May 2012 Iyar/Sivan 5772 Page 8 Shavout Holiday of Pilgrimage The

Eileen Freed, special to the WJN ofPeaceJerusalem, City Celebrate Israelevent salutes Celebrate Israel 2011 T will enjoy.”will everyone that event an and chair to proud I’mthat event community a truly is it tions, and support of Ann Arbor’s Jewish organiza- participation the WithIsrael. about love we day for everyone to gather and celebrate what special a as well as fun of full daywonderful a always is dayfestival. the “This to forward looks Hern,chair, Laurel committee Israel ages.Celebrate all of celebrants of hundreds for culture and creativity innovation, Israeli and gram implement a joyous celebration of conceive,pro- to organizations communal Jewish Arbor’sAnn Greater from sentatives the festival opening ceremony. during welcome grand a with ends and JCC the from out heads walk The p.m. 12:15 at begins walk the for registration p.m.; 12:30 at start will (TBE), Temple Emeth and Beth nated by Jewish Hikers of Michigan (JHOM) Greater Ann Arbor. A Walk for of Israel, Centercoordi- Community Jewish the at p.m. city, Jerusalem, on Sunday, May 20, from 1–4 In thisissue… Celebrate Israel brings together repre- together brings Israel Celebrate

day and to celebrate Israel’s capitalIsrael’s celebrate to and day commemoratetoIsrael’s birth- 64th he Ann Arbor community will gather WASHTENAW May 2012 Iyar/Sivan 5772 Page 8 Shavout Holiday of Pilgrimage The

what has become an Ann Arbor tradition,” Arbor Ann an become has what is to add even more energy and excitement to many new activities added to this year’s event event.the the to brought or org of aim “The eileenfreed@jewishannarbor. to advance in stories. Photos, recipes or stories may be sent family their share to opportunity the pants partici- give People, will Jewish the of seum by volunteers from Beit Ha’Tfutsot: The Mu- coordinated families. their activity unique A and strive for a better life for themselves and will benefit the womenwho live in the Negev handiwork based on traditional patterns and sell will booth Israel. The Celebrate to turns ethnicity,re - Bedouin of citizens Israeli are members women’s whose cooperativecraft cottage Embroidery,a Desert more. much return of the Moshav Nahalal tent and much, Darrell Swift ($10/sketch), street performers, Light Rail” express train, a quick sketch artist “Jerusalem the include Highlights family. entire the for activities Israel-themed fun be will There entertainment.top-notch and food street Israeli tasty dancing, Israeli joy As in previous years, en- will participants Page 10 Volyne From Torahs Rescued

continues onpage 30 continues Volume XXXVI: Number 8

award-winning animated short, moving documentary will be followed by the This astronaut. first Israel’sRamon, Ilan of 29, at 2 p.m. with States.year’s This rosterSunday, opens April United the Germany,and England,Canada Israel, from are Poland, films event. The day mentaries plus two guest speakers over the five foundbe on theJCCwebsite. fice or at the JCC. The entire festival listing can of- Box Theater Michigan the at available are passes and Ticketsnon-members. for $85 or of the Ann Arbor films is $80 for JCC members 3. areseats $10,All FestivalFilm a or topass all FestivaltoMichigan theTheater April29–May Film Jewish Marwil Lenore Annual 11th the bringing are Detroit,Metropolitan of Center films will appeal to adults and young people young and adults to appeal will films Bridge: Rescue at Entebbe. These inspirational T , by Luis Argueta. The raid also reverber also raid The Argueta.Luis by ,Raid film, documentary the in depicted Postville,is of town small the on and families, their and workers of lives the on raid the of impact The deported. were many and U.S.—werearrested the in plant meatpacking and slaughterhouse kosherlargest cessors—the Agripro- at workers 400 Some 2008. 12, May on Iowa,Postville, in occurred States United subsequent events. and Agriprocessors on raid the on program O Michael Appel, special to the WJN onAgriprocessors Film anddiscussion Karen Freedland, special to the WJN Jewish Film Festival highlights The festival features 15 films and - docu and films 15 features festival The The largest immigration raid ever in the the in ever raid immigration largest The Page 18 Awards Scholarship Susan Lichter 2012 Theatre and the Jewish Community Jewish the and Theatre er Ann Arbor, along with the Michigan he Jewish Community Center of Great- Israel Congregation, will present a a present will Congregation, Israel Beth of Committee Action Social the p.m., 7 at 7, May Monday, n

An Article of Hope, the story

Abused: the Postville Postville the Abused: Ann Arbor, MI48108 2939 BirchHollowDrive c/o JewishFederationofGreaterAnnArbor Washtenaw JewishNews Cohen on the - etrd im is film featured that hasattended family gatherings. anyone with resonate will that drama comic of ing the community is invited for an 8 p.m. show- reception, sponsor the Theater.Following Sundayp.m.evening6:30 at Michiganthe at held be will reception sponsor The well. as Scene from Mabul, The Flood will be accepted. be will n program is free, but donations to the filmmaker Greater Ann Arbor.Centerof Community The sher food.” toment provide “an for certification ethical ko- MoveTzedek,Conservative the - initiativeof an Magen on and workers’rights to approaches Jewish on conversation a lead also will tary, documen - the finance to and Savit’s efforts of support in both funds contributed which tee, community to workers help andtheir families. efforts to raise funds from the Ann Arbor Jewish successful his recount will area,Postville the in family minyan,with Orthodox Arbor Ann the of member a Savit, Bob Postville. at events the will be a discussion of the Jewish implications of eredprocess. certification inthekashrut how the treatment of workers should be consid - federal prison, and an ongoing discussion about in years 27 to Rubashkin Sholom owner plant profile in the articles high world—with Jewish the throughout ated On Monday, April 30, at 1:30 p.m., the p.m., 1:30 at Monday,30, AprilOn The program will take place at the Jewish the at place take will program The Commit- Action Social Israel Beth The documentary, there the viewing with Along , a heartwarming heartwarming Rubinsa ,the Reuniting h Dybbuk The Forward, the sentencing of continues onpage 30 continues Permit No.85 Ann Arbor, MI U.S. Postage PAID Standard Presort te classic the , FREE I Community Brian ashin, lmsw is pleased to announce 2935 Birch Hollow Drive the relocation of Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 his practice “The Art of Marriage” is focus of JLI course voice: 734/971-1800 Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN fax: 734/971-1801 of psychotherapy to: e-mail: [email protected] new series of classes on the secrets ated with a particular synagogue, temple, or www.washtenawjewishnews.org of successful marriage will begin other house of worship. 300 N. Fifth Suite 245 A the six-week course on Tuesday, Interested students may call 995-3276 x 2, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 May 8, at the Chabad House, and the Jewish or visit www.myJLI.com for registration and (734) 678-3281 Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor. other course-related information. JLI cours- Editor and Publisher Regardless of marital status, all are invited es are presented in Ann Arbor. n Susan Kravitz Ayer www.brianashin.com Calendar Editor Individuals, couples and Claire Sandler group therapy Advertising Manager Gordon White Design and Layout Dennis Platte Staff Writers Mary Bilyeu, Sandor Slomovits, Rochel Urist Contributing Writers Writers Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, Maxine Dovere, Eileen Freed, Karen Freedland, Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, Tim Grimes, Ruth Ellen Gruber, Becky Hankin, Roz Keith, Dana Kennedy, Marilyn Krimm, Carol Lessure, Ben Lynfield, Meredith Mandell, Dvora Meyers, Merrill Poliner, Dina Shtul, Jordan Siden, Yael Silver, Elliot Sorkin, Eileen Thacker, Brett Willner

Jewish Learning Institute class, winter 2012 The Washtenaw Jewish News is a free and inde- pendent newspaper. It is published monthly, to attend the six-session course, presented by with the exception of January and July. It is reg- the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) and Course description istered as a Non-profit Michigan Corporation. taught by Rabbi Goldstein. • The Case for Marriage. Is there still a need Opinions expressed in this publication do not The Art of Marriage will go far beyond for marriage in today’s world? What necessarily reflect those of its editors or staff platitudes, to cover topics at the heart of purpose does it serve, psychologically modern marriage. Does marriage still serve and spiritually? any purpose at all? How far should one go to • Jewish Bedroom Secrets. Judaism has make a marriage work? When is divorce the much to say about the physical side of Member of American Jewish Press Association Gregory Fox best option? Included as well are Jewish bed- marriage. This lesson draws upon the room secrets, from ancient texts, on how to wisdom of the Kabbalah and shares Photography increase intimacy in marital relationships. practical tools to increase spousal inti- “Beautiful, inspiring, but most of all prac- macy of heart, mind, body, and soul. Wedding, Editorial tical,” says Dr. Patricia Love, author of How to • Will my Spouse Ever Change? What if only Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About one partner is committed to improving and Event Photography It, one of Amazon’s top two marriage books. the marriage? This lesson examines the in the greater “Whether your marriage is magical or miser- ideal of an expectation-free relationship, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Area able, this vital course is designed for you.” and how to value your partner for who Judaism views a loving marriage as a spiri- they are. ©2012 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. tual as well as a human ideal. The Art of Mar- • Becoming a Better Half. Marriage can All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw bring out the best and worst in people. Jewish News may be reproduced without riage shows students how to attain that for permission of the publisher. themselves and for their spouses, with time- This lesson focuses on the individual less lessons from both modern and ancient character traits that influence marriage. Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the Jewish texts such as the Talmud and Zohar. We also explore how marriage can be a editor at [email protected]. Name will be “Judaism venerates marriage and therefore tool for self improvement. withheld at the discretion of the editor. has a long history of looking to enhance the • Danger Ahead. How does one defend a Circulation: 5,000 marriage experience. The course is not only marriage from the threats of boredom Subscriptions: from within and temptation from with- $12 bulk rate inside Washtenaw County about providing techniques for success in mar- $18 first-class su bscription riage, it’s about changing your attitude toward out? This lesson shows ways to form and your spouse and toward marriage in general,” fortify an exclusive and powerful rela- The deadline for the June/July/August 2012 explains JLI’s Rabbi Naftali Silberberg. tionship. issue of the Washtenaw Jewish News is Like all JLI programs, The Art of Mar- • Make Up or Break Up? How far should you Monday, May 7. riage is designed to appeal to students at all go to make a marriage work? This lesson Publication date: Friay, May 25. levels of Jewish knowledge, including those explores Jewish insights on divorce that Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News provide powerful instruction on how to are available at locations throughout without any prior experience or background Washtenaw County. in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to stay married when the going gets tough. the public, and attendees need not be affili-

IIn this issue… Congregations ...... 10 Teens ...... 18 For more information, Advertisers ...... 31 Israel ...... 19 Youth ...... 16 contact Gregory Fox Kosher Cuisine ...... 25 734-677-6862 Arts and Culture ...... 22 Vitals ...... 31 [email protected] Best Reads ...... 24 On Another Note ...... 23 Women ...... 5 www.gfoxphoto.com Calendar ...... 26 Seniors ...... 5 World Jewry ...... 15

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 ICommunity

ercy’sAT THE BELL TOWER Program to focus on painter, artist, HAPPY HOUR Tuesday-Friday 4:30pm-6pm genius, Mark Rothko DINNER Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm-9pm Tim Grimes, special to the WJN Friday & Saturday 5:30pm-10pm oin Performance Network Theatre and For two years, from 1956–58, Rothko *bar open 1 hour later the Ann Arbor District Library on May worked feverishly in his studio on Manhat- J 8, 7–8:30 p.m., for an evening focusing tan’s Lower East side, on what was at the time Join us for Happy Hour! $4.50 martinis, $4 glasses of wine, discounted appetizers! on Mark Rothko, the famous abstract painter the costliest commission in art history. A Rus- and the subject of the Tony award-winning sian immigrant Jew from humble beginnings, play, Red (now showing through May 27 at he worked to produce a series of enormous Please check our website for events and specials! the Performance Network). University of murals that would adorn that bastion of cap- Michigan History of Art Department PhD italism—the famous Four Seasons Restaurant in Mies Van der Rohe’s Seagrams Building. 300 S. Thayer • (734) 996-3729 • http://www.mercysrestaurant.com • Valet parking available What was Rothko’s career before this unprecedented assignment? What was his fate “The people who weep before after this commission? What was his legacy? Find out more about this master artist at this my pictures are having the informative event. Presenter Grant W. Mandarino special- same religious experience I izes in modern painting and visual culture. had when painting them. And His re-search focuses on the intersection of art and politics in Germany between 1923 if you say you are moved only and 1933, but his broader interests include: artistic radicalism, Cold War-era abstract by their color relationships painting, Marxist art historiography, film, and the history of espionage. In addition then you miss the point.” to regular teaching duties, Grant works as a freelance art critic and has published reviews - Mark Rothko in journals such as Artnet Magazine, USart, The Stranger, Ann Arbor Observer, and H-Net student Grant W. Mandarino will lead the German. discussion on Rothko’s life and work. The Performance Network Theatre is John Logan’s critically-acclaimed play located at 120 East Huron Street. There is Red paints an emotionally moving picture of no charge for this lecture, however there is this fiery abstract expressionist as he worked limited seating. For more information on intensely on his paintings and struggled with this lecture at the Performance Network, call personal demons to bring forth what would the library at 327-4555 or visit the website at ultimately be his life’s greatest achievement. aadl.org. n

JCC to present art by Aviva Kleinbaum Karen Freedland, special to WJN The Jewish Community Center of Greater ent colors and media reflect these differences in Ann Arbor welcomes artist Aviva Kleinbaum states of mind.” to the JCC’s Amster Gallery. The exhibit will Kleinbaum has 15 years’ experience as a psy- “You know you’ve read a open May 7 and runs through the end of chotherapist, consultant, and executive coach. great book when you find June. The artist’s reception will be May 20, She grew up in three different cultures, and is it so engrossing that you’re at 6 p.m., at the JCC. fluent in three languages. She came to recognize disappointed to reach the Aviva Kleinbaum was born in Iraq and intent and purpose before the surface words. last page. That’s how a raised in Israel. According to Kleinbaum, she Being trained as a psychotherapist deepened lot of us felt at the end paints emotion, attitude, and state of mind. those tendencies. Kleinbaum holds a bachelor’s of Part 1 of Ari’s Guide “Art is a visual expression of thoughts and feel- degree in sociology and master of social work to Good Leading, and ings,” she explains. “It lacks a concise message; degree from the University of Michigan. She you’re liable to feel that its power is igniting each person’s own thoughts has been a public lecturer on change and or- way again at the end of and feelings. I work with many media in dif- ganizational culture. Currently, Kleinbaum re- Part 2.” ferent ways because I see the same feelings ap- sides on a farm in Saline with her husband, and - BO BURLINGHAM, plying in different ways. Happiness and sadness raises sheep when not working on her art. Inc. magazine Editor- are not consistent; they have different colors, To RSVP for the reception, contact Karen at-Large and author ways and effects in different situations. The Freedland at 971-0990 or karenfreedland@jc- of Small Giants: outcomes of feelings are also varied. The differ- cfed.org. /ea. Companies That Choose To $29.95 Be Great Instead of Big Chaverim BíShirim to perform May 6 Marilyn Krimm, special to the WJN Chaverim B’Shirim will perform excerpts of He established merit employment in place of two shows by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Har- patronage. The themes are very relevant to the THE SECOND IN THE SERIES nick (of Fiddler on the Roof fame), on May 6, present political environment. at 3 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of The second show, She Loves Me, is the story FROM ZINGERMAN'S Greater Ann Arbor. about the parfumerie where characters George that can help you lead your The first show, Fiorello, is the story of the and Amalia work. The couple are secret pen pals, life and times of Fiorello LaGuardia, mayor of and are not really friendly; but, after an almost organization towards a new way to work. New York City, from 1934 to 1945. The songs meeting, that changes. One of their co-workers At all Zingerman’s locations and online at www.zingtrain.com. Quantity discounts available! selected show La Guardia’s dedication to the is truly predatory and is caught and dismissed. citizens of the city by his breaking the politi- Refreshments will be served following the Join us for Books, Breakfast & Building a Sustainable Business May 18, 8-9am at cal hold of Tammany Hall, and removing the performance. There is no charge for the con- Zingerman’s Roadhouse! Please call 734. 663.3663 for information & reservations. corruption in elections and running of the city. cert but donations are appreciated.

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 3 IJewish Family Services A community celebration that fights hunger where we live

Leading the way at JFS Roz Keith, special to the WJN ewish Family Services is in its 19th year carry on Herb’s name through this wonderful serving the residents of Washtenaw new endeavor; The Herb Amster Center is a J County, providing critical services to new division of JFS which, once operational, both the Jewish and non-Jewish commu- will be focused on entrepreneurial, revenue- nity. Just recently, the agency honored Carol generating services to provide the agency with Amster with the Claire and Isadore Bernstein sustainable income. Leadership award for her dedication, service Why does this matter to JFS and the Jewish and support of JFS and the Jewish commu- community? With reliable funding sources nity. Carol authentically lives the Jewish value decreasing and the needs of the older adult of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and be- community increasing, it became clear that a lieves it is critical to teach by example. Both solution was needed to cover the costs associ- Carol and her late husband Herb always rec- ated with providing these services. “For sev- ognize the impact of using their name to lead eral years, and with Herb’s input as a member

A BENEFIT FOR the way. In the true spirit of The Bernstein of the JFS Business Development committee, FOOD GATHERERS the agency looked for a solution which would produce sustainable revenue, expand Grillin’ WJN ad-- MAY / 2012 Grillin’ WJN ad-- MAY 1/2 PG VERT-4C services (while remaining true to the core foundations) and use the nationally recognized expertise Sunday, June 10, 3-8 PM (rain or shine) Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road Left to right. Carol’s family at the ceremony: Lauren Amster, Zack Amster, (grandchildren), Aaron Amster,(son), Lisa Schoenberg, (daughter), Doug Schoenberg, (son-in -law) The Cause award, the Amsters led by setting an amazing of our staff We believe that in a nation of Tickets: $50/Adults example, by mentoring and nurturing those to continue plenty, no one should go hungry! ($10 is goods and who needed their advice, by stepping up to offering Proceeds from Grillin’ enable services) Food Gatherers to distribute support new endeavors, and by making sure high-quality $10/Kids ages 3-13 more than 5 million pounds of that the community grows from strength to services,” said ($3 is goods and services) food annually to 150 non-profit strength. Bob Miller, programs serving low-income Tickets at the door: In addition to the honor bestowed upon JFS board people in Washtenaw County. $60 Adults/$10 Kids Carol, JFS also celebrated Herb Amster’s leg- member and Carol Amster speaking after acy by launching a 5-year campaign to cre- vice president award acceptance A picnic with a purpose! Purchase tickets online at ate and grow The Herb Amster Center. The of JFS’ Commu- • Grilled chicken and sausages; foodgatherers.org or Herb Amster Center will be leading the way nity Outreach and Development, salads and side dishes from contact us at 734.761.2796. by creating sustainable, revenue-producing The Herb Amster Center is an incred- some of our area’s best food businesses to provide the needed income ible opportunity to enable the continuity to purveyors and desserts from Additional ticket sales locations: for JFS to sustain and expand its service to provide essential services, to build for the Zingerman’s Bakehouse and Zingerman’s (Deli, Bakehouse or the community. Both Carol and Herb have community and to create new initiatives to Creamery Roadhouse), Saline Picture dedicated themselves to the enhancement of improve the lives of those in the community • Live bands featuring the musical Frame Co. and Dexter Picture the community through arts, science and hu- who so dearly need and deserve support. As talents of George Bedard and Frame Co. man services and are recognized for leading JFS embarks on its 20th anniversary year, the Kingpins, Back Forty, and the way by serving as inspiring examples of there couldn’t be a better start to celebrate The Appleseed Collective personal excellence. accomplishments, remain vital, enhance ser- The services that JFS provides to individu- vices and to lead the way. • Food inspired silent auction als and families are also leading the way… in Jewish Family Services relies on everyone • Fun for kids of all ages hosted quality, innovation and responsiveness. The in the community—as supporters, volun- by the Ann Arbor Hands-On agency is proud to be at the forefront of the teers, and community members—so that it Museum professional community, holding itself to can continue to be “your family in the com- the highest standards. This, however, cannot munity.” The JFS 2012 annual campaign, • Cash beer and wine be sustained under the current model; 70 Wrap Your Arms Around the Community, is percent of the agency’s funding comes from underway. There are several ways to contrib- grants which is unreliable and unpredictable. ute financially including (but not limited to) Lisa Schoenberg, Herb and Carol’s daugh- a gift or pledge to the annual campaign (paid ter, expressed her pride: “It’s an honor to have monthly or quarterly), a “Gift of Gratitude” JFS, an organization my father was so passion- to honor or recognize a loved one or other ate about, create such a meaningful tribute to important individuals in one’s life or an ear- him and his vision.” She understands that her marked gift for a specific service. In addition, father’s goal was for JFS to be “sustainable and reach Alan Cotzin via email at acotzin@gmail. financially strong.” The Herb Amster Center com or call him at 604-2143 or 769-0209 for is “the key to achieving that.” major or planned-giving assistance for both Carol and Herb helped the agency through JFS and The Herb Amster Center. For Annual huge leaps of development by supporting the Campaign donations and “Gift of Gratitude” agency’s vision, helping sustain its mission, recognition, contact Cindy Klein at cindyk@ foodgatherers.org and being a part of its future. The agency is jfsannarbor.org or call her at 769-0209. To grateful to Carol and her family for naming make a donation online, visit www.jfsannar- Jewish Family Services as the organization to bor.org. n 4 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 ISeniors/Women

