Washtenaw Jewish News Presort Standard In this issue… c/o Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor U.S. Postage PAID 2939 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, MI Do'ikayt: Looking National Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Permit No. 85 Washtenaw for Library Rose of Israel

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March 2021 Adar/Nissan 5781 Volume XX Number 7 FREE EMU Jewish Studies presents Mira Raoul Wallenberg and the War Awad: A Concert/Conversation Refugee Board Martin B. Shichtman, special to the WJN Kelsey Robinette Keeves, special to the WJN astern Michigan University’s Cen- and culture — performing music; appear- ebecca Erbelding, a historian, archi- lenberg, the United States, and the myth of ter for Jewish Studies presents Mira ing in television, theater, and film; creat- vist, and curator at the United States a plan,” will explore Wallenberg’s work on EAwad in a concert and conversation ing visual installations. In 2009, however, RHolocaust Memorial Museum, will behalf of the War Refugee Board in Buda- on Sunday, March 7 at 3 p.m. she exploded onto the international scene be delivering the 31st David W. Belin Lec- pest, Hungary as revealed by United States when, representing Israel at the Eurovision government records. Song Contest, she joined her longtime friend Raoul Wallenberg, one of and frequent collaborator, Achinoam Nini the most famous Holocaust- (known outside of Israel as Noa), to perform era rescuers, was only 32 years “There Must Be Another Way,” the first time old when he was arrested and any Israeli entry included Arabic lyrics. She disappeared in January 1945, is among the actors in the hit Israeli televi- 10 years after graduating from sion series Arab Labor and has even been a the University of Michigan. participant in Israel’s version of Dancing “My goal is to restore the con- With the Stars. text of Budapest, the context of Mira Awad is also a forceful activist for Washington, the relationships women’s rights, for equal citizenship for between all these events and Palestinians living in Israel, for a two-state people, and to explain how the solution, and for environmental awareness. chaos of the Holocaust and the Her eloquent advocacy for dialogue and war limited the possibility of Mira Award co-existence, for peace and solidarity, has carrying out any preconceived Singer, songwriter, actress, artist, and brought considerable praise (and some criti- Raoul Wallenberg Rebecca Erbelding plan for his rescue work,” ex- content creator, Mira Awad has long been cism) across the political spectrum. She calls ture in American Jewish Affairs virtually on plained Erbelding. a major figure in Israeli and Palestinian life her music Arabic Fusion, a combination of March 16, 2021. Her lecture, “Raoul Wal- Her book, Rescue Board: The Untold Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 New leader of Tucson’s Holocaust museum is a genocide survivor herself Phyllis Braun, originally for the JTA/Arizona Jewish Post he Holocaust museum in Arizona’s Arizona. second-largest city has tapped a Jew- The COVID pandemic has severely cur- Tish survivor of an African genocide as tailed access to the museum, and its typi- its new leader. cal stream of non-Jewish visitors, especially The board of directors at the Jewish His- schoolchildren on class trips, has stopped. tory Museum/Holocaust History Center in Some programming has moved online in Tucson unanimously selected Gugulethu a shift that Moyo described as a “great op- Moyo in November to become its executive portunity and innovation” laced with uncer- director, making her likely the first Jew of tainty. color to lead a major Jewish museum in the At the same time, Arizona has newly United States. mandated education about the Holocaust Moyo, the museum’s operations director and other genocides in schools, giving the since July 2019, brings a unique set of quali- museum a role in creating materials that fications encompassing both her career as an draw on its archive of testimonies from sur- international human rights lawyer and per- vivors who have lived in the southern part sonal Jewish journey. of the state. “Gugu has the most remarkable biogra- And the national reckoning over racism phy I have ever seen in an applicant for a po- that erupted last spring following the death sition,” said Barry Kirschner, president of the Gugulethu Moyo is the new executive director of the Tucson Jewish History of George Floyd in police custody means that museum board and himself an attorney. Moyo’s vision for the museum’s future has Museum/Holocaust History Center. PHOTO CAPTTION: : ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE YAGEL That biography includes a childhood in renewed resonance. Zimbabwe, a law career in support of media South African anti-apartheid lawyers. tion at a time of intense change for muse- “The core work,” Moyo said, “is to con- freedom and a Jewish journey inspired by Moyo takes over a 15-year-old institu- ums, memory and Holocaust education in Continued on page 9 IFrom the Editor

arch 2021, can we all say a she- taking a fresh look at who we are is a wel- hechiyanu, a prayer of gratitude, come endeavor that is on the horizon for that we have made it to this day, Washtenaw County. In the meantime, if you M 2935 Birch Hollow Drive this season, this new moment? Our com- know of someone who might have an inter- Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 munity is bursting with energy: so many est in the Jewish community in Washtenaw, (734) 395-4438 opportunities for learning and celebrating it why not ask them if they’d like to receive a www.washtenawjewishnews.org was hard to fit them all into this newspaper. free subscription to the Washtenaw Jewish [email protected] Hopefully, this is our last year of Zoom sed- News. I’m dreaming that everyone reading ers for a while, but I’m grateful that so many this finds one other household to start re- Editor and Publisher of us have learned how to use innovation to ceiving the paper. Clare Kinberg celebrate! In this issue is the 15th installment of my Would you be willing to hazard a guess as story about my aunt Rose. I’m about half- Advertising Manager to how many Jews live in Washtenaw Coun- way through the telling, and it has been a joy Gordon White ty? How would you go about counting us? to hear from people about it. If you want to Who would you count? These are questions start at the beginning, all prior issues are on Design and Layout on my mind right now, and on the mind of the WJN website. Dennis Platte Clare Kinberg others in the community. This newspaper is As always, send me your reactions to any- Staff Writers mailed to about 3000 households, yet I think ish adjacent, was Jewish, or is considering thing you read here, ideas for articles, and Hannah Davis, Shifra Epstein, this number could easily double if only I had becoming Jewish. Our Jewish community your personal simchas. n Lonnie Sussman the addresses of existing households that in the U.S. is in a porous and changing era. have someone who identifies as Jewish, Jew- “Diversity” is a bit of a tired buzzword, but Contributing Writers Rabbi Daniel Alter, Rabbi Jared Anstandig, Rebecca Belkin, Rabbi Nadav Caine, Stacy Carroll, Eileen Freed, Terri Ginsburg, Raoul Wallenberg and the War Refugee Board Continued on from page 1 Stephanie Glass, Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, Laurie Greenberg, Gillian Jackson, Kayla Story of America’s Efforts to Save the Jews of inspiration for humanitarian activists today,” people they ‘saved,’” said Erbelding. “But even Kapen, Kesley Robinette Keeves, Devon Europe, won the 2018 National Jewish Book Erbelding stated. without easily understood outcomes, I argue Meier, Martin Shichtman, Clara Silver, Award in the category of Writing Based on Ar- She believes that the War Refugee Board it is important to honor the efforts of the War Robert Savit, Dvora Schulman, Jacob Sing- er, Rachel Wall, Teddy Weinberger, Rabbi chival Material. A key challenge in writing her wasn’t more widely known before now for a Refugee Board staff and use their work as an Josh Whinston, Jack Zaientz,. book was in organizing the War Refugee Board’s few reasons. When teaching about the Holo- example for confronting humanitarian chal- records, 120 boxes still in roughly the order they caust, most schools don’t have time to focus on lenges today.” The Washtenaw Jewish News is published were in the 1940s, organized by topic and name. the American and international response, and The Belin lecture series was established monthly, by JCMWC, LLC. Opinions ex- She spent two years digitizing and organizing the general summary is that the United States in 1991 through a generous gift from the late pressed in this publication do not necessar- hundreds of thousands of pages before she began didn’t do enough. She believes this is broadly David W. Belin of Des Moines and New York ily reflect those of its editors or staff to read through the records. true, but adds that it ignores those who were to provide an academic forum for the discus- She stresses that the most important mes- pushing for the U.S. to take action since 1933. sion of contemporary Jewish life in the United ©2021 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw sage from the book is the impact public and “The history is utterly fascinating, but there’s States. Previous scholars to hold this honor Jewish News may be ­reproduced without private pressure can have on the United States no quick way to tell it without simply listing off include Deborah Lipstadt, Samuel Freedman, permission of the publisher. government. “Without this pressure, Roosevelt the War Refugee Board’s vast array of efforts. Ruth Messinger, Jim Loeffler, Beth Wenger, and Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should likely would not have established the War Refu- And the outcome of these efforts isn’t an easy Lila Corwin Berman among others. Each year, not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the gee Board, which ultimately saved tens of thou- answer either. For a host of reasons there is no the lecture is also published in written form in editor. Name will be withheld at the discretion of sands of lives. It’s an important reminder and way to reasonably calculate exactly how many collaboration with Michigan Publishing. n the editor. Circulation: 4,500 Subscriptions: Free inside Washtenaw County EMU Jewish Studies presents Mira Awad: A Concert/Conversation Continued on from page 1 $18 first-class su­bscription styles and sounds that weaves together Ara- sored by the Academic Engagement Network, I Advertisers The deadline for bic language with Western harmonies. Awad the Center for Middle Eastern and North Af- April 2021 works with a multitude of artists, including rican Studies at the University of Michigan, Alex Milshteyn...... 3 issue of the WJN is Noa, Idan Raichel, David Broza, Joca Perpig- the Jean and Samuel Frankel Center for Ju- Ann Arbor District Library...... 27 Monday March 8 nan, George Dalaras, La Oreja de Van Gogh, daic Studies at the University of Michigan, the Ann Arbor Film Festival ...... 27 Publication: Thursday April 1 Andrea Bocelli, Tim Ries (sax player for the Gayle & Larry Weiseneck Symposium Fund, Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News Bank of Ann Arbor ...... 30 Rolling Stones), Steve Hackett (guitarist for Hillel at Eastern Michigan University, and are available at locations throughout Genesis), Orphaned Land, and Bobby McFer- EMU Campus Life. There is no cost to attend Café Zola ...... 32 Washtenaw County. rin — collaborations that are themselves often this program. If you have any questions, please Camp Gan Israel ...... 18 regarded as powerful political statements. contact Marty Shichtman at jewish.studies@ Camp Tavor...... 14 This event is in recognition of Women’s emich.edu. n I In this issue… Chelsea Rare Coin...... 11 History Month. The presentation is co-spon- Consultants in Opthalmic Consultants in Opthalmic & Facial Plastic ...... 30 Advertisers...... 2 Dorfman Funeral Home...... 29 EMU Jewish Studies...... 6 Calendar...... 26 Gabriel Sandler Tax Prep...... 3 Giraffe Design Build...... 15 Do'ikayt: Washtenaw...... 7 Holocaust Memorial Center...... 31 Hurwitz-Greene Real Estate...... 30 Jewish Communal Leadership Program ...14 Kosher Cuisine...... 25 Jewish Cultural Society ...... 27 Jewish Family Services ...... 1..9, 22 Looking for Rose...... 10 Jewish Federation...... 31 Modern Mechanical...... 29 Obituaries...... 28 Page Avenue Book...... 3 Pam Sjo, The Reinhart Company...... 3 Quality Kosher Catering...... 19 Rabbis’ Corner...... 24 R. D. Kleinschmidt...... 2 Zemyck Pottery...... 27 Simchas and Sorrows...... 31 Zingerman's ...... 16

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 IOpinion THE ASSURANCE OF Sedalia and the American BUYING OR SELLING Jewish experience WITH THE BEST By Teddy Weinberger ver the past two decades, when- population between 1960–1990. From an ever I travelled around rural Is- all-time record high (still unbroken) in 1960 OUTCOME rael and would come upon a very of 23,874, the city experienced a decline for O the next three censuses, bottoming out in small town, I would think with amazement and regret: “How wonderful that in Israel 1990 at 19,800 people. While Sedalia on the there can be sustained Jewish existence in whole withstood that dip and its population small towns like this.” In America, Jews used has crept back up, the Jewish community did to live in small towns, but no longer. This is not. It takes a number of people to volunteer not natural, of course. There is no innate re- their time to keep a small synagogue going, quirement for a Jew to be a city dweller. and that number probably collapsed during The recent guest column by my mother- those 30 years — and then the older genera- in-law Willie (Rosenthal) Ross was instruc- tion moved away to join their children and tive in this regard. Willie told of a wonderful grandchildren. American Jewish childhood growing up in Not coincidentally, toward the end of Sedalia, Missouri. However, there is no longer Sedalia’s population decline, Abe and Fan a Jewish community in Sedalia; it officially Rosenthal, Willie’s parents, moved to be ceased to exist in 2001 with the de-conse- near Willie in Omaha (where they could also cration of Temple Beth El and the ceremo- benefit from the city’s excellent Jewish se- nial transfer of the synagogue’s Torah to the nior housing and services). For Abe and Fan Hillel House at the University of Missouri Rosenthal, however, Sedalia would always in Columbia. The Temple building is now be home. So much so that even though they home to the Pettis County Historical Society ended their lives in Omaha, they are buried in & Museum. Sedalia’s Hebrew Union Cemetery (founded Why did Sedalia’s Jewish community in 1871). Though they had to know of the ultimately disappear? It was not primarily slim chances that their descendants would because the local Jews assimilated into the ever visit their graves, Abe and Fan elected to larger (majority-Christian) culture, but be- be buried in their beloved Sedalia. cause not enough young Jewish adults came Willie received a lot of emailed comments back to live in Sedalia after going away to col- after her piece appeared in the Sedalia Dem- lege. Despite the happy childhood that Willie ocrat. I was touched by the fact that several depicted in her column, larger cities such as expressed sadness at the loss of the Jewish St. Louis and Kansas City proved too much community. For example, Doug Kneibert, of a siren call for the Jews of Sedalia. Still, former editor of the Democrat, wrote: “Seda- Jews had lived in Sedalia for over a century; lia’s experience has been duplicated across the community had thus sustained itself for the nation, as the small-town Jew has be- several generations. What happened toward come all but extinct. In ways that are hard to the end of the twentieth century to cause its describe, I believe that has impoverished the demise? towns affected, Sedalia among them.” Small- The most important factor here is the town life continues to be a viable option for small size of the community, which never Jews in Israel. In countries dominated by a LET US TAKE THE HASSLE exceeded a few hundred people. Though different religion’s culture, small-town exis- the population of Sedalia today is about tence eventually ceases to be tenable for Jews OUT OF REAL ESTATE the same as what it was 100 years ago (1920 — whether religiously observant or not. It’s census: 21,144; approximate 2021 popula- good to have a choice. n tion: 21,959), there was a significant dip in Our vast knowledge and up to the minute informa- tion will provide you with a seamless moving expe- MAKING INVESTING PERSONAL rience. You can count on our expertise to guide you WE ARE WITH THE COMMUNITY through every detail. We are proud to be the most IN THESE TIMES OF CRISIS AND trusted resource in the Ann Arbor area for almost CAPABLE$5 OF0 WORKING OF WITHF YOU REMOTELY 2 decades. Call for unbeatable confidence in the

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 3 I Community

“The Historical Jesus in His Jewish Context” learning event Devi Mays receives with Amy-Jill Levine and Gabriele Boccaccini National Jewish Kelsey Robinette Keeves, special to the WJN Book Award he Stuart and Barbara Padnos Foun- and Louis Padnos, beginning a long-stand- Judaic Studies. dation has provided a gift to the ing and productive relationship between the The scholars will examine the common Kelsey Robinette Keeves, special to the WJN TFrankel Center for Judaic Studies to Padnos family and the Frankel Center for history shared between Jews and Christians, evi Mays, Assistant Professor of establish the Padnos Engagement on Jew- Judaic Studies. and how this historical knowledge is neces- Judaic Studies at the University of ish Learning fund. The new initiative will The inaugural Padnos Public Engage- sary for a faithful biblical interpretation. “I DMichigan, has won a National Jew- facilitate annual public educational activi- ment on Jewish Learning Event, to take place am interested in how historical research and ish Book Award for her first book, Forging Ties, literary critical analysis can help people who Forging Passports: Migration and the Modern hold the text sacred to correct all-too-com- mon anti-Jewish preaching and teaching,” stated Levine. Explaining how he became interested in the topic, Boccaccini added, “I was fascinated with Second Temple Judaism as the forma- tive period of both Christianity and Judaism. I wanted to understand why some Jews, like Jesus and his first followers, despite having so much in common, went in one direction, while others took a different path.” Levine and Boccaccini both commented that though they’ve been studying Second Temple Judaism for decades, they still find new and exciting things in their research. “Historians ask different questions; archae- ologists unearth new artifacts; theologians and ethicists pose alternative readings; and we biblical scholars — informed by all these riches and more — continue to have new in- sights. The text is inexhaustible,” said Levine. Devi Mays Boccaccini added, “For me, the real ex- Amy-Jill Levine Gabriele Boccaccini citement came when I realized that the real Sephardi Diaspora, published by Stanford Uni- ties in Jewish Studies throughout the state of on March 10 at 7 p.m., will feature Amy-Jill problem was not simply reclaiming the versity Press. The book won in the category of Michigan with a focus on the western part Levine of Vanderbilt University and Gabriele Jewishness of Jesus but understanding what Sephardic Culture, receiving the Mimi S. Frank of the state. Boccaccini of the University of Michigan in kind of Jew Jesus was, as there were many dif- Award in Memory of Becky Levy. Awarded by The Padnos family have been business discussion on “The Historical Jesus in His ferent ways of being a Jew in the first century, the Jewish Book Council, the National Jewish and community leaders in Michigan for over Jewish Context,” with a response by Jeremiah as well as today. And when I realized that the Book Awards are the longest-running North a century. In 1988, the late Stuart Padnos Cataldo of Grand Valley State University. The New Testament was not a collection of texts American awards program in the field of Jew- created the Louis and Helen Padnos Foun- event, to be broadcast on Zoom, will present that tells us something about Judaism, but ish literature. The 70th National Jewish Book dation Visiting Professorship in Judaic Stud- the latest research on the historical Jesus and a collection of Jewish texts that testifies to a Awards were announced January 27 and will ies in commemoration of his parents, Helen explore its implications for contemporary distinctive variety of ancient Judaism.” n be celebrated on April 12 in a virtual gala. The full list of awardees is available on the Jewish Book Council website. Forging Ties, Forging Passports ex- Making sense of the Jewish vote plores Sephardi Jewish migrations to Mexico Martin B Shichtman, special to the WJN from the Ottoman Empire and its successor ollster Jim Gerstein will speak with the states. Mays argues that the passport regimes Eastern Michigan University Center that came into being in the aftermath of the Pfor Jewish Studies on the topic “Mak- First World War did not map easily onto the ing Sense Of The Jewish Vote In 2020” on Tues- way of life of cosmopolitan Sephardi Jews, who day, March 23 at 7 p.m. found themselves out of place in the nation- Both of America’s major political parties states that replaced the multinational empires imagined 2020 as a transformative year — and of the prewar period. Many Sephardi Jews, she this was especially true as these parties reached shows, navigated this trans-migratory land- out to Jewish Americans. Republicans saw the scape by creatively refashioning themselves, 2020 vote as a paradigm-shifting opportunity, shifting citizenships and nationalities in accor- in which issues like US/Israeli relations would dance with legal requirements, while retaining finally bring about Jewish political realignment. the deep cultural, personal, and business ties Democrats believed that the 2020 election that forged their everyday identities. would serve to reinforce bonds among Amer- “Professor Mays’ scholarship speaks to a ica’s minority communities, with Jews securing wide array of audiences and contributes to old alliances that might have suffered some drift several disciplines, showing the wide reach of during the Trump years. EMU is honored to Judaic Studies,” noted Jeffrey Veidlinger, Di- present pollster Jim Gerstein, who will address rector of the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies. these and other issues in his talk: “Making Sense Jim Gerstein “The book is poetically written and tells the re- of the Jewish Vote in 2020.” markable stories of a diverse group of histori- Jim Gerstein is widely acknowledged as Democracy Corps. From 1997–2001 he was ex- however, registration is required at: https://ti- cal subjects. The National Jewish Book Award America’s leading authority on Jewish voting ecutive director of the Center for Middle East nyurl.com/emulecture9. is a fitting and well-deserved recognition of patterns. He is founding partner of GBAO, a Peace and Economic Cooperation. During the This presentation is co-sponsored by Hillel her impressive achievement.” Washington-based firm providing strategic 1999 Israeli Prime Ministerial campaign, Ger- at Eastern Michigan University and the Harold Mays commented, “Forging Ties, Forg- planning, communications, project manage- stein joined Ehud Barak’s U.S.-based consulting Grinspoon Foundation. The Center for Jewish ing Passports investigates the challenges that ment, and research services to nonprofit or- team (led by James Carville); he served as the Studies would also like to offer a special thank you Sephardi individuals and families faced to ganizations, advocacy leaders, corporations, team’s representative on the ground in Israel, to Jessica “Decky” Alexander and Bruce Kutinsky. maintain connections in a world increasingly labor unions, and political candidates. Previ- overseeing polling, paid media, and message If you have any questions, please contact divided by policed borders and paperwork. In ously, Gerstein was executive director of the development for the campaign. Marty Shichtman at jewish.studies@ doing so, I hope that it speaks to similar chal- progressive research and strategy organization There is no cost to attend this program; emich.edu. n lenges faced by millions of migrants today.” n 4 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Community

