Washtenaw Jewish News Presort Standard In this issue… c/o Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor U.S. Postage PAID 2939 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, MI Morgan J Street Looking Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Permit No. 85 Burgard Conference for art at Report Rose HDS

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December 2019/January 2020 Kislev/Tevet/Shevat 5780 Volume XIX: Number 4 FREE

“Becoming Jewish In America” a travel/study opportunity Jeffrey L. Bernstein, special to the WJN ave Jews in the United States “made ish History in Philadelphia; and the United it”? How does the idea of the pro- States Holocaust Memorial Museum in H fessional, financially successful, Washington D.C. urban—and urbane—Jew affect our self- “We know that many people traveling image? Are Jews fully accepted into all parts with us have seen many of these sites al- of society in the United States? What does it ready,” Shichtman says. “But the value-added mean to us that our nation’s most prominent in this trip comes not just from the sites we non-Jewish families—such as the Kennedys, see, but rather from the discussions we will Clintons, and Trumps—have Jewish mem- have about them, both with the professors bers in them? and with the other participants on the trip.” There is much aggregate evidence that Bernstein adds, “Many of us have seen Jews have actually done pretty well in the the Statue of Liberty, but to discuss Irving United States; such success, we note, is cer- Berlin and ‘God Bless America’ with Marty tainly not shared by all Jews. And yet, despite in the Bob Hope Library at Ellis Island is notable achievements, Jewish Americans feel something even more special. Many of us a sense of non-belonging. Events in Char- have talked about Jewish voting behavior— lottesville, Pittsburgh, and Poway suggest I teach about it all the time—but to engage that antisemitic feelings, and violence, re- these discussions as a group, with elected of- main a threat to Jews in the United States. Marty and Jeff on the right with 2016 tour ficials, staff, and advocates from many differ- Even before these events, a palpable Jewish ent political perspectives, is a unique part of angst existed–yes, the United States has been gan University Center for Jewish Studies will past, present, and future. This is the “adult” the experience we will all share on this trip.” a long-term, hospitable Jewish home. But lead a travel/study experience that will grap- version of the trip that Shichtman and Bern- Bernstein and Shichtman did this trip would it last? Were Jews really, when push ple with these and many other questions. stein have successfully done four times with with adult members of the community once came to shove, American? With increasing From May 13-20, 2020, the group will travel students at EMU. before, in 2016. This year, they have decided signs of antisemitism both on the left and on to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, Among the sites the group will visit are to partner with the Jewish Federation of the right, this sense of angst seems greater D.C., to see unforgettable sites; meet with in- the Tenement Museum, Eldridge Street Syn- Greater Ann Arbor and the Jewish Commu- than it has in many years. fluential Jewish leaders in politics, advocacy, agogue, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island and the nity Center to make it even more of a com- This May, Professors Marty Shichtman and entertainment; and engage in discus- 9/11 Museum and Memorial in New York; munity experience, and to involve a wider and Jeffrey Bernstein of the Eastern Michi- sions about the Jewish American experience, the National Museum of American Jew- continued on page 2 One Candle partners with Mott Children’s Hospital Keeping our door open by Jessica Gillespie, special to the WJN Shrina H. Eadeh, special to the WJN ayla was 6 years old when a bomb was ne Candle for Tzedakah” is a pro- gram that has been offered by dropped near her home in Iraq. She fled the Jewish Community Center L with her parents, leaving behind her O home, school, family members, and commu- of Greater Ann Arbor for the past six years, including this year on December 10, 5:45 to nity and arrived in Michigan through the Re- 7:30 p.m. The overall goal has remained the ception and Placement (R&P) program. When same: reserve one night of Chanukah to give I first met Layla, I noticed that she was not leav- to those in need, instead of receiving. This ing her mother’s side–she would not play with year the Ann Arbor JCC will partner with her siblings, laugh, or smile. I shared my obser- C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital as well as tie vations with her parents. They informed me of what they had gone through and that Layla the evening’s entertainment to the giving Shrina H. Eadeh project in a more direct way than past events. had lost some of her hearing after the blast. Her list, beginning December 1 and continuing United Nations High Commissioner for Refu- Mott Hospital seeks donations for their mother cried. (Names and identifying details through December 10. There will be large gees (UNHCR) there are 25.9 million refugees patients for a variety of reasons, however have been changed to protect the privacy of in- boxes to collect the unwrapped donated toys in the world today. The United States will be re- the winter holiday season is a particularly dividuals). in the lobby of the Ann Arbor JCC. Those settling a historic record low of 18,000 individu- difficult time for patients and families. This Refugees are individuals who have been who wish to donate toys and other items als in fiscal year 2020—the lowest in the 40-year year’s One Candle project will be collecting forced to flee their home country due to per- can find ideas and requested items on the history of the resettlement program in the U.S. new toys and other items from Mott’s wish secution based on their race, religion, ethnicity, continued on page 3 political opinion, or social group. According to continued on page 3 From the Editor WOMEN OF TEMPLE BETH EMETH I Presents reat tension and great joy, deep sadness and ChanukahChanukah the elevation of hope: all these filled me as I G put together this December/January issue of 2935 Birch Hollow Drive WJN. My beloved sister-in-law, Alice Haya Kinberg z”l, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 from whom I learned how to embrace Jewish diversity (734) 395-4438 BazaarBazaar among so many other things, was killed in a car acci- www.washtenawjewishnews.org Saturday, December 7 dent. Her memory is a blessing of joy. CKinbergeditor@washtenaw jewish news.org 9 a.m.~ 2 p.m. With this completion of my first year of publishing and editing the WJN, I hope I have contributed to your Editor and Publisher Clare Kinberg Sunday, December 8 sense that Jewish culture in Washtenaw County, and fur- Clare Kinberg ther places, is both a hearty well and fecund field. There 3 p.m.~ 7:30 p.m. Advertising Manager are so many challenges ahead, my hope is that our com- Gordon White Check out our newly munity will face them with strength, wonder, compassion renovated shop! and creativity. Design and Layout Dennis Platte 2309 Packard Street Staff Writers Beth Dwoskin, Lonnie Sussman

MDJC Disavows Trump reversal of U.S. Contributing Writers Rav Jared Anstandig, Megan Bernard, Jef- policy on settlement expansion fery L. Bernstein, Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, Abbie Egherman, Avi Eisbruch, Jessica Gil- The Executive Board of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus responded to Secretary lespie, Shrina H. Eadeh, Stephanie Glass, of State Mike Pompeo’s reversal of long-standing, bipartisan U.S. policy disincentivizing Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, Nora Greenstein, continued settlement expansion in the West Bank. Joanne Brownstein Jarvi, Rebecca Kanner, LANSING, Mich. — “As Jewish Michigan- introduced by Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D- Kelsey Robinette Keeves, Joanne Leonard, ders, the State of Israel is deeply connected CA), which posits the United States House Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner, Ali Reingold, Annaka Saari, Ashley Schnaar, Clara Silver, to who we are and what we stand for – rep- of Representatives’ support for a negotiated Jessica Weil. resenting as it does the pinnacle of Jewish two-state solution between Israelis and Pal- national aspirations and liberal democratic estinians, and a rejection of American poli- The Washtenaw Jewish News is published values. We support with all our heart Israel’s cies not in furtherance of this end, we reject monthly, with the exception of January and right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state the effects of today’s reversal by the Trump July by JCMWC, LLC. Opinions expressed in peace and security alongside its neighbors, Administration of longstanding U.S. policy in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of its editors or staff and with equal rights for all its citizens. disincentivizing continued settlement ex- “Due to that deeply-felt commitment, pansion within the West Bank. we believe a negotiated two-state solution is “We applaud the leadership of six of ©2019-2020 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw the only viable path towards an end to the Michigan’s seven Democratic members Jewish News may be r­eproduced without conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, of Congress who have co-sponsored this permission of the publisher. the only model which provides a viable an- critical resolution - Representatives Ding- Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should swer to both people’s national aspirations, ell, Kildee, Lawrence, Levin, Slotkin, and not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the and the only solution which ensures Israel’s Stevens - and look forward to working editor. Name will be withheld at the discretion of continued existence as both a Jewish and with each of them to pursue policies that the editor. democratic state. To this end, continued Is- strengthen the American-Israel alliance raeli settlement expansion outside the major and further the path towards peace.” Noah Circulation: 4,500 Subscriptions: settlement blocs constitutes an impediment Arbit is the Chair of MJDC, contact: (248) Free inside Washtenaw County to achieving a two-state solution. 325-8560, [email protected], www. $18 first-class su­bscription “In support of House Resolution 326, mijewishdems.org. n The deadline for the February 2020 issue of the Washtenaw Jewish News is “Becoming Jewish In America”, continued from page 1 January 8 , 2020 Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News section of the Ann Arbor Jewish community. and funny people. I know people on this trip are available at locations throughout “We see this as a great program that we will learn a lot, laugh a lot, and have a mean- Washtenaw County. can offer through the EMU Center for Jewish ingful community-building experience.” Studies,” says Shichtman, the Center’s Direc- The trip is being organized through Jour- tor. “With that said, we wanted to reach more neys International, owned by JCC Board of the community than the Center can reach, member Robin Weber Pollak. “Marty and and to offer up some unique programming I have many skills,” Bernstein jokes. “Deal- for our community.” ing with travel arrangements are not among IIn this issue… them. That’s why we’re working with the best in the business!” The trip that has been de- signed is not strenuous–an air-conditioned Advertisers...... 34 bus will shuttle participants from place to place, and the hotels will be considerably nic- Books...... 16 er than those the students typically stay in. The JCC will be hosting an information night for people interested in this trip on Calendar...... 25 MUSIC BY JEFF DANIELS & BEN DANIELS Tuesday, December 10, at 7 p.m. Jeff, Marty, and Robin will be there to talk more about Kosher Cuisine...... 22 the trip, and to give you a little preview of all that awaits if you travel with Jeff and Marty! Michigan News...... 4 Sign-up is already open for this trip through Journeys International; more in- formation, and registration information, Obituaries...... 33 JAN. 16 - MARCH 14, 2020 is available at https://www.journeysinter- national.com/custom-tours/becoming- Rabbis’ Corner...... 28 “We are thrilled to partner with the EMU jewish-in-america/. Interested participants 734.433.7673 or Center for Jewish Studies and the JCC in of- can also email Jeff Bernstein at jbernstei@ fering this opportunity,” says Eileen Freed, the emich.edu, or Marty Shichtman at mshich- Vitals...... 34 PurpleRoseTheatre.org Executive Director of Federation. “Jeff and [email protected] to learn more about this Marty bring a great deal of gravitas to the sub- exciting opportunity. n ject matter of this trip, and they also are fun 2 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 ICommunity THE ASSURANCE OF One Candle partners with Mott, continued from page 1 BUYING OR SELLING JCC website. The donated items will then fill with stuffing and take home at the end of be brought to Mott and placed in a specially the night. The Bear Factory is donating the reserved room where parents of children in stuffed animals, and each will come with a WITH THE BEST the hospital will be able to “shop” for free in birth certificate. Children may take their ani- order to have gifts to give their children for mal to check it in at the Teddy Bear Clinic, OUTCOME the holidays. This alleviates the challenge of provided by Michigan Medicine, The Office finding time to shop while caregiving. of Patient Experience, and The HandsOn Peretz Hirshbein, director of JCC Child Museum. Children and families will have and Family Services said, “Over the years we the opportunity to take their stuffed animal have partnered with great organizations like through the various stations of the Clinic to Toys for Tots and Jewish Family Services, get a full check-up for the animal provided and I am so excited to have such an amaz- by actual medical professionals. This is an ing new partner in Mott Children’s Hospital. entertaining way to learn about wellness and The work the professionals at Mott do with medical care. Other Chanukah related crafts children and families is unparalleled. We are and activities such as playing dreidel and so proud to be working with them to cel- making a set of Chanukah candles to take ebrate Chanukah and provide activities that home will be available for all. will be really meaningful to our community PJ Our Way will be providing an activity and that will help so many children receiving for children 8 years old and up called Donut care at Mott.” “Wars” in a separate space. Children are giv- This year’s One Candle event is presented en a Chanukah related theme and a variety in partnership with PJ Library, PJ Our Way, of food materials to design the best donut and Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Ar- they can to represent the theme. Children bor’s Chai Mitzvah program. A Chanukah and adults will be competing against each themed dinner will be provided by the Ann other to see who can design the best look- Arbor JCC’s in-house chef, Carly Balmer ing donuts. There will be two rounds offered, including latkes with sour cream and ap- one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 7:00 p.m., each plesauce, salmon, fish sticks, macaroni and lasting approximately a half hour. cheese, and salad. The dinner will observe The cost of “One Candle for Tzedakah” kosher dietary rules. The dessert option is $12 per person or $30 per household. To will be decorating and filling your own lo- register or for more information, please visit cally purchased sufganiyot/donuts, however, jccannarbor.org. Those interested in partici- these will not be under kosher supervision. pating but unable to attend the event can The other activities offered will be avail- simply follow all the instructions above and able for children and adults of all ages, and drop the gifts off to the Ann Arbor JCC by relate to the theme of health care via activi- December 10. For additional information, ties provided by The Bear Factory and the contact Jessica Gillespie, Family Programs Teddy Bear Clinic. Only children under 18 Coordinator, by email at jessicagillespie@jc- will be able to choose an animal they want to cannarbor.org. n LET US TAKE THE HASSLE Keeping our door open, continued from page 1 OUT OF REAL ESTATE The current administration has also issued an Refugees work hard and are incredibly re- Executive Order which grants states and mu- silient. Their innovative skills and ideas have nicipalities the ability to accept or prohibit refu- made many contributions to our community; Our vast knowledge and up to the minute informa- gee resettlement in their communities. refugees have opened businesses, contributed Refugee resettlement is the last resort for to the economy, and have brought their di- tion will provide you with a seamless moving expe- many who are not able to return to their home verse cultures and cuisine to our communities. country. It is For these reasons, JFS will continue to resettle rience. You can count on our expertise to guide you the most ex- refugees and work with our federal, state, and through every detail. We are proud to be the most tensively vet- community partners to ensure refugees are wel- ted program, comed to our community. We are grateful to be trusted resource in the Ann Arbor area for almost with refu- surrounded by community members who have gees having supported our agency and the refugees we serve 2 decades. Call for unbeatable confidence in the to complete with kindness and compassion. success of your next move. biometric Please consider joining JFS in supporting and medical the refugees we serve by volunteering your screenings time and skills, advocating to keep our door as well as open to refugees, donating gift cards and funds in-person to support the immediate needs of refugees, ALEX MILSHTEYN, CRS, GRI, ABR interviews with trained officers from the De- and laptops for refugee children to do their partment of Homeland Security (DHS), the homework on. Follow our Facebook page and Associate Broker State Department, Federal Bureau of Investiga- check our website to receive updates about the tion (FBI), Department of Defense, and the resettlement program, read refugee stories, and (734) 417-3560 National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC). for more ways that you can be involved. [email protected] Once refugees are accepted into the Reception I worked with Layla’s parents intensively and Placement Program (R&P) they are re- for over six months to obtain care, including www.alexmi.com ferred to agencies like Jewish Family Services appointments with specialists for her hearing, of Washtenaw County to obtain resettlement mental health care, and supportive community 2723 S. State St., Suite 130 services. JFS assists refugees from the day they services for Layla’s entire family. Through these arrive through citizenship with wrap-around supports Layla has been able to leave her moth- Ann Arbor, MI 48104 services to help meet their immediate and er’s side to attend school, play, and make friends. long term needs. In addition to R&P services, We can care for refugees, and for all those An exclusive affiliate of JFS provides food assistance, counseling, im- in our community who are in need, by creat- Coldwell Banker Previews migration, employment, English as a second ing an environment that is supportive and most language classes, educational guidance, eco- importantly, welcoming. International nomic empowerments programs, and inten- Shrina H. Eadeh, LMSW is JFS Director of sive case management. Resettlement Services n Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 3 I Michigan

Reacting to Grand Rapids synagogue vandalism Elena Gormley verything was going well until I checked and trans friends has I texted the group chat for students in my my phone. I had just finished teaching lasting trauma from graduate school cohort Sunday afternoon and E Sunday school at a synagogue in Evan- the hatred they expe- received positive messages of support, includ- ston, Illinois, and was on the bus that would rienced all through ing one student who called me as I was taking take me back to my apartment on the far north elementary, middle the train back home. When I returned to class, side of Chicago. It was a beautiful day. Sukkot and high school. It can students gave me a card with messages of sup- would start in the evening. And then I opened be found in a recent port. Friends in Grand Rapids donated to the Facebook and found a succession of horrifying case where a local real synagogue security fund and gave money to posts. estate company filed my Jewish friends to buy coffee. My fifth-grade Temple Emanuel, the synagogue I used to a restraining order Sunday school students also drew cards. But teach at in my hometown of Grand Rapids, against a black woman having to stand in front of them and share how Michigan, had been vandalized some time late who left them a poor I had felt scared and angry was terrifying.

