…PASSOVER continued on page 36 that every aspect of the baking from the mixing, the kneading, the rolling of the dough, the placement in the oven, has to all be done with intent for performing the mitzvah. Every phase of the baking process has the workers actually articulating aloud, ‘l’shaim matzos mitzvah’ — literally, “for the purpose of making the matzahs that will be used for the mitzvah. “It’s hard to imagine that the entire pro...…
…36 | APRIL 7 • 2022 PASSOVER With great enthusiasm, the Pozepov family took on differ- ent mitzvos, kosher, Shabbos, mikvah … But sadly, soon after that, the young Pozepov father was diagnosed with cancer and given only a 5% chance of survival.” Distraught, the family turned to their friend, Rabbi Mendel Baumgarten. Here they were taking on all these mitzvot in order to become closer to God and this is how He was repaying them? ...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 37 PASSOVER I f coffee is made from beans, and beans are prohibited during Passover, does that mean we would have to go uncaffinated during the week- long holiday? In the 1920s, this was a seri- ous question because some mistakenly thought coffee beans were legumes. They are not. Still, this created a problem for Maxwell House because Jewish customers weren’t buying coffee during Passover. To help sales, the comp...…
…38 | APRIL 7 • 2022 D ayenu: it would be enough if I had a prac- tical, well-designed Haggadah with English translation; this alone is exciting. Dayenu: a Haggadah that offers many explana- tions of the different ritual elements (so that guests can distract/understand for themselves). Dayenu: a Haggadah that helps me better understand what is Passover? And why, after a year of working out the kinks in my rye sourdough, do I have to s...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 39 to be. People have been using them for decades, so it connects them to their family. “The fact that it’s free at a supermarket — right there where you’re buying your brisket, your matzah and your wine — has helped keep up the tradition. If the ease in getting them wasn’t there, people might buy a box of matzah and invite some friends and family over, but they may not have the actu- al text. So, (for example) th...…
…T he most current parshot, Tazria and Metzora, begin with a discussion of the laws of childbirth and a bris, key milestones of life, and the laws regarding purity and impurity, what we call tum’ah and taharah, of people. Rashi raises a question about the order of the Chumash: in the previous portion, Shemini, the Torah details the laws of purity and impurity with regard to animals. Current portions deals with the laws of ...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 41 soul but our main identity is the body, or we can view the soul as our main identity and the body as merely the house for the soul. If our whole self- definition is based solely on “body,” then we are saying that we are not superior to the animal kingdom. Therefore, God reminds us that even the mosquito was created before humankind. But if the soul is the main focus, then man is truly superior; the soul, bei...…
…42 | APRIL 7 • 2022 Synagogue Directory CONSERVATIVE Adat Shalom Synagogue Farmington Hills (248) 851-5100 adatshalom.org Ahavas Israel Grand Rapids (616) 949-2840 ahavasisraelgr.org Congregation Beth Ahm West Bloomfield (248) 851-6880 cbahm.org Congregation Beth Israel Flint (810) 732-6310 cbiflint.org Congregation Beth Shalom Oak Park (248) 547-7970 congbethshalom.org Beth Tephilath Moses Mt. Clemens (586) 996-3138 ...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 43 Shomer Israel Oak Park (248) 542-4014 godaven.com Shomrey Emunah Southfield (248) 559-1533 congregation-shomrey- emunah-105705.square.site The Shul-Chabad Lubavitch West Bloomfield (248) 788-4000 theshul.net Yagdil Torah Southfield (248) 559-5905 Young Israel of Oak Park (248) 967-3655 yiop.org Young Israel of Southfield (248) 358-0154 yisouthfield.org RECONSTRUCTIONIST Congregation Kehillat Israel La...…
…ARTS&LIFE MUSICAL THEATER M usical theater audiences trade in razzle-dazzle stag- ing for more subtle expressions of the heart when they view The Band’s Visit appearing April 19-May 1 at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. The caliber of the experience has been heralded by profes- sional colleagues after seeing the Broadway run of the pro- duction, which is set in Israel. The play became one of only four musicals ever to win six Tony Awards. In 2...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 45 with the Broadway and tour versions in the role of Tewfiq, conductor of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra. ISRAELI STAR IN THE LEAD “Maybe The Band’s Visit caught me at a certain time in my life or tugged at my imagination because I feel attached to the character. I felt something very special and unique in the simplicity and humanity of all the characters. Anyone can identify within the story.” Gaba...…
