…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 55 J N Judaism seems never to have been in doubt. There is, for example, a powerful moment in Tanach when King David’s son Absalom mounted a coup d’etat against his father. David was forced to flee. Eventually there was a battle between Absalom’s troops and David’s. Absalom, who was hand- some and had fine hair, was caught by it when it became entangled in the branches of a tree. Left hanging there, Joab, cap...…
…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 ...…
…58 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N ARTS&LIFE ART C reations of the painter and graphic artist Amram Egby celebrate the beauty and history of Israel. He’s lived in his beloved, adopted country since leaving Morocco in 1951. Much of his work, including City of Yaffa, is distinguished by his placement of a circular plaque some- where in the picture. Egby is one of the collectible Israeli artists represented at Jerusalem-based Safrai Fine Ar...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 59 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY AT: BigTommysComedyClub.com Join Us on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31st , 2023! BIG TOMMY’S Comedy Club COMEDY SHOW & DINNER $80/person (Drinks Not Included) LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND DINNER BUFFET MAIN DINING AREA 1st Seating 7pm-9pm • $70/person (Drinks, Tax & Tip not included) EXPERIENCE A 4 COURSE MEAL TO DELIGHT THE HUNGRY SOUL! 2nd Seating 9pm-11pm • $100/person (Drinks, Tax & Tip ...…
…1942 - 2023 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 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N ROCK HALL OF FAME, CELEB ROOTS, COBEN’S ‘CHANGING’ CHARACTERS On Jan. 1, ABC will broadcast (8 p.m.) a heavily edited video of the 2023 induction of persons into the Rock Hall of Fame. The ceremony happened on Nov. 3, 2023. Disney, which owns ABC, streamed the whole 2023 ceremony live (a first!). You can watch a video of that live event on Disney+ or you can watch the edited version on ABC. The in...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 61 Just for Fun See solution in next week’s issue. Shabbat Puzzle 1 Skullcap 2 Sabbath greeting 3 “Receiving” as in the Sabbath 5 Weekly Torah portion 6 Braided loaves of bread 10 Saturday’s traditional stew 12 Baked noodle or potato casserole 14 When a boy comes of age 15 Three of these mean it’s nightfall 17 What we do when we rest on Shabbat 20 Challah is ______ with at least three strands 21 Sewn satin or ...…
…62 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N PUPPET WORKSHOP NOON-4 PM, DEC. 30 (SAT.) At the Art Making Studio at the DIA. Learn to make a hand puppet from various materials in the studio. Bring your imagination! No experience necessary. General museum admission is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. PARTY FOR KIDS 5:30-8:30 PM, DEC. 30 (SAT.) At Kidscreate Studio, 4297 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, #235. Send...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 63 HEALTHCARE A1 CAREGIVER/COMPANION. Experienced, Part-time or Full-time excellent references. 248-991-4944 Senior Health Services LLC: 24/7 In-depth Male/ Female Caregivers. Highly Recommended by Doctors & Attorneys. Please Call 248-989-7013 Prestige Touch of Love,Providing 24-hr home care services using professional / certified caregivers to serve the specific needs of your loved ones. Fully Vaccinated...…
… Aaron Mendelson Heating and Cooling, LLC. 248-855-0437 Cell: 248-912-2292 License # 7118488 Maintenance, Installation, Repair & Hot Water Heaters Ajmendelson1@gmail.com FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1973 $85 SERVICE FEE 24/7 Emergency Service Call today for your free in-home consultation 248.855.8747 Caren Bass Custom Closets,Inc. WHERE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE as featured on HGTV Leading the industry with over 30 ye...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 65 J N JOHN DREIFUS, 95, of Farmington Hills, died Dec. 15, 2023. He is survived by his sons and daugh- ters-in-law, Jay and Kathy Dreifus, Peter and Patti Dreifus, and Milton and Lisa Feldberg; daughters- in-law, Kathy Shugerman and Laurie Shugerman; grandchildren, Rabbi Jeff Dreifus and Rachael Brill, Tom and Jenny Berman, Ryan and Stacie Berman, Gregory and Maya Dreifus, Sa...…
…OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 66 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N D r. Herbert “Doc” Goodwin, of West Bloomfield and Boca Raton, Fla., died Dec. 17, 2023. “Doc” was one of a kind. He was a union electrician after serving in the Army during the Korean War, but decided to change paths at age 27, went to MSU for his undergrad, then fell in love with Barbara (Rosenthal) and together they went to Des Moines for osteopathic school. He ...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 67 J N continued from page 65 AARON E. ENGEL, 86, of West Bloomfield, died Dec. 7, 2023, He is sur- vived by his wife, Helene Engel; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Samantha Engel of Southfield; daughter and son-in-law, Faith and Michael Miller of Bloomfield Hills; grandchildren, Casey Miller, Hannah Miller; broth- er-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack Chareton, Ruth Ford. Aaron was the dear brother and broth...…
