…20 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N OUR COMMUNITY T o date, there are almost 4,000 members on the Jewish Moms of Metro Detroit Facebook page. But there’s one special day a year that the organizers don’t accept regular posts about kids, recommendations for restaurants or plumbers or posts on any topic — except descriptions and pictures of single men and women, which are posted with the hashtag “itsashidduch.” Fellow members are invited to ...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 21 ment policies and now a lack of agricultural supplies. The Communist regime, which discourages political dissent, allows limited private enterprise — mainly small family-owned businesses. On the positive side, Levinson says, “The people of Cuba are very respectful of the Jewish community. There is no discrimination or antisem- itism. ” According to Steve Boudin of West Bloomfield, members of the Cuban Jewi...…
…22 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N OUR COMMUNITY A t the conclusion of the two-day, six-hour-long preliminary examination for the man accused of killing Detroit Jewish lay leader Samantha Woll, the presiding judge ruled there was enough evidence for the case against Michael Jackson-Bolanos to stand trial. Jackson-Bolanos is facing multiple charges, including felony murder during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of a larceny ...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 23 J N officials who played a role in extracting video footage perti- nent to the case testified on the second day. The prosecution played a compilation video — from at least a dozen locations across the city of Detroit — shown to provide a timeline of Jackson- Bolanos’ whereabouts in and around the time of Woll’s death. The footage showed Jackson- Bolanos fully covered, wearing blue surgical gloves and a mask,...…
…24 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N OUR COMMUNITY L ong before Oct. 7, 2023, Debra Messing committed to championing Jewish causes, combating antisemitism and shining a spotlight on Jewish pride. But following an already decade- long growing scourge in world- wide antisemitism, with Oct. 7 every- thing changed in the Jewish world. The social justice and human-rights advocate emerged as a pro-Zionist powerhouse. Unabashed, vocal, inform...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 25 J N T emple Shir Shalom of West Bloomfield is stepping up and supporting those in need with its 11th Annual “Chicken Soup Cook-Off.” This event will take place Sunday, Feb. 4, from 12:30- 2 p.m. at Temple Shir Shalom, 3999 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, and will benefit the Metro Food Rescue, CARE House of Oakland County, and the temple’s youth and young adult programming. More than 20 participant...…
…26 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N faces&places F our years ago, Rabbi Menachem and Chana Caytak moved to East of Woodward with a goal of creating a Jewish community. What started as just a list of names has turned into a beautiful community with hundreds of families. There are programs for all ages — children, teens, college students and seniors. There are classes for all levels, weekly Hebrew school, a synagogue and holiday program...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 27 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! ...…
…28 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N T hree months after undergoing a two-hour shoulder arthroscopy to repair a frayed labrum and other issues, then working through five weeks of physical therapy, Ethan Endelman said his recovery is going well. “My shoulder is about 90%, ” he said. “It will never be 100%. But I shouldn’t have any problems in my daily life and I’m back lifting weights again, although I need to be cautious when I lift. Worki...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 29 LINDA HILLER NOVAK 248.408.7811 LINDA@NOVAKRETEAM.COM FRANK NOVAK 248.563.7217 FRANK@NOVAKRETEAM.COM Whether it’s summer camps or your next move, it’s important to plan ahead. We’ve helped hundreds of families find their new pond. Time to get your ducks in a row? …
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 3 J N contents PURELY COMMENTARY 4-8 Essays and viewpoints. OUR COMMUNITY 10 Thank God It’s Friday! Chabad’s Friday Boys visit workplaces to spread mitzvot and a word of Torah. 16 Support Group Resurgence Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse offers a safe space for Jewish abuse survivors. 18 Jewish Detroiters Visit Cuba Cuba’s small Jewish community perseveres despite dwindling size and econ...…