Saturday night or Sunday morning. The posts Images) CaptionTaylor/Getty (Jack review on social media I want my students to never have to feel from former co-workers were vague at first and because her rental ap- scared of being Jewish, or feel that being Jewish referenced “messages of hate” that were posted plication was denied is something they need to hide and minimize. I on the main doors — the same doors children — despite following also don’t want to minimize the real threats fac- use when they come to religious school on Sun- all their application ing the community. Being Jewish throughout day mornings. which already feels like floating in a parallel di- requirements. It can history has always been a tricky balancing act I tried very hard not to throw up on the mension while watching everyone else around be found in the fact that I didn’t feel comfort- between refusing to assimilate and being cowed bus. I made it to the train station and took the you rush to work and school, can be difficult able putting a mezuzah on my door when I by fear while also having one eye on the exits. train to the campus library, where I studied for in normal circumstances, let alone when you’re lived there because a Nazi-friendly bar was in I wish I had some nice positive thing to say several hours trying not to feverishly check my desperate to know if everyone in your home- my neighborhood. at the end of this essay. I could cite the famous phone for updates. town is doing OK. When I turned my phone Each synagogue in Grand Rapids has had verse in Pirkei Avot (“You are not required The Grand Rapids Jewish community is back on Tuesday night, the story had gone vi- tight security for years, including cameras, to finish the work, but neither are you free to small, which has its challenges (especially when ral. Local news released images of the posters, locked doors and constant contact with police. abandon it”) or talk about how my students it’s time to do Passover shopping and families which had disturbing images and Nazi slogans. We had Sunday school the day after the Tree and classmates helped fix a broken part of the are split between traveling to kosher grocery There was coverage on CNN and The Jerusalem of Life shooting in Pittsburgh and the rabbi world by expressing their sympathy. stores in Detroit and Chicago). Fortunately Post. There were well-meaning comments from greeted every family with a team of squad cars But right now I just feel numb and hollow. it’s also extremely close-knit. The Reform and people saying “this is not West Michigan.” parked in the parking lot. My main request is for non-Jewish folks to do Conservative congregations and the Chabad They are wrong. In the aftermath, the synagogue began fun- any concrete action beyond expressing how bad House frequently collaborate on community This is exactly what West Michigan is. Be- draising for changes to the building itself. I they feel about anti-Semitism. Buy your Jewish events, and everyone goes to each other’s sim- yond the facade of “West Michigan Nice” lies worried about how going to Sunday school in a friends lunch. Offer to walk someone to and chas (celebrations). a pernicious moral rot that anyone marked as locked building with security guards and infre- from synagogue on Shabbat. Make an active ef- This also means that such a blatant display an “other” has encountered. It can be found in quent patrols by police would impact students fort to learn more about anti-Semitism. Donate of overwhelming hatred is all the more devas- the panicked texts that a friend sent me on a there. I worried if we could trust local law en- to a local Jewish organization. Pity and empty tating. Saturday night because an angry driver was so forcement to actually protect our community expressions of solidarity are patronizing and Not many details had been released before it focused on flipping them off on their walk to after a string of high-profile cases of police mis- useless. Actions, no matter how small, are what was time to turn off my phone for Sukkot. The synagogue that he almost crashed his car. It can conduct, including an officer reporting a U.S. keeps us safe. transition from regular time to holiday time, be found in how every single one of my queer citizen and disabled veteran to ICE. This story originally appeared on Alma. n Ann Arbor agencies participate in Keshet Leadership Project Clara Silver, special to the WJN he Jewish Community Center of creating an action plan for improvement. Each ter to ensure that our spaces are protective, em- topic was an amazing opportunity. I hope that Greater Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Re- organization performed a self-assessment prior bracing, and contributing to systemic change in I’ll be able to be more engaged with the Jewish T constructionist Congregation, Beth to the summit, and used that as the baseline to the Jewish community and beyond.” community to help facilitate greater engage- Israel Congregation, Temple Beth Emeth, and determine where the agency needs to focus its “Participation in the Keshet program indi- ment with LGBTQ Jews.” University of Michigan Hillel participated in time and resources to improve in the areas of cates that we are committed to LGBTQ inclu- The Leadership Project is supported by the the Detroit/Ann Arbor Keshet Leadership Proj- programming, policy, and/or culture. sion, and we must continue to do more. After Jim Joseph Foundation. Additional support was ect Summit on November 7, 2019 to launch a Executive Director of the Ann Arbor JCC, our successful Pride Shabbat last year, we knew provided by the D. Dan and Betty Kahn foun- project year designed to improve LGBTQ in- David Stone, noted that, “of course the J is open that we wanted to reach out even more to the dation to enhance the program specifically for clusion within each organization. The summit to everyone, but we know we could be doing LGBTQ community,” said Josh Whinston, the Detroit and Ann Arbor communities. Par- was hosted by the Jewish Federation of Met- better at embracing the LGBTQ community. Rabbi of Temple Beth Emeth. Rabbi Whinston ticipating agencies created action plans during ropolitan Detroit and its LGBTQ young adult This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from continued, “Because of the Keshet meeting, we the Keshet Leadership Project Summit that are engagement initiative, NEXTGen Detroit Pride. the people who are moving LGBTQ inclusion are already thinking of new ways to engage the to be implemented over the next year with sup- Keshet, founded in 1996 in Boston, is a national forward every day and know how to help us do LGBTQ community and asking our LGBTQ port, consultation, and resources from Keshet. organization advancing full LGBTQ equality in that for our own community.” Mira Sussman, members to be vital leaders in that effort.” Peretz Hirshbein, the Ann Arbor JCC’s director all facets of Jewish life. The Leadership Project is director of education at Beth Israel Congrega- According to Daniel Bahner, Keshet’s outgo- of Child and Family Services summed up the Keshet’s signature institutional change program tion commented similarly, “We jumped at this ing national director of education and training, project by saying, “we are already embracing designed to give organizations tools to make opportunity to better serve our LGBTQ con- Keshet and Stand with Trans were looking to LGBTQ families who participate in our pro- sustainable change, and includes the launch gregants, students, and staff. As individuals, in- partner around LGBTQ inclusion work for the grams but on an individual basis. We’ve been summit, a year of coaching, and a variety of ed- stitutions, and as a community, Ann Arbor still Detroit and Ann Arbor communities and the taking a ‘meet you where you are’ approach ucational, policy, and programming resources. has a lot of learning and work to do to be more Leadership Project was the appropriate edu- to supporting our LGBTQ families. These Leading the summit was Emily Saltzman, supportive of our LGBTQ siblings.” cational opportunity. We are grateful for the practices really need to become policies and Keshet’s associate director of education and Reflecting on the training, Rabbi Ora Nit- support of Dr. Karla Goldman, director of the procedures so that we are intentional about em- training, Roz Keith, founder and executive di- kin-Kaner of the Ann Arbor Reconstruction- Jewish Communal Leadership Program at the bracing the LGBTQ community and we send rector of Stand With Trans, an empowerment ist Congregation shared: “Because religious University of Michigan who helped us spread a clear message that our agency is, by design, a and advocacy organization for transgender institutions have long discriminated against the word to the Ann Arbor community.” safe and welcoming space.” n youth, and Barrie Seigle, BBYO - Michigan LGBTQ individuals, unless our congregations Seigle noted, “I’m so proud that BBYO is in Region social worker. The summit explored are upfront and explicit about the inclusion its second year Action Plan as part of the Kes- topics such as gender diversity in sacred texts, and embrace of LGBTQ members, the default het Leadership Summit. Being asked to assist in shared language, and statistics about LGBTQ assumption may be that we’re not welcoming, training Detroit/Ann Arbor Jewish leaders and life as the foundation for each organization even when we have that goal. We can do bet- stakeholders in such an important and personal

4 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 “I have a care plan that reflects my values.“ You Power Positive elderhood Eve, an 84-year-old Holocaust survivor, and her caregiver daughter, Isla, experienced difficulty when trying to access and coordinate the multiple services available to older adults in Washtenaw County. Through Jewish Family Services’ WISE (Washtenaw Integrated Senior Experience) program, Isla worked in partnership with a care manager to address Eve’s unique needs and developed a personalized care plan that reflected her values. From services like wheelchair accessible transportation to the home delivery of Kosher food from the JFS Speciality Food Pantry, Isla was able to ensure Eve was cared for while also finding ways to care for herself through participating in the CARES program, a caregiver support service.

Your support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor helps empower programs like WISE. And more. Across Ann Arbor and across oceans, your support powers innumerable moments that build, ensure and enrich Jewish life.

This Chanukah, bring the gift of support to our Jewish community. Make a gift to the 2020 Annual Community Campaign.

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2020-November-Ad-Letter-FINAL.indd 1 11/18/19 16:35 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 5 I Hebrew Day School

HDS dedicates art installation Ali Reingold, special to the WJN t was late October of 2018 when Hebrew to Deb touched us deeply. HDS, and especially Day School Head of School, Jennifer her students, were always close to her heart and I I Rosenberg, received an email from Morgan know she would have been deeply honored by the Burgard, a member of the HDS class of 2007: “I tribute and extremely proud of Morgan.” HDS am currently in the Eastern Michigan Univer- alumni parent and former PTO president, Elena sity art and design school,” Burgard wrote, “and Weissman, was also among the guests. Herself an have been thinking about Morah Deb a lot. She artist, Elena worked closely with Morah Deb dur- was a huge influence on me and really sparked ing the years her son was an HDS student. She a passion inside of me for art. I thought it would said, “It’s so exciting to see Deb’s legacy honored, be a cool idea to paint a mural in honor of her remembered, and carried on in the beautiful, col- somewhere in HDS.” Morah Deb Weintrob was orful artwork of her student Morgan.” the HDS art teacher from 2000 to 2012, and she Many HDS teachers were present for the was an inspiration to scores of HDS students touching tribute. Janice Lieberman, who was over the years. Morah Deb died of cancer in both Deb’s colleague and one of Morgan’s 2013 at the age of 62. teachers reflected, “It was very moving to hear After some creative brainstorming to deter- mine the best way to feature such a mural, Jen and Morgan decided that the mural would be painted on ceiling tiles in the HDS Fine Arts room. On Sunday, November 3, this vision be- came a reality as Morgan’s mural was installed at HDS. Vibrant colors and geometric shapes now draw the eyes upward and greet students and visitors the moment they enter the room. “This installation was inspired by the feelings of ex- Announcing the 2020 Season

Morgan Burgard One of the ceiling tile panels installed

Morgan describe how important Morah Deb, Morah Kim, and the rest of her HDS teachers were in The Merry Wives of Windsor helping her develop positive atti- tudes about herself, her creativity, and recognizing her strengths. I Charley’s Aunt am so glad Deb’s and Kim’s loved by Brandon Thomas ones were present so they could learn from Morgan what a differ- ence they made in her life.” MichiganShakespeareFestival.com Following the dedication of Morgan Burgard with Morah Deb’s family the installation, Hebrew Day School and the Jewish Cultural Arts and Education arm of the Jewish Com- ploration and creativity Morah Deb taught me,” munity Center co-hosted a reception to show- Morgan writes in her artist’s statement. “I hope case some of Morgan’s current work. “Morgan is to give those same feelings to anyone who looks a young, professional artist, who has developed up at the art, and inspire them to create because a style of her own. Her color use is vibrant. Her everyone holds a masterpiece within.” prints are somewhat delicate, clean, and fun,” The mural also honors the memory of He- says Noemi Herzig, Cultural Arts and Educa- brew Day School’s longtime gym teacher, Mo- tion Director. Morgan’s work is for sale and will rah Kim Braun, who died this past summer. “I remain on display in the JCC gallery until early was almost two heads taller than all my class- December. Some of Morgan’s gift items will be mates in fifth grade,” Morgan reminisced, “and for sale during the Book and Arts Festival that NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI people used to mistake me for one of the teach- runs from November 10 through December 17. You help create a ers. I was self-conscious and embarrassed, but “This experience was incredible for so Morah Kim used to tell me to be proud of my many reasons,” explained Jen Rosenberg. “It is body, and the long, bold lines in the mural sym- wonderful to be able to support our alumni as robust local economy bolize this lesson.” they reach for their goals and dreams. We are so Approximately 25 people attended the dedi- pleased and proud to provide Morgan with a when you shop at the co-op. cation of the art installation, including Morah platform to showcase her work while honoring 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE Deb’s husband, two sons, and daughter-in-law, the memory of beloved teachers. There is noth- ANN ARBOR, MI and Morah Kim’s husband. Morah Deb’s hus- ing more rewarding to a teacher than hearing PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI www.PEOPLESFOOD.COOP band, Hank Mosberg, was especially touched from a student that you’ve made a difference in by the gesture. He said, “The wonderful tribute their life.” n

6 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 I Community

J Street conference: energy, heart and hope by Rebecca Kanner n October, I attended J Street’s National to decide which to attend but, on the other imperfect) solution Conference in Washington, D.C. The hand, there were no bad choices. Many of the discussed in order I three plus days were filled with inter- sessions were recorded and can be viewed on to remedy these dif- esting and inspiring speakers, challenging J Street’s website: jstreet.org. ficulties was the idea and insightful sessions, and an opportunity So who comes to a J Street conference? Not of bringing Ameri- to meet with elected officials and their staff. only are the speakers interesting and inspir- can politicians to This was J Street’s largest ever conference ing, the attendees are too. There were people Palestine in order to with nearly 4,000 in attendance. I attended J who have worked on this issue for many years, see the situation on Street’s first national conference in 2009 and some their entire adult lives, and people who the ground, at once this year’s conference was my sixth time mak- were relatively new to advocating for peace helping Americans ing the trip to D.C. Each conference has been and getting involved because the J Street mes- gain a more full an uplifting experience for me. sage resonated with them. There were over understanding of When I first became active with J Street, 1100 enthusiastic college students, including the conflict and as- I found that I often needed to explain what J University of Michigan students, adding great sisting in building Street was and why its name is J Street. Now energy to the conference. There were a lot of University of Michigan Students relationships with rabbis, from all the Palestinian organiz- denominations, in- and Hillel, but over the course of the con- ers. Odeh also empha- cluding Rabbi Rob ference, we were able to talk through that sized the importance of including female Dobrusin. There tension. voices and supporting female activists were even Wash- Our conversations were largely sparked within the movement. ington Nationals by the first session we attended, titled As students, it was wonderful to get to baseball fans, fitting “How Do We ‘Let Our People Know’?” hear voices of Palestinians doing important in the conference The panelists included three current and non-profit and political work on the ground, around the World former J Street U members and “Let Our and learn how we can support ongoing hu- Series home games People Know” participants (Channah man rights campaigns going forward. (well, aside from Powell, Ethan Wellerstein, and Gabi Ka- The final day of the conference, we moved those from Hous- mran), the CEO of the Jewish Education from the convention center to Capitol Hill, ton, I think we were Project (Dr. David Bryfman), and our filling the halls of the House and Senate build- all Nats fans.) own University of Michigan Hillel Direc- ings and meeting with our elected officials. At This was the tor (Tilly Shames). In the discussion, they the Advocacy Day kick-off, Rep. Peter Welsh first time Rabbi talked through some of the ways young, from Vermont thanked J Street for opening Rabbi Rob Dobrusin, Katherine O’Neill, Josh Vis, Rep. Levin, Dobrusin attended progressive Jews coming of age under the up the debate and discourse on Israel/Pales- Rebecca Kanner, Marcella Vis a J Street Confer- Trump administration have experienced tine, an appreciation for J Street’s voice that ence and he said, “I Israel education differently than past gen- I have heard repeatedly over the years. The J Street is a pretty well-known entity in the was very glad to be able to participate. I think erations. Throughout my nine years in Michigan group met with Representatives Jewish community, though not so much in that it is critical that those who feel a strong day school, I was never exposed to critical Elissa Slotkin and Andy Levin. Levin traveled the wider society. Still people wonder about connection with Israel but are deeply con- narratives about Israel. When I got to high to the region as part of a J Street Congressio- the name. I tell people that the name is a bit cerned about the direction of the country can school and learned about the realities of nal Delegation to Israel and Palestine a few of a triple entendre: the J can stand for Jewish; come together and learn and hope together. the occupation of the West Bank, I felt lied days after our meeting. We also met with staff among Washington’s lettered streets, there is It was gratifying to see so many students who to and angry. And now, with the Trump from the offices of Representatives Debbie not a “J” Street, the street names jump from clearly want to have a strong relationship with administration supporting the Netanyahu Dingell and Haley Stevens. I Street to K Street; and, K Street, the location Israel expressing their opinions and concerns. government’s blatant oppression of Pales- In our meetings with Congressional mem- of many national lobby firms, is associated I didn’t agree with everything I heard from ev- tinians, it feels impossible to talk about Is- bers and staffers, we talked about three issues: with lobbying and J Street is a pro-Israel, pro- ery speaker but every presentation made me rael without also talking about the human ensuring security for Israel and respecting peace lobby. Put all three together and J Street, think and for that I am deeply grateful.” rights violations taking place. During the Palestinian rights; the administration’s failed the organization, has brought to Washington As mentioned, students were an impor- panel, Tilly acknowledged these frustra- strategy and slide toward war with Iran; and and the nation a voice and a message that had tant, energetic part of the conference. J Street tions but emphasized that we should do so standing with immigrants and those tar- been missing. U, the student movement of J Street, has chap- by engaging within Hillel, and not avoid- geted by the Muslim ban. We thanked the While there have been many changes over ters on over 65 campuses. J Street UMich, the ing controversial conversations. Representatives for co-sponsoring the reso- the past decade–to the organization and to the University of Michigan’s chapter, brought The panel conversation sparked a se- lution (H.Res.326) affirming support for a political and policy landscapes in the United 17 students to the conference, including co- ries of great conversations amongst the two-state solution and long-standing oppo- States and Israel–the mission of J Street has chairs, Meghann Norden-Bright (senior), conference attendees for the rest of the sition to unilateral steps like annexation and remained unchanged. J Street organizes and Solomon Medintz (junior), Kayla Chinitz (ju- weekend about our roles within the Jewish settlement expansion. We asked them to urge mobilizes pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans nior) and Rosalind Madorsky (sophomore). I politics on Israel/Palestine. House Leadership to bring the resolution to who want Israel to be secure, democratic, met Meghann and Solomon at one of the ple- Meghann, attending her second J Street the floor for a vote. and the national home of the Jewish people. nary sessions when they were sitting behind conference, writes: Participating in direct democracy and J Street works in American politics and the me. I asked them to write about their confer- Another particularly inspiring session meeting with those who represent us in Con- Jewish community, advocating for policies ence experience. Solomon writes: that we had the opportunity to attend gress is one of my favorite parts of the confer- that advance shared U.S. and Israeli interests One of the most important outcomes was on Palestinian Political Organizing, ence. as well as Jewish and democratic values lead- of the J Street Conference for our campus featuring a panel moderated by Ezzeldeen I left the J Street National Conference en- ing to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Pales- was the opportunity for leaders on campus Masri, the Senior Regional Organizing ergized, heartened and hopeful. And that is tinian conflict. to discuss some of the tensions between J Director for OneVoice Movement, and no small thing when there are so many ob- Conference attendees heard from a wide Street UMich and our Hillel. consisting of Abdallah Hamarsheh, the stacles to an end to the Israeli-Palestinian variety of speakers including presidential Last year, as part of the national J Executive Director and Co-Founder of Zi- conflict, now more than ever, it seems. I was candidates, Members of Knesset, former Is- Street U campaign, we tried to reform mam, Rawan Odeh, the Managing Direc- energized by what I heard and learned. I was raeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and both Birthright and traditional Israel education tor for New Story Leadership, and Bashar heartened to be with people who can discuss Israeli Jewish and Palestinian activists. Rep- in Jewish spaces. We pushed for Birthright Azzeh, a member of the PLO Palestine Na- and grapple with difficult issues, even when resentatives from over 60 organizations par- to lift its policy banning Palestinian speak- tional Council and Central Council. they don’t always agree, talking through ten- ticipated on the panels, sharing their expertise ers from addressing its trips, and when The panel focused upon young emerg- sions. And I was reminded, especially by those and their insights. U.S. organizations included they refused, we launched an alternative ing Palestinian political movements, and brave Israelis and Palestinians who continue IfNotNow, the National Council of Jewish trip (titled “Let Our People Know”) and what allies can do to elevate Palestinian to work for change, that without hope noth- Women and T’ruah and Israeli organizations called for Birthright-eligible students not activist voices. Particular struggles that ing will change. included B’Tselem, Breaking the Silence and to participate on Israel trips that did not panelists highlighted were the difficulties J Street’s next National Conference, Febru- Peace Now, to name just a sampling. Each of meaningfully represent Palestinian voices that Palestinian activists face in entering ary 20-23, 2021 in Washington, DC. the seven workshop sessions offered several and narratives. The campaign led to some the United States and getting the attention Rebecca Kanner is J Street’s Michigan options, making it on one hand, really hard tension between our J Street U chapter of American politicians. One potential (if Advocacy Coordinator n Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 7 ITemple Beth Emeth

