Jewish Reporter A Publication of the Flint Jewish Federation VOLUME. 68, NO. 6 JUNE 1, 2017/7TH OF SIVAN, 5777 IS PUBLISHED Jewish Community Services & Flint Jewish Federation MONTHLY BY THE Flint Jewish Federation invite you to our 619 Wallenberg Street 6th Annual Fundraising Multi-Cultural Extravaganza Flint, MI 48502 Sail on the USS Harmony for multi-cultural food & entertainment Office: 810 -767 -5922 Fax: 810 -767 -9024 along our virtual travels from India to . Email: [email protected] Enjoy amazing food, wonderful music, dance, a large cash raffle,

and worlds of fun!

Steven C. Low Executive Director Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Russell Deutsch 6-9 pm President Genesys Banquet & Conference Center Jeff Himelhoch 1st Vice President Grand Blanc, Michigan Call 810-767-5922 for details! Diane Lindholm Treasurer Individual event tickets: $50/pp Sheryl Deutsch Secretary Evening Program 6:00 pm —Appetizers & Wine Cash Bar Immediate Past — President, 6:30-8:30 pm Strolling Dinner (tapas/small plates) Frank Roberts Entertainment and Raffle 8:00 pm —Raffle ticket sales end Board Members — Dr. Seth Bernard 8:30 Raffle prizes announced

Dr. William Bernard Dr. Morley Biesman Dr. Stephen Burton See you on the USS Harmony! Jeff Chimovitz Nancy Epstein Deck Level Sponsorships Charna Flynn Platinum —Chennai: $2000+ (includes 10 free event tickets) James Hotary Gold —Jerusalem: $1500 (includes 8 free event tickets) Lynne Hurand Silver —Mumbai: $1000 (includes 6 free event tickets)

Christine Meiloch Bronze —Jaff: $500 (includes 4 free event tickets) Leonard Meizlish Rachel Smith Rabbi Yisroel Sponsorships include acknowledgment in the event Weingarten program and posters. Kathy Weiner

Mary Weiss Proceeds go to support seniors and others in need in Genesee County of all cultural Mitchell Weiss backgrounds to maintain independence and enhance their quality of life. We Are The Northern Lights Concert June 27, 6 pm McFarlen Library, Grand Blanc (free)

With a sound defined by tight harmonies, melodic hooks and personal lyrics We Are The Northern Lights (Sheldon Low and Hadar Orshalimy) draws comparisons to The Lumineers and The Civil Wars. They have already garnered their second placement in film and television less than a year after the duo's creation, and are preparing to release their debut album in the spring of 2017. Growing up 6,000 miles apart, that they even met is a minor miracle. Hadar was serving in the Israeli Defense Forces training soldiers how to clean up in case of a nuclear, biological or chemical attack, and Sheldon was on his way to becoming a Jewish rock musician after a short career in engineering. The couple decided to move to NYC to each pursue independent solo music careers. “We lived and wrote together, but most weekends I’d be in one city performing Jewish rock, and she’d be in another city, singing secular pop,” recalls Sheldon. It wasn’t until their song “Take Me Home” (produced by Robopop) was placed in the feature film “Beneath” (directed by Ben Ketai), that the two ever considered a joint project. “For the first time, we tried writing music for us and about us and a full album just came pouring out,” explains Sheldon. Within a few days, the unnamed duo debuted some of the songs at one of Sheldon’s gigs in Anchorage, AK and the band settled on their name. Upon returning to New York, WATNL began performing in local NYC venues such as The Bitter End, Arlene’s Grocery, and Sidewalk Café. In August of 2016, the duo retreated to a cabin in the forest near Ithaca, NY, where they recorded “I’m Still Here” for a feature in the Crackle series “Startup” starring Adam Brody and Martin Freeman. “Sometimes it’s hardest to see what’s right under your nose,” shrugs Hadar. “But the best part of this whole accident is that what we found there, is just us.” Website to check out their music is wearethenorthernlights.com A Little Jewish Learning Goes a Long Way Ten Days That Changed My Life

