…30 | OCTOBER 22 • 2020 MOMENTS MAZEL TOV! Riley Ian Agrest will lead the con- gregation in prayer on the occasion of his bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. He will be joined in celebration by his proud parents, Sandra and Kevin Agrest, and brothers Gabriel and Grayson. Riley is the lov- ing grandchild of Maria and Michael Kallen, Irene and Marty Agrest, and the late Gary Greenfield. Ril...…
… OCTOBER 22 • 2020 | 31 SPIRIT Why Canaan? T he name Canaan appears for the first time in this story of the degradation of Noah. Canaan was not one of his sons, but his grandson, a son of Ham. The truth is that mentioning Canaan here seems totally out of place and superflu- ous. Noah becomes drunk; his son Ham does nothing to hide his father’ s shame but serves as talebearer, reporting his father’ s nakedness to his broth- ers...…
…32 | OCTOBER 22 • 2020 I f you want to watch Michigan-raised Alexandra Silber perform musical numbers, turn to YouTube, but if you want to learn about her experiences on and off presti- gious stages, turn to a digital program offered by the Society of Active Retirees (SOAR) — “ A Creative Life: Finding Meaning in Theater. ” Silber, who also has written both a novel and memoir, invites viewers into her home at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov....…
… OCTOBER 22 • 2020 | 33 D r. Ruth Westheimer is one of only a few writers of any faith whose name universally evokes smiles. What may not be as well publicized is the sex ther- apist’ s grounding in Judaism. In fact, with all her talk about sex, she says there is nothing in what she has written or said that contradicts the Bible. She presents her case in the new paperback edition of Heavenly Sex: Sexuality and the Jewish Traditi...…
…ARTS&LIFE continued from page 33 I cannot prove. In the Jewish tradition, it says that if a hus- band brings his wife to sexual satisfaction before he ejaculates, she will bear a son. I would like to see a scientifically validated study. It could be that if there is more wetness in the vagina, maybe the male spermatozoa have an easier time to get to the ovum. I don’ t have any proof of that, but we know that Jews wanted to have so...…
… OCTOBER 22 • 2020 | 35 UNDOING, BOOGALOO AND CHLOE FINEMAN The Undoing is a six-episode HBO mini-series that begins on Sunday, Oct. 25. It is based on You Should Have Known, a 2014 novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz, 59. Basic plot: The main character in the series is Grace Reinhardt Fraser (Nicole Kidman), a successful therapist. Just before her first book is to be published, a series of very bad things happen to her. Hugh Grant pla...…
…36 | OCTOBER 22 • 2020 ON THE GO PEOPLE | PLACES | EVENTS HARVEST & HOPE 7 PM, OCT. 23 The Michigan Chapter of the Cohn’s & Colitis Foundation will combine their largest fall events online, allow- ing patients, caregivers, physicians and the entire Michigan IBD commu- nity to participate from home. Tickets are $100. Info: visit facebook.com/ CCFAMichigan or TinyURL. com/CCFHarvestHope. EDGEFEST 7:30 PM, OCT. 23 Kerrytown Concert Hou...…
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… OCTOBER 22 • 2020 | 39 SOUL OF BLESSED MEMORY RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER Philanthropist Touched Many Lives E dward Meer was renowned for his gen- erosity to the Detroit Jewish community, his exceptional business acumen and his unflagging devotion to his family. The Bloomfield Hills res- ident, who enhanced many lives with his philanthropy, kindness and integrity, died on Oct. 5, 2020, at age 95. The son of immigrant par...…
…40 | OCTOBER 22 • 2020 ARNOLD BERMAN, 93, of West Bloomfield, died Oct. 13, 2020. A Marine vet- eran, Mr. Berman served his country in World War II. He was honored and featured in a movie by Sky Bergman. One of the original members of Congregation Beth Moses, he was a lifelong mem- ber of Beth Ahm and a past president of its men’ s club. Mr. Berman was active with Yad Ezra, and he delivered meals on Sundays; he was also a memb...…
… OCTOBER 22 • 2020 | 41 RAE GLICKOFF, 92, of Dearborn Heights died Oct. 10, 2020. When Rae walked into a room, she lit it up. She was vibrant and full of optimism. Everyone that met her loved her. Rae adored her family and always had words of encouragement and support. She was compas- sionate and kind to all people and animals. Rae had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. She was cher- ished by all her family and f...…