ADL announces bipartisan PROTECT plan to fight domestic terrorism Anti-Defamation League Press Release ADL finds domestic extremist murders in 2020 the 13 recorded in 2019. Two of the 16 recorded ary 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by in- sources proportionate to the threats. are overwhelmingly linked to far-right extrem- incidents occurred in Michigan. One of the in- surrectionists, which was fueled by extremist Taking steps to ensure that individuals associated ists. Right-wing extremists were linked to at cidents involved Thomas Curry in September conspiracy theories. In response to that event with violent extremist movements or engaged in least 16 extremist-related murders in the United 2020 which is discussed above. The other inci- and the overall increase in domestic terrorism violent extremist activity are deemed unsuitable States in 2020 and have been responsible for 75 dent occurred in Madison Heights, Michigan, in recent years, ADL is announcing the PRO- for employment at the federal, state, and local percent of such murders in the last ten years, ac- in October 2020. This incident involved anti- TECT Plan to mitigate this threat while protect- levels – including law enforcement and military cording to new data from the ADL. government “boogalooer” and convicted felon ing civil liberties. – and not given security clearances. According to an annual analysis by ADL’s Eric Allport who was shot and killed during a “It is important to remember that ex- Center on Extremism, domestic extremists shootout with FBI agents tremist murders represent Funding civil society programs to address violent were responsible for killing at least 17 people in who were attempting merely the tip of a pyramid extremist radicalization and recruitment, while the U.S. in 15 separate incidents in 2020, a sig- to arrest him on federal of extremist violence in the ensuring these programs do not stigmatize nificant decrease from the 45 extremist-related weapons charges. One United States,” Greenblatt communities. murders in 19 incidents documented in 2019, FBI agent was wounded said. “As ADL has docu- Investigate any complicity between social and the 54 murders in 20 incidents in 2018. in the shootout. Allport, mented, extremists engage media companies and extremists, and make Michigan was cited once in the Murder who had a criminal his- in a wide variety of violent social media platforms more transparent and and Extremism report. This incident occurred tory that included shoot- and criminal acts related to accountable for dangerous content. in Detroit, Michigan, on June 11, 2020 and in- ing at two Colorado officers in 2002, also had their causes, which is why our PROTECT Plan volved Thomas Curry, who was also involved in a peripheral connection to the infamous Ruby takes aim at violent conspiracies, hate attacks, In addition to advocating for action at the a separate but related right-wing extremist-re- Ridge standoff. terroristic threats, campaigns of intimidation federal and state level, as well as at tech com- lated terrorist attack or plot in September 2020. Additionally, ADL documented more than and harassment, and other offenses.” panies, ADL is harnessing its resources and Thomas “Krazy” Curry, a white supremacist 5,000 incidents of white supremacist propagan- In 2020, there was an absence of mass expertise by raising awareness among poli- who was a part of an outlaw biker subculture, da distribution in the U.S. in 2020, compared to shooting sprees, such as the August 2019 white cymakers, law enforcement, and supporters; shot and killed three people associated with 2,724 in 2019. In 2020, ADL recorded 55 white supremacist attack on a Walmart in El Paso, building coalitions with diverse partners; an outlaw biker gang. On September 16, 2020, supremacist propaganda incidents in Michigan, Texas, which resulted in 23 deaths. It is possible gathering petition signatures; and publishing Curry killed himself during an armed standoff an increase from the 42 incidents recorded in that fewer public gatherings may have discour- research on these issues. and hostage situation in Detroit that began after 2019. These incidents can be found on ADL’s aged mass shootings of that nature, as well as ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Curry fired at a police officer following a traf- H.E.A.T. (Hate, Extremism, Antisemitism, Ter- early intervention by law enforcement, which Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating fic stop and chase. In conversations with police rorism) map. thwarted several terrorist plots in 2020. Last climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its time- and others during the standoff, Curry admitted “While it is a welcome sign that extremist- year was also the second year in a row during less mission is to protect the Jewish people to the June 16, 2020 killings. Curry had white related murders decreased in 2020, the unprec- which there were no killings linked to domestic and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. supremacist tattoos, a Nazi flag, and used the edented violent and deadly insurrection we Islamist extremism. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the online alias of “Michael Heiliger,” which was witnessed on January 6 in the nation’s capital The PROTECT Plan priorities include: a fake name used by Nazis during World War and other nonfatal but violent incidents re- first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A Adopting a whole-of-government and whole- global leader in exposing extremism, delivering II for bank accounts used to hold money and ported in 2020 show that the threat of extremist of-society approach to prevent and counter valuables seized from persecuted Jews. violence remains an ever-present danger to so- anti-bias education and fighting hate online, domestic terrorism while protecting civil ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no While there were fewer extremist-related ciety,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. “As liberties. killings in 2020, extremist activity in general we saw in the Capitol violence just a few weeks group or individual suffers from bias, discrimi- Passing the Domestic Terrorism Prevention nation, or hate. More at www.adl.org. n was on the rise. ADL recorded 16 right-wing ago, the far right is emboldened like never be- Act to authorize offices to address domestic extremist-related terrorist attacks or plots in fore.” terrorism and ensure those offices have re- 2020 (through November), an increase from The 2020 findings do not include the Janu- Rep. Elissa Slotkin wants to mandate Holocaust education in fight against domestic terrorism Ron Kampeas, originally for the JTA ep. Elissa Slotkin, the Michigan morning of the 6th, my husband walked vent Congress from affirming Joe Biden’s “And we were walking through those Democrat who now chairs an influ- me to work,” Slotkin said of the day of the election as president based on falsehoods crowds, and if you are not educated on the Rential anti-terrorism subcommittee, raid by Trump loyalists who sought to pre- peddled by Trump. Holocaust, when you see something like wants to mandate Holocaust education as a ‘Camp Auschwitz’ sweatshirt or a means of preventing domestic terrorism, a swastika or some of these tropes citing the antisemitic symbols that appeared that have been around forever about during the recent deadly Capitol raid. wealthy Jews running the world, that Slotkin, giving her first news conference kind of thing — if you don’t know on Thursday as the chairwoman of the in- that as a historical legacy and connec- telligence and counterterrorism subcommit- tion to genocide, when you see it at a tee of the Homeland Security Committee, random protest you might not think outlined an agenda that she said would be it’s that big of a deal,” she said. shaped by confronting domestic terrorism Slotkin was among the co-spon- in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 pro-Trump sors of legislation that passed last riot at the U.S. Capitol. year that creates a clearinghouse of She said one of the things she wanted her Holocaust resources for educators subcommittee to “look at” was “mandatory administered by the U.S. Holocaust Holocaust education.” Memorial Museum. “Right now it’s only required in a certain Slotkin is a rising star among number of states, I feel like it’s like 15 or so,” Democrats, winning a sophomore Slotkin, who is Jewish, said when asked to term in a Michigan district that elaborate by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. otherwise swings to Republicans. Local and state governments control cur- Her background in the CIA and on ricula, but the federal government may ef- the White House National Security fectively require some content by leveraging Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) speaks at the podium standing with members of the Problem Solvers Council has made her one of the pre- federal funds for schools. Caucus to praise the forthcoming passage of the bipartisan emergency COVID-19 relief bill in eminent Democrats on security. n “I support requiring it at the federal level a press conference outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC on December 21, 2020. because I walked through those crowds, the PHOTO CAPTTION: CHERISS MAY/GETTY IMAGES VIA JTA)

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 5 In Honor of Women’s History Month The Eastern Michigan University Center for Jewish Studies Presents

Mira Awad

A Concert / Conversation Sunday, March 7 — 3 p.m. EST

No cost to attend. Streaming on Facebook & YouTube

facebook.com/EasternMichU youtube.com/user/emichigan08

Israeli/Palestinian singer, songwriter, actress, artist, and content creator Mira Awad has been a forceful activist for women's rights, for equal citizenship for Palestinians living in Israel, for a two-state solution, and for environmental awareness. Her powerful advocacy for dialogue and co-existence, for peace and solidarity, has brought her considerable praise (and some criticism) across the political spectrum.

Ms. Awad competed in the 2009 Eurovision song contest alongside Israeli singer, Noa (Achinoam Nini). The duo won the NIF Human Rights for Arts and Culture award in 2010. She continues to work in collaboration with a multitude of artists, including guitarist Shay Alon, with whom she will perform this concert.

Thank you to our sponsors!

This lecture is co-sponsored by Hillel at Eastern Michigan University, EMU Campus Life, the Academic Engagement Network, the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Michigan, the Jean and Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan, and the Gayle & Larry Weiseneck Symposium Fund.

6 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Doi' kayt: Washtenaw

Washtenaw County decriminalizes sex work Hannah Davis, special to the WJN n January 14, Washtenaw Coun- viously.” It did caution that many sex workers ers of the Equality Model is that it is incred- Despite these differing approaches and ty’s new prosecutor, Eli Savit, were still vulnerable to “exploitative employ- ibly difficult to define “consensual sex work.” research conclusions, there is considerable Oannounced his office is decrimi- ment conditions” and that there had been Many times, victims of trafficking will not room for agreement amongst all parties. nalizing “consensual sex work.” This means reports of some sex workers being forced to identify as such, whether because they don’t Most groups involved in the issues of sex that the office will decline to bring charges take clients against their will. The committee believe they’re being trafficked or because work and trafficking agree that policies that related to sex work, both involving buyers looked at underage prostitution as well, and they do not feel safe saying so. In practice, avoid arresting sex workers are good. They and sellers, though it will continue to charge concluded that while it was still an extant is- this makes it hard to prosecute the perpe- also agree that this is not a problem which sex-work-adjacent crimes, such as human sue, the law had not increased the number of trators of trafficking. In addition, Equality can be addressed solely with police and trafficking, violence, and offenses involving underage prostitutes. It appears that the law Model advocates argue that almost all pros- courts. There are many reasons people en- children. “Sex work” is a broad term which on its own has lim- titutes are trafficked, ter and stay in sex work: they may have few can include anyone whose work involves ited effect on many in which case it makes options to earn money otherwise; children sexually explicit behavior, including prosti- issues in the space of sense to target buyers with unstable home lives may be more vul- tutes, escorts, exotic dancers, and pornogra- prostitution, despite directly. However, this nerable to being trafficked; and many people phy actors (in this case the policy is focusing improvements. statistic is difficult to who want to leave have difficulty doing so. on prostitution, and this article uses the two The new Washt- validate: some stud- Both Savit and the members of the Michigan terms interchangeably). enaw county policy ies show that between H.E.A.T. Coalition emphasize the need for Prostitution is still technically a crime; continues in this 10–20% of sex workers broader social support for women and other however, the county prosecutor has latitude vein, aiming to are trafficked. In addi- marginalized groups vulnerable to traffick- to decide which crimes to bring charges for. make sex workers tion, while many adult ing or likely to enter sex work, including Savit’s office has been enacting a number of safer in advocating sex workers were traf- providing housing, counseling for victims, similar policy changes recently, announc- for themselves, re- ficked as children, and training and support for those trying to leave ing that it will also decline to charge certain move the risk of get- many say they would sex work, and education in recognizing and offenses related to cannabis, the use of en- ting arrested in the like to leave sex work, preventing trafficking. Savit emphasized an theogenic plants (i.e. natural psychedelics), course of their work, the barriers they face open offer to work with community partners buprenorphine, and contraband cases aris- and make it easier are often economic, on next steps in this space. ing from “pretext stops” (situations where a for them to leave not coercive. Some innovative approaches outside of police officer stopped a person supposedly sex work. Sex work- The Equality Mod- the legal space show promise, as well. An for a minor infraction, but was really try- ers, some of whom make the choice to enter el is similar to policies enacted in Sweden experiment in West Bengal, India, where ing to find drugs or other contraband). The the profession out of desperation and only criminalizing sex buyers, where some sourc- sex workers themselves organized collec- broad theme of these policies has been to ad- want to do so for a limited time, frequently es state that the laws reduced the number of tively into a committee covering about 85% dress the disproportionate effects the justice encounter hurdles in attempts to find other street sex workers in the country by 50%, al- of sex workers in the state, showed remark- system has had on marginalized populations. work due to their criminal records; traffick- though the accuracy of these claims has been able success in combating the issue of un- They also aim to reduce the risk and harm of ing victims may escape only to be arrested challenged. Research is unclear overall on the derage and coerced prostitution. The sex drug use and sex work, without placing judg- for something they were forced to do. With- effects of either full decriminalization or the worker collective was able to quickly identify ment on someone for taking part. out the need to operate in a black market, sex Equality Model on the demand for prostitu- new entrants in the community, give them Savit pledged to enact many of these poli- workers should experience less risk. tion or the amount of trafficking, as accurate counseling and interview them to determine cies during his election campaign, and has While a policy like this can have an im- counts of the size of the sex trade before and whether they were there willingly, and help been working with a transition team of com- pact, Savit emphasized that there is a limit after policies are enacted are difficult to ob- them return home or to a safe location if munity members and subject matter experts. to the difference law enforcement can make tain. they were trafficked. They also have a num- In addition, he and several other members of overall. As shown in New Zealand, decrimi- Criminalizing buyers may have unintend- ber of community development projects to the Washtenaw County justice system orga- nalization did not eliminate the dangers of ed negative effects on safety, due to the grow- reduce dependence on sex work and create nized listening sessions last year to hear from sex work, and the work of the prosecutor ing incidence of sex work being arranged security for those who choose to stay in the members of the community about their pri- is mainly reactive, not preventative. Other online. Buyers who fear legal consequences profession. The results of the experiment orities. organizations or areas of government, says may be more likely to disguise their identity, are dramatic: since the program has been in Decriminalization is still a fairly new idea: Savit, need to take steps to support survivors which makes it harder for sex workers to vet place, the proportion of minors in the dis- while it is gaining interest worldwide, most and prevent trafficking from occurring in the them and may make the sex worker more trict has declined over 90%, condom use in- countries still view prostitution as a crime. first place. They should also work to increase vulnerable to violence and less able to insist creased from <3% to 87%, and syphilis and However, there are some case studies which options and accessibility to the things vul- on condom usage. In addition, punitive ap- HIV prevalence are drastically lower in that support the move. The state of Rhode Island, nerable people need to survive, so that sex proaches may not be a deterrent at all: an state than elsewhere in India. This suggests in an attempt to crack down on prostitu- work is engaged in consensually and not as East London study of sex buyers found that that the most powerful approaches are not tion, accidentally legalized indoor sex work a last resort. few men held criminal sanctions as relevant punitive but rather are driven by sex workers for several years until the law was reversed There has been some pushback to the new to their decision. themselves, focusing on their needs first. n in 2009. A study of the effects of this change Washtenaw policy. The Michigan H.E.A.T. has shown that during that period, female Coalition, along with members of the Michi- gonorrhea rates dropped 40% statewide and gan Abolitionist Project and the SOAP (Save Washtenaw County commissioners reported rapes dropped 30%, while levels Our Adolescents from Prostitution) Project, of other crime or violence stayed the same have started a petition stating that the policy support forgiveness of jail debt and there were no corresponding changes in is harmful and will increase sex trafficking neighboring states. in the county by increasing overall demand Stephanie Glass, special to the WJN New Zealand enacted a law in 2003 to “de- for prostitution, and that Savit should have oving quickly ahead into a new being forgiven, that his office has “never ag- criminalize prostitution … ; create a frame- included survivors of trafficking in his pol- year and Board term, the Washt- gressively gone out and pursued this debt in work to safeguard the human rights of sex icy development. The organizers, including Menaw County Board of Com- terms of sending information to creditors workers and protect them from exploitation; several who are themselves trafficking survi- missioners met virtually on February 3 to or damaging people’s credits rating” and the promote the welfare and occupational health vors, are advocates for the Equality Model, approve a series of five resolutions, including “likelihood of collecting this money is mini- and safety of sex workers; contribute to pub- which specifically criminalizes the buyers of supporting the County Sherriff’s Office plan mal.” Instead, this resolution is being framed lic health; and prohibit the use in prostitution sex while protecting sex workers themselves. to forgive the debt of certain jail accounts. as a public notice to “ease people’s angst and of persons under 18 years of age.” A report They argue that with less demand, the sup- County Sherriff Jerry Clayton was pres- anxiety around having this debt hang over five years later looked at the outcomes of the ply of sex work will also drop, and trafficking ent at the meeting to share further context their head.” law in terms of the number of sex workers along with it. regarding his office’s decision to forgive jail Commissioner Jason Morgan (District as well as their reported safety and working Many discussions on how to best tackle debts incurred between January 1, 2013 8) expressed his gratefulness in “having a conditions. It concluded that “On the whole, trafficking focus on whether it is moral to buy and December 31, 2020, which account for Sherriff that is forward thinking and focused the PRA [Prostitution Reform Act] has been sex and whether it is possible to practice sex around thirty one thousand individuals and on equity.” Commissioner Ricky Jefferson effective in achieving its purpose, and the work safely at all. These questions are outside half a million dollars. Clayton shared, per- (District 6) also acknowledged his thanks, Committee is confident that the vast major- the scope of this article, which instead focus- haps in anticipation of heard or unheard sharing that this resolution was “definitely ity of people involved in the sex industry are es on the outcomes of various policies. One criticism regarding how this money could needed” and moves Washtenaw County for- better off under the PRA than they were pre- key outcome-based argument from support- be brought into the county as opposed to ward in being “justice minded.” n Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 7 I Community

Federation welcomes JCLP intern Ezra Brown Chef Michael Solomonov just in time for Passover Rachel Wall, special to the WJN Rachel Wall, special to the WJN he Jewish Federation of Greater Ann of community volunteers. As an undergradu- ollowing two extremely successful events each cooking demonstration, open to all who Arbor is delighted to welcome Ezra ate student, he completed UM’s Development featuring James Beard Award-Winning contributed to the local Annual Community TBrown as a graduate student intern Summer Internship Program, where he was TChef Michael Solomonov in September Campaign. This “Happy Half Hour” utilized from the University of Michigan’s Jewish Com- based in the Taubman College of Architecture and December 2020, the Jewish Federation of Zoom’s Breakout Rooms function to allow munal Leadership Program (JCLP) in the and Urban Planning. Greater Ann Arbor will welcome the Philadel- participants to congregate in small groups. The School of Social Work. Students in JCLP earn a certificate of Jewish phia-based chef back groups were randomly assigned, so attendees Ezra is in his first year Communal Leadership along with a Master’s to town for a third connected both with old friends and members of the master’s degree of Social Work. In addition to the regular social virtual event, on the of the community they didn’t previously know. program, in the Man- work curriculum, JCLP students take classes in evening of Sunday, Many who participated found themselves want- agement and Lead- Judaic Studies and a professional seminar that March 21. ing more than the allotted 10 minutes to share ership Pathway. He examines the most pressing issues of Jewish Just before Rosh what they appreciate about the local Ann Arbor graduated from UM communal life. Hashanah, Fed- area community and to enjoy one another’s in Spring 2020 with a Brown’s internship at the Jewish Federation eration hosted Chef company. bachelor’s in Political of Greater Ann Arbor will support his learn- Solomonov for the The March event with Chef Solomonov will Science, minoring in ing towards a career in nonprofit fund devel- first in a three-part feature a special Sephardic Passover dish called Judaic Studies. opment. “I am eager to utilize fundraising as a series of entertaining mina — a savory matzah pie stuffed with juicy Originally from means to give more people opportunities and cooking demonstra- ground beef (or eggplant, potatoes, spinach, or Evanston, Illinois, close the income inequality gap,” Brown says tions, followed by a cheese for vegetarians). Leaving nothing to the Ezra Brown Brown comes to this about his social work-inspired career goals. Michael Solomonov Hanukkah-themed traditional, Chef Solomonov’s version includes internship with experience in both Jewish Fed- Over the course of the coming year, Brown demonstration in December 2020. These events coffee and cardamom spice, and is topped with eration work and nonprofit fundraising. As a will support efforts of the Jewish Community were held in appreciation of those who made a Passover charoset. high school student, he participated in the Lewis Foundation (the planned giving arm of the gift or pledge to the Jewish Federation of Greater The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor Summer Internship Program at Chicago’s Jew- Federation) and the Federation’s database man- Ann Arbor’s Annual Community Campaign. provides and inspires philanthropic leadership ish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metro- agement and reporting, and work with various Solomonov, Head Chef at Israeli-themed and community building to nurture a strong, politan Chicago. There, he learned about Jewish Federation engagement groups. Brown can be restaurant Zahav, offered a demonstration of engaged, connected, vibrant, and enduring Federations through support and cultivation reached at [email protected]. n multiple recipes for participants to try at home community locally, in Israel and around the in advance of each holiday, including honey- world. The cooking demonstration with Chef glazed chicken for Rosh Hashanah and sfenj, a Solomonov will be open to and in appreciation Moroccan donut, for Hanukkah. of donors to Federation’s 2021 Annual Com- Jewish Federation opens nominations Solomonov’s appearance is a collaboration munity Campaign. Like last fall’s events, the between the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Greater Ann Arbor community will have an op- for board and other positions Arbor and 32 other Jewish Federations across the portunity to gather for a local appreciation be- Eileen Freed, special to the WJN country. While a program like this would have fore the cooking demonstration begins. There been cost-prohibitive to the Ann Arbor com- is no cost to attend the event for donors to the he Jewish Federation of Greater Ann security, maintain staffing during COVID, and munity if held in person, digital platforms have 2021 Campaign. Arbor invites community members to address social service needs. provided increased opportunity for community For more information or to register for the Texpress their interest in volunteer lead- In addition to fundraising to meet current engagement over the last several months. More event, visit www.jewishannarbor.org/event/sol- ership positions for 2021–2022. Along with its needs, the planned giving arm of the Federation, than 200 local community members registered omonov-passover or contact Federation’s Com- professional team, Federation volunteers ad- the Jewish Community Foundation, provides for the Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah events. munications & Development Manager Rachel dress the most significant issues facing the Jew- donors the opportunity to endow organizations To add some personal flavor to the nation- Wall at [email protected] or (734) ish community. The Governance Committee of and programs they love and through LIFE & wide effort, the Jewish Federation of Greater 773-3533. n the Federation’s Board seeks to engage people LEGACY® is helping build a culture of legacy Ann Arbor held a private celebration before from across the community as committee vol- giving across the community. unteers, chairs, and board members. Federation works to engage the community The ideal Federation volunteers have — and with programs such as Jewish Young Profession- seek to further develop — skills in communi- als, Women’s Philanthropy, and Israel program- Jewish women to partner with The Last cations, fundraising, community-building, al- ming. Other engagement initiatives include locations, and event planning. Board members Partnership2Gether, which connects local com- Word bar for March 18 event in particular gain a strong perspective on the munity members to Israelis in Moshav Nahalal; Rachel Wall, special to the WJN overall needs of the community and work cre- and the Jewish Community Relations Commit- fter nearly a year of living in the each participant’s home. Everyone who regis- atively internally and with counterparts in other tee, which provides a platform for interaction pandemic, women of all ages are ters will receive a package, delivered in advance, organizations to address them. with other faith, ethnic, and civic communities Afeeling the strain of maintain- containing ingredients to mix their own craft The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County and an opportunity to be ing daily life and staying connected with one cocktails. Packages will also include snacks and provides and inspires philanthropic leadership present in broader communal issues as part of another. That’s why the Jewish Federation of a fun keepsake of the evening. Tickets cost just and community-building to nurture a strong, the Jewish community. Greater Ann Arbor invites Jewish women in the $36. engaged, connected, vibrant, and enduring Jew- From its unique position, the Jewish Federa- Ann Arbor area to take an evening to relax with Building on the success of a wine and ish community locally, in Israel, and around the tion convenes the community around issues of a drink and enjoy time socializing with other cheese tasting event in January 2020, this year’s world. Federation relies on the generous time of importance to a strong communal infrastruc- women. Schmooze and Booze aims to once again bring community volunteers to achieve its goals. ture. This includes addressing communal secu- On March 18 at 7:30 p.m., the Women’s Di- together Jewish women across generations. “I have gained so much from my involvement rity needs, fostering a welcoming and inclusive vision of the Jewish Federation will gather for Women who are retired and thinking about with Federation, and I wish to share that experi- environment for people of all abilities and back- an event called Schmooze and Booze: A Virtual grandchildren will be able to connect mean- ence with as many others who may have inter- grounds, and — most recently — providing re- Mixer with In-Person Drinks. With ample time ingfully with young mothers and women just est in our community and are seeking ways to sources and the space to collaborate to face the allotted to chatting and connecting with Jewish beginning their careers. In a time when so many productively channel it,” says current Federation challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. women across the community, the event will are feeling isolated, Federation hopes to offer an President Randy Milgrom. “We have a diverse Serving as a Federation volunteer means giv- feature a bartender from The Last Word bar fun, easy way for Jewish women in the Ann Ar- and engaged and vibrant board, and I hope not ing a few hours of your time on a regular basis to walk participants through mixing their own bor area to feel a sense of community for at least only to strengthen it, but to continue to provide to strengthen and enrich Jewish life locally and craft cocktails. one evening. a pipeline for new and young leaders well into an around the world. It is an opportunity to learn Known for its extensive and creative cock- The planning committee for this event in- even more secure future for our community.” and grow as a leader and to have one’s voice tail menu, The Last Word is a speakeasy-style cludes: Joelle Abramowitz, Sassa Akervall, Lara The Jewish Federation’s most well-known heard in shaping community for the next gen- bar hidden away at the corner of Huron and Kross, Susan Rebner, Leora Rubin, Marci Suke- function is the Annual Community Campaign, eration. 1st Street in downtown Ann Arbor. They’ve of- nic, Alyse Tankanow, and Sarajane Winkelman. which raises crucial, unrestricted funds our Individuals interested in serving on a com- fered pickup and delivery services for months, Event registration closes March 5. To reg- partner organizations need to operate, so they mittee or on the Federation Board of Directors but Federation is proud to engage them for this ister, visit JewishAnnArbor.org/Event/Wom- can focus on their missions serving the commu- should contact Eileen Freed at 734-773-3537 event uniquely adapted to a hybrid virtual/in- enMixing. For questions, contact Federation’s nity. Fundraising beyond the Annual Commu- or [email protected]. For more person space. Communications & Development Manager nity Campaign enables organizations to tackle information about Federation, visit www.jew- The event will take place entirely on Zoom, Rachel Wall at [email protected] or specific challenges, such as to improve building ishannarbor.org. n but it will be complemented by real supplies in (734) 773-3533. . n 8 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Jewish World

