…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 15 LINDA HILLER NOVAK 248.408.7811 LINDA@NOVAKRETEAM.COM FRANK NOVAK 248.563.7217 FRANK@NOVAKRETEAM.COM Congratulations to the 36 remarkable professionals making an impact in our community! …
…6 3 UNDER THIRTY-SIX Meet this year’s cohort of young professionals making an impact on Detroit’s Jewish community. This Years JN STAFF E very year the Jewish News solicits nominations for young Jewish people making an impact in our community, and every year we are introduced to some incredible people who are doing amazing things to improve the lives of others. Here are this year’s honorees, chosen by a panel of impartial judges....…
…18 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 ABIGAIL EPSTEIN Abigail Epstein, a native of West Bloomfield, takes pride in being a member of the Detroit Jewish community, finding a sense of fortune in the unique and vibrant community that has helped shape her identity today. Her formative years were enriched by summers at Camp Tamarack, a mission to Israel and involvement in BBYO, laying the foundation for a lifelong connection to Judaism. This de...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 19 to all those named to the 36 under 36 list. We are very proud of these young Jewish leaders and the incredible impact they are making in our community. 5725 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield MI 48323 | www.temple-israel.org | 248-661-5700 …
…MARK ADLER HOMES NEW CONSTRUCTION 3,850 SF | 5 BR | 5.1 BA | HALF ACRE LOT BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS | $2,250,000 NEW CONSTRUCTION RANCH HOME 2,014 SF | 2 BR + DEN | 2.1 BA COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE, GYM & POOL | $799,900 MARK ADLER HOMES NEW CONSTRUCTION 3,800 SF | 4 BR | 3.2 BA | 3 CAR GARAGE BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS | $2,250,000 1.5 ACRE LOT ON ONE OF FRANKLIN’S PREMIER STREETS HILLTOP LOT CASCADING DOWN TO THE ROUGE RIVER RENOVATE OR BUILD...…
…20 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 Leader of first and second grade, she works with teachers to create curriculum integration between general studies and Judaic studies. Jessica believes that the success of Hillel students will ensure a bright future full of young Jewish leaders for the Metro Detroit community. A native Torontonian, Jessica moved to the Detroit area six years ago and knew that becoming involved in Jewish organizations wou...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 21 MAZEL TOV MAZEL TOV Rina Hennes Sabes for being honored as one of this year’s for being honored as one of this year’s 36 UNDER 36 36 UNDER 36 Jewish Family Service is thrilled for you to receive this honor recognizing your work as a clinical therapist in our community. Your focus on postpartum support has made a tremendous impact and helped so many. Thank you for all you do. May you go from strength to strengt...…
…22 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 with an email campaign that largely contributed to the passage of IHRA in Georgia. Adar, who holds dual citizenship in Israel, enjoys a relaxing trip to the movies and embracing his foodie side by scouting for new restaurant experiences. DEREK WOLFE Derek Wolfe is a third-year psychiatry resident at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. At work, he spends his days (and sometimes nights) caring for his patie...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 23 teacher at Hillel Day School, where she has worked since 2021, teaching Tanach and Jewish living to fifth and sixth graders. She loves teaching middle schoolers far more than she enjoyed being a middle schooler herself and is driven by the desire to bring a love of Jewish text and a strong sense of Jewish identity to the next generation. Jenna has lived in the area since 2019 with her Southfield-native ...…
…24 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 her lifelong dream is to find decent kosher Mexican food. She enjoys trivia or game nights with her husband at local bars and visiting local hands-on museums and libraries with her kids. She was a competitive ice skater when growing up. DAVID LOWENSTEIN A native of New York City, David arrived in Michigan nearly five years ago to work as an extension educator with Michigan State University Extension....…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 25 PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILY PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILY PUBLIC SCHOOL FAMILY MEET & GREET MEET & GREET MEET & GREET FJA IS NOT WHAT YOU’D EXPECT. FJA IS NOT WHAT YOU’D EXPECT. FJA IS NOT WHAT YOU’D EXPECT. COME SEE FOR YOURSELF! COME SEE FOR YOURSELF! COME SEE FOR YOURSELF! FEBRUARY 28 @ 6:30 PM FEBRUARY 28 @ 6:30 PM FEBRUARY 28 @ 6:30 PM R R R S S S V V V P P P TOV TOV TOV MAZAL MAZAL MAZAL TO FJA ALUMNI TO F...…
…26 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 are gentle on the body and improve mental and physical well being. NATALIE DUBOIS Natalie DuBois is a native Detroiter and has been an active member of the Jewish community from a young age, participating in her temple youth group and NFTY-MI, through adulthood where she became involved with the Young Adult Division of Partners Detroit (which is where she met her husband!). Natalie is a clinical s...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 27 MAZEL TOV MAZEL TOV Natalie DuBois for being honored as one of this year’s for being honored as one of this year’s 36 UNDER 36 36 UNDER 36 Jewish Family Service celebrates you in receiving this well-deserved honor. Thank you for making a difference every day in the lives of those facing crisis. Your dedication ensures our community’s basic needs are being met. May you go from strength to strength. Jewish Famil...…