…42 | OCTOBER 22 • 2020 SOUL OF BLESSED MEMORY ceuticals. He also loved the arts, specifically jazz music and oil painting. Mr. Goldstein is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Wendy and Steve Faberman, Lisa and Adam Cohn; grandchildren, Rachel and Allyson Faberman; longtime girlfriend, Myrna Weinstein; many other loving family members and friends. Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Birmingham. Contribu...…
… OCTOBER 22 • 2020 | 43 Lipsky; grandchildren, Jacob (Scarlett) Mervis, Michael Lipsky, Daniel Lipsky and Eric Lipsky; great-grandchild, Lucas Mervis; sisters, Rhea Blum, Jane Williams, Shirley Weingrot; many loving nieces, nephews, other family mem- bers and friends. Mr. Lipsky was the brother of the late Sam Lipton and the late Audrey Penskar. Interment took place at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions ...…
…44 | OCTOBER 22 • 2020 SOUL OF BLESSED MEMORY She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, Bill. She was the devoted daughter of the late Lena and the late Harry Berman; the dear sister of the late Frank Berman and the late Esther Raminick. A graveside service took place at Oakwood Cemetery in Traverse City. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of one’ s choice. Arrangements...…
… OCTOBER 22 • 2020 | 45 L ooking back to the future … The wonderful Wonder Bar, and that it certainly was, on Washington Boulevard … enjoyed a beauti- ful reputation as one of Detroit’ s most cosmopol- itan restaurants … considered a direct heir of one of the city’ s most elegant “ clubs” in the 1920s. Sammy Sofferin, affable proprietor of the Wonder Bar, parlayed a cigar stand, an apartment house and the old Powatan Club into...…
…46 | OCTOBER 22 • 2020 Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org The Standard Club R ecently, I have written about sev- eral historic Jewish clubs in Metro Detroit. There is the Franklin Hills Country Club, which boasts an outstand- ing golf course and club house. It is also a prime meeting place for local Jews. The Great Lakes Yacht Club is another largely J...…
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…Key candidates make their case for your vote in 2020. See page 12 thejewishnews.com $200 Oct. 15-21, 2020 / 27 Tishri-3 Cheshvan 5781 …
…MICHIGAN'S JEWISH COMMUNITY STANDS WITH JOE BIDEN & KA KA K MALA HARRIS Dr.Marvin&FranSonne SusanSosnick LaurieSpoon-Potter BarbaraStark-Nemon&BarryNemon CharlieStarkman Rob&JanieStarkman Todd,Terri,&PaigeStearn Joyce&DavidSteinberg DannySteinmetz GeraldStern Julie&WilliamStern KathyL.Stern GailStewart Margo&MichaelStocker Sharon&JeffreyStrichartz Rebecca&ZacharyStrobehn KarenStutz Stephen&KathrynSussman SteveSwartz&Dr.BethRobinsonSwartz Ric...…
…Views 5-10 JN’s 2020 Election Guide A Note from the Editor 12 Republican Senate Candidate John James 14 Incumbent Democratic Senator Gary Peters 16 Incumbent Rep. Haley Stevens 18 Republican challenger Eric Esshaki 20 Oakland County Executive Race 22 Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Race 24 Head to thejewishnews.com to read interviews with Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Andy Levin and Rep. Elissa Slotkin; challengers in the Oakland Coun...…
…4 | SEPTEMBER 24 • 2020 …
…Views Jewfro Borrowed Time: Chicago Hope M y brother-in-law Marc Rosenzweig was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’ s Lymphoma in 2012 and Stage 4 lung cancer in 2013. Borrowed Time is a storytelling project about his journey to the present as told to me by him. MARCH 18, 2017 I’ m standing in a small, dark room. I could not be more relieved. First, just being upright feels like an act of defiance. I’ ve spent so much of the last...…
…E lection season brings out the best and, in recent years, the worst in us. We are more politically active and passionate; we read and debate more — this is usually healthy for the Jews. Lately, though, the flood of misinformation and disinfor- mation has fostered a surge of uncritical, one-dimensional thinking that has compro- mised our ability to discuss and debate constructively. Example: There’s a tendency to see all left-leani...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 7 Live with hope Heal and recover Engage in the arts Stay socially connected Remain healthy and safe Process fears and anxiety * Due to the pandemic, services/activities are currently done by phone, virtually, or in small group settings outdoors. Kadima is dedicated to supporting the people we serve, finding new and safe ways to meet their needs, and providing a safe environment for them and our dedicated staf...…