Gugulethu Moyo is the new executive director of the Tucson Jewish History Museum/Holocaust History Center. Continues from page 9 tinue with the mission of the museum, which tween that work and the role that Holocaust deeply connected Jew, a creative and brilliant not Jewish, because they make assumptions is to tell the story of Jewish experience in this museums can play. thinker, and an eternal learner. She has an ex- about what a Jewish person looks like.” particular region and also to place our history “A lot of the work human rights lawyers do, and pansive heart and a curious mind.” Those assumptions, Moyo said, are exactly alongside the history of others, to make con- human rights defenders do, would not be neces- Stutman said one of her favorite memories the sort that the museum will aim to dispel un- nections between the things we have experi- sary, I think, if people were educated about rights, of Moyo, who formally converted with Stut- der her leadership. enced as Jews with the experience of others in and about tolerance, and difference,” she said. man’s support, actually came after the couple “I am particularly interested in perhaps our wider community.” Moyo began exploring Judaism as a young left Washington. complicating the story that we tell about Jew- Tucson, with a population of about 540,000, adult, inspired by learning about the many hu- “I have so many stories to tell of traveling to ish identity,” she said. is less than an hour’s drive from the Mexico man rights lawyers in South Africa who rep- Israel together, studying Torah or just laughing Moyo also draws inspiration from stories border and is considered the birthplace of the resented Black anti-apartheid activists there. over one thing or another,” Stutman said. “But on her husband’s side of the family. His father “sanctuary” movement to provide refuge for She cited George Bizos, a non-Jewish refugee one of my favorite Gugu stories is of the year was a civil rights activist, arrested and beaten immigrants fleeing persecution in Central from the Nazis who attended Jewish schools in she decided to take the Sixth & I adult b’nai in Mississippi in 1964. His grandfather, Walter America. The Jewish museum recently launched South Africa and later was part of Nelson Man- mitzvah course. Midway through the year she Polacheck — their 6-year-old daughter’s great- a membership initiative called the Compelling dela’s legal team in the trial that resulted in his and her husband moved to New Delhi, where grandfather, she notes — was a physician serving Futures Collective that it says will be a “multi- 27-year imprisonment, as a particular inspira- he had been sent by the Foreign Service. But in the U.S. Army in World War II. After the war racial, multi-ethnic, multi-gender, intergenera- tion, as well as Albie Sachs, a Jewish attorney she was so committed to taking the class that in Europe he was sent to Nuremberg, where he tional, cross-class Jewish community … serving who was forced into exile because of his oppo- she would get up at 4:30 a.m. to Skype in! treated the Nazi leaders on trial for war crimes. as a voice of conscience and resisting anti-Semi- sition to apartheid but later helped write South “We still miss her and Joshua here in D.C., “This is history we talk about in our fam- tism and xenophobia with clarity and integrity.” Africa’s post-apartheid constitution and served but are so happy they’ve landed somewhere ily often and reflect on, and also what must Melissa Martens Yaverbaum, executive on its top court. (Sachs has agreed to deliver a that they all can thrive.” have been a really complicated experience to director of the Council of American Jewish lecture for the museum this spring.)” Although Jewish tradition discourages ask- be a Jewish American soldier” at that time and Museums, said she sees Moyo as an inspiring Then, in 2003, Moyo met the man who ing if someone is a Jew by choice, Moyo said she place, with many of his own extended family leader at a time when the role of Jewish muse- would become her husband, Joshua Polacheck, welcomes questions about her path to Judaism. wiped out in the Holocaust, she said. ums is evolving. then in the U.S. Foreign Service and posted to “The tradition of not asking is a comfort- The family included several Holocaust “Gugulethu is a thought leader in the dia- the U.S. Embassy in Harare. Polacheck, who is able one and a good one,” she said, but at the survivors until recently, she said, adding logue surrounding American Jewish muse- Jewish, had spent part of his childhood living same time, not telling stories about people who that “There are a lot of very personal reasons ums,” Yaverbaum said. “She contributes new, on Native American reservations with his par- become converts, and why, can mean missing why this work matters.” thoughtful directions for museums seeking ents, health care workers in the Indian Health an opportunity to educate about the array of An extended version of this story originally societal change, and will help us find our way Service, before settling in Tucson as a teen. Jewish experiences. appeared in the Arizona Jewish Post. as we aim to heal communities in these chal- In 2011, Moyo and Polacheck were living in “At this point, when we’re all talking about Correction (Feb. 8, 2020): This story origi- lenging times.” Washington, D.C., where they became involved inclusivity, those stories should be told,” she nally described George Bizos as a Jewish Ho- Moyo will draw on her diverse experiences with the Sixth & I synagogue. Senior Rabbi Shi- said, adding that what is uncomfortable is locaust survivor. It has been corrected to show to chart that course — starting with her own ra Stutman said she came to know Moyo as “a when people ask “because they think you are that he was not. n childhood in Zimbabwe. “One of my earliest childhood memories is of fleeing home in 1983 and 1984 when I was 6 years old and going into hiding during the Uniting to secure a bright Jewish future at JFNA’s Virtual Gukurahundi atrocities in which some 20,000 people from my ethnic group, Ndebele, were Mission to Washington murdered,” she said. Stephanie Glass, special to the WJN The massacres, which stemmed from a ri- n February 1 and 2, the Jewish Fed- significant community resources and time to cacy efforts, a chance many, especially those in valry between political parties, are classified as erations of North America (JFNA) raise these funds. It is critical that the Nonprofit smaller Jewish communities, may not normally a genocide by the International Association of Oheld its first-ever Virtual Mission to Security Grant Program not only continue but have had due to the distance and expense of Genocide Scholars. Washington D.C. Bringing together over 3,500 be expanded upon. I am thankful for JFNA traveling to the nation’s capital. “I grew up understanding that people in participants from Jewish communities around bringing the issues of the Jewish community to The Virtual Mission’s activities contin- power can decide they want to wipe out a the country, including greater Ann Arbor, the the forefront through this Virtual Mission” says ued beyond the busy programming schedule. group of people who are government oppo- mission connected individuals with political Throughout the day, nents or people from a different ethnic group leaders and policymakers from both sides of the mission participants — whatever the cause of the hatred is, they can aisle. The bipartisan mission focused on three received text messages eliminate the other group,” Moyo said. central areas: ensuring government resources highlighting JFNA’s Moyo, 45, is the daughter of an internation- for the institutions that keep Jewish life flour- 2021 policy agenda, ally recognized scholar on post-conflict con- ishing, advancing laws that fight antisemitism which includes allo- stitution-making who now teaches at Cornell and uphold a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, cating more funds to Law School. She saw becoming a lawyer as a and partnering to help maintain safe, inclusive, help Holocaust survi- way to work for democratic change in Zimba- and resilient communities. vors and developing bwe and earned a bachelor of law degree from Through programming like “Strategies and a comprehensive plan the University of Zimbabwe Harare in 1996. Resources for Protecting the Jewish Communi- to combat the rise of After serving as executive assistant to the CEO ty,” participants were able to hear directly from antisemitic incidents. at Zimbabwe’s mining industry pension fund, lawmakers. This included Speaker of the House The texts provided a Moyo earned another bachelor of law degree Nancy Pelosi and Senator Tim Scott of South link easily connecting from the University of Oxford in England. Carolina who spoke about the steps Congress individuals to their Returning to Zimbabwe, she was in-house is taking to ensure faith-based communities, Eileen Freed, Executive Director of the Federa- representatives through a pre-written email de- counsel at Zimbabwe’s only independent particularly the Jewish community, have the tion and Virtual Mission participant. tailing needs and proposed action steps. These newspaper, coordinating a team of lawyers resources needed to protect against and re- JFNA has long advocated for Jewish com- grassroots efforts highlight to lawmakers how challenging the government’s campaign to spond to extremist threats. One of the central munal priorities through its Washington D.C. important these issues are to their local com- censor and shut down independent media. In resources discussed is the Nonprofit Security office, ensuring the interests of its 146 Jewish munities and reinforce the impressive advocacy 2003, she was beaten and jailed amid a crack- Grant Program (NSGP), a FEMA grant that Federations and 300-plus network communi- work being done by JFNA’s government rela- down on the press and political opposition in provides support to nonprofit organizations ties are shared with members of Congress and tions professionals. an incident that drew international attention. at high risk of a terrorist attack. “Our Greater the administration. The recent success of JFNA’s While 2021 continues to carry the challeng- “Sadly, things haven’t improved,” she said Ann Arbor community directly benefited from advocacy efforts include lobbying in support of es brought forth in 2020, the Virtual Mission about Zimbabwe. the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which the CARES Act and expanding eligibility and served as a welcome and needed reminder on Leaving Zimbabwe, Moyo became a pro- will have a huge impact on the safety and se- increased funding for the Paycheck Protec- how collective action can bring about substan- gram lawyer and media relations adviser for curity of our community. This past September, tion Program. These efforts directly benefited tial change, an example long illustrated by the the International Bar Association in London. through NSGP applications we submitted, two thousands of Jewish nonprofits, including American Jewish community. Five years later she launched Media Defence, local organizations were awarded over $113,000 Federations, JCCs, and synagogues. Through Visit www.jewishtogether.org/take-action the first legal aid organization dedicated to de- in funds to make security upgrades recom- the free-of-charge Virtual Mission, the various to discover ways you can help promote JFNA’s fending media freedom worldwide. mended by the Secure Community Network. communities making up JFNA’s network were policy agenda and make your voice heard. n Moyo said she sees a clear connection be- Without the NSGP grants, it would have taken able to directly experience these robust advo-

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 9 I Feature

Looking for Rose: Conversation with my father Clare Kinberg, 15th installment in a series didn’t know until after my father’s death in non-Israelite tribes. I balk at telling my kids commanded you.” When I began teaching reli- been 44,000. By 1940 when Rose and Mr. A 1975 that his sister Rose had been excised what’s really written on the parchment of the gious school in the 1980s, I would not read this moved there, the Black population of Chicago Ifrom my Ashkenazi Jewish family after she ancient texts. text to my students, but rather I would assign had grown seven fold to about 280,000. Yet, married a non-Jewish Black man sometime But as I tell my family’s story, I’m learning to my students to research the ancient peoples the during those thirty years of growth, the area al- in the 1930s. I never met Rose, nor did I ever approach my inheritances, personal and com- Israelites lived among. Who were the Hittites, lowed to Chicago’s Black citizens expanded lit- speak about her to my father or any of his other munal, in a new way. Rabbi Jason Rubenstein etc.? Now I am asking, what more can I learn tle and became increasingly crowded. In order siblings. All of them have now passed away. and Dr. Judith Plaskow, contemporary Jewish from the revulsion I feel when reading these to make room for the people pouring into Chi- Finding little bits and pieces of Rose’s life is religious commentators on text, urge me to say words? As I write my family’s history, can I cago, former single family homes were divided solitary work; I’m alone with shadows. the words that are plainly written, even if ter- somehow repair the damage? into several “kitchenettes,” small apartments When I’m deep into the writing of this rible. In her essay “Preaching Against the Text,” When I was growing up in the white sub- with shared bathrooms: just the kind of apart- story, and still exploring how to tell it, chance urbs of St. Louis, Missouri, our family’s social ment three generations of the Younger family encounters will sometimes open a window. I circle was completely Jewish. When I was seven in Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking play recently attended a public lecture on the 12th (1962) and Black families had started moving “A Raisin in the Sun” lived in, and wanted to century Jewish philosopher Maimonides given into our near-to-the-city neighborhood, my escape from. by a family friend, Dr. Bernie Steinberg. When family joined the flight to a solidly white sub- White Chicagoans did not only flee to the Bernie delineated Maimonides’ process for urb further west. In this newly built subdivision suburbs, as my family had. They used any having necessary conversations about hurt, of in an unincorporated area near Creve Coeur, means necessary to maintain racial segregation moving forward from damage, with love, he about half the families were Jewish, and I knew in housing. The thrown bricks, bombings, fires, seemed to be talking directly to me. each one. Some had lived on the same blocks as and beatings that accompanied any attempt of Bernie translates Maimonides’ advice on my father when he was a kid. Black families to move beyond certain confines criticizing a friend’s behavior into everyday I don’t remember ever having non-Jews as were recorded in The Chicago Defender and English: First, name the hurt; do not ignore guests in our home. It was an unstated norm. several other Black newspapers. or bury it. If a friend (or family member) But the separation from African Americans was In the play “A Raisin in the Sun,” the white does damage, the mitzvah, according to Mai- different. While several Black men worked for “neighborhood improvement association” of- monides, is to enable the person to repair the my father in his used machinery business and fered to pay the working class Youngers to not hurt. Ask them, why did you do this? Then, if Black women occasionally cleaned our house, move into the house they’d purchased with the there is sincere regret, and the person asks for- my father instructed my siblings and I to never elder Mr. Younger’s life insurance policy. The giveness, they should be forgiven. If there is no bring a Black friend into our home. My father’s playwright had refracted traumatic incidents regret, go back to the person again and again, racism stunned me, drove an unbreachable from her own family’s lives. When Lorraine and then move on. However, there is no good wedge between us, and influenced me in ways I was a young teen she had been almost killed by purpose in shaming the wrongdoer. struggle to unravel. Its bitterness mystified me, a block of cement thrown through the window I’m trying to have this conversation with Plaskow writes, “Remaining silent about the which in turn created an ill-defined edge to my of the home her father had purchased in a pre- my father, who died 45 years ago. The deeper I negative aspects of tradition not only leaves rebellion against both him and the racism that viously all-white neighborhood just south of get into the story of his sister Rose, the closer I them to do their work in the world, it also de- permeated everything around us. Washington Park, less than 10 blocks from the get to naming the damage caused by his racism prives us of an important spiritual resource.” My father was certainly not alone in enforc- kitchenette where Rose and Mr. A were living. and the hurt I feel that my father, rather than Plaskow concludes, “I do not believe that we ing strict racial segregation. He was among the The once-upon-a-time single family home being repelled by racial prejudice, adopted have any choice other than to make choices majority of white Americans. There is no point at 5168 S. Michigan Avenue where Rose and the racist’s ugly ways. My writing this story is about what we accept and repudiate in tradi- to shaming him, even regret is pointless. But Mr. A lived had been divided into kitchenettes helping me to name the hurt. I try to under- tion. But we do have a choice as to whether we telling the story over and over — looking for for seven families. In a 2003 Chicago Tribune stand why Rose wasn’t a part of our family’s leave the negative to do its silent, poisonous meaning — is the way of my people. article about properties designated to be torn life. What can I do with the regret I feel? Can I work like an old family secret, or whether we While my father strived to surround his down I found this about the building they lived name the wrong with hope rather than shame? turn and grapple with ambiguity and ugliness, children with familiar white Jewish families, his in: “To be sure, some orange-rated buildings My intention to absolutely reject the racism and force them to yield up meaning. Confront- sister Rose had moved from St. Louis to Chi- are too far gone to save, such as the once grand, I’d grown up with has also included jettison- ing the hard places in tradition and in our lives cago’s Black Belt, the near south side area of the 117-year-old Victorian home at 5168 S. Michi- ing much of the biblical and prophetic texts is neither comfortable nor easy.” city that was home to 90% of Chicago’s Black gan Ave. Though it retains its fanciful turret, it that form the backbone of Jewish tradition. In Deuteronomy, the last book of the To- residents. I’ve spent years reading about Chi- looks like something out of a gothic novel, with The texts are so peppered with racism and mi- rah, it is written that Moses says, “In the cities cago in the early 1940s, trying to get a feel for broken windows and rickety front steps. A re- sogyny as to be, it seemed to me, irredeemable. of the nations the Lord your God is giving you the complex, roiling currents that were formed quest to demolish the structure is pending.” In As a parent and teacher, I often invent new sto- as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything when African Americans from all parts of the the 1980s, it had been listed on a register of his- ries, based on the biblical ones — stories that that breathes. Completely destroy them — the South pulled up stakes and relocated to the toric Washington Park structures; it has since include active and named women, for example, Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hiv- Windy City on Lake Michigan. been replaced with condos. n and that exclude the God-directed genocide of ites, and Jebusites — as the Lord your God has In 1910, Chicago’s Black population had Stronger together, for our future By Laurie Greenberg

“The good we do does live after us, and it is Arbor Jewish institution for years to come. long friendships while our children gained by far the most important thing that does.” This program provides the HDS commu- a strong appreciation for their Jewish roots Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. nity a unique and straightforward means to and experienced an exemplary education. The Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor is demonstrate deep gratitude for the school by We view this legacy commitment as an op- one of eleven local Jewish agencies and syna- simply committing to designate a portion of portunity to be a part of something larger gogues proud to participate in the LIFE & a will, trust, retirement account, or life insur- than ourselves. It requires zero financial ob- LEGACY® program. ance policy towards the future of HDS. ligation during our lifetime yet still allows us This LIFE & LEGACY initiative is an in- HDS has been responsible for helping to build towards the future sustainability of credible and meaningful program developed shape the hearts and minds of children in the HDS that we may not be in a position to do and supported by The Harold Grinspoon Ann Arbor Jewish community for over 40 today. Foundation and facilitated by our own Jew- years. Well beyond a typical education, it has Because of the impact that HDS has had ish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. been instrumental in teaching our children on our family, we have already completed a Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor was the core values of what it means to be a Jew, “Letter of Intent,” promising a portion of our eager to participate in this special program and how to be principled, ethical, passionate, finances to be given back to the community that will enable all of the generous past, pres- intellectually curious, and thoughtful. after our passing. My husband and I wanted ent, and future supporters of HDS to leave a My husband and I feel a deep sense of to ensure that for generations to come, the legacy gift to HDS. Together, these generous gratitude for the opportunities that Hebrew Hebrew Day School will be able to thrive and gifts build an endowment that helps to en- Day School of Ann Arbor provided our chil- provide meaningful moments to many fu- sure that HDS remains a vibrant, strong Ann dren and our family. We have created life- ture generations of Jewish families. n 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Community