…30 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N This year’s honorees are Elaine and Michael Serling and distinguished alumna Naomi Miller. CAMP GUIDE 2024 Send a Kid to Tamarack LORI DAVIDSON-MERTZ SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS …
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 31 J N S ince 1902, Tamarack Camps has been an integral part of Detroit’s Jewish community — and annually serves as an inclusive place for nearly 1,100 children, teens and young adults to enjoy the outdoors, become more independent, develop leadership skills and foster Jewish identity. Tamarack believes every child deserves the opportunity to go to camp. Through the Send a Kid to Tamarack (SK2T) Annual Campaign, th...…
…Details: Marla is waiving her creative fee of $275, doubling print orders and including a $200 studio credit toward images. A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of artwork (prints, images, albums, wall art) will be donated back to camp by the studio. Sessions are limited to five families and three high school seniors, up to 10 family members included, dogs are always wel- come. Bookings are by appointment in February, March and ...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 33 …
…BLACK RIVER FARM & RANCH 5040 Sheridan Line Road Croswell, MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 blackriverfarmandranch.com Giddy up and get registered! Saddle up for adventure this summer at Black River Farm and Ranch, an all-girls overnight camp. Our mission is to inspire leadership, self-confidence, and independence through horsemanship and a variety of camp activities including riding lessons, vaulting, trail rides, crafts, swimming, ar...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 35 Registration IS NOW OPEN! Call for more details 248-789-2223 skullislandcamp .com COME WALK THE PLANK THIS SUMMER! …
…36 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 CAMP WALDEN 5607 South River Cheboygan, MI 49721 summer@campwaldenmi.com (248) 225-1256 (817) 253-0722 Celebrating our 65th summer, Walden provides an inspiring environment that challenges campers to step outside their comfort zones. Our program combines elements of individual choice and group dynamics, building confidence, character and resilience. At Walden, college-age counselors raise the bar when ...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 37 @theroeperschool What do you get when you cross Art, Outdoor Adventure, Swimming, and Science? A super, fun summer! We welcome children aged 3-12 eager to play and explore their interests in a safe, caring environment. RoeperSummerCamp.org THEATER CAMP IS BACK REGISTER ONLINE REGISTRATION OPEN! www.Temple-Israel.org/CampShemesh Napping room, earlycare and aftercare are available. Campers must be 2 years o...…
…38 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 LAWRENCE TECH SUMMER CAMPS 21000 W. 10 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48075 (800) 225-5588 summercamps@ltu.edu ltu.edu/summercamps Academic summer camps for high schoolers interested in engineering, design, technology and science are taught by professors in modern labs and studios on LTU’s 107- acre Southfield campus ROEPER SUMMER CAMPS 41190 Woodward Ave. Bloomfield, MI 48304 (248) 203-7370 roeper.org From lacros...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 39 Can’t wait to see you in 2024 -- B ec a u s e K i d s N e e d C a m p! The BEST SUMMER EVER!!! • WILLOWAYDAYCAMP.COM • 248-932-2123 LIMITED SPACE REMAINS — ENROLL TODAY! SCAN THE QR CODE HAVE AN HAVE AN EVENT? EVENT? EVENT? POST IT FOR FREE ON POST IT FOR FREE ON POST IT FOR FREE ON POST IT FOR FREE ON thejewishnews.com thejewishnews.com …
…4 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N op-ed How to Better Heal Israel’s Wounded E very day at our organization, Yad Sarah, we field requests for medical equipment and other rehabilitation services for injured soldiers. Due to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we have been able to fulfill these requests, allowing more than 1,000 soldiers to date to leave the hospital and enter home rehabilitation, freeing up much- needed beds ...…
…40 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N MAZEL TOV! Traison 90th L arry Traison will celebrate his 90th birthday on Feb. 26, 2024. He was married to the late, beloved Barbara for 67 years. Larry is the loving father of Steve (Janice) Traison, and the late Sheri Traison (Jeff) Devries; proud Papa to Danny (Courtney Asker) Devries, David (Nina) Devries, Elizabeth (Ari Witkin) Traison, Rachel Devries, Rebecca Traison and Randi (Michael Steinberg)...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 41 …