…To make a donation to the DETROIT JEWISH NEWS FOUNDATION go to the website www.djnfoundation.org The Detroit Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Hwy., #110, Southfield, MI 48034. The Detroit Jewish News Founda...…
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…OUR JN MISSION: We aspire to communicate news and opinion that’ s trusted, valued, engaging and distinctive. We strive to refl ect diverse community viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. As an independent, responsible, responsive community member, we actively engage with individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, and Jewish life, in Southeast Michigan. Detro...…
… JULY 2 • 2020 | 11 …
…B y now, all of you should have received your at-home ballots in the mail for the upcoming election. Whether you are voting by mail or planning a masked, socially distanced in-per- son trip to the polls on Nov. 3, we at the JN have been busy over the last few weeks preparing our coverage so that you are pre- pared to mark your ballots. Typically, in an election year, the JN will either send candi- dates a written questionnaire ...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 13 Care Home Choose Care in the Safety of your OWN Home! and is a During this time of need and health concerns we are here to support you NOW OFFERING TUTORING & NANNY SERVICES! A concierge non-medical provider for clients in the comfort of their home or wherever is needed. Companionship • Accompany of Errands • Daily Support & Interaction • Medication Reminders Home Management • Grocery Shopping • Light Ho...…
…D uring their junior year of high school in the summer of 1998 at the Michigan Chapter of Boys State, a model government leadership pro- gram for teens, John James, who is Black, and Jeffrey Green, who is Jewish, became fast friends. During the program, Green, a delegate from Okemos High School, was elected sec- retary of state, and James, a delegate from Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Township, was elected governor. Though t...…
…where a tiny swastika appeared in his 2018 campaign ad, and a comment on a television inter- view where James said under- represented African Americans “need to make sure that we force both parties to treat us the way they’ re genuflecting for working-class white males and for our Jewish friends. ” James’ own Jewish friends say the accusations against him are outrageous. “Never have I ever felt an ounce of antisemi- tism in John’ s...…
…16 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 M ichigan’ s junior U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat, is run- ning for reelection as his first six-year term is coming to a close. He recently sat for a Zoom interview with JN staff. This account has been edited for brevity and clarity. JN: What is the message you want to communicate to the Jewish voters of Michigan? PETERS: It’ s been really a privilege and an honor to work closely with the Jewish com- ...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 17 Significantly, 14% of the population of Michigan is African American; yet, they had over 40% of the deaths. Clearly, we needed to put more resources into those communities that were impacted. JN: What can the Senate do about the COVID-19 pandemic? PETERS: As the ranking member on Homeland Security Committee, I oversee FEMA, the federal emergency management folks who’ ve been assigned the response to the...…
…18 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 F reshmen Congresswoman Haley Stevens is defending her seat against Republican Eric Esshaki in Michigan’ s tra- ditionally red 11th District, which includes Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Commerce Township, Novi and Farmington. Stevens grew up in the district and her family still lives in Birmingham. The JN recently interviewed Rep. Stevens via Zoom. Her responses are edited for length and clarity...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 19 For 81 years, our commitment has been the same. To serve everyone in Michigan with better heal th. I n every ZI P code, we provide access to high-qual ity care. Throughout communities l arge and smal l , we support l ocal efforts to improve heal th for al l . Wherever you cal l home, we wil l be by your side. Because we’ re here for it al l and al ways wil l be...…
…20 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 E ric Esshaki is running for the House seat in Michigan’ s 11th District against incumbent Haley Stevens. Esshaki, a Chaldean, has a background in nursing and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan. He worked at a New York law firm before returning home to Birmingham in 2018, where he lives with his family. He told the JN he’ s running because “we have politicians who care more about adv...…