MAY SPICE* of Life *Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, and Educational Programs for Adults Merrill Poliner, special to the WJN Tuesdays through the SPICE program. Call Merrill at 10 a.m.: Washtenaw Community College Bi- 971-0990 for more information. ble Literature and History Class taught by Dr. Thursday, May 3 Lizbeth Fried. This semester‘s class, studying 12:30 p.m.: Birthday celebration for all with th the Dead Sea Scrolls began on April 24 and May birthdays! Bring family and friends for goes for 6 weeks. Call 971-0990 to register. lunch and birthday cake. 11 a.m.: Energy Exercise© with Maria 1 p.m.: Dr. J. Scott Roberts, associate professor Farquhar. $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10. of Health Behavior and Health Education and Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person. director of the Public Health Genetics Program 1 p.m.: Games and Activities. Join in for a at the University of Michigan, will speak to the variety of games and activities including mah- group about mild cognitive impairment and the jong, quilting for the patients of Mott Hospital, REVEAL study (Risk Evaluation and Education art projects, and other card games. for Alzheimer’s Disease) which is investigating the 1 p.m.: Wii sports including bowling, tennis, impacts of genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. golf and baseball. No sports or computer experience necessary. Thursday, May 10 1 p.m.: Open Computer time – tutor available. 12:30 p.m.: A registered nurse from Care Re- Call for reservations and more information. sponse will take and record blood pressures and address any questions Free. Thursdays 1 p.m.: Dave Waskin, professor of composi- 10 a.m.: Energy Exercise© with Maria Far- tion and journalism at Washtenaw Commu- quhar. $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10. nity College, will speak to the group. 11 a.m.: Current Events with Heather Wednesday, May 16 Dombey. A discussion of this week’s news. 1 p.m. Afternoon Delights Concert sponsored Bring items of interest for group discussion. by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra held at Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person. the JCC. Featuring Ann Arbor Symphony Or- 1 p.m.: Thursday Special Events and Presen- chestra Brass Quintet. Refreshments at 1 p.m. tations (see below for details). WE PAY TOP PRICE Concert begins at 1:30 p.m. 2:15 p.m.: Sidney Warschausky Literary Group facilitated by group members. Call Thursday, May 17 Merrill Poliner, 971-0990, for more informa- 1 p.m.: After a successful session, making chal- FOR GOLD tion and the title of the current book. lah covers, the mitzvah project continues with the creation of kiddush cups for the JCC’s Early Fridays Childhood Center classrooms. All supplies will be silver, platinum, 1:30 p.m.: Yiddish Reading Group at the provided, just bring your creativity and ideas. JCC. Call Ray Juni for additional information at 761-2765. Thursday, May 24 coins, gold 1 p.m.: Students from the University of Michi- Special events gan Community Nursing Program will present watches and on living with chronic pain. Tuesday, May 1 12:30 p.m.: Group trip to the Michigan The- Thursday, May 31 broken atre for the Jewish Film Festival showing of 1 p.m: Join us for a musical afternoon starring Dolphin at 1:30 p.m. Senior rate tickets and the “Klez Kids,” the klezmer band of the He- jewelry transportation must be reserved and paid for brew Day School. Stop in for a Hadassah update free estimate for Eileen Thacker, special to the WJN A group of 12 dedicated members are doing one interested in joining can contact Heather your gold, what they can to keep the Hadassah spirit alive Dombey at 677-3504 or email her at heather- in Ann Arbor. Maxine Solvay and Barb Mintz [email protected] antique rings, continue to solicit donations for the many Hadassah is proud to be a sponsor of the worthwhile programs in Israel and projects Celebrate Israel Event, chaired by Hadassah worn jewelry in the United States; Michele Israel keeps the member, Laurel Hern. Anyone interested in and any fine jewelry chapter’s financial records in order; Charlene coordinating a Hadassah table at this event Yudowin handles membership while Amy should contact Eileen Thacker at 302-1810 or or gold item that you Hamermesh keeps membership records up [email protected]. Immediate payment. to date; Marci Feinberg emails pertinent in- With articles in the Washtenaw Jewish no longer need. no appointment necessary formation to Hadassah members; and Sue News, updates to the chapter email list and Ann Arbor licensed precious metals dealer Adler sells certificates and trees. Central States Update (a newsletter about Hadassah certainly isn’t all work and no the Hadassah Region), Hadassah is doing its fun. Julie Ellis and her crew are already plan- best to keep members informed. One excit- 2000 W. Stadium Blvd. • Ann Arbor ning for another Game Night for the fall. ing new development is the recently opened 734.994.5111 • www.lewisjewelers.com Martha Young and Heather Dombey are Sarah Davidson Hospital in Jerusalem, a starting a new Hadassah Book Group. Their source of pride for all Hadassah members. To first meeting will be a vegetarian potluck at be added to the email list, send your infor- Martha Young’s home on Thursday, May 10, mation to Marci Feinberg at cytomi2@gmail. Bring in this coupon & at 7 p.m. The first book to be discussed isThe com. Julie Ellis has offered to keep those who Man in the White Sharkskin Suite, by Lucette do not have access to the Internet personally Lagnado, and is available in paperback. The informed about Hadassah happenings; con- receive an additional 25% book group is open to all Hadassah members tact her at 665-0439. 2000 W. Stadium Blvd. • Ann Arbor and a $10 charge will off-set activities. Any- 734.994.5111 • www.lewisjewelers.com

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 5 6 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 IJewish Community Center

This month at the JCC Karen Freedland, special to the WJN Walking tour with a2 Modern in Ann Levy is leading the ride on May 6, beginning Class on Judaism with Michael Weiss take place from 4–5:30 p.m. at the JCC. Class Arbor Hills at 9:45 a.m. Anyone interested in leading fel- The JCC’s Adult Education Department fee for JCC members is $60; non members low cyclists should contact Karen Freedland will present “Judaism on the Fringe: Map- are $70. Classes are: Join the Jewish Community Center of at 971-0990 or [email protected]. • May 20: Samaritans: Good, Bad, and Oth- Greater Ann Arbor in an exploration of Ann ping the Boundaries of a Covenantal Com- munity,” taught by Michael Weiss, who will erwise. Arbor mid-century architecture on Thurs- Gardening Club meeting May 21 • June 3: Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, day, June 7, at 5:30 p.m. Walk through Ann return to the JCC in May with a captivat- Join fellow gardeners at the JCC for a ing 3-week course. By asking the question, Christians: Who was a Jew? Arbor Hills with a member of a2 Modern monthly Gardening Club get together on • June 10: Karaites vs. Rabbanites: Defenders group as the guide leads the group through a “What is Judaism?” is to look closely at what Monday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the JCC. Learn Judaism isn’t. Throughout history, there have of the Faith. concentrated pocket of mid-century modern new tips, get ideas and have a general good architecture. Learn which architects designed been groups of Jews (or pseudo-Jews) that To register for classes, RSVP for clubs, or for time. There will be monthly speakers, work- have skirted, and in some cases, crossed the houses for whom during the 1950s and shops, plant exchanges and more. A $5 drop more information on JCC programs, contact 1960s. The architects featured will include boundaries of Judaism and become some- Karen Freedland at 971-0990 or karenfreed- in fee will be collected at the door. The June thing else. This series of three classes looks Robert Metcalf, George Brigham, William meeting is Monday, June 18. [email protected]. Muschenheim, Herb Johe, Edward Olencki at case studies of such groups. Weiss’ courses and David Osler. This tour will be an exte- JCC to form Jewish Theatre Ensemble are original and intriguing. The classes will rior housewalk and is limited to 20 persons. Those interested in performing Jewish The cost is $10 for JCC members and $15 for plays, and musical performances with Jewish 2 non-members. Details on the meeting place themes, are invited to the first meeting of the Afternoon Delights Concert stars A SO quintet will be given with RSVP confirmation. JCC’s Jewish Theatre Ensemble. Meet with Merrill Poliner, MSW, special to the WJN fellow thespians and performers to start de- The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Bicycle Riding Club veloping a Jewish community theatre group. The Jewish Community Center of Great- Ann Arbor will present the last Afternoon Delights concert of the 2011–2012 season on The first meeting will be Tuesday, May 22, at Wednesday, May 16. The hour-long concert will begin at 1:30 p.m. Dessert and beverages er Ann Arbor is starting a bicycle club that 7 p.m., at the JCC. will meet the first Sun- will be available at 1 p.m. day of each month. All Local authors invited to the 2012 JCC This concert will feature the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quintet, which is comprised of Scott Hartley on the trombone; levels of riding skill are Jewish Book Festival encouraged to join. The Katherine Cosgrove and Mitchell Wechsler on the trumpet; Phillip Local authors are invited to participate Bloomer on the tuba; and Kurt Civilette on the horn. JCC is looking for com- in the 2012 JCC Jewish Book Festival, which munity members to vol- Tickets ($8) are available at the door and through the Ann Arbor will take place November 7–18 at the JCC. Symphony Orchestra at 994-4801. unteer to lead the group Authors whose books have been published in on a rotating basis each late 2011 or in 2012 are welcome to partici- month. Rabbi Robert pate in this celebrated community event.

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 7 I Shavout

Counting the Omer and Rabbi Akivah Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN here’s a mitzvah called counting the yourself.” Rabbi Akiva said that one should that their own interpretation was correct and other person and indignantly say, “ You look Omer in which we count the days take note that this is a great rule in the Torah. their colleague’s wrong, as a result they did not wrong—you should look the same as me.” T from the second day of Passover until This became Rabbi Akiva’s theme. So how respect the opinions of the others and conse- We understand that they are not us, they are Shavuot. In the days of the Holy Temple this could it be—that if this is what Rabbi Akiva quently did not treat others with respect. The them and they have a different appearance was a sacrifice that our ancestors brought to stood for, this is what he emphasized to his Rabbis tell us that there was no lack of love than us—and there is no problem. So just as the Temple from the new barley harvest to students as a general rule in Torah—which for each other. There was no hate for each they are entitled to look differently than you, show their grati- all 24,000 students were lacking in other. It was only that they couldn’t have the they are also entitled to have a different opin- tude to God for love for their fellow Jew? proper respect for each other because each ion than you. Therefore, you can recognize the new crop. The The rabbis of the Talmud one saw Rabbi Akiva’s teachings in a different that differences are acceptable and still bestow second night of explained this problem in way. Because they loved their fellow Jew, they honor and respect upon your fellow even if Pesach they would the following manner. As tried, in their mind, to help their fellow Jew they hold to a differing interpretation. go out to the fields we all know, the Rabbis by persuading the others to see Even though there were 24,000 students (in Israel it is con- of the Talmud are very sidered intermedi- careful in their choice ate days) and they of words. They did So just as they are entitled to look differently than would cut the new not say that the stu- Rabbi Aharon Goldstein barley and make it dents were fight- you, they are also entitled to have a different into a meal and bring it as an offering the ing against each next day the 2nd day of Passover in the tem- other or hating opinion than you. Therefore, you can recognize ple. The measurement of that offering was each other or called an Omer. That’s roughly equivalent to there was dis- that differences are acceptable and still bestow 43 eggs. From that day they would count 49 unity between honor and respect upon your fellow even if days until the next holiday, Shavuot. At that them. The Rabbis time they would bring a grain sacrifice made didn’t mention they hold to a differing interpretation. out of wheat to show their gratitude to God these qualities. for the new crop of wheat. That’s the mitzvah What they do say is of “counting of the Omer.” simply that the students things their that perished, there were five that survived. Within the counting of the Omer there is did not respect each other. way. When One of them was Shimon Bar Yochai, known a very special day called Lag B’Omer, the 33rd So what does that mean? We as- the others as the “Rashbi”, who is buried in the city of day in the counting of the Omer. The letter sume that since they were students didn’t ac- Meron near Sfat in Israel. He passed away on Lamed (L) stands for 30, the letter Gimel of Rabbi Akiva they definitely ob- cept their point Lag B’Omer. Each year on Lag B’Omer there (G) stands for 3, and so (L-G) Lag B’Omer served the Mitzvah of Ahavas Yis- of view they said, “ sorry, is a huge gathering of people (hundreds of means the 33rd of the Omer. On that day we roel, loving your fellow Jew. That you are wrong”. Then the others thousands) and many bonfires are lit at his have a big celebration. What is the celebra- wasn’t the problem. The problem was that would say, “ sorry, YOU are wrong”. When grave in Meron. There is a story told that tion about? they were lacking in giving respect to one you insist that another’s reasonable interpre- during the Roman prohibition of Torah The Talmud tells us that there was a great another. The reason for this lack of respect tation is wrong, it’s hard to have a respect- study, he, being a great teacher, was forced rabbi named Akiva who had 24,000 students. to each other was due to their great dedica- ful relationship. So they were honest to each into hiding to protect his life. He hid for Unfortunately, at the time between Pesach tion to their teacher, Rabbi Akiva. Each one other. They loved each other. But neverthe- 13 years in a cave. When he left the cave he and Shavuot a plague broke out. Within 33 saw a different way to interpret Rabbi Akiva’s less they couldn’t agree with one another. noticed that were certain Kohanim (priests) days of the onset of Pesach all but five per- teachings. Just as no two people look exactly So this is the answer to the questions of: that were not using a particular path and ished. The Talmud tells us that the reason alike, so too with opinions, no two people 1. Why was there this lack of mutual respect? they were going around the long way. The for the plague was that they did not respect see things in exactly the same way. So, even 2. Why was there this extremely severe plague? Rashbi asked them why they were going each other. Because of that conduct and at- though Rabbi Akiva was only one great Rab- Because they were the students of Rabbi around the long way. They said because, un- titude they all passed away. This is the reason bi, he had 24,000 students, and 24,000 differ- Akiva it was expected from them that they fortunately, there were the remains of a dead why there has been a long-standing Jewish ent interpretations of his teachings. Because should somehow find a way to find merit in body along the main path and a priest is not tradition of treating these 33 days as days they were so loyal to Rabbi Akiva, and had the interpretations of their friends and col- allowed to be in the presence of a dead body. of mourning for the passing of the 24,000 such high regard and respect for his teach- leagues. Even if they didn’t agree, they should The Rashbi went on ahead and he took the students. Consequently, we don’t have any ings, everyone understood Rabbi Akiva in have at least found a way to honor each oth- time to clean the whole area and render the scheduled weddings, we don’t put on new their own way. They were hoping that their er. This is the essence of the lesson of Lag path acceptable for priests to travel upon. So clothes, we don’t listen to music, we don’t fellow students would also understand the B’Omer, the importance of Jewish unity— here we see an example of Ahavas Yisroel, go to concerts, etc. However, when it comes teachings in the same way. Because each one Ahavas Yisroel—loving your fellow Jew. Even loving your fellow Jew. Do whatever you can to Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the counting was so strong in their own opinion, it was if you disagree with a person, there is noth- to help another Jew. Even if it’s just to take of the Omer (this year it will be on Thurs- difficult for them to see the value of anyone ing wrong with accepting another person away a little extra effort for the Kohanim like day, May 8), we acknowledge the end of the else’s opinion. So when we say they did not despite the difference of opinion—agreeing the the Rashbi did for the Kohanim. So this plague by having a big celebration. We go respect each other we mean it in this way. to disagree with mutual respect– so to speak. is a lesson we learn, that we should be nice to outside and have picnics and other outdoor Each student felt that their colleagues were A rabbi once commented that the Talmud each other, respect each other and be united. fun activities, all to recognize this great day incorrect if they had different interpreta- says that just like our faces are all different When we are united is when the blessings of of Lag B’Omer. tions of Rabbi Akiva’s teachings. But because from each other, so too are our thoughts dif- God will dwell over us and eventually bring We know that Rabbi Akiva put a great they cared so much for them – loved them as ferent from each other. The rabbi interprets us to the coming of the Moshiach. May it be emphasis on the mitzvah, the precept, of lov- their fellow Jew – they would try to persuade the statement as follows. Just as we are not soon in our days. n ing your fellow Jew as yourself. As it says in their fellows to see Rabbi Akiva’s teachings bothered by the fact that one person looks the Torah, “You shall love your fellow Jew like the way they did. Since each student thought differently than us, i.e.; we don’t look at an-

8 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 Shavuot is a time for Torah study and first fruits Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, special to the WJN he three holidays of Pesach, Shavuot only references to Shavuot in the Torah refer The Mishna describes the great pageantry celebrate the substance of Torah, recognizing and Sukkot are collectively referred to to the holiday as hag habikkurim, the holiday that accompanied the bringing of the bik- this anniversary of revelation as the begin- T as shalosh regalim, the three pilgrim- of the first fruits, a celebration of the early fruit kurim, the first fruits, to the Temple. Today, ning of our people’s love affair with the To- age festivals. According to the book of Deuter- harvest. With no Temple to make pilgrimages rah. That love is marked not only by dancing onomy, these three agricultural festivals were to and with agricultural traditions changing and singing but also by engaging in a serious marked by a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where as Jews scattered from Israel, how could this The holiday of Shavuot relationship with Torah through study. It special sacrifices holiday remain vital? reminds us that this relationship is one that were offered in rec- The solution was found in the devel- reminds us that the enriches our lives as individuals and one that ognition of, respec- opment of a historical tradition regarding we must be committed to each and every day tively, the winter Shavuot. The holiday became z’man matan foundation of all we are of the year. It is not about the “idea” of Torah. wheat harvest, the torataynu, the time of the giving of the Torah. It is about the reality of Torah and its impor- first fruit harvest While there is no reference within the Bible to and all we do is in Torah. tance in our lives. and the final har- a connection between Shavuot and the rev- In this way, Simchat Torah is a bit like— vest. elation at Sinai, the Rabbis noted that the To- in Israel and throughout the Jewish world, if you will pardon the analogy—Valentine’s When the Sec- rah was given during the third month of the there are Shavuot celebrations which recap- Day. It is a day of celebrating the idea of love. ond Temple was Exodus. Since the date of Shavuot is the 6th ture some of that pageantry and which help Shavuot is like a wedding anniversary, a day Rabbi Robert Dobrusin destroyed, the sacri- of Sivan, and since it is in the third different strengthen the love for the land. on which we don’t just celebrate the idea of fices no longer took place. Thus, a major shift month since the Exodus, there was some sup- But for most of us, the holiday focuses love but recognize the commitment and ob- had to take place for these holidays to remain port for this tradition. But, more important on the importance of the giving of Torah. ligation and joy that an expression of love vital in the life of our people. than any counting of months was the fact that Shavuot then joins Simchat Torah as two op- between two individuals brings to our lives. The rabbis took on this challenge, and the there was a holiday without a reason for its portunities during the course of the year to In this case, it is the love between our people focus of the holidays shifted to an emphasis celebration and an event that the rabbis felt celebrate Torah. We might ask: what is the dif- and God symbolized by Torah, the document on history rather than agriculture and sacri- needed a holiday. It was a perfect match and ference between the two? that we continue to read, to study, to embrace fice. Pesach and Sukkot were easier holidays Shavuot was transformed into a holiday cel- Let me offer an idea and an analogy. Sim- each year. to transform, as both had elements of history ebrating revelation and Torah study. chat Torah is the day on which we celebrate The holiday of Shavuot has had an inter- interwoven with the agricultural descrip- For almost 2,000 years, this historical ele- the “idea” of Torah. We dance with the Torah esting history: from “first fruits” to the revela- tions in the Torah. Pesach was, of course, the ment of Shavuot took precedence. With the scrolls, sing songs about the Torah, and talk tion at Sinai. It reminds us how multifaceted holiday of the Exodus. Sukkot also referred return to Eretz Yisrael, many Jews began to about its eternal importance to our people. our tradition is and it reminds us that the to God’s “causing the people to dwell in suk- rediscover the “first fruits” element of the hol- It is a holiday about the recognition of the foundation of all we are and all we do is in kot” during the Exodus, giving a historical iday and Shavuot celebrations on many kib- importance of Torah in our lives. But, it is Torah. That is worthy of an anniversary cel- basis for the festival. butzim and throughout Israel focused once largely symbolic. ebration whose meaning lasts through an en- Shavuot presented a bigger problem. The again on the celebration of the first fruits. Shavuot is the day on which we actually tire year. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 9 ICongregations