“A few years ago, my husband and I moved to a small “I never thought that much about Israel until I got to college town where we were the only Jewish family,” said Jennifer and heard all this anti-Israel rhetoric. That’s when I decided I Sittenfield. “We were over an hour’s drive from a Jewish had to see Israel for myself,” shared Michael Gindi. “I heard community center, a synagogue, or even a Jewish deli. about Taglit-Birthright Israel, a free group trip Federation Then our son, Robert, was born and a year later our helps fund. It’s for Jews ages 18 -26. So I signed on. daughter, Sherri. “Our group’s first night in Israel was also my first Shabbat “Suddenly, although we weren’t particularly religious, in Jerusalem. We lit candles at the Western Wall and said a we became concerned that our kids would miss out on blessing. Then a Czech tour group nearby started singing and values. I went online and discovered ‘Shalom Aleichem.’ A group of IDF soldiers joined in. And so PJ Library, which is partially funded by Federation. What did we. All of us singing together. It was like a light had a lifesaver! Every month, we get a free PJ Library book suddenly been turned on inside me. I felt connected to the filled with Jewish learning, culture, and history — universal culture we all share as Jews. delivered right to our home. “The whole time we were there, I continued to feel that “Reading these books together every night at bedtime connectedness. I was so inspired by Israel and thankful for has become our first family tradition. Right now the kids’ Judaism. By the time our 10-day trip ended, I knew my life favorite book is It’s a…It’s a…It’s a Mitzvah . It’s teaching would never be the same. them all about Jewish values in a really fun way and they “Since I’ve been back home and returned to college, I’ve love the illustrations. Frankly, I think the PJ Library grown even more passionate. I’ve started working with a program itself is a mitzvah. It’s bringing our whole family Hillel group to counter anti-Israel and anti-Semitic attitudes closer together and closer to Judaism.” on campus. And I’m hoping to study abroad next year in Contact Susan Low at [email protected] to find out Israel. In the meantime I’m telling everyone I know, ‘Sign up more information about PJ Library in our community. for a Birthright trip!’” For more info, go to birthrightisrael.com 2 SOME PHOTOS FROM THE RECENT COOKING SERIES WITH CHEF, DAVID LI

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3 Israel Is the Key to Solving the World’s Water Crisis by Israel 21c

During the 20 th century, the world saw the greatest population How was Israel able to accomplish such a miracle? Israeli boom in human history. The annual growth rate of the world’s advances in water technology can also be attributed to the efforts population stands at 1.6 percent and the world population is of the Jewish National Fund and its efforts to implement key expected to grow from 8 billion to 10 billion by the year 2100. infrastructure projects as well as major investments in research The need to fix our ever-growing water shortage has never and development, which transformed Israel from a country on the been more crucial. verge of a water crisis, to a global leader in water conservation One in six people on the planet currently lack access to clean and recycling. drinking water. By 2025, it is estimated that two-thirds of the JNF has led the way in making sure Israel stays at the world’s population will suffer from water shortages, particularly forefront of water solutions. JNF’s efforts include the rehabilitation devastating to children. As it now stands, 1.8 million children of 250 water reservoirs, which hold a total of 66 billion gallons of die every year due to water-borne illnesses. This number is recycled water and flood runoff for agricultural use. These expected to increase in upcoming years, unless we tackle this reservoirs provide more than half of the water used by Israel’s global water crisis head on. agricultural sector, as well as 4.4 million people a year. Israel Yet while most of the world suffers from the lack of clean reuses an astonishing 85 percent of its treated sewage for water, there is one small country that overcame its water agriculture. By contrast, the United States only uses 5 percent of shortage and emerged as a net exporter of water. In many its wastewater for reuse. JNF has also played an instrumental ways, the State of Israel is a microcosm of the rest of the world role in cleaning Israeli rivers and streams. when it comes to water. Since achieving independence in 1948, Apart from being an international humanitarian issue, water the country’s population grew from 600,000 to over 8 million safety is also an American interest. According to a 2012 report people. Despite 60 percent of Israel’s landmass consisting of by the U.S. government’s Office of the Director of National desert and the country suffering from the worst drought in the Intelligence, many countries in the next ten years that are Mediterranean in 900 years, Israel not only provides clean and considered important to the United States will experience water drinkable water to its people but also exports surplus water to the problems that will “risk instability and state failure, increase neighboring Kingdom of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. regional tensions, and distract them from working with the United Israel not only has more than enough water for the purposes of States on important US policy objectives.” The report goes on to daily consumption, but also to supply its multi-billion-dollar say that North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia will face agricultural export economy. major challenges coping with water problems, unless more Modern drip irrigation was developed in Israel by an engineer effective management of water resources is implemented. named Simcha Blass. In Israel, Blass found inspiration from a By making the desert bloom, Israel has become a world leader dripping faucet near a growing tree and applied his knowledge in water preservation and recycling. In a time when the world is of micro tubing to create an improved drip method. Patented in expected to experience an unprecedented water crisis, countries 1959 in partnership with , the Blass Emitter must seek to emulate Israeli policies when it comes to water became the first efficient method for drip irrigation. Drip irrigation efficiency, as well as import Israeli technology. In doing so, Israel has been instrumental in reversing the process of desertification, will succeed in quenching a thirsty world. as well as ensuring almost no water is wasted in the process of growing crops.