Hillel Café launches three new programs Stacy Carroll, special to the WJN he Hillel Café at Michigan Hillel con- tinues to reinvent its menu offerings Tto make their homemade, healthy, and kosher options fully accessible to stu- dents and community members throughout the week. Working within the most recent health and safety guidelines, Chef Jona- than Shepard recently launched several new programs that are all no-contact, pick-up friendly. These include a new Take & Bake program, Friday Shabbat Dinners, and Pop- Up Café specials. Through Take & Bake diners may pur-

chase individual meals ($15) or family-style meals for four ($48), which are fully cooked and ready to reheat and serve. Each meal comes complete with the diner’s choice of entree, two sides, a soup or salad option, and a challah roll. This program is open for all to enjoy Monday through Thursday, with just one hour’s notice prior to pick up. Most recently featured items on the Take & Bake menu have been Israeli chicken with a to- mato and olive sauce, honey-orange glazed salmon, lemon-paprika herbed chicken, and more. With great success, The Hillel Café has also begun to offer its Shabbat meals to com- munity members. For $15 per meal, diners may choose from four entree options of beef, chicken, fish, and vegetarian, with set sides and a dessert. Orders must be received by the end of day Tuesday for no-contact pick up at Hillel on Friday afternoon. Early favorites from the Café this year have includ- ed Mongolian beef, traditional braised beef brisket, BBQ lentil-stuffed sweet potatoes, and seared Moroccan salmon. And to keep us all on our toes, Chef Jonathan has started to host midweek Pop- Up Café events featuring one hot entree of- fered in limited quantities. Pop-Up meals are available on a first come, first serve basis. Follow all of the Café’s changing weekly menus through the University of Michigan Hillel Facebook page and new Instagram ac- count exclusively for Hillel Café updates @ HillelEats. Reserve Take & Bake and Shab- bat meals at michiganhillel.org/dining and Pop Up Café specials at michiganhillel.org/ popup. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 11 I Congregations

AARC events in March The Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congre- Shabbat services 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Shmita Year Workshops The second workshop in the series, Creat- gation is holding all of its events online. For Sunday March 21, noon ing Economic Justice, will be Sunday, March more information about services or events or Havdalah and Healing: Marking One Year 21, noon to 1 p.m. The speakers will be Greg to receive Zoom links, please email aarcgil- of the Pandemic in Our Lives AARC and The Jewish Alliance for Food, Watson, Director of Policy and Systems De- [email protected]. Visit the AARC website at Saturday March 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Land and Justice are partnering with Ekar sign at the Schumacher Center for a New aarecon.org. Join AARC to mark the one-year anniversary Farm and other national organizations to Economics and Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster, of the pandemic with a ritual to hold our explore the connections between the biblical Deputy Director, T’ruah. Pre-Passover Workshops personal and collective losses and our hope Watson’s work currently Tech Tips for Leading Your Virtual Seder: for healing. We will mourn the loved ones focuses on community food Learn some helpful tech tips for your seder we have lost, acknowledge the changes in our systems and the dynamics be- from teachers who have been utilizing on- lives, and set hopes and intentions for heal- tween local and geo-econom- line technology throughout the pandemic. ing and better days to come. ic systems. Watson has spent How To Make Your Own Haggadah: Fourth Friday Shabbat: nearly 40 years learning to For those who are virtually hosting a seder March 26th, 6:30 p.m. understand systems thinking this year, Deb Kraus will lead a class on how Come connect with community, rest, re- as inspired by Buckminster to make your own haggadah. charge, rejuvenate. Everyone welcome. Fuller and to apply that un- derstanding to achieve a just and sustainable Passover Art and Midrash: AARC Community Book Club: agricultural tradition of Shmita (“release”) world. Artists Carol Levin and Idelle Hammond-Sass The next AARC book group meeting will take — the Sabbatical year — and contemporary Rabbi Kahn-Troster is lead strategist will lead an art and midrash workshop that will place on Sunday from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom, issues of economic, environmental, immi- on T’ruah’s human rights campaigns. She include expressive art-making and sharing fo- April 11. If you are interested in receiving the gration, and food justice. The next Shmita heads the organizing and training of more cused on the Passover theme of “Dayenu.” URL for the Zoom link, please email Greg year begins in the fall of 2021. than 2,000 rabbis and cantors. Since 2007 To learn more about these online workshops, Saltzman, [email protected]. In each program of a six-part series, she has organized against U.S.-sponsored visit our website, aarecon.org. Rabbi Ora will lead a discussion of Bryan we’ll learn from national leaders in the first torture in the war on terror, initiated cam- Stevenson’s , a 368-page nonfic- hour. In the second hour, we’ll gather as a Second Saturday Ta’Shma/Come and Learn: Just Mercy paigns against human trafficking and forced tion book about unfair treatment by the Washtenaw community (via Zoom) to un- March 13 labor, to end solitary confinement, to fight criminal justice system of those who are im- pack our reactions and consider their local Ta’Shma and Shabbat Morning Service: against mass incarceration, and for human poverished or black. significance. Register for the class (note the “Pray What!?” Ta’Shma 10 a.m. rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. suggested donation of $18), and learn more Rachel spearheads T’ruah’s critical partner- about the partnership and upcoming pro- ship with the Coalition of Immokalee Work- AAOM’s melave malka series grams on the Ekar Farm website, ekarfarm. ers in Florida, and leads Jewish community org. For questions, contact Carole Caplan- in worker-led campaigns for corporate ac- Robert Savit, special to the WJN Sosin at [email protected]. countability. n he Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan has Pioneer High School, and the University of organized a series of Saturday evening Michigan Musical Theater Program, was a dis- T(melave malka) Zoom events, co-spon- cussion of his new book The Way Back, a finalist sored by Beth Israel Congregation, Temple Beth for the 2020 National Book Award and winner of Environmental education at AARC Emeth, and the Ann Arbor Reconstruction- the Jewish Book Council 2020 Award for Young ist Congregation. The presenters in this series Adult Literature. The Way Back is a fantasy novel religious school all have connections to the Ann Arbor Jewish set in a 19th century shtetl, and is the story of Gillian Jackson, special to the WJN Community. The two that two Jewish children, Bluma and Yehuda Leib, P L E A S E J O I N U S F O R O U R T H I R D have already taken place, who both suffer losses of people close to them, n the thoroughly Jewish spirit of making As a service project for Hanukkah, the by ProfessorMELA VZviE Gitelman, and end up traveling to the Land of the Dead in the best of a bad situation, the Ann Arbor school removed invasive plants from Mary Emeritus Professor of Po- a quest to reclaim the souls of their lost relatives. IReconstructionist Congregation Beit Se- Beth Doyle Park in Ann Arbor. This envi- litical ScienceMALK atA UM, and by The children finally confront Death itself, and fer religious school has taken the opportuni- ronmental education project taught students ty to move the classroom outside during the about the importance of native plants, and GavrielFeaturing Savit, author M wereenache mrecorded come to a deeper understanding of the role of and are availableKaiser to view at Death in life. Aside from being a fantasy/adven- COVID-19 allowed them the opportunity to give during https://youtu.be/cEeG73SS A T U R D A Y M A R C H 1 3 - ture story full of conflict and demons, the book pandemic. a time of year focused on receiving. 8 : 0 0 P M Beit Sefer di- And finally, to celebrate Tu B’Shvat stu- gWqwMenachem' s (Gitelman)debut memoir and also raises profound philosophical and psycho- Plunder: A Memoir of Family rector Clare dents independently partook in a Champion https://www.youtube.com/Property and Nazi Treasure (out logical questions. Savit discussed some of the March 16, 2021 from Houghton Kinberg has Tree Hunt! A Champion tree designation is watch?v=8D8Ufhv8ysUMifflin H(Savit).arcourt) is an i nAcisi vthirde and event, personal experiences that influenced the book, engaging “3G” story of a young created a awarded to the largest tree of a particular in which Menachemm aKaisern returning willto hi stalk family ’sabout his as well as the relationship of elements of the book ancestral home (alte heim) on the curriculum species in a given municipality. You can learn new book Plunder: A PMemoirolish-German b oofrde rFamily in search of Property to aspects of Jewish folk culture, and to the struc- a connection with a grandfather that encour- more about Ann Arbor’s Champion trees on and Nazi Treasure, willhe ne vetaker met— aplacend the re laontives the eve- ture and content of fantasy literature, in general. ning of March 13 at h7:30e never k np.m.ew he ha d.(To register for On March 13, the AAOM series presents ages families the city’s website. Students were excited to this event go to https://www.annarborminyan.CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Menachem Kaiser who will talk about his new to get outside learn that their neighborhoods were host to org/ and click the registration link on the flyer book, on sale March, 2021. Menachem Kaiser, for almost the largest tree of a given species in the entire for the event.) a graduate of the University of Michigan’s MFA every holiday city of Ann Arbor! Families learned about Zvi Gitelman’s presentation, “Can you know writing program, is a Brooklyn-based writer this year! responsible forestry and the importance Yiddish without knowing Yiddishkeit,” was whose work has appeared in the Wall Street To open up the year, Beit Sefer took a vir- of maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem. a fascinating discussion of the ways in which Journal, The Atlantic, New York, BOMB, Vogue, tual field trip to the Barn Sanctuary in Chel- During their visit, the kids took notice of the traditional Jewish social and religious practices and elsewhere. From the online book descrip- sea. As part of the Elul curriculum, lessons large size of the Champion trees and shared inform the idiomatic structure of Yiddish. For tion: “Menachem Kaiser’s brilliantly told story, focused on compassionate care for the ani- pictures. example, the Yiddish phrase which translates as woven from improbable events and profound mals that humans rely on and how human The school plans to continue the theme “Noach with seven mistakes” takes on its rich, revelations, is set in motion when the author activity affect the animals’ environments. of environmental education in its permanent typically sarcastic Yiddish meaning only when takes up his Holocaust-survivor grandfather’s The kids learned about the care required to curriculum. Beit Sefer focuses its curriculum you realize that in Hebrew and Yiddish Noach former battle to reclaim the family’s apartment rehabilitate abused farm animals and had the on Jewish values and ethics, history, diver- is spelled with only two letters. You have to re- building in Sosnowiec, Poland … A surprise dis- opportunity to ask lots of questions! sity, prayer, and Hebrew language. Empha- ally go out of your way to make seven mis- covery — that his grandfather’s cousin not only For Sukkot, families were encouraged sizing critical inquiry and self-expression, takes when spelling “Noach.” In this regard see survived the war, but wrote a secret memoir to visit a local congregant’s sukkah. Fami- the school uses a project-based learning ap- also the wonderfully hilarious https://youtu. while a slave laborer in a vast, secret Nazi tun- lies had the opportunity to shake the lulav proach to stimulate students’ creativity and be/6gGzCok9swU by Yelena Shmulenson and nel complex — leads to Kaiser being adopted as and smell the citron on their own time, in a involvement in Jewish community. If you Allen Lewis Rickman, which deals with the ways a virtual celebrity by a band of Silesian treasure socially distanced fashion. In normal years, would like to take part in this amazing year in which Jewish culture is expressed in Yiddish seekers who revere the memoir as the indispens- Beit Sefer families host an annual commu- of environmental education or learn more idioms. able guidebook to Nazi plunder … Kaiser im- nity campout for Sukkot. Allowing the chil- about Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congre- The presentation by Gavriel Savit, an Ann merses readers in profound questions that reach dren to have part of this experience was a gation’s Beit Sefer program, please visit the Arbor native and graduate of Hillel Day School, far beyond his personal quest.” n very valuable way to bring familiarity to this website aarecon.org or email aarcgillian@ strange year. gmail.com. n 12 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Community

Pardes Hannah events in March Community conversation on interfaith ardes Hannah events take place in (The Book of Radiance), surely the central Zoom. All interested participants and most richly evocative work of Spanish collaboration Pare welcome. Information, includ- Kabbalah. The purpose is to enable partici- Rebecca Belkin and Kayla Kapen, special to the WJN ing Zoom links, on these or any of our on- pants to learn how to read the Zohar and to he Jewish Communal Leadership learn about how this important work can going services, rituals, circles, and teachings enter its symbolic universe and hear its inner Program at the University of Michi- lead to justice and better support for all our can be found on the Pardes Hannah website music. Text study will be enriched by conver- gan School of Social Work invites all communities. at https://pardeshannah.org/ or call Renee sation and spiritual practices. Texts will be T to join their annual community conversa- The students hope community members Robbins at 734-904-5459. provided in English, Aramaic, and Hebrew. tion program, Building Bridges in a Divided will join them March 18 to engage in this Chant Circle For texts and questions, contact Rabbi Elliot World: The Role of Interfaith Collaboration meaningful dialogue and think about the Ginsburg, [email protected]. Sunday, March 7 in Justice Work. opportunities that forming relationships The Zoom event, organized by the pro- across difference and engaging in interfaith 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rosh Chodesh Nisan Circle gram’s second-year cohort, will take place work provides. Please check the University Using short scriptural texts, the Chant Circle Sunday, March 14 on Thursday evening, March 18. Panelists of Michigan School of Social Work web- will explore a theme, set personal intentions, who are involved in interfaith work across site for the chant, sit in silence, and reflect on the ex- 7–8:30 p.m. perience inwardly or by sharing. For infor- The Rosh Chodesh Circle begins with rituals, mation or questions, contact Linda Greene, chants, and setting of intentions, followed [email protected]. by delving into the Kabbalistic perception of the energy of the coming month. For more Rosh Chodesh Nisan Online information, contact Lucinda Kurtz, lucin- Minyan [email protected]. Sunday, March 14 Shabbat Morning Service 9–10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 20 Pardes Hannah’s Rosh Chodesh Online 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Minyan meets monthly to celebrate the new Join Pardes Hannah for the opportunity to Hilary Forrest Simi Adler Courtney Bushnell moon, weaving davening with teachings pray, chant, meditate, share, connect heart to from Kabbalah on the unique qualities of heart, and celebrate the gift of Shabbat and each Hebrew month, which offer special op- Community. For questions, contact Rabbi portunities for inner reflection and spiritual Elliot Ginsburg, [email protected]. growth. For more information, contact Ga- brielle Pescadore, [email protected]. Sefirat ha-Omer Zohar Study & Practice Sunday, March 28 7–7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14 Join Pardes Hannah as we begin our count- 11 a.m.–1 p.m. ing of the Omer. n The focus of these sessions is the Zohar Kayla Kapen Meredith Berlin Rebecca Belkin Jewish music with local roots: Aly Halpert the country will discuss the important role registration link at https://ssw.umich.edu/ faith-based organizations have had in using offices/jewish-communal-leadership-pro- by Terri Ginsburg, special to the WJN their platforms to vocalize societal issues, gram. If you have any questions regarding y Halpert is a talented singer, guitar Tu B’Shvat. It is exciting to have new songs responding to community needs during the event, please email Paige Walker at vp- player, song writer, and community written on these topics that will appeal to COVID-19, and promoting understanding [email protected]. n among diversity through dialogue. There builder who grew up in Ann Arbor Jewish children. The other songs on her al- Rebecca Belkin and Kayla Kapen are second- A will also be smaller group discussions in and currently lives in Millerton, New York. bum for children, Nipple Confusion, reflect year students in the Jewish Communal breakout rooms, to allow for more engaging Halpert writes songs on a variety of topics: some of the less sung-about challenges in the Leadership Program studying Community and intimate dialogue. JCLP’s second-year politics including Black Lives Matter and a lives of children. There is a song, “You Can Organizing and Management of Human cohort is thrilled and honored to invite the song about Trump, songs of healing, songs Still Cry”, about a child who is protesting Services, respectively. with Jewish content, and children’s songs. being strapped into a car seat. Halpert ex- experiences of interfaith professionals and Her songs are plained that it is also about the importance beautiful, some- of young people (and all of us) being able times humorous, to feel our feelings, whether they are about I miss my shul and carry impor- seemingly small things or big things. By Dvora Schulman tant messages for Halpert’s Jewish background is varied. uring these last ten months, this our Ann Arbor Chabad House has in our our times. She enjoyed her experience at Beth Israel global pandemic has disrupted our lives and our community. With that aware- What struck Religious School and was involved with the lives in both small and enormous ness has come a need and an opportunity me when I lis- Jewish community at Oberlin College. It was D ways. Going into another spike, another to ensure that long after this pandemic, the tened to her during a seder there that she began a jour- lockdown, another quarantine, what can I Ann Arbor Chabad House will continue and music is how ney of understanding the vast implications say that we haven’t already said? What can I grow. she integrates of Judaism that could be used to make the write that you haven’t already read? I thought that only wealthy people could Hebrew phrases world better. Halpert built on this with four I miss my shul. make a lasting impact with a meaningful gift from the liturgy, Jewish concepts, and nig- summers at Eden Village Camp as a music Not that there aren’t plenty of Zoom to support our pivotal Jewish organizations. gunim (wordless melodies) into her songs. specialist and herbalist. She continues her classes. Last May, when my grandson turned I’ve learned that by being part of Life & Leg- Halpert’s songs are fresh and original, yet Jewish learning with queer and leftist Jewish three, we had a drive-by upshernish. On acy, it is possible for all of us to make certain somehow feel very familiar because of their communities. Shavuot, we were thrilled to receive a box that the Ann Arbor Chabad House is able to Jewish content. Aly takes a traditional prayer The harmonies on Halpert’s recordings with everything but the ice cream. On Rosh continue to serve every Jew forever. Please such as Modeh Ani (I thank you God) and are beautiful and her songs and their mes- Hashanah, we had outdoor services and join me and be remembered forever with a puts it into feminine language (Modah sages stay with the listener. I was especially blew the shofar. On Hanukkah, hot latkes gift in your will, trust, retirement account, Ani) making it more accessible to girls and taken with her version of Ana Elna Refana individually packaged were delivered to our or life insurance policy. Feel free to contact women. She also refers to God as ruach, La, a prayer about healing. She performed car, drive-in style, at an extraordinary park- me to learn more about this opportunity to spirit, rather than the traditional word used, this during her Zoom Havdallah Concert ing lot event complete with large screen ensure that what you value continues for melech, which means king. The beautiful sponsored by Temple Beth Emeth. video and music. your children’s children and for generations melody that she creates for the prayer gives Watch for upcoming performances and I miss my community. to come. Looking forward to connecting it new energy. check out Halpert’s music at alyhalpert.com/ One of the big takeaways for me has been via Zoom please reach out to dgschulman@ As a former Jewish educator, I was de- music. This music is sure to uplift and in- the deep understanding of the special role gmail.com. n lighted to hear the songs that Halpert wrote spire you during these difficult times. n for children on the topics of Havdallah and Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 13 Attending shiva during the pandemic Jack Zaientz, special to the WJN wo years ago, on a chilly fall night, I the shared memory, and a community member awkwardly entered the house of a fam- hearing it for the first time. We mourned and Tily I didn’t know. I was wearing a tie and laughed together in an overflowing room and a heavy coat, but not a mask. No masks yet. It knew the deceased a bit better. was the first time I had attended a shiva since Shiva during the COVID-19 pandemic has stepping into the role as Vice President for Re- changed some the traditions, but not the most ligious Practice at Temple Beth Emeth. Shiva is important aspects. Instead of walking into a the Jewish week-long mourning period after stranger’s house, we log into Zoom. Clothing is the death of a close relative. It had long been a more casual, and we eat our own snacks. What tradition at TBE that members of the Board of we lose in that feeling of an overflowing room we Trustees attended shiva minyans in the homes gain back in seeing faces and hearing voices from of members of our congregation, but it was a around the country. At one shiva this fall, the de- tradition that had waned over the years. This ceased was the parent of a good friend of mine in was a good year to revive it. And so, I stood out- the congregation, and the funeral and shiva took side the home of a member who was mourn- place on the east coast. His family laughed and ing, not sure what it meant for me to be there bickered while waiting for the shiva to start. They or how I would be received. I did not anticipate sounded so much like my family in Connecticut how moving and meaningful attending the shi- that I felt like I’d been temporarily adopted. va would be, how much it would mean to the Because of the pandemic, attending a shiva family, and how, almost two dozen shivas later, is easier now than ever. TBE sends out “Sad attending shiva for strangers would become a News” announcements after the death of a regular part of my life. member of the congregation or the death of one During the shiva service, I was jammed back of their loved ones. I’m sure all congregations in in a corner next to a tall plant in a room filled Ann Arbor do the same. The email provides the with the family and friends of the person who date, time, Zoom link (or equivalent), and an had died. I had made my greetings and given my invitation to join. That invitation really is for all condolences to the family, who had been warm of us. Not just the close friends and family. It and gracious, and nodded at the few congrega- is a great mitzvah to visit the house of mourn- tion members that I knew. I listened to Rabbi ers. It is our job, even as strangers, to hear the Whinston chant kaddish and read moving words stories, to join in the prayers, and to fill the (vir- from the prayerbook. I felt like I was unnecessary, tual) room to bursting. Our tradition calls us to an observer and outsider to the family’s private comfort the mourner, whether we know that pain. It took me another five or six shivas before person or not. As a room fills, whether physical I realized I had it completely backwards. Being or virtual, seeing the faces of our community jammed into a room full of mourners was the gathering helps bring mourners some degree of RSVP and register for this Zoom event at entire point. We were there to fill the place. For comfort in a very difficult time. And after that http://ssw.umich.edu/r/jclpcc21 each family member telling a story about the de- we’re not strangers anymore. n parted, there was a family member nodding at