…68 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY SHARON ROME, 81, of Commerce Township, died Dec. 1, 2023. She is survived by her children, Denise Rome (partner, Laura Feeney) and Arlene (Aron) Kominars; grandchildren, Lauren Kominars and Joshua Kominars; sister-in-law, Toby Pohl; many other loving fam- ily members and friends. Sharon was the beloved wife of the late Richard Rome; sister of the late Bert Pohl. Interm...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 69 DAVID SCHNEIDER, 70, of Oak Park, died Dec. 18, 2023. He is survived by his sister, Anita Schneider; many loving cousins and friends. Mr. Schneider was the devoted son of the late Raymond and the late Faye Schneider. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be to NAMI-National Alliance on Mental Illness, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203, donate.nami.org/ give/197406....…
…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 7 J N of their child along with all the other hostages. It was a two-day mission, but the convenience of Hertz Rent-a-Car, the on-time landing of El Al, and the effi- ciency of Israel’s roads and tun- nels enabled me to pack in a lot. The lesson I learned from this quick trip was that while I went to gi...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at thejewishnews.com 70 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N A Musical Maestro T here are many famous Jews, but every now and then, a Jewish American has risen to global fame. In the 20th century, for example, Louis Brandeis (1856-1941) was a legendary jurist. A naturalized American and one of the most influential scientists in world history, physicist Al...…
…The Agency Hall & Hunter 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009 AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISEE. #1 TOP PRODUCER FOR 2016-2023 AT THE AGENCY HALL & HUNTER EMILY KAHN | REALTOR® +1 248.568.0569 EKahn@TheAgencyRE.com CINDY KAHN | REALTOR® +1 248.568.7309 CKahn@TheAgencyRE.com H A P PY H E A LT H Y N E W Y E A R During this holiday season, we want to give a special thanks to those who made our year po...…
…8 | DECEMBER 28 • 2023 J N guest column Dear World, Israel Doesn’t Need Your Lectures A s every Jew knows, the rules are different when it comes to them and Israel. When Israel was brutally attacked on Oct. 7, people across much of the world blamed Israel for causing the war. Within days, millions more unleashed their inner Jew hatred, which was apparently lurking just beneath the surface. From the moment Israel struck back...…
…DECEMBER 28 • 2023 | 9 J N MATTHILDUR MARK KELLER SINCE 1975 AUTUMN/WINTER 23 LOCATED IN THE BIRMINGHAM RAIL DISTRICT 929 S ETON STREET OPEN THU - FRI 12-5PM SAT 11AM-6PM OR BY APPOINTMENT 248.550.1008 mark@matthildur.com www.MATTHILDUR.com Every day, scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel pursue breakthroughs in cancer research, brain and neural science, technology, education, medicine, and protecting our planet. A Charitab...…
…$200 Dec. 21-27, 2023 / 9-15 Tevet 5784 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com A A Hero Hero in War in War and and Peace Peace Dr. Guy Stern Dr. Guy Stern (1922-2023) (1922-2023) See page 12 …
…10 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N PURELY COMMENTARY T he sheer horror of Oct. 7, its scope, unimag- inable barbarity and emotional devastation wrought grief and anger. It was so much more than per- sonal. It was a riveting awaken- ing from a long, self-imposed fic- tion that we Jews were accepted in this world as part of it. Immediately following, donating money, participating in rallies, petition- ing, sharing grief and mourn- ing, e...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 11 J N a civilian or reserve soldier supervisor and aide. Tel Hashomer is a huge base with a hospital as well as warehouses. It is the only medical supply base in Israel. As such, everything needed to support the troops for their health and medical needs was our responsibility. Exact numbers of items, selecting conforming items, counting, sorting, verifying expiration dates, bagging, sealing, box- ing, strappi...…
…12 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N War and Peace A in The remarkable legacy of Dr. Guy Stern, 1922-2023. OUR COMMUNITY COVER STORY Guy Stern in his hometown of Hildesheim, Germany DEB FILLER …
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 13 J N D r. Günther “Guy” Stern of West Bloomfield — Holocaust survivor, WWII hero, esteemed scholar and cherished and indispens- able member of The Zekeleman Holocaust Center (The HC) for over 20 years, has died. Stern passed away Dec. 7, 2023, just a few weeks shy of his 102nd birthday. At the time of his death, he was the director of the International Institute of the Righteous at The HC in Farmingto...…