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…22 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 D emocrat David Coulter was appointed Oakland County executive fol- lowing the death last year of L. Brooks Patterson. He is now running for a full term against Republican Mike Kowall. Here are highlights of our Zoom interview, edited for length and clarity. TOP PRIORITIES I take seriously that COVID-19 is still here without a vaccine. I run the health department, and we’ ve taken some strict orders follo...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 23 Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation. Need Housing Support? ☐ Call jhelp at 1-833-445-4357 ☐ Visit jhelp. org ☐ Chat online with a staff member or schedule a call at jhelp. org ☐ Do all of the above X Q We Have Answers. …
…24 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 C larence Dass, founder of the Dass Law Firm and former Oakland County assistant prosecutor, is challeng- ing Lori Savin in the Nov. 3 elec- tion. Here are highlights from his Zoom interview with the JN edited for length and clarity. APPROACH TO THE BENCH I believe judges should have empathy and understand what it’ s like to be every single per- son in a courtroom. I’ ve been a prosecutor, a defense attorney,...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 25 michprobate.com We are here for you and any of your legal needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 The Probate Law Firm of National Historic Site Since 1832 Voted Best Apple Cider Mill 2020 New Online Ordering Options! Pre-Pay Pick-up & Grub Hub www.franklincidermill.com Following CDC & Michigan Safe Guidelines Open NOW -> November 29th 8:00 ...…
…Moments 26 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 Jack William Beavers, son of Andrea and David Jacobson, will lead the congregation in prayer on the occa- sion of his bar mitzvah at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. He will be joined in celebration by his sisters Lillian, Jenna and Danielle and proud grandparents Sheldon and Rose Rita Goldman, and Joe and Nancy Jacobson. He is a student at Eton Academy in Birmingham. ...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 27 Spirit torah portion T he story of Adam, Eve and the forbidden fruit is commonly studied as a story about disobedience. God gave Adam and Eve a single (negative) command- ment: Do not eat from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. From this story, Jewish Torah commentators constructed one of the pillars of Jewish belief: the requirement to observe Divine com- mandments or reap the consequence. Yet, observ...…
…28 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Needs New Home quick hits BY STEVE STEIN Frankel Jewish Academy basketball teams play their home games at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit in West Bloomfield. But that arrangement has a cloudy future because of the JCC’ s recent announcement that it’ s closing its health club. JCC CEO Brian Siegel told the Jewish News the JCC will honor its lease agreement with FJA, ...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 29 itzing with friends. Each day before leaving the JCC, Flusty stopped at the Hall of Fame plaques of two longtime personal and family friends, Sam “Sonny” Taub, who died in 2019, and Ralph Goldstein, who died in 1988. Flusty touched each plaque then kissed his hand, like one does after touching a mezu- zah. “The three of us, all lefties, played a lot of basketball at the JCC while we were grow- ing up, ” Flust...…
…30 | OCTOBER 15 • 2020 Arts&Life music Goes Chamber Music Virtual Harpsichordist Andrew Appel to play free online concert. SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER A ndrew Appel was 16 when he was able to bring a harpsichord into his New York City home while preparing for a career as a musician. Now, at 69, and with the use of technology, he virtually is able to bring lots of guests into his home, 100 miles outside New York ...…
… OCTOBER 15 • 2020 | 31 Juilliard, studied in Paris and became familiar with the approaches of French composers. “Most of these pieces in the upcoming concert are by Germans writing in the French style,” Appel said. “French taste was central in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries so a lot of German composers, including Bach, copied this wonderfully elegant and subtle writing that became the model all over Europe.” Appel, ...…