Eghermans celebrate sixty years TBE Events December 2019-January 2020 by Abbie Egherman Families with Young Children (FYC): Contact Linda Greene, [email protected], n November 8, 1959 my parents, a photograph that shows the joy and happi- with questions. Bill and Reva Egherman were mar- ness they have shared for sixty years. Tot Shabbat Service ried in Jefferson City, Missouri. For the first time, Bill and Reva shared Fridays, December 6, 13 & 20, and January Tot Shabbat Tastes Ann Arbor O 3, 10, 17 & 31, 5:45 p.m., TBE Sanctuary5:45 Fridays, December 20 & January 17, Tot Ser- Jefferson City has a small Jewish population the memorable details of their courtship: the and my grandparents owned a prominent blind date in April; the second date – substi- p.m.| Tot (0–5 year olds) Shabbat Services vice at 5:45 p.m. and Dinner at 6:15 p.m., TBE retail establishment in downtown Jefferson tuting in a bridge game in August for a cou- with Rabbi Whinston and Cantor Hayut Tot Shabbat Tastes Ann Arbor is resuming for City, just blocks away from the synagogue ple that were experiencing false labor. The 6:15 p.m. Dinner for Tot Shabbat | 6:45 p.m. the 2019-2020 year! We will meet on the third and the capitol building. The marriage was third date – the bris on Labor Day weekend Shira Service Friday of each month, and enjoy a rotating newsworthy at the time and sixty years later for the son that was actually born– was the All of your favorite songs led by TBE’s tot menu from local, kid-friendly restaurants. $5/ it is still noteworthy. first time that my mom met my dad’s par- team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Whinston. children, $8/adults, $25/maximum per family. On November 9, descendants of Bill ents. It must have gone extraordinarily well Join us for macaroni and cheese, fish sticks, applesauce, and a salad bar immediately fol- TBE Families Meet-Ups and Reva from across the United States and because on the way back to the car Dad let it Sundays, December 22 & January 12, 10:00 a.m., around the world gathered in Champaign, slip that he wanted to spend the rest of his lowing the short service. Dinner is just $5 per person. Buy a punch card ahead of time for a Offsite Illinois to celebrate them. All five of their life with mom. The next day when, my dad Join TBE Families for our rotating monthly children, Tori from Amsterdam, The Neth- met my mom’s parents for the first time, he discounted price. Punch cards are available in the TBE office. meet-up! There will be opportunities for play, erlands; Abbie from Ann Arbor; Rachel from said, “Mr. Herman, I have to ask you some- snacks, and socializing. Contact Beth Pearson, Ypsilanti, Adam from Des Moines, Iowa and thing.” Without waiting for the question, my Weekly Lunch & Learn [email protected], with questions. Ruth from Walnut Creek, California came grandfather replied, “Take her, she’s yours!” Fridays, December 6 & 20, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, TBE Adult Lounge, Noon Women of TBE: Historical Novel Rabbi Whinston meets on Fridays for an in- Reading Group formal discussion about religion. Sessions are Mondays, December 10 and January 14, 12:30 open to the entire community. Feel free to p.m., TBE Library bring your lunch. The WTBE Reading Group meets on the second Monday of each month, October Saturday Torah Study through June. Contact Molly Lindner, burn- Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21 & [email protected]. 28, January 4, 11, 18 & 25, 8:50 a.m. Join us for this weekly discussion of the Torah WTBE Chanukah Bazaar portion led by Rabbi Whinston. Saturday, December 7, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. & Sunday, December 8, 3:00-7:30 p.m. Women’s Torah Study Check out our shop! All Chanukah Menorahs Mondays, December 9 & 23, and January 13 & are 15% off the entire month of November. . 27, 7:00 p.m Contact Trina Fuller, [email protected], An in-depth study and lively discussion of with questions. the week’s Torah portion led by Cantor Re- gina Hayut. The group will explore various Chanukah Shabbat Service passages from the portion looking at several Friday, December 27, 6:30 p.m. translations and commentaries from a variety Join TBE for our annual Chanukah Shabbat of scholars from Talmudic times to the mod- service. Be sure to bring your menorah and ern day. No Hebrew knowledge necessary to candles! participate in the discussion. For questions, Brotherhood Latke Dinner & Tot contact Cantor Regina Hayut at cantorha- [email protected]. Shabbat Dinner Friday, December 27, 6:00 p.m., TBE Social in for the celebration and seven of their If you wonder what makes a successful Guitar-led Shabbat Service Hall nine grandchildren were there from Seattle, marriage, we compiled some advice and ob- Fridays, December 27 & January 24, 6:30- Join TBE’s Brotherhood for their annual Washington; Hawaii; Ann Arbor; Iowa, New servations: 8:30 p.m., TBE Sanctuary Latke Dinner. Menu and registration details York, and one recently vacationing in India. 1) Embrace each other’s imperfections. Join us for a special, musical Shabbat service coming soon. Contact Brotherhood Presi- The occasion was marked with song, art and 2) No Anniversary or Birthday gifts. led by Rabbi Whinston and Cantor Hayut. dent, Bill Parkus at [email protected], with storytelling. Lyrics of two songs were modi- 3) If your partner loses something, don’t This service is engaging and open to all questions. fied by Brian Tell to honor Bill and Reva, and get excited, it will show up. members of the community. Rishonim & Kadima Chanukah Parties the grandchildren collaborated from across 4) Make plans for dinner at breakfast. n Euchre Night Saturday, December 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m. and the country to create a portrait taken from Saturdays, December 7 & January 4, 8:00 Sunday, December 8, 1:00-3:00 p.m. p.m., TBE Adult Lounge Join TBE’s Youth Director, Nikki Feinberg, on Grab a partner or come alone! All levels wel- Saturday if you are between the grades 3-5, come.Contact Dave Ostreicher, djostrei@ and on Sunday if you are between grades 6-8, umich.edu, with questions. to celebrate Chanuakah. Contact Nikki Fein- berg, [email protected], with Meditation with Linda Greene n Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19 & 26, January questions. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1:00 p.m., TBE Chapel Linda Greene offers brief Jewish teachings and leads a 20-30 minute meditation time.

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8 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 9 IBeth Israel Congregation IJewish Family Service

BIC Activities December and January JFS Diversity Day celebrates legacy of MLK Cooking Workshop: Jewish Baked Goods each additional; non-members are an addi- Annaka Saari, special to the WJN Sunday, December 1, 4 – 5:30 p.m. tional $5 per child. Please direct any inqui- n Monday, January 20, from 9:30 community, as well as the greater Washtenaw Explore and create Jewish baked goods from ries to Amanda at [email protected]. to11:30a.m., Jewish Family Service area. Activity partners include, but are not lim- East European Jews, Mizrahi Jews, and New Intro to Judaism with Rav Nadav O of Washtenaw County will be host- ited to, Acton Academy, Alpha House, Bend York Jews. This workshop, led by Amanda ing Diversity Day. The event, which will take the Arc, Beth Israel Congregation, Call for Hu- Fisher, includes instruction and baking the Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m. place at the Jewish Community Center of manity, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw sweet treats, which you will take home with Though directed at people who are consid- Greater Ann Arbor, will serve as a celebration County, Greenhills School, Interfaith Council you! Limited to 12 participants. $20 per per- ering conversion, this serious examination of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will place for Peace and Justice, JFS ESL Program, JFS son. Sign up online at www.bethisrael-aa.org. of the main dimensions of Judaism–from mysticism, to Talmud, to Jewish Holidays Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin and rituals–is open to anyone who wants to Monday, December 2, 9 and 16, 3:30 p.m. deepen their Jewish literacy. This course is Rabbi Robert Dobrusin will lead a Hebrew open to members and non-members. text class, studying selections from the Tal- mud tractate of Brachot. We will study the Theology Book Club text in Hebrew with English translations Wednesdays, 8 p.m. available. This part of the Talmud addresses Beth Israel Congregation’s Theology Book the subject of the rituals of prayer and con- Club welcomes you to join them to read to- tains material which will refer to familiar as- gether and discuss books on Jewish thought pects of our liturgy today. The class will take and beliefs. The books are in English. place from 3:30-4:45 on Monday afternoons. Illuminate: An Experiential Festival of Lights We hope you will join in this opportunity for Saturday, December 21, 6 - 10 p.m. text study. Illuminate: An Experiential Festival of Lights Shabbat Musaf Class is an exciting new event and fundraiser at Sunday, December 8 and 15, and Janu- Beth Israel Congregation for people of all ary 5 and 12, 10 a.m. ages. Join us for multi-sensory experiences, Participants will delve into the purpose and enlightening performances, glow-in-the- history of the Musaf service, which is the dark games, a pop-up planetarium and additional service that is said after the To- more! Treat yourself to mouth-watering rah reading on Shabbat and holidays. They holiday-inspired food and drink. For more a focus on the messages of diversity, equity Refugee Resettlement, MAP, Mentor2Youth, will also learn about the individual tefillot information and to become a sponsor, and inclusion present in his teachings. Pro- Muslim Social Services of Washtenaw County, (prayers) and how to more fully participate please contact Director of Engagement and gramming will be geared toward school-aged and NAACP - University of Michigan Chap- in this Saturday morning service. Taught by Programs, Amanda Glucklich, at engage@ children but will provide opportunities for ter. The activities presented will be engaging Ron Sussman. Free for BIC members, $72 for bethisrael-aa.org. learning and entertainment that will be enjoy- and fun, but will also be educational; those at- non-members. Sign up with Mira Sussman Chef Katan able for all ages. JFS Director of Programs and tending can expect a fun day anchored in cel- Outreach, Sarah Hong, had this to say about ebration of diversity and acceptance of those at [email protected]. Sunday, December 22, 10 a.m. the event: “JFS is excited to offer our commu- different from themselves. In addition to the Chef Katan is a program for children aged Torah Reading Class nity a meaningful way to spend MLK day with activities offered, the last half hour of the event 3-4 and their caretaker. You and your “Lit- Sunday, December 8 and 15, and Janu- their children and grandchildren. This event will be reserved for a special performance. tle Chef” will make a traditional Jewish- ary 5 and 12, 11 a.m. builds upon the successful model of the JFS There will be no cost to attend the event, inspired, mouth-watering vegetarian dish This class is for people who can read Hebrew Kids Care Fair, and will engage youth in hands- and snacks will be provided to attendees. Please from scratch! As this is a pilot program, we and are interested in learning how to chant/ on activities and experiences in honor of Dr. register at jfsannarbor.org/diversityday will be limited to six children in this pro- sing from the Torah. Participants will be in- King’s teachings and accomplishments.” Any questions about the event, including gram. For more information and to register troduced to trope (the musical notation), The event, which is co-sponsored by the inquiries from local organizations interested your child/ren, please contact Director of with opportunities to practice chanting the JCC, will include a variety of activities from in acting as activity partners, can be directed Engagement and Programs, Amanda Gluck- Torah. This class will also touch on the con- groups and organizations within the Jewish to Jacob Singer at [email protected]. n nections between Torah and Haftorah, litur- lich at [email protected]. gically and musically. Free for BIC members, Diversity Day $72 for non-members. Sign up with Mira Monday, January 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sussman at [email protected]. Beth Israel will join other local organizations JFS earns 4-Star rating Shabbat Limmud for this event which will have an emphasis on Joanne Brownstein Jarvi, special to the WJN activities that celebrate diversity and inclu- Saturday, December 14, 9 a.m. ewish Family Services of Washtenaw trustworthiness to the public,” according to sion. The program is geared towards families Held before Shabbat morning services by County’s strong financial health and Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Char- with elementary-aged children. Watch for Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, this session offers a commitment to accountability and ity Navigator. “This adds JFS to a preeminent more details soon! J lively discussion on Parashat HaShavua, the transparency have earned the agency its sixth group of charities working to overcome our Torah portion of the week and other tradi- Sweatshirt Shabbat and Cholent Kiddush consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navi- world’s most pressing challenges. Based on tional texts. Join us in the library for Torah Saturday, January 25, 9:30 a.m. gator, America’s largest independent charity its 4-star rating, people can trust that their study over coffee and cake! Join Beth Israel for one of our favorite evaluator. JFS is one of only nine percent of donations are going to a financially respon- Tot Shabbat winter-time Shabbats that leaves everyone non-profits nationwide to be awarded the sible and ethical charity when they decide to designation six times. support JFS.” Saturday, December 14 and 28, and Jan- warmed, inside and out! Come dressed in Since 2002, using objective analysis, Char- “It’s important our donors know and uary 11 and 25, 11:15 a.m. your favorite sweatshirt for a warm, comfy, ity Navigator has awarded only the most trust that we’re using their donations wisely Tot Shabbat is our special Shabbat morning and friendly Shabbat morning service fol- fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star when they contribute to our organization. program for preschoolers and their parents lowed by a Kiddush lunch with a variety of rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 We serve more than 10,000 individuals each with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat cholent dishes, plus as other choices as well. metrics, focused on governance and ethical year with compassionate, personalized care “Mystery Box” Tot Shabbat meets on the sec- Cooking Workshop: Appetizers and practices as well as measures of openness, to and provide counseling, transportation, ond and fourth Saturday of each month. Finger Food its ratings methodology. These Accountabil- refugee resettlement, a specialized food pan- Parent’s Night Out Sunday, January 26, 4 p.m. ity & Transparency metrics, which account try, older adult and employment services.” Saturday, December 14 and January 25, Astound your friends at your next soiree!! for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, said Wendy Strip, JFS Director of Philan- 6 - 9 p.m. Amanda Fisher will share her secret recipes reveal which charities operate in accordance thropy. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating Parents’ Night Out is a new Beth Israel pro- of her favorite tried and tested appetizers with industry best practices and whether demonstrates to our supporters our good gram for PARENTS! Drop off your children and heavy finger foods. The workshop in- they are open with their donors and stake- governance and exceptional financial ac- (ages 5-15 years old) at the synagogue and cludes instruction and recipes. We will make holders. Enhancements further substantiate countability.” enjoy an evening to yourselves. Children will the recipes together, which you will then get the financial health of four star charities. To learn more or support Jewish Family be served dinner and there will be a movie to take home with you! Limited to 12 par- “Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw Services of Washtenaw County, visit jfsan- playing along with some crafts. Cost for ticipants. $30 per person. Sign up online at County’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it narbor.org or call 734.769.0209. n members is $10 for the first child and $8 for www.bethisrael-aa.org. n apart from its peers and demonstrates its 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 IJewish Communal Leadership Program

Exploring Jewish New Orleans Look back at JCLP’s Fall Semester Nora Greenstein, special to the WJN Megan Bernard, special to the WJN nstead of attending the Jewish Federa- they had read, putting faces to names and tion of North America’s annual General asking questions to understand their lived he Jewish Communal Leadership the leaders at the Jewish Community Center, I Assembly meeting (due to conference experiences on a deeper level. “It was great Program at the University of Michi- and the Director of Jewish Family Service. changes), the Jewish Communal Leadership to hear from the voices of the people that we T gan School of Social Work had a busy Students learned what Jews can do for Program ended October with a group trip to read about, and to be able to dig deeper and and enriching Fall semester, and sends out big each other when disaster strikes. It was quite a New Orleans, Louisiana. In previous years, learn more about the community’s response thanks to the community members who have miracle how the community was able to secure JCLP would meet with leaders and change to Hurricane Katrina,” said Kayla Kapen, in supported this Fall’s programming. The annual grants for families who chose to come back to makers at both the General Assembly and her first year in the JCLP program. Community Welcome Breakfast, held at the the city and rebuild, not to mention how the throughout the conference’s host city. When As JCLP learned about and reflected on School of Social Work, offered an opportunity JCC became a FEMA center after the storm. Karla Goldman, JCLP Director, heard of the impact of Katrina on New Orleans’s Jew- to reflect on the increasingly needed security Each Jewish community in America can learn changes to the General Assembly format, she ish and larger communities, the students in Jewish spaces. Attendees looked at the issue a little something from the Jewish folks in New knew this was an opportunity to try some- were also able to learn about the legacy of the from an intersectional lens, understanding that Orleans on what it means to take care of one thing different this year for the students. Jewish community through conversations at not everyone who enters Jewish spaces feels another. “This trip is an opportunity for the students Temple Sinai and Shir Chadash. more safe with an in-uniform police officer at Most recently, JCLP had the privilege of the door. This difficult conversation is part of welcoming Ilana Kaufman, Director of the the larger themes of safety and diversity that Jews of Color Field Building Initiative to Ann continue among the students as a cohort, and Arbor and into the JCLP seminar. Kaufman in wider discussions in seminar and programs. analyses the ways existing Jewish communal The first year students had the opportunity structures limit the personal and professional to meet with Metro Detroit Jewish organiza- involvement and success of Jews of Color, and tions to learn more about what that particular advises Jewish organizations and funding insti- Jewish community looks like and how it func- tutions on ways to change. The JCPL students tions. These site visits are the linchpin of the look forward to being partners in Kaufman’s program, because knowing how a particular work. Jewish community functions as a unique eco- Looking ahead, JCLP is excited to welcome system is vital to understanding how to be so- Rabbi Michael Lerner, Ph.D., leading author, cial workers and Jewish communal leaders in public intellectual, and spiritual leader to cam- various locations across the United States and pus, as well as other amazing guests throughout the world. the semester. Most importantly, JCLP would Each year, JCLP holds a Sukkot program at like you to save the date for Limmud Michi- the School of Social Work, usually in the beau- gan, March 22, 2020, at which the first-year tiful courtyard sukkah, however the weather students will be coordinating their own pro- created the opportunity to hold it inside this gram. The second year students are extremely year. This year’s program explored the theme excited to invite the community to the annual of “Welcoming the Stranger” by holding a drive Communal Conversation on March 29, 2020, for toiletries for those in need and engaging in with more information to follow. The Jewish conversation about what it means to invite the Communal Leadership program thanks the stranger into a sukkah, into Jewish communal community for its continued interest, engage- space. ment, support, and contributions to all of our A highlight of the semester was JCLP’s trip events, students, staff, and alumni. This work to not only explore other Jewish communi- To more deeply understand the charac- to New Orleans to learn more about what Ju- would mean nothing if not in partnership with ties beyond those they are already familiar teristics of Jews in the South, students heard daism looks like in the South, and specifically the surrounding community. n with (Ann Arbor, Southeastern Detroit, from leaders behind the Museum of South- in a post-Katrina New Orleans. The group met Megan Bernard is a second year JCLP student and their home communities), but also to ern Jewish Experience. Ashley Schnaar, in with the local synagogues - Reform, Conserva- studying Management with a minor in develop more as a cohort,” remarked Paige her second year in JCLP, reflected, “as some- tive, and Orthodox - as well as the founder of Interpersonal Practice. Walker, JCLP Program Coordinator. one born and raised in Metro Detroit, I the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experi- Students selected New Orleans by vote learned so much about southern Jewish life ence, the Avodah fellows, the Federation CEO, and were excited for the chance to learn on the JCLP trip to New Orleans.” At the Tu- about the unique characteristics of the Jew- lane Hillel, JCLP students saw the innovative ish community and explore Southern Jewry. ways that Jewish organizations work to en- To get a deeper understanding of the per- gage younger generations, and connect them Jewish Federations held invitation-only sonal and organizational relationships they to their Judaism in personal ways. would encounter on their trip, students read Through exploring the French Quarter, conference instead of annual GA transcripts of oral histories from members celebrating Shabbat in historic synagogues, Josefin Dolsten of the New Orleans Jewish community re- learning at the World War II Museum and flecting on their experiences of Hurricane reflecting on the trip on a beautiful day in (JTA) — For 86 years, Jewish leaders have ference. Katrina and the aftermath. City Park, JCLP students saw the unique and gathered annually at the Jewish Federations of “[W]e wanted to take this year and really Over the course of five days, JCLP not only distinct history and culture of New Orleans North America’s General Assembly to discuss roll up our sleeves, work in a very intensive toured the city of New Orleans and learned and deepened their understandings of what pressing issues facing their communities. Some manner on these critical issues that we face,” about its rich history, but heard from leaders Jewish communities can look like across the 3,000 people attended last year’s conference in Fingerhut said. “It’s an innovation and one that across the Jewish community, including the country. First year student Meredith Berlin Tel Av iv. I’m excited to try out.” Jewish Community Center, Beth Israel con- shared, “The trip to NOLA was very inter- But this year, there won’t be a GA. Instead, Next year will be back to a regular General gregation, Jewish Family Services, and the esting for me because it showed the differ- Jewish Federations put on a much smaller, in- Assembly in Chicago. Fingerhut said the orga- Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans. ences in Jewish communities throughout vite-only event titled FedLab. nization is still deciding what will happen in The students learned from these agen- the country.” As Megan Bernard reflected, The decision to hold the event was made future years, with options such as alternating cies’ leaders how the community rebuilt af- “Being able to visit a community that has last year, said Jewish Federations CEO Eric Fin- between hosting a smaller conference and a ter Hurricane Katrina, about the resilience faced such adversity and has come together gerhut, who recently succeeded Jerry Silverman regular GA or hosting both each year. of the Jewish community, and the ways in to rebuild such a strong Jewish community in the post. In the 1990s, the GA was the largest annual which institutions were able to come togeth- was unbelievable. I had no idea how special Participants in the Nov. 10-12 conference conference in the American Jewish commu- er. “I was surprised to learn that the JCC of Jewish New Orleans is, and I’m grateful I was in Washington, D.C., will be on one of three nity. In recent years, however, federations and New Orleans served as the only FEMA cen- able to learn about it in this way.” n tracks focusing on a major issue facing the other communal organizations have struggled Jewish community. The topics are communal to engage young people. Now the American Is- ter in New Orleans, and up until recently it Nora Greenstein is a second year JCLP was the largest FEMA relief site,” said Nora security, Jewish engagement and social services rael Public Affairs Committee, the liberal pro- student studying Management of Human to help those in need. Israel group J Street and the Reform movement Greenstein. At site visits, JCLP students met Services and has her field placement at the with some of the leaders whose oral histories Nearly 900 people, including lay and profes- draw larger crowds at their annual or biannual William Davidson Foundation. sional federation leaders, will attend the con- conferences. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 11 IFederation

