…I n his Hilchot Teshuvah (Laws of Repentance), Moses Maimonides makes one of the most empowering statements in religious literature. Having explained that we, and the world, are judged by the majority of our deeds, he continues: “Therefore we should see ourselves throughout the year as if our deeds and those of the world are evenly poised between good and bad, so that our next act may change both the balance of our live...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 63 come back to the cistern later, when the others were elsewhere, and rescue Joseph. When the Torah says, “Reuben heard this and saved him from them,” it is using the principle that “God accounts a good intention as a deed.” Reuben wanted to save Joseph and intended to do so, but, in fact, he failed. The moment passed, and by the time he acted, it was already too late. Returning to the cistern, he found Jo...…
…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 Bloomfield (248) 78...…
…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 ...…
…66 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N P rior to her junior year at Michigan State University, Emily Elconin had a camera, but it was sitting around collecting dust. Then, during a photojournalism study abroad program that took her to Prague, Paris and London, she discovered a surprising love for photography. Stunning architecture certainly helped, but Elconin, 28, of Berkley realized there was more she could do with photography, such as t...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 67 time, “It’s something that’s very personal to me, ” she continues, “and I use it as a tool in my own personal life for self-expression and photographing my family. ” When Buckfire was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer, Elconin was encouraged by her mentor, fellow photographer Nancy Borowick, to start documenting her family’s life. Elconin took photos of her grandmother, mother, father and more as her ...…
…68 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N R oberto Kalb, new music director of Detroit Opera through the 2025-2026 season, began his interest in instruments as a 5-year-old pianist being raised in Mexico. Although the early years were just for fun, by the time he was a teenager, Kalb knew that a stage career was for him only expanded into conducting. In a long line of experiences leading various orchestras, Kalb is preparing to lead the Detro...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 69 assignments in many cities, including Atlanta, Kansas City, Chicago, San Diego and Santa Fe. Mexico City and Sao Paulo have been among his out-of-country destinations. For five years, he was resident conductor and head of music for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. In Detroit, before his present position, he conducted for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the organization that had been Michigan Opera Theatre. ...…
…DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 32255 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 205, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-354-6060 thejewishnews.com DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 7 J N state. Like many other Michigan politicians have, in 2019, Sen. Theis participated in the American Jewish Committee’s Project Interchange trip to Israel. The experience was eye-opening, particularly when she encountered bomb shelters innocently painted with animals next to a playground in Isr...…
…70 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N J ulia Luterman has had experiences that especially relate her to the play Talley’s Folly, which she is assistant directing for the Inspired Acting Company in Walled Lake. It is being presented weekends through Dec. 17. The two-character production, which takes place in the 1940s and acts out an interreligious relationship, reminds her of the household in which she grew up but with important distincti...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 71 no matter where they are sitting. Luterman, who grew up in Farmington Hills and now lives in Hamtramck, enjoyed singing before she got into acting and considers both among her career talents as she enhances her dancing skills. A graduate of Harrison High School before entering Wayne State University, she was not sure at first of the educational path she would follow and then decided to pursue a bachelor’s ...…
…72 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N SWIFT’S ISRAELI BODYGUARD, HALLMARK’S CHANUKAH FILM, BAD CASTING Funny how one bit of information leads to something “pretty hot.” I also write for the American Israelite, the Cincinnati Jewish paper, and an Israelite assistant editor forwarded an email from Gil Kaufman, 60ish, about a new film that he is in. Kaufman, a Cincy native, is a senior writer/editor for Billboard, an important showbiz weekl...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 73 TEEN EVENT 5-7 PM, DEC. 7 (THURS.) Hosted by Congregation Shaarey Zedek Teens and Tweens. Celebrate Chanukah with laser tag and social action. At Zap Zone, 31506 Grand River Ave., Farmington. Play games, eat and pack gift bags for those who may not be receiving gifts this year. Kosher dinner will be served. Pick up and drop off at Zap Zone. Register: jlive.app/events/6205. MUSIC & DINNER 5-8 PM, DEC. 8 ...…