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 15 I Washtenaw Israel Connection

The J goes to Israel without leaving Clara Silver, special to the WJN he Jewish Community Center of dividual activities or as a tour package, which The volunteer planning group estab- the services we provide to the community, Greater Ann Arbor will be hosting a will include all the individual activities, as lished goals for the trip that include bring- but now we are ready to look beyond the Tfirst of its kind “trip” to Israel, the Is- well as a bonus opening session so that the ing joy to participants, gaining knowledge, pandemic. To do that we need the financial rael Experience, this May 2021, an all-ages, tour group can get to know each other and engaging with each other and Israel, expe- resources to build the future set out in the completely online, multi-day travel style ex- enjoy their “flight” to Israel. There will also riencing something truly unique, as well as 2030 Vision. The Israel Experience allows us raising significant funds to support the Ann to take those first steps towards that future.” Arbor JCC. The content areas they have The 2030 Vision, currently available at identified for the various “stops” on the trip jccannarbor.org under “About the J,” is the touch on both ancient and modern Israel, culmination of two years of community and include ecology and the natural world, conversations, completed shortly before the technology and innovation, visual and per- pandemic, and imagines the Ann Arbor JCC forming arts, cultivation and food culture, of the near future. From expanded facilities society and culture, ethnic diversity, and his- to enhanced programs and services, the 2030 torical touch points. In addition, there will Vision demonstrates the possibilities the be a “stop” at Ann Arbor’s partnership com- community imagined for the next iteration munity, Moshav Nahalal. Board member and of the organization. Board member, plan- Israel Experience committee chairperson ning committee member, and experience Prue Rosenthal explains that, “we are plan- design expert Robin Pollak explains, “this ning unique experiences where participants online travel experience to Israel is an ex- don’t simply watch something on a screen, ample of the enhanced programming that but actually get involved with the activity this organization is capable of offering into and each other.” the future, as well as an opportunity for sup- The Israel Experience is also designed to porters to contribute to making that future support the Ann Arbor JCC as it looks to- a reality.” wards the end of the pandemic, and prepares Individual events will be available for $18 to build for its future. The D. Dan and Betty each, while the complete tour package will Kahn Foundation grant originally slated for be $180 each. Sponsorship starts at $500 and perience that promises to be as unique as it be a bonus closing celebration as part of the travel subsidies and enhancing programs of- various levels include additional recognition will be exciting. Participants will need nei- total package “ticket.” Destinations range fered through the Israel Center at the J will and benefits. Information about the Israel ther luggage nor passports to engage in in- from traditional, like Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, pivot to help raise funds through the Israel Experience, sponsor opportunities, and tick- teractive experiences like home visits, nature to more unique such as “behind the ropes” Experience. Executive Director David Stone et information is available online at jccan- walks, city tours, art workshops, and more. tours that would not normally be allowed said, “we have spent a lot of time over the narbor.org. Israel Experience tour package The Israel Experience will be available as in- during in-person visits. last year working hard to maintain the J and and event tickets will go on sale in April. n

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16 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Washtenaw Israel Connection

Past and future of the National Library of Israel By Shifra Epstein n its 120-plus years of history, August 18, between the Israel Museum to the south and the 2020, marked a first for the National Library Knesset to the east. It is part of a “secular acropo- Iof Israel as it closed its doors to the public. lis” in Jerusalem that mixes education (univer- Budget cuts and the economic upheaval caused sity), government (Knesset and government by the COVID-19 pandemic forced the library buildings), and culture (the Israel Museum). to temporarily stop all public services and to put Designed by two Israeli architect graduates of some 300 employees on unpaid leave. the Technion, Ziva Armeni and Hanan Havron, With some four million physical items stored the NLI is considered among the earliest icons in the complex, 100,000 of those considered rare of Israeli architecture. It spans approximately — as well as 60 million digitized items — the 14,000 square meters. Three basement floors closure of Israel’s national library could be the form a terrace on the mountain. Above, col- Jewish state’s most prominent cultural loss due umns support a wholly transparent first floor. A

The new library famous writers. In 2022 the NLI is planning to move to a new One of the major changes will be the reading building. With the land donated by the State of area. In the old library there were separate read- Israel, the library will remain in the same gen- ing rooms for Judaica, Israel, Islam, the reno- eral location, a prestigious setting among the vated maps, traveling book, history of science, Supreme Court and the Hebrew University of archive, photography, and Hebrew manuscripts. Jerusalem Books and vitrines containing the library’s col- The construction on the new building is a lection will be left at the center of the library, major milestone in the NLI transformative re- “forming a foundation and necessary balance newal process, which aims to preserve and open against constant technological change.” access to the cultural and intellectual treasures of the State of Israel and the Jewish people safe- The old NLI has a special place in guarded in its collections. my heart The "old" NLI building The new building is part of the library shap- When I was student at the Hebrew Universi- to the pandemic. massive, almost completely opaque block hous- ing itself to the values, challenges, requirements, ty between 1965–1968, the library was the heart For many Israelis and especially among those es the upper two floors of the building. There and technological developments of libraries in of the campus, bustling with activity. I spent a who are privileged users of the library, the clos- were no windows. The building represents the the 21st century. It is a project designed to cre- great deal of time in the reading rooms of the ing has resulted in discussions in newspaper and extraordinary influence that Le Corbusier’s de- ate a cultural institution at the cutting edge of library as well as in sitting areas outside. social media about the importance of this na- sign philosophy had on Israeli architecture. knowledge dissemination and cultural creativity. I remember several conversations outside tional library for “people of the book.” Petitions Israeli art was also part of the library. In The new NLI will house all of the millions the reading rooms with the Israeli poet, Yehuda were written and money was donated. Critique the second floor of the library the large iconic of treasures in the old library collections, further Amichai (1924–2000), who frequented the li- was also heard regarding the cost of 100 million stained-glass windows were made by the Israeli positioning it as a center of learning and culture, brary quite often. I also had the chance to talk dollars for the new library complex, which is artist Mordecai Ardon (1896–1992). Incorpo- a repository for collective memory across time with Professor Gershon Scholem (1897–1982 ), scheduled to open in 2022. rating visual elements from the Kabbalah, the and space. The new library is designed by the the scholar of Kabbalah and Mysticism who also The temporary closing of the library — and glass windows attract many visitors. well-known Basel-based architecture firm Her- frequented the library. the discussion around it — inspired me to ex- The building’s surrounding landscaping as zog & de Meuron, the designers of a stunning The cafeteria was a popular meeting place plore the history the library, which led to the well as the sunken courtyard of the cafeteria on array of international landmarks. for future politicians. It was frequented by Ehud writing of this article. the lower ground floor are also part of this ar- The new library is designed as an environ- Olmert, the former deposed Israeli Prime Min- The history of the National Library of Is- chitectural gem. mentally sustainable structure, built over a total ister, and his friends from the law school. It was rael, formerly Jewish National and Univer- There are more than five million items of 45,000 square meters (484,375 square feet), also a popular meeting place for members of sity Library, goes back to 1892, when the B’nai physically housed at the NLI: 100,000 items are with six aboveground floors and four below Matzpen, the revolutionary “wing” of the social- Brith Organization donated several hundred considered rare. The NLI has the world’s largest ground. The roof will be curved so as not to ist–turned-communist party. books towards the foundation of the first Jew- collections of Hebraica and Judaica, and is the hide the view of the Knesset building, and a large During the 1967 War I lived in the student ish national library in Jerusalem. Over time, repository of numerous rare and unique manu- rounded skylight will be located above the main housing on Givat Ram only several hundred thousands of books were donated and stored in scripts, books, and artifacts. reading room in the center of the building. meters from the library. The library was the only different locations in Jerusalem in search for a The NLI has four core collections: Judaica, The building’s covering will feature a mix- place in the area with a public phone. I would permanent library. Israel and Zionism, Islam and the Middle East, ture of limestone and concrete, creating a mod- walk to the library to use the phone to call my In 1960, when the Hebrew University moved and general Humanities. The Judaica Collection ern interpretation of Jerusalem stone. A garden family. I remember how surprised and happy I to its new campus on Givat Ram, in West Jerusa- is one of the largest and most comprehensive concourse and open-air amphitheater will serve was to discover that the library was hardly dam- lem, a new library was built. Books donated over of its kind in the world, and the rare books de- as an ideal central outdoor gathering and leisure aged during the war. many years by B’nai Brith organization were partment houses manuscripts and early printed point, as well as a site for diverse events. rounded up and deposited into the new library. books from the 15th–16th centuries, including The new NLI building will combine func- Final words For almost fifty years the JNUI served as the limited editions. tions of a central research center, a venue for Though I would prefer the renovating of “unofficial” national library of Israel. Most Is- An example of the library’s unique manu- indoor and outdoor cultural and educational the old building of the National Library of Is- raelis, including myself, believed that the JNUI scripts is the 13th century Worms Machzor activities, a hall for digital experience, and a rael rather than building a new building, I hope was Israel’s official national library. (High Holiday prayer book), one of the oldest secure, climate controlled underground store- that the new NLI will get the financial support it In 2007 the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, prayer books in Yiddish and Hebrew. Another house for its treasures and administrative needs when it opens its doors in 2022 so it will be passed the law creating the National Library of example is the Damascus Bible, dated from headquarters. It will enable NLI to provide able to undertake all the projects it sets out to do. Israel. The law, which came into effect on July 1260, one of the earliest existing complete man- state-of-the-art services to researchers, read- And a final remark concerning the location 23, 2008, transformed the JNUL into the official uscripts of the Hebrew bible. ers, visitors, and online users, making acces- of the library. Very few Israelis know that the National Library of Israel. The NLI also houses a vast collection of He- sible the millions of intellectual and cultural new library, like the old library, are both built on The new law outlined the mission of the NLI, brew and Jewish journals and newspapers. assets it has collected for more than 120 years. the ruins of what used to be a flourishing Pales- which is to secure copies of all material published Noteworthy among the library collection are The plan is to make the new library fully ac- tinian semi-rural village of Sheikh Badr. in Israel, in any language; all publications on the more than 8,000 books which once belonged to cessible to the public, with exhibitions, restau- The Palestinian residents of the village were subject of Israel, the Land of Israel, Judaism and Palestinians who had fled or were expelled in 1948 rants, a bookstore, and youth space centered forced to leave after the war of 1948. I hope the the Jewish people published in any language, in from their homes in Jerusalem and other cities. around the spacious, three-floor central read- new museum will have a plaque at the entrance any country in the world; and all material pub- The library launched a website granting ing room. The impressive complex will allow telling the visitors that the library is built on the lished in Hebrew or any of the languages spoken public access to books, periodicals, maps, pho- researchers and visitors to take advantage of former Sheikh Badr. Perhaps in the future, the by Jews, such as Yiddish or Ladino. tos, and music from its collections. Since 2011, the library’s extensive collections of archives, curators of the NLI will curate an exhibition on The old NLI building, built in 1960, is located the NLI has offered 60 million digitized items. valuable manuscripts, and the many works by the village of Sheikh Badr. n

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 19 I Congregations

TBE school zooms ahead Temple Beth Emeth events March Rabbi Daniel Alter, special to the WJN ll events and services are virtual. Go to Offsite, see contact info on TBE website hen the world turned upside down serves as a foundation for the sound-to-print the Temple Beth Emeth website for the Zoom links and more information. WTBE Cooks Monday meals in the midst of COVID-19, so did philosophy of Hebrew education. HtM shares A Mondays, March 1 and 15, 3:30 p.m. WTemple Beth Emeth’s Terri A. Gins- the beauty of Hebrew as a real, spoken lan- Daily morning blessings burg Religious & Hebrew School. After deciding guage, enabling young learners to get a taste of Daily at 9:15 a.m. Adult B’nai mitzvah classes Mondays at 6 p.m. last summer to move to a fully online format for the sound and feel of the language long before Join Rabbi Whinston each morning via Join Cantor Regina Hayut for an hour for the 2020–21 school year, they set about making learning to read it. This exposure makes learn- Zoom for a short morning blessing. sweeping changes to better fit the new learning ing to read Hebrew easier and far more fun. To either an afternoon session or an evening environment. From calendaring to class size to an observer, Hebrew Through Movement looks Daily afternoon blessings session. To join the class, or for more infor- curricula, TBE’s education team upended every like a mix of Simon Says and Monkey See, Mon- Mondays–Thursdays at 3 p.m. mation, contact Cantor Hayut. key Do. For example, Join Cantor Hayut each afternoon via Zoom Women’s Torah study from a standing posi- for a short afternoon blessing. Mondays, March, 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 7 p.m. tion the teacher may Weekly Lunch & Learn An in-depth study and lively discussion of slowly sit down while the week’s Torah portion led by Cantor Re- saying lashevet, invit- Fridays at noon Rabbi Whinston meets on Fridays for an in- gina Hayut. The group will explore various ing students to both formal discussion about religion. Sessions passages from the portion, looking at several mimic the action and are open to the entire community. Feel free translations and commentaries. repeat the word. In to bring your lunch. doing so, the instruc- Twenty-five-minute mindfulness with Jewish tor helps the students Families with Young Children Tot Shabbat spiritual director Linda Greene connect the action Fridays Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. of sitting with the Zoom room opens at 8:15 a.m. for optional Tot Shabbat Services at 5:45 p.m. Hebrew infinitive “to check-in. Blessing and intention setting sit.” Next, the instruc- Shira Service at 6:15 p.m. 8:30–8:35 a.m. Meditate 8:35–9:00 a.m. Start tor would stand while All of your favorite songs led by TBE’s tot your day centered and connected. stating lakum, “to team, Cantor Hayut, and Rabbi Whinston. Talmud Tuesdays with Rabbi Alter stand,” inviting kids Contact [email protected] Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. to do the same. In this for more information. Join Rabbi Alter to learn about the history of way, HtM connects Shabbat morning Torah study Rabbinical literature and some tremendous Jacob Spike Kraus everyday actions and Saturdays at 8:50 a.m. texts from Talmud! objects with Hebrew Join us for this weekly discussion of the To- aspect of the school. From that chaos, TBE’s ed- language through physical motion. rah portion led by Rabbi Whinston. Spirituality Book Club with Cantor Emeritus ucation staff created a brand new program spe- “When we learn to read English, we already Annie Rose cifically designed to make online learning not have a foundation in English, and this gives us Saturday Shabbat service Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m., and Thursday, only manageable but engaging. In addition to an internal metric to recognize when we pro- Saturdays at 10 a.m. March 11, at noon many of the staples of religious school life, TBE nounce a word correctly,” Rabbi Alter explains. Havdalah from the Whinston Home introduced several brand new, innovative, and “Most of our students have no such foundation, Meditation with Claire Weiner Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. exciting programs this year. no such metric, for Hebrew. It explains why He- Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Join Rabbi Whinston and his family for a Join Claire Weiner for a 40-minute medita- One such creation they call their “Torah brew students tend to inflect every word, even short prayer marking the end of Shabbat. tion session. Toolbox.” In September, preschool and elemen- every syllable, as a question! Hebrew Through tary school students received a special package Movement equips our students with that met- Melave Malka Series Part III Back Door Food Pantry on their doorstep: a large storage bin containing ric, with a confidence to read Hebrew that An Ann Arbor Orthodox Minion Event Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. pens, pencils, markers, scissors, glue sticks, con- they never had before.” One of TBE’s longtime Saturday, March 13, 7 p.m. struction paper, everything they would need to teachers, Yarden Ginsburg, took on the role of Co-Sponsored by Temple Beth Emeth and WTBE Virtual Happy Hour participate in class this year. “We knew our stu- teaching Hebrew Through Movement this year. Beth Israel Congregation March 11 and 25, 5:30 p.m. dents would need school supplies,” says TBE’s “One of the important themes of HtM is for Featuring author Menachem Kaiser Join WTBE’s virtual Happy Hour to catch up Director of Education, Rabbi Daniel K. Alter. the students to have fun and be engaged while and schmooze. “We also recognized the importance of simplic- learning,” Ginsburg says, “and I definitely think Kol HaLev rehearsal and meeting ity for our families. We could not expect parents we succeed in accomplishing that. It’s a pleasure Sundays at 7 p.m. Biblical Book Club with Cantor Hayut For more information or questions, please to go out and buy additional everything, so we to see the smiles and enjoyment on the students’ Thursdays at 11 a.m. contact Cantor Hayut. decided to provide it all ourselves.” Each month, faces during each HTM session.” Sundays at 3 p.m. For more information or questions, please students continue to receive additional packages TBE’s youth groups have pivoted this year Women of TBE Historical Novel Reading contact Cantor Hayut. supplementing their Torah Toolboxes with any as well. In the fall, they created SYRUP (Supple- Group special supplies for that month’s projects. These mental Youth Religious Programming). SYRUP Monday, March 8, 12:30 p.m. WTBE Community Wellness Events monthly deliveries would not be possible with- offered small group, outdoor, in-person oppor- The WTBE Reading Group meets on the sec- Thursday, March 11at 7:30 p.m. out the assistance of TBE’s volunteer commu- tunities for students to interact and have fun. ond Monday of each month, Contact Molly End of Life Doulas: Consulting, Education, nity. Nearly two dozen volunteers deliver about When the weather turned, TBE’s Youth Direc- Lindner at [email protected]. and Caring Support 100 supply bags each month throughout Ann tor, Nikki Richardson, created “Whatchya Doin’ Arbor and its surrounding communities. Wednesdays,” a dedicated time for elementary Weekly Mahj TBE Brotherhood Beyond these Torah Toolboxes, TBE jumped school students to socialize, reflect, and play. Weekly on Mondays at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 7 p.m. n at the opportunity to welcome Jacob Spike “Whatchya Doin’ Wednesdays have been a Weekly on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Guys Night In Kraus as their music teacher this year. Kraus, wonderful way to connect with the K–2nd and a professional touring Jewish musician, singer, 3–5th graders in a different way,” shares Rich- Phone numbers, websites and addresses of organizations frequently listed in the calendar: and songwriter, brings an infectious charisma ardson. “We have the space to talk about our to the Saturday morning classes. “Spike has weeks, bring things to show and tell, just hang Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM): 1429 Hill Street, 248-408-3269, annarborminyan.org been a wonderful addition to our program this out and play some games. We are on Zoom Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (AARC): 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 734.445.1910, year,” says Emily Alter, TBE’s Shabbat School without feeling like we are on Zoom. The hour aarecon.org Coordinator. “Spike’s energy, enthusiasm, and we are together goes by so quickly, and we are all Beth Israel Congregation (BIC): 2000 Washtenaw Ave, 734-665-9897, bethisrael-aa.org joy in singing and teaching Jewish music come sad when it ends!” Chabad House: 715 Hill Street, 734-995-3276, jewmich.com right through the screen, and it’s easy to see how As vaccines for COVID-19 roll out across the Frankel Center: 202 S. Thayer St., lsa.umich.edu/judaic/ much our children enjoy singing along with country, TBE teachers and staff look forward to Jewish Community Center (JCC): 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 745-971-0990, jccannarbor.org him, even when they’re muted.” To learn more when it will be safe to return to the synagogue Jewish Cultural Society (JCS): 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, 734-975-9872, jewishculturalsociety.org about Spike or to hear some of this music, visit and the classrooms. Until then, TBE’s Terri A. Jewish Family Services (JFS): 2245 South State Street, 734-769-0209, jfsannarbor.org his website at www.jacobspikekraus.com Ginsburg Religious & Hebrew School contin- Jewish Federation: 2939 Birch Hollow Drive, 734-677-0100, jewishannarbor.org TBE also expanded its Hebrew Through ues charting new ground on Zoom. n Pardes Hannah: 2010 Washtenaw Ave, 734-761-5324, pardeshannah.org Movement (HtM) program. Created by the Temple Beth Emeth (TBE): 2309 Packard Road, 734-665-4744, templebethemeth.org Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, HtM UM Hillel: 1429 Hill Street 734-769-0500, michiganhillel.org n