The Jewish community of Volynĕ and the story of its Torah scroll Becky Hankin, special to the WJN emple Beth Emeth will conclude its Torah scrolls were gradually transferred from Czech, and German, reflect almost 450 years population of Volynĕ reached a peak of 158 “Year of Torah” celebration with the various warehouses in Prague to the Michle of Jewish Czech history. The cemetery is in members in 1862, but many Czech Jews were T re-dedication of its Sefrit Torah in synagogue. But in 1961, Volavková was re- good condition and has a caretaker. But, of leaving the countryside to take advantage of a service on May 18, at placed by a member the approximately 3,000 living residents of new freedoms and growing opportunities in 7:30 p.m. All four scrolls of the Communist Volynĕ, not one is Jewish. industry and commerce. will be carried into the party and the project At one time, Volynĕ had a thriving, At the same time, ethnic Czechs expe- sanctuary and be read was not completed. healthy Jewish community. The first Jewish rienced a rising national consciousness, from in turn. Each will Volavková had residents settled there by the 16th century a growing middle class, and a flourishing be introduced with a of art, literature, and philosophy. In this brief description of its progressive environment, a Czech-Jewish history. The four temple movement arose at the intersection of Jew- choirs will lead the con- ish culture and Czech national aspirations. gregation in song. The Amidst these cultural upheavals, small Jew- service will be preceded ish communities like Volynĕ dwindled. by a festive dinner. Volyne synagogue After WWI, Bohemia became the core of The Year of Torah has been a year of ac- the newly formed country of Czechoslova- tivities, learning, story-making, and celebra- kia, a liberal democratic republic that pro- tions. Adults and children have learned from moted progressive ideals. All minorities, but Rabbi Yochanan Salazar of Sofer on Site as particularly Jews, benefited from advances he spent three residencies working on the in education and the newly tolerant atmo- scrolls and teaching. The temple launched sphere. a year-long fundraising campaign to cover The ascent of Nazi Germany brought this the costs of the restorations and the many respite to an end. The Jews of Volynĕ were educational events. In addition to meeting transported to Theresienstadt on Novem- the present needs of Torah restoration, the ber 26, 1942. By this time, the camp was se- campaign will create a fund to support the verely overpopulated and living conditions spiritual life of the congregation in creative were dreadful; four elderly Volynĕ Jews died and diverse ways. One of Temple Beth Emeth’s Torah scrolls is of particular historical significance because it is one of the famed Czech scrolls rescued from the Holocaust. The story of these scrolls Volyne synagogue in Czechoslovakia is a fascinating and poignant one. It began in successfully resisted pressure to sell items 1938 with the dismantling of the democratic from the collections after the war. Howev- republic of Czechoslovakia by Nazi Germany. er, the Communist regime was ambivalent After the annexation of the Sudetenland, the about the holdings, and sought markets for Nazis established control over the so-called multiple copies of items in the museum’s Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. When collections. Officials decided to offer 1,564 Reinhard Heydrich became Deputy Reich of the Torah scrolls for sale. In 1963, they Protector, he ordered all Jews to be moved approached Eric Estorick, a American-born to a “camp-ghetto” he created 40 miles north British art dealer on a routine buying trip to of Prague in Terezín, known also by its Ger- Eastern Europe. Estorick and his consultant man name Theresienstadt. As the provinces in Judaica, Professor Chimen Abramsky, were were emptied of Jews, members of the Jewish deeply dismayed to see stacks of deteriorat- community of Prague devised a way for the ing scrolls in the damp conditions of the old religious treasures from the deserted com- Michle synagogue. Estorick contacted West- munities to be brought to the relative safe- minister Synagogue’s rabbi, Harold Reinhart, ty of the capital. As many as 200,000 items and with the financial backing of congregant were sent to the Central Jewish Museum in Ralph Yablon, negotiated the purchase of the Prague. Included were all kinds of liturgical 1,564 scrolls. A Memorial Scrolls Trust was objects, books, photographs, furniture, tex- established to oversee the collection. tiles, archives, and scrolls, including about In 1964, 1,564 scrolls arrived at Kent Volyne Jewish cemetery 2,500 Torah scrolls. Under dire circum- House, home of Westminister Synagogue. It C.E. As elsewhere, the Jews of Volynĕ were there. Forty-four Volynĕ Jews were taken stances, a few specialist committees sorted, took months to assess the scrolls. It was de- not allowed in the town at night, and lived in to Auschwitz in ten transports in 1943-44, indexed, and stored these items. Each Torah cided that usable or repairable scrolls would a ghetto at its outskirts. Prague, 75 miles to where they perished. scroll was registered, and a notation made be provided on permanent loan to congrega- the north, was then the seat of famous rabbis, Only ten Jews from Volynĕ survived the of the place from where the item came to tions for liturgical purposes, not to private Talmudic scholars, and schools of scribal tra- Holocaust. They were among the 3,277 sur- the collection. The catalog of 100,000 cards individuals or commercial entities. Scrolls ditions. Later, in the early 18th century, more vivors of the 118,310 Jews—less than 3 per- created by the curators has been preserved, that were not repairable would be loaned for Jews lived in Prague than anywhere else in cent—who once lived in the Protectorate. No establishing the provenance of the items in commemorative purposes. world, at one point comprising one-quarter Jews returned to live in Volynĕ after the war. the collection. Most of these courageous staff Forty years later, the vast majority of us- of Prague’s population. Despite the destruction of the community, members were ultimately deported to death able Torah scrolls from Bohemia and Moravia The town of Volyn grew in the 17th and the Jewish tradition of Volynĕ lives on in its camps and there were few survivors. Their are dispersed across the world, the majority 18th centuries, forcing the Jewish quarter to two Sefrit Torah, which were saved through hope that the religious treasures could be in the U.S. There is a small collection in the relocate farther out. The Jewish community the valiant Jewish community in Prague returned to reconstituted communities after Museum in Kent House, and about a hun- continued to prosper, too, and a new syna- and the Czech Memorial Scrolls Trust. One, the war was hardly ever realized. dred remain in the collection of the Jewish gogue was constructed in the ghetto between too damaged for use but kept as a memo- After the war, the situation for the Prague Museum of Prague. 1838 and 1840. rial, is under the guardianship of The West Jewish Museum was difficult. The country Since 1974, Temple Beth Emeth has been The mid-19th century was one of dra- End Synagogue of Nashville, Tennessee. The fell under Communists dictatorship and the the guardian of one of these scrolls. It comes matic changes for Czechs and Jews alike. other Volynĕ scroll is read, studied, and cared museum came under state control. Few Jews from the ancient, tiny Czech market town of Jews in Bohemia had always experienced for by a new generation of Jews—at Temple remained in Czechoslovakia. The only cura- Volynĕ. Visitors today can find a synagogue, cycles of persecution and prosperity, with Beth Emeth. n tor at the Jewish Museum to survive the war with a classical front bearing a Hebrew in- restrictions such as a law that permitted was Hana Volavková. She envisioned using scription and a bold stuccowork of lions, only one son from a Jewish household to the Michle synagogue, acquired by the Mu- standing on Žižkova Street. A Jewish cem- marry and start a family. The 19th century seum in 1955, as a dignified repository for etery is noted for the antiquity and beauty brought the law of free movement for Jews, the scroll collection. From 1956 to 1959, the of its stones. Their inscriptions, in Hebrew, allowing them to leave the ghetto. The Jewish

10 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 11 ICongregations

This month at Beth Israel Congregation Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN Lunch and Laugh, be workdays at the garden, to help build the Wednesdays, May 2, 9, 16, and 23, noon– fence, plant, weed, water, and harvest, as well 1:15 p.m. as picnics and other events such as the annual These weekly events take place at the Gar- Shabbat in the Park potluck dinner. funkel-Schteingart Activity Center at 2010 Washtenaw, led by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal and Thirsty Third Thursdays Rabbi Robert Dobrusin. Participants are asked May 17, after 7:30 p.m. minyan (service) to bring a dairy lunch; Beth Israel will provide Men’s Club offers this once monthly event the beverages and desserts. after the evening service, enjoying coffee and snacks at a local establishment, while discuss- Bob Ahronheim Lisa Bardach Bob Blumenthal Art Gershowitz Barry Gross Friday Night Lights ing the weekly parasha (Torah portion) or Beth Israel fundraiser honors its five minyan captains Friday, May 4, 6 p.m. other topics of Jewish interest. For more information, or to suggest topics of interest please June 10, 7–10 p.m. Beth Israel’s Fund- marked and unacknowledged. The fund- Family Friendly Kabbalat Shabbat Ser- raiser, “Sail Away on the BIC Love Boat.” raiser will highlight their much appreciated vice, 7 p.m. Dairy Dinner contact Shelley Aronson at firstriver14@gmail. com. No reservations are required. honors Bob Ahronheim, Lisa Bardach, Bob and selfless volunteer effort. On selected Friday nights, Beth Israel offers a Blumenthal, Art Gershowitz, and Barry The Love Boat theme will be realized family friendly Shabbat dairy dinner for $7 per Shira Hadasha Kabbalat Shabbat Gross. Each of these five “minyan captains” throughout the evening, with “shipboard” person, with no charge for children 3 and un- is responsible for one daily evening minyan. entertainment provided by talented Beth Is- der. Families and individuals are encouraged to Friday, May 18, 6 p.m. This hour and ten minute lay led service Without fail they unlock the doors, call con- rael members. The hors d’oeuvres and des- attend the full evening, which includes a Friday gregants if there are not 10 people to con- ert will be catered by Amanda Fisher. evening service at 6 p.m., and all the traditional features the soulful melodies of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. The music is spirited, fun, and easy stitute the minyan, lead the service or make This Fundraiser raises critical funds rituals of the Friday Shabbat meal. Because no sure someone else is leading the service, ask through full color ads in an ad book, (for payments can be accepted on Shabbat, there to pick up. Singing out and harmonizing are welcomed and encouraged. if anyone is would like to mark a special oc- businesses and individuals) various levels of must be a pre-payment which will confirm the casion at which time they will lead the min- “tickets” to the event, and general donations. family’s or individual’s reservation. A fully transliterated Friday night service prayer book is available, and page numbers are yan in saying the Shehehiyanu prayer, and The deadline for ads in the ad book, and tick- Shabbat Limmud given for both the regular Siddur Sim Shalom then they lock up the building. They do this ets to the event is May 25. week in and week out, often for many years For further information, contact the Saturdays, May 5 and 19, 9–10 a.m. for Shabbat, and a completely transliterated at a time. Their efforts are too often unre- Beth Israel Office, 665-9897. Shabbat learning opportunities will take prayer book, Lechu Neranena. place on these days and throughout the year. requires concerning the production and con- Tot Shabbat meets at Beth Israel downstairs Held before Shabbat morning services, these Family volunteering session at Food sumption of the food we eat. in room 15. Following services, child size tables sessions will offer lively discussion on Parashat Gatherers Participants are welcome to come to all or are set out for Tot Shabbat kids and their fami- HaShavua, the Torah portion of the week, facili- Wednesday, May 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m. part of the evening events. lies, who are always invited to stay to enjoy a Kid- tated by Rabbi Dobrusin or Rabbi Blumenthal. This event allows families to work together dush lunch with the rest of the congregation. to help others in the community. All children Shavuot Morning Services who volunteer must be at least 8 years old and Picnic/ workday at Beth Israel garden Sunday May 27 and Monday, May 28, at Mini Minyan for children in K–2 Sunday, May 6, 10:30 a.m. - 1p.m. County accompanied by an adult. To sign up, volun- 9:30 a.m. Saturday May 12, 11 a.m. Farm Park (2230 Platt Road) teers are asked to email programs@bethisrael- On the first day of Shavuot, the Ten Com- Mini Minyan is Beth Israel’s Shabbat morn- The Beth Israel’s Garden first community aa.org or call the Beth Israel office at 665-9897. mandments are read, and the service will be ing service for all kids in Kindergarten through wide workday and picnic of the season occurs Meet at Food Gatherers, 1 Carrot Way, Ann followed by a lunch and learn study session. On 2nd grade. Mini Minyan was designed in col- on this day. The morning will begin with a Arbor Charter Township. the second day selections from the book of Ruth laboration with many of the parents from Beth chance to explore and work in the Beth Israel Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger will be chanted during the morning service, and Israel and serves as a bridge for kids between garden. Gardeners of all ages and skill levels will and eliminate its causes in our community by: there will be a Yizkor (memorial) service which Tot Shabbat and Kehillat Shabbat. It shares be able to help plant seedlings at the new peren- reducing food waste through the rescue and starts about 11:00 a.m. Memorial Day will be many of the favorite songs and stories from Tot nial garden plot. Participants are asked to bring a distribution of perishable and non-perishable commemorated during the Yizkor service. Shabbat while beginning to teach prayers and lunch, work gloves, and gardening tools. food, coordinating with other hunger relief incorporate activities similar to Kehillat Shab- Kids will enjoy learning about how to grow providers, educating the public about hunger, Baseball: Tigers vs. Yankees bat. The Mini Minyan service is led by program food, helping to put plants in the ground, and developing new food resources. Sunday June 3, 1:05 p.m. director Jacob Kander with special games and and playing on the wonderful playground at Beth Israel is off to Comerica Park to watch activities led by a team of parent volunteers. County Farm Park has to offer. Adults will Erev Shavuot (The Feast of Weeks Eve) the Tigers battle the always-powerful Yankees. All parents are welcome to join in this service help with planting, weeding and building the and Tikkun (Study) Upper deck seats with a great view of the ac- along with their children. Mini Minyan meets fence around the garden, and will love the “Bitayavon” (Bon Appetit!): Jewish Texts, tion are available. Tickets are $30 per person. at Beth Israel in room 16. sense of accomplishment that comes with Ethics and Traditions Relating to Food. Please contact Haran Rashes at haran@umich. their work. Saturday, May 26, 8 p.m. Shabbat Min- edu or (734) 660-9283 for reservations, and for Kehillat Shabbat Beth Israel was a founding partner in the cha; 8:30 p.m. Seudah Shlishit (Meal) and carpool information. Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. local Faith and Food initiative. Since 2009, Study); 9:30 p.m. Maariv; 10 p.m. Tikkun Leil Kehillat Shabbat is Beth Israel’s Shabbat at least half of all the produce grown in the Shavuot; midnight cheesecake snack. Tot Shabbat morning service for kids in 3rd-5th grade. The Beth Israel garden is donated to Food Gather- The observance of the holiday of Shavuot, Saturdays, May 12 and 26, 11:15 a.m. program is designed for kids to have a great ers through Faith and Food in order to help the celebration of the giving of the Torah, in- Tot Shabbat is Beth Israel’s Shab- Shabbat experience, including a kid friendly others in our community. Faith and Food was cludes an opportunity to study Torah into the bat morning program for toddlers and service along with games and other activities created in 2009 as a collaborative effort of night. The topic of this year’s study will be Jew- preschoolers along with their families. Tot each month to help teach about holidays and Food Gatherers, Growing Hope, and the In- ish Texts and Ethics relating to food. During Shabbat features singing, dancing, stories, and Jewish values while building a stronger com- terfaith Council for Peace and Justice to sup- this evening, many topics will be considered, prayers to celebrate Shabbat. The wonderful munity for the kids in a fun way. Gabe Pachter port congregations in growing food for the including, among others, a study of Birkat leaders of Tot Shabbat are Peretz Hirshbein on facilitates a service that is filled with student hungry. The remainder is used at synagogue HaMazon (the “grace after meals”), the role of the second Saturday and Jessica Kander on the participation in the prayers, interactive discus- kiddushes and events. kashrut in one’s life as a Jew, and ethical issues fourth Saturday of the month. Peretz Hirshbein sions, and always ends with a special snack. Ke- After working in the garden, everyone will relating to food production and consumption. is the Assistant Director of the Early Childhood hillat Shabbat is a great time once a month for relax with a “bring your own” picnic lunch to- The evening will feature discussion and text Center at the Jewish Community Center of elementary school students to celebrate Shab- gether, along with drinks and desserts provid- study in large and small groups. Greater Ann Arbor and the current Vice presi- bat, to schmooze, and to learn together. Kehillat ed by Beth Israel. This event is free and open Shavuot is an appropriate time to discuss dent for Education on the Beth Israel Board of Shabbat meets at Beth Israel in room 12. to all, but participants are asked to please these issues as the Torah itself is often com- Directors. Jessica De Young Kander is a gradu- rsvp by emailing [email protected] pared to different foods including honey as its ate of the School of Education at the University General community is always welcome or calling the Beth Israel office at 665-9897. words are meant to sweeten one’s life. In ad- of Michigan and former preschool teacher. She All of Beth Israel’s events, plus all educational The Beth Israel garden is located in the Proj- dition, Shavuot, with its tradition of enjoying currently teaches at Eastern Michigan Univer- offerings are open to the general community, ect Grow gardens at County Farm Park on both dairy foods and the fruits of the land re- sity where she also earned her Master of Arts often at no cost. For further information call Platt road, just a mile and a half from Beth minds us of the importance which our tradi- degree in Children’s Literature and a master’s 665-9897 or visit www.bethisrael-aa.org. n Israel. Throughout the summer, there will tion placed on food and the sanctity required certificate in the Teaching of Writing.

12 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 May events at Temple Beth Emeth Brett Willner, special to the WJN Women’s Torah study Dinner for Tot Shabbat and Sukkat Sha- Monday, May 7 and 21, 7–8:30 p.m. lom, 6 p.m. This month, Cantor Annie Rose will lead Shira (Song Session), 6:30 p.m. two Women’s Torah Study sessions at Temple Sukkat Shalom (6–10 years old) Shabbat Your feet are in good hands Beth Emeth. Cantor Annie Rose will use The Services lead by Rabbi Delson and Cantor Women of Reform Judaism’s Women’s Com- Annie Rose, 6:30pm mentary which has become a major source of Popsicle Oneg, 7 p.m. insight for those studying Torah in depth or simply reading the weekly parsha, portion. Celebrate the return of TBE’s Torahs The Women’s Torah group will be studying to the Ark Emor and B’Midbar. Shabbat Service with All TBE Musical En- sembles Men’s Torah study Friday, May 18, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 and 23, 7:30 p.m. Join TBE as they ceremoniously walk the Join the Men’s Torah study for an evening cleaned and restored Torahs back to the sanc- of learning. Don’t be fooled, the group isn’t tuary for a Torah service in which the week’s always serious; they like to have a good time, reading will be divided among the four Torahs. too. Refreshments are always served. For This participatory service will feature all TBE more information, contact Roger Stutes- choirs and bands leading the congregation in man, at [email protected]. song. A festive dinner will precede the service. Come and see a video sampling of TBE con- Spirituality Book Club gregants’ stories about Torah, community and Thursday, May 3, Noon–1:30 p.m. belief. Dinner is $10. RSVP to the temple office Tuesday, May 8, 7:30-9 p.m. at 665-4744 or online at the temple’s website. Spirituality Book Club will continue on their journey in May. This month Book Club will be Walk for Israel at Celebrate Israel 2012 reading: Tales of the Village Rabbi: A Manhattan Sunday, May 20, 12:15–1 p.m. (Hike) Chronicle, by Rabbi Harvey Tattelbaum. Analy- Spring is here, along with a great new sea- sis of texts and group discussion will provide son of hikes lead by Eli Avny. The second hike lively sessions each month. Participants are of 2012 will be in coordination with the Jew- welcome to drop in for selected sessions or the ish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor’s entire series through June. Visit the TBE website, Celebrate Israel on Sunday, May 20. This hike www.templebethemeth.org/content/spirituali- will be shorter, only 45 minutes, and will con- ty-book-club-reading-list, for the book list for clude with arriving at the JCC to join in the the year. Contact Cantor Rose, at cantorannie@ Celebrate Israel festivities. This hike will also gmail.com, with questions. be the 50th Hike since starting Jewish Hikers of Michigan in 2006. Movie Wednesday: Waltz with Bashir For more information or to be added to The Wednesday, May 16, 1-3 p.m. Jewish Hikers of Michigan’s email list, contact May’s Wednesday Movie is Waltz with Eli Avny, 883-9522 or jewish.hikers@gmail. Midwest’s Bashir. In 1982, Ari Folman was a 19-year-old com, or Brett Willner, 665-4744 or bwillner@ infantry soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces. templebethemeth.org. In 2006, he meets with largest selection of a friend from his army Thai Shabbat Dinner at Lotus Thai service period, who Friday, May 4, 6 p.m. tells him of the night- Come meet up for a delicious Shabbat Din- Naot shoes mares connected to ner at Lotus Thai Restaurant (2803 Oak Val- his experiences from ley Drive) Sit back and have a relaxing time at available at Mast Shoes the Lebanon War. the end of the week and have Shabbat Dinner Folman is surprised with other Twenties and Thirties. Couples and to find that he does singles are welcome. For more information or not remember a thing to RSVP, contact Brett Willner at atbwillner@ www.mastshoes.com from that period. He templebethemeth.org or call the Temple office concludes that his amnesia stems from his feel- at 665-4744. 734-662-8118 ing, at the age of 19, that he was as guilty of the massacre as those who actually carried it out. Tikkun Leil Shavuot Snacks are provided and everyone is welcome. May 26, 8–10 p.m. Each Shavuot Jews remember standing at Si- Families with young children nai to receive the Torah, so each year on Shavuot Shabbat Services times (Friday, May 4, TBE stays up late and learns together. Join in for 11, 18, and 25) learning, conversation, and cheesecake. Monday-Wednesday: 10-6 Tot (0–5 years old) Shabbat Services led by Rabbi Levy and Cantor Annie Rose, 5:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 10-7 Saturday: 10-6 Sunday: Closed Chelsea Flower Shop, LLC 203 E. Liberty St. Phone 662-5616 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.chelseaflowersllc.com Mast Shoes | 2517 Jackson Ave Over 60 years of excellent services Westgate Shopping Center | Ann Arbor, Mi 48103

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 13 I American Jewry

The 90th anniversary of the bat mitzvah, a Reconstructionist innovation Carol Lessure, special to the WJN t was 90 years ago that an American Jew- terparts. Women who engaged in this rite of include Festival Songs and Heritage of Music: prophets are best understood in the language ish tradition was born, the bat mitzvah. passage would go on to further study and The Music of the Jewish People. of the people) to finding mitzvah projects I What began as a radical act by Judith Ka- become Jewish educators both at home and Reconstructionists have a long history that go beyond the basic requirements of plan and her father, Rabbi Mordecai M. Ka- in the broader com- as innovators, experi- g’milut chasadim (acts of loving-kindness) plan, would gradually become an expected munity. Within two menters and spiritual into things that truly matter to them.” rite of teenage passage for many American generations, some of seekers. The small This year, several projects have been Jewish females. Rabbi Kaplan, the founder the first women to OLLEGE movement connects launched to commemorate the anniversary of the Reconstructionist movement, often partake in a bat mitz- with efforts by other of the bat mitzvah and examine what its suc- sought to take cues from Jewish history and vah have gone on to Jewish denomina- cess says about the evolution of modern Jew- tradition but modernize them to be relevant be Jewish leaders in ABBINICAL C tions and movements ish practice. to the current population of Jews. philanthropy (Judith to evolve Jewish ritual The National Museum of American Jew- On March 18, 1922, Judith stepped to the Ginsberg of the Nash and observance so that ish History launched an exhibit based on the bimah of her father’s synagogue and recited Family Foundation), is has greater meaning interviews of 150 pioneering women about the opening blessing, read a portion of the education (Rabbi and relevance to con- their bat mitzvah experiences: http://bat- Torah sidra in Hebrew and English and con- Naamah Kelman of temporary Jews. mitzvahcomesofage.com. cluded with the closing blessing. “That was Hebrew Union Col- The Ann Arbor Moving Traditions collected many bat enough to shock a lot of people,” she later re- lege) and social action Reconstructionist mitzvah first stories over the past five years called, “including my own grandparents and (Ruth Messinger of Havurah (AARH) and have been looking for clues on how the aunts and uncles.” Kaplan reflected upon her the American Jewish prepares young wom- spread of the bat mitzvah ceremony has radical act years later, noting that: “No thun- World Service). en and men for this contributed to the changes of ritual and its der sounded. No lightning struck.” Judith Kaplan rite of passage in ways innovation contributed to American Jewish Rather, Judith Kaplan and her father, went on to forge a R ECONSTRUCTIONIST R , A RCHIVES OF OURTESY that make it meaning- life. See movingtraditions.org and the article founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, set career as a Jewish ful to them. “AARH “You Didn’t Have a Bat Mitzvah?” by Sally

the model for what has now become a wide- musical educator. She C P HOTO provides young peo- Gottesman in Contact, the The Steinhardt spread American Jewish practice performed taught at the Recon- ple with the freedom Foundation for Jewish Life. n weekly in Reconstructionist, Reform and structionist Rabbini- to make the ritual Note: This article drew content from these Conservative congregations across the Unit- cal College, founded Judith Kaplan Eisenstein at her second bat relevant,” says AARH resources as well as Chapter 77, “The First ed States. Many modern Orthodox girls will by her husband Ira mitzvah on the 70th Anniversary of her member and bar/bat American Bat Mitzvah,” from Chapters of also mark the day by speaking to the women Eisenstein. She and first one, 1992. mitzvah tutor Deb American Jewish History from the American of their congregation about the Torah por- Eistenstein co-wrote and published seven Kraus, “from l’asok b’divrei Torah (occupying Jewish Historical Society and “Judith Kaplan tion of the week. Jewish cantatas. She wrote and published a ourselves and even wrestling with Torah), to Makes History” from the Jewish Reconstruc- The bat mitzvah gave female congregants widely used songbook for children, Gateway learning egalitarian and inclusive prayers, to tionist Federation website. more equal standing with their male coun- to Jewish Song. Her other published works chanting the Haftorah in English (because

david kersch stephen anderson betsy cavanaugh charlie chapell ramona meadows denise jeff miller 734 214.3796 734 214.5897 734 214.3740 734 214.2728 734 944.3981 mcpherson-pratt 734 214.3721 734 214.3733

United – still local and still lending to homebuyers in Michigan.

