park and originally known as the Birmingham Fine Art Festival, is early in this year’s out- door art fair season. With Mother’...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 47 Popular Summer Art Fairs Below is listed some of the popularly recurring outdoor art fairs. To find out about the special features of each and any changes to an event, check the websites before attending. May 11-12: Art Birmingham, streets surrounding Shain Park. theguild.org. May 18-19: East Lansing Art Festival, 410 Abbot Road. elartfest.com. MAY 25-27: Kensington Art Fair, Milford (Maple Beach). kensingtonartfair.c...…
…48 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N A s one of the most gripping and pow- erful Holocaust novels of our time, the best- selling book The Tattooist of Auschwitz is coming to life as a new series streaming on Peacock. Released on May 2, the six-episode limited drama series traverses the harrowing yet heartwarming true story of Slovakian Jew Lale Sokolov, who was imprisoned at Auschwitz in 1942 and forced to work as a tattooist tattoo- ing numbe...…
…in a place like that when your life is threatened every second of every day, and you’ve been dehumanized? That is the stuff of great drama, really, to find charac- ters in incomprehensible posi- tions, but who display a uni- versal truth about who we are as human beings. So, we went after the book, and we knew very early on that we want- ed to adopt it as a television series. Lale’s story is just too big for a film; it wouldn’t have ...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 5 J N DISCOVER THE POWER OF SANCTUARY Discover Lincoln Owner Benefits Custom Ordering & Home Delivery Upon Request A, Z, X Plans Specialist RICHARD WOLF LINCOLN PRODUCT SPECIALIST Office : 1950 W Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48084 Email : rwolf@lincolnoftroy.com 734.812.1125 …
…50 | MAY 9 • 2024 J amie Harris of Brooklyn exhibited colorful glass pieces in last year’s annual show at the Habatat Galleries Complex in Royal Oak, and he has new abstract work to be presented in this year’s display. Glass52 is exhibiting some 400 art glass works by international artists and marking 52 years of special displays as the largest modern glass art gallery. Various forms, some utilitarian, are being featured by new...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 51 prisoner drawings. It was an experience that was shared across all departments and a huge team effort. JN: How do you bring forth love and beauty in such a heartbreaking place? Mundell: We have to remember that in order to survive, survivors had to find a way to continue to live even in the specter of death and brutality. That was something that really struck us about Lale and Gita’s story, for two people to b...…
…52 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL: 12% ARE JEWISH On April 17, Time magazine released its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. On April 25, Time hosted its annual Gala party to celebrate the list and, on Sunday, May 12, at 10 p.m., ABC will broadcast a one-hour special titled Inside the Gala: Time 100. In an hour, ABC really can’t say that much about all the honorees at the Gala...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 53 Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator © 2007 - 2024 Education.com Israel Tourist Attractions K M K Q O A A U U P L D T Q N X A C F Y E P S K O Z X T Q Q M B C O X B Z Q L O D B C A H W I D J I F S R R Q M K N W Y K M G N G E G I D Z H D N P Q H M K T E M P L E M O U N T G Z N O U Q A P D Z M A O D N Y H I G X R A B X D Q G L P W N W M T P N T R T T N A R Z Z Z P B A S N I B Y A D Z Q N U K J...…
…54 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N ‘THE PROM’ NOW-MAY 19 Birmingham Village Players will stage The Prom, a joyous, funny and sweet production that will appeal to musical fans. A high school student dreams of taking her girlfriend to their senior prom. Unfortunately, her plans are foiled by a homophobic PTA. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights (May 10, 11, 17, 18) at 8 pm and Sunday afternoons (May 12, 19) at 2 pm. Reserved ticket...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 55 ON STAGE 7 PM, May 17 & 24 (FRI.) Shakespeare in Detroit will produce As You Like It, a fast-paced, Victorian-era adaptation. In celebration of the DIA’s special exhibition “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971,” this production pays homage to the often- overlooked contribution of Black artists to the silent film era. On the DIA’s Danto Lecture Hall stage, accompanied by projection and footage from the era. ...…
…STUART M. ALTER, 69, of Oak Park, died April 21, 2024. He was the loving father of Beth and David Rodgers, and Robert Alter; adoring Zaydie of Evan, Jared and Noah Rodgers; brother of Jan and Larry Greenberg, and Peggy and Danny Palter. He is also survived by his former spouse, Marla Alter; and dear friend, Cheryl Schwartz. Contributions may be made to Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile Road, Berkley, MI 48072. A funeral service was held a...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 57 J N Pearl Dubin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Ronald and Joann Dubin, Raymond and Debbie Dubin, Andrew and Sandra Dubin; many loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Danial was the son of the late Irvin Dubin. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network. Arr...…