…28 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 New Jersey and Texas, Shmuli’s story is one of passion and purpose. Shmuli received Semicha (rabbinic ordination) in 2018. He and his wife, Nechama, spent three years as part of the Jewish community in Dallas before moving to Detroit in 2018, where they are raising five adorable children. It was in Dallas that he began to work in young professional outreach and ran the local Partners in Torah program. I...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 29 Walter. She likes attending JFamily events with her family and watching her daughter grow in the Jewish community. Megan also enjoys trying new restaurants, playing fantasy football and taking walks in her neighborhood. ERIN GOODE Erin Goode is a pediatric hematologist/ oncologist at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where she is honored to be treating children with cancer throughout Metro Detroit. S...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 3 J N contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-14 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 16 36 Under Thirty-Six Meet this year’s cohort of young professionals making an impact on Detroit’s Jewish community. 36 How We Met ‘At Bubby’s Condo’ 37 Searching for the Greatest Generation! 38 A Tournament Like No Other Farber Hebrew Day School holds sixth annual Tanzman Tournament. 40 ‘America’s No. 1 Mos...…
…30 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 tie up his laces and run while listening to a Torah class. MOLLY MOSS Molly Moss is an attorney at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. She is in the Commercial Litigation and Paytech and Payment Systems practice groups. Molly provides strategic insight on business litigation and electronic payment, contract, trade secrets and real estate dispute matters to ensure the most favorable and efficient outcome ...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 31 2013. Jacob is now the chief advancement officer at JARC in Bloomfield Hills, a nonprofit organization that supports adults with developmental disabilities in the home of their choice. Throughout his time at JARC, Jacob jumped into various roles to support the changing needs of the organization, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Walsh College. Jacob also serv...…
…32 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 teachers. Additionally, Brittany is an active member of the Vaad Yisrael, a committee at Hillel focused on the integration of Israel education. She helps develop and align Israel education learning targets from ECC to eighth grade. Brittany was honored to welcome Israeli students into her classroom in October. Providing them with a happy and safe learning environment and seeing all of the students conne...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 33 volunteering. Since then, she has maintained her advocacy for Israel and the Jewish community on campus, proudly participating in the March for Israel in DC as a representative of both her native Detroit and the University of Michigan in November. In December, Atara was a distinguished speaker at the JNF Global Conference in Denver, addressing an audience of over 2,000 people on the issue of antisemitis...…
…34 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 law enforcement to combat antisemitism and advocate for Israel. In addition to advocating for Israel and the Jewish community, Daniel is also a woodworker, and especially loves making Judaica and synagogue furniture. His work is in multiple synagogues in the Detroit area, and he also makes Shabbat candlesticks, mezuzahs, seder plates and other Judaica for Jews around the world. Daniel was given the ho...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 35 outdoors and helping them build their own Jewish communities. After leaving camp staff, Jay spent multiple years on Tamarack’s Teen and Family Programming Committee, sharing his knowledge with new directors and camp leadership. He is a member of Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor and, during the pandemic, volunteered with their Backdoor Food Pantry. Jay lives in Ypsilanti with his spouse, Raysha Stacey, an...…
…36 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N E very family has “that” sentence that can have everyone dissolve into laughter because it reminds them of something from the past. In Lauren Slutsky’s case, it was her Holocaust survivor Grandma who said something memorable. But let’s backtrack. Meet Lauren, a born-and-bred Detroiter who grew up in Farmington Hills and attended Eagle, Warner and North Farmington. Her grand- parents, Nomi and Walter Lion,...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 37 A fter a long pandem- ic shutdown, the Jewish community’s greatest generation came back in droves for the 2023 Bessie Spector Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration. More than 300 guests attended, including 100 honorees who were 95 or older, 19 of whom were older than 100. This year’s event, “The Greatest Generation: Under the Big Top,” will be held on Friday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Adat Shalom Synagogu...…