Save $250 on your closing costs.

We know this market and we know how to make deals that make sense in this economy. Our local knowledge and relationships mean you’ll get the kind of personal, localized experience you deserve. And you’ll save money, too - like $250 off closing costs when you open a new personal checking account with United. So when you’re ready, we’re lending. Call us today. 16 locations throughout Lenawee, Washtenaw, and Monroe Counties | www.ubat.com

New account holders must be signed up for payroll direct deposit or have a United mortgage payment auto debited from the checking account. If direct deposit or auto debt cancelled within the first 365 days, $250 will be deducted from your checking account. New account must be open prior to closing. Existing checking account holders are eligible for this offer with a deposit of $10,000 in new funds. Limit one per transaction. Not valid with any other discount offers. Member FDIC © 2011 United Bancorp, Inc.

14 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 IWorld Jewry

Neglect, new construction squeezing With fond memories of native land, historic Serbian Jewish cemetery Iranian Israelis worried by talk of war By Ruth Ellen Gruber By Ben Lynfield NIS, Serbia (JTA)—In some alternate uni- important Jewish historical sites in Serbia TEL AVIV (JTA)—Avi Nobel lived in Tehran ested in his native land and watches three verse, it might be a Jewish dream: a Jewish and a reference point for local Jews. and is sure the Iranian people want peace. Iranian satellite television channels. cemetery with a restaurant and discount de- Many older gravestones bear mysterious “There are a lot of poor people there and The decision as to whether to strike Iran’s nu- partment store on its doorstep. carvings linked to Jewish mysticism—half- what they want is food and to work, not a clear facilities is beyond him, Melamed says, but But in this old Serbian town about 125 spheres arranged in various patterns; geo- nuclear bomb,” says Nobel, a spice seller here he holds out hope it may be possible to reach an miles south of the capital of Belgrade, it’s metric forms, snakes and other symbols that whose goods include some imported from accommodation with the Iranian government. more like a nightmare, say leaders of the tiny some believe are linked to followers of the Iran through third countries. “You have to take a religious approach Jewish community in Nis. 17th-century false messiah Shabbatai Zevi. Still, he believes that Iran’s nuclear pro- in talking to them, not a political one,” he A historic Jewish cemetery that long has Abandoned after World War II, the site gram must be stopped—by an Israeli air- says. “The contacts need not be conducted been threatened by the encroachment of a was long used as a dump for rubbish and strike, if necessary. by rabbis, but they should be done by believ- growing Roma, or Gypsy, settlement that human waste. Vandals over the years broke “It will have to be done because if [Presi- ing Jews.” occupies one-third of the site is now being open graves, scattering bones. dent Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad has a bomb, Albert Moradian’s eyes tear up as he de- threatened by the encroachment of commer- Roma families, meanwhile, built homes there is no doubt he will use it,” Nobel says. scribes his feelings for Iran. “To sum up in cial enterprises into the domain of the old among the tombs, creating a ramshackle Nobel and others interviewed in this one word, I feel longing,” says Moradian, who Hebrew gravestones. settlement without proper plumbing, sewage mini-enclave of Persian restaurants and owns a clothing store. “I am Iranian in my In the labyrinthine Roma village, or ma- treatment or garbage disposal. Centuries-old spice shops in south Tel Aviv have a more behavior, my accent and the demands I make hala, 800 to 1,500 people live in brick and tombstones were used as building material, nuanced—and cautious—view of a possible of my children to respect everyone,” Mora- concrete houses separated by narrow pas- and at least a dozen can be seen protruding war with Iran than do many other Israelis. dian says as he turns up a CD of Iranian clas- sageways and irregular courtyards. Laundry from foundations or embedded in paving. Not only do they have tangible, often sical music singer Mohammed Shajarian. hangs from the windows, water drips from The cemetery grabbed international head- positive, memories of Iran and Iranians, but Moradian, who had been a lieutenant in open taps and some roofs sport satellite TV lines in 2004 when Jews, Roma and Serbian they also count relatives among the 25,000 the Iranian army, left after the ‘79 revolution, dishes. At one end is a stable for horses, and soldiers joined forces in a massive six-week Jews still living in Iran who, some fear, could fearing reprisals against officers who served at the fence that separates the village from cleanup operation that cleared more than face reprisals if there is an Israeli strike. under Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. the open part of the cemetery, sheep and 100 tons of refuse from the site and installed Molok Shamshiri, an Iranian-Israeli res- “Of course I have good memories. I think goats peer out at the graves. a sewage system for the Roma settlement. taurant cook, says “It is hard for me to un- the Iranian people are a special people, not Eight years ago, a well-publicized cleanup “I spent 43 days there,” said Ciric, a re- derstand how things went so wrong. But I of wars, but of music, poetry and soul,” says campaign cleared the cemetery of garbage tired nurse. “It was unbelievable. There were Moradian, who says he visits Iran “through and waste that had covered the tombstones open sewers running amid the tombs, and the Internet” and dreams of the day when he and eliminated the open sewers that had run refuse covered much of the site to a depth of Unfortunately, the media can take his children there. amid the graves. 1.5 meters [nearly 5 feet].” “Unfortunately, the media here conveys a But the campaign’s success proved to be The operation, spearheaded by the Amer- here conveys a picture as if picture as if Iran is only Ahmadinejad. The fleeting and now new warehouses, a restau- ican Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, media is mobilized and I don’t believe any rant and other illegal construction, includ- was hailed as a milestone in civic cooperation. Iran is only Ahmadinejad. report from it,” he says. ing a cut-rate department store, intrude on The city guaranteed future maintenance and Moradian opposes an Israeli strike on nu- another third of the cemetery, according to protection, and in 2007 the cleared cemetery The media is mobilized and clear installations and believes that the Iranian Jasna Ciric, the president of the Nis Jewish was listed as a national cultural heritage site. people eventually will overthrow the regime. community, which numbers just 28 people. But the momentum to preserve and pro- I don’t believe any report Some among the 250,000 Iranian Israelis There also have been new cases of van- mote the site soon petered out. -Albert Moradian fear an Israeli strike will cause the Iranian dalism, and builders closed off the cemetery Three months ago, the Federation of Ser- from it,” regime to retaliate against the Jewish com- with an illegal 12-foot high wall that made bian Jewish Communities issued a protest munity, one of the world’s oldest. access difficult and sometimes impossible, calling the condition of the cemetery “cata- am sure the Iranian people are still the same “This is an unstable and unpredictable Ciric said. strophic.” people. Neither do the Iranian people want regime that can behave differently from day The builders also prevented the Jewish Among other things, the illegal new com- war. I know them.” to day,” says Kamal Penhasi, the editor of Is- community from placing a plaque identify- mercial construction had destroyed the sew- Shamshiri, whose sister still lives in Iran, rael’s Farsi language newspaper, Shahyad. “I ing the cemetery and commemorating local age treatment system installed in 2004. Today, left the country in 1964 but frequently made can envision them using criminals to attack Jews wiped out in the Holocaust, she said. pipes from inside the Roma village again visits back home, sending her children to Jews while denying the regime is involved.” “All the established safeguards of the Jew- drain into the cemetery, although there are learn about their ancestral land. The visits But Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-born spe- ish cemetery in Nis have remained only on no open sewers as had existed before 2004. ended with the 1979 Iranian Revolution. cialist on Iran at the Interdisciplinary Center paper,” said Ciric, 56, who has fought for The issue is further complicated by the She recalls the relations she had with in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, doubts there would the cemetery’s preservation since the early Jewish property restitution process. Muslims in Iran as being “so good, it is hard be a backlash against Iranian Jews. 1990s. The city had been the official owner of to describe.” “The Iranian regime always tries to portray “I was a fighter, but now I feel empty,” she the cemetery since after World War II. Now, “My Muslim neighbor would come make itself as anti-Israel and not anti-Jewish,” he says. said. “Our cemetery is being systematically however, parts of the cemetery are being res- tea for me every Sabbath because she knew I “Hurting its own Jewish population would un- destroyed; all of our longtime efforts and tituted to the Jewish community. could not light the fire” on the Sabbath, says dermine that and be very counterproductive.” the money invested toward saving it are in Only one section has been given back— Shamshiri, an Orthodox woman who covers Javedanfar also says that despite the re- vain.” the section occupied by the Roma village. her hair for modesty. “The Muslims would gime’s demonization of Israel since 1979, Ciric joined a Jewish delegation that met Ciric said it is such a permanent settlement help us with parties, celebrations, weddings. the Iranian people’s views of Israelis are “far April 9 with Miomir Pesic, who heads the Nis that there is little possibility that the Roma They would help with everything and not for more positive than any other country in the housing agency. can be relocated and the site reclaimed. money. They would always ask if we needed Middle East.” An Israeli strike could affect ”The way the cemetery looks today is an The Jewish community expects to be anything.” those views, he says. embarrassment,” Ruben Fuks, president of restituted the rest of the cemetery, but Ciric Her face lights up when she is asked Prominent Israelis of Iranian descent in- the Federation of Serbian Jewish Communi- said it was unclear what that would mean. where she lived. “Isfahan, a city that has ev- clude Shaul Mofaz, who last month took the ties, told Pesic. She said the owners of the commercial and erything good in this world,” says Shamshiri, reins of Kadima, the country’s largest oppo- Pesic acknowledged the problems and told industrial sites built on this land have made who takes pride in her ghormeh sabzi, a tra- sition party. Mofaz recently has taken a more the delegation that the city wanted to make clear that they will refuse to vacate or move. ditional herbal soup. “The four seasons there dovish stance than Prime Minister Benjamin the site accessible to visitors, place a plaque “When I protested the wall and other con- are like clockwork. In the spring you have the Netanyahu, urging that Israel allow Wash- and live up to its commitment to maintain struction there, some of these people told me sunshine, the chirping of the birds and the ington to take the lead in handling Iranian the cemetery. The site was included recently I would never have access to the cemetery,” flowers. It’s a calm city, a paradise.” nuclear ambitions. on a new city map of cultural attractions. Ciric said. “They even threatened me. I never Yosef Melamed, who sells spices, apricots At the restaurant, Shamshiri says she does But Pesic offered no concrete solutions. go there now alone.” n and dried mangos, describes Farsi as “a lan- not believe there will be a war. “Money is the problem,” he said, “not our guage rooted in poetry, poetry that speaks to “I hope we find a peaceful solution. The intentions.” the soul.” Muslims and we have all grown up on the The cemetery, believed to date from the Although it’s been 47 years since he left same food,” she says. “At the end of the day, 18th century, is considered one of the most Tehran for Israel, he remains avidly inter- we know each other well.” n

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 15 I Youth

Teachers are techies at Hebrew Day School Dina Shtul, special to the WJN he iPad is one of the newest technol- grade teacher. “I came away with the message washing their hands and learning how to nav- ogy gadgets sweeping our homes – and that teachers need to integrate the tools that igate the controls, students worked in small T even our classrooms. This year Hebrew so many of us adults have come to rely on groups, and colored in a graph with their Day School of Ann Arbor experimented with in the real world,” she continued. “If a child predictions of the amount of salt, fresh, and the use of iPads for instruction. An iPad is a per- is going to be a safe, courteous, and an effec- frozen water on earth. Using the iPad, they sonal mobile device, not a computer, however it tive adult user of technology and social media then checked a government website to locate allows access to the web when Wi Fi is available. sites, we need to prepare them. I also learned the actual data, and watched a YouTube video The iPad is attractive for the classroom because on the environmental of its small size and light weight which makes it challenges caused by the easy for students to handle. The iPad provides fresh water in the arctic. With the increase iPad usage, the school’s challenge is to keep the iPads charged daily and to teach careful handling to prevent dropping and shattering. “We currently have six ipads,” Let Encore Sell It For You: says Shtull. We aim to Electronics • Musical Instruments have eleven more so that Designer Items • Antiques & Collectibles each student in a class Automotive Parts • Sporting Goods can work simultaneous- Camera & Audio/Visual Equipment Sam Gershowitz reading while Charles Platt looks on ly. We also need a cart Finding New Homes that will update, sync, and charge the iPads over night,” for Great Stuff! Lirit Green, Jessica Schwalb, Gracie Greenberg Shtull added. Apps for the iPad are also available for practicing 1958 South Industrial Hebrew language, and Hebrew (in the Colonial Lanes Plaza) Day School is in the process of 734.761.6187 exploring other Judaic educa- EncoreOnlineResale.com tional apps. “At Hebrew Day School we are doing more and more blended learning. Blended learning is a term that refers to a combina-

Chaelee Farquharson, Nathan Strauss, Yael Atzmon Netanel Barsky practices math computation

interactivity; visual and kinesthetic learners about different ways to connect can easily touch their way to listening, reading, with parents and other classrooms and understanding. The iPad is educationally around the country and the globe,” effective due to the thousands of apps available said Kessler who has started a pri- for accomplishing a task or learning a skill. The vate Facebook page for her stu- combination of apps and access to the internet dents and their parents. provides teachers and students with seemingly Ellie Grudzien, first grade endless opportunities – from exploring a fossil teacher who also attended the Itai Gutnick, Samuel Bechar, Ari Leflein collection at the Natural History Museum, to conference, began using the iPad observing the dissection of a frog, to learning apps for playing tic tac toe games to reinforce tion of online learning together with face-to- how to read music, to taking notes for a class- phonics, listening to a video on multiplica- face instruction,” explained Gannon. “Online room assignment. tion, and playing a timed math game. “We are resources enhance learning and outcomes, Technology at HDS is purchased to sup- very excited about exploring many new possi- and they also personalize learning. Students port its curriculum. The adoption of iPads for bilities,” Grudzien said. “Students can use the can also easily work at home. They are mo- instructional purposes followed a gradual pro- iPads to take pictures, create a poster, record tivated, and prodding from parents becomes cess. Several teachers piloted their use over a a reading of a passage, make or watch a pod- obsolete,” she added. three-week period in different venues -- small cast, and even communicate with a friend,” she “Our budget line for textbooks and work- and large group instruction, self-directed in- said. “For students, learning is like playing, and books has a new definition,” says Shtull. dividual learning, and partner work. They playing like learning,” says Dina Shtull, Head “When we accept that the iPad functions es- were piloted by teachers of kindergartners of School. “When games are challenging and sentially as a textbook and a workbook, we and fifth grade students, for both math and require collaboration and problem solving, can apply those funds toward the purchase language arts. “I couldn’t walk down the hall- games become learning tools; staying power is of these technological educational tools,” she way without a student or a teacher asking me increased and new concepts are learned.” shared. “The iPads now join our computers when I was coming in with the iPads,” shared “The children in the Gan (Kindergarten) and laptops for focused instruction.” Carol Gannon, technology teacher. “It was no have been using a game app to play a timed “Not that many kids get to use ipads in longer ‘drill and kill’ when it came to practic- math game which reinforces automaticity of school,” says fourth grader Gaya Pedersen. “It ing math facts; it was drill and excitement,” the basic math facts,” explained teacher Deb- makes learning fun,” shared 4th grader Natan said Gannon. Gannon and three additional bie Carbone. “The iPads allow for differen- Bondin. n teachers were sent to the MACUL conference tiation in that the kids can work at their own More information about the Hebrew Day on computer education (Michigan Associa- pace and the program can be set at different School of Ann Arbor can be found at www. tion of Computer Users and in Learning) to levels of difficulty,” says Carbone. “The level is facebook.com/HebrewDaySchoolAnnArbor, learn more about their use in the classroom. determined by the student’s performance.” at www.hdsaa.org or by calling 971-4633 for “Ipad sessions were the busiest and hardest Third graders used the iPads when study- a private tour. sessions to get into,” said Leah Kessler, second ing about the earth’s fresh water. After first

16 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 24 ugust H 25 - A June

Meet the Staff Bowling extravaganza Sunday, May 13 • 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Colonial Lanes

The Camp Raanana counselors and staff invite all registered and prospective campers to join in an afternoon of fun and bowling at Colonial Lanes Bowling Alley (located at 1950 S. Industrial Hwy). There will be FREE bowling and plenty of snacks for all to enjoy, plus opportunities to meet the camp staff, fellow campers and learn more about Camp Raanana! Camp Raanana is the JCC’s exciting outdoor summer day camp for children entering grades K-8. For more information about Camp Raanana: Please visit www.CampRaanana.com or contact Shoshana Jackson at [email protected] or 734-971-0990.

2245 S. State Street • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 2245www S..jfs Statea nnarbo Streetr.org • Ann• 734 Arb-or769, M-I020 481049 www.jfsa nnarbor.org • 734- 769- 0209

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 17 I Teens

Jordan Siden and Yael Silver recipients of Lichter Memorial Israel Scholarships Eileen Freed, special to the WJN nn Arbor teens Jordan Siden and meaningful,” he writes. “I hope to learn about schooling with getting to know Israel “in Three applicants submitted essays in which Yael Silver are the recipients of the the power and influence of the historic youth person.” “I want to be in Israel to really con- they described their goals for visiting Israel A 2012 Susan L. Lichter Memorial movement and nect to my Jewish heritage and to develop a and how their particular program would help Endowed Israel Scholarship Fund. Paul and what example them meet these goals. A scholarship commit- Carolyn Lichter created the fund to honor the that sets for tee, chaired by Laurie Lichter and including memory of their daughter, Susan Lichter z”l, today’s Jewish The Scholarship Fund provides Judie Lax, Ami Rosenthal, and University of and over 170 relatives, friends and community youth.” “I am Michigan student Jessica Curan had the dif- members contributed to the fund. The pro- very grateful two scholarships annually for ficult task of reading the essays and determin- ceeds provide two scholarships annually for to have been ing which of the very worthy applicants would Ann Arbor area high school students to par- awarded the area high school students to receive the scholarship. All essays were submit- ticipate in peer group Israel experiences such Lichter schol- participate in peer group ted blind; the committee members received no as semester, summer or gap year programs. arship,” says identifying information about the applicants Siden is a senior at Community High Siden. “It has Israel experiences such as other than what was in the essays. “As usual, School and will be participating in Habonim brought my we had some strong applicants and enjoyed Dror’s gap year program “Workshop.” As a dream of liv- semester, summer or gap year getting to know them via their essays,” said leader in Habonim Dror, Siden educates his ing in Israel Laurie. “The two awardees clearly had strong programs. peers about Israel and Jewish identity. He for a year with Susan L. Lichter ideas about what they wanted to get out of looks to Workshop to “provide me with the Habonim Dror their trips, and we’re pleased to be able to help skills, knowledge, and background to help me one step closer. Attending Workshop is a once stronger Jewish identity…. I want to experi- them achieve their goals.” continue to be a community leader.” In par- in a lifetime opportunity, and I appreciate the ence what it is like to be in a country where The Lichters are pleased their efforts are ticular, he is excited about the opportunity Lichter Foundation’s work of helping Jewish Judaism is the main religion.” She is looking bearing fruit. “We are so happy to be able to live and learn communally, to interact with youth in Ann Arbor participate in gap-year forward to being in Israel with her classmates make a difference by helping these two out- his movement peers from around the world programs to Israel.” and connecting to Israel through food, hik- standing teens reach their dreams of travelling and to participate in a trip to Poland in which Silver, a sophomore at American He- ing, learning, and cultural experiences. “I am to Israel,” said Carolyn. “We thank the commit- he will learn about Labor Zionist movement’s brew Academy (AHA) in Greensboro, North so honoured to have been selected for this tee for the excellent job they did in reviewing role in resistance. “As a descendant of Holo- Carolina, will be attending the Alexander scholarship,” says Silver. “I really wasn’t sure the applications. We know that it must have caust survivors, having the opportunity to visit Muss High School in Israel in the fall with I would get it, and it means so much to me been difficult for them to make a decision, these important historical sites in the educa- her Junior AHA class. She is very excited to to be able to participate in this program with and we look forward to helping more young tional context of the youth movement is very connect what she’s learned throughout her my classmates; I’m very grateful.” people in the years to come.” A year with Habonim Dror Workshop By Jordan Siden This upcoming academic year, I hope to of Workshop. We will live together, cook together, Hebrew language. around the world is a unique experience, and participate in Habonim Dror North Ameri- learn together, and work together, and leave Work- Another feature of Workshop is the inter- I look forward to meeting youth from around ca’s Workshop gap year program in Israel. I shop with a shared experience. Kvutsa teaches action we will have with Israelis our age, as the world with similar backgrounds and ide- have been a member of Habonim Dror, the equality and sharing resources, an example being well as other Habonim Dror members from als. I will hopefully speak Hebrew with each Labor Zionist youth movement since 2005, our collective fund, which we will use to buy gro- around the world. On messima (mission), other as our common language! first as a camper at Camp Tavor in Three Riv- ceries and essentials for our- the segment of Workshoppers also spend a week in Poland ers, Michigan, and now as a leader in the Ken selves. Kvutsa is about living Workshop de- and other countries in Europe, learning not (local chapter) for the Ann Arbor commu- together with shared values, voted to working only the history of the Holocaust but also the nity organizing educational Jewish events for with the purpose of working in social justice Labor Zionist youth movement’s role in ghetto young movement members. On Workshop, I together and treating each programs for uprisings and resistance campaigns against the will live in Israel with other movement mem- member as equals, building a disenfranchised Nazis. As a descendant of Holocaust survivors, bers my age from across North America for a community based on coop- Israeli youth, having the opportunity to visit these important full academic year, with an educational pro- erative education and mutual we will work in historical sites in the educational context of the gram run by Habonim Dror graduates. trust and experiences. partnership with youth movement is very meaningful. Being able While on Workshop, I will learn about As a Jew living in the our Israeli sister to learn about Dror’s (the movement to merge Jewish and Labor Zionist history and ideol- United States, having the youth move- into current day Habonim Dror) direct plan- ogy from movement leaders, live communal- opportunity to learn about ment, Hanoar ning and involvement in the armed resistance ly in a kvutsa (communal group), and learn contemporary Israeli cul- Ha’Oved ve’ of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising is an empower- about contemporary Israeli culture, history, ture, history, and politics, as Halomed (the ing example of Jewish youth resilience and de- politics, and social issues while gaining expe- well as learning and speak- Working and fiance, setting an example of values for future rience and knowledge to be a future Jewish ing Hebrew on Ulplan (He- Studying Youth). Jewish youth to follow. The trip to Poland will leader and educator. brew classes) is important to We will be work- be a very important one for me, and I hope to The Workshop program is divided into me. A connection to Israel ing hands-on learn about the power and influence of the his- two phases, the first called Boneh (Builders), is important to living a Jew- with Israeli peo- toric youth movement, and what example that in which we will live on Kibbutz Ein Dor in ish life in the Diaspora and ple to help better sets for today’s Jewish youth. the Galil as a home base to have classes, work participating and learning Israeli society What I hope to take back most from Work- in the kibbutz, and to begin a kvutsa process. about Israeli culture and is through educa- shop is skills to be a leader in the American The second half of Workshop called Kaveret an integral part to being a Jordan Siden tional programs Jewish community. I have long been active (Hive) will involve living communally in Is- movement leader for other in after school in the Ann Arbor Ken (local chapter) of Ha- raeli cities as kvutsot doing almost daily social Jewish youth at home. Especially on Boneh, settings, classrooms, and neighborhood bonim Dror, seeing it as my responsibility to justice work for Israeli youth, called messima the first half of the program, we will partici- clubs. educate other Jewish youth about Labor Zion- (mission), and working with our Israeli sister pate in regular classes from movement gradu- We will also spend plenty of time with ist values and history. I see my involvement in youth movement Hanoar Ha’Oved ve’ Ha- ates currently living in kvutsot in Israel and Habonim Dror members from around the Habonim Dror as the most relevant and im- lomed (the Working and Studying Youth). have seminars and educational tours around world. In previous years, Workshoppers have portant work I can do as a Jew, and Workshop The anchor of the Workshop educational Israel. We will learn about the history of the participated in a hiking trip known as “Yam will provide me with skills, knowledge, and program is kvutsa. Kvutsa is the core of the Labor State of Israel, the history of Socialism and l’Yam” (Sea to Sea) where we, along with other background to help me continue be a com- Zionist ideology, which believes that actualization Zionism, and current Israeli issues and poli- Habonim Dror gap year programs from Eu- munity leader. While on Workshop I will learn of ideals cannot be done individually, but rather tics. I look forward to this experience, seeing rope, South and Central America, and Aus- Jewish and Labor Zionist history and ideology collectively, with all members working together to- it as a hands-on and direct way to learn about tralia will hike from the Kinneret Sea to the from movement leaders, live communally in a wards the same goal. Being given the opportunity Israel. On Workshop, we will not only be vis- Mediterranean. Along with hikes we will have kvutsa, and learn about modern Israeli culture, to live collectively as a kvutsa with other movement iting Israel and seeing its sites, but engaging seminars and other meaningful interactions history, politics, and social issues. What I will members my age from across North America, is and interacting with people, discussing Israeli with worldwide Habonim Dror members. take home is a valuable experience, and tools to me, one of the most personally exciting aspects current events, and learning and speaking the Learning and interacting with other Jews from to contribute to American Jewish society. 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 I Israel