…58 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N continued from page 57 48076. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. SHARON FINE-ALPERT, 63, of Bloomfield Hills, died April 26, 2024. She is survived by her hus- band, Lloyd Alpert; mother, Frances Fine of Novi; broth- ers and sisters-in-law, Rabbi David and Beth Burstein Fine of Bellevue, Wash., B...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 59 J N LESLEE GAYLE HERSCHFUS, 64, of West Bloomfield, died April 29, 2024. She is sur- vived by her husband, Dr. Marvin Herschfus; moth- er, Sally Horvitz; daughter, Reena Herschfus; sister, Janice Plonskier; brother and sister- in-law, Eric and Alissa Horvitz; nieces and nephews, Jake Plonskier, Matthew Plonskier, Lillian Horvitz, Madeline Horvitz, Sydney Horvitz; sisters-in-law and brothers- in-law, Judy and Ric...…
…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: Detroit Jewish News, 322...…
…60 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N his daughter, bending an ear with politics, history or geogra- phy. Michael also loved a good drink, a hearty laugh, defying age and being around friends and family. He never stopped being stubborn, fighting his dis- ease until the very end. Michael is survived by his wife, Bella; son, Alex (Elin); daughter, Jessica; grandchildren, Zoe, Maddie and Kylie; his furry grandpet, Milo; sister, Raisa (Felix); nephews...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 61 father of Aaron and Jillian Pearlman, Allison and Leanne Mertzman, Zachary Pearlman, Hannah and Nick Skardarasky Pearlman, Ariella Pearlman, Shayna Pearlman, Joshua Pearlman; proud great-grand- father of Finley Pearlman, Ruthie Mertzman, and Rosie Mertzman. Joe was the beloved husband of the late Rebecca (Becky) Pearlman. He was the treasured brother of the late Ben and Lena Pearlman, the late Jack and Lillian G...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at thejewishnews.com 62 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N A Hospital Like No Other S ometimes a good story is just under my nose. In this case, sitting two desks away from me. I told David Sachs, JN Contributing Editor, that I was thinking about a column on Sinai Hospital in Detroit. The original Sinai (preceding today’s DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit ...…
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…View the catalog & bid online now at: www.liveauctioneers.com Schmidt's Antiques Inc. Since 1911 www.SchmidtsAntiques.com 5138 West Michigan Avenue Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 734-434-2660 Featuring Fine Art including paintings by William Louis Otte and Charles Francois Daubigny, Art Pottery including Pewabic, Newcomb College and Rookwood, Art Glass including Tiffany, Daum and Steuben, Libbey Drinkware, Lighting including Handel, Tiffany ...…
…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com MAY 9 • 2024 | 7 J N survivor of the Nova music fes- tival massacre, bravely recount- ed her story in that beautiful park near the Gaza border, the tears rolled down my face. But it was what she said a few min- utes later, as she showed us her late boyfriend’s memorial there in Reim, that will live with me forever. We thanke...…
…8 | MAY 9 • 2024 J N PURELY COMMENTARY opinion A Page from the 1968 Playbook? R adical students set up a protest encampment on the lawns of New York’s Columbia University, closing down the campus. Policemen try to break up the encampment and arrest more than 100 protesters, but they are soon released and resume their demonstration with even greater force. Soon, other campuses — Yale, Berkeley, Ann Arbor — follow Columbia...…
…MAY 9 • 2024 | 9 J N six years ago, they largely succeeded. The Vietcong and the North Vietnamese regarded the demonstrations as strategic assets capable of turning American public opinion against the war. Emboldened, the Communists launched the 1968 Tet Offensive, which further strengthened anti- war sentiment. Today’s demonstrators also want to change American foreign policy from pro- to anti-Israel, to cut off all forms of a...…
…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT NCJW | MI and JFS celebrate a hearty 50-year partnership with Kosher Meals on Wheels. See page 8 $2 May-2-8, 2024 / 24-30 Nissan, 5784 thejewishnews.com …
…10 | MAY 2 • 2024 J N distribution. Linda Greenfield of Waterford has been the coordi- nator for the program for nearly three years and remembers helping her own mother deliver meals when she was a teenager. “The program is allowing people to stay in their homes as long as they want, but it’s not just about the food. Seeing a friendly smile enhances their lives and makes a very big dif- ference, ” she says. Greenfield adds that an...…
…MAY 2 • 2024 | 11 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofi t corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Learn more at MIBluesPerspectives.com/ReadyToHelp We put care in health insurance. Get the care you need, when you need it, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. From the largest network of doctors and hospitals in Michigan to coverage f...…
…12 | MAY 2 • 2024 J N “YOU ARE ANGELS ON WHEELS.” continued from page 10 A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT For Susan Gertner, the execu- tive director of NCJW|MI, this anniversary celebration has a particular significance and provides a full circle moment for her career. Gertner’s first professional job after grad- uating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work, was with Jewish Family Service, working as a Meals...…