…38 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N T he telltale squeak of basketball shoes on the parquet floor reverberated in the Farber Hebrew Day School gym for four consecutive days as the school hosted the sixth annual David Tanzman Memorial Tournament from Jan. 25-28. The school hosted Jewish day school teams from Columbus, Toronto, Cleveland, Denver and Pittsburgh in the premier small school tournament in Jewish high school basketball. Star...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 39 People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome. MORE COMFORT. MORE SUPPORT. MORE SAVINGS. TWO MONTHS FREE PLUS SAVE ON THE COMMUNITY FEE* Newly Renovated Assisted Living and Memory Care Apartments Our newly renovated apartments are even more attractive. Excitement fills the air as we reveal our newly renovated apartments, designed to offer both comfort and style. Explore a range of carefully crafted squ...…
…4 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N for openers Lion Tales T hank you, Detroit Lions, for what was truly a magical run. Yes, in the NFC Champion- ship game against the San Francisco 49ers we were 30 min- utes or one half of football away from feeling really “Super Duper. ” But alas, the ghosts of Lions past returned for an 8-minute stretch in the third quarter that led to our gut-wrenching loss. In an instant, we went from “Super Dupe...…
…40 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N L os Angeles-based Rabbi Sharon Brous, who was voted “ America’s No. 1 Most Influential Rabbi” by Newsweek and the Daily Beast, will dive into her new book, The Amen Effect, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek on Feb. 21 from 7-9 p.m. Brous, who serves as senior rabbi of IKAR in Los Angeles and whose TED Talk about reclaiming religion has been viewed 1.5 million times, will discuss the book based on themes...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 41 J N A n Adat Shalom Synagogue project that started during COVID-19 is finally being brought to life after experienc- ing delays due to the health pandemic. Phase one of the expan- sive 1,800-plus-square-foot Immersive Israel Playscape is undergoing final safety checks before being opened to Adat Shalom’s youngest members. The space, which is entirely inspired by Israel, will soon launch with a Masada-inspi...…
…42 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N T here are many reasons to volunteer your time in February. To start, volunteering strengthens your community. As a volunteer, you can help improve schools, support youth through mentoring and after-school programs, and beautify the community. You may even discover hidden talents you didn’t know were inside. Read on to learn about many ways you can help our community. Lighthouse was established in 201...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 43 MATTHILDUR MARK KELLER SINCE 1975 AUTUMN/WINTER 23 929 S ETON STREET OPEN THU - FRI 12-5PM SAT 11AM-6PM OR BY APPOINTMENT 248.550.1008 mark@matthildur.com www.MATTHILDUR.com 248-353-1000 Drew Ruby Bobby Raitt …
…faces&places 44 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N E nthusiastic and talented volunteers of all ages participated in Adat Shalom’s 10th Annual Volunteer Day, supporting many organizations throughout Metro Detroit and Israel. While acts of kindness are not saved for one day a year, Volunteer Day is always very special thanks to those that plan, implement and get creative during this event. Working together to create more than 1,000 item...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 45 J N T he Jewish Federation of Detroit’s Israel & Overseas department and JCRC/AJC hosted a unique Tu b’Shevat celebra- tion last month with our Hindu community partners. Tu b’Shevat is known as the Jewish new year of trees. It is a reminder to appreciate nature and what it provides for us, and to be thankful for the things we take for granted. Amy Ostroff spoke about her experience as an Indian- Israeli ...…
…46 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N faces&places F orty-three Repair the World Detroit volunteers packed 380 winter wellness kits for Detroit Community Fridge, made 640+ tea bags for those kits, made 42 dog toys for Reb Dogs Detroit, made 70 bookmarks for Brilliant Detroit, donated 22 books to Brilliant Detroit, noshed on delicious baked goods from good cakes and baked, and read stories that uplifted Black leaders, authors and illustr...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 47 SPOTLIGHT On Nov. 14, 2023, hundreds of Metro Detroiters look- ing to attend the March for Israel were left stranded at the D.C. airport when the busing company they con- tracted with experienced a “sick-out” from drivers who didn’t want to take them to the rally. Recently, a lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York alleging that bus driv- ers coordinated an antise- mitic refusal of service to a group...…
