…$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...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 37 5600 Drake Road | West Bloomfield, MI 48322 248.237.6948 | AllSeasonsWestBloomfield.com C e l eb ra ting 10 Ye a r s C e l eb ra ting 10 Ye a r s Schedule Your Private Tour Today AWARDED BEST OF THE BEST BY U.S. NEWS For the Joys of Independent Senior Living If you’re thinking about visiting Israel in 2024 to work, study or volunteer, Federation has two pro- grams that can help you c...…
…COMMUNITY DIRECTORY 2023 A JEWISH NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ART DUMOUCHELLES 409 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 963-6255 www.dumouchelles.com As a family company founded in 1927, DuMouchelles has curated premium fine art and antiques from across the country for four generations. We share your fervor for finding just the right piece and apply our experienced eye for rare and important items to offer new-to-market...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 39 Rolling Hills 3300 Crumb Road Commerce Township, MI 48390 RollingHillsRetirement.com 248-716-1887 Call today to schedule a private tour! You deserve it! All-Inclusive Services Live-In Managers! Month to Month Rental – No Long Term Lease! 24-Hour Concierge & Valet Services 24-Hour Emergency Alert System Weekly Housekeeping Robust Social Calendar And Many More! Signature Freedom Dining Progra...…
…4 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N opinion In War, a Secular-Haredi Understanding? S hall your brothers go to war, and you remain here? Those were the words that the prophet Moses used to chastise ancient Hebrews who preferred to avoid conflict and settle outside the Promised Land. And that is the question that more and more Haredi (sometimes called ultra- Orthodox) Jews in Israel are asking themselves. When secular Israelis compla...…
…40 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 RAITT LAW, PLLC 2000 Town Center, Suite 1300 Southfield, MI 48075 (248) 353-1000 (248) 617-2318 (f) www.raittlegal.com At Raitt Law, our civil litigation attorneys have one goal: obtaining justice for our clients when they are injured from another’s misconduct. We specialize in injury work, and that’s all we do. Your case will not get lost in the shuffle or given to another lawyer. From the very first time...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 41 5600 West Maple Road • Suite A-100 West Bloomfield, MI 48322 Peter A. Perlman Regional Director, Great Lakes Region Jeffrey Tackel President, Great Lakes Region 248-646-3100 | www.bnaibrith.org EXPERIENCE ART Explore the new look and new collections at Southfield’s free-to-the-public Park West Museum. Over 20 salons featuring masterworks by art icons like Picasso, Chagall, Dali, ...…
…42 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 YESHIVA BETH YEHUDAH P.O. Box 2044 Southfield MI 48037 (248) 557-6750 info@yby.org Yeshiva Beth Yehudah is the largest Jewish school system in Michigan, providing quality Torah- based and secular educational programs. More than 1,300 students in pre-nursery though grade 12 receive an excellent foundation to become future leaders of our community. THE ZEKELMAN HOLOCAUST CENTER 28123 Orchard Lake Road Farm...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 43 FINANCIAL BERNARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT 360 N. Main St., Suite 430 Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 556-2900 www.bernard-wealth.com Bernard Wealth Management, founded by Ken Bernard, is a fiduciary, fee-based, independent investment advisory firm. We strive to achieve our clients’ financial goals through personalized retirement planning, investment management and ongoing financial counseling. HEBREW FREE LOAN 6735...…
…44 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 HEBREW MEMORIAL CHAPEL 26640 Greenfield Road Oak Park MI 48237 (248) 543-1622 (800) 736-5033 www.hebrewmemorial.org Entering our second century as your community- owned funeral chapel, we are here for you 24 hours a day. Anyone can acknowledge that your loved one died. We understand that your loved one lived. IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL 18325 W. Nine Mile Road Southfield MI 48075 (248) 559-0020 www.irakaufman.com Brin...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 45 VIEWPOINT PSYCHOLOGY AND WELLNESS 2045 E. W. Maple Road, Suite D405 Commerce Township, MI 48390 7035 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 800 West Bloomfield, MI 48390 Text: (248) 274-4334 Phone: (248) 669-9500 www.viewpointpw.com help@viewpointpw.com Viewpoint is an outpatient mental health practice that provides psychological and psychiatric services. Whether you are looking for therapy and counseling, psycholog...…