Ann Arbor Jewish Federation powering Israeli society Stephanie Glass, special to the WJN hile many of us may never make funds to I/O partners. Through these alloca- support of Havaya, an organization provid- increasing co-existence and understanding aliyah or perhaps even visit Is- tions, we, as a community, demonstrate our ing pluralistic Jewish lifecycle events, enabled between Jewish and Arab Israelis. For over 15 W rael, as Jews, we have a particu- deeply held concern for religious pluralism, them to have a legally recognized marriage years, we have supported the Hand in Hand lar interest in and a special connection to the supporting disadvantaged populations, and ceremony in Israel. Einat Hurvitz, Director of school in the Galilee. This school is part of country. Although our greater Ann Arbor co-existence between Jews and Arabs. iRep, shared that the support of our Federa- a network of six bilingual schools for Jewish and Arab children with the mission of creat- ing an inclusive shared society in Israel. Hand in Hand not only promotes co-existence but also offers a student-centered, project-based learning curriculum, similar to our own He- brew Day School. The Jewish Agency Alongside these focused initiatives, our community positively affects Israeli society through our allocation to the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). JAFI has been serving Jews in Israel and around the world since 1929. It has evolved from a governing body concerned with building a new nation to a forward thinking non-profit agency focused on ini- tiating programs to serve Israel’s vulnerable populations; increasing connections between Israeli Jews and Jews around the world; and resettling and absorbing Jews from around the world into Israel – in many cases rescu- ing them from war zones and oppressive re- gimes. JAFI is also the single largest funder of non-Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) religious community sits roughly 6,000 miles away, we Religious Pluralism are able to positively influence Israeli civil so- streams in Israel. JAFI’s Israel and Global Phi- Since 2017, the Jewish Federation has allo- ciety through funds allocated from the Jewish lanthropy Manager Samantha Robinson re- cated funds to the Israel Religious Expres- Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. flected on the impact of Federation support sion Platform (iRep), a JFNA consortium of The Jewish Federations of North America of JAFI. “By combining Federation resources communities who work together to support (JFNA) has long recognized this special con- with Government of Israel funding and ad- Israeli organizations addressing issues con- nection and the critical need for North Amer- ditional support with global partners, The nected to religious civil rights in Israel. Our ican Jewry to have a voice in Israeli society. The Jewish Agency is able to achieve global reach Federation was one of the first twenty-six tion, in partnership with other Federations, greater Ann Arbor Jewish community also and scale with wide programmatic breadth. Federations to support iRep’s efforts around has allowed iRep “to create real change over has a rich history of ensuring our commu- For example, over the past year our partner- such matters as: creating an egalitarian space the last few years in how Israelis view the issue nity’s values and voices are reflected through ship has served over 30,500 immigrants to Is- at the Kotel (Western Wall); creating options of pluralism, and freedom of choice in mar- the annual allocations we make to Israel and rael, close to 20,000 at-risk youth, and 10,000 for civil marriage to allow Israelis to marry riage in particular. Not long ago, pluralism Overseas (I/O) partners. Hanna Goodstein, young adults on Masa programs including outside the rabbinate or other religious au- and equality for all streams in Judaism were chair of the I/O Allocations Subcommittee internships, study abroad, post-college, and thorities; and equality for all streams of Juda- ‘nice to have’ but no one went to the street for shared her thoughts on why funding agencies volunteer programs.” Recently, JAFI has also ism. The positive impact of the work of iRep’s this. Today, the majority of the Israeli public overseas is so vital for Jews. "All of Israel are supported communities throughout the partners on the ground is already being felt strongly supports liberalization of the reli- responsible for one other’ is a central Jewish world to strengthen their security infrastruc- in Israel with recent data showing that Israeli gious control over public and private life… value, and through our Federation’s funding ture. This saved lives on Yom Kippur when an Jews marrying through the Chief Rabbinate We still have work to do until we can create efforts, we are able to actively care for Jews attack on a synagogue in Halle, Germany was has been on a decline since iRep’s creation in lasting changes to safeguard pluralism, but we throughout the world ranging from provid- thwarted by improvements funded by JAFI 2016. This consortium helps Israeli couples are on the right track.” ing life-saving care to Holocaust survivors with our help. Samantha continued, “criti- like Liat and Tom who identify as secular in the Former Soviet Union to helping Ethi- Helping disadvantaged populations cal support from the Ann Arbor commu- Jews. They wanted a Jewish wedding in Israel opian-Israelis graduate from high school.” A core focus area of our community’s I/O work nity through Federation gives us the capacity with family and friends but did not wish to This past year, Federation allocated just over is on helping those in need. Past and current to fund and implement ongoing programs be married through the Rabbinate, which 20% of 2019 Annual Community Campaign initiatives have concentrated on helping chil- throughout the Jewish world, and ensures currently controls Jewish marriages. iRep’s dren living in under-resourced communities, that we are poised to immediately respond to expanding food access and job resources, and crises wherever and whenever they occur.” increasing a sense of belonging for children The State of Israel has changed dramati- with special needs. The Federation’s Annual cally in its nearly 72 years of existence, grow- Community Campaign supports the work ing from a small country to the world’s first of partners such as Youth Futures (holistic start-up nation. It is a complex country with support for children at risk), Krembo Wings many challenges – some of which cause us (youth movement for children of all abilities), great consternation. As a community, we can and the Ethiopian National Project (intensive be very proud of the role we play, through educational program to close the achievement our allocations from the Annual Community gap). This past year, Youth Futures served over Campaign, in providing for Jews and others 130 children and 129 families in Nof HaGalil in need and in having a positive impact on Is- (formerly Nazareth Illit), which is based in raeli civil society. Thank you for making that the Central Galilee - our Partnership2Gether possible. region. These children and families were pro- To find out more about our Israel/Overseas vided with regular meetings with a mentor, allocations, please contact Stephanie Glass, hands-on assistance accessing social services, Development & Planning Associate at stepha- and special enrichment programs. Youth Fu- [email protected] or 734-773-3534. To tures serves all Israelis of all backgrounds - learn more about our Annual Community 15% of those served are from the Arab sector. Campaign, please contact Sharyn J. Gallatin, Chief Development Officer at sharyn@jewis- Coexistence hannarbor.org or 734-773-3533. n Another longstanding core focus area for the Ann Arbor Jewish community has been

12 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 IFrankel Center

Elena Luchina, Yiddish Lecturer Kelsey Robinette Keeves, special to the WJN his fall, the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies welcomed a new lecturer in T Yiddish language instruction, Elena Luchina. Luchina is a PhD student in Yiddish and Slavic languages at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was a Yiddish Pedagogy Fel- low at the Yiddish Book Center before coming to Michigan. In addition to Yiddish, she is fluent in Russian, German, French, and Hebrew. She has also received Master of Arts in Linguistics

with a specialty in Hebraic and Yiddish linguis- tics at the Institut National des Langues et Civil- isations Orientales in Paris, and in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics at the Department of Philology at Moscow State University. Luchina explains that her courses focus not only on learning the language itself, but also on the history, culture, and sociology of Yiddish. Her favorite thing about teaching is immersing students in Yiddish and helping them connect to the unique aspects of Yiddish language and culture through music, literature, and games. As a linguist, she pays close attention to the differ- For emergency medical care, ent registers of Yiddish speech: “I want students to be aware of linguistic diversity and how dif- ferent social situations form the language and who do Israelis depend on? the way of thinking in it.” “I also help students to be creative in Yiddish and to understand all kinds of pure, raw, non- standard language–from old leftist posters and newspapers to interviews with Holocaust survi- vors, from nineteenth century birth records to contemporary Hasidic board games, from folk They depend on you. tales to modern queer performances.” Luchina’s research quantitatively analyzes Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel’s official ambulance, blood-services, and Yiddish’s relationship to Slavic languages in- cluding German, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian disaster-relief agency, serving the nation’s 9 million people. But like every other and Belarusian. “Just like Yiddish, I see myself as Red Cross agency around the world, MDA doesn’t receive regular government a bridge, the missing link between the Slavic de- partment, Germanic department, Judaic stud- support. That’s why it relies on people like you. ies, Middle Eastern Studies, linguistics, museum Since the 1930s, generous Americans like you have provided the vehicles, training, studies, digital humanities etc.” Going forward, she is interested in researching the motivations and equipment that’s kept Israelis healthy and strong. of students who choose to study a second lan- guage and how attitudes vary towards different There are many ways to support Israel, but none that has a greater effect on its languages. people and its future than a gift to Magen David Adom. Your support isn’t just In the future, she plans to include elements changing lives — it’s literally saving them. of digital humanities into her language lessons, combining them with community-oriented Make an end-of-year donation to Magen David Adom at afmda.org/chanukah today. projects, like digital mapping and genealogical research. In the winter semester, Luchina will And our best wishes for a joyous Chanukah and New Year. lead a freshman seminar course titled Voices of Jewish Ann Arbor. Students will learn how to collect family stories, names, beliefs, attitudes, recipes, and sayings by drawing on resources from the local community and beyond to build a collection that reflects Jewish life and migra- tion between cultures and languages. “I see my task as a Yiddish instructor to connect people to folklore, memoirs, literature and art,” said Luchina. She hopes to give students “a new voice, a Yiddish voice” to speak about their own lives and understand the lives of others. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 13 Café Zola 112 West Washington Street Ann Arbor Michigan CAFE ZOLA AND ZOLA BISTRO WISHES OUR COMMUNITY A HAPPY CHANUKAH, AND THIS YEAR LET’S MAKE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS THE FESTIVAL OF HOPE, LOVE AND PEACE. CAFE ZOLA WILL BE OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY, DEC25TH FROM 8AM TO 3PM.

Zola Bistro 3030 Washtenaw Avenue Suite 101 Ann Arbor, Michigan

14 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 I Jewish World

Major Polish Jewish festival in New York this year Ben Harris (JTA) — Every year in late summer, the streets The festivities in New York began Nov. 17 Still, festival organizers began to sense that the New York version of one of the most highly around Grzybowski Square ring with the with a concert by Yaakov Lemmer, the cantor they were limiting themselves by not find- anticipated events on Warsaw’s cultural calen- sounds of klezmer. at New York’s Lincoln Square Synagogue, and ing a larger outlet for the artistic ferment they dar. Since New York has one of the largest Jew- A triangular patch of land in the heart of Frank London, a Grammy Award-winning were seeing in Poland. The number of people ish communities in the world, we hope that this downtown Warsaw, Grzybowski Square was klezmer trumpeter. That was followed by a who speak Yiddish in Poland is tiny. And even will resonate for the New York audience, and part of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II though the plays are presented with Polish su- that people will find joy in being part of it.” and is just a stone’s throw from the Nozyk Syna- pertitles that make them understandable, the For the filmmaker Krakowski, who has par- gogue, the city’s only surviving prewar shul. appetite for Yiddish theater abroad is signifi- ticipated in the Singer’s festival for over a decade, But far from being merely a site of Jewish cantly greater. this sort of programming fills an important gap. destruction at the hands of the Nazis during the Szurmiej figured that out a few years ago, Poles of his generation found themselves with Holocaust, the square today is host to one of when the Singer festival first went on the road, “an incredible void in our education” born of the clearest markers of the resurgence of Jewish making stops in Chicago, Boston and Mexico the loss of millions of Jews with deep roots in culture in Poland: Singer’s Warsaw Festival of City, in addition to New York. Yiddish culture. Something similar, he believes, Jewish Culture. Now in its 16th year, the festival Named for the Polish Nobel laureate Isaac has happened to American Jews, who are per- holds many open-air concerts in the square, re- Bashevis Singer, the festival presented a number haps even less aware of the cultural loss inflicted turning the buoyant sounds of klezmer music of works related to the famed writer who died in by the Holocaust. PHOTO:CHUCK FISHMAN/GETTY IMAGES PHOTO:CHUCK to streets that once teemed with Jewish life. American klezmer musician Frank London 1991. Two events for children, at public libraries “I find this whole Singer festival to be in- “Yes, Poland is a graveyard, but there are new in Manhattan and Brooklyn, featured profes- credibly important for both sides,” Krakowski trees and new flowers and new culture growing performance of “Humesh Lider,” a comedy by sional actors reading Singer’s stories. And two said, “for the Polish side and for the fact that it’s on something that was once burned soil, on the Yiddish playwright Itzik Manger that features films inspired by Singer’s works — “Yentl,” the coming now to New York.” ashes,” said Polish-American filmmaker An- biblical characters living in a small Polish city 1983 movie starring Barbra Streisand based on The festival concluded on Nov. 19 with a drzej Krakowski, who has been involved in the in the 1920s. a Singer play of the same name, and “Enemies, one-woman play, “A Wall,” performed in Polish festival for more than a decade. The festival is supported by the city of Warsaw a Love Story,” starring Anjelica Huston and Ron by actress Ewa Dabrowska and based on the life This year this celebrated Polish Jewish cul- and multiple Polish government ministries, in- Silver — were screened at the festival. story of Irena Sendler, a Polish nurse who saved tural event came to New York for just the second cluding the Polish Cultural Institute in New York. Singer himself embodied the Warsaw-New thousands of Jewish children during the Holo- time ever. The Singer festival is a big deal in Poland. York connection, said Adrian Kubicki, director caust. The Israeli actress Gal Gadot is set to star Launched in 2004 by Golda Tencer, an ac- Some 150 events are held annually, and its con- of the Polish Cultural Institute New York. in a film about Sendler. tress who leads the Jewish Theatre of Warsaw, certs are often carried on live television. In its “Isaac Bashevis Singer was a beloved New This article was sponsored by and produced in the Singer festival offers a broad menu of cul- early years, the event drew significant interest Yorker who lived for more than half a century partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute tural offerings including contemporary theater, from local Polish artists, who began creating in the city. He always longed for Warsaw, and New York, a diplomatic mission of Poland’s film, visual art and music. original works for the festival. Then foreign art- he wrote about it in his novels,” Kubicki said. Foreign Affairs Ministry that promotes “It sort of showcases that Polish Jewish land- ists began to get involved, too. “But if he had never lived in New York, he never comprehensive knowledge of Poland, Polish scape,” said David Szurmiej, a Polish filmmaker “Thanks to these Polish performers, and would have created ‘Shadows on the Hudson history and national heritage. This story was and Tencer’s son, who serves as the festival’s as- also these international acts that join, we can River,’ a piercing portrayal of Jewish immigrants produced by JTA’s native content team. n sociate director. “We forget that Jews lived on now talk about a big resurgence of contempo- in America.” Polish soil for 1,000 years. ” rary Yiddish culture,” Szurmiej said. He added, “We are very proud to support