…14 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 A DEDICATED VETERAN This past January, the Welcome Center at the Lt. Col. Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor was renamed the Dr. Guy Stern Welcome Center. The celebration took place on the eve of Guy’s 101st birthday. At the dedication ceremony Stern expressed his affection for the medical center: “It is in this atmosphere I feel so fulfilled. I feel so at ease. This is my home. And there is ...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 15 A NEW PARTNERSHIP Centrally located in West Bloomfield and recently remodeled, Congregation Beth Ahm offers a perfect event space for your wedding, mitzvah, bris, corporate event or birthday. Paired with Epic Kosher/Milk&Honey’s renowned catering, this collab- oration promises unforgettable experiences. Picture dream weddings and joyous mitzvahs in Congregation Beth Ahm’s elegant ambiance, complemented by exqui...…
…16 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 you that I found Günther a most intelligent and respon- sive boy who should make an excellent adjustment to this country. He spoke and under- stood English so well that I had no chance to air my haphazard German with him. ” Not long after his arrival, Stern made an acquaintance with someone who volunteered to help him finance and navi- gate the process of securing the sponsorship needed to bring his family t...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 17 to shine brightly in the minds and hearts of all those whose lives he touched. ” Guy also published numerous papers and books, including his memoir, Invisible Ink. As stated on the inside jacket of his book, Stern gives as much credit for his survival of the Holocaust to his father’s profound cautionary words, when he said: “You have to be like invisible ink. You will have traces of your existence when, in ...…
…18 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N E lla Ben Ami woke up in her home at Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel near the Gaza border to the sound of alarms. Warnings about incoming missiles were not uncommon, so she wasn’t too worried as she and her brother made their way to a safe room. A half-hour later, a text on a kibbutz WhatsApp group told her that Hamas terrorists had invaded her parents’ house adjacent to the kibbutz fence. Shortly aft...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 19 J N Menorah in the D Hundreds of Metro Detroiters attended Menorah in the D, the 13th annual public lighting of a 26-foot-tall menorah in the heart of the city organized by Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan. Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, Chabad vice president, said Chanukah and the conflict in Gaza both symbolize the struggle of light to overcome the dark. In addition to Ben Ami and Moses, the honorary Lamplighters were N...…
…Our People. Our Heritage. Our Mission. APPLY TODAY! partnersdetroit.org/chai c May 12-22, 2024 B$1,499 plus airfare CHAI 2024 IS GEARED TOWARD MOMS WITH KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 25. This trip was made possible by the generosity of the Lesson and Dembs families in memory of Ryan Dembs, הילדג דוד ןב קחצי םהרבא, whose love for his family, his community, and the Jewish people knew no bounds. PARTNERS DETROIT PRESENTS The Dembs Mission to I...…
…20 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N her Detroit home on Oct. 14, was represent- ed by Rabbi Ariana Silverman of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, where Woll had been president. Other dignitaries at the event included Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Bloomfield, and State Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Detroit Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem. Stevens had p...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 21 Need Help with an IRS or State Tax Problem? As featured on: Need Help with an IRS or State Tax Problem? Call the experts at 1-800-TAX-LEVY (829-5389) • Tax Liens • Collection Notices • Penalties • Unfi led Tax Returns • Audits Call us today to answer your questions or to schedule a meeting and say goodbye to those sleepless nights! 1-800-TAX-LEVY (829-5389) www.levytaxhelp.com We Listen …. We Care … We Help!...…
…22 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N I n April 2024, JHSM (Jewish Historical Society of Michigan) will open its highly anticipated exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum: In the Neighborhood: Everyday Life on Hastings Street. From the 1880 to the 1920s, Hastings Street was home to most of the city’s Jewish residents, including tens of thousands of Eastern- European immigrants. Running April 20 to July 14, 2024, the exhibit highlights th...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 23 J N A Detroit man has been charged in the killing of local Jewish lay leader Samantha Woll, Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy announced in a Dec. 13 press conference. Michael Manuel Jackson- Bolanos, 28, has been charged with felony murder. Officials said the killing is believed to have occurred during a home invasion, and there was no evidence to suggest Woll and the suspect knew each other. Police not...…