…46 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE 6892 W. Maple Road West Bloomfield MI 48322 (248) 788-7878 Fax: (248) 788-7854 friend@friendshipcircle.org www.friendshipcircle.org Friendship Circle is committed to fostering inclusivity and support for individuals with special needs and their families. In addition to its recreational, social and educational programming, Friendship Circle extends its impact to those facing addiction, isola...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 47 KOSHER MEALS ON WHEELS (248) 592-2313 ncjwmi.org National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan (NCJW|MI), in conjunction with Jewish Family Service, can deliver meals to your home daily, Monday-Friday. Meals are for those homebound, 60 and older, who are unable to provide for themselves or who have no one to assist them with meal preparation on a temporary or ongoing basis. Meals are packaged and delivere...…
…48 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 BIG TOMMY’S PARTHENON COMEDY CLUB & BANQUET CENTER 40380 Grand River Ave. Novi, MI 48375 (248) 615-2102 bigtommys.com Big Tommy’s Parthenon is a family-run business with more than 40 years of service. We strive to provide each guest with an enjoyable experience filled with traditional Greek cuisine and favorite American entrees. KRAVINGS 25270 Greenfield Road Oak Park, MI 48237 (248) 967-1161 kravingsdetr...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 49 RESALE COUNCIL RE|SALE 3297 W. 12 Mile Road Berkley, MI 48072 (248) 548-6664 councilresale.net Fashion resale at its best. Women’s and men’s clothing: casual, career attire, eveningwear, vintage and designer; accessories, jewelry and home décor. All the best you can find at your neighborhood resale shop with great prices! Donors and shoppers always welcome. Proceeds benefit National Council of Jewish Wom...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 5 J N These LEADING LAWYERS have been recommended by their peers to be among the TOP LAWYERS in Michigan A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLa...…
…50 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 SENIOR LIVING ALL SEASONS WEST BLOOMFIELD 5600 Drake Road West Bloomfield, MI 48322 (248) 661-0200 allseasonswestbloomfield.com Set upon the highest point in Oakland County, All Seasons West Bloomfield has been thoughtfully designed to delight every one of the senses ... everyday. Envision yourself thriving in an active, exquisite, resort-style independent senior living community. All Seasons West Bloomfie...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 51 B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 5085 Walnut Lake Road West Bloomfield, MI 48323 (248) 432-2729 Fax 248-479-2572 info@bnaiisraelwb.org bnaiisraelwb.org B’nai Israel Synagogue is an egalitarian, lay- led Conservative congregation operating within the Temple Kol Ami building. We provide religious, educational and social opportunities that reflect our commitment to Judaism, our members of all ages and our community. CON...…
…52 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 CONGREGATION SHIR TIKVAH 3900 Northfield Parkway Troy MI 48084 (248) 649-4418 shirtikvah.org info@shirtikvah.org Congregation Shir Tikvah is an innovative yet traditional, friendly and inclusive congregation valuing diversity where all can seek God and strengthen spiritual, social, educational and cultural aspects of Jewish life. We are affiliated with both the Reform and Renewal movements. As a bridge be...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 53 J N SPIRIT Blessings & Heritage W hen this was originally written (in 2018), we had just completed the celebra- tion of Chanukah. Our con- gregation had held its annual Chanukah/Shabbat dinner. The social hall was overflowing with members of the congregational family and community. We began with the blessing of the chil- dren. To listen to so many parents bless their children with the words of our tra- d...…
…54 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N A fter the death of Jacob, Joseph’s brothers were afraid. Years earlier, when he had revealed his true identity to them, he appeared to have forgiven them for selling him as a slave. Yet the brothers were not wholly reas- sured. Maybe Joseph did not mean what he said. Perhaps he still harbored resentment. Might the only reason he had not yet taken revenge was respect for Jacob. There was a conve...…