In Ukraine, aid for needy Jews comes with a catch Cnaan Liphshiz ODESSA, Ukraine (JTA) — Alina Feoktis- robust welfare systems not only to help those in allowed parents to use candy to motivate chil- university, an unaffordable sum for her family. tova always knew she was Jewish, but the first need, but also to overcome the indifference and dren to study. Sergey and Elena Yarelchenko had little to do time she sought contact with the community aversion to Judaism that was instilled here dur- “Of course, Russian-speaking Jews are not with the organized Jewish community before was to see if it could pay her tuition. ing the communist era. babies, they’re sophisticated people, but from they were forced to flee their home in Lugansk Feoktistova’s family couldn’t afford to send The American Jewish Joint Distribution a Jewish perspective they are like captured ba- during the 2014 revolution. At a Jewish refu- her to college, but the local Jewish community Committee, or JDC, provides assistance to any bies – people who know nothing about Judaism gee camp set up outside Kyiv by Rabbi Moshe provides an alternative in the form of the Jewish Jewish applicant it deems needy, regardless of because of oppression,” Jacobs said. “It’s OK to Azman, who named it Anatevka after the fic- University of Odessa, an accredited institution their participation in communal activities. But offer them something they need as a way to ac- tional hometown of Tevye from “Fiddler on the that offers tuition and room and board at no other Jewish organizations often require com- quaint them with Judaism so they can decide in Roof,” the Yarelchenkos not only found shelter, charge. Founded in 2003, the university features munal engagement, from enrolling children in an informed way if they want it in their lives.” but work and a sense of community. five-year programs in a number of fields, includ- Jewish educational programs to attending syna- Many young Ukrainians in this city and “I never thought I’d go to synagogue, much ing foreign language, early childhood education, gogue, in exchange for help. beyond seek a connection to Judaism without less live in a Jewish village,” Sergey told JTA. law, business and Jewish studies. In Odessa, the estimated 30,000 Jews are eli- financial incentives. The Limmud FSU confer- For other Ukrainian Jews, the community “I was crying. I really didn’t want to do it,” gible for free services through the Jewish com- ence here last month attracted 600 participants was a ticket to big city life. said Feoktistova, 28, who studied literature at the munity’s various institutions, which include who paid nearly $200 to attend the weekend Haya Saphonchik, a 27-year-old kinder- school. “[My family had] no funds for college for two community centers, a dozen schools and event at a resort. garten teacher, enrolled in a Jewish school in me. The Jewish community was there for us.” two orphanages. Families and the elderly can One participant, Vlodymyr Zeev Vaks- Odessa primarily to escape her impoverished After graduation, Feoktistova found work get hundreds of dollars a month — a significant man, a 38-year-old active in the Odessa Jew- hometown of Kremenchuk. as an office administrator with Tikva, the Or- sum in a country where the average monthly ish community, said he sought out the Jewish “My mom had no money to send me to thodox group that runs the Jewish University salary is about $300. community after suffering bullying in school. Odessa,” Saphonchik said. “She asked me when of Odessa along with a host of other identi- The Federation of Jewish Communities of Connecting with his Jewish identity, Vaksman I was 17: ‘Do you want to stay in Kremenchuk in ty-building and educational programs. And the CIS, a network affiliated with the Chabad said, “helped restore my pride in it because it’s a regular school, or do you want to go a Jewish though she married a Jewish man and raises her Hasidic movement, also runs a Jewish universi- hard to be a proud Jew when you’re being beat school in Odessa?’ Of course I went to Odessa.” two children in an observant home, Feoktistova ty in Odessa, which it describes on its website as up in school almost every day for being Jewish.” After graduating from high school, Saphon- does not fit the stereotype of an Orthodox Jew- “a path out of poverty and into Jewish service.” Others, however, are clearly induced to get chik went on to study at the Jewish University in ish woman. The engagement-for-aid model has had a involved out of necessity. Odessa, where she met her husband, Uriel, who On a Saturday evening earlier this month, she meaningful impact on “breathing life into the Rivka Bendetskaya attended a Chabad school came to study computer programming from wore a black leather biker jacket over a long dress dry bones” of a moribund community, accord- in the eastern city of Zaporizhzhia where she his native Russia. Though she came initially for with a matching studded kerchief in her hair as ing to Rabbi Binyomin Jacobs, director of inter- grew up. Her family was poor and not religious, financial reasons, she stayed because the school she smoked her first post-Shabbat cigarette. governmental relations at the Chabad-affiliated but the Chabad school offered free meals and offered her more than just an education. “I’ve accepted my fate,” Feoktistova joked. Rabbinical Center of Europe. long hours. At 16, Bendetskaya came to Odessa “I found great beauty,” Saphonchik said, “a About 360,000 Jews are estimated to live “Some might even call it a bribe, but it’s le- to pursue a degree in business management at great mutual responsibility for each other that I in Ukraine, most of them in Odessa and other gitimate – and it works,” said Jacobs, citing the Chabad’s Jewish University. The five-year pro- didn’t know existed and which ended up giving major cities, and Jewish groups have used their medieval Jewish philosopher Maimonides, who gram would have cost about $17,000 at a regular me the best things that I have in life.” n Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 15 I Books

Grief and trauma, connections and comparisons by Avi Eisbruch The Holocaust and the Nakba: A new of these events and exploring their similari- estinian representatives and denial of the Na- they had to leave their house and belongings Grammar of Trauma and History, by ties and differences. The first similarity is the kba and banning of its discussion in Israeli before being transferred to the ghetto. They Bashir Bashir (Editor), Amos Goldberg manner by which each group relates to the schools and narratives. returned the key and sought a different ac- (Editor), Jacqueline Rose (Afterword) The chapters demonstrate connections commodation. By doing so and exercising y initial reaction to the title of between events. The Holocaust facilitated their moral choice, they were exceptional. this book was skepticism: How international recognition for the formation One of the essays compares etchings by can one compare a planned of the state of Israel. Also, about a third of a Holocaust survivor who drew refugees, M the Jewish forces fighting in Israel’s indepen- expulsion, cargo trains and executions, and genocide, which was unique and has had very few precedents, with an armed struggle dence war were Holocaust survivors, without art by a Palestinian artist who recalls events between two ethnic groups sharing the same whom Israel’s victory, resulting in the Nakba, from his childhood, depicting fright and territory, whose outcome was the Nakba- may have not been achieved. helplessness of Palestinian refugees at their the dispossession of the losing party. Such Holocaust survivors were given posses- expulsion. The victims’ expressions depicted a conflict has obviously recurred numerous sion of property of Palestinians driven away in these different art pieces are quite similar. times in history. and not allowed to return. Even though it is The connection between the Holocaust After reading this book I have gained hard to compare mass extermination to mass and the Nakba in the literature is raised in some new perspectives regarding the con- dispossession, the links and differences be- the discussion of a famous story, “Hirbet nection between the two. This is a collection tween the Holocaust and Nakba are threaded Hizah”, by the Israeli author S. Yizhar, who of several short chapters dealing with differ- in the essays included in the book. One of in 1949 depicted the expelled Palestinians ent aspects of these connections. It was ed- the Jewish Israeli authors states that the real as a “frightened and compliant and silent ited by two Israeli academics, a Jew and an source of Israeli anxiety is not the Holocaust and groaning flock,” alluding to the com- Arab, who state that their aim is to mitigate but the Palestinian refugees (“Nakba anxi- mon metaphor that described the Jews who or challenge the dichotomy between these ety”). during the Holocaust were led as “a flock to two narratives. “We propose another register Stories by Palestinian authors are dis- slaughter.” These impositions of literature of history and memory–one that honors the cussed in some of the essays, aiming to tell and art narratives of the Holocaust and the uniqueness of each event, its circumstances the story of the Nakba not only as a past Nakba emphasize the similarities in the re- and consequences, as well as their differenc- event but as an ongoing story still shaping sponses to extreme grief by both groups of es, but also offers a common historical and lives. One of the stories describes a Holocaust victims, a universal response to personal and conceptual framework within which both survivor couple who were offered by the Jew- national catastrophies. In my view, this book narratives may be addressed.” catastrophe of the other. Each sees its own ish Agency a key to a house in Jaffa which had has succeeded to convey this message. n The book contains chapters written by catastrophe as a unique event and seeks to previously belonged to a fleeing Palestinian Israelis and Palestinians dealing with politi- devalue or even deny the catastrophe of the family. Realizing that the furniture and home cal, cultural and artistic issues related to each other: denial of the Holocaust by some Pal- belonged to refugees, it reminded them how

Senior Living

16 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 Our café culture by Beth Dwoskin n his book, A Rich Brew: How Cafés Cre- became points on what Pinsker calls the “silk Pinsker explores the concept of the café performed in cafés, or to escape the night- ated Modern Jewish Culture, University of road” of Jewish culture. as thirdspace in six cities that were critically mare of life in the shtetl. I Michigan Professor of Judaic Studies and Pinsker emphasizes that the café was a ho- important in modern Jewish history: Odes- Writers such as Heinrich Heine frequented Middle East Studies Shachar Pinsker exam- mosocial space and that women were most sa, Warsaw, Vienna, Berlin, New York, and Tel Berlin’s cafés-konditorei, as well as Hebra- ines an unusual space in Jewish culture—the often present only as waitresses or owners. But Aviv-Jaffa. He discusses writers and actors ists during the interwar period. As in Vienna, café. Tracing the history of cafés from a Jewish there were four women poets who disrupted the who worked in the port city of Odessa, with hostile reactions from non-Jews were not un- aspect provides a whole new window into the homosocial character of cafés by asserting their its unique culture. Warsaw was the popula- common. In New York, non-Jewish observers post-medieval Jewish past. tion center of Jew- were astonished at the way that cafés com- Pinsker calls the café a “thirdspace.” For ish Europe and the pletely replaced the saloons and taverns of the him, this term from the field of cultural ge- high concentration Lower East Side. It was in New York that the ography is “ ... a geographical concept that of writers there concept of the café became bohemian rather enables us to understand the café in the way brought about the than bourgeois as cafés opened in Greenwich it is located at and mediates between the real beginning of news- Village. In Tel Aviv-Jaffa, the first cafés Pinsker and the imaginary, the public and the private, paper publishing in describes were in Jaffa, run by Arabs or Sep- elitist culture ... the thirdspace of the café sits Hebrew and Yid- hardic Jews and frequented by a mixed crowd. on the threshold between Jew and gentile, mi- dish, conceived in The cafés of Tel Aviv were classic thirdspaces, grant and ‘native,’ idleness and productivity, the city’s cafés. filled with tension between the idlers and of- and masculine and feminine.” He uses this Cafés, or cof- fice workers of the city and the kibbutz workers term to describe the diverse people and the feehouses, were who felt that they were the true builders of the activity in the café. Jewish owners and clien- so integral to Vi- new state. The language wars of the pre-state tele in cafés were Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and enna’s identity that era were also fought in cafés. Mizrahi, natives, immigrants, and refugees, in 2011, UNESCO Pinsker’s book spans the years from the writers and poets, businessmen, actors, artists, designated “Vien- mid-nineteenth century to the 1970’s, crosses and local white collar workers. nese coffeehouse continents, and is filled with details about in- As soon as they arrived in a new city, Jew- culture” as “pro- numerable writers, actors, and artists, as well as ish men went to the local café. After they set- unsettling female presence: Else Lasker-Schüler, tected intangible cultural heritage.” Vienna examinations of poems, novels, and feuilletons. tled, they came every night to eat and drink, to Leah Goldberg, Anna Margolin, and Veza Ca- was the place where assimilated Jews were As a completely novel way of understanding read newspapers, to write, and to discuss poli- netti. These women were part of the fluidity and most likely to meet non-Jews in coffeehous- modern Jewish history, it is indeed a “rich brew.” tics, business, and the arts. The café became instability that made Jewish cafés thirdspaces. es. But there were also a number of immi- A Rich Brew is the 2019 winner of the As- a substitute beyt midrash (house of study) Pinsker points out that in cities such as Vienna, grants from Eastern Europe who came to sociation for Jewish Studies Jordan Schnitzer for enlightened, secularized Jewish men. As women were more likely to be present at a salon, Vienna’s coffeehouses to write and argue for Award in the category of Jewish Literature Jews moved from small towns to cities, cafés a space that bore some resemblance to a café. Hebrew literature, to watch Yiddish theater and Linguistics. n

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Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 17 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 I Federation

An eye-opening evening on counterterrorism Stephanie Glass. Special to the WJN n Monday, November 4, the Cardozo ing the audience question and answer period, gan. This event is in partnership with the Jew- Society hosted a timely and deeply several questions focused on the threat to Israel ish Community Relations Community and will O informative talk with Tom Warrick, from Syria and Lebanon, the rising danger of provide our community with an in-depth look former U.S. Department of Homeland Security anti-Semitism, and the current impeachment into her current initiatives regarding civil rights Deputy Secretary for Counterterrorism policy. proceedings. While Mr. Warrick’s talk was not in the state of Michigan.” Mr. Warrick now serves as a nonresident Senior a light topic, he brought knowledge, energy, and Mr. Warrick’s talk was the first of three Fellow for the Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan humor into his discussion, regaling the audience events that the Cardozo Society will be hosting organization focused on international affairs. Joan Lowenstein, Jerry Lax, Tom Warrick with a variety of “inside the beltway” stories. for the 2019-2020 campaign year. Registration Mr. Warrick’s area of expertise includes terror- Jerry Lax, Cardozo Society Co-chair, shared for their next event with Dana Nessel is available ism and disinformation with a regional focus much of what he shared with the over 40 people that he was “pleased to have presented an op- at www.jewishannarbor.org/nessel20. on the Middle East. His presentation and subse- in attendance was “off the record,” Mr. War- portunity for individuals to hear from Mr. War- For more information about the Cardozo quent interview with Cardozo Society Co-chair, rick did share broad areas of concern includ- rick, an expert in counterterrorism policy. We Society, please visit www.jewishannarbor.org/ Joan Lowenstein, was an eye-opening look into ing the threat of domestic terrorism, the role are also happy to invite Cardozo members and get-involved/cardozo-society or contact Sharyn J. the United States’ past and current work around of foreign interference in past and potentially the community to our next event on January 22 Gallatin, Chief Development Officer, at sharyn@ countering terrorism in the Middle East. While future U.S. elections, and the role of ISIS. Dur- with Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michi- jewishannarbor.org or 734-773-3535. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 19 I Jewish World

These Jews, and an Israeli Arab, made Time magazine’s new list of ‘rising stars’ Josefin Dolsten (JTA) — Time magazine is building on its reverent?” Wilde asks. “So prepared and yet list of the most influential people of the year so present? Such a strong physical come- by releasing a list of “rising stars,” or what it dian and a subtle dramatic actor?” calls the Time 100 Next. Ezra Miller The list features what the publication says Miller is a 27-year-old genderqueer actor is an increasing number of influential people who got his big break in “We Need to Talk who aren’t establishment types — the world About Kevin.” Most recently he appeared in leaders, CEOs of big companies and block- the Harry Potter spinoff “Fantastic Beasts” buster actors that make up its Time 100 list. films. “Miller has fully embraced and broad- The new list includes a diverse range of cast the pieces of his life that set him apart, figures, from pop star Camila Cabello to the from his love for his 95-acre farm in Ver- viral rapper Lil Nas X to presidential hopeful mont to his queerness, gender fluidity and Pete Buttigieg. Among them are a few Jews polyamory,” reads Time blurb about him. and one Israeli politician. Aly Raisman Keep reading to learn more about them. The 25-year-old Olympic gymnast made Beanie Feldstein waves last year after she testified at the trial Feldstein, 26, became a household of Larry Nasser, the former USA Gymnas- name after portraying the quirky best tics doctor who was convicted of molesting friend of the title character in the 2017 girls. “Aly is a true role model, inspiring and film “Lady Bird.” Recently she appeared in urging all of us to be proud of who we are, inside and out, and to learn that confidence is the most beautiful thing of all,” model and activist Ashley Graham writes of the six- time medalist, including three golds. Audrey Gelman The 32-year-old businesswoman is the founder of The Wing, a women’s co-work- ing space and social club in New York that now has nine locations in the United States and England. “As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Audrey Gelman relied on coffee shops and Amtrak bathrooms to change clothes between commitments,” her listing in Time reads. “It was this experience — and her desire for a more professional alternative — that first inspired The Wing.” Zach Weinberg In 2012, Weinberg founded Flatiron Health with his college friend Nat Turner. The health tech company uses data from millions of patients to improve cancer care. “Flatiron’s software helps researchers track which cancer treatments — at which doses, Beanie Feldstein at the 2019 Billboard Music delivered at which times — work for which Awards at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, patients,” the blurb reads. May 1, 2019. (Daniel Torok/Patrick McMul- lan via Getty Images)

“Booksmart,” a comedy about two nerdy high school seniors directed by actress Olivia Wilde, who penned Time’s blurb on Feldstein. “Who else is that earnest and ir-

Ayman Odeh Odeh, a 44-year-old Arab-Israeli law- maker, leads the Joint List, a coalition of Arab parties that ended up endorsing Benny Gantz’s bid to become prime minister. “As the contest for leadership of the self-de- clared Jewish state teetered between right- wing and centrist factions, Odeh emerged not only as a possible kingmaker but also as a stirring new voice for equality and inclu- sion,” writes Karl Vick, Time’s former Jeru- salem bureau chief. n

20 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 Virginia House has first Jewish speaker Marcy Oster (JTA) — The Virginia House of Delegates will have come so far since then. We have the most have its first female and first Jewish speaker. diverse House Caucus in our history, which in- The current minority leader, Democrat Ei- cludes cultural, gender and geographic diver- leen Filler-Corn, 55, of Fairfax County, Virginia, sity. It also means a diversity of experience and was chosen as speaker by the House’s incoming perspectives on issues that affect Virginians, in Democrats. She has served in the state General all regions,” she said in the statement. Assembly since 2010. Democrats won a majority in the Virginia Filler-Corn said in a statement that she is State house on Tuesday. It is the first time in 20 “humbled and honored” to have been chosen years that Democrats will be the majority, The speaker by her colleagues. Associated Press reported. “The firsts are not lost one me – the first Filler-Corn is on the board of directors woman and the first Jewish person elected of the Washington region’s American Jewish Speaker-designee in our 400-year legislative Committee chapter. Until Saturday she had history – but it doesn’t define me. When I been serving as leader of the Virginia House joined this body less than 10 years ago, I was the Democratic Caucus. only mom serving with school-aged kids. We ‘Elena of Avalor’ celebrates Chanukah Marcy Oster (JTA) — Disney is introducing a Latina Jewish Avalor. The third season launches in October. princess who celebrates Chanukah. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, the Jewish actress who The princess, still to be named, will appear played Meadow on “The Sopranos,” will pro- on the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor” vide the voice for the new princess. in December. The Chanukah-themed episode “I am so excited to voice Disney’s first Jew- will feature a visiting princess who is from a ish princess,” she tweeted Tuesday. “Latino Jewish kingdom,” the Disney Channel This despite the fact that actress Sarah Sil- announced. verman asserted last year that her character The series centers on Princess Elena Castillo in Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” Vanellope von Flores, a 16-year-old who saves her kingdom Schweetz, is a Jewish princess. from an evil sorceress. For the past two sea- Walt Disney, the company’s late founder, is sons, the teenager has been learning to govern infamous for having held anti-Semitic views. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 21 I Kosher Cuisine