Continued from previous page Evangelical couple is called to welcome “lone” soldiers for Shabbat dinners Studying in Israel at AMHSI By Meredith Mandell By Yael Silver JERUSALEM (JTA)—Every Friday night, Scott “For a lone soldier, it’s a little bit different,” said My motivation and goals for visiting Israel culture and its people since I can remember, and Theresa Johnson host Jewish Shabbat din- Berman, who sits on the board of Ha Miflaht, the are to experience its history, learn more about but I have never been there. I need to have per- ners for lone Israeli soldiers. The meal begins after organization founded by the Johnsons to sup- my heritage, learn how to support the coun- sonal experiences of Israel and build memo- sundown, preceded port their efforts. try, and experience Israel’s wonderful culture. ries of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and by the Kiddush The Johnsons’ U.S.- I have studied Torah for a long time and really sensations, as well as the personal connections blessing over the based nonprofit, want to see where Jewish history took place. with the Israeli people. I need to know what it wine and singing of Servants to Christ, I know that as a Jew is like to live in Israel “Shalom Aleichem,” also supports the I have a responsibil- and what the chal- the traditional He- couple’s efforts. ity to support Israel, lenges are when you brew song greeting Christians but I believe I can do live so close to other the Sabbath. comprise just 2 that more effectively countries that don’t There’s one percent of Israel’s if I have actually been respect your right to catch, however, population— there. I will be going exist. The teachers made evident by approximately with my Junior Class at Alexander Muss the Christmas cards 154,000 people in a from the American High School spend hanging in the land of 7.6 million. Hebrew Academy class time helping us kitchen: The John- Although there is Scott Johnson, at head of table, hosts a Shabbat dinner (AHA), where we have learn how we can be sons are not Jewish. no official count all been learning about better advocates and Why did this American couple leave the on how many Christians consider themselves Israel as a community supporters when we comforts of home and family in the small evangelical, some like the Johnsons offer so- since we began school return home. Being Smokey Mountains town of Seymour, Tenn., cial services and financial assistance to Israelis. together last year. The in Israel will connect to serve young men and women in a faraway Evangelical tourism provides the country with AHA program will me with the land and foreign army? an economic boost: About 1.8 million tourists help me achieve my the people so that I The Johnsons say it’s because they believe that last year were Christian pilgrims, according to goals because the trip can understand what God has called them to help the Jewish people. the Ministry of Tourism. includes classes about I have been taught all Like many evangelical Christians, they say restor- The Johnsons started Ha Miflaht—Hebrew Israel and why it is my life, and be a bet- ing a Jewish state is a prerequisite for what they for “the refuge”—in 2005. Scott Johnson, an or- important to support ter, more articulate believe will be the second coming of Jesus. dained minister in the Church of God, and his it, Israeli history, and supporter. To do their part the Johnsons, who are both wife had first come to Israel in 2000 to volunteer in their 50s and now live in Jerusalem, last year for the International Christian Embassy in Je- trips that will show Yael Silver I am fascinated by me the history, land, Israeli food, music, served more than 3,000 meals—including 600 rusalem. He recalled meeting an American lone and people up close. This will be a unique and art, and jewelry. I would like to see the amaz- pounds of Scott’s spicy chicken wings—to “lone soldier from Colorado who, with no place to go powerful experience. ing products and taste the amazing food that soldiers,” the term applied to young men and for Shabbat, had planned to sleep in a park one I have learned about Israel’s ancient history makes Israeli culture so unique. After eating women who have immigrated to Israel to serve Friday evening. from studying Torah and Israel’s modern his- foods imported from Israel all my life, I think in the army and have no family there. An esti- “I was appalled that a man offering his life tory from classes in school. After learning so it is time I get to eat the real thing. I’ve heard mated 5,000 lone Jewish soldiers are in the Israel for the country was going to sleep in a park and much, I really want to see where this history my family’s and friend’s stories of their visits Defense Forces. not having anything to eat,” Johnson said. He actually happened. Studying Torah for eleven to Israel, the haggling in the Shuk, the peace “We believe it is a desire that God himself invited the young man to dinner. years has made me really excited to see all of of Shabbat when an entire country goes quiet. has imparted unto us,” Scott Johnson said on Thus a weekly ritual began, with that soldier the places that so far I have only read about. The happiness I hear in those stories is some- a recent Friday night. “Jeremiah says there is soon bringing his friends, leading the couple I have never been to a place that is so rich in thing I would like to experience for myself. I a time when God will beckon or whistle; he’ll eventually to start Miflaht. ancient history, and I really want to see what would like to share the Jewish experience of raise a banner. He’s going to call to the gentiles “Miflaht is sort of like a refuge, but it’s more it was like so long ago. The AHA trip will help my first time in Israel. I would like my own and tell them to carry his daughters home and than a refuge; it is a place that you can run to in me do this because we study at the Alexander stories so I can relate to the community of bring his sons home on their backs.” a time of danger when you are going to lose your Muss High School (AMHSI) in classes that will Jews who have been to Israel and share my Israelis historically have been wary of Chris- life,” Johnson said. “It’s a place that you can trust.” teach more in-depth Israeli history. Then we stories with those who have not so that they tian groups inside the country, worrying their Any given Friday night can find 20 to 30 lone will go on trips to the historic places that make might want to go. I can’t wait for my first new aim is to convert Jews to Christianity. But given soldiers at the Johnsons’ home for Shabbat din- history real and not just stories in textbooks. culture to be Israel. evangelicals’ staunch political support for Is- ner. Some of the soldiers refer to the couple as My connection to Israel is difficult for me I imagine what it would be like to step off rael in recent years, many Israeli politicians now mama and papa. to understand. I have been raised to believe the airplane into the Ben-Gurion Airport for welcome them. Oved Ben Yosef, 20, whose family originates that Israel is an important part of Jewish life, the first time. I wonder what I will feel like “I think why there is there such a strong con- from Yemen, ended up at Miflaht after his haredi even a “Jewish homeland,” but I want to be when I realize I’m in Israel. I wonder how I nection between Jews and Christians, especially Orthodox parents rejected him for joining the in Israel to really connect to my Jewish heri- will feel touching the Western Wall for the at the political level in Israel is, we saw during military. He hasn’t spoken with his parents in tage and to develop a stronger sense of Jewish first time. Will I feel connected to thousands the intifada that one by one, the nations of the more than a year, but he says he’s found surrogates identity. Israel and Judaism are so intertwined of years of history or will it be a distant and world were turning against us,” said Joshua Re- in the Johnsons. On weekends when he’s not on and I want to experience what it is like to be cold stone wall? Will my first falafel be too instein, director of the Israeli Knesset’s Chris- military duty, Ben Yosef stays in their guest room. in a country where Judaism is the main reli- hot to eat making me wait even longer? Will tian Allies Caucus. “But Christians stood their “There is some much love, like they don’t gion. The Western Wall, Jerusalem, Masada, my favorite Israeli food, chocolate spread, still ground and stood up next to us.” care where you are from,” he said. “They just and the Jewish merchandise stores are unique be my favorite after 10 or more weeks of liv- Former IDF tank commander Albert Lima Ber- want to help me, help the lone soldiers to pro- to Israel. Seeing Jewish themes everywhere ing there? Will I understand more about the man, 24, who hails from Brazil, says the Johnsons’ vide a home and to provide a family. It’s like a is something I cannot wait to experience. struggles of the Israeli people? Will I have work is not politically or religiously motivated. really great place to be.” Classes at AMHSI will help me understand answers or more questions? I want to get to “They’ve been here for 10 years helping Israel The Johnsons acknowledge that they miss their how different it is to be Jewish in a Jewish know Israel in person, not just from other and helping Jews—I’ve never seen them trying to 13 grandchildren—the couple spends one month country, as well as what Jews from all over the people’s stories or textbooks. After studying convert anybody,” he said. “The most important a year back in Tennessee—but believe their work world share. The trips we take will help me and talking about it for so long, I know that thing Scott is doing here is not about international is best done by serving the Israeli army. gain a new understanding of what it means the only way I can truly experience Israel is by politics or support of Israel. It is giving a home to “The battle rages continually all around Israel to explore Jewish identity. Going as a class going there. The AHA trip not only provides people that deserve it ... because they are putting on all of its borders and inside of it,” Johnson said, from AHA means that we can support each classes to help us learn and understand where their lives on the line at a very tender age.” with Theresa quickly adding, “My answer is that other and be a stronger Jewish community we are, but will take us from Yam L’Yam— Most soldiers, Berman says, return to a wel- God has plans for us here. This is the path he has among ourselves while we are thousands of from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of coming family on weekends and holidays. “He’s set for us, so we have to follow it to the best of our miles from home exploring Israel, most of us Galilee on foot—to help us truly become part got to have a good meal and he’s going out with ability.” n his friends. And he’s being a kid again—he’s being for the first time. of the people and places of Israel. I hope you To watch a video of Shabbat at the Johnsons’, go 18 or 19 years old again for that weekend until he I know that I have a responsibility to support will help me get there. I cannot wait. n to http://player.vimeo.com/video/40093832. Israel and its existence. I have learned about its has to come back. Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 19 IIsrael

Israeli scientist Naama Geva-Zatorsky named Europe’s top young researcher A neighborhood store for dogs, cats By Meredith Mandell JERUSALEM (JTA)—She’s young, smart and and joy of doing science was never broken by & people who love them. aims to help treat life-threatening diseases. the tough reality.” established Naama Geva-Zatorsky, 34, is among a Geva-Zatorsky’s success is unusual in Israel 2001 growing group of Israeli women scientists who given the dearth of women working in the fields are gaining recognition for their contributions of science and engineering. to scientific research. Despite Israel’s emphasis on research and The Weizmann Institute biologist was in development, a 2008 report by the European Paris last month to accept the International Commission on Gender Equality pointed out UNESCO L’Oreal Prize for Israel’s low proportion of fe- Women in Science. Dubbed male researchers in higher “Europe’s top young research- education—25 percent— er” by the prize committee, she compared to the 35 percent received a two-year, $40,000 average found among EU fellowship for her postdoctoral member countries. work at Harvard University. Those numbers combined The selection committee with a highly publicized in- cited the “excellence and the cident recently involving originality of her work.” Channa Maayan, a Hebrew Geva-Zatorsky’s research University professor who re- Pets welcome. People too! focuses on probiotics, which ceived an award but was told are commonly known as “good by Israel’s acting health min- bacteria” and have the potential ister, who is haredi Orthodox, to treat a variety of diseases. that a male would have to ac- Naama Geva-Zatorsky Geva-Zatorsky, who holds cept it for her. The incident Superior Products a master’s degree and a doctorate in systems bi- outraged and re-energized women in the sci- • ology, believes there is room for more research entific community to speak out about their on the potential benefits of probiotics. important role as researchers. Personalized Service Her lab work has focused on the “good” There are glimmers of light, however, for • microbes that live in the human intestines and female scientific researchers. Geva-Zatorsky protect our bodies by stimulating the immune was among 10 women last year who received a True Competitive Pricing system. Geva-Zatorsky will use her award to Weizmann Institute of Science Women in Sci- • continue investigating what leads the bacterial ence Award. And she sees momentum at Israeli molecule, known as polysaccharide A (PSA), universities to increase the numbers of women 208 North 4th Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 to react this way. in the field. “There are 10 times more bacteria than hu- She hopes that she can pave the way for others. (734) 929-0022 • www.dogmacatmantoo.com man cells in the body, and I’m learning how do “I encourage women to be brave and ask we interact with them and what the impact is questions,” Geva-Zatorsky said. on our health,” she said in a phone interview Geva-Zatorsky also said that gender bias from Brookline, Mass., where she has been liv- alone is not the only reason that women are ing since September with her husband, Am- less inclined to do scientific research. non Zatorsky, and their two sons, Yonatan, 5, In Israel, many believe that those who want and Uri, 2. to pursue academic careers should do research Despite the growing popularity of pro- abroad, she said, where they can gain skills biotics in an array of products—think Kefir, that will enable them to be better scientists at a dairy product made of goat’s milk and fer- home. Geva-Zatorsky said that’s more difficult mented grains, or the trendy tea-based drink for women, who are still expected to be the pri- Kombucha—both the U.S. Food and Drug mary child rearers. Administration and the European Food Safety The women who complete their doctorates Authority say that most claims made about are typically older than in other countries, she probiotic products are unproven. said, having first completed their military ser- “There’s really a lot more that can be stud- vice and then started families. ied,” she said, noting that researchers already “This is why fellowships and awards that know that probiotics can be used to treat in- encourage women scientists to move are im- flammatory bowel disease and now are inves- portant and also it helps if, mentally, people tigating whether microbacteria can inoculate believe in us and that people would like us to multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune dis- go abroad and get new skills,” she said. ease that affects the central nervous system. Geva-Zatorsky, who grew up in Moshav Alex Cacciari of Seeley Farm, 2011 Additionally, Geva-Zatorsky said, certain Ometz, a small cooperative village in central bacteria can make humans develop more fat Israel, said her parents “nourished her curios- cells. Someday, she said, researchers may be able ity and passion.” to create a pill to help obese people lose weight. At 22, she arrived at Tel Aviv University and People’s Food Co-op & The same bacteria affect emotions, she said, decided to study chemistry and biology. and eventually may be used to treat depression. For her doctorate, she studied how cancer Local Farmers Once her postdoctoral work is completed, cells respond to drugs and therapies. Naama Geva-Zatorsky plans to return to Israel With a longtime passion for the arts—she Together, preserving the integrity to set up her own research team to probe how had studied ballet until she was 18—Geva-Za- these bacteria can treat a myriad of diseases. torsky also helped to organize an exhibition at of your food. Weizmann biophysics professor Zvi Kam Weizmann called “The Beauty of Science.” believes Geva-Zatorsky’s determination will She praises her family as well as her hus- carry her far. band’s for their strong support. Noting that experiments are tedious and “They believed in me and pushed me for- 216 N Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI often fail, Kam said in an email that the young ward,” she said. “There have been moments of self http://peoplesfood.coop scientist “never complained, never was let doubt, but they give me encouragement.” n down, and never gave up! Her optimistic spirit 20 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 From “start-up” nation to “scale-up” nation Jonathan Medved, one of Israel’s leading serial entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, offers his outlook on the country’s current economy and his vision for its future.

By Maxine Dovere/JointMedia News Service “Our army is very entrepreneurial— NEW YORK—Most are accustomed to calling very much part of our strategic thinking,” Israel a “start-up nation,” following the 2009 Medved says. book by Dan Senor and Saul Singer titled as Israel is creating jobs in America, Medved such. Jonathan Medved, however, is focused explains, citing companies such as Given Im- on the possibility of a “scale-up” nation. aging in Georgia, Amdocs in Missouri and “The next step is to scale up from start- Netafim and Bright Source in California. ups to big global companies…to grow Isra- Medved says virtually no American high- el’s companies is by focusing on solving big tech company is without an Israeli compo- global problems,” says Medved, CEO of mo- nent. Microsoft just opened two new Israeli bile software platform provider Vringo, Inc. facilities, in Tel Aviv and Ra’anana. Medved—one of Israel’s leading serial entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, who made aliyah in the 1990s and now lives in Jerusalem—spoke to the Israel Business Fo- rum at a gathering high above Times Square in New York City earlier this month. In Israel, he says, “The culture of risk, of immigrants, of informality, the discipline

of the army, even tolerance for failure, cre- . overe ates an unprecedented, unequaled atmo- sphere. The world is starting to understand x ine D that Israel is the place to come to—outside : M a of Silicon Valley—for technical start-ups.” Israel provides a “dense” center for innovation, according to Medved, who called the country “start-up central.” C redit P hoto Medved’s story is iconic in the world of Vringo CEO Jonathan Medved speaks at the Israel Business Forum in New York. high tech. Starting by working out of a ga- rage in Jerusalem, this entrepreneur has The next step for Israel, Medved reiter- co-founded more than 60 Israeli high-tech ates, is to “go from start-up nation to the firms. He writes about Israeli technological scale-up nation.” developments and is a member of the board “Companies of size are being built In Is- of Israel21c. He speaks about Israel’s tech- rael,” he says. “I think it’s a great thing that nological and economic contributions to we are selling these companies. [Sales] serve 122 South Main America and the world in venues as diverse as a conduit for future purchases on the in- a2sb.com as AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs ternational market. Committee), CUFI (Christians United For Medved notes that Israeli-developed Israel), and numerous industry conferences. products are appearing in unexpected plac- Noting “this bedrock of warmth and sup- es. Zoran chips, for example, are in virtually port” and “unshakable” alliance between every consumer electronics product, and Israel and America, Medved says the two more Americans are taking medication pro- nations are “incredibly productive and dy- duced by Teva Pharmaceuticals than that of namic countries that lead the world in inno- any other producer in the country. He also vation and in technology.” highlights “unrivaled” Israeli water technol- Medved says that when people are asked ogy, including the reverse osmosis process about how often they touch Israeli technolo- invented at Ben-Gurion University. gy, some scratch their heads and say, “I don’t “By 2014,” says Medved, “all drinking wa- do much with Israeli technology.” ter in Israel will come from the sea.” Wrong, says the Vringo CEO. Medved admits, however, that “there are “Each and every one of us is touching Is- storm clouds” and problems to solve, such as raeli technology every single day, dozens of the education dilemma in Israel—increasing times—in computers, instant messages, cell numbers of students but no increase in fac- phones, voice mail, flash memory,” Medved ulty, underfunded universities, and a con- says. “Israeli innovation is making the world tinuing brain drain among the most crucial. we live in exciting and dynamic and changing JointMedia News Service asked Medved reality… This great alliance between [Amer- about investors’ reactions to political up- ica and Israel] doesn’t get enough atten- heaval in the Middle East, as well as the im- tion. That’s what I am talking about tonight.” pact of the possibilities of war or terrorist “There is no single major American high activity in Israel and nearby. He suggests that tech company—whether it’s Cisco or Broad- investors are discounting these risks. com or Microsoft or Google or anybody— “In technology, most investors are not who doesn’t do just enormous work in thinking about it,” he says. “What’s crazy is Israel,” he continues. “Samsung, the Korean that Israelis live with this…it’s weird, though operation, is now in Israel focused on sourc- Israel is perceived as unsafe, tourism num- ing Israeli technology.” bers are through the roof. We have to do Innovation starts early in the lives of Israelis, what we have to do to build the country. In- Meet Your Personal Mortgage Professionals vestment builds psychological resilience.” as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instills values Caring service, advice and experience, here and now, in your hometown of competition and selectivity. “Our kids start “It’s a great time in Israel,” he concludes. competing before the end of high school—not “Tourism is booming, the economic crisis at Ann Arbor State Bank. to get into an Ivy League school but to get into, appears past.” n excuse the phrase, an Ivy League unit,” says Pearsall • Shaffer • Niles • Robinson Medved. After such special programs, “they’re 734.418.0582 734.418.0583 517-937-4588 734.274.5782 ready for bear,” he says. Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 21 IArts and Culture