…ARTS&LIFE MUSICAL THEATER continued from page 45 46 | APRIL 7 • 2022 the co-starring role of Dina as well as Joe Joseph as Haled, Clay Singer as Itzik and Joseph Grosso as Telephone Guy. MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT As the tour moves toward Detroit, playwright Itamar Moses, 44, moves into new projects while appreciating the friendship he established with Gabay, 74, because of their connections to Israel. Moses was born in America to pare...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 47 ARTS&LIFE ART A t least three glass artists new to showing their work in Michigan will be represented as two simulta- neous exhibits are presented through May 18 by the Janice Charach Gallery at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. Adam Goldberg, of Ohio, will display a contemporary sculpture in the 4th Bi-Annual Michigan Regional Glass Exhibition, which spotlights some 50 Michigan and Ohio art- ists, i...…
…48 | APRIL 7 • 2022 time between personal projects and teach- ing at the college level, has won many awards, written for artistic publications and appeared on the Netflix glassmaking series Blown Away. In West Bloomfield, he is showcasing two proj- ects that depart from the intended use of functional glassware. “Much of my work is in conversation with the history of science and the role of glass in measuring, encapsulating and obs...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 49 BEN FOSTER IN TWO NEW FILMS, ZELENSKYY IS BACK ON NETFLIX, CNN+ PREMIERES Ben Foster, 41, is an excellent actor who you might know from X-Men: The Last Stand (2006); 3:10 to Yuma (2007); and Hell and High Water (2016). By coincidence, Foster has lead roles in two new movies opening this month: The Contractor (opened last week) and The Survivor, an original HBO Max film (premieres April 27). Foster was rais...…
…50 | APRIL 7 • 2022 CAREGIVER SUPPORT 2 PM, APRIL 7 Taking care of a loved one can be difficult. So can ensur- ing that your own needs are being met during this chal- lenging time. It’s easy to feel isolated but Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Life are here to offer family caregivers support, comfort and a sense of community. “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay” with Dr. Micky Golden Moore will be a virtual presentation. Info: jfs...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 51 A s the war in Ukraine rages on, some Michiganders face growing anxiety and concern. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, just weeks after a recent Omicron surge saw COVID-19 numbers jump dramatically, the double whammy leaves many feeling like the world is experiencing one major crisis after another. Dr. Melanie Schwartz, licensed psychol- ogist and owner of West Bloomfield- and Commerce-based V...…
…NOSH DINING IN THE D I woke up today with a craving for fava beans. Now that’s a sentence I never thought I’d write. It’s just that the seasoned beans (Fooul) I had the day before at KAL’S Lunch Bowl in Royal Oak were uncommonly tasty. The large beans were sautéed with strips of caramelized red onion and topped with a lemon juice and olive oil driz- zle. Contented sigh. KAL’S describes its deli- cious cuisine as “Fresh Mediterra...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 53 who “learned cooking with my Bubbie Shirley.” He helps the Al-Amaras and employ- ee Eli Vail with cooking duties on Saturday morn- ings, saying: “I’ve always wanted to have a kitchen.” KAL ’S is situated in the northeast corner of the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Weekends are hectic when vendors are in residence. After closing Mondayss, the casual eatery operates weekdays in a voluminous space. Repeat customers an...…
…54 | APRIL 7 • 2022 T alya Drissman Woolf, 44, made aliyah in 2015, from Farmington Hills with her husband, Ariel, and their baby, Elchanan, who is now 8 and the older brother of Yehonatan, 6, Lilach, 4, and Liora, 21 months. JN: Where did you make aliyah to? Talya: We made aliyah to Giv’at Shmuel. We heard it would be a soft landing because there’s a big English- speaking community. We lived there for about two years and then move...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 55 HEALTHCARE A1 CAREGIVER/COMPANION. Experienced, excellent references. 248-991-4944 "Homecare services available 24/7. Help with ADL and 17 years experience. References available. Call or text 248-277-5350. Free & discounted hours available" G&F Professional Services- Compassionate, affordable, responsible and efficient homecare. Call Georgiana (248) 571-1837 or (947) 234-2647 (www. gfprofessionalservices.c...…
…56 | APRIL 7 • 2022 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.co...…
…SHIFRA DOTHAN of Kfar Saba, Israel: Ima of Bosmat Dovas (Eric), and Safta of Noam and Talya, passed away on March 18, 2022, with the comfort of her fam- ily near. May her beautiful soul, blessed softness and kind- ness be of fond memories to the family members here and in Israel for generations. SHERELL EDWARD GORDON, of Farmington Hills, passed away after a short illness on March 11, 2022. Born in Detroit on May 27, 1924, S...…