…42 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N T he quintessential Jewish expression of thanks, gratitude and acknowledgment is Baruch Hashem, meaning “Thank God” or “Praise be to the Lord.” Chassidim say of the Baal Shem Tov that he would travel around the little towns and villages of Eastern Europe, asking Jews how they were. However poor or troubled they were, invariably they would reply, Baruch Hashem. It was an instinctive expression of faith...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 43 J N We believe that God is universal. He created the Universe. He set in motion the processes that led to stars, planets, life and humanity. His concern is not limited to Israel. As we say in the prayer of Ashrei, “His tender mercies are on all His works.” You do not need to be Jewish to have a sense of reverence for the Creator or recognize, as Yitro did, His hand in miraculous events. It would be hard to fin...…
…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 ...…
…46 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N A lex Edelman’s having a banner year that’s wrapping up in Detroit and Chicago. The comedian and writer makes his second-to-last stop on the national tour of his critically acclaimed solo show, Just For Us, at the Fisher Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 10. “I’ve never been to Detroit. It’s known as a pretty good theater city, so this is a must- do for me,” says Edelman, 34. The tour comes on the heels of his wi...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 47 outside of Boston. “ Alex and I bonded through that collaboration, and he asked me to come and check out Just for Us in its initial off- Broadway run in winter 2022. I couldn’t stop raving after I saw it, and we kept in touch about it through all of his subsequent productions,” Sussman said. “ After he played Williams- town Theatre Festival in summer 2022, producer Jenny Gersten and I decided to pursue the po...…
…48 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N N o one can prove the existence of God. Nor can one disprove it. The debate seems to go nowhere in most cases. But what if the debate is between two great minds of the 20th century? Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was a staunch atheist and very much a secular Jew. He was ardent in the belief that there was no supreme being and that all explanations were of this world. British author C.S. L...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 49 also worth mentioning that although the meeting between Freud and Lewis is fictional, the movie credits indicate speculation that Freud was visited just before his death by an Oxford don (who might have been Lewis). By the way, neither side of the argument is persuasive. Fear of death is natural. But it hardly disproves the existence of God. One can be both fearful and faithful. And the notion that belief ...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 5 J N A I S H DETROIT ANNUAL G A L A HONORING RABBI ALON TOLWIN SATURDAY NIGHT 02.03.24 8 PM A ALFRED TAUBMAN COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES 460 W. BALTIMORE AVE, DETROIT featuring LA COMEDIAN MARC SCHIFF PREMIUM BAR & STROLLING DINNER GALA CHAIRS Mickey Eizelman • Eli Saulson R S V P B E O F T H E D I S C I P L E S O F A A R O N LOVING PEACE AND PURSUING PEACE LOVING MANKIND A N D DRAWING THEM CLOSE T...…
…50 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N THE GRAMMYS; NEW JEWISH FILM WOWS CRITICS The Grammy awards will be presented on Sunday, Feb. 4 (8 p.m., CBS and Paramount+). There are so many Grammy categories that only the Grammys in the most popular categories are given to winners during the Grammy TV broadcast (“popular” is based on music sales and concert ticket sales). Here are most of the TV-worthy Jewish nominees. Jack Antonoff, 39, and Mi...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 51 ARTS&LIFE JUST FOR FUN Jewish Joke of the Week “In high school football, the coach kept me on the bench all year. On the last game of the season, the crowd was yelling, ‘We want Youngman! We want Youngman!’ The coach fi nally says, ‘Youngman, go see what they want!’” — Henny Youngman Look for the answers in next week’s issue. See answers to the Jan. 25 puzzle on page 54. How Many Words Can You Make? C...…
…52 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N SPECIALCONCERT 7:30 PM, FEB. 2 (FRI.) At Orchestra Hall, Justin Freer conducting. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert. Relive the film that started it all. Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score. Don’t miss this once-in- a-lifetime event as Harry, Ron, Hermione and al...…