Oy, what you can do with oil and dairy Visualize new Jewish food Lonnie Sussman, special to the WJN by Lonnie Sussman few years ago, I wrote how much I ¼ cup oil for frying here are a number of new cookbooks Israel and the traditions from all over the world dislike the song “Oh Chanukah, oh Puree ½ cup of the cooked corn. Mix pureed on the market that highlight Israeli that were brought to Israel by immigrants over AChanukah” because it is a boring way corn with bell pepper, celery, salt, pepper, cay- T cooking. I already have a number of to sing about parties, happiness and joy. Still, enne, cumin and flour. Stir in the remaining older books on Israeli food, so it is interesting there are tons of other Chanukah songs that I 1½cups corn kernels. Heat ¼ cup oil in deep to see what is new in this field. Joan Nathan’s do love. Most of them are in Hebrew and I have frying pan and drop heaping tablespoon of book, The Foods of Israel Today was printed in strong emotional connections to them. Most I mixture into the pan. Flatten slightly and fry 2001. The Book of New Israeli Food by Janna learned as a child. I loved singing "Maoz Tzur" on each sided for two or three minutes, drain Gur was published in 2007. Earlier books in- with my dad as we sang all the verses. I don’t on paper towels. Stir batter between each clude What’s Cooking in Israel? by Margalit really care for the dreidel song but it was, and batch, n still is, the song of nursery school. As an adult Banai and A Taste of Tradition by Ruth Sarkis, I learned and love the song “Banu Choshech which were both printed in 1972. l’Garesh” where we come to “banish the night Curried Cauliflower Pancakes, And then along came Yotam Ottolenghi, an with lights.” It uses the Hebrew word “Eitan” makes 6 servings Israeli who moved to London and has restau- which means strong or lasting but is also the 1 large head of cauliflower, about 2 rants, columns in newspapers, and a number name of our youngest son. Aw…. pounds, divided into medium florets. of best-selling cookbooks, including Jerusalem, I love lighting candles so people outside can 5-6 TBL vegetable oil highlighting, among other types of food, the see the lights. I love being with our extended 1 medium onion, finely chopped food of Israel. family and each family lighting its own hanuki- 1 tsp. curry powder This past year saw another group of new ½ tsp. ground cumin ah. How can we not love eating potato latkes cookbooks celebrating the many ethnic food Salt and pepper to taste with applesauce or sour cream? Why do French traditions in Israel and around the world today. fries need ketchup but latkes, a different form 6 TBL unseasoned bread crumbs of fried potatoes do not go with ketchup? We 2 large eggs. Einat Admony and Janna Gur have collabo- get that the miracle of the oil lasting eight days rated on the book Shuk: From Market to Table, led to the overindulgence of oil consumption the Heart of Israeli Home Cooking. Admony Cook the cauliflower in a large pan of boil- owns two New York restaurants and wrote a the centuries. during this holiday but why potatoes or dough- ing, salted, water uncovered over high heat nuts? for about 12 minutes. It should be very first cookbook a few years ago,Balaboosta , that Sabich, the Israeli street food that is part Eating food that is connected to the histori- tender. Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbs. oil in a large, reflected her Israeli background and the foods of the triumvirate of pita sandwiches that in- cal or spiritual meaning of holidays is beauti- heavy skillet and add the onion and cook of her childhood. Janna Gur has also writ- cludes schwarma and falafel, is featured in all ful. For example, many Jews eat a dairy meal over medium heat until golden brown. Add ten a number of cookbooks (see my reference three books. It is easy to make, and you can feel because of an apocryphal story. A woman the curry and cumin and sauté for about 30 above). free to change or add other vegetables instead of named Judith, maybe a member of the Has- seconds. Drain the cauliflower very well and Another recent cookbook is Israeli Soul by eggplant. It is less a recipe than a concept. Take monean family, had an audience with the en- mash it with a fork or chop it in a food pro- Michael Solomonov, he of the James Beard a pita, shmear it with hummus, add grilled or emy general, Holofernes, who invited her to a cessor. Leave some small pieces. Transfer to a banquet where she only ate dairy foods. She fed Award winning cookbook, Zahav. He is yet fried eggplant slices (or charred cauliflower), bowl and mix in the sautéed onion mixture. another of the chefs who have emigrated from slices of hard-boiled eggs, pickles, vegetables, the general cheese and milk until he was very Add the breadcrumbs and eggs and mix well. thirsty. Then she gave him wine and when he Israel to other countries but who take their amba and top with tachina. In Shuk, the origin Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture memories and traditions, adapt them to their story is told that an Iraqi Jew named Sabich became drunk and fell into a stupor, she killed and flatten it into a cake about ½ inch thick. new homes, and blend old with new to create him. When his soldiers learned of his death Add 4 or 5 more cakes but don’t crowd the Halabi invented the sandwich as he fed bus they fled, and the Jews were saved. Dairy foods pan. Fry over each side until brown. vibrant cuisines, businesses and books. drivers in Ramat Gan. became a reminder of Judith’s valor and the tri- There is also Adeena Sussman, who is no The key ingredient is amba, a spicy sauce umph of the Maccabees. relation as far as I know. She wrote food articles that may be related to mango chutney. It ar- Since the holiday food is really about oil Vegetable Chili for Hadassah Magazine and other publications rived in Israel in the 1950’s with Iraqi immi- and dairy foods I’d like to suggest the follow- from Fiddler in the Kitchen, by the Detroit and cookbooks. Sababa, her newest, has made grants and is as popular as Yemenite zhug and ing recipes for a change from potato latkes and Chapter of the National Council for Jewish a huge splash. North African harissa. Amba may be found brisket. Happy Chanukah. Women All of these books are visually gorgeous, in Middle Eastern or Indian stores or you can serves 10 and the photographers need to get acknowl- make your own using Adeena Sussman’s recipe Cottage Cheese Pancakes I had to include this vegetarian version. I was edged. Quentin Bacon has the credit for Shuk. from Sababa. from Jewish Cooking Around the World by looking through the cookbook and found my Michael Persico has the credits for Israel Soul, Hannah Goodman mother’s notes on many recipes. Sigh. This and Dan Perez and Eyal Yassky share credits for 1 large or 2 medium unripe, green skinned recipe is from Bicycle Jim’s restaurant in Ann This recipe is for two people and would be Sababa. All of these books have fascinating sto- mangoes (about 1-1-1/4 pounds) great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We made Arbor!!! Do any of you remember this iconic 1 finely diced medium onion place? ries of the history of the food, of the food ven- cheese pancakes when we lived in Israel but the 1½TBS chopped jalapeno ¼ cup butter or 1/3 cup oil cheese was a very thick full fat cheese that was 2 TBS kosher salt plus more to taste more like sour cream than cottage cheese. Still, 2½cups chopped onions 3 green peppers, chopped 3 medium garlic cloves, chopped this is the lower fat version and is really tasty. 1 TBS ground turmeric 1-cup cottage cheese ½ bunch of celery, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1½ tsp yellow mustard seeds 2 eggs, separated 1 tsp ground fenugreek 1½ TBL Cornstarch 2- 16oz. cans of kidney beans, drained 1 lb or 12oz. can tomatoes, coarsely ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp. sugar ½ tsp sweet paprika ¼ tsp salt chopped 1 TBS each of salt and basil and add chili 3 TBS freshly squeezed lemon juice Blend the cottage cheese, egg yolks, cornstarch, powder and/or cayenne pepper to taste 1 tsp fish sauce sugar and salt. Beat the egg whites until stiff Cook all the fresh vegetables in large sauce and fold them into the cottage cheese mixture. Peel the mango and grate on large holes of Drop by tablespoons on a hot, greased skillet - pan in the oil or butter until soft. Add the a box grater straight into a medium saucepan. or frying pan. Lower the heat and cook on one drained kidney beans, tomatoes and season- side until puffed and dry, then turn with a spat- ings. Add enough water to reach consistency Add 2 cups water, the onion, jalapeno, salt, gar- ula and brown lightly on the other side. Serve desired. Simmer until the ingredients are soft lic, turmeric, mustard seeds, fenugreek, cumin with fruit, berries, sour cream or jelly. and flavors are well blended. Add more chili and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the powder if you like. heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally Okay, okay, okay. Chanukah needs at least until the mango and onion have softened. The Cajun Corn Cakes one or two latke recipes. Faye Levy writes ter- liquid will reduce slightly. Add a bit of water if serves about 4 rific Jewish cookbooks and in the one titled it looks like it’s so thin it might burn. This will 2-cups frozen corn kernels, cooked, 1,000 Jewish Recipes she thoroughly covers take 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly and stir in the drained and cooled or use canned corn. latkes. She quotes her mother, an “expert latke lemon juice and fish sauce. Transfer to blender 1/3 cup finely diced red or green pepper maker,” saying you can make latkes out of any dors selling in Machaneh Yehuda in Jerusalem, ¼ cup chopped celery food as long as you add egg or egg whites to or food processor and puree until the mixture Shuk HaCarmel in Haifa, and other markets is smooth and glossy, about 20 seconds. Store in Salt and pepper moisten it plus flour, bread crumbs or matzo elsewhere in Israel. All of the books have the Pinch of cayenne pepper (or more for airtight container and place in refrigerator for meal to hold it together and salt and pepper recipes and directions written very clearly and hotter) for flavor. She also claims that latkes were the up to 1 month. n ½ tsp. ground cumin original “hamburger”. Here are two interest- usually include variations on the basic dish. 1 TBL all -purpose flour ing versions. Above all, these books reflect current trends in 22 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 I More Food

Chef Michael Solomonov is helping to build a culinary school in Israel Josefin Dolsten NEW YORK (JTA) — Michael Solomonov, technology innovation center in the city. The the award-winning Philadelphia restauran- institute and center will cost $29 million to teur, has joined the advisory council of an build. Israeli culinary school set to open in 2021. The institute will offer a four-year ac- credited program, and the first class is ex- pected to start in the fall of 2021. “I always felt bad that young men and women in Israel or the region don’t neces- sarily have where to go to learn about cook- ing and the culinary studies. There are a few private schools now, which is great, but not at the scale that I would want it to be,” Ser- carz told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in 2017. Both chefs are born in Israel but based in the United States. Solomonov has opened a number of restaurants, and his Philadel- phia eatery Zahav was named the best in the Michael Solomonov country in May by the James Beard Founda- tion. Sercarz owns La Boite, an upscale spice Solomonov announced he was becoming shop in Manhattan. the inaugural member of the school’s advi- “We are seeing a renaissance in Israeli sory council at a press conference in New food as American diners embrace the cul- York last week alongside Lior Lev Sercarz, an tural melting pot of cuisines from my home Israeli chef involved in the project. country,” Solomonov said in a statement. Both chefs are working with the Jewish “GCI by JNF will be a new type of culinary National Fund to create the Galilee Culi- school, where budding chefs will work with nary Institute at Kibbutz Gonen near Kiryat the unique mix of cultures and cuisines that Shmona in northern Israel. Solomonov is can only be found in the north of Israel.” n also working with JNF to build a food and

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 23 24 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 I Calendar

and discuss books on Jewish thought and be- for non-members. Sign up with Mira Sussman December 2019 liefs. 8 p.m. at [email protected]. 10 a.m. Thursday 12 Torah Reading Class: BIC. This class is for peo- Thursday 5 ple who can read Hebrew and are interested Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 Sunday 1 in learning how to chant/sing from the Torah. p.m., Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Led by TBE Cantor Participants will be introduced to trope (the Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Emeritus Annie Rose. Harold Kushner:Nine Es- musical notation), with opportunities to prac- Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first the basic text of Chassidim and discover the sential Things I’ve Learned About Life (2016) tice chanting the Torah. Free for BIC members, Thursday of month for details. 8 p.m. beauty and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. - noon. Plus selected prayers by Alden Solovy. Noon. $72 for non-members. 11 a.m. Thursdays. Cooking Workshop: Jewish Baked Goods: BIC. Translating from Yiddish: New Approaches in Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Explore and create Jewish Baked Goods from Theory and Practice. Frankel Center. Fellows: the basic text of Chassidim and discover the East European Jews, Mizrahi Jews, and New Anita Noirch, Yaakov Herskovitz, Julian Levin- beauty and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. to noon. Friday 13 York Jews. This workshop, led by Amanda Fish- son. Room 2022 202 S. Thayer. 1-2:30 p.m. WTBE Chanukah Bazaar: TBE. Check out our Families with Young Children (FYC) Tot Shab- er, includes instruction and baking the sweet shop! All Chanukah Menorahs are 15% off Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. bat Service: TBE. All of your favorite songs led treats, which you will take home with you! Lim- the entire month of November. Contact Trina 1-2 p.m. by TBE’s tot team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi ited to 12 participants. $20 per person. Sign up Fuller, [email protected], with questions. Jazz @ the J: JCC. Jazz singer Nicole New and Whinston. Join us for macaroni and cheese, online at www.bethisrael-aa.org. 4 – 5:30 p.m. 3 – 7:30 p.m. pianist Cliff Monear. $12 or $10 for J mem- fish sticks, applesauce, and a salad bar imme- bers. To register go to www.JccAnnArbor.org. Photography exhibit. JCC Amster Gallery,Intriguing diately following the short service. Dinner is Monday 2 For more information contact Noemi Her- people onour planet, photos by Nancy Margolis. just $5 per person. Buy a punch card ahead of zig at [email protected] or call 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM time for a discounted price. Punch cards are Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. Rabbi 734.971.0990. 7 p.m. available in the TBE office. 5:45 p.m. 0-5yrs, Dobrusin leads a Hebrew text class, studying Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Monday 9 6:15 dinner, 6:45 Shira Service. selections from the Talmud tractate of Brachot. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Sharpen Friday evening services: See listing at the end of The text will be studied in Hebrew with English your wits and knowledge of the Jewish legal WTBE Historical Novel Reading Group: TBE. the calendar. translations available. 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. system by following the intriguing discussions This month’s read is Anne Fortier’s Juliet.. Caring for You Caring for Me: JFS. At United in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of 12:30–2:30 p.m. Way of Ann Arbor, 2305 Platt Road.4-6p.m. practical law, logical argumentation and mor- Saturday 14 Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. Rabbi al teachings. Study from the original Talmud Dobrusin leads a Hebrew text class, studying tractate. 8 p.m. Thursdays. Shabbat Limmud: BIC. Held before Shabbat Tuesday 3 selections from the Talmud tractate of Brachot. morning services by Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, The text will be studied in Hebrew with English this session will offer a lively discussion on Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Led by TBE Cantor Friday 6 translations available. 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. Parashat HaShavua, the Torah portion of the Emeritus Annie Rose. Harold Kushner:Nine Women’s Torah Study: TBE. An in-depth study week and other traditional texts. 9 a.m. Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life First Friday Shabbat: JCS. The JCS First Friday and lively discussion of the week’s Torah por- Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah (2016) Plus selected prayers by Alden Solovy. Shabbat includes secular Jewish readings, sing- tion led by Cantor Regina Hayut. The group portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50-9:50 a.m. will explore various passages from the portion 7:30-9:00 p.m. ing, candle lighting, challah and wine rituals, and Tot Shabbat: BIC. This special Shabbat morning The Navel of the Dream: Freud and/in Yiddish: a Yahrtzeit observance to remember loved ones. looking at several translations and commen- taries from a variety of scholars from Talmudic program is for preschoolers and their parents Frankel Center. Naomi Seidman, University of Children are welcome. 6:30-9 p.m. at the Jewish with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat Toronto. Room 2022 202 S. Thayer. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. (off times to the modern day. No Hebrew knowl- edge necessary to participate in the discussion. “Mystery Box.” 11:15 a.m. Taste and Tell: Abrahamic Culinary Worlds: Ju- Stone School Rd., south of Packard). $10 (family For questions, contact Cantor Regina Hayut at Parent’s Night Out. BIC. Catch a movie, explore daic Studies. East Conference Room Rackham $25). Registration required: jewishculturalsoci- [email protected]. 7–9 p.m. a restaurant, or take a much-needed nap! Graduate School. Experience an annotated din- ety.org. For more information: 734-975-9872 or [email protected]. 6:30-9:00 p.m. Drop your kids off at BIC and enjoy an eve- ner by professional chef Holden Wilson, author ning out -- or in. Dinner, snacks and entertain- Families with Young Children (FYC) Tot Shabbat of the cooking and history blog “AnthroChef” ment provided for kids ages 5-15. $10 for one Service: TBE. All of your favorite songs led by Tuesday 10 and curator of the podcast “History of Food.” child, $8 each additional. Contact Amanda at TBE’s tot team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Whin- This event features an illustrative tasting menu [email protected] for more info or to ston. Join us for macaroni and cheese, fish sticks, One Candle for Tzedakah: JCC. presented in featuring specific recipes from premodern sign up. 6 – 9 p.m. Abrahamic communities with a presentation applesauce, and a salad bar immediately follow- partnership with PJ Library, PJ Our Way, and Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. on their historical intersections and significance ing the short service. Dinner is just $5 per person. Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor’s Chai across Jewish, Christian and Islamic culinary Buy a punch card ahead of time for a discounted Mitzvah program. A Chanukah themed din- traditions. RSVP requested to Clara Nunez- price. Punch cards are available in the TBE office. ner will be provided by the Ann Arbor JCC’s Sunday 15 Regueiro at [email protected]. 7-9 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 0-5yrs, 6:15 dinner, 6:45 Shira Service. in-house chef, Carly Balmer. $12 per person or $30 per household.5:45 – 7:30 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. .Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Foundations of Jewish Family Living: AAOM Reading the Torah may be easy, but under- Becoming Jewish Informational meeting: JCC. and PJ Library. Monthly at the JCC. 10 a.m. Marty Shichtman, Jeff Bernstein and Robin standing it is no simple matter. Study of the text Shabbat Musaf Class: BIC. Participants will delve Saturday 7 Weber Pollak will answer questions about the with the classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m. into the purpose and history of the Musaf ser- trip. 7 p.m. vice, and will learn about the individual tefillot Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. Wednesday 4 portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50–9:50 a.m. (prayers) and how to more fully participate in Reading the Torah may be easy, but under- this Saturday morning service. Taught by Ron WTBE Chanukah Bazaar: TBE. Check out our standing it is no simple matter. Study of the text Sussman. Free for BIC members, $72 for non- Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined shop! All Chanukah Menorahs are 15% off with the classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m. members. 10a.m. from the teachings of Torah and contempo- the entire month of November. Contact Trina rary psychology, this six-week course takes a Fuller, [email protected], with questions. Chanukah Celebration: JCS. All are invited to fresh approach to the battle against bad feel- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday 11 join the Sunday School Chanukah activities at the JCC, including latkes, dreidels, and a ings, providing realistic spiritual mechanisms Barry Joseph—“Seltzertopia: The Extraordi- for remaining upbeat no matter what life Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined Chanukah bazaar. Please register by emailing nary Story of an Ordinary Drink” with Barry [email protected]. brings. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Joseph: EMU Center for Jewish Studies. 7:30 from the teachings of Torah and contempo- -Yiddish Conversation & to 9p.m. rary psychology, this six-week course takes a Torah Reading Class: BIC. This class is for peo) יִידיש טיש Yidish tish fresh approach to the battle against bad feel- ple who can read Hebrew and are interested Reading Group): JCC, Conference Room. Euchre Night: TBE Adult Lounge. Grab a part- ings, providing realistic spiritual mechanisms in learning how to chant/sing from the Torah. Combines the long-time JCC Yiddish reading ner or come alone! Contact Dave Ostreicher, for remaining upbeat no matter what life Participants will be introduced to trope (the group and the former UM conversational one, [email protected], with questions.All levels brings. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. musical notation), with opportunities to prac- about 45 minutes each of conversation and welcome. 8 p.m. ,Yiddish Conversation & tice chanting the Torah. Free for BIC members) יִידיש טיש reading. Free and open to all who are interested Yidish tish Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. in Yiddish language, literature, and culture; Reading Group): JCC, Conference Room. All are $72 for non-members. 11 a.m. level of proficiency and age of no consequence. welcome to join in at any time, or to just listen. Intro to Judaism: BIC. Though directed at A variety of topics are discussed with an effort Sunday 8 For more information or to make certain that we people who are considering conversion, this to improve participants’ Yiddish speaking and are meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot serious examination of the main dimensions reading skills, especially vocabulary. All are wel- Shabbat Musaf Class: BIC. Participants will delve H. Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin of Judaism --from mysticism to Talmud to come to join in at any time, or to just listen. For into the purpose and history of the Musaf ser- at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before sched- Jewish Holidays and rituals – is open to any- more information or to make certain that we vice, which is the additional service that is said uled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. one who wants to deepen their Jewish literacy. are meeting on a specific day, please e-mail El- after the Torah reading on Shabbat and holi- Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- This course is open to members and non- liot H. Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily days. They will also learn about the individual el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- members. 2 p.m. Ladin at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before tefillot (prayers) and how to more fully partic- cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the scheduled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. ipate in this Saturday morning service. Taught basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower by Ron Sussman. Free for BIC members, $72 and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. to noon. Level. Join the Theology Book Club to read Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 25 I Calendar