…continued from page 57 OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 58 | APRIL 7 • 2022 JUNE GURWIN, 94, of Franklin, died March 29, 2022. She is survived by her daugh- ter and son-in-law, Fran and Gary Grossman; loving grandchildren, Adam and Samantha Bell, Robbie Bell; great-grandchildren, Adrienne, Casey, Brooke and Jason Bell; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew. She is also survived by devoted caregivers, Bianca, Verl...…
…continued on page 60 APRIL 7 • 2022 | 59 ater and had impeccable style. She had a severe allergy to nuts, seeds, injustice and big- otry. She was a proud daugh- ter of Detroit. She was the wife of the late Saul Kessler; daughter of the late Lou and Anne Kaufman; sister of the late Arnold Kaufman; niece of the late Harry, the late Ira, the late J. Kelly, the late Norman Kaufman, the late Lillian Mayer and the late Minnie Rosenthal....…
…continued from page 59 OBITUARIES OF BLESSED MEMORY 60 | APRIL 7 • 2022 Bodzy; great-grandchildren, Alexander and Haley Bodzy, and Ellie Firsht; sisters, Ceil Cicurel and June Rubenstein; brother and sister-in-law, Bryan Levy and Diana Trivax; brother-in-law and sister-in- law, Norman and Carolyn Shy. Mrs. Shy was the beloved wife for 54 years of the late Leon Shy; the dear sister-in- law of the late Sol Cicurel and the late Sey...…
…APRIL 7 • 2022 | 61 T he Senate in a voice vote on March 30 unanimously con- firmed Deborah Lipstadt, the Holocaust scholar who endured delays and a con- tentious hearing in her nom- ination to be antisemitism monitor. The vote took mere seconds. “The ayes appear to have it,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the Wisconsin Democrat who was presiding over the session, said after calling for a vote. “The ayes do have it. The nomination is confir...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at www.djnfoundation.org 50 Years of Fiddler I think it was at the old Americana Theater in Southfield, but I cannot recall why I was there. Maybe I was on a date? But I sure do remember the film. It was Fiddler on the Roof, a block- buster, one of the most notable films in the history of American cinema. The script of Fiddler on the Roof is...…
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…$200 March 31- April 6, 2022 / 28 Adar II – 5 Nissan 5782 JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT thejewishnews.com Through the Rearview Mirror WAR On the ground with Ukrainian refugees fleeing into Poland. See page 12 …
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…MARCH 31 • 2022 | 3 contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-11 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 12 War Through the Rearview Mirror On the ground with Ukrainian refugees fleeing into Poland. 18 JCC in Krakow Aids Refugees 20 Sensational Soiree in the Sunshine State Friendship Circle hosted an elegant evening in Palm Beach County, showcasing the talent from the Soul Studio Art Program. 22 Feeling the Impact ...…
…4 | MARCH 31 • 2022 essay The Surprising Power of Diplomacy S everal years ago, I joined the board of the Jewish Community Relations Council/American Jewish Committee (JCRC/AJC). Much of the organi- zation’s mission spoke to me then and continues to do so, maybe even more, now as I have joined the executive committee. Part of the mission of the nonprofit is to represent the Metropolitan Detroit Jewish community, Israel and ...…
…Join Us for the Journey of a Lifetime! March 12 – 21, 2023 It’s on! We’re going back to Israel as a community for the fi rst time in over a decade and want you to join us. Here’s your chance to experience the heart and soul of Israel and the Detroit Jewish community at the same time. With exciting adventures, unique historic visits, fi rst-class accommodations and VIP encounters, whether it’s your fi rst time or next time to Israel, ...…
…6 | MARCH 31 • 2022 essay Europe’s ‘Bloodlands’ W illiam Brawer, my maternal great-grandfather, was born in a village just outside the Galician town of Rohatyn. An acquaintance has devoted herself to pre- serving the history of that shtetl — erect- ing a memorial, creating a vast digital archive, retrieving matzevot (sacred pillars) unearthed during construction projects. She and her husband, both from California, even rel...…
…MARCH 31 • 2022 | 7 Ukrainian capital. I had read a great deal about what was perpetrated at BabynYar, the ravine in Kyiv where in September 1941 more than 30,000 Jews were murdered in two days, but never expected to stand there. As soon as we arrived in Kyiv, however, I noted the complex and conflicted relationships faced by those seeking traces of Jewish life. Concerned mostly with the past, we were faced with a city scarred ...…
…8 | MARCH 31 • 2022 opinion What Zelensky Gets Wrong About the Holocaust in Ukraine I n his March 20 speech to Israeli lawmakers, Ukrainian president Volodomyr Zelensky invoked the Holocaust as analogous to what his country is currently experiencing. “I have the right to this par- allel and to this comparison,” he said in his video address. But as a his- torian of the Holocaust in Ukraine, I know how problematic this compar- ...…