…74 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit announced its collaboration with Powerback Rehabilitation to further enrich and support active, healthy lifestyles for the nonprofit organization’s residents. The new collaboration, which began Oct. 16, includes a range of complimentary services provided by Powerback Rehabilitation, such as in-depth vitality checks and the establishment of optimal health goals ...…
…the exchange community bulletin board | professional services For information regarding advertising please call 248-351-5116 or 248-234-9057 or email salessupport@thejewishnews.com Deadline for ad insertion is 9 a.m. on Friday prior to publication. 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 SIN...…
…76 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY RHODA CANTOR, 89, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 27, 2023. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Karen Cantor; grandchildren, Rachel Cantor and Ryan Swearingen, Max Cantor, Steven Cantor and Shira Orlowek, Dr. Zachary Cantor, Jared and Jillian Cantor, Mallory and Scott Bourbina, Amanda and Tim Watkins, and Aidan Cantor; great-grandchildren, Ruby and ...…
…continued on page 82 B arbara Jean Woodell Melnik, 72, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and good friend, was born Sept. 19, 1951, in Detroit and passed away on Nov. 19, 2023, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Barbara was raised in Oak Park and attended Oak Park High School. She received her B.A. degree in Russian language from the presti- gious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and an M.B.A. from...…
…N atalie Charach was a loving mother, a devot- ed wife, a loyal sister and a philanthropist known for her extraordinary generosity and energetic spirit. Through her life- long commitment to helping others, she impacted the lives of countless people in her community and across the world. Natalie passed away on Nov. 21, 2023, at the age of 97. Natalie was born in 1926 in New Kingston, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Lithuanian imm...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 79 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT Scan the QR code and keep your family & friends connected to our community Need a gift for the person who has everything? How about a subscription to the Detroit Jewish News? THE JHCN TEAM SALUTES THE LEGACY AND MOURNS THE LOSS OF OUR MORAL INSPIRATION RABBI A. IRVING SCHNIPPER Z’L APRIL 25, 1927 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 A GUIDING LIGHT WHO MADE PEOPLE AND PRINCIPLE THE FOUNDATION ...…
…8 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N opinion Israel’s Just and Moral War O n Oct. 6, a ceasefire was in effect between Israel and Hamas. Hamas breached that ceasefire on Oct. 7 and attacked Israeli civilian communities along the Gaza border. They massacred some 1,200 babies, children, women and men, many after torturing them in the most heinous manner. They took around 240 hostages. In response, Israel did what every country in the ...…
…R abbi A. Irving Schnipper, 96, of West Bloomfield, died on Nov. 24, 2023. Rabbi Schnipper was a devoted congrega- tional and community leader — a giant of kindness who positively impacted everyone he crossed paths with. Driven by an innate passion for helping those in need, Rabbi Schnipper was a found- er and key supporter of Yad Ezra kosher food pantry and the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network. He also served as a U.S. A...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 81 Arranging a funeral is an emotional process. But choosing the right funeral home can help alleviate the stress. That’s why people turn to us. We understand the wants and needs of families from all walks of Judaism. Our fresh look and feel make everyone feel welcome. We’re centrally located, and our pricing is fair. Our care—and our caring—help ease the burden of a loss. Making a Dorfman difference everyone will a...…
…82 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N continued on page 84 American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel. EDITH MANIKER, 92, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 24, 2023. She is survived by her children, Allen and David Maniker of New York, N.Y;, Terry and David Tucker, ...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 83 J N M itzi Joan Jacobs, 92, of West Bloomfield, died on Nov. 19, 2023. She was born and raised in Detroit to Harry and Mary Goodman. She was their only child. She had an idyllic childhood surrounded by multiple family members and friends, with frequent trips to visit family in Chicago and vacations in South Haven. Her world changed on her eighth birthday when she woke up to learn that Hitler had inv...…