tion and to register your child/ren, please contact basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty vice, and will learn about the individual tefillot Monday 16 Director of Engagement and Programs, Amanda and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. –noon. (prayers) and how to more fully participate in Glucklich at [email protected]. 10 a.m. this Saturday morning service. Taught by Ron Sussman. Free for BIC members, $72 for non- Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. Rabbi TBE Families Monthly Meet-Up: Offsite. 10a.m.- Monday 30 members. 10a.m. Dobrusin leads a Hebrew text class, studying Noon. selections from the Talmud tractate of Brachot. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the Torah Reading Class: BIC. This class is for people The text will be studied in Hebrew with English basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty Tuesday 31 who can read Hebrew and are interested in translations available. 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. and depth of Judaism. 11a.m.- noon. learning how to chant/sing from the Torah. Par- ticipants will be introduced to trope (the musical Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. notation), with opportunities to practice chant- Tuesday 17 Monday 23 Reading the Torah may be easy, but understand- ing the Torah. Free for BIC members, $72 for ing it is no simple matter. Study of the text with non-members. 11 a.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. the classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. An in-depth study and Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Reading the Torah may be easy, but understand- lively discussion of the week’s Torah portion led the basic text of Chassidim and discover the ing it is no simple matter. Study of the text with by Cantor Regina Hayut. The group will explore beauty and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. to noon. the classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m. various passages from the portion looking at January 2020 several translations and commentaries from a Wednesday 18 variety of scholars from Talmudic times to the Monday 6 modern day. No Hebrew knowledge necessary Wednesday 1 to participate in the discussion. For questions, Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined contact Cantor Regina Hayut at cantorhayut@ from the teachings of Torah and contemporary Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined Tuesday 7 templebethemeth.org. 7–8:30p.m psychology, this six-week course takes a fresh ap- from the teachings of Torah and contemporary proach to the battle against bad feelings, provid- psychology, this six-week course takes a fresh ap- Back Door Food Pantry Volunteer Appreciation: ing realistic spiritual mechanisms for remaining Tuesday 24 proach to the battle against bad feelings, provid- TBE. 7-8:30 p.m. upbeat no matter what life brings. 9 a.m. and ing realistic spiritual mechanisms for remaining Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. upbeat no matter what life brings. 9 a.m. and Reading the Torah may be easy, but understand- 7:30 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. 7:30 p.m. ing it is no simple matter. Study of the text with .Yiddish Conversation & 8 p.m. See first Tuesday of month) יִידיש טיש Yidish tish Yidish tish Yiddish Conversation & Read- .the classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m יִידיש טיש Reading Group): JCC, Conference Room. For ing Group): JCC, Conference Room. Combines more information or to make certain that we are the long-time JCC Yiddish reading group and the meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. Wednesday 25 former UM conversational one, about 45 minutes Wednesday 8 Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin at each of conversation and reading. Free and open (734) 662-6613 at least one day before scheduled Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined to all who are interested in Yiddish language, lit- Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined from meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. from the teachings of Torah and contemporary the teachings of Torah and contemporary psychol- psychology, this six-week course takes a fresh ap- erature, and culture; level of proficiency and age of Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- ogy, this six-week course takes a fresh approach to proach to the battle against bad feelings, provid- no consequence. A variety of topics are discussed el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- the battle against bad feelings, providing realistic ing realistic spiritual mechanisms for remaining with an effort to improve participants’ Yiddish cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. spiritual mechanisms for remaining upbeat no upbeat no matter what life brings. 9 a.m. and speaking and reading skills, especially vocabulary. matter what life brings. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in at any time, or to just -Yiddish Conversation & Read) יִידיש טיש listen. For more information or to make certain Yidish tish & Yiddish Conversation יִידיש טיש Thursday 19 Yidish tish that we are meeting on a specific day, please e-mail ing Group): JCC, Conference Room. Combines Reading Group): JCC, Conference Room. For Elliot H. Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily the long-time JCC Yiddish reading group and the Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m., more information or to make certain that we are Ladin at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before former UM conversational one, about 45 minutes Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. scheduled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. each of conversation and reading. Free and open Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin at All-School Music Festival at Beth Israel Congrega- to all who are interested in Yiddish language, lit- (734) 662-6613 at least one day before scheduled Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- tion: HDS. 6:30p.m. erature, and culture; level of proficiency and age of meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first Thurs- cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m no consequence. For more information or to make Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- day of month for details. 8 p.m. Thursdays. . certain that we are meeting on a specific day, please el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- e-mail Elliot H. Gertel at [email protected] or call cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. Thursday 2 Lily Ladin at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before Friday 20 scheduled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. Thursday 26 Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m., Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal dis- Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m., Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Sharpen your cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. cussion about religion. Sessions are open to the wits and knowledge of the Jewish legal system Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. entire community. Feel free to bring your lunch. by following the intriguing discussions in the Noon–1 p.m. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first Thurs- Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of practical Thursday 9 Tot Shabbat: TBE. Tot Shabbat (0-5yrs) from 5:45– day of month for details. 8 p.m. Thursdays. law, logical argumentation and moral teachings. 6:15 p.m. Tot Shabbat Tastes Ann Arbor from Study from the original Talmud tractate. 8 p.m. Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m., 6:15–6:45 p.m. Friday 27 Thursdays Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first Thurs- Brotherhood Latke Dinner & Tot Shabbat Din- day of month for details. 8 p.m. Thursdays. ner: TBE Social Hall. Join TBE’s Brotherhood for Friday 3 Saturday 21 their annual Latke Dinner. Menu and registra- Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi tion details coming soon. Contact Brotherhood Friday 10 Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal dis- Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah President, Bill Parkus at [email protected], cussion about religion. Sessions are open to the portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50 – 9:50 a.m. with questions. 6 p.m. Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi Illuminate: An Experiential Festival of Lights: BIC. entire community. Feel free to bring your lunch. Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal dis- Chanukah Shabbat Service: TBE.. Sanctuary Noon–1 p.m. New event and fundraiser at Beth Israel Congrega- 6:30–8 p.m. cussion about religion. Sessions are open to the tion for people of all ages. Join us for multi-sensory Tot Shabbat: TBE. Tot Shabbat (0-5yrs) from 5:45– entire community. Feel free to bring your lunch. experiences, enlightening performances, glow-in- Lighting the Chanukah Menorah at Liberty Plaza: 6:15 p.m. Tot Shabbat Dinner from 6:15–6:45 p.m. Noon–1 p.m. Chabad. 7 p.m. the-dark games, a pop-up planetarium and more! Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Families with Young Children (FYC) Tot Shabbat Treat yourself to mouth-watering holiday-inspired Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Service: TBE. All of your favorite songs led by food and drink. For more information and to TBE’s tot team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Whin- become a sponsor, please contact Director of En- Saturday 28 Saturday 4 ston. Join us for macaroni and cheese, fish sticks, gagement and Programs, Amanda Glucklich, at applesauce, and a salad bar immediately follow- [email protected]. 6 - 10 p.m. Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah ing the short service. Dinner is just $5 per person. Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50–9:50 a.m. Buy a punch card ahead of time for a discounted portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50 – 9:50 a.m. Sunday 21 Euchre Night: TBE Adult Lounge. Grab a partner price. Punch cards are available in the TBE office. or come alone! All levels welcome. 8 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 0-5yrs, 6:15 dinner, 6:45 Shira Service. Sunday 22 , Evening is 1st candle for Chanukah Sunday 29 Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Chef Katan: BIC. Chef Katan is a program for children aged 3-4 and their caretaker. You and Tot Shabbat: BIC. This special Shabbat morning your “Little Chef” will make a traditional Jewish- program is for preschoolers and their parents Sunday 5 Saturday 11 inspired, mouth-watering vegetarian dish from with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat scratch! As this is a pilot program, we will be limited “Mystery Box.” 11:15 a.m. Shabbat Musaf Class: BIC. Participants will delve Tot Shabbat: BIC. This special Shabbat morning into the purpose and history of the Musaf ser- program is for preschoolers and their parents to six children in this program. For more informa- Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the

26 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. “Mystery Box.” 11:15 a.m. Thursday 16 Friday 24 Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin at Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah (734) 662-6613 at least one day before scheduled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50-9:50 a.m. Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m., Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal dis- cussion about religion. Sessions are open to the el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first Thurs- cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. day of month for details. 8 p.m. Thursdays. entire community. Feel free to bring your lunch. Sunday 12 Noon–1 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. TBE Families Monthly Meet-Up: Offsite. 10a.m.- Friday 17 Thursday 30 Noon. Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m., Shabbat Musaf Class: BIC. Participants will delve Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi Saturday 25 Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. into the purpose and history of the Musaf ser- Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal dis- vice, and will learn about the individual tefillot cussion about religion. Sessions are open to the Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first Thurs- (prayers) and how to more fully participate in entire community. Feel free to bring your lunch. portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50 – 9:50 a.m. day of month for details. 8 p.m. Thursdays. this Saturday morning service. Taught by Ron Noon–1 p.m. Sweatshirt Shabbat and Cholent Kiddush: BIC. Sussman. Free for BIC members, $72 for non- Tot Shabbat: TBE. Tot Shabbat (0-5yrs) from Join Beth Israel for one of our favorite winter- members. 10a.m. Friday 31 5:45–6:15 p.m. Tot Shabbat Tastes Ann Arbor time Shabbats that leaves everyone warmed, Torah Reading Class: BIC. This class is for people inside and out! Come dressed in your favorite 6:15–6:45 p.m. Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi who can read Hebrew and are interested in sweatshirt for a warm, comfy, and friendly Shab- Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal dis- learning how to chant/sing from the Torah. Par- bat morning service followed by a Kiddush lunch cussion about religion. Sessions are open to the ticipants will be introduced to trope (the musical with a variety of cholent dishes, plus as other entire community. Feel free to bring your lunch. notation), with opportunities to practice chant- choices as well. 9:30 a.m. Saturday 18 Noon–1 p.m. ing the Torah. Free for BIC members, $72 for Tot Shabbat: BIC. This special Shabbat morning Tot Shabbat: TBE. Tot Shabbat (0-5yrs) from 5:45– non-members. 11 a.m. Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah program is for preschoolers and their parents 6:15 p.m. Tot Shabbat Dinner from 6:15–6:45 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50 – 9:50 a.m. with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calen- “Mystery Box.” 11:15 a.m. and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. noon. dar. Parent’s Night Out. BIC. Catch a movie, explore Weekly Friday night Shabbat services a restaurant, or take a much-needed nap! Drop Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM Hillel Monday 13 Sunday 19 your kids off at BIC and enjoy an evening out at candle lighting. Contact rabbi@annarbormin- -- or in. Dinner, snacks and entertainment pro- yan.org to confirm time. vided for kids ages 5-15. $10 for one child, $8 WTBE Historical Novel Reading Group: TBE. This Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. Foundations of Jewish Family Living: AAOM and each additional. Contact Amanda at engage@ month’s read is Henna House by Naomi Eve. PJ Library. Monthly at the JCC. 10 a.m. bethisrael-aa.org for more info or to sign up. 6 Shabbat Service: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 6 p.m., fol- 12:30–2:30 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the – 9 p.m. lowed by tot dinner. Traditional Service at 7:30 Women’s Torah Study: TBE. An in-depth study and basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty p.m. Once a month Middle School Service at lively discussion of the week’s Torah portion led and depth of Judaism. 11a.m.- noon. 7:30 p.m. For information, call (734) 665-4744. by Cantor Regina Hayut. The group will explore Sunday 26 Shabbat Service: AARC. Every fourth Friday at the various passages from the portion looking at JCC. Tot Shabbat from 5:45–6:15 p.m. Pizza for several translations and commentaries from a Monday 20 Taste of Gan: HDS. 10 a.m. the little ones at 6:15 p.m. Service at 6:30 p.m., variety of scholars from Talmudic times to the Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the followed by vegetarian potluck at 8 p.m. Child- modern day. No Hebrew knowledge necessary Diversity Day to Celebrate Dr. MLK, Jr. Day: JCC. basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty care during service. All are welcome to attend. to participate in the discussion. For questions, Jewish Family Service of Washtenaw County will and depth of Judaism. 11a.m.- noon. For information, email [email protected], phone contact Cantor Regina Hayut at cantorhayut@ be hosting Diversity Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (734) 445-1910, or visit www.aarecon.org. templebethemeth.org. 7–9 p.m. Cooking Workshop: Appetizers and Finger Food: BIC. Astound your friends at your next soiree!! Shabbat Service: Chabad. Begins at candle light- Tuesday 21 Amanda Fisher will share her secret recipes of ing time. Home hospitality available for Shabbat Tuesday 14 her favorite tried and tested appetizers and heavy meals and Jewish holidays. Call (734) 995-3276 finger foods. The workshop includes instruction in advance. Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. 8 and recipes. We will make the recipes together, Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. p.m. See first Tuesday of month. Reading the Torah may be easy, but understand- which you will then get to take home with you! Weekly Shabbat services Shabbat Services: AAOM. Morning service at UM ing it is no simple matter. Study of the text with Limited to 12 participants. $30 per person. Sign Hillel, 9:30 a.m. Home Hospitality for Shabbat the classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m. Wednesday 22 up online at www.bethisrael-aa.org. 4 p.m. and Holiday Meals: Contact: welcome@annar- borminyan.org. Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined Wednesday 15 from the teachings of Torah and contemporary Monday 27 Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m. For other service psychology, this six-week course takes a fresh ap- times, visit www.bethisrael-aa.org. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. An in-depth study and Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined from proach to the battle against bad feelings, provid- Shabbat Services: AARC. Second Saturday of each lively discussion of the week’s Torah portion led the teachings of Torah and contemporary psychol- ing realistic spiritual mechanisms for remaining month at the JCC. 10 a.m. Ta-Shma/Come and by Cantor Regina Hayut. The group will explore ogy, this six-week course takes a fresh approach to upbeat no matter what life brings. 9 a.m. and Learn. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. Traditional various passages from the portion looking at the battle against bad feelings, providing realistic 7:30 p.m. liturgy with music, chanting and contemporary spiritual mechanisms for remaining upbeat no several translations and commentaries from a Yiddish Conversation & readings and discussion. For information, email) יִידיש טיש Yidish tish matter what life brings. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. variety of scholars from Talmudic times to the [email protected], phone (734) 445-1910, or Reading Group): JCC, Conference Room. For modern day. No Hebrew knowledge necessary .Yiddish Conversation & visit www.aarecon.org) יִידיש טיש Yidish tish more information or to make certain that we are to participate in the discussion. For questions, Reading Group): JCC, Conference Room. For Shabbat Services: Chabad. Friday night services at meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. contact Cantor Regina Hayut at cantorhayut@ more information or to make certain that we are Shabbat candle lighting time. Saturday morning Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin at templebethemeth.org. 7–8:30p.m meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. (734) 662-6613 at least one day before scheduled services at 9:45 a.m. Afternoon Mincha services Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin at meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. 45 minutes before sundown. Call (734) 995-3276 (734) 662-6613 at least one day before scheduled Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan: JCC. Tuesday 28 for Home Hospitality and Meals for Shabbat and meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. Presented by The Cardozo Society and Jewish Jewish Holidays. Michael Twitty: EMU Jewish Studies. EMU Stu- Community Relations Committee.To register, Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. 8 Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Generally meets dent Center BallroomAfrican-American, Jewish, please visit www.jewishannarbor.org/nessel20. p.m. See first Tuesday of month. the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Call gay, culinary historian Michael Twitty, author of 6 p.m. (734) 663-4039 for more information. 10 a.m. the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book of the Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- Led by Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg. Year, The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- Wednesday 29 Shabbat Services: TBE. Torah Study at 8:50 a.m. African American Culinary History in the Old cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. Morning Minyan with Rabbi Josh Whinston and South, insists: “America is the only place on earth Worrier to Warrior JLI course: Chabad. Mined Cantor Regina Lambert-Hayut at 9:30 a.m. Sanc- where I’m possible, and that is the dirty little se- from the teachings of Torah and contemporary tuary Service at 10 a.m. most weeks. Call the of- cret behind these hate groups. They are here to Thursday 23 psychology, this six-week course takes a fresh ap- fice at (734) 665-4744 or consult website at www. take away the possibilities that America the Ideal proach to the battle against bad feelings, provid- templebethemeth.org for service details. represents.” Mr. Twitty will talk about his work, ing realistic spiritual mechanisms for remaining Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every sign his book, and, provide a culinary demon- upbeat no matter what life brings. 9 a.m. and p.m., Shabbat and Holiday. Call (734) 995-3276 in stration.7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. advance. Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Lev- & Yiddish Conversation) יִידיש טיש Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first Thurs- Yidish tish el. Join the Theology Book Club to read and dis- day of month for details. 8 p.m. Thursdays. Reading Group): JCC, Conference Room. For cuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. more information or to make certain that we are