…MARCH 31 • 2022 | 9 DAYEINU DAYEINU DAYEINU The Grove is your one-stop-shop for everything Passover. From the largest wine selection in the region, to matzah, meat, fish and an extensive list of Kosher for Passover items, we make your holiday shopping convenient, smooth and successful! SHOP UNTIL YOU SAY P 248-569-5000 | 25155 Greenfield Road, Southfield | @grove.kosher.detroit Hours S 8 AM - 7 PM M - W 8 AM - 8 PM T 8 AM - 9:30...…
…10 | MARCH 31 • 2022 student corner Just Call Me 42 W hen I was 6 years old, a random act of strangeness changed my life. It all started when my dad picked me up from gymnastics practice. I got in his car and randomly said to him, “From now on, call me 42. ” My dad was beyond confused and still, to this day, we’re perplexed as to where it came from. Nevertheless, ever since that car ride, the number 42 has become my number...…
…MARCH 31 • 2022 | 11 ence. “The ones that did the shooting, and the ones that did the arresting, and the ones that carried out these atrocities were not Germans; this was the local Ukrainian police,” recalled Simon Feldman of Boremel. As the Germans moved further east into Ukraine, they intensified their massa- cres. In hundreds of locales with the assistance of local Ukrainian collaborators, they gathered Jewish men, women and ...…
…12 | MARCH 31 • 2022 WAR Rearview Mirror Through the CAROLE ROSENBLAT …
…MARCH 31 • 2022 | 13 Editor’s Note: Carole Rosenblat is an American journalist living in Budapest. She headed to the Polish border with Ukraine on a humanitarian mission and found herself wit- ness to a mass exodus from a brutal war. Here is her witness testimony and stories of the people who fled. A nna Yemchenko sits next to 4-year-old Yeva at a picnic table under the perpetu- ally gray, early March skies of Hrebenne, Poland. Smoke fr...…
…ON THE COVER TOP/MIDDLE: individuals hold signs at a main refugee center offering rides to cities across Europe. RIGHT: Helen, a Ukrainian English teacher, fled with her dog. They wait for their ride on the Polish side of the border. FACING PAGE: Volunteers help in a refugee center near the Ukrainian border. continued from page 13 may or may not personally know. The connection is made, and we hug goodbye. HOW DID I GET HERE...…
…MARCH 31 • 2022 | 15 the room, I invite a photog- rapher to sleep on the floor. These are not normal times. The following day I hear about a refugee center set up in what had been a shopping center about 80 minutes away. On my arrival, I find a parking lot filled with buses, cars, peo- ple, outdoor cooking tents, first aid stations and news crews from around the world. Inside are thousands of people, some walking around and some pl...…
…LEFT: Unidentified woman holds a flag signed by 14 members of a Ukrainian army battalion. At the time this photo was taken, the woman said three had survived. RIGHT: Irina and her daughter, Anastasia, head into the Warsaw train station to an uncertain future. continued from page 15 16 | MARCH 31 • 2022 A smaller refugee center was opened in a school across the street from my hotel. I pick up Yaroslava and her 13-year-old daughter alon...…
…hillel day school at our annual gala NANCY AND BOBBY SCHOSTAK RECIPIENTS OF THE 2022 DREAM MAKER AND RABBI JACOB E. SEGAL (Z”L) AWARDS ANNIE SLABOTSKY (CLASS OF 2011) RECIPIENT OF THE 2022 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD 322OO MIDDLEBELT ROAD FARMINGTON HILLS MI 48334 TICKETS AND JOURNAL ADS CAN BE PURCHASED NOW AT WWW.HILLELDAY .ORG/GALA22. SILENT AUCTION WILL GO LIVE ON APRIL 13, 2022. THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL GALA SPONSORS PRESENTING SP...…
…J onathan Ornstein, executive director of Krakow’s Jewish Community Center, has spent years working to rebuild Jewish life in a city that was an important Jewish center before the Holocaust. Now he finds himself working tirelessly to assist the wave of Ukrainian refugees. As of mid-March, Poland has welcomed nearly 1.8 million refugees, about 140,000 in Krakow. Neither the U.S.-born Ornstein nor his JCC mem- bers expected a full...…
…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT 80 80th th Anniversary Anniversary For those without computer access, please mail the following to 32255 NORTHWESTERN HWY, SUITE 205 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334: • Who is Turning 80? [fi rst/last] • What Day is their Birthday? • Personalized Message and Signature • A picture of the birthday person or business (if you would like the picture returned, please include a stamped return envelope.) • A check ...…
…OUR COMMUNITY “T his was a crazy idea we had a year ago, but our friends helped us” said Rabbi Levi Shemtov of Friendship Circle. The rabbi is referencing “Soiree in the Sunshine State, ” an event filled with extraordinary art, food and libations. More than 160 patrons and friends attended the event and auction. The evening began with schmoozing and viewing the exhibition at the Arts Warehouse in Delray Beach, Florida. A variety ...…