20 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 Beth Israel Congregation in March Jewish Ethics and Policing in the United the program and have not received your special Open to ALL AGES with Engagement and Pro- 3:30 p.m. States and Israel presented by Rabbi Fred Tot Shabbat bag, contact Sam at szielinksi@ grams Director Amanda Glucklich. For more Rabbi Dobrusin will be facilitating a Talmud Schwalb and Prof. Benjamin Ish-Shalom bethisrael-aa.org. information and to join, please contact Aman- class online on Monday afternoons from 3:30– da at [email protected]. 4:30. While we will read the Hebrew/Aramaic Sunday, March 7 Family Game Night text, translations are available and all discus- 1 p.m. Sunday, March 14 Siyyyum with Rabbi Dobrusin sions will be in English. All are welcome to join The relationship between police and civilians 5 p.m. Thursday, March 25 regardless of the level of your familiarity with is not just a problem in the United States. As a Get supplies delivered, learn new games, and Hebrew. recent article in the New York Times demon- have some fun! We’ll start with icebreakers, test Rav Nadav’s Folk YouTube Seder strated, it is also very much a problem in Israel. our knowledge with trivia, then learn a new Sunday, March 28 Pirke Avot: Teachings of the Sages Rabbi Fred Schwalb and Professor Benjamin game to play with your family. For families with 6 p.m. From the serious to the sublime, from the heart- Thursdays Ish-Shalom of Beit Morasha Jerusalem will children in grades K–5. Register on the BIC breaking to the comforting, from the surprising 5 p.m. dialogue about the problem in Israel, how it website (www.bethisrael-aa.org). Rabbi Dobrusin will facilitate Zoom discus- is complicated by the added issues related to to the uncanny, the Seder’s words and themes sions on the classic Rabbinic text: Pirke Avot. security, what is currently being done to solve Shabbat Biweekly Lunch ‘N’ Learn: Contempo- will be melded into classic spirituals from Bob While the title is usually translated as “Teach- the problem, and what remains to be done. rary Issues in Jewish Law with Rabbi Caine Marley, Leonard Cohen, Greg Brown, Mati- ings of the Sages,” a more interesting translation Following the dialogue there will be a question Saturday, March 20 syahu, and U2. Prepare to laugh, sing, and be is “Chapters of Fundamental Principles.” Pirke and answer period. 11:45 a.m. surprised! Will be broadcast via YouTube. From the kashrut of eating in restaurants Avot consists of short rabbinic statements con- HIAS Refugee Shabbat to electric cars to Zoom on Shabbat, Rabbi Chopped: Passover Edition cerning ethics, faith, and interpersonal relation- Friday & Saturday, March 5 and 6 Caine brings traditional Jewish legal codes Wednesday, March 31 ships. Reading Pirke Avot helps us focus on the 6 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. and responsa to have us consider “Jewish Law” Multiple times based on age values and principles which guide our lives. We Sign up to compete against others in your age HIAS Refugee Shabbat. HIAS’ Senior Director thoughtfully and to elucidate the issues of living will study the text in English referring occasion- group to make a delicious, creative dish with of Community Engagement, Isabel Burton, will Jewishly in our modern lives. Biweekly through ally to the Hebrew. The text can be found in the a Passover-inspired secret ingredient! Visit the speak during Friday evening services. She will May 15 following Saturday services. Register on Shabbat morning Sim Shalom siddur. Check Beth Israel website for more details. provide an update on the current status of inter- the BIC website. the online calendar for specific dates. national refugee issues, as well as policy and new Teen Led Shabbat Afikomen Scavenger Hunt/ Geocache Activity arrivals issues. Jewish Family Services Ann Arbor Saturday, March 20 March 28th–April 4th Online Services will provide information on the refugee-led busi- 9:30 a.m. You can choose the Scavenger Hunt OR Geo- Everyone is welcome to join Beth Israel for ser- nesses that they incubate. Saturday morning will Beth Israel teens will lead various parts of the cache activities to find the hidden afikomen. vices, classes, and events, all virtually. Below is a feature a dvar Torah on the refugee resettlement regular Saturday morning service. This do-it-yourself activity will be available list of the links to participate in services at Beth imperative for the local Jewish community. during the week of Passover from March 28– Israel. Beth Israel is now livestreaming services Mystery Reader April 4 on the BIC website. We are thrilled to on the Beth Israel YouTube channel (Beth Is- Tea & Torah Study with Rabbi Caine Sunday, March 21 spearhead this community-wide program that rael Congregation AA MI). All links will also be Thursday, March 4 11 a.m. will also include participants from the Ann Ar- available on the Beth Israel homepage (www. 6:30 p.m. Join us for stories read by a special Mystery bor JCC, Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan, Ann bethisrael-aa.org). Please note that passwords Brew a cup of tea and join Rabbi Caine for To- reader! Who will it be this month? For children Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation, Fed- are used. Contact the office to get the passwords rah study. We’ll delve into the depths of Torah, ages 5 and under. eration, Hebrew Day School, Hillel, and Temple at [email protected]. starting with Genesis (not the weekly para- Evening Minyan shah), as we bring our best selves and tradition- Passover Lego Contest Beth Emeth. Sunday, March 21 Sunday al perspectives to engage the text and apply it to Theology Book Club — Online 3 p.m. 5 p.m. our daily lives. A variety of teas will be sent on Wednesdays a monthly basis. Use your architectural skills to make your own Monday–Thursday Passover creation! Re-create the seder plate, 8 p.m. Beth Israel Congregation’s Theology Book Club 7:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat with the Caine Family show us a Lego seder, or reimagine part of the welcomes you to join them to read together and Friday, March 12 story of Passover. It’s up to you! Register with Friday Evening Services discuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 5:30 p.m. Amanda Glucklich, [email protected]. Kabbalat Shabbat Service Join Rav Nadav, Lynne, Merav and Ziva for The books are in English. Contact Paul Shifrin 6 p.m. Kabbalat Tot Shabbat by Zoom! Bring in Shab- Make Your Own Matzoh at (248) 514-7276 for more information. Shabbat Morning Services bat with music, dancing, candle lighting, and Sunday, March 21 Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin Saturday kiddush. Invite your friends! If you are new to 4 p.m. Mondays 9:30 a.m. n You’re invited: Musical folk seder By Rabbi Nadav Caine assover is a holiday that beautifully for three days to hold a festival in which you demption Song,” which combines the three eye to notice my minor changes to these combines the utterly serious and the dance (which is the original meaning of the elements of making the past present, with words of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”: Pwonderfully joyous. From re-experi- word chag). Of course these similarities are all its ethical urgency, by singing and passing Emancipate yourselves from mental encing the bitterness of oppression in all its on our redemption slavery facets, we express gratitude with full hearts, songs. We Jews must free our minds we stress the urgency of liberating others, all This year, I’m so Have no fear of being Jewish while we sing joyously. happy to share with Don’t say you have no time I have found the same elements woven the entire Ann Arbor How long shall we ignore our prophets together in much of the music I love, espe- community and be- While they stand aside and look? cially folk, blues, and reggae. When I hear yond a Second Seder We’ll build a new Jerusalem Bob Marley sing his “Them Belly Full But I’ve constructed We’ve got to fulfill the Book Won’t you help to sing We Hungry,” I hear him swaying and rock- from some of my fa- These songs of freedom? ing to the urgency of how the taskmasters of vorite songs, includ- ‘Cause all we ever have... the ruling class keep the oppressed hungry in ing these. Sometimes Redemption songs! economic exploitation and disparity, as if it’s I leave the songs just Everyone is invited to the Beth Israel all perfectly normal. I think of the Israelites as they are — Mati- Congregation of Ann Arbor YouTube Chan- given insufficient straw to make their brick syahu’s “Jerusalem” nel at 6 p.m. on Sunday March 28 to join me, quota and the urgency of liberation. When (as “Next Year in my family, our cantorial soloist Dr. Neil Al- he continues the song with the need for his no accident, as the Exodus narrative was an Jerusalem”) or Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelu- exander, and a live band for the Rav Nadav people to hold a festival and dance, I am re- inspiration for his lyrics. jah” (as Hallel) — and sometimes I modify Musical Folk Second Seder. Please join us minded of Moses’ request to Pharaoh that all Perhaps no song articulates the essence of a word here and there with the words and virtually and celebrate! n the Israelites want is to go into the wilderness the seder so well as well as Bob Marley’s “Re- themes of the haggadah. I’ll leave it to your

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 21 I Community

Passover 5781: a perspective from JFS by Devon Meier ost of us know the Passover story those searching for employment; providing re- meetings as a highlight of their days. WISE Comfort Line, counseling, and technol- as one of freedom and hope — the spite to caregivers; offering transportation; and JFS does anticipate that healing — as in- ogy Mstory of the Exodus from Egypt. supporting Holocaust survivors. dividuals and as a collective — will take time. PROVIDE care coordination to older adults Like every well-told tale, this one invites all who This work is possible only with the faithful Clients receiving JFS Thrive Counseling ser- facing extraordinary challenges during this read it to see themselves in the narrative, labor- support of loyal donors, volunteers, partners, vices via telehealth have generally transitioned time ing toward liberation. and friends. With their help, during the pan- well to the virtual setting. Many even prefer the LINK unemployed and underemployed adults For many in Washtenaw County — and demic, JFS has been able to provide roughly ease of online or telephone access and wish to with employers and financial resources beyond — the hope and promise contained in 390,000 pounds of food to community mem- continue using these tools even after in-person OFFER crisis management support, including the idea of “liberation” are more poignant than bers, resettle 50 refugees, reduce the isolation meetings become safe again. Others acknowl- eviction and utility shutoff prevention ever this year, as the month of March also marks of older adults with upward of 25,000 minutes edge that virtual connection — while not their SUPPORT caregivers through Caregiver Assess- the one-year anniversary of the broadly imple- of Washtenaw Integrated Senior Experience preferred mode — can be a meaningful substi- ment Respite Education & Support (CARES) mented, nationwide pivot in our daily practices (WISE) Comfort Line calls, and much more. tute for in-person interaction, when necessary. LISTEN and counsel through THRIVE tele- in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In ad- Last year, at Passover 5780, JFS could not Towards the end of 2021, JFS anticipates a therapy and virtual support groups dition to the traditional Four Questions, many have predicted the enduring impacts of the significant increase in refugees arriving in the LAUNCH virtual support programs for a va- are quietly asking one more in 2021: Will this pandemic. Likewise, the year ahead will be United States for resettlement. As the premier riety of community members including older be the year for liberation from the illness and difficult to forecast. While JFS hopes for a resettlement agency in Washtenaw County, adults, refugees, and immigrant youth death associated with COVID-19, as well as brighter, healthier year ahead, the agency also JFS will continue to assist families and indi- TRANSPORT older adults, people with dis- from pandemic quarantines and other crucial understands that the depths of isolation and viduals, including through specialized youth abilities, and others in need to critical medical life-saving constraints on our daily activities? stress experienced by many in our community services for refugees and immigrants. JFS also visits and treatments At Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw will not change overnight. teaches English as a second language and pro- SUPPORT refugees as they navigate integration County, liberation from a wide array of con- Many of the Holocaust survivors served vides interpretation services in more than 25 during the pandemic and beyond straints remains an ongoing theme and con- by JFS have been particularly affected by the languages. INNOVATE revenue-producing programs tinued effort on behalf of the most vulnerable COVID-19 crisis. This service is supported JFS’s work toward liberation and freedom through the Herb Amster Center in our community. These efforts are part of by a grant from the JFNA Center for Advanc- for the most vulnerable residents of Washt- For today, JFS extends best wishes for a good the nonprofit’s overall mission to create solu- ing Holocaust Survivor Care. Before the pan- enaw County is not over. As COVID-19 per- Pesach to all who celebrate, with special thanks tions, promote dignity, and inspire humanity. demic, survivors in this program relied on sists in penetrating and disrupting our world, to those who support the agency in helping the The work of JFS spans a range of offerings that twice-weekly gatherings for social time and the community can help by supporting JFS as most vulnerable in the community overcome impact people’s individual freedom, mobility, enrichment. Now they grieve the loss of the in- it continues to: the barriers they face to freedom. For more in- and sense of liberation: delivering groceries person human connection that this program DELIVER prepared meals and groceries to formation about JFS services and how you can and meals; introducing technology to older was able to provide. However, they continue Holocaust survivors, isolated seniors, disabled get involved, please visit www.jfsannarbor.org adults to reduce isolation; resettling refugees to receive wraparound care coordination and adults, and newly arrived refugees or call (734) 769-0209. n from around the world; walking alongside services, and they report their ongoing Skype CONNECT with isolated seniors through the

WHICH HEALTHCARE, HOMECARE AND SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES ARE TRAINED IN

?ElderLink is a service of Jewish Cultural Sensitivity? Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County and The Herb Amster Center’s to meet the physical, spiritual, and logistical needs of our community, clients, donors, www.jfsannarbor.org/elderlink supporters, and friends.

22 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Community

AJL announces the Jewish fiction award winners ax Gross is the winner of the Association of Jewish Libraries M(AJL) Jewish Fiction Award for his novel The Lost Shtetl, published by Harp- erVia, an imprint of HarperCollins Publish- ers. The award includes a $1,000 cash prize and support to attend the 57th Annual Con- ference of the Association of Jewish Librar- ies, June 27–July 1, 2021. Two other books were also recognized: To Be a Man: Stories by Nicole Krauss, published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, and Apeirogon: A Novel by Colum McCann, published by Penguin Random House. The Committee reviewed over 70 works of fiction originally written in English with significant Jewish thematic content published in the United States in 2020. Thanks to all those who submitted entries for consideration. The wide array of books published in 2020 is a testament to the vibrant state of contem- porary Jewish fiction. In many ways Kreskol, the nominal Lost Shtetl, is a typical 19th century Polish vil- cated, clever, poignant and thought provok- grief after losing their daughters to the con- lage. It has the expected mix of competing Stahl. ing,” noted Laura Schutzman, Chair of the flict, weaves together fiction and nonfiction, synagogues and schools; happy and miser- The Association of Jewish Libraries grate- Award Committee. crossing centuries and continents, to create able families; and comfortable and poor in- fully acknowledges the generous support of The ten stories in To Be a Man by Nicole a multifaceted and multilayered exploration habitants. What is surprising about Kreskol Dan Wyman Books for underwriting the Krauss deal with the struggle to understand of history, art, politics, love, loss, hope, and is that in Brigadoon style, it survived deep in Award. Submissions for the 2022 AJL Fiction what it is to be a man and what it is to be a the power of storytelling. An apeirogon is the forests with no connection to the outside Award (titles published in 2021) are now be- woman, and all of the tensions in the relation- a shape with an infinitely countable num- world. Set during the end of the 20th cen- ing accepted. For more information, please ships between parents and children, lovers ber of sides; Apeirogon, the novel, “evokes a tury, The Lost Shtetl tells the story of a town visit www.jewishlibraries.org. and friends, husbands and wives. All contem- mosaic with an infinitely countable num- neglected by time, unaware of the Holocaust The Association of Jewish Libraries is an porary, they span the globe from Switzerland, ber of pieces that have been assembled into or the creation of the state of Israel. When all-volunteer professional organization that Japan, and New York City to Tel Aviv, Los An- a beautifully written, emotionally charged, the Polish government “finds” Kreskol, there promotes Jewish literacy through enhancement geles, and South America. “Each is impactful and exceedingly relevant work of fiction,” re- is massive culture shock on both sides. The of libraries and library resources and through and memorable with fully developed charac- marked Paula Breger, member of the Award Jewish villagers must decide how much to leadership for the profession and practitioners ters, often wrestling with their Jewish identity, Committee. The intricacies and conflicting embrace the modern world and the Polish of Judaica librarianship. The Association fosters who stay with you long after the reading ex- themes of Apeirogon are sure to elicit much government has to decide how much they access to information, learning, teaching and perience is over,” commented Rachel Kamin, debate and discussion. want to invest in this small contentious vil- research relating to Jews, Judaism, the Jewish member of the Award Committee. The AJL Jewish Fiction Award Commit- lage. “An impressive debut novel, The Lost experience and Israel. n Apeirogon, in telling the story of two fa- tee members are Paula Breger, Beth Dwoskin, Shtetl is a thoroughly enjoyable story, with thers, an Israeli and a Palestinian united in Rachel Kamin, Laura Schutzman, and Sheryl lots of humor, but also incredibly sophisti- “Mind Aerobics” classes coming soon to JFS Jacob Singer, special to the WJN

ust as the human body requires frequent functions to more Ideal participants for the Mind Sharpener physical activity to maintain optimal complex executive curriculum may occasionally complain of Ihealth, the human brain also needs regu- skills. Activities memory deficits or difficulties with word- lar cognitive “exercise” to address normal build sequentially, finding but generally demonstrate healthy cognitive changes that come with aging. gradually increas- cognitive function by all objective measures. Recognizing this, Jewish Family Services ing the level of Mind Sharpener activities were designed, of Washtenaw County is excited to offer a challenge. and will be presented, using approaches that new program, Mind Aerobics — an online JFS will launch appeal best to adult learners. Sessions incor- workout class for the brain. Developed by its Mind Aerobics porate repetition and reinforcement prac- the New England Cognitive Center (NECC), classes by offering tices to enhance learning and retention. The the program uses games and activities to tar- the Mind Sharpen- comfortable, cooperative learning environ- get reaction time, visual and spatial abilities, er curriculum. This ment promotes interactive socialization. Of attention and concentration, memory, lan- program is perfect course, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, JFS guage, and problem-solving. for people with will lead the spring Mind Sharpener classes The nonprofit NECC — which is head- mild to no cogni- virtually online. quartered in New London, Connecticut tive decline and no JFS will offer the first Mind Sharpener — is dedicated to developing and distrib- impairment. “Some session this month, March 2021. Please visit uting research-based cognitive fitness pro- degree of cognitive www.jfsannarbor.org for registration details. grams. NECC combines the latest advances decline is normal Space is limited and extra classes may be in neuropsychological research with sound — and frankly, offered as needed. The fee for the 12-week educational principles to create effective in- expected — with class is $240 (including 24 one-hour ses- terventions that enhance brain health, inde- aging,” JFS Chief sions). Scholarships are available; no one pendence, and quality of life. Program Officer will be turned away due to inability to pay. Mind Aerobics classes are organized by Sarah Hong said. For more information, please contact JFS cognitive level, with participants grouped tator trained in NECC Mind Aerobics. Vir- “The Mind Sharp- Manager of Community Engagement and into classes based on their cognitive func- tual classes meet for an hour, twice a week, ener class is ideal for those who want to be Volunteer Services Jacob Singer at jsinger@ tioning. Each Mind Aerobics series includes for 12 weeks. The series follows a carefully proactive about cognitive fitness. It’s like jfsannarbor.org. n 24 small-group sessions presented by a facili- developed curriculum: sessions target major going to a brain workout twice each week.” cognitive areas, progressing from basic brain Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 23 I Rabbis' Corner