After Mel Gibson-Joe Eszterhas spat, Hollywood Jews weigh in By Dana Kennedy (JTA)—Jews run Hollywood, so the old cli- ing that his claims were “utter fabrications” and che goes. threatened to sue Eszterhas for releasing the So an outsider might find it strange that audiotapes. Gibson’s defenders suggested that one of Hollywood’s biggest studios, Warner Eszterhas’ attacks were exaggerations or lies Bros., agreed to make a movie about one meant to deflect from Gibson’s claim that Esz- of the Jewish world’s great- terhas’ script wasn’t any good est heroes with a star known and that’s why it was rejected for going on anti-Semitic ti- by Warner Bros. rades. Through Nierob, Gibson And when the plans to declined to be interviewed for film Judah Maccabee fell apart this story. this month, igniting a feud be- Eszterhas told JTA that tween producer Mel Gibson he “stands behind the letter I and screenwriter Joe Eszterhas wrote to Mel.” that involved more accusations Not everyone in Holly- of anti-Semitism, Hollywood wood’s Jewish establishment again went for Mel. has stood by Gibson. After A number of industry Gibson’s anti-Semitic tirade in figures interviewed by JTA, 2006, Sony Pictures co-chair- including lawyers, studio ex- Mel Gibson woman Amy Pascal spoke out ecs and publicists—all of them Jewish and a against him and powerful agent Ari Emanuel number of whom come from families who called for a Gibson boycott. survived the Holocaust or fled the Nazis— When they were the only big names to speak defended Gibson over the Hungarian-born out, former AOL Time Warner Vice Chairman Eszterhas. Almost to a man, however, they Mel Adelson took out a large ad in the Los An- declined to be quoted by name—as is typi- geles Times protesting the silence of many top cal in Hollywood. Jewish Hollywood executives. Veteran producer Mike Medavoy, whose But by 2011, when Warner Bros. agreed to parents fled to Shanghai in the 1920s to escape do Judah Maccabee with Gibson, it seemed all the Russian pogroms, has known Gibson and was forgiven. Eszterhas for decades. Both have “issues,” he Despite their support of Gibson, however, said, but he has a softer spot for Gibson. many in Hollywood also said they didn’t know “I really believe that everyone deserves why Warner Bros. had decided in the first place a second chance,” Medavoy said. “I want to to let Gibson make a film about Judah Macca- THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER ANN ARBOR give Mel the benefit of the doubt. I think bee, the great Jewish warrior who fought and Mel’s problem is he’s a little immature and prevailed against a Hellenistic ruler who want- can’t handle his anger.” ed to force the Jews to renounce their faith. Annual Meeting Alan Nierob, Gibson’s longtime publicist Sharon Waxman, a veteran correspondent and the son of Holocaust survivors, has always for the Washington Post and The New York Wednesday, May 30 at the JCC stood by his client. Times who now runs TheWrap.com, said she The loyalty to Gibson of some in Hollywood confronted a senior Warner Bros. executive 7:00 pm Reception 7:30 pm Program comes despite the controversy over his contro- when she first heard about the planned film. versial portrayal of Jews in the 2004 film The “I said to him, what were you thinking?” Passion of the Christ, his rant against Jews fol- said Waxman, who was raised as an Orthodox lowing a drunk driving arrest in 2006, and his Jew and whose site is where Eszterhas’ letter violent threats and accusations against an ex- and an audiotape of Gibson’s most recent girlfriend that were leaked online in 2010. Also rants were leaked. “He said something about The Whole is Greater that year, Jewish actress Winona Ryder said that the studio believing in forgiveness. But it’s still Remarks by Federation President, Ed Goldman Gibson had called her an “oven dodger” at a a mystery to me.” party in the mid-1990s. Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean and founder of the Lifelong Jewish Engagement The latest flap erupted when Eszterhas, who Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, said Presentation of the Steven Elyakin Jewish Education Award to Aron Kaufman once was one of Hollywood’s flashiest screen- last September that letting Gibson direct Judah writers but hasn’t had a hit since 1997, accused Maccabee would be “like casting Bernie Madoff Connecting Jewish Communities Gibson of only pretending to be developing a to be the head of the Securities and Exchange.” Presentation of the Susan Lichter Memorial Israel Scholarship Awards to movie about Judah Maccabee to help Gibson’s Now, he says simply, “everyone should have Yael Silver and Jordan Siden own image in the Jewish community. Eszterhas known.” accused Gibson of setting him up—hiring him “This is the story of an unrepentant anti- Fostering American Israeli relationships to write the script and then rejecting it not be- Semite who’s a world-renowned actor,” Hier cause it wasn’t good, but because Gibson actu- told JTA. “How did he get Warner Bros. to agree Creating New Pathways to Jewish Engagement ally “hates Jews” and never wanted to make the to do this film? I think he reached out to rabbis Presentation of the Program Innovation Award to the Salon Steering Committee movie in the first place. and used them to soften up the studio. There Sukkah Arbor – A program of the Jewish Community Impact Fund In his detailed nine-page letter that was are some who felt his 2006 apology was sincere. leaked to TheWrap.com, Eszterhas said that I never thought it was sincere.” Nominating Committee Report and Installation of Board Members while working with Gibson, the star “continu- For now, Warner Bros. spokesman Paul Presentation to outgoing Board President, Ed Goldman ally called Jews ‘Hebes,’ and even ‘oven dodgers’ McGuire said the studio is “analyzing” what to Installation of incoming Board President, Laurie Barnett and ‘Jewboys.’ do with the “Judah Maccabee” project. But stu- “You said most gatekeepers of American dio sources say privately that the film has been companies were ‘Hebes’ who ‘controlled’ their shelved. Refreshments will be kosher dairy bosses,” Eszterhas wrote to Gibson. A source in Gibson’s camp told JTA that He also described Gibson as erupting in al- Gibson is determined to move forward with Please RSVP to Cindy Adams ([email protected] most psychotic rages in which he railed about Judah Maccabee on his own, financing and or 734-677-0100). Register online at www.jewishannarbor.org his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, intimat- developing it the way he did with Passion of ing he wanted her dead. Gibson wrote a letter back to Eszterhas say- coninued on page 24 22 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 IOn Another Note

Dr. Michael Casher, psychiatrist and classical guitarist Sandor Slomovits, staff writer recently heard Dr. Michael Casher play So I started taking lessons from important. I’d like to do more perform- classical guitar at the University Hospi- him and that really was fascinating, maybe some teaching, which I’ve Ital as part of the hospital’s Gifts of Arts ing for me. From then on, that’s done in the past. It’s just a great thing to concert series. The weekly noontime pro- pretty much what I studied, clas- have, the whole world of the guitar. I go to grams, held in the lobby near the hospital’s sical guitar. some guitar festivals and see all the young main entrance, are attended by patients, WJN: What were you studying at players that are coming up. It’s really their families and staff, all of them enjoying a spectacular what has happened with the Johns Hopkins? much needed break from the stresses of their classical guitar in the last twenty years. stay, or their work in the hospital. Dr. Casher Dr. Casher: I was pre-med. WJN: I don’t follow classical guitar closely. What was accompanying soprano, Carrie Wilson, WJN: Did you know at an early age has happened? in a program that ranged from English bal- that you wanted to be a doctor, or Dr. Casher: There’s a lot of counterpart to psy- lads, operatic arias, even a Beatles tune, and chiatry. The Freud of the guitar is Segovia, also included a few solo guitar pieces. I liked were you just exploring that option in college? and there are all the great players that trace their performance very much and was both their lineage to him. It’s just like people trace impressed and intrigued. Dr. Casher’s play- Dr. Casher: I went to college when I their lineage—who they were analyzed by— ing was at a very high level technically as well had just turned seventeen, and I and they can always trace it back to Freud as musically and the duo’s ensemble work grew up in an era where if you ultimately. All the great guitar players now, clearly showed extensive preparation. Yet see- were a pretty smart kid, the say- we’re maybe in the third generation after Se- ing his title on the program notes—he is the ing was, “a lawyer is a Jewish govia. You had Segovia, then Julian Bream, director of the UMHS Psychiatry Adult In- boy who can’t stand the sight and then John Williams was the next gen- patient Program—I was certain that he had of blood.” (Laughter) That was eration. He was considered the greatest gui- to have had very extensive training and long how I grew up. So it was pretty tarist in the world, but he’s getting older, he’s years of experience in medicine. I asked him much expected in my family probably sixty something, and now you have to talk about his life in medicine and music. that I would be a physician. this next generation, and they’re really spec- Dr. Michael Casher and Carrie Wilson tacular players. You can’t believe it when you Dr. Casher: I grew up in Dayton, Ohio. We had WJN: Was there a tradition of med- hear them. They could probably trace their a very vibrant Jewish community. I was bar icine in your family? Dr. Casher: I was interested in either pediatrics lineage to Segovia, but they are graduates mitzvahed there, in Temple Israel, which or psychiatry. When I did my psychiatry roof guitar programs in conservatories and was one of the three main synagogues in Dr. Casher: Not really. My father had a home tation at Michigan, as a medical student, I remodeling business, but I think he always have teaching positions all over the country. Dayton. I always liked the liturgical music. really enjoyed it and felt like it was a good fit Some of them, the top ones, are performers. I think that actually sparked a lot of my in- admired people who were in the profes- for me. I came back here to do psychiatric sions. His parents had come over from Rus- Juilliard now has a guitar program, which it terest in music, hearing the cantor when I training after I was in Texas and then I re- didn’t for many years. There’s a lot going on would go with my grandmother to the Or- sia, and he had to drop out of college during mained here since that time. the Depression and so he really wanted his with the classical guitar. thodox synagogue, and also in the Reform WJN: Always at University Hospital? synagogue, where I grew up, which had children to succeed in the professions. WJN: Do you think that playing guitar helps spectacular singing. I always admired the WJN: When you graduated from Johns Dr. Casher: I was at St. Joe’s for many years and you with your medical work and vica versa? cantor’s voice there. Hopkins, did you feel at a crossroads? then five years ago I came to the University Dr. Casher: I think there is. I think there are I started with the cello when I was maybe Music, medicine? to run the inpatient unit. probably lots of connections. Many, many seven or eight years old and played cello till WJN: You and Carrie Wilson sounded great to- physicians love music, love classical music around age thirteen. I got to a level where my Dr. Casher: No, I was always able to merge the two. When I went to medical school I made gether when I heard you recently. in particular. When I go to a concert at Hill teacher wanted me to practice four hours a Auditorium, or at Rackham, I see lots of sure that I had lined up a good private teach- Dr. Casher: I like performing with her. I like day, it got very intense, he wanted me to join my colleagues. Probably most of them are er to continue classical guitar. I always had it performing with a singer. Helene Rotten- the junior philharmonic in Dayton. It got not performers or players, although a few on the side, but still really serious about it. berg’s sister is a cantor in the Detroit area. a little too much for me, so I stopped play- are, in fact there’s the Life Sciences Orches- When I was younger I did some concerts ing cello. My parents, especially my mother, WJN: That’s evident. When did you graduate tra at the hospital, but there’s something with her. I’ve also done flute and guitar du- were very involved in it and she was very dis- from medical school? about medicine and music that a lot of appointed. She signed me up for guitar les- ets, which are a similar combination. In fact Dr. Casher: I graduated from medical school people enjoy both. sons at the Y. I just took to it immediately. there is some overlap in the literature. here in Ann Arbor in 1976. When I came At a probably more individual level, I think WJN: Classical guitar? here, I found Matthew Mischakoff, his fa- WJN: Are your kids musical? having music, if you have a stressful occupa- tion, having music to unwind with is a nice Dr. Casher: Folk guitar. I started playing chords, ther was a famous violinist, Mischa Mischa- Dr. Casher: I have two stepdaughters and a son koff, and Matthew was a very good classical that are all between the ages of 19 and 23. thing to have. I also think there’s a lot of songs, and learning from Peter Paul & Mary counterparts in the kind of collaboration records. I listened to the Kingston Trio, the guitarist. He used to teach at Herb David’s, Jennifer, who is a freshman at U-M, has a when it was still on State Street. I studied with beautiful singing voice. Her older sister, you have when you perform with other Limeliters, Chad Mitchell Trio, all those people, that sort of give and take prob- groups, learning their songs and ones by Matthew for a while and there was a person Lucy, is a very good pianist, was in some who came to town every year from Mexico, competitions. She will probably go to law ably has some counterpart, especially other folk singers like Odetta and Harry in psychiatry, in any psychotherapeutic Belafonte. I had some friends that were also Manuel Lopez-Ramos, and I became really school. My wife and stepdaughters are close friends with a group of people that from China and Lucy is in China right relationship. I also feel like some of the interested in guitar, I learned a lot of that best teaching that I’ve had has been actu- kind of thing, organized some hootenan- studied with him when he would come up now, working for a year after graduating here. One of them was Helene Rottenberg, from the U-M. My son Gabriel is a good ally music teaching, where someone really nies when I was young. I was never really a gives you very, very detailed criticism of big singer; I had a person who I accompa- who teaches at Herb David’s. Helene and I rock and finger style guitarist. had a duo for a few years. We played all over what you’re doing, not just technically, nied who had a tremendous singing voice. WJN: Did you teach him? but what you’re doing with the music, We played in a number of places while I was Detroit, did weddings and things like that Dr. Casher: No. I just encouraged him and he and that listens so carefully to what you’re in high school. Then I started playing rock as a classical guitar duo, and we were very picked up a lot on his own, by osmosis I doing that they can give you really good guitar. When I went to college, I was in a involved with Lopez-Ramos. Then, when I think. He goes to school at Hope College, advice and point you in the right direc- rock band. graduated from medical school I went down to Texas to study guitar with a very good outside of Grand Rapids. He’s a psychology, tion to help you grow as a musician. The WJN: Did you play rhythm or lead guitar? teacher at SMU in Dallas and I worked as a neuroscience major. other place where I’ve had that level of doctor in emergency rooms, so I could spon- supervision or training has been when Dr. Casher: I played lead guitar, blues and rock. WJN: The apple didn’t fall too far from the I’ve had great folks in psychotherapy at We played a lot of mixers on the East Coast. sor a year off for studying music. Most of the tree there. people that I encountered down there, that the university when I was a resident. It WJN: Where did you go to school? were also studying with my teacher were in Dr. Casher: He’s also kind of a jock. He’s a tennis seemed like there were a lot of similari- Dr. Casher: Johns Hopkins. Baltimore at that a Masters program with him at SMU, but I player and teaches tennis during the sum- ties, the kind of detail that someone could time had the Peabody Conservatory, which studied with him privately. Really, it’s always mer. He’s a pro at Liberty Racquet Club. put into teaching. It’s helped me in my own teaching as well. n is now part of Johns Hopkins, but at that been in my life, a very important part of WJN: Do you have thoughts about what direc- time it was a separate conservatory. There what I’ve been. tion you might want to take the guitar when, Dr. Casher is available to play concerts and was a fellow who lived above me who was a WJN: You’re head of the inpatient psychiatric if, you retire. private parties, alone or with Carrie Wilson. graduate of their guitar program and he told unit now. Was that area your interest right Dr. Casher: I think as I get older I think it’s go- Contact him at [email protected]. me I ought to start learning classical guitar. from the beginning in medical school? ing to become as important, maybe more Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 23 I Best Reads

Mel Gibson, continued In new autobiography, Judith Elkin shares her path through life from page 22 Rochel Urist, staff writer nn Arborite Judith Laikin Elkin, of it, her father made his disappointed clear. “No, no!” she wept, and her face went white the Christ, which became an unexpected hit. now in her early 80s, takes the title “What did you expect, that I would become “I couldn’t even cry, if you were right.” Gibson has said that he’s been working on the A of her new autobiography, Walking Prime Minister?” she countered. “Some years “Tee hee,” they giggled with a nasty squeal, “Maccabee” project for more than eight years Made My Path, from a Latin American prov- later,” she adds, “some broad from Milwau- “We hope you don’t think those tears and that it predates the 2006 DUI scandal. erb: “There is no path, it’s walking makes the kee did just that.” are real.” Jay Sanderson, who spent 25 years as a TV path.” (“Caminante, no hay camino, se hace She began teaching Latin American stud- and documentary producer in Hollywood be- camino al andar Traveller!”) Fluent in Span- ies, then did a Ph.D. in history at U-M. Her Elkin’s father expected great things from fore becoming president of the Jewish Federa- ish after years of researching the Jews of Latin stories – about family, travel, academia, ro- this daughter. To him, she could think “like a tion of Los Angeles, said he didn’t believe that America, mance, ambition, and being a woman at boy.” Her book, The Jews of Latin America, Gibson has been developing the film for a long the max- times and places where women did not travel led to academic acceptance of this subject, time. im suits alone are alternately mesmerizing, delight- its appearance on the college curriculum, “I would make a large wager that he’s not her. It’s ful, charming, and, I’m afraid, tedious. The and the founding of a worldwide network going to make this movie,” Sanderson said. “Of arrest- information is rich but dry. At the risk of of scholars: the Latin American Jewish Stud- course, the people close to Mel are going to say ing. But being reductionist, I wondered whether El- ies Association (LAJSA). It also provided the that he’s going ahead and will make it just to since the kin finds it easier to talk about other people, context for her memoir’s stories of her trav- show his supposed sincerity.” transla- which she does with color and polish, than els in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Ar- Sanderson said Gibson’s anti-Semitism tion lacks to talk about herself – unless it is the self of gentina, Cuba and Brazil. But, she says, her is “legendary” and “no one could have been busy life involved a trade-off. “I never really more inappropriate” to make a film about Ju- learned to cook.” dah Maccabee. Somewhere in this book, Elkin asks: “But I also understand in some ways why it “What should be left unremembered?” In- happened,” he said. “It’s a great story and this deed. I asked the author how she tackled is the man who made Braveheart. Mel’s always that question. She said: had a great relationship with Warner Bros. And I well remember the havoc my father don’t forget Hollywood is a place where people caused by publishing his (tell-all) autobiog- want to avoid making the wrong enemies. Mel the original lilt, raphy. Fortunately, the original Yiddish text is more of a wrong enemy.” and since for non was lobotomized by its English-language There is no star arguably less likely than Spanish-speakers translator. I had no wish to impose the same Gibson to direct a film about Judah the Mac- the saying is un- drama on my own children. Discretion is ad- cabee. Gibson belongs to a conservative sect familiar, the title vised for those who would keep their fami- called traditionalist Catholic that is not recog- feels, at first, like lies intact. Anticipating the problem (as he nized by the Vatican in part because it adheres a non-sequiteur. saw it) of having a wife who writes, my hus- to Catholicism as it was practiced before the Once she shows band had asked never to be included in any- reforms instituted by Vatican II in the early us the path, it thing I wrote. This code of omerta limited 1960s. During Good Friday services in the seems apt. family reminiscences, especially considering old liturgy, traditionalists still read a prayer in Judith Elkin was ahead of her time. She her youth, who is, in many respects, a person that the marriage was at the center of my life which they pray that Jews will “recognize Jesus was forged in the socialist, Zionist environ- other than her adult self: ambitious, accom- for 47 years. Christ as the savior of all men.” ment of her Yiddish-speaking parents. Born plished, and more interested in document- …The death of my husband Sol in Sep- In 2003, Gibson said there is “no salvation and raised in the Detroit area, she was one ing historical events than recording her own tember 2007 brought my own mortality for anyone outside the Church,” including his of four daughters whose parents had emi- life. She finished the book in haste, so that home to me, and forced me realize that, if I then-wife, Robyn, a devout Episcopalian, in grated from Lithuania, “the old country.” her younger daughter, battling cancer, could was going to write this book at all, I’d better that category. Descriptions of her childhood read like a to read it while there was still time. Her reac- get to work on it. Gibson’s father, Hutton Gibson, is also a tra- history of Detroit – especially Jewish De- tion: “Mom, I never knew you were so fun- Given Elkin’s penchant for the well- ditionalist but is associated with an even more troit – with mention of landmarks familiar ny!” Susanna died soon after. turned phrase, it pays to include some here. extreme group within the sect, Sedevacantism. to Detroit natives: Twelfth Street (“yet to be Much of Elkins’ writing is superb. It turns The book opens with: “Nothing focuses He is also a Holocaust denier. Gibson has never named Rosa Parks Boulevard”); the Purple out that Elkin won two Hopwood Awards the mind so keenly as news that a possibly fa- renounced his father’s views or specifically said Gang (“They never bothered civilians, only while a student at U-M. She includes some tal event taking place within your own body, whether or not he is a Sedevacantist, but he has killed each other.”); the pickle barrel outside of her poems in the book. One of the poems without your consent, is likely shortly to said that the Holocaust did happen and that it the local grocery store, with its sign “a nickel was written to Professor Leslie A. White, the clean your clock. Time, which once seemed was “an atrocity.” a shtickle; “ and Brown’s Drug Store (“which legendary anthropologist who enthralled her endless, is running out. As I have exhausted In 2006, the Southern Poverty Law Center was yet to be burned down in the 1947 riot”). with his classroom antics. Elkins loved that my biblical allocation of three score years released a report based on a three-year inves- Elkin spent her formative years with the Ha- his Mind of Primitive Man “was alleged to be and ten, I can’t complain.” tigation into so-called “radical traditionalist bonim youth movement. As a teenager, she on the Catholic Church’s index of forbidden Elkin describes a family friend as “an ec- Catholics” that focused on Hutton Gibson, was a leader in the movement and expected studies.” She cheerfully records the day he centric who marched to his own shofar.” whom they called an “important player” in this to make aliyah. Life interfered, sometimes in announced: “Words have the power to move Evoking his father’s roots, she says: “My fa- “shadowy world.” marvelous ways. After completing her un- people physically.” He proved this, she says, ther came from Poblov, the world-renowned “These Catholic extremists, including the dergraduate degree at th University of Mich- “by writing f--k on the blackboard, causing metropolis of the province of Minsk, navel of Gibsons,” wrote investigator Heidi Beirich, igan, she earned a masters in International some girls to flee the classroom.” This is the the universe, where the winter rains turned “may well represent the largest population of Affairs at Columbia University, where she poem she wrote for him. the streets to mud that sucked the boots anti-Semites in the U.S.” met Moshe Shertok, a representative of the off the unwary walker, where there were no “Hutton Gibson does the circuit and he’s Jewish Agency. Some years later, she met him The Red King’s Dream schools and no railroad station and the Jews featured at a lot of events,” Beirich told JTA. again, when he invited her to Jerusalem and The chessbored King in his Palace slept had to run away and hide in the forest at “He’s beloved by anti-Semites, Holocaust de- offered her a place in the new Israeli govern- And his ivory Queen to her own square kept; Easter time to escape the drunken peasants. niers and extreme anti-government activists.” ment. He had, by then, hebraicized his name While along each diagonal Bishop’s row Shedrin was the town down the road.” Mel Gibson built his own traditionalist to Moshe Sharett. The bravest Knights refused to go. In searching for a mentor who would church in the Malibu hills that is so private and But I’m ahead of myself. After graduat- help her through her Ph.D., she approached secretive that no one knows what goes on in- ing from Columbia, Elkin sat for and passed The Tweedles, with one ear to the ground a number of professors with her dissertation side it, Beirich said. the grueling Foreign Service exam. As a Straddled the oak-carved chest around idea: to write about the Jews of Latin Amer- “But we do know his views are anti-Semitic, commissioned officer – the 21st woman to And laughed at Alice’s horrified scream ica. Most discouraged her. One said, simply: even if they don’t line up with his father’s,” Beir- achieve that status – she traveled for the next When they told her the meaning of the Red “Jews aren’t picturesque.” Another “sympa- ich said of Mel Gibson. “The alcohol defense five years. She spent time in Southeast Asia, King’s dream thetic observer” explained: “They don’t paint is ridiculous. You don’t bash Jews just because South America, Latin America, and London, their faces or wear penis sheaths. Why would you get drunk. n England, where she served as U.S. vice-con- “Why Tweedle Dum,” she fumed, “and Dee! anyone be interested in them?” “This idea of forgiveness and giving second sul. It was en route home that she made that How wicked to tell me that I’m not me. chances to him is bad one. When you start fateful trip to Jerusalem to meet with Sharett. I really don’t think it polite, nor kind OK’ing anti-Semitism and racism, you end up Upon hearing of the offer, and her decline To call me a delusion in a chess king’s mind.” in a very bad place.” n 24 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 I Kosher Cuisine