…48 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N quick hits BY STEVE STEIN H ouse balls are a staple of every bowling establishment. Racks hold dozens of worn-down, sometimes pock-marked balls of all colors and weights, used by bowlers of all ages and expertise levels. Rarely is a house ball mentioned in the same sentence as the pinnacle of bowling, the perfect 300 game. Much less two 300 games. But that’s how many perfect games Ken Folkoff has bowle...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 49 Max Sasson Is One of the Top Rookies in the American Hockey League “I thought I’ d never throw another 300 game. I’ d given up. And I hadn’t started a game with eight or nine strikes in a row in a while, ” he said. Having previous 300-game experience didn’t help him as he neared the conclusion of the latest perfect game, he said. “I was really nervous on my last couple shots. I could feel myself shaking, ” he...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 5 J N Serving the Jewish Community for over 30 years! CHAD BISHOP and ALAN BISHOP 4 0 1 E . L A S O L A S B LV D # 1 0 0 | F O R T L A U D E R D A L E , F L 3 3 3 0 1 ChadBishopGroup@gmail.com 954-999-7317 ChadBishopGroup.com ALBA PALM BEACH WEST PALM BEACH Premier waterfront enclave of 55 superbly crafted ultra-luxe residences. Offering graciously appointed two to four bedroom residences within South Florida...…
…50 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N I n the wake of the rising antisemitism being experienced across the country, some college campuses are doing more than others to educate students and the community at large. Oakland University’s president Dr. Ora Pescovitz was engaged in a discussion last April to address the roots of some of these issues and what she is doing about them, which hit close to home for the proudly Jewish leader. Not...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 51 want us to leave her lecture discouraged. We learned throughout her presentation that antisemitism has existed throughout history and presents itself in many ways. “Antisemitism will vary in time, place and context, and you cannot start to work on a cure if you do not understand the problem,” Bergman said. After her many years of research, she compiled several examples of children’s books, adult cartoon...…
…52 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N I t all started with a dream for change, increasing opportunities and belonging for all. I am an undergraduate nursing student at Northern Michigan University. Originally from a suburb of Kansas City, I engaged in various activities and experiences while coming of age. I was raised by my single mother, Michell Benjamin, who encouraged me to strive to become the leader I am today. With a single moth...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 53 ter became more than just a group of Jews; it became an understanding of safety and belonging. As Jews, we understand that, no matter what, our Jewish identities are intrinsic to one another. The Hillel at NMU chapter has been essential to my life through our Shabbat dinners, activities and storytelling. During our Shabbat dinners, we learned from all members about their Jewish faith and what being Jewish...…
…D uring my winter break, I felt obligated to go to Israel and help a nation in need. Israel has always been agriculturally independent, given the region’s geopolitical landscape. Following Hamas’ horrific attack on Oct. 7, many of the migrant workers left the nation, creating a significant labor shortage on the farms, which has caused Israeli farmers to struggle to keep their farms operational. My goal was to help provide more ...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 55 FEATURING Leypsa and Rabbi Irwin Groner Memorial Lecture Join us for a fascinating evening with Michael Oren! Statesman, historian, soldier, and author -- Former Ambassador Michael Oren has devoted his life to serving Israel and the Jewish people around the world. CSZ is excited to provide this unique opportunity to offer multi-faceted insights into what Israel is facing today. Admission is free and open to the ...…
…H a ha! LOL. Heh-heh. For the tech-savvy and non-techies alike, most of us can still recognize what these words are express- ing: laughter. What I find to be laughter’s most powerful quality is its ability to strengthen a com- munity. Laughter can diffuse tensions, elevate understand- ing between individuals or groups and even amplify com- munication by strengthening relationships. Whether we are young or old, quiet or loud, a co...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 57 J N T he Byron and Dorothy Gerson Emerging Leaders Retreat was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on all who attended. The retreat aimed to cultivate the leadership skills of Hillel students from across Michigan including Hillel of Metro Detroit, MSU Hillel, Hillel Campus Alliance of Michigan, and Michigan Hillel. It certainly did so. With a raging blizzard outside, we gathered to wel...…
…58 | FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 J N D espite facing several hurdles, such as a worldwide shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and now the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Lester Ambassador Program continues to connect young Jewish leaders in Metro Detroit and Israel. The privately funded program, whose members Jewish Federation of Detroit initially helped connect through its Partnership2Gether program in 2018, facilitates community-buildin...…
…FEBRUARY 15 • 2024 | 59 A CHANGE OF PLANS Since then, the Lester Ambassador Program has facilitated several trips for participating Israelis to come to Metro Detroit and Metro Detroiters to visit Israel. While in Metro Detroit, Stern was introduced to area synagogues, organizations and community members to learn more about American Judaism. In Israel, meanwhile, participants learned about Israeli culture and how different sects of...…
…1942 - 2024 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...…