Four cups of wine vs. three matzohs Expand redemption: Don’t forget the Rohingya Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN Rabbi Josh Whinston, special to the WJN n the nights of the Passover seder only about leaving Egypt, and the fourth ex- e are in the midst of our freedom. have suffered the fate of genocide and who have (Saturday and Sunday night March pression is that God will take us to Him and we In recent weeks, God has taken us felt the process of redemption play out in our O27–28) we eat matzoh because the should be His people or nation. Wout of Egypt, split the sea, and led history, we cannot look away. Burma may be on Torah tells us to eat matzoh on the night of This is the reason why, when it comes to us to Sinai in a pillar of fire by day and smoke the other side of the world, filled with people we Pesach (Passover). The Rabbis instituted that the matzoh, we have three matzoh portions by night. We stand at the foot of Sinai having do not know, yet our history and religious tra- it should be three matzohs. In addition to the and four wine portions. The matzoh symbol- heard God speak directly to us and receiving the dition doesn’t afford us the luxury of passivity. matzos on the izes how we were just simply leaving Egypt. We Ten Commandments. We will remain at Sinai The Biden administration has taken some night of the seder, weren’t yet worthy and pure enough to be the for two years, waiting until God tells us it is time action. For instance, early in February Biden we drink wine. Jewish People. This is why the matzoh is used to march on to Canaan, the Promised Land. sanctioned the Burmese military government According to the as the symbol for this stage. Matzoh is called Our religious tradition is vast and offers us making it much harder for them to access nearly rabbis, we should the bread of affliction. It has no taste. It rep- so many ways of adding meaning to our lives. $1 billion dollars in assets in the United States, drink four cups resents spiritual poverty and service to God At the center of Judaism — the very soul of our among other measures. This is a great first step, of wine. Why four on the lowest level. This is where we were at religion — is our redemption from Egypt, cov- but it should only be the beginning. Our gov- cups of wine? Be- the time we left Egypt. We had no understand- enant at Sinai, and God giving us the Promised ernment needs to use its position of influence, in cause that cor- ing, no feeling, no appreciation of God’s com- Land. As a Jew, these deep facets of our commu- particular on the UN Security Council to bring responds to the mandments — without any appreciation for nal memory and experience speak loudly to me, about greater international cooperation in the four expressions any taste — like matzoh that has no taste. On they fill me with hope and resilience and confi- pursuit of justice and accountability in Burma, of redemption. the contrary, when we consider the wine we dence in our future. As a Reform Jew, I also hear in particular for past crimes the Burmese mili- The Torah says drink on the seder night — it has a good taste, Rabbi Aharon Goldstein the call to expand the particularistic ideas found tary perpetrated against the Rohingya and other four times that it symbolizes how we understand and have a in our tradition in more universal terms. For ethnic minorities in Burma over decades. The God will take us out of Egypt and correspond- recognition and an appreciation for God. It all peoples, whenever and wherever they find US government must act swiftly and strongly, ing to those four expressions we have four cups represents the highest level of our service to themselves in Egypt, we must work toward their not only to condemn this egregious assault on of wine. A question is, why, when it comes to God. This is where a person comes to the level redemption, we must help them find their Sinai, democracy, but also to ensure that the same mil- eating the matzoh, we take three portions but of understanding and feeling of appreciation we must ensure they have a place to call home. itary responsible for the coup is held responsible with wine we take four portions? There are rea- for God. To the extent, it says that, one sings a The theological reasons noted above are rea- for the genocide they have committed against sons for these differences. song when they drink wine because it shows son enough to involve ourselves when others feel the Rohingya people starting in August 2017. From a halachic viewpoint, we use three our exuberance in serving God. It also shows the yoke of persecution. Of course, our history We know all too well, from our own Jewish matzohs because on Shabbat and holidays we a complete redemption from the evil, unclean of persecution and genocide offers even more history, what happens when the international use only two matzohs or challot and the third part of Egypt and becoming holy. credence to our involvement. Even as our coun- community does not stand up unequivocally in one symbolizes the bread of affliction. Therefore, matzoh is connected to the try moves through trials and tribulations, we defense of oppressed minorities subject to state- There is also an inner dimension to the number three. It symbolizes the first three ex- must not forfeit our willingness to look beyond sanctioned hate, oppression and violence. reason why we take three matzohs but four pressions of redemption — representing leav- our shores to ongoing genocide. The Rohingya Of course, we could wait and see what our cups of wine. It is known that at the time when ing Egypt. God has taken the Jewish people out people have lived in Burma (Myanmar) for government does to act on this over time, or the Jewish people left Egypt we weren’t really of Egypt despite the low level of holiness that centuries, yet in 1982 the Burmese government we can encourage our senators to take action worthy to be redeemed. To the extent, it is said, we exhibited. God did this for us as we didn’t began to strip the Rohingya of their citizenship. — now. Join me in asking Senators Peters and that if we had remained in Egypt for one more fully deserve redemption. This is the symbol- As an ethnic minority, they lived a vulnerable Stabenow to cosponsor Senate Resolution 35, moment we would have been consumed in the ism of three rather than four matzohs. We were existence made even more difficult as genocidal a bipartisan resolution which condemns this uncleanliness of Egypt and there would have not yet at the fourth level when God makes us violence began in 2017. The Burmese military coup and the military detention of civilian lead- been nobody left to take out of Egypt. There- into His nation. Then, finally, we leave Egypt attacked these people. Soldiers burned entire ers. fore, God had to take us as quickly as the blink and stand in front of Mt. Sinai. This is rep- Rohingya villages to the ground; indiscrimi- In a few week’s we will be sitting around our of an eye and had to use special powers to take resented by drinking the wine — the fourth nately massacred Rohingya men, women and seder tables, like last year, we will probably be us out. As we say in the haggadah, it was a rev- expression of redemption when God takes us children; and forced an estimated 740,000 peo- thinking about our newfound connections to elation of the King of all Kings — God taking as His Nation. This is where we are fit to be to- ple to flee on foot or by boat to refugee camps in plagues. Yet, we know Passover has been more the Jews out of Egypt. When we left Egypt we gether with God and we have reached a level of Bangladesh. This situation was difficult enough, than an existential message since it began thou- were at a very low level. When did we elevate recognizing, understanding, and feeling God but with the recent coup in Burma, the situa- sands of years ago. Our reality may be shaken ourselves to be totally redeemed from Egypt? — that is with the wine. Wine has a good taste. tion is worsening. Repatriation of the Rohingya in these times of pandemic, but the need for This came when we were at Mt. Sinai to receive Therefore, when it comes to wine we drink is looking less likely, and the Rohingya status in true redemption, true safety, and true security the Torah. Only then, when we had managed four cups (portions) as opposed to the three Bangladesh is precarious at best. has never lost its real-life necessity. Let’s not for- to purify ourselves from the uncleanliness of matzoh (portions). With the coup relatively fresh, it is unclear get the Rohingya this year as we sit at our seder Egypt, and were now ready to receive the To- May we all have a joyous and meaningful what may happen in Burma, things may have tables. Let’s make sure that we’ve done what we rah, were we worthy to receive the title of a Passover. If you need matzoh or any other hol- even changed since penning this article. What can to condemn the coup in Burma and work “Holy Nation.” This is expressed in the fourth iday supplies, please contact Chabad of Ann remains abundantly clear is the need for the for the safety and security of the Rohingya peo- expression of redemption. The first three speak Arbor (734) 995-3276. n world community to speak up. As Jews who ple in Burma. n Follow up questions Rabbi Jared Anstandig, special to the WJN hile the haggadah enshrines only if that’s the case, why four? Why not three or God who freed you from the labors of the Egyp- Rabbi Berlin ex- four questions to be asked on seder five? What’s so special about four? tians.” According to the Jerusalem Talmud, these plains, is redemp- Wnight, there are really a number of While the Babylonian Talmud is silent on four expressions, “I will free you,” “I will deliver tion. It may appear peculiar foods and activities that can elicit ques- this matter, the Jerusalem Talmud offers a sug- you,” I will redeem you,” and “I will take you” slow and disjoint- tions. For example, we drink four cups of wine gestion for the number of cups we drink (Y. each correspond to one of the cups we drink. ed. But, make no or grape juice at the seder, yet no explanation is Pesachim 10:1), “Rabbi Yochanan said in the Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin (19th cen- mistake, its impact given in the haggadah as for why. name of Rabbi who said in the name of Rabbi tury, Poland) in his Torah commentary asks is there, with ev- The idea of four cups is rather old, being dis- Banniah, ‘[the four cups] correspond to the four a follow up question (Haamek Davar Exodus ery stage building cussed as early as the Mishnah, no later than 200 redemptions mentioned in the Torah.’” Here, 6:6), “Why is it specifically wine? Why not four on the previous CE (Pesachim 10:1): “[At the seder] one should the Talmud references God’s command to Mo- matzas, four types of meat, or something like stages. This is true Rabbi Jared Anstandig have no fewer than four cups of wine.” The ses in Exodus 6:6-7, “Say, to the Israelites: I am that?” He suggests that unlike other foods, wine whether speaking Babylonian Talmud elaborates on this, offering the Lord. I will free you from the labors of the has the ability to change a person’s behavior, about a national redemption, like the Exodus of a reason for drinking wine at the seder (Pesa- Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. mood, and general appearance. Additionally, the Israelites from Egypt, or our own personal chim 109b), “Ravina said: The Sages instituted I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and the change is gradual and cumulative. Every growth and redemption. Getting better is slow four cups, in the manner of freedom.” In other through extraordinary chastisements. And I will glass of wine is impactful, but its impact is only and jerky. Yet, like four glasses of wine, if we words, the wine we drink is supposed to recall take you to be My people, and I will be your God. revealed slowly over time, with every subsequent keep moving forward, the results will eventu- for us that we are no longer slaves in Egypt. But, And you shall know that I, the Lord, am your glass becoming more and more potent. So too, ally be unmistakable. n

24 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Kosher Cuisine

Spring, Pesach, and vaccines Lonnie Sussman, special to the WJN 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the sweet h shoot, it’s March! Did you remember that Pesach begins at the end of this month? Cake potato mixture gently using a spatula. Then Somehow, I forgot about Purim until mid-February and then forgot that March 3 large eggs carefully fold in the rest of the egg whites and follows February, a short month and suddenly, here we are. O ½ cup sugar or use honey or another pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake My usual routine is to start thinking about Pesach before Purim and even start some sweetener 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in of the cleaning of closets. I don’t do anything 1½ cups plain yogurt the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 min- in the kitchen until after Purim but at least I ½ cup canola oil or another mild fla- utes on a wire rack. Then remove the sides of start thinking about things. Like so many other vored oil the springform pan and let cool completely. families, last year’s seder was on Zoom and it 1 cup semolina flour Finally, melt the chocolate in a small sauce- will probably be that way this year as well. The 2 tbs all-purpose flour pan over low heat. Stir in the soymilk. Spread sadness of not all being together is offset by 1 tsp pure vanilla extract the chocolate mixture over the cake and let not needing to cook for the masses. Still, I will 1 tsp baking powder stand until the chocolate sets. clean, “kasher” the kitchen, and make some ½ tsp baking soda food to drop off for family. ¼ tsp salt I hope we get together on Zoom again and Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly experience some of the traditions and feel the grease an 8 by 8 baking dish. To make the Linzertorte for Pesach love. Certainly, many of us will receive the two syrup, combine ¾ cup water and ¾ cup sug- This also comes from Debbie and looks rela- vaccine shots by the end of March but not ev- ar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over tively easy to make. Preheat oven to 375 de- eryone. Still, this is the month of spring and medium heat and boil for 1 minute to fully grees and use a 9-inch ungreased springform that means renewal of growth, time to start the dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and pan with a removable bottom or a pie plate. tomato plants, and hope that we will celebrate stir in the lemon juice if you are using it. Set ¾ cup matzah cake meal with our loved ones very soon. aside to cool. ¼ cup potato starch There are still weeks to go before the holi- Use a large mixing bowl and whisk together 1½ cups almonds, ground fine day but it’s time to think creatively about using eggs and ½ cup sugar until the sugar dis- 2 egg yolks up pantry items that are not kosher for Pesach. solves. Add the yogurt and vegetable oil and ½ cup sugar We don’t eat rice on the holiday like those who whisk again to combine. Then add the semo- 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1 cup parve margarine or butter follow the Sephardi and Mizrachi traditions. lina, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, baking ½ cup raspberry jam (or more to taste) That’s unfortunate because we have a generous supply in this kitchen. So, let’s think about powder, baking soda, and salt, and stir just ½ egg white, slightly beaten meals to use up those items that won’t be used on Pesach as well as new dishes for the holiday. until everything is combined. Pour the batter into the greased pan. Bake until the center Combine the dry ingredients and then cut the of the cake is set and the edges are golden, butter into small chunks and combine until her name. She used to run the Jefferson Mar- about 30–35 minutes. Remove the cake from the mixture looks like coarse cornmeal. Add Rice and Red Lentils also ket a few owners ago. It’s delicious and will the oven and slowly pour the syrup evenly the yolks and knead until well blended. Turn called Kichree use up the polenta in the pantry. It’s basically over the entire surface. Let the cake cool 2/3 of the dough into the springform pan or pie plate. Press the dough over the bottom The Book of Jewish Food, by Claudia Roden roasted vegetables on top of a nice base of completely before slicing. It can be stored in polenta. This recipe would feed a few people the refrigerator for up to 3 days. and up the sides for about ½ inch. Bake for Dairy, serves 4 10 minutes and remove from the oven. Reset several times or a larger family once. I have a large bag of red lentils that was 2 cups each of peeled and sliced root the oven to 325 degrees. When the crust is intended for a bowl of red lentil soup, but vegetables. You could use carrots, pars- cool spread the jam over the bottom. Use the there is enough left over for this dairy meal, nips, potatoes, and/or winter squash Chocolate Sweet remaining dough to roll egg-sized balls be- which was often a Thursday night light sup- 1 cup diced onion tween your palms and make long rolls about per served in Jewish Baghdadi families. The Potato Torte Olive oil Vegetarian and serves 12 or a smaller num- 1/3 to ½ inch in diameter. Arrange the rolls idea was to “rest the stomach” in advance of 1 cup polenta ber of people for several days. lattice style over the jam. Fasten the dough to rich food on the Shabbat. This recipe is good 4 cups vegetable stock the rim by pressing lightly. Brush the dough I got this recipe from Debbie in California topped with a sliced onion fried in oil. When ½ cup minced fresh rosemary and sage with the egg white and bake on the lower who had a kosher dairy catering business for the onion is golden add 12 ounces of halou- Salt and pepper to taste shelf of the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 30 years. Debbie’s sister, Janet, is another fan- mi cheese or fresh mozzarella and allow the Honey or maple syrup When done, set on a rack to cool completely tastic baker and I’ve known both women for cheese to soften. Other ideas are to top with Preheat the oven to 400 degrees if roasting before removing the rim of the pan. plain yogurt or fried eggs or sliced tomatoes. and place the vegetables on different pans, forever. Since I bought a lot of almond flour 4 garlic cloves, minced or crushed as some will need more time to soften. To and now don’t remember why, here is a great 3 tbs vegetable oil make the polenta, first bring the stock to a idea to use it up. It will be for the Shabbat be- Sephardic Charoset 2 tsp cumin boil and then slowly pour in the polenta in a fore Pesach, but I think it could be for Pesach This recipe came from Debbie, but she attri- 2 tbs tomato paste thin stream. Be sure to do this slowly because by using coconut milk. butes it to a woman named Lenore who lives 1 cup packed, cooked mashed orange 1 cup basmati or long grain rice if you don’t the cornmeal will clump. Reduce in San Mateo, California. It’s very simple but sweet potato (1–2 cooked sweet pota- 1 cup red lentils the heat to simmer and stir occasionally you will need patience to allow the raisins to 4 cups boiling water toes depending on the size) until the liquid is absorbed. This may take caramelize by allowing them to be cooked 1 tsp salt, or to taste 1½ cups sugar, divided about 20 minutes. Add the fresh herbs at the for a long time. The recipe says, “quantities Pepper to taste 1 cup almond flour are not critical.” Now, that’s a recipe I can 2 to 6 tbs of butter, to taste end. Toss the vegetables with a little honey ½ cup unsweetened dark chocolate or maple syrup just to lightly glaze them and follow. Use a soup pot. Add the oil and the garlic and cocoa powder serve them over the polenta. 1/ tsp salt 1 pound of golden raisins. sauté for a few minutes. Then add the cumin 8 Water and tomato paste and mix. Then add the rice 4 large eggs 2 oz bittersweet chocolate Cinnamon to taste and lentils and stir to cover them with the mix- Semolina Yogurt Cake 2 tbs nonfat soymilk ½ to 1 cup chopped walnuts ture. Now add 4 cups of boiling water, salt and From InquiringChef.com Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9-inch Place the raisins in a large pot and cover with pepper, cover the pot and bring the mixture I have semolina flour left over from a project water plus 2 more inches. Bring to a boil back to a boil. Simmer on very low tempera- springform pan with cooking spray. Blend back in the fall. I suppose you could use it up the sweet potato, 1 cup of sugar, almond briefly and cook uncovered on a very low ture for about 45 minutes or until the rice is to make pizza dough, but I’m not going to do simmer (you don’t want to burn them, and very soft. Add more water, if necessary, to avoid flour, cocoa, and salt in a food processor for that. There are lots of recipes on the internet about 30 seconds until the mixture is very you may need a little more water but don’t burning the rice. Turn off the heat and stir in for Greek, Middle Eastern, or Italian cakes drown the raisins) for 2–3 hours. When the the butter and leave the cover on to melt. smooth. Scrape the bowl as necessary. Sepa- using semolina flour. They all use a simple rate 3 eggs and put in a separate bowl. Add color changes to a medium brown and it is syrup to help flavor the cake after it is baked. the yolks and the remaining whole egg to the thick, like a jam, remove from the stove and Root Vegetables Hash I really like this recipe because we also have a sweet potato mixture and pulse to combine. season to taste with the cinnamon. When it is large container of yogurt in the refrigerator. Transfer to a large bowl. Beat the egg whites cool, add the walnuts to your taste. n with Herbed Polenta Syrup until they form soft peaks. Add the remain- I would love to give credit to the woman ¾ cup water ing ½ cup of sugar, beat about 2 more min- who gave me this recipe, but I don’t know ¾ cup sugar utes until the peaks are stiff and glossy. Fold 1½ tbs lemon or lime or orange juice

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 25 I Calendar

and Prof. Benjamin Ish-Shalom: BIC. 1 p.m. beauty and depth of Judaism. 11 a.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: TBE. 6 p.m. March 2021 Mira Awad in Concert and Conversation: EMU. Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis- Women’s Torah Study: TBE. Zoom.. For ques- The Calendar has been updated to reflect 3 p.m. cussion. 3 p.m. tions, contact Cantor Regina Hayut at can- events that are happening only online. Al- Purim-Inspired Community Service Opportu- Family Game Night: BIC. 5 p.m. [email protected]. 7 ways check websites or call for updates before nity for Kids: Bend the Arc. Contact for more Rosh Hodesh Nissan Circle: Pardes Hannah. 7 Tuesday 23 planning to attend anything listed here. For info: [email protected]. 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. p.m. Twenty-five minute Mindfulness with Jewish prayer services, check congregation websites. Monday 15 “The Historical Jesus in His Jewish Context” Spiritual Director Linda Greene: TBE and with Amy-Jill Levine and Gabriele Boccaccini: Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin. BIC. Pardes Hannah. 8:30 a.m. Monday 1 Frankel Center. 7 p.m. 3:30p.m. Talmud Tuesdays w/ Rabbi Alter: TBE. 11a.m. Magic in Mame-Loshn: Translating Harry Potter Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis- WTBE Cooks. 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. into Yiddish: Frankel Center. Translator Arun cussion. 3 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: TBE. 6 p.m. Pollster Jim Gerstein: EMU. “Making Sense Of Viswanath, in conversation with Benjamin The Jewish Vote In 2020” 7 p.m. Paloff. Noon Monday 8 Women’s Torah Study: TBE. Zoom.. For ques- Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. 8 p.m. WTBE Cooks. 3:30 p.m. Historical Novel Reading Group: WTBE. Con- tions, contact Cantor Regina Hayut at can- [email protected]. 7 p.m. Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin. BIC. tact Molly Lindner, [email protected]. Wednesday 24 3:30p.m. 12:30 p.m. Tuesday 16 Yidish tish Conversation & Reading Group: Ev- Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: TBE. 6 p.m. Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin. BIC. ery Wednesday, see above. 2 p. m. 3:30p.m. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. Zoom.. For ques- Twenty-five minute Mindfulness with Jewish Meditation with Claire Weiner: TBE. 5 p.m. tions, contact Cantor Regina Hayut at can- Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: TBE. 6 p.m. Spiritual Director Linda Greene: TBE and Theology Book Club: BIC. Online 8 p.m. [email protected]. 7 p.m. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. Zoom.. For ques- Pardes Hannah. 8:30 a.m. Thursday 25 tions, contact Cantor Regina Hayut at can- Talmud Tuesdays w/ Rabbi Alter: TBE. 11a.m. Tuesday 2 [email protected]. 7 and 8 p.m. Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis- cussion. 11 a.m. Twenty-five minute Mindfulness with Jewish Tuesday 9 David W. Belin Lecture: Frankel Center. Rebecca Spiritual Director Linda Greene: TBE and Erbelding, on Raoul Wallenberg’s work on Trauma and Memory: Thinking from Somali Pardes Hannah. 8:30 a.m. Twenty-five minute Mindfulness with Jewish behalf of the War Refugee Board in Budapest, Diasporic Contexts: Frankel Center. Amal Talmud Tuesdays w/ Rabbi Alter: TBE. 11a.m. Spiritual Director Linda Greene: TBE and Hungary. 7:30 p.m. Alhaag, moderated by Alessandra Benedicty- Kokken. 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Pardes Hannah. 8:30 a.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. 8 p.m. Syiuum with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. 5p.m. The Feeling of History: Islam, Romanticism, and Talmud Tuesdays w/ Rabbi Alter: TBE. 11a.m. Wednesday 17 Andalusia: Frankel Center. Charles Hirsch- and 8 p.m. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m.. kind in conversation with Flora Hastings. Spirituality Book Club with TBE Cantor Emeri- Yidish tish Conversation & Reading Group: Ev- Friday 26 12:30 p.m. tus Annie Rose. 7:30 p.m. ery Wednesday, see above. 2 p.m. Candle Lighting 7:36 p.m. Shabbat HaGadol Tzav Life and Legacy 101: Jewish Community Foun- Meditation with Claire Weiner: TBE. 5 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. 8 p.m. Lunch and Learn: TBE. Zoom. Rabbi Whinston dation. 7:30 Wednesday 3 Theology Book Club: BIC. Online 8 p.m. meets on Fridays for an informal discussion Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. about religion. Noon–1 p.m. Feuilleton Workshop - 1930s Feuilletons: Saloni- 8 p.m. ca and Berlin: Frankel Center. Tamir Karka- Thursday 18 Fourth Friday Kabbalat Shabbat. AARC 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 10 son, Ben Gurion University & Kerry Wallach, Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis Saturday 27 Gettysburg College. Noon. Yidish tish Conversation & Reading Group: Ev- cussion. 11 a.m. First Seder Yidish tish (Virtual) (Yiddish Conversation & ery Wednesday, see above. 2 p. m Pirke Avot with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. 5 p.m. Reading Group): Zoom. About 45 minutes Meditation with Claire Weiner: TBE. 5 p.m. Havdallah 8:37 p.m. each of conversation and reading. Free and Schmooze and Booze: A Virtual Mixer With In- Afikomen Scavenger Hunt/ Geocache Activity: “The Historical Jesus in His Jewish Context,” open to all those interested in Yiddish language, Person Drinks: Women’s Division of the Jew- BIC. With other congregations, through April 4. Frankel Center. 7 p.m. ish Federation. 7:30 p.m. literature, and culture, no matter what level of Torah Study: TBE. Zoom. Weekly discussion proficiency. For more information, to get the Theology Book Club: BIC. Online 8 p.m. Building Bridges in a Divided World: The Role of of the Torah portion led by Rabbi Whinston link, and to make certain that we are meeting Thursday 11 Interfaith Collaboration in Justice Work: Com- 8:50-9:50 a.m. on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. Gertel munity Conversation with JCLP. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis- Sunday 28 at [email protected] at least one day before Friday 19 scheduled meeting day every Wednesday (ex- cussion. 11 a.m. Omer Day 1 cept major Jewish holidays). 2 p.m Spirituality Book Club with TBE Cantor Emeri- Candle Lighting 7:28 p.m. Vayikra Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis- Lunch and Learn: TBE. Zoom. Rabbi Whinston Meditation with Claire Weiner: TBE. 5 p.m. tus Annie Rose. 12 p.m. cussion. 3 p.m. meets on Fridays for an informal discussion Pirke Avot with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. 5 p.m. Musical Folk Seder: BIC. Beth Israel Congrega- Theology Book Club: BIC. Online 8 p.m. about religion. Noon–1 p.m. End of Life Doulas: WTBE Community Wellness tion of Ann Arbor Youtube Channel join Rav Thursday 4 event. 7:30 p.m. Saturday 20 Nadav and family and Dr. Neil Alexander, and Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis- Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m.. Havdallah 8:29 p.m. a live band for the Rav Nadav Musical Folk Second Seder 6 p.m. cussion. 11 a.m. Friday 12 Torah Study: TBE. Zoom. Weekly discussion Pirke Avot with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. 5p.m. of the Torah portion led by Rabbi Whinston Second Night Seder: JCS. Community-wide event open to all to join a progressive secular Tea and Torah Study with Rabbi Caine. BIC. 6:30 p.m. Candle Lighting 6:20 p.m. Hachodesh 8:50-9:50 a.m. Lunch and Learn: TBE. Zoom. Rabbi Whinston Teen Led Shabbat: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Haggadah. There is no fee for JCS members Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m.. but special donations are always welcome. meets on Fridays for an informal discussion Shabbat Morning Service: Pardes Hannah. 10 a.m. Friday 5 about religion. Noon–1 p.m. Non-members $50 family fee or a $15 individ- Shabbat Biweekly Lunch N’ Learn: Contempo- ual fee. We also invite you to consider spon- Candle Lighting 6:12 p.m. Ki Tisa Saturday 13 rary Issues in Jewish Law with Rabbi Caine soring the seder for $50.Registration required: Lunch and Learn: TBE. Zoom. Rabbi Whinston Havdallah 7:21 p.m. BIC. 11:45 a.m. jewishculturalsociety.org. For more informa- meets on Fridays for an informal discussion Torah Study: TBE. Zoom. Weekly discussion Sunday 21 tion: 734-975-9872 or info@jewishculturalso- about religion. Noon–1 p.m. of the Torah portion led by Rabbi Whinston ciety.org. 6 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into HIAS Refugee Shabbat: BIC. 6 p.m. 8:50-9:50 a.m. Sefirat ha-Omer: Pardes Hannah. 7 p.m. First Friday Shabbat: JCS. Secular Jewish read- TaShma Come and Learn: AARC. Half hour be- the basic text of Chassidim and discover the Monday 29 ings, singing, candle lighting, challah and wine fore second Saturday Shabbat service. 10 a.m. beauty and depth of Judaism. 11 a.m. rituals, and a Yahrtzeit observance. Children Havdalah and Healing: Marking One Year of the Social Justice Book Club reads Caste by Isabelle Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin. BIC. are welcome. $10 (family $25). Registration Pandemic in Our Lives: AARC. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Wilkerson. BIC. Two sessions, March 14 and 3:30p.m. required: jewishculturalsociety.org. For more Menachem Kaiser: AAOM, TBE, BIC and AARC: 21. Registration on the BIC website. 11:00 a.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: TBE. 6 p.m. * information: 734-975-9872 or info@jewish- Talk on his book, Plunder: A Memoir of Family Mystery Reader: BIC. 11 a.m. culturalsociety.org. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday 30 Property and Nazi Treasure, register at https:// Jewish Community Foundation Educational Saturday 6 www.annarborminyan.org/. Melave Malka Se- Workshop. Estate planning topics. 11 a.m. Twenty-five minute Mindfulness with Jewish ries Part III. 7:30 p.m. Spiritual Director Linda Greene: TBE and Havdallah 7:13 p.m. Shmita Workshop: AARC. Creating Economic Jus- Pardes Hannah. 8:30 a.m. Torah Study: TBE. Zoom. Weekly discussion Sunday 14 tice. Register at ekarfarm.org, $18 fee. 12 p.m. Talmud Tuesdays w/ Rabbi Alter: TBE. 11a.m. of the Torah portion led by Rabbi Whinston (Daylight savings begins, spring forward Biblical Book Club: TBE. Cantor Hayut leads dis- and 8 p.m. 8:50-9:50 a.m. cussion. 3 p.m. 1 hour) Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. HIAS Refugee Shabbat: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Rosh Chodesh Nissan Passover Lego Contest: BIC. 3 p.m. 8 p.m. See first Tuesday of month. Sunday 7 Rosh Hodesh Nissan Minyan: Pardes Hannah. 9 a.m. Make Your Own Matzoh: BIC. 4 p.m. Wednesday31 Chef Michael Solomonov: Federation. Passover Chant Circle: Pardes Hannah. 11 a.m. Zohar Study & Practice: Pardes Hannah. 11 a.m. foods. Donor appreciation event. 4 p.m. Chopped Passover Edition: BIC. Mulitple times. Social Justice Book Club reads Caste by Isabelle Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Yidish tish Conversation & Reading Group: Ev- Wilkerson. BIC. Two sessions, March 14 and the basic text of Chassidim and discover the ery Wednesday, see above. 2 p. m. beauty and depth of Judaism. 11 a.m. 21. Registration BIC website. 11:00 a.m. Monday 22 Meditation with Claire Weiner: TBE. 5 p.m. Jewish Ethics and Policing in the United States Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin. BIC. Theology Book Club: BIC. Online 8 p.m. n and Israel presented by Rabbi Fred Schwalb the basic text of Chassidim and discover the 3:30p.m.