Shavuot with an Italian twist Mary Bilyeu, staff writer s much as I adore blintzes and cheese- to make, good for you, gutsy, flavorful and fun cake, at Shavuot I am compelled to to eat,” according to Downie, and lets top-qual- Rigatoni con Asparagi e Ricotta A veer a bit from the expected dishes ity fresh ingredients shine with a minimum of (Rigatoni with Asparagus and Ricotta) while still honoring the tradition of eating dairy preparation. What makes a recipe particularly 1 foods. I usually serve a whimsical little concoc- Jewish? Well, we could ask two rabbis and find 1 /2 pounds green asparagus tion that those who are close to me chuckle ourselves with three answers. But, in all seri- 1 pound rigatoni 1 about (but look forward to!) every year: Fried ousness, I think it would be one that respects 1 /2 cups Ricotta Ice Cream Torah Scrolls. Form the ice the dietary laws, one that has 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil cream into cylinders rather a history and tells a story (as 3 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano than spheres, roll them in with hamantaschen or charo- freshly ground black pepper crushed cookie crumbs for a set, for example), one that 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano crust, place two onto a dessert can sometimes serve a ritual Bring 5 quarts of salted water to a boil. plate and drizzle them with a purpose, and one that is also With a vegetable peeler or paring knife, scrape the bit of chocolate sauce, then flavorful and fun to eat. asparagus stems and snap off the wood ends. Cut the place decorative toothpicks Rigatoni con Asparagi e tips to about 1-1/2" in length. Chop the stems into into the ends of each “scroll.” Ricotta (Rigatoni with As- 1” lengths. They’re cute, they’re fun, and paragus and Ricotta) is a Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir. Wait 1 everyone loves them. lovely dish that goes beyond minute and add the chopped asparagus stems. Cover But I get bored with rou- the everyday notion of pasta the pot. When the water returns to a boil, cook the pasta and stems, uncovered, for 3 minutes. tine. There are too many foods with sauce. In addition to Add the asparagus tips, stir and cook until the pasta is al dente, 5-8 minutes. and too many flavors enticing featuring three different While the pasta cooks, scoop the Ricotta into a large serving bowl. Ladle in about 2 table- me; I seek variety. And so, this cheeses—Ricotta, Pecorino spoons of the pasta water and stir iwth a wooden spoon. Add the oil, the Pecorino Romano, year I’m indulging in two of Romano, and Parmigiano-Reg- and a generous pinch of pepper. Stir until smooth. my favorite cuisines—Jewish and Italian—and giano—it also offers beautiful asparagus tips serving dishes that employ a variety of cheeses in honor of the harvest. Romans are famous When the pasta and asparagus are done, drain and toss them into the serving bowl with the as well as featuring figs, cherries, and asparagus for their love of asparagus, a vegetable that is Ricotta. Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and stir to combine. to remember that Shavuot is a harvest festival. practically synonymous with spring, and serve Serve hot or chilled. David Downie’s gorgeous book, Cooking the it just as they do their pasta—al dente. While the Makes 6 servings. Roman Way: Authentic Recipes from the Home rigatoni would be delicious warm, it can also be Cooks and Trattorias of Rome, offers beautiful chilled and served as a pasta salad. recipes for meat, seafood, vegetable, and pasta A dish that can be assembled without any Torta Ebraica di Ricotta dishes, in addition to luscious dolci—sweets. cooking is the simple yet sophisticated Fichi Most of these are not specifically Jewish, al- Ripieni—dried Calimyrna figs stuffed with (Jewish-Roman Ricotta Cheesecake with Cherry Jam) though Downie states that “perhaps the greatest Ricotta and almonds. Sweet and salty, tender Crust: single force in maintaining culinary traditions and crunchy, these treats would be exceptional 1 /2 pound butter, at room temperature over the city’s 2,800-year history has been the either at a Shabbat meal or for a holiday gather- 3 large eggs Roman-Jewish community. Its members have 1 ing, whether religious or secular. As the author /3 cup sugar handed down dozens of recipes, some of them states: “This recipe is... sugarless and flourless zest of 1 lemon, finely grated 1 very old.” yet astonishingly delicious.” 3 /2 cups flour The classic Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style The most sublime offering is the Torta Ebra- 1 teaspoon salt Artichokes, a simple pareve preparation fried ica di Ricotta, an utterly decadent cheesecake Filling: in olive oil and sprinkled with salt) is offered, enriched with Ricotta rather than cream cheese. 2 eggs in addition to numerous recipes that are cred- It’s a bit complicated, featuring a handmade 2 cups Ricotta ited to the Jewish community: Fiori di Zucca dough rather than a simple graham cracker 4 tablespoons sugar 1 Fritti(Fried Stuffed Zucchini Flowers), Gnoc- crust, but would be well worth the extra steps. /2 cup cherry jam chi di Semolino alla Romano (a centuries-old The recipe comes from a cake shop named La Whip the butter in a large mixing bowl to a light consistency, about 5 minutes. Beat the eggs baked dish of semolina patties, rather than the Dolce Roma, which is next to the restaurant and sugar together in a small mixing bowl until foamy; mix in the lemon zest. more typical walnut-sized boiled dumplings), Giggetto that has been a Roman institution in Add flour and salt to the butter. Mix until homogeneous. Incorporate the egg-sugar mixture. and Lattughe Farcite (Stuffed and Braised Let- the ancient Ghetto neighborhood for nearly Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead gently, squeezing with your fingers, tuce), among others. Just reading these, I long 100 years; both are operated by the same fam- until the dough feels silky. Roll the dough into a compact ball, put it in a clean bowl, cover to start cooking and to serve a feast along with a ily. Pastry chef Stefano Ceccarelli makes desserts with a dishcloth and chill for 1 hour. good hearty Italian red wine. for his parents’ restaurant, “including this Jew- After immersing myself in all the delicious ish cheesecake.” He states that this torta is “more Preheat the oven to 425°F. Butter and flour a 9" round shallow pie pan. recipes and tempting photographs that Downie pie than cake, with a lot of delicious crust.” It is Divide the dough into two unequal pieces, roughly one-third and two-thirds. Use a rolling has collected, I determined that a celebration rich and luxurious, and a wonderful variation pin to rol out the larger piece of dough into a 1/4"-thick disk approximately 11" in diameter. with a Roman flair would be ideal. Because on the familiar Shavuot treat. Transfer the rolled dough to the pie pan. Trim off excess dough and add it to the remaining this year, Shavuot falls during the Memorial While it is essential to respect tradition, and dough. Poke holes thorugh the pie crust with the tines of a fork. Day weekend and chag will immediately follow we all have our favorite dairy dishes to serve at Bake the crust for 15–20 minutes, until firm and golden. Remove the pan from the oven and Shabbat. I’m offering an assortment of recipes, Shavuot as we celebrate the bestowing of the let it cool for a few minutes. therefore, that are perfect for the multiple oc- Torah at Mt. Sinai, there are so many other fab- casions, especially with consideration of time ulous foods to enjoy that still offer a nod to the Roll out the remaining piece of dough to a thickness of 1/4" and a diameter of about 10". Set constraints and halakhic restrictions. familiar while branching out into the Diaspo- it aside in a cool spot. Now, before I offer my menu suggestions, ra and its many and varied cuisines. Mangia To make the filling, beat one of the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta, sugar and 6 let’s discuss what makes a recipe particularly bene this year, and enjoy some classic Roman tablespoons of the jam. Stir thoroughly until smooth and homogeneous. Roman. First of all, obviously, it utilizes ingredi- delicacies for the holiday! n Spread the remaining jam over the pre-baked crust. With a large spoon, make a mound of the ents that thrive in Southern Italy. It’s also “easy ricotta mixture on top; smooth the mound down with a spatula. Set the second disk of dough on top of the mixture to form a low-profile dome. Crimp the Fichi Ripieni (Dried Figs Stuffed with Ricotta and Almonds) edge all around with your thumbs. Trim any excess dough. Beat the remaining egg thoroughly and brush it onto the top crust. 18 large dry Calimyrna figs 6 tablespoons Ricotta Bake for 10 minutes. Lower heat to 375°F and finish baking for 20–30 minutes until the top 18 almonds is golden. Let the pie cool, then slice and serve. With a paring knife, slit a pocket in the figs, cutting from the base toward the stem. Serves 6 to 8. Spoon into each about 1 tablespoon of Ricotta. Slip an almond into the Ricotta and gently pinch the figs closed. Arrange them on a serving dish. Makes 18 stuffed figs. Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 25 I Food ICalendar

ation and Education for Alzheimer’s Disease), May 2012 which is investigating the impacts of genetic From planting to blessings, Boulder risk disclosure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Tuesday 1 Jewish Film Festival: JCC. Films shown at the gets into Jewish food movement Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty. Sholom By Dvora Meyers SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness at 5 p.m. BOULDER, Colo. (JTA)—The new Jewish food top chefs, some amazing, successful food with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or Mabul at 8 p.m. $10 per ticket. Festival passes movement arose here organically, so to speak. entrepreneurs, leaders in the field of food $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet are $80 for members and $85 for non-members. Sponsors Afterglow Party at Sava, 216 No large federation or organization justice, and experts on everything from gar- Lunch, noon; Games and activities including South State Street at 10 p.m. swooped in to make sustainable farming and dening and baking, beekeeping, canning and mahjong, quilting for the patients of Mott eating within a Jewish framework a priority. beer brewing,” said Josh Dinar, the Hazon Hospital, art projects and card games. 1 p.m. Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Cha- bad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Yet in this city of 100,000—some 13,000 steering committee chair who is working on Wii sports including bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. No experience necessary. 1 p.m. Jewish legal system by following the intrigu- residents are Jewish—“green” has long been the conference. Open computer time, with tutor available. ing discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a a way of life. So it’s not surprising that in- For Dinar, the connection to food is more (Call for information and reservations.) 1 p.m. composite of practical law, logical argumenta- terest in sustainability has led to a variety of than personal—it’s professional. He is one Every Tuesday. tion and moral teachings. Study of the origi- Jewish grass-roots projects such as the es- of the founding editors of the Dining Out Bible Literature and History Class: JCC Seniors. nal Talmud tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. tablishment of greenhouses in food deserts, magazine franchise and co-owns HBurger, a Washtenaw Community College class taught Every Thursday. a chicken and egg co-op, community farms gourmet hamburger joint in Denver. by Dr. Liz Fried focusing on the Dead Sea and an organic chicken schechting (kosher “An interesting thing about being ko- Scrolls. Six-week class began on April 24. Call butchering) project, along with—thanks to a sher—it makes you be conscious of what you 971-0990 to register. 10 a.m. Friday 4 $335,000 grant from three foundations—the are eating,” Dinar observed. “And the rest of Film Trip: JCC Seniors. Group trip at 12:30 p.m. Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. arrival of Hazon, a national Jewish environ- the country is catching up to the idea that to the Michigan Theater for the Jewish Film Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at mental group. you can’t just trust that because someone Festival’s 1:30 p.m. showing of Dolphins. Se- 761-2765 for information. calls it food, you can put it in your mouth.” nior rate tickets must be reserved and paid for Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot While Dinar does not observe the rules of through the SPICE Program. For information, Shabbat and Tot and Sukkat Shalom for ages phone Merrill at 971-0990. kashrut—he urged a reporter to try the ba- 5 and under at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6 p.m. con-wrapped figs at a local eatery owned by Jewish Film Festival: JCC. Films shown at the Shira and Sukkat Shalom Shabbat for ages 5 another foodie Jew—he certainly is mindful Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty. Dolphin through 10 at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Oneg follows. Boy at 1:30 p.m. Tony Curtis: Driven to Star- of the food he eats and its origins. His family Friday Night Lights: BIC. Final session of the dom at 5 p.m. Remembrance at 8 p.m. $10 per owns seven chickens that hatch eggs for the season. Family-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat Ser- ticket. Festival passes are $80 for members household. vice at 6 p.m. Dairy dinner at 7 p.m. Reserva- and $85 for non-members. Dinar, a transplant like most others living tion and pre-payment required. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). in Boulder—he hails from New Jersey—first Friday evening services: See listing at the end of All ages and levels welcome including UM learned of Hazon from his father. the calendar. “My dad had been on the first Israel [bike] and non-UM participants at Beanster’s Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. For in- ride with Nigel and just raved about him,” he formation, call 936-2367. 1:30 p.m. said, referring to Hazon founder Nigel Sav- Saturday 5 Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. The grant, which brought Hazon to the age. “And I thought this is something that Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- Shabbat Limmud: BIC. With Rabbi Dobrusin. region in December 2010, came from the would be awesome in Colorado.” standing it is no simple matter. Study the Rose Foundation and the locally based Oreg Hazon in Boulder hasn’t held its fund- 9 a.m. text in the original, together with the classical Sixth Grade Shabbat Program: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Foundation and 18 Pomegranates. raising bike rides, which long have been commentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. On April 29, the partnership among the emblematic of the organization’s activities. Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. local funders, activists and environmental Rather it has hired staff locally and sought to Learner’s Service: AARH. Nine monthly sessions organizations will culminate with the Rocky discover the native priorities, which has led Wednesday 2 led by rabbinic intern Aura Ahuvia guiding Mountain Food Summit, which will be held to an emphasis on food and farm. participants through the historical, geograph- at the University of Colorado at Boulder. “When we first initially started, we went Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. ical and political traditions that are part of the The event will feature presentations from on a listening tour and we created a map Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. Saturday morning services. This month’s topic is “Prophets,” those who inspired prayers with restaurateurs who use farm-to-table prac- of the local Jewish community,” said Becky Jewish Film Festival: JCC. Films shown at the Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty. Strangers a sense of justice, urgency and truth and also tices in their establishments, ways to adapt O’Brien, the director of community engage- modern-day prophets. For more information, your bubbe’s recipes to meet your dietary ment for Hazon in Boulder. “There really No More and Homecoming at 1:30 p.m. Naomi at 5 p.m. Buried Prayers at 8 p.m. $10 per tick- visit www.aarecon.org or phone 445-1910. and health needs, and information about wasn’t a premeditated idea of what we were et. Festival passes are $80 for members and 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. GMOs, genetically modified organisms. going to do. It was ‘you’re going to talk to $85 for non-members. Kids Night Out: JCC. Featuring crafts and The goal is to shine a light on local Jews two dozen organizations and figure out what Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. games, the entertaining movie Puss in Boots and the food movement, and to provide re- they’re doing there.’ And of course we bring and a pizza dinner. Begins with an optional sources available to groups and individuals Hazon’s expertise to bear. Talent Show. Open to JCC members and who want to change their lives for the more “You have people creating stuff because Thursday 3 non-members in grades K–5. Kosher dinner sustainable. they’re just so passionate about it,” O’Brien options with advance notice. $20/members; Participants will choose three sessions said, referring to the communal environ- SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise $25 non-members. RSVP to Shoshana Jack- among 22 offerings throughout the day. mental activity she inherited upon taking with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; son at [email protected] or phone Middle schoolers can attend classes geared the job. “It’s neat to weave those together Current Events with Heather Dombey, a 971-0990. 6:30–10 p.m. toward their age group, including one in part when I can.” Jewish perspective on this week’s news, 11 Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: based on the beloved childhood book “The O’Brien is a lifelong nonprofit profes- a.m.; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, Chabad. Learn more about the mystical di- Little Red Hen.” That session will examine sional, an environmentally engaged Boulder Noon; Special events and guest presentations, 1 mensions of the Torah. 1 hour before sun- the seed-to-table approach to farming and denizen and seemingly a perfect fit for the p.m.; Sidney Warschausky Literary Group facili- down. Every Saturday. tated by group members at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill eating, from planting to blessings. organization. Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study Poliner at 971-0990 for name of current book. Rabbi Elisheva Brenner, founder and “This in a lot of ways is my dream job,” she group code of law for Shabbat, and study Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Cantor Rose leads CEO of Eco Glatt; Yadidia Greenberg, who says. “I’ve been a foodie and an environmen- of Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. a lunchtime exploration of Tales of the Village Every Saturday. founded the Boulder Kosher meat co-op; talist in my personal life for a long time.” Rabbi: A Manhattan Chronicle by Harvey Tat- Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. and Bob Goldman, whose company LoKo The idea to host the food summit, which telbaum. For information, contact cantoran- Chicken specializes in both kosher and local- will be a miniature version of the multiday [email protected]. Noon–1 p.m. ly sourced birds for consumption, will lead a event that Hazon holds annually on both Birthdays and Presentation: JCC Seniors. Birth- Sunday 6 panel discussion on eco-ethical kosher coasts, came from the local steering com- day celebration for all with a May birthday. The day will conclude with a DIY (do-it- mittee. Bring family and friends for lunch and birth- Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for yourself) extravaganza where participants O’Brien is expecting 200 to 300 partici- day cake at 12:30 p.m. Followed by a presenta- Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the will get their hands dirty—literally in the pants ranging in ages and environmental tion at 1 p.m. by Dr. J. Scott Roberts, Associate prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah case of the microgreens workshop—and engagement levels, from chefs to educators Professor of Health Behavior and Health Edu- reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. at leave with a new skill in addition to the in- to farmers to folks checking out this stuff for cation and Director of the Public Health Ge- Chabad House. Every Sunday. formation gleaned over the course of the the first time. netics Program at the University of Michigan. Bicycle Riding Club: JCC. Meets first Sunday of three sessions they attended. “The idea,” she said of the summit, “is Roberts will speak about mild cognitive im- the month. Rabbi Robert Levy will lead this “We have some of Denver and Boulder’s that this is spurring the next thing.” n pairment and the REVEAL study (Risk Evalu- first ride. Meet at the JCC, 2935 Birch Hol- 26 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 low Drive. RSVP to Karen Freedland at kar- $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, Noon; [email protected] or phone 971-0990. Special events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; 9:45 a.m. Sidney Warschausky Literary Group facilitat- Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into ed by group members at 2:15 p.m. Call Mer- the basic text of Chassidism and open your rill Poliner at 971-0990 for name of current eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at book. Chabad House. Every Sunday. Medical Check and Presentation: JCC Seniors. A Concert: JCC. Chaverim B’Shirim’s Spring nurse from Care Response will monitor blood Concert featuring music from Pulitzer Prize pressures and address questions at 12:30 p.m., winning shows Fiorella and She Loves Me. Re- followed at 1 p.m. by at talk by Dave Waskin, freshments served. Donations welcome. For Professor of Composition and Journalism at information, phone 971-0990. 3 p.m. Washtenaw Community College. Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn- Lag B’Omer Picnic: Chabad. Time and place for ing the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of this annual picnic to be announced. Picnic din- life. 8 p.m. Every Sunday. ner of hot dogs, salads and drinks. Fun, special program with prizes for children and adults. Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Cha- Monday 7 bad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish legal system by following the intrigu- English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. ing discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– composite of practical law, logical argumenta- Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays at tion and moral teachings. Study of the origi- Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. nal Talmud tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 Every Thursday. or email [email protected]. Ongoing. Torah Trop: TBE. With Cantor Rose. Noon. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. Led by Cantor Annie Friday 11 Rose. 7–8:30 p.m. Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at 761-2765 for information. Tuesday 8 Mini-Minyan: BIC. For K–2nd graders. 11 a.m. Kehillat Shabbat: BIC. For 3rd–5th graders. 11 a.m. “The Art of Marriage:” Jewish Learning Insti- Tot Shabbat: BIC. For preschoolers and their tute. This six-session course will examine se- families. 11:15 a.m. crets of a successful marriage. The class will go beyond platitudes to cover topics at the heart Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot of modern marriage such as: Does marriage Shabbat and Tot and Sukkat Shalom for ages still serve a purpose? How far should one go 5 and under at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6 p.m. to make a marriage work? When is divorce the Adult dinner at 6 p.m. Shira and Sukkat Sha- best option? 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad House lom Shabbat for ages 5 through 10 at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Every Tuesday. Popsicle Oneg follows. SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Friday evening services: See listing at the end of Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or $10/3 the calendar. sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Games and activities including mahjong, quilting for the patients of Mott Hospital, art Saturday 12 projects and card games, 1 p.m. Wii sports including bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. No Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. experience necessary. 1 p.m. Open computer Havdalah Program: TBE Brotherhood. 7–9 p.m. time, with tutor available. (Call for information Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: and reservations.) 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. Chabad. Learn more about the mystical di- Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). mensions of the Torah. 1 hour before sun- All ages and levels welcome including UM down. Every Saturday. and non-UM participants at Beanster’s Café, Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study ground floor of UM Michigan League. For in- group code of law for Shabbat, and study formation, call 936-2367. 1:30 p.m. of Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Cantor Rose leads Every Saturday. an evening exploration of Tales of the Village Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. Rabbi: A Manhattan Chronicle by Harvey Tat- telbaum. 7:30–9 p.m. Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. Sunday 13 Reading the Bible may be easy, but understanding it is no simple matter. Study the Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for text in the original, together with the classical Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the commentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. Every Sunday. Wednesday 9 Planning Meeting: BIC Men’s Club. 9:30 a.m. Saturday Morning Service: AARH. Interactive Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. community service features music, singing, and Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. modern English readings, alongside traditional Men’s Torah Study: TBE. Bi-monthly group in- prayers and thought-provoking Torah discus- cludes learning and lively discussion. Led by sion. Led by rabbinic intern Aura Ahuvia. For Roger Stutesman. For information, contact more information, contact [email protected] [email protected]. 7:30–9 p.m. or visit www.aarecon.org. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Every Sunday. Thursday 10 Meet Raanana Staff and Bowl: JCC. Campers will meet counselors and fellow campers at SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise this bowling get-together at Colonial Lanes, with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; 1950 South Industrial Highway. The Camp Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- Director and Assistant Director will be on ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 27 I Calendar