…continued from page 82 84 | DECEMBER 7 • 2023 J N Alana (Sam Stolbun), Susie (George Merijohn), Aaron (Lynne) and Mimi Harris (Wade); his grandchildren, Seth, Ariel, Cori (Phil Smith) Stolbun, and Marissa and Lauren Spiwak. The family wishes to thank caregivers, Cheryl Mills, Vivian Robinson, Rudolph Wright, Rachel Mulugeta, Abby Anyanwu and Katrina Patterson for their exceptional care, love, and compassion. Contributions may be ...…
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 85 J N Happy Chanukah! I t’s almost Chanukah 2023. The Festival of Lights begins at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7. Chanukah celebrates a victory for the Jewish people, of the Hasmoneans led by Judah Maccabee over the Greco-Syrians in 164 B.C.E. The holiday is called the “Festival of Lights” due to the Talmudic story of the priests arriving to light the Temple’s menorah and finding only one jar of oil that survived the...…
…Just for Fun Jewish Joke of the Week Which hand is best to light the menorah with? Neither, it’s best to light it with a candle. Get ready for Chanukah with these tasty and simple cookies. Ingredients: Premade cookie dough Flour ½ cup crushed hard candy Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out batter about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Cut a small circle in the middle ...…
…at Clover Hill Park Cemetery …
…DECEMBER 7 • 2023 | 9 J N A deep-rooted love. A meaningful difference. In memory of Natalie Charach With heavy hearts, we pay tribute to our friend and patron Natalie Charach, an extraordinary woman whose generosity has inspired generations. More than 30 years ago, Natalie and her husband created the Janice Charach Gallery, in loving memory of their daughter, and this legacy will continue to illuminate The J – guiding our community thr...…
…$200 Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2023 / 17-23 Kislev 5784 $200 Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2023 / 17-23 Kislev 5784 JEWISH NEWS JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com Proudly Jewish Jewish After Oct. 7, caution is important but so is showing your Judaism and standing strong. See page 12 …
…10 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 J N PURELY COMMENTARY student’s corner The Rich Irony of Hate A s a senior in high school, things that would typically be consuming my thoughts, like getting college applications in on time, taking a “gap year” after graduation and other “details” that once seemed important, were brought into stark relief following the ter- rorist attack against Israel on Oct. 7. The world, at least the world I thought ...…
…NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 11 J N humor All Jewish Food Is Not Created Equal I can remember walking into my parent’s kitchen when I was a kid, and my father was sitting at the table with a euphoric expression on his face. Just as I sat down at the table, my mother put a plate in front of him. He swooned. Happiness covered his face. He said he was in “seventh heaven. ” “What is that?” I asked. “Petcha, ” my mother proud- ly said. “I make ...…
…12 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 J N Proudly Jewish Ruth Poberesky of West Bloomfield proudly shows off her Jewish star, saying, ‘We’re not going to hide.’ COURTESY RUTH POBERESKY …
…R uth Poberesky of West Bloomfield grew up in the former Soviet Union, where KGB members were known to raid synagogues and Jewish stu- dents faced expulsion from college if they were seen inside its walls. She left for Israel in 1989 and moved to the U.S. in 1994 to join her parents, who had settled in Metro Detroit in the meantime. Now facing antisemitism again in Michigan, she says she’s doing everything she can to be more publ...…
…OUR COMMUNITY COVER STORY Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan included a mezuzah cam- paign — ProtectionForIsrael. com — in its response to the events of Oct. 7 in Israel, says Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, vice president and executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Michigan. When the Jewish world went through a very tough time following the Yom Kippur War, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, spoke about the need for the community to ...…
…NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 15 continued on page 16 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Invest in your dreams, build your future with Hunter Pasteur www.hunterpasteur.com Homes starting from $1.3 Million Homes starting from $1.3 Million For more information contact our sales team at: 248.762.4955 info@hunterpasteurhomes.com www.prescottparkhomes.com 4177 PRESCOTT PARK CIRCLE WEST BLOOMFIELD• 48323 Email: Brian.shapiro@ccm.com Cell: 248-227-4882 We...…