26 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 You and your family are invited to

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 27 I Obituaries

Karen Lewis, Jewish union chief who made Chicago’s teachers into a national force, is dead at 67 Philissa Cramer, originally for JTA aren Lewis, the firebrand former union’s trademark color. decades later that Jewish values were baked nothing like a pimply 13-year-old mumbling president of Chicago’s teachers “Karen taught us how to fight, and she into her vision for education organizing. his Torah portion. It was gorgeous.” Kunion, has died at 67 after a long taught us how to love,” the union said in a “Judaism is clear. When you reap your Lewis clashed mightily with Emanuel, battle with brain cancer. statement Tuesday. “Before her, there was no fields, you leave something for people Chicago’s most prominent Jewish leader. Lewis, a convert to Judaism who said she sea of red — a sea that now stretches across who don’t have anything,” she said. “It’s all Many in the city attribute the union’s was attracted to the religion’s embrace of our nation.” through Torah. You are commanded to treat invigoration to the closed-door meeting questions, ran the Chicago Teachers Union Born and raised in Chicago’s Hyde Park those who have less than you as family.” in 2011 when Emanuel famously cursed at from 2010 to 2018. Under her leadership, neighborhood, Lewis was the only Black Gertel said Lewis had been a diligent the union leader. She was poised to mount the union became a model for a new breed woman in her graduating class at Dartmouth student and a voracious learner. a formidable challenge in the 2015 mayoral “She never stopped studying Judaism election when she first fell ill. But the pair and reading Jewish history, theology and later became friends, bonding over their inspirational writings, ancient and modern,” shared religion. he wrote in a recollection to be distributed Emanuel sent Lewis matzah ball soup to the community from which he retired. “I upon her retirement, according to Chicago’s was always impressed and inspired by the WBEZ, and they frequently discussed insights that she brought to her reading and Jewish prayers and history. Could Lewis to her own spiritual quest even as she faced have unseated Emanuel as mayor had pain and illness.” she not gotten brain cancer? He told the Lewis was a regular at services for Chicago Sun-Times after her death, “As she decades, especially after taking on the steep would say, ‘That’s nothing but Midrash. It’s responsibilities associated with union hypothetical. It’s a story made up of the leadership. Talmud.’” To the Chicago Tribune, Emanuel “Shul has always been a place where I was more concise: “Who knows?” could have some refuge,” she told the Chicago At her bat mitzvah, Lewis read from the Jewish News in 2013. “I am very very adamant Torah portion Shelach, in which spies are about having that time. I tell people, look, sent to explore Israel and determine whether you can schedule me whenever you need to it would be a suitable home. When the schedule me, but Saturday mornings I am spies return to the Hebrews, who have been Karen Lewis holds a press conference after Chicago Teachers Union delegates absolutely unavailable, because I need that wandering for 40 years since fleeing slavery voted to end their 2012 strike. PHOTO CAPTION: SCOTT OLSON/GETTY IMAGES time in shul.” in Egypt, all but two warn against entering That year, just months after steering her the land. Lewis saw parallels between of public education organizing in which College in 1974. Returning to her hometown union’s 26,000 members to a new contract, the messages the spies delivered and the teachers fought — and fought hard — not several years later, she became a chemistry Lewis celebrated her bat mitzvah at Rodfei naysaying she experienced before propelling just for better pay and working conditions teacher. She also continued asking questions Zedek, which she called “one of the most her union to previously unimaginable for themselves but for policy changes that about God of the sort that had gotten her welcoming places of worship I’ve ever prominence. they believed would benefit their students. thrown out of Sunday school at the Lutheran experienced” in part because of its diverse “It’s a perfect portion for me,” she told Lewis burst into public awareness in church her parents attended. membership. Chicago Magazine in 2012. “It’s about people 2012 when she led her union in a seven- Especially after seeing the portrayal of “I’ve been to lots of other Bar and Bat being told they can’t do something, and they day strike, its first in a quarter century, Talmud study in the 1983 movie Yentl (which Mitzvahs and this one was the best ever,” her were able to.” that resulted in major concessions from starred her high school classmate Mandy successor at the union, Jesse Sharkey, told Lewis is survived by a sister, Keli; her then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The outcome Patinkin), Lewis found herself drawn to Chicago Magazine in 2014. (Sharkey grew husband, John Lewis, whom she met when showed teachers in Chicago and beyond that Judaism. In 1993, at age 40, she converted up Jewish in small-town Maine.) both were teachers at Lane Technical High they could win by fighting aggressively, and after studying with Rabbi Elliot Gertel at “We were just coming out of the strike, School; and the children, grandchildren and the more recent “Red for Ed” national wave Hyde Park’s Conservative Congregation school closings, and it was a crazy period great-grandchildren she gained through her of teacher activism is seen as a successor Rodfei Zedek. of time,” Sharkey recalled. “On the side she marriage. n to the battles that Lewis waged, clad in her Lewis told the synagogue’s newsletter two was learning Hebrew. Sang, just belted it out,

Flory Jagoda, champion of Sephardic music, dies at 97 Ben Harris, originally for the JTA lory Jagoda, the Bosnian-born become a beloved holiday tune widely cov- had to go away. Holocaust survivor who became a ered by other artists. “And that was tough, you know, uh, that Fchampion of Ladino and Sephardic https://www.youtube.com/ was tough,” Jagoda said in a video on the music after immigrating to the United watch?v=0fHPK6CEN1k museum website. “And I just turned around, States, has died. Born in Sarajevo in 1923, Jagoda grew and me and my harmonica, my friend, just Jagoda died January 29 at an assisted up speaking Ladino, or Judeo-Spanish, the walked home brokenhearted, just broken- living facility in Alexandria, Virginia, ac- lingua franca of medieval Spanish Jewry. hearted.” cording to an obituary in The Washington From her grandmother, she learned songs Jagoda and her family fled after the Ger- Post. She was 97. that were passed down in her family for man invasion, landing in Italy, where she met As a singer, songwriter and performer, generations. and married an American soldier, Harry Ja- Jagoda was widely celebrated for her ef- In an interview with the U.S. Holocaust goda. She moved to the United States in 1946 forts to preserve Ladino music and Sep- Memorial Museum, Jagoda recalled how and eventually became a concert performer hardic culture, winning a prestigious her childhood music teacher declined to and lecturer. She also hosted a monthly gath- National Heritage Fellowship from the teach her anymore after the Germans ar- ering of Ladino-speaking Jews who shared National Endowment for the Arts in 2002. rived and forced the Jews to wear identi- traditional food and music. Her Hanukkah composition “Ocho Kan- fying yellow badges adorned with a “z.” Jagoda was predeceased by her husband delikas” (“Eight Little Candles”), written When she arrived at her teacher’s home and a son. She is survived by two daughters in 1983 when Jagoda was 60 years old, has wearing the badge, the teacher told her she and a son. n Flory Jagoda

28 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 I Obituaries

Helene Tamarin, of Plainfield, Mas- Farm of Ann Arbor (CSA) for many years, artificial intelligence that led to the develop- LL10, Washington D.C., 20015 or by calling sachusetts, died on January 19 of cancer, a and maintained a garden plot at the Zion ment of the smart bomb. His wide-ranging 202-363-6422. day after she turned 70, her sons Sam and Ja- Community Garden, plus always having one interests included computers, radar, and the- cob Ruben and nephew Pablo Tamarin at her at home. She was also a lover of music, both oretical mathematics. He also taught math- Irwin Pollack, 95, born in Bridgeport, side. Helene was born and raised in New York performing and as an audience member — ematics as an adjunct professor at Rutgers Connecticut on April 10, 1925 to Benja- City, attended Antioch College, and settled she seemed to find a choir to join wherever University and Monmouth College. min and Mary Beimel Pollack; died in Ann in Ann Arbor in the mid-80s, before moving she was living and for many, many years was Epstein’s professional fascination with Arbor, Michigan, January 23, 2021. Irwin to western Massachusetts in 2010. Her son a part of a recorder quartet that would gather piezoelectric waves in quartz led him to the moved with his family to Miami Beach in Sam described Helene as, “an incredible soul regularly to play for the sheer love of the mu- love of his life, the former Ruth Goldberg, his early teens after he contracted rheumatic sic and the company. who was charmed by a sparkling crystal he She will be missed by so many, but her carried with him to a dance in New York legacy lives on through the many lives she City. After a courtship in Manhattan, the touched and the example she set. Contribu- couple married in 1955 and lived in Red tions in Helene’s memory can be made to Bank and Asbury Park, before settling into Planned Parenthood (Plannedparenthood. their house in Deal Harbor Estates. Over 57 org), the ACLU (https://www.aclu.org/ac- years of marriage, Epstein helped raise four tion/) or the Jewish Cultural Society (https:// children, explored six continents by car, ship, jewishculturalsociety.org/donate-to-jcs/). train, and plane, and was active in the Jer- sey Shore community as a volunteer science Dr. Seymour Epstein died peace- educator for kids (including demonstrating fully on Wednesday, February 3, a few weeks holograms), and as an elected member of shy of his 100th birthday, at the home he de- the Deal School Board of Education, where signed and built for his family in Deal, New he successfully championed adding algebra Jersey. Epstein was a civilian research physi- to the curriculum. He had an encyclopedic cist for the Electronics Research and Devel- knowledge of music and loved to sing ro- opment Command of the U.S. Department mantic standards in a beautiful tenor voice of Defense. A native of Bensonhurst, Brook- with his family gathered around the piano, lyn, he spoke only Yiddish until kindergar- also performing in the Deal Summer Theater ten. An excellent student with a prodigious production of The King and I. He also loved memory, he went on to study French litera- to dance, especially with his beautiful wife. ture at Brooklyn College before transferring A language perfectionist, he was never at a whose accomplishments are not measured in to the City College of New York where he loss for a pun. He was a true force of nature fever. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from accolades received, or jobs held, but rather earned his Bachelor of Science degree in me- who was always eager to share his passion for the University of Florida in 1945 and earned through the countless lives that she touched chanical engineering. He later received his science and his love of learning, inspiring all his PhD in 1949 from Harvard specializing through the selfless love and support that she MS in engineering and Ph.D. in physics from around him. in psychophysics. His career started as a ci- gave to so many … She had a profound im- the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, now Epstein never forgot his Jewish roots vilian scientist at the Air Force Operations pact on so many lives, from those that she’d and was active in the Jewish community as Lab in Washington, D.C. and the Cambridge known since childhood to those that she had a long-time member of Temple Beth El, the Research Lab in Bedford, Massachusetts. In only met in the last year, simply by being who Monmouth/Jersey Shore JCC and Jewish 1963 he came to the University of Michigan she was — a person who created community War Veterans Post 125, as well as an advisor and retired in 1995 as Emeritus Professor of and showed up time and time and time again to and supporter of Moment, a national Jew- Psychology. Irwin was a Fellow of the Acous- for others with no thought of thanks or rec- ish magazine. tical Society of America and of the American ognition but simply because it was the right His beloved wife, Ruth Epstein, a former Psychological Association. His research took thing to do.” executive director of the Monmouth JCC, him to Japan, New Zealand, China, San Di- Helene had deep roots in the Ann Arbor died in 2012. He is survived by two daugh- ego, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Irwin Jewish community and her family were long- ters, Nadine Epstein (John) of Washington, and family spent an impactful 15 months in time members of the Jewish Cultural Soci- D.C., and Marcy Epstein of Ann Arbor, MI; Holland and Cambridge University in the ety. At one time or another, Helene was the two sons, Donald Epstein (Jeanne) of Ocean early 1960s. He was internationally known Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) Sunday school Township, NJ, and Michael Epstein (Molly) for his novel approaches to improve the un- teacher, office manager, newsletter editor, and of Santa Monica, CA; seven grandchildren, derstanding of the human auditory system. school director. She helped with adult pro- Charles (Hali), Raquel (Amir), Ralph (Dani- Irwin is survived by his wife of almost gramming, field trips, youth group events, elle), Jeffrey, Noah, Joseph (Claudia), and 72 years, Marcille Kaufman Pollack, his and sang in the JCS choir. A common refrain Max; his brother, Herbert Epstein, of Delray three children Sharron (m. Joe Weixlmann), from JCS members has long been, “Helene Beach, FL; eight great-grandchildren, Nicole, Phyllis, and Stanley. He was a wonder- was warm, engaging, and made us feel a part Jean, Jeanne, Lily, Michael, Donald, Gabri- fully generous and active grandfather to of the community from day one.” She was a ella, and Joseph; and his devoted caregiver, his grandchildren Dave Metz (Juliette Wal- loving caretaker of the organization and its Norma Germain. lack), Sarah Metz Krissoff (Austin), Seth families. When it came to giving back to the A graveside service was held at Brothers Weixlmann, Adira Weixlmann (fiancé Tyler community, Helene led by example. A friend part of New York University. After a stint at of Israel Cemetery, West Long Branch, NJ., Browne), and Ben Weixlmann (Brittany) as of Helene’s recently commented, “She was Goodyear in Akron, Ohio, Epstein served in on Feb 4. A public celebration of the life of well as great-grandson Paxton Metz. He was the epitome of the verb community!” Helene the U.S. Navy during and immediately fol- Seymour Epstein will be scheduled for later predeceased by his brother Norman Pollack. was also the JCS representative to the Con- lowing World War II, with duties that took this year. Irwin spent much of his post-retirement gress of Secular Jewish Organizations (now him to the Philippines and China. His ca- In lieu of flowers, donations can be made time being the devoted caregiver to Marcille. known as the Cultural and Secular Jewish reer, at Camp Evans and Fort Monmouth, to the Jersey Shore JCC at jccjerseyshore.org/ They are (life) members of Beth Israel Con- Organization) and the Michigan Coalition earned him many official commendations forms/donation or 100 Grant Ave, Deal, NJ gregation since 1963. Irwin leaves a won- for Secular and Humanistic Jews. for theoretical innovations relating to laser 07723 or by calling 732-531-9100, and to a derful legacy of generosity, wise guidance, Along with her deep commitment to her emissions and the measurement of elasticity special fund in his memory at Moment Mag- kindness, and love with his family. Arrange- many communities, Helene was an avid gar- in quartz crystals. In the 1980s he was part azine at momentmag.com/donate or Mo- ments by The Ira Kaufman Chapel. 248-569- dener who was a member of the Community of the Hexagon group that conceived of the ment Magazine, 4115 Wisconsin Ave NW, 0020. Irakaufman.com. n

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 30 Ad Number: PP-BOAA-21924A Trim: 4.8125" x 6.375" Perich Job No: 21924 Bleed: NA Colors: 4/C Live: NA Format: 1/4 Page Ad Version: 2.02.21 RR1-WJN-PenPistol-Ad.ai1-WJN-PenPistol-Ad.ai 1 22/15/21/15/21 11:10:10 PPMM I Simchas and Sorrows Mazel Tov to: Harriet Bakalar and Ed Tobes on the birth of their grandson, Oscar Wyatt Tobes, son of Daniel With Pen and Erin Tobes.

and Pistol Condolences to: The family of Wendy Jane, mother of Matthew Jane (Lauren Gold), grandmother of Sam, Heroines Aaron and Benjamin Jane. Died January 5, 2021. The family of Charles C. Rosenbaum, father of Abby Rosenbaum (Tom Bick), grandfather of the of Mabel and Julian Bick. Died January 12, 2021. Barbara Kramer on the death of her father, Mitchell A. Kramer, January 15. Holocaust Karlan Bender on the death of his brother, Darwin Bender, January 21. Ellyne Monto on the death of her brother, Barry Polsky, January 22. Marcille K. Pollack on the death of her husband, Irwin Pollack, January 24. Lori Greenberg on the death of her husband, Arie Greenberg, January 24. Ronit Ajlen on the death of her father, Arie Greenberg, January 24. Marilyn Kirsch on the death of her mother, Millie Dittrich, January 29. Virtual Program The family of George Bornstein, husband of Jane York Bornstein, father of Ben Bornstein, Rebecca Bornstein (Alex Roy) and Joshua Bornstein (Mei Bornstein), grandfather of Lilya Roy and Serena 7 pm Monday, March 15 Bornstein, died Tuesday, February 2. The family of Hy Fox, uncle of Shoshanah Mandel-Warner (Jan Warner), great uncle of Kayla Learn how thousands of women fought with Mandel, and brother of Lillian Fox. Hy died Saturday, February 6. Michael Morris on the death of his brother, Robert Morris, February 8. dignity and defiance to save themselves and John Rothchild on the death of his mother, Lorraine Rothchild, February 8. others. Featuring Dr. Lori Weintrob, Professor Julia and Daniel Rothchild on the death of their grandmother, Lorraine Rothchild, February 8. The family of Peter Freedman-Doan, died February 14. of History at Wagner College. The family of Jay Meltzer, father of Amy Meltzer, father-in-law of Scott Gitlin, grandfather of Emily and Andrew, died February 15. More information at ww.holocaustcenter.org/upcoming

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021 31 Ann Arbor Michigan

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32 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2021