hand to answer parent questions and to ac- facilitated by group members at 2:15 p.m. cept registration forms, although families are Call Merrill Poliner at 971-0990 for name of encouraged to submit forms before this event. current book. RSVP to Shoshana Jackson at shoshanajack- Mitzvah Project: JCC Seniors. Group will cre- [email protected] or phone 971-0990. 3–5 p.m. ate Kiddush cups for the JCC Early Childhood Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn Center classrooms. Supplies provided. 1 p.m. the deeper meanings of the Jewish way of life. Caregiver Conversations: JCC. Monthly drop- 8 p.m. Every Sunday. in educational and support group for adult children in a variety of caregiver roles for their aging parents. For information, contact Monday 14 Lisa Franklin at [email protected] or phone 769-0209. 6:30–8 p.m. English as a Second Language Daily Classes: Thirsty Third Thursday: BIC. BIC Men’s Club. JFS. Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on 7:30 p.m. Mondays–Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays– Thursdays at Jewish Family Services, 2245 Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Cha- South State Street. For more information, bad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the contact JFS at 769-0209 or email andre@jfsan- Jewish legal system by following the intriguing narbor.org. Ongoing. discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of practical law, logical argumenta- Beit Café: TBE Adult Education. “Year of the tion and moral teachings. Study of the origi- Torah.” 7 p.m. nal Talmud tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Tuesday 15 Every Thursday.

“The Art of Marriage:” Jewish Learning Insti- Friday 18 tute. This six-session course will examine se- Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. crets of a successful marriage. The class will go Meets at the JCC. Call Ray Juni at 761-2765 beyond platitudes to cover topics at the heart for information. 1:30 p.m. of modern marriage such as: Does marriage still serve a purpose? How far should one go Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot to make a marriage work? When is divorce the Shabbat and Tot and Sukkat Shalom for ages best option? 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad House 5 and under at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6 p.m. and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Every Tuesday. Adult Shabbat Dinner for Year of Torah Cel- ebration at 6 p.m. Shira and Sukkat Shalom SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Shabbat for ages 5 through 10 at 6:30 p.m. Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or $10/3 Popsicle Oneg follows. sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Games and activities including mahjong, Shira Hadasha: BIC. Friday night service com- quilting for the patients of Mott Hospital, art prised of Shlomo Carlebach melodies. 6 p.m. projects and card games. 1 p.m. Wii sports in- Family Shabbat Service: TBE. Year of Torah Cel- cluding bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. No ebration with Kol Halev, HSSC, MSSC and experience necessary. 1 p.m. Open computer Youth Choir. 7:30 p.m. time, with tutor available. (Call for information Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. and reservations.) 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): All ages and levels welcome including UM and Saturday 19 non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. Shabbat Limmud: BIC. With Rabbi Dobrusin. 9 a.m. For information, call 936-2367. Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. Chabad. Learn more about the mystical di- Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- mensions of the Torah. 1 hour before sun- standing it is no simple matter. Study the text down. Every Saturday. in the original, together with the classical com- Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study mentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every Saturday. Wednesday 16 Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar.

Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. Sunday 20 Afternoon Delights Concert: JCC. With Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (AASO) featur- Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for ing the Brass Quintet. $8/ tickets at the door or Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the from AASO. For information, contact Merrill prayer book, plus an overview of the week- Poliner at [email protected] or phone ly Torah reading, with Jewish philosophy. 971-0990. Refreshments at 1 p.m. Concert at 9:30 a.m. Every Sunday. 1:30 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Movie Wednesday: TBE. This month’s movie is the basic text of Chassidism and open your Waltz with Bashir. Includes a nosh and option- eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. al discussion in the Adult Lounge. 1–3 p.m. Every Sunday. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Series: BIC. Dinner and Concert: TBE. Kol Halev performs in Flint. Call Movie Night for 6th Grade students and their for information. 6:30 p.m. families. 6 p.m. Walk for Israel: TBE and Jewish Hikers of Michi- Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. gan. May Hike. Meet at JCC. Call for information. 12:15 p.m. Celebrate Israel: Jewish Federation. 1–4 p.m. at Thursday 17 the JCC. Judaism in the Spring: JCC. Three-week class SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Michael Weiss focusing on “Judaism with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; at the Fringe: Mapping the Boundaries of a Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Covenantal Community.” This class will look Jewish perspective on this week’s news, 11 closely at groups of Jews that, throughout his- a.m.; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, tory, have skirted and/or crossed the boundar- Noon; Special events and guest presentations, ies of Judaism. $60 per person. RSVP to Karen 1 p.m.; Sidney Warschausky Literary Group

28 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 Freedland at [email protected] or to make a marriage work? When is divorce the Fifth Grade Family Dinner: BIC. 6 p.m. lah covers and candlesticks. For information, con- phone 971-0990. 4–5:30 p.m. Also June 3 and 10. best option? 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad House Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. tact Noreen DeYoung at noreendeyoung@jccfed. Art Exhibit Reception: JCC. Reception for ex- and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Every Tuesday. Men’s Torah Study: TBE. Bi-monthly group org or phone 971-0990. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. hibit of Aviva Kleinbaum’s paintings. JCC Am- SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise includes learning and lively discussion. Led Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. ster Gallery. Exhibit will show during regular with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or by Roger Stutesman. For information, con- Meets at the JCC. Call Ray Juni at 761-2765 for business hours. RSVP to Karen Freedland at $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet tact [email protected]. 7:30–9 p.m. information. 1:30 p.m. [email protected] or phone 971-0990. Lunch, noon; Games and activities including Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Reception at 6 p.m. mahjong, quilting for the patients of Mott Shabbat and Tot and Sukkat Shalom for ages 5 Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn Hospital, art projects and card games. 1 p.m. Thursday 24 and under at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6 p.m. Shira the deeper meanings of the Jewish way of life. Wii sports including bowling, tennis, golf and Sukkat Shalom Shabbat for ages 5 through 10 SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise 8 p.m. Every Sunday. and baseball. No experience necessary. 1 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Oneg follows. Open computer time, with tutor available. with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- Fourth Friday Shabbat Service: AARH. Musical (Call for information and reservations.) 1 p.m. Kabbalat services are led by rabbinic intern Aura Monday 21 Every Tuesday. ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Special Ahuvia. Services are followed by a vegetarian Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Sidney potluck dinner. Pizza nosh for children before English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. All ages and levels welcome including UM and Warschausky Literary Group facilitated by services and childcare provided during services Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s group members at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Po- from 6:15–7:30 p.m. For information, call 445- Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. liner at 971-0990 for name of current book. 1910 or email Jennifer Cohen via www.aarecon. at Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State For information, call 936-2367. org/contact-us. 6–10 p.m. Presentation: JCC Seniors. Students from the Street. For more information, contact JFS at Jewish Theater Ensemble: JCC. First meet- University of Michigan Community Nurs- Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. 769-0209 or email [email protected]. ing for those interested in performing Jewish ing Program will speak about living with Ongoing. plays, dramas and musicals. Reservations re- chronic pain. 1 p.m. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. Led by Cantor An- quired, as community members are donating Saturday 26 nie Rose. 7–8:30 p.m. time to launch this program to develop this Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Cha- Gardening Club: JCC. Featuring monthly speak- Jewish Theater Group. Contact Karen Freed- bad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Tot Shabbat: BIC. For preschoolers and their ers, workshops, plant exchanges and garden land at [email protected] or phone Jewish legal system by following the intrigu- families. 11:15 a.m. ing discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a tours. $5/drop-in fee. RSVP to Karen Freed- 971-0990. 7–8:30 p.m. Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Chabad. composite of practical law, logical argumenta- land at [email protected] or phone Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. Learn more about the mystical dimensions of the tion and moral teachings. Study of the origi- 971-0990. 7 p.m. Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- Torah. 1 hour before sundown. Every Saturday. nal Talmud tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. standing it is no simple matter. Study the Every Thursday. Tikkun Leil Shavuot: BIC. Services, Seudah Shlishit, Tuesday 22 text in the original, together with the classical and study sessions until midnight. Ending with a commentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Cheesecake Oneg. 8 p.m. “The Art of Marriage:” Jewish Learning Insti- Friday 25 Tikkun Leil Adult Torah Study: TBE. 8–10 p.m. tute. This six-session course will examine se- Wednesday 23 Mincha Service: BIC. 8:30 p.m. crets of a successful marriage. The class will go Grandparent/Special Friend Shabbat: JCC. Children Shavuot Celebration: Chabad. Services followed by are encouraged to invite grandparents or a special beyond platitudes to cover topics at the heart Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. festive meal and all-night learning. 9 p.m. adult friend for this annual event. Children will have of modern marriage such as: Does marriage Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. Shabbat services: See listing at end of the calendar. still serve a purpose? How far should one go made Shabbat ritual items in class, including chal-

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 29 ICalendar

SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Ma- Weekly Friday night Shabbat services Shabbat Services: TBE. Torah Study with Rab- Sunday 27 ria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or $10/3 sessions; $3 bi Levy at 8:50 a.m. Morning Minyan with Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Games and Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM Hil- Rabbi Delson and lay leaders at 9:30 a.m. Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for activities including mahjong, quilting for the patients lel. Call 994-9258 in advance to confirm time. Sanctuary Service at 10 a.m. most weeks. Call Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the of Mott Hospital, art projects and card games. 1 p.m. Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. the office at 665-4744 or consult website at prayer book, plus an overview of the week- Wii sports including bowling, tennis, golf and base- Shabbat Service: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 5:30 p.m., fol- www.templebethemeth.org for service details. ly Torah reading, with Jewish philosophy. ball. No experience necessary. 1 p.m. Open computer lowed by tot dinner. Sukkat Shalom service at Home Hospitality for Shabbat and Holiday Meals: 9:30 a.m. Every Sunday. time, with tutor available. (Call for information and 6:30 p.m. for “tot grads,” preceded by dinner. Shi- AAOM. Call 662-5805 in advance. Shavuot Services: BIC. Shaharit Service at 9:30 a.m. reservations.) 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. ra at 6:30 p.m. Oneg for Tot and Sukkat Shalom Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every Shab- Mincha Service at 7:30 p.m. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): All families at 7 p.m. Traditional Service at 7:30 p.m. bat and Holiday. Call 995-3276 in advance. Shavuot Services: Chabad. Morning services at ages and levels welcome including UM and non- Once a month Middle School Service at 7:30 p.m. 9:45 a.m. Children are invited to come and hear UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s Café, For information, call 665-4744. Phone numbers and addresses of the Ten Commandments and enjoy an ice cream ground floor of UM Michigan League. For infor- Shabbat Service: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist party, followed by annual festive dairy meal mation, call 936-2367. Havurah. 6:15 p.m. at the JCC the last Friday frequently listed organizations: for all. 9:45 a.m. Morning services; afternoon and Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. each month. Musical Shabbat service followed evening services at 8:45 p.m. Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) Reading the Bible may be easy, but understand- by vegetarian potluck. Pizza nosh for the kids at 1429 Hill Street 994-5822 Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the ing it is no simple matter. Study the text in the 6:00 p.m. Childcare provided during the service. basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to original, together with the classical commentar- All are welcome to attend. For information, call Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah (AARH) the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Every Sunday. ies. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. 975-6527, email [email protected], or P.O. Box 7451, Ann Arbor 913-9705 Shavuot Yizkor Service and Lunch: TBE. 12:30–2 p.m. visit www.aarecon.org. Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn the Wednesday 30 Shabbat Service: Chabad. Begins at candle- 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 deeper meanings of the Jewish way of life. 8 p.m. lighting time. Home hospitality available Chabad House Every Sunday. for Shabbat meals and Jewish holidays. Call 715 Hill Street 995-3276 Concert and Dinner: TBE and STC. Dinner at 6:30 995-3276 in advance. p.m. Concert at 7:15 p.m. EMU Hillel 965 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti 482-0456 Monday 28 Annual Board Meeting: Jewish Federation. 7–8:30 p.m. at the JCC. Weekly Shabbat services Jewish Community Center (JCC) English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Shabbat Services: AAOM. Morning service, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 971-0990 Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– 9:30 a.m. Evening service, 35 minutes before Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays at Thursday 31 sunset. Call 662-5805 for information. Mincha/ 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 975-9872 Ma’ariv with Seudah Shlisheet and Dvar Torah Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. Jewish Family Services (JFS) SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with every week. Torah topics and a bite to eat. Discus- For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 or 2245 South State Street 769-0209 email [email protected]. Ongoing. Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Current sions led by Rabbi Rod Glogower and other local Events with Heather Dombey, a Jewish perspec- scholars. Home hospitality available for Shabbat Jewish Federation Shavuot Services: BIC. Shaharit Service with Me- tive on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Homemade meals. UM Hillel. 2939 Birch Hollow Drive 677-0100 morial Day Observance during Yizkor Service at Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Special events and 9:30 a.m. Mincha Service at 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Morning childcare Pardes Hannah guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Sidney Warschausky from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. 2010 Washtenaw Ave. 761-5324 Shavuot Services: Chabad. Morning services at 9:45 Literary Group facilitated by group members at Shabbat Services: AA Reconstructionist Havurah. Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) a.m.; Yizkor memorial services at 11 a.m.; After- 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Poliner at 971-0990 for Learners’ Service held first or second Saturday 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 noon and evening services at 9 p.m. name of current book. each month at the JCC from 10 a.m.–noon. UM Hillel Musical Afternoon: JCC Seniors. Starring the Klez Discussion-based format with changing topics, 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 Tuesday 29 Kids, the Klezmer band of Hebrew Day School. focusing on historical, geographical, and political 1 p.m. traditions of different parts of traditional service “The Art of Marriage:” Jewish Learning Institute. Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Cha- each month. For info, email [email protected] or This six-session course will examine secrets of bad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the call 913-9705 or visit www.aarecon.org. Shabbat Candlelighting Jewish legal system by following the intrigu- a successful marriage. The class will go beyond Shabbat Services: Chabad. Morning services May 4 8:41 p.m. platitudes to cover topics at the heart of modern ing discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud at 9:45 a.m. Afternoon services 45 minutes marriage such as: Does marriage still serve a pur- is a composite of practical law, logical argu- before sundown. May 11 8:28 p.m. mentation and moral teachings. Study of pose? How far should one go to make a marriage Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Generally meets the original Talmud tractate Taanit chapter May 18 8:35 p.m. work? When is divorce the best option? 9:30–11 the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Call 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. a.m. at Chabad House and 7:30–9 p.m. at the 663-4039 for more information. 10 a.m. Led by May 25 8:41 p.m. JCC. Every Tuesday. Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg.

Film Festival Highlights, continued from page 1 Celebrate Israel, continued from page 1

her Polish lover, who escape the terror of a German concentration camp. They are separated during the escape but find each other 30 years later. Buried Prayers will be the 8 p.m. film on Wednesday, May 2. Survivors of the Warsaw ghetto uprising were held at the Maidanek death camp. Knowing they were being selected for death, they surreptitiously buried their possessions in the hope that they would be found. These items have remained hid- den for 63 years, and have just recently been unearthed. Jaime Wraight, director of the Scene from Dolphin Boy Voice/Vision Holocaust Survivor Oral His- says Hern. “I am so glad that TBE and JHOM Volunteers are needed to help make Cel- Yiddish film from 1937. It is inspired by S. tory Archive of University of Michigan, will are holding the Walk for Israel. This new ac- ebrate Israel a success. Volunteers receive free Ansky’s research of Jews living in the Polish- be the guest speaker. tivity will further demonstrate our commu- entry and a festival t-shirt. Sponsors get free Russian countryside just before World War Closing day, Thursday, May 3, at 5 p.m., nity’s enthusiasm for Israel.” entry, a t-shirt, food voucher or preferred I. Guest speaker, Maya Barzilai, assistant will feature Shalom Aleichem-Laughing in the All participants are encouraged to wear parking. For more information or to register, professor of Hebrew literature and Jewish Darkness, followed by the Israeli film, Mabul blue and white. “In Israel, many people volunteer or sponsor Celebrate Israel, visit culture, will lead a discussion after the film. at 8 p.m., Mabul was nominated for six Ophir wear blue and white on Independence Day,” www.jewishannarbor.org/celebrateisrael or The 5 p.m. film will be Love, Etc., a poignant Awards (Israeli Academy Awards). Following says Celebrate Israel committee member contact Eileen Freed to volunteer or become and humorous exploration of love depicted the final film, Festival sponsors are invited to Dina Pedersen. “It really adds to the atmo- a sponsor, at celebrateisrael@jewishannar- through five real stories. an Afterglow Party at 10 p.m. at Sava (216 sphere, and I hope people will show their bor.org or 677-0100. Entry to Celebrate On Tuesday, May 1, at 8 p.m., the featured South State Street.) For more information, colors at Celebrate Israel.” New Celebrate Israel is $5/individual and $15/family. Pre- film will beRemembrance , which was inspired contact Karen Freedland 971-0990 or karen- Israel t-shirts will be available for purchase registration is highly encouraged. n by actual events about a Jewish woman and [email protected]. n in advance; details about t-shirts will made available shortly. 30 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 I Vitals

Mazel tov Jacob Schneyer on his bar mitzvah, May 26. Juliet Mandell on her bat mitzvah, May 5. Ellie Simon on her bat mitzvah, May 5. Zoe Koster-Mockeridge on her bat mitzvah, May 12. Aaron Bradin on his bar mitzvah, May 12. Nya Weiss on her bat mitzvah, May 12. Kennedy Lieberman on her bat mitzvah, May 25. Rivka Pratt-Schiel and Jim Schiel, on the birth of their grandson, Xavier James Black-Elk, born on March 12 to Nicholas and Jessica Black-Elk.

Condolences Lisa Shapiro on the death of her father, Milton Burg, March 5. Emily Miller on the death of her mother, Thelma Berman, March 9. Lauren Gold on the death of her grandmother, Lenka Goldova, March 21. Genie Wolfson on the death of her mother, Harriet Krantz Wolfson, April 4. Doris Lipnik on the death of her husband, and Susan Bouderman on the death of her father, Alvin Lipnik, April 11. Sophie Mordis on the death of her husband, Robert Mordis, April 16. Sallie Kochin Abelson on the death of her step-brother, Stuart Wurtman, April 16. Lori Bennett Stein on the death of her father, Earl Bennett.

I Advertisers Afternoon Delight ...... 16 Interim Health Care ...... 29 Amadeus Cafe/Patisserie ...... 2 Jewish Community Center ...... 17 Ann Arbor City Club ...... 5 Jewish Family Services ...... 17 A2 Reconstructionist Havurah ...... 7 Jewish Federation ...... 22, 32 Ann Arbor State Bank...... 21 Joe Cornell Entertainment ...... 31 Ann Arbor Summer Festival ...... 11 Kenville Studios ...... 21 Brian Ashin, LMSW, Psychotherapy ..2 Lewis Jewelers ...... 5 Susan Ayer Photography...... 31 Mast Shoes ...... 13 Bank of Ann Arbor ...... 8 Mercy’s Restaurant ...... 3 Bivouac ...... 31 Michigan Theater ...... 22 May 4 8:41 p.m. Camp Gan Israel ...... 17 Modern Mechanical ...... 8 May 11 8:28 p.m. Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Moonwinks Café ...... 16 May 18 8:35 p.m. Surgery ...... 28 MOSA Audiology ...... 27 Chelsea Flower Shop ...... 13 People’s Food Co-op ...... 20 May 25 8:41 p.m. Dennis Platte Graphic Design ...... 31 Michal Porath, Realtor ...... 28 Dogma Catmantoo ...... 20 Probility Physical Therapies ...... 27 Fawzi’s Westgate Auto Repair ...... 9 R.D. Kleinschmidt ...... 3 Food Gatherers (Grillin’) ...... 4 United Bank & Trust ...... 14 Gregory Fox ...... 2 University Musical Society ...... 6 Gold Bond Cleaners ...... 21 Village Apothecary ...... 31 Cantor Samuel Greenbaum; mohel ..31 Zingerman’s ...... 3

Make your next mailer, brochure, invitation or any design project a

by Dennis Platte

734.483.9619 [email protected]

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012 31 32 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2012