…24 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY I t’s no secret that war can breed divisiveness and anger, but several Israel-based organizations continue to promote peace and understanding amidst a crisis. While these organizations have long strived to build relationships between Israeli and Palestinian communities, the effort has now become more important than ever during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has devastated families in ...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 25 J N continued on page 26 the human side of the conflict with the American public to further support efforts for peace. Members pledge to uphold the sancticty of life, to practice nonviolence, refrain from “us vs. them” hate speech, acknowledge and understand the pain of the other side, listen with empathy even when they don’t agree, and strive to be a peacemaker (see the pledge at parentscirclefriends.org/ple...…
…26 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 kind of adults will children who are exposed to [violence] grow up to be?’” Damelin says. “What kind of adults will they be if we don’t work with them?” OASIS OF PEACE Oasis of Peace is a small village located in central Israel where Israelis and Palestinians have lived side-by-side for decades. The American Friends of Neve Shalom, or “Oasis of Peace” in Hebrew and Arabic, help support village operations a...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 27 5829 Maple Rd. Ste. 129 West Bloomf eld, MI 48322 248.757.2503 www.maplepharmacyrx.com FREE DELIVERY MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! MAKE MAPLE PHARMACY… YOUR PHARMACY! OUR MISSION IS TO BRING SERVICE BACK TO PHARMACY FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER YOU!! 10% SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT Not Valid on Prescriptions Maple Pharmacy offers: • Low Price Medications • 90 Day Supplies • Durable Medical Equipment • Diab...…
…28 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY H arvey and Cynthia Gersin, now a set of great-grandparents well in their 80s, love to recall that even though it was ahead of their time, she called him first! The two first met in November 1955 at a Thanksgiving Dance when Harvey was 17 and Cynthia was 15; they started talking and exchanged phone numbers. A few months later, Cynthia called Harvey to invite him to her Sweet 16. “My ...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 29 J N we found a way to stay a close and loving family,” Harvey said. “We were campers for 20 years. In remote campgrounds, we began with a tent and after 10 years, bought a pop-up camper. Everyone pitched in to build a fire, clean the campsite and fetch water. With no television or telephones, we relied on each other for survival.” Eventually, the family began enjoying adventures on a 16-passenger sailboat...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 3 J N contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-11 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 12 A Hero in War and Peace Guy Stern (1922-2023) 18 Honorary Chanukah Lamplighters Israeli visitors plead for release of hostages, including their parents. 22 Jewish Historical Society’s Wish List Organization wants more artifacts for upcoming exhibit. 23 Detroit Man Is Charged in Murder of Samantha Woll 24 Pro...…
…30 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 J N A huva Lange, 10, a fifth-grader at Beth Jacob, won third- and fifth-place ribbons at the Oklahoma Morgan Grand National Horse Show. Ever since she was a toddler, Ahuva was obsessed with horses. Her parents, Esther and Nosson Lange, gifted Ahuva her first horseback riding lesson for her sixth birthday. Instantly, Ahuva was hooked. “Horses are my passion,” Ahuva said. Twice a week ever since, the big si...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 31 C H A I R S Nancy & Arn Tellem Judy & David Karp Brenda Wayne & Gary Karp Jackie & Larry Kraft Linda & Steven Mondrow Rhonda & Michael Piper Sonia & Keith Pomeroy Peggy Daitch & Peter Remington Matthew Roman Anne & Michael Rottman Debbie & Howard Sherman Sandra & Martin Tessler Goldie Weizman Andi & Larry Wolfe Michelle & Michael Zeid Lori & Alan Zekelman Aileen & Zachary Zucker Gary Zucker L to R: CEO Eli Mayerf...…
…32 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 H O N O R A R Y V I C E C H A I R S Belfor USA Group Barbara & Harold Beznos Julie & Sam Beznos Eric Billes Gary R. Blumberg Penny & Harold Blumenstein Linda Katzman & Fred Cahn Corewell Health Sandy & Jim Danto Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation Gretchen & Ethan Davidson Robin & Leo Eisenberg Marla & Douglas Etkin Carolynn & Aaron Frankel Rozie & Bernie Friedman Tamara & Bruce Gorosh Lindsay & Adam Grant ...…
…DECEMBER 21 • 2023 | 33 H O N O R A R Y H O S T C O M M I T T E E Nina Abrams Susan & Larry Adler Arlene & Richard Agree Barbra & Peter Alter American Standard Roofing Carrie & David Aronow Marcia & Barry Auster Robin & Brad Axelrod Carolyn & Jim Bellinson Hadas & Dennis Bernard Best Homes Title Agency Boon Health Marion & Harvey Bronstein Heather & Jack Calderon C.H.A.I.M. - Children of Holocaust- Survivors in Michigan Dorris & Maurice ...…
…34 | DECEMBER 21 • 2023 G A R Y K A R P P R E S I D E N T S T E V E N G R A N T C H A I R M A N O F T H E B O A R D E L I M A Y E R F E L D C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R T H A N K Y O U F O R Y O U R S U P P O R T O F T H E Z E K E L M A N H O L O C A U S T C E N T E R A N D H O L O C A U S T E D U C A T I O N . 2 8 1 2 3 O R C H A R D L A K E R O A D F A R M I N G T O N H I L L S , M I 4 8 3 3 4 ( 2 4 8 ) 5 5 3 - 2 4 0 0...…