…OUR COMMUNITY continued from page 14 ON THE COVER added a mitzvah to her Oct. 14 bat mitzvah when her family decided they would add mezuzah decorating to their event and send guests home with mezuzahs, scrolls and all — that they could hang in their homes. “It made me feel good because you should celebrate that you’re Jewish, and we celebrated that at my bat mitzvah by making mezuzahs,” she says. “I hope they took it as a good...…
…WWW.NBN.ORG.IL 1-866-4-ALIYAH Aliyah: It's your move. …
…18 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 J N D isplaying one’s Jewish pride is among the most important actions the Jewish communi- ty can take at this time. A Farmington Hills mother and son went all out with a literal display of their Jewish pride for Multicultural Night at Kenbrook Elementary School. Shayna van Uden and her son Austin, a Kenbrook fifth-grader, immediately jumped at the chance to par- ticipate in the event, which allows Ke...…
…NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 19 said. “It’s how we view the world because we’re taught in the Jewish faith that you do good now, you do mitzvahs now, you give to the world now. And a lot of people don’t realize that. We do good because it’s the right thing to do.” Austin van Uden says the experience was “really fun” and that he especially wanted to spread his Jewish pride because of everything happening to Jews around the world right n...…
…20 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 J N A little bit of light repels a lot of darkness (Duties of the Heart, Chapter 5) During this time of global turmoil, darkness and challenge, attending the Yeshiva Beth Yehudah’s Evening of Unity provided the light and warmth so many have been seeking. Standing shoulder to shoulder, a broad and diverse cross section of the greater Detroit community graced the Renaissance Ballroom and dais of the Detroit M...…
…NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 21 J N better world, a world without the evil we are experiencing and witnessing, a world full of the kindness the Yeshiva instills in its students, a world they were all there to celebrate. And celebrate they did. Steve Steinour, dinner chairman and 2020 honoree, was surprised to receive the coveted Yeshiva Guardian award by Jim Grosfeld, a dinner chair, last year’s honoree and a Yeshiva Guardian himself. Dinn...…
…22 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 is confronted with the extremes of moments of peace and war, love and hate, weeping and laughter, and of life and death, ” said Torgow, but King Solomon’s sage advice reveals to us the key to navigating these paradoxes. “Tovim hashnayim min ha’echad, standing together is the only way we can achieve what we cannot ever do alone, ” he explained. “It is only through a unified brotherhood and sisterhood, n...…
…NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 23 From North to South — The Bishops Have You Covered! 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! CHAD BISHOP and ALAN BISHOP 4 0 1 E . L A S O L A S B LV D # 1 0 0 ...…
…24 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY C ongregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield will host a family Chanukah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The entire community is invited. The event will feature performances by the Detroit Circus Company, many interactive and educational activity stations for par- ticipants of all ages, a community candlelighting — and, of course, music, latkes and donuts. On hand, wil...…
…NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 25 J N FJA Presents Leaving Iowa F rankel Jewish Academy’s Performing Arts Department is excited to present Leaving Iowa. Written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton. Leaving Iowa shines a spotlight on a comedy that needs little in the way of explanation — the delights and disasters of the typical family road trip. Don, a successful writer who resides in Boston, unleashes a torrent of memories about his childh...…
…26 | NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 J N OUR COMMUNITY T he call to come together for this year’s annual Menorah in the D is “Darkness doesn’t stand a chance.” On Dec. 7, the first night of Chanukah, thousands of Jews and friends will come together to light the 26-foot menorah at Campus Martius in the heart of Downtown Detroit. “This is our opportunity to come out en masse and strengthen our resolve and pride in who we are and wha...…
…NOVEMBER 30 • 2023 | 27 You’re invited! Wine Pairings & Tapas for pairing and sharing AT J E W I S H S E N I O R L I F E We’re spicing up the festive season with a taste of Spain. Sommelier Paula Hartson will present wine pairings with tapas prepared by our culinary team. Sample wines, enjoy a variety of tapas and make yourself comfortable in our newly renovated dining room. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Jewish Se...…