…‘IMMIGRATION ACT’ 7-8:30 PM, FEB. 6 (TUES.) “One-Hundred Years Later — The Johnson- Reed Immigration Act” discussed by Professor Howard Lupovitch. In this online series, we consider the ways that Jewish immigration pre-1924 worked to the benefit of American society. Tuition: $40. Class dates: 2/6 & 2/13. Register: jlive.app/ events/6326. RESUME WORKSHOP 10-11:30 AM, FEB. 7 (WED.) Join Gesher Human Services, 29699 Southfield Road,...…
… HEALTHCARE Senior Health Services LLC: 24/7 In-depth Male/ Female Caregivers. Highly Recommended by Doctors & Attorneys. Please Call 248-989-7013 A1 CAREGIVER/COMPANION. Experienced, Part-time or Full-time excellent references. 248-991-4944 DeesHomecareLLC will care for your loved one. We assist in ADLs, running errands, transportation, companionship. Please contact us at 313-394-8334 or email DeesHomecareLLC@ gmail.co...…
… 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 56 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 F ounder and longtime owner of Willoway Day Camp, Arnold “Arnie” Fisher was also a dedicated teacher, lifelong learner, loyal friend and loving husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. After a lifetime committed to bettering the world and uplifting those around him, Arnie passed away on Jan. 18, 2024, at his West Bloomfield home. He was 93. “He was one-of-a-kind,” ...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 57 J N 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 wi...…
…58 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N RITA BARISH, 87, of West Bloomfield, died Jan. 14, 2024. She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Sidney Barish; daughters and son-in-law, Shelli Feinberg (partner, Harold Etkin), Jody (Jeff) Hersh; son and daughter- in-law, Ryan and Jennifer Barish; son-in-law, Stewart Shifman; grandchildren, Joshua (Jess Brecker) Feinberg, Samantha (Matthew) Abeles, Jordan Fishman, Zachary (Ashley) Shi...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 59 J N Jared and Lauren Shiffman, Liza and Brenner Sandberg, Dovid Garber, Eliezer Garber, Shoshana and Avi Liani, Sarah Rivka Garber, and Anne Garber; great- grandchildren, Aiden and Noah Shiffman, Zachary and Ethan Sandberg, and Menachem, Esther Chaya, Miriam, and Shimon Moshe Liani; sister, Gail Aricha; brother, Lester Burkow. Mrs. Garber was the beloved wife for 66 years of the late Sol Garber; the lovin...…
…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...…
…60 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N Sophia Aaron, Alex Aaron, Lillian Beavers, Jack Beavers, Danielle Jacobson (fiancé, Zach Mettel) and Jenna Jacobson. Sheldon is also survived by his beloved brother, Martin Goldman. Sheldon’s family was at the center of his heart. He is also remembered by numerous lifelong friends who, like his family, mourn his departure. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seymour and Martha (Katzer) Goldman, S...…
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 61 OBITUARY CHARGES The processing fee for obituaries is: $125 for up to 100 words; $1 per word thereafter. A photo counts as 15 words. There is no charge for a Holocaust survivor icon. The JN reserves the right to edit wording to conform to its style considerations. For information, have your funeral director call the JN or you may call Sy Manello, editorial assistant, at (248) 351-5147 or email him at smane...…
…Looking Back From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History accessible at thejewishnews.com 62 | FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 J N Women in the IDF O n Oct. 7, 2023, the day of the heinous surprise Hamas attack that killed 1,200 innocent Israelis and friends from abroad, a question was unequivocally answered. Anyone who had previously doubted the courage or skill of female combat soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) co...…
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…JEWISH NEWS THE DETROIT MAZEL TOV! Celebrate all of your milestone moments with an announcement in the Detroit Jewish News. Scan the QR code to book: • Anniversary • B’nai Mitzvah • Birth • Engagement • Milestone Birthday • Wedding …
…FEBRUARY 1 • 2024 | 7 J N engaged in this symbolic project. It does not, in any way, serve the students of AAPS and their families. In fact, it may harm the dis- trict’s efforts to hire a strong superintendent. Unlike the Ann Arbor City Council and Washtenaw County Commission, there was no attempt to garner communi- ty input to craft a document that would be inclusive rather than divisive. Several trustees engaged mean- ingfully ...…