Please email any information to be published in the next Jewish Reporter to Ashley Musser at [email protected]

Next Reporter deadline is June 16th

Our People Mazal Tov to Rachel and Matt Smith on the birth of their baby boy, Oliver Nelson who was born on April 29 weighing 5 lb, 4 oz and measuring 17.5 inches long! Jeff Olds Magic Show with JCS Seniors & Staff 4 INSIDE JEWISH COMMUNITY SERVICES SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CLUB LUNCH SCHEDULE Thursday, June 1 CLOSED SHAVUOT HOLIDAY Monday, June 5 Tuna Salad Tuesday, June 6 Egg Salad BINGO Thursday, June 8 Blintz Loaf Birthdays/T-shirt Handbags Monday, June 12 Dogs & Beans Tuesday, June 13 Salmon Souffle Lion Movie Thursday, June 15 Turkey Pastrami Yoga (11:30) Monday, June 19 Mock Pot Pie Tuesday, June 20 Salmon Pasta BINGO Thursday, June 22 Veggie Burgers Farmer’s Market Monday, June 26 Spaghetti & Meatballs Tuesday, June 27 Grill of India Meet at Restaurant Thursday, June 29 Fruity Chicken Yoga (11:30) HEBREW FREE LOAN PRESENTATION ON JULY 13 AT 7:00 P.M. Join us on Thursday evening, July 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Steven and Susan Low, 1385 Kings Crest Circle, Grand Blanc to welcome David Contorer, Executive Director of the Hebrew Free Loan Program. RSVP to Ashley at 810.767.5922 or email [email protected]. Here is an example of how they helped. Samantha Greenberg had an unconventional Jewish upbringing. In her Bay City/Saginaw/Midland area, there weren’t too many Jews, but growing up in an actively-practicing multi-faith family allowed her to start her Jewish journey. “I was living under a Jewish rock,” said Samantha. “When I came to the University of Michigan campus freshman year, it really opened up my eyes to what How Can I………. Jewish culture was like. It was exciting, but there was a lot I didn’t know get to work that so many of my peers took for granted, like Jewish summer camp.” have that surgery Samantha joined a Jewish sorority, which she helped re-establish on afford school keep the rain out campus, and took a birthright trip. After graduation, she taught seventh take care of my parents grade in Tulsa, Oklahoma as part of Teach for America, and although she Send my daughter to camp enjoyed it, public health and genetic counseling are what Samantha really pay for the wedding wants to do. “Helping educate providers and the public about how we can Establish my business identify and better manage genetic conditions is something I’m passionate Replace my furnace about,” Samantha said. “The program at U of M is one of the best in the Have my teeth fixed country, and when I’m done, I’ll have two degrees, in public health and Handle the move genetic counseling. But paying for it was a worry. When I worked in Tulsa, Stop worrying I saved, and I felt like I was doing everything right, but I happened to come …..smile again? across a mention of Hebrew Free Loan in a Hillel e-mail, and I never breathed such a sigh of relief. Dealing with HFL was so easy and friendly, Hebrew Free Loan and they were there for me. “One of the things I love about the Jewish Hfldetroit.org community is the investment in the future. HFL is another stop on my We Provide Loans. We provide Dignity. Jewish Journey.” 5 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday June 1 — Shavuot (Office Closed) Wednesday June 7 — JCS 6th Annual Evening of Multicultural Entertainment from India to Israel, 6:00 p.m., Genesys Conference Center Wednesday June 28 — FJF Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Federation Office Tuesday July 4 — Indpendence Day (Office Closed) Wednesday July 26 — FJF Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Federation Office

If there are any dates that you would like listed on the Community Calendar page, please call the Flint Jewish Federation office at 810.767.5922 or email [email protected]

YOUR MONEY AT WORK NATIONAL AND OVERSEAS ALLOCATIONS RECIPIENTS: The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is the National organization that represents and serves the North American Federation system. With funds allocated annually from community campaigns, JFNA, in turn, funds the Jewish Agency (JAFI) and the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to support their missions. In addition, JFNA provides professional support for the federations including consulting, speaker’s bureau, and continuing education.  Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) : The Jewish Agency for Israel connects Jews with Israel, one another, their heritage, and our collective future. JAFI was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere.  The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) : JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, impacting millions of lives in more than 70 countries today. JDC leverages a century’s experience confronting poverty and crisis around the world.  World Ort is the world’s largest Jewish education and vocational training non -centers and programs in Israel, Russia, Argentina and many other countries. World Ort will benefit more than 200,000 people —young and old, Jewish and non-Jewish.  Birthright Israel : Provides a gift of first time, peer group, educational ten day trips to Israel for Jewish adults ages, 18-26.  Anti-Defamation League : ADL’s efforts include training law enforcement about hate crimes, extremist groups and international terrorism, safeguarding civil rights and the separation of church and state through legislative and other efforts; providing security seminars to Jewish institutions; fielding discrimination complaints, advocating for Israel; and promoting interfaith relations.  Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) : Since the mid 70s HIAS has helped more than 300,000 Jewish refugees from the former Soviet Union escape persecution and rebuild new lives in the U.S. They also advocate on behalf of refugees and migrants on the international, national and community level.  Israel Action Network : An initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) to address the urgency of responding to the assault on Israel’s legitimacy by foreign governments, NGOs and other in the BDS movement.  Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) : Serves as a catalyst that heightens community awareness, encourages civil and social involvement and deliberates key issues of importance to the Jewish community.  Jewish National Fund : Charitable organization specializing in development of Israeli land and infrastructure, especially planting trees.  Hebrew Union College/Jewish Institute of Religion : The academic, spiritual and professional development center for Reform Judaism.  Yeshiva University : A private university in NYC, with four campuses in NYC. Founded in 1886, it is a research university. 6 Russell F. Deutsch, MBA Financial Consultant [email protected] Tel: (810) 733-2800 / Cell: (810) 287-6337 AXA Advisors, LLC 2347 Stonebrige Building G Flint, MI 48532 www.axa.com 4285 Miller Rd. • Flint AXA Adviosrs, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC). (NY, NY) 810-732-5210 • www.flintcarpetco.com AGE-125478 (04/17) (EXP. 04/19) Family Owned Since 1948 Jerry Rosenberg

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WHAT WE DO….HELP PEOPLE IN NEED At the Flint Jewish Federation, a key part of our mission social and nutrition programs--Congregate Meals and is tikkun olam , repairing the world. We help people in Meals on Wheels. We assist immigrants and Holocaust need and we mobilize the Jewish community to become a survivors and offer translation services. source of care and comfort that embraces all. The Riegle Community Service Awards, the Annual Our support also offers a safety net for the community’s Holocaust Memorial Service, Daniel Pearl Humanity in most vulnerable, in Flint, in Israel and around the world. Harmony Workshops and Concert and the Karen Schneider Through our network of agencies, we feed the hungry, Jewish Film Festival are all hosted by the Flint Jewish help the unemployed, and extend a compassionate hand Federation. to the aging. In cases of natural and other disasters, we Currently, the Federation is co-facilitating the exploration help support and organize disaster relief with our partners. of shared Jewish institutional facilities with a report and We make possible countless acts of loving-kindness recommendations scheduled by the end of the year. everyday. Without your support none of this would be possible. The Our Goal this year is $250,000 and we need your help 2017 Campaign is in full swing. Please, when called, be to get there! Your generous donations enable us to generous. If you can, pay your 2017 pledge now. If you provide food, shelter, medicine, toiletries, therapy and haven't yet made a commitment for 2017 don't wait for the much more to those in need in Eastern Europe, South call. Call us. Consider an increase from last year. Needs America, Israel and here at home. are greater than ever. If you can, get a jump on 2018. Your gift enables us to resettle immigrants, provide for Make your pledge and pay it by the end of 2017 and get an their acculturation and education and, in many cases, even bigger tax deduction. help them transition to modern life in their new homes. Finally, consider establishing an endowment to support With your help they learn about our shared Jewish future Jewish life in Flint and Genesee County. traditions and values, culture and rituals. We help provide Email [email protected] or call 810.767.5922 job training and financial assistance. We develop to make your or pay your pledge. Checks, cash, credit community leaders. cards and in-kind donations are all needed and Locally too, the Federation supports Jewish Community accepted. Services, serves as a liaison to the general community and hosts social, educational and cultural programs of importance to the Jewish and general community. Through Jewish Community Services we support transportation to medical appointments in and out of county (Local Transportation and Highway to Health), and senior