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 27 IRabbis' Corner

A little light can dispel much darkness Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, special to the WJN n the Talmud book of Shabbat on page the door while the candles of the menorah nating the negativity in the public domain– to directly affect the outdoor environment. 22a, they speak about the ideal place- are placed on the left side of the doorway. hence its placement on the left side. The main point is that most mitzvahs are Iment of the menorah. (Parenthetically, The mezuzah is the beginning of the house On the contrary, when we look at the done to affect positivity and are performed in peaceful areas of Israel even today the as perceived from the perspective of being mitzvah of mezuzah we are told by Chas- indoors. placement is the same as in Talmudic times.) outside looking into the house. sidic commentators on the Siddur, that the However, when we look at the mitzvah What is the ideal placement for the meno- The candles of the menorah of Chanukah mitzvah of mezuzah is equivalent to all of of Chanukah there is a specific requirement rah? It is to be placed by the doorstep to the have the opposite purpose. Though they are the mitzvahs of the Torah! If we look care- that the candles must be placed on the left house on the oppo- in a similar placement to the mezuzah, that fully we can see that there is something in side of the doorpost facing the outside in or- site side of the me- is, being at the doorway of the house, their common with the mitzvah of mezuzah and der to affect the public domain. This is what zuzah placement. purpose is to be perceived from the home’s all the other mitzvahs of the Torah. In the is so special about the Chanukah candles–we Chanukah meno- border outward in order to illuminate the performance of a mitzvah one is supposed illuminate and bring Godly light to the nega- rah on the left side public domain. Consequently, they are pur- to do everything with the right hand. tive side of the world in order to rectify the and the mezuzah posefully placed on the left side of the door- For example, when the priests of the Holy negativity and transform it to holiness. on the right side. way in opposition to the mezuzah which is Temple in Jerusalem would bring sacrifices This is symbolic of making the world a On the one deliberately on the right side. it was mandated that the procedure be done better place for God which is what we are hand, there is a The left side symbolizes negativity and with his right hand. If he didn’t use his right supposed to accomplish on Chanukah. When certain commonal- the idea behind Chanukah is that it is sup- hand, the sacrifice was invalid and he had to all the light adds up to a sufficient amount to Rabbi Aharon Goldstein ity between the af- posed to shed light on the darkness of nega- re-do another sacrifice. eradicate negativity and evil from the world– fixing of a mezuzah and the placement of a tivity in the world. Why? Because when we In general, when speaking of mitzvahs, and we have made the world into a fitting Chanukah menorah. They both are placed in speak of the public domain we use the word we don’t see the emphasis on illuminating, or place for God to dwell– then Moshiach will specific positions relative to the main door- “public” which is a plural–plural being the eliminating, the negative. Most mitzvahs are come, may it be speedily in our days. Happy way of the home. However, there is a major opposite of unity–and Godliness emphasizes done indoors and the ones that are done out- Chanukah! n difference, with two aspects, between them. unity. The Chanukah candles are supposed doors are simply being done there because The mezuzah is placed on the right side of to be outside, in the public domain, illumi- they are allowed to be performed there–not Inspiration at the zoo Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, special to the WJN he commentator Nachmanides of- tor” at the Toledo Zoo, greeting visitors mind me, of the wonder of the world. I sit on the little bench against the glass fered a beautiful interpretation of the and answering their questions. Who hasn’t My favorite animal at the Toledo Zoo is where she often sits and I talk with her and Tphrase that we say prior to beginning dreamed of working at a zoo? And one day Leela, a beautiful 15-year-old orangutan. I believe she listens and maybe even un- the silent Amida. Adonai Sifatay Tiftach: when a young girl asked her mother a ques- What is most interesting about Leela is that derstands. This isn’t unusual, as I feel that “God, open my lips and my mouth shall tion about one of the animals and she said; she interacts with visitors. When someone way about looking into our dog’s eyes and, speak your praise”. He said that the word “I don’t know, why don’t you ask the zoo- comes to see her, she will often come over when they let me, our cats’ eyes as well. But, sifatay can be understood not only as “lips”, keeper?” and pointed to me, I I didn’t expect it from an orangutan and it which is the p’shat, the intended meaning, almost cried. has touched me in ways I can’t describe. but it can also be I cannot cross the boundar- Each time I go to the zoo, I say a blessing related to the He- ies set up at the zoo to protect which tradition tells us we should say when brew word which is the visitors and the animals. I we see a creature of outstanding beauty: Ba- used for “the banks still stand on the outside. But, by ruch Atah Shekacha Lo B’olamo, “Blessed of a river.” Nach- visiting often and helping those be God who has provided such beauty in manides taught who come to the zoo to under- the world”. that we must wid- stand the animals better and to This is a critical bracha because it reminds en our banks and help them enjoy their visit, I am us of the importance of creation. This is cru- break through bar- able to celebrate a spiritual ex- cial because as Jews, we should not relate to riers if we are to perience of a different kind one God only as the God who gives the Torah but Rabbi Robert Dobrusin truly find new and morning a week. also as the source who created the world, in meaningful ways to praise God. Watching these animals, in whatever way we believe that creation took During the year since my retirement from particular, the gorillas and the place. Recognizing the beauty and diversity the position of Rabbi at Beth Israel Congre- orangutans, has left me abso- of our world, whether on a mountaintop or gation, I have been inspired by Ramban’s lutely ecstatic at times. I love at the zoo, is critical to our spiritual lives. commentary and have sought to learn more watching the two babies: Wakil, Usually when we think of crossing spiri- about subjects that interest me such as clas- the 4-year-old orangutan and tual boundaries, we think of reaching further sical music and art history. I have also tried Mokonzi, the orangutan who away from our physical bodies and reaching to pursue more seriously an area which has recently celebrated his second to more “heavenly” realms. Of course, I be- fascinated me since I was a teenager: the phe- birthday as they explore their lieve that is essential but I have also found nomena that are referred to as “paranormal limited world and interact with that reaching out to build a relationship with experiences” and to more seriously consider the others in their family group- these and other animals, our physical rela- how our minds can actually cross boundar- ing. But, while they’re funny and tives, has touched me on a deeply spiritual ies that we might have thought impossible. delightful, there is something level that I did not expect. These subjects and other areas of more con- else going through my mind. None of this is meant to imply in any way ventional science inquiry have always inter- I think about the sense of Leela that I have given up working with human be- ested me and I find myself considering the wonder that they display and ings. I love to teach and study Torah and I relationship between all of these subjects and that I’m feeling watching them and realize and sit down and knock on the glass. She have begun to work on a second book which my spiritual yearnings. that some of my sense of wonder has been sometimes offers a kiss or graphically dis- I know Leela will not be able to read. But, through it all, one experience has dulled over the years by the routine of dai- plays the food she has partially eaten which I Still, there is something about those eyes meant the most to me and any of you who ly life. This experience has reignited in me take to be a gesture of friendship. that have helped me look more deeply into are Facebook friends of mine or who have that sense of childlike awe in God’s creation. Frequent visitors and volunteers know my soul and for that I am deeply grateful. asked me the simple question: “What are you Abraham Joshua Heschel said we should live that Leela is fascinated with cell phones and Rabbi Dobrusin serves as rabbi emeritus of doing these days?” and seen my face glow our entire life in awe and wonder. I like to loves to watch videos, staring intently at Beth Israel Congregation. He posts essays and when I share the answer know full well which think I have fulfilled that instruction to a de- the pictures. But, what has astounded me is sermons regularly on his website: robdobrusin. experience I’m referring to. gree. But, I know it hasn’t been as prominent that when I look into her eyes, I feel like I’m com n I have the greatest volunteer job I could in my mind as it should have been and I’m crossing some kind of boundary between ever imagine. I have become a “zoo educa- glad to let these animals inspire me, to re- my world and hers.

28 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 Is it ever acceptable to lie? What is true? What is real? Rav Jared Anstandig, special to the WJN Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner, special to the WJN mong the narratives in the begin- ing up with explanations for the differences ike so many Jewish holidays, Chanukah straddles the line between myth and history. ning of the Torah that detail the between the two accounts” (Comment to Regardless of whether the story is completely ‘true,’ Chanukah exerts a powerful hold lives of our foremothers and fore- Genesis 24:29). After all, how many of us, Lon us because of the story it tells us about ourselves: Jews as ancient warriors, fighting A against a great enemy for the right to live as Jews. fathers, we read about Abraham’s servant when retelling a story, misremember cer- who is sent to find a bride for his master’s tain details or get the precise order wrong? How does the story of Chanukah compare to who we are now: Jews living in 21st century son, Isaac. Though the Torah never reveals The important thing, Rabbi Kimchi writes, America? the identity of this anonymous servant, Jew- is “Despite the differences in the particular Ed Pavlić’s poem is a reminder to pay attention to what is true and what is real in the sto- ish tradition maintains that his name was language used, the essence of the story re- ries we tell ourselves about ourselves. Eliezer. mains unchanged.” Ultimately, quibbling The Torah de- over such details in this story is unnecessary. scribes the servant’s Don Isaac Abarbanel, a 15th century Por- From “all along it was a fever: a what poem” trip in striking de- tuguese rabbi takes a different approach. Un- Ed Pavlić tail. While the Torah like Kimchi, who chalks up discrepancies to is not known for its accidental oversight, Abarbanel believes that The hard edge of historical light, it waits up for us verbosity, it surpris- the servant intentionally altered details. He all night. Here’s one brutal but apparently ingly devotes over theorizes that in an attempt to win over the necessary historical bargain: I said that the energy 50 verses to this woman and her family, the servant presents between you and the person next episode (beginning details in certain ways, even at the expense in Genesis 24:10). of lying. Abarbanel elaborates, “The servant to you is truer than it is real. This is not a randomly Rabbi Jared Anstandig It begins with a de- altered the instructions of his master and existing fact. It’s a collectively and intelligently and menacingly tailed description of the servant’s trip and hid certain details as needed to accomplish cultivated feature of our lives. Fugitive fact. his internal process for selecting Rebecca, his mission, including changing the order of This puts you both—puts Isaac’s future wife. Furthermore, it presents events” (comment to Genesis 24). Accord- us all—in peril, yes, but protects that energy between us. the servant’s own description of his expe- ing to Abarbanel, the servant knowingly riences to Rebecca’s family, despite the fact changed details to suit what he believed was If it were the other way, if that living thing between that his recounting seems to merely repeat a worthwhile end goal. us had become more—even as—real as it is details that readers already know. To be sure, modulating the truth for good true we’d be more protected than we are It is indeed surprising that the Torah ex- reason has long standing tradition in Jewish but that thing, that sacred being pends so much energy on narrating the ser- history and thought. The Talmud in Ketubot -between would be endangered. The intelligence vant’s trip and then recording the servant’s (17a) records the following debate between of collective action knows, somehow, that that retelling of his journey. However, what really the Academies of Hillel and Shammai: “What raises the eyebrows of the commentators are does one recite while dancing before a bride kind of security is far more dangerous—the kind of danger the slight differences between the two ac- at her wedding? The Academy of Shammai people become to themselves, then to each other, counts. says: ‘One praises the bride as she is, empha- the kind they become to each other, then to themselves— For instance, when the Torah describes sizing her good qualities.’ The Academy of than the peril in which we stand now. That’s a hard the servant meeting Rebecca, it records the Hillel says:’ One praises her as being attrac- historical edge to stand near, real talk, that’s the broken following: tive.’ Said the Academy of Shammai to the “When the camels finished drinking, Academy of Hillel: ‘Even in the case where back of a mother—black—skipped across a wit-quick crack in the servant took a gold ring weighing half a the bride is unattractive, one should lie and the sidewalk. shekel, and two gold bracelets, each weighing call her attractive?!’” In resolving this dispute ten shekels. The servant said: ‘Please tell me we follow the Academy of Hillel, as we do in About This Poem whose daughter you are?’” (Genesis 24:22- nearly all cases. What we consider a “white “All Along It Was A Fever” is a long sequence of poems that begins 23). First he gives her the jewelry and then lie” is permissible for the benefit of society. Pavlić’s book, Let It Be Broke. he asks for her name. This conclusion, of course, raises its own In contrast, when the servant retells what problems. What are the limits to this prin- happened, he says the following: ciple? Was it ethical for Abraham’s servant to “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ change details of his trip to suit his means? And she said, ‘The daughter of Betuel, son What are the values for which we feel com- of Nahor, whom Milcah bore to him.’ Then I fortable fibbing? And in what circumstances Chabad House December/January Calendar gave her the ring and the bracelets’” (Genesis are we certain that to avoid the truth is fun- Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the 24:47). damentally problematic? Tanya – Jewish Mysticism Jewish legal system by following the intrigu- This time, only after ascertaining her Unfortunately, short of turning to a Kan- Sunday 11:00-12:00 am ing discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud name does the servant give her the jewelry. tian categorical imperative, there is likely no Delve into the basic text of Chassidism and is a composite of practical law, logical argu- For some commentators, like the 12th one simple answer to these questions. Our discover the beauty and depth of Judaism. mentation and moral teachings. Study from century Provencian Rabbi David Kim- goal in life, perhaps, is to grapple with these the original Talmud tractate. chi, such differences are unimportant. He questions meaningfully as we strive to live Tea and Torah on Tuesday – For writes, “In truth, he told his story the way ethical and moral lives. n Women Lighting the Chanukah Menorah at it happened to him. We cannot start com- Tuesday 8:00 pm Liberty plaza 7 p.m. December 28. Other Chanukah Reading the Torah may be easy, but under- events will TBA. Phone numbers and addresses of organizations frequently listed in the calendar: standing it is no simple matter - study of the Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) Jewish Family Services (JFS) text in the original, with the classical Rashi commentary. Home Hospitality & Meals for Shabbat 1429 Hill Street 248-408-3269 2245 South State Street 769-0209 and Jewish Holidays Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (AARC) Jewish Federation Worrier to Warrior JLI course Please call in advance 745-995-3276. 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 913-9705 2939 Birch Hollow Drive 677-0100 Wednesday 9:00 a.m and 7:30 p.m Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) Pardes Hannah Friday night services at Shabbat candle light- 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 Mined from the teachings of Torah and 2010 Washtenaw Ave. 761-5324 contemporary psychology, this six-week ing time Chabad House Saturday morning services at 9:45 am Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) course takes a fresh approach to the battle 715 Hill Street 995-3276 Mincha services 45 minutes before sundown 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 against bad feelings, providing realistic spir- Jewish Community Center (JCC) Contact Rabbi Aharon or Esther UM Hillel itual mechanisms for remaining upbeat no 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 971-0990 Goldstein,734-9953276 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 matter what life brings. Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) Talmud– Jewish Civil Law All classes are postponed on Jewish holidays n 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 975-9872 Thursday 8:00- 9:00 pm

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 29 IBooks

Histories, stories and photos by Joanne Leonard have a vivid memory of being perhaps brave fighters for Spain against Franco. The Eyes of the World illustrates this with repro- er-tilting images in the design by April Ward , 10 years old (around 1950) and listening authors, however, resist suggesting they ductions from the magazines where works by might have allowed the images themselves to Iwith my father to a recording of the mar- know what the couple thought and felt. Capa and Taro appeared, such as Ce Soir and “star” a bit more in their own story. velous deep voice of Paul Robeson singing Though the authors have evidence that Capa VU. I suggest that a more generous space and A great deal of work (with the help of “The Peat Bog Soldiers.” It had been an an- asked Taro to marry him, they complicate calm, un-tilted arrangement on the pages of the International Center of Photography, a them of the International Brigades who went their descriptions of such moments by paus- book, instead of the helter-skelter of the ev- museum in New York City that houses the to Spain in the 1930s (Robeson among them) work of Taro and Capa) has been done by the to fight against Franco and fascism. But to authors to provide the images of Taro and this day, the terms that defined the conflict in not just the ones by Capa which are already Spain at that time have confused me. world famous and available. Taro’s photo- Now, after reading the marvelous history graphs were not always distinguished from provided by Eyes of the World, a book aimed Capa’s when they were reproduced – some- at young people in middle school years, I times hers were published with his name or have it straight: “the rebels” in Spain were the both their names. The authors make clear fascists and the “loyalists” were those fighting the many ways her photographs differed to save the Spanish Republic. The Interna- from his. Sometimes it’s easy - they were not tional Brigades joined the loyalists. always in the same town or battle – but the Eyes of the World does a lot more than authors also note that she was a very small simply help one understand what happened person, shooting often from a low angle. and what was at stake (fascism vs. democrat- She had a very different type of camera (one ic republic) in1930s Spain. Though as a book where one looked down onto a glass, rather with an exciting and engaging story clearly than out through the lens) – and these things narrated and illustrated it can stand alone, contributed to the different look of her pho- it also provides places to jump off onto the tographs. internet and learn much more: a list of relat- The book even reproduces two photo- ed topics worth pursuing even proceeds the graphs of the same subject at the identical book’s table of contents. Thus the authors moment and almost from the very same van- suggest readers may want to go online and tage, allowing the reader/viewer to compare learn background and history even before the two. This comparison puts a lie to Capa’s one dives into the book. much touted edict “if your pictures aren’t In a post-modern world, the word ‘his- good enough, you are not close enough.” tory” is plural – one learns there are “his- He’s clearly closer – her angle gives the better tories” and multi-facetted perspectives, not photograph! singular truths. The book’s authors – a pro- The subtitle of the book credits the pair fessor of Information (Library Science) and with “the invention of photo journalism.” a professor of English – have set out to tell Certainly Capa and Taro, along with their a story one can eagerly follow, but they let colleagues Cartier-Bresson and Chim (Da- the reader know there are many paths to get vid Seymour) who are included in the story through the years of history that are covered – were pioneers in making use of new pho- (the 1930s) and even to see ahead to where tographic possibilities. Their careers parallel all this is headed (World War II.) the evolution of the modern photo-mag- In its appendix, the book brings things to azine – first in Europe and then the begin- the present– suggesting readers consider par- ning of LIFE magazine, which also published allels to our own time. Today in Syria, as then their photographs. But in suggesting the in Spain, nations are standing by the terrible ing to consider what Gerda couple themselves “invented” the genre, they slaughter, “not being willing to choose sides Taro might have felt. Was she make a claim that leaves out the complexi- between unappealing allies.” not in love? Or was she just ties they are so careful to embrace in most And yet, this is not simply a history book not yet ready to take on a con- of this project of telling history. Printing but an engaging, illustrated story. It follows ventional role while establish- techniques, the small camera (Leica and its two young Jewish photographers who es- ing herself in her profession? counterparts) and the photo editors such as cape the growing anti-Semitism in their own I’m grateful on behalf of the Stefan Lorant all had crucial roles in “invent- countries (he from Hungary, she from Ger- young women readers that ing” modern photo journalism. many) by fleeing to Paris. From Paris, follow- the authors have taken such Finally, this is a book that points to the ing a passion to document what is happening care in portraying a female terrible dangers as well as the prized results in war torn Spain, they begin to photograph protagonist with complex of the work of war photographers – Taro the early days of this conflict. modern dilemmas. died tragically in a fall from a vehicle rid- The book gives a feeling for how cameras By including mention and ing to battle – she was only 27 – Capa pho- and photographic practices were changing illustration of Picasso’s Guer- tographed 5 war arenas but stepped on a in the very moments, months, and years de- nica, and by mentioning au- land mine and died in his coverage of battle scribed in the books pages, and how the lives thors like Langston Hughes, years later. Franco won the war in Spain and of André Friedmann and Gerta Pohorylle are both contemporaries of Capa reigned for 40 years. World War II follows changed through the very wars they covered. and Taro, they broaden their the history presented in the book, so clearly They even change their names, invent- readers’ understanding of there are no happy endings. Yet this is a ter- ing new personas. They begin to stamp their realms beyond photography, rific story and completely worthwhile book – photographs with “Robert Capa” and “Gerda where artists and authors for adults, not to mention the younger target Taro,” as they transform themselves into war- were contributing as well. audience. photographers and commence sending pho- They also invite the read- Joanne Leonard is a photographer and tographs to be published in the European ers to notice the very pages Distinguished University Professor Emerita of and American press. Often using the present themselves –innovations in University of Michigan School of Art and De- tense to describe the action, the authors tell page design were coming sign n the stories behind the photographs illustrat- about while photographs were ed in the book’s pages. placed on magazine pages. It’s a potentially romantic story – a man These photographs appeared Taro's grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery. Designed by Alberto and a woman braving danger together to in complex collage-like pages Giacometti, it features the falcon Horus, and the epitaph "So capture the terrible story of war with the or simply tilted instead of nobody will forget your unconditional struggle for a better hopes of bringing nations to support the lined up in grids on the pages. world" (in French and Catalan) 30 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 IFeature

Looking for Rose By Clare Kinberg, first installment in a series. or forty years, I tried to find my Aunt pened to Rose. That same year, 1975, my Rose, my father’s sister. I hadn’t known father’s brother Leonard also died, in a Fshe existed until as a young teen, I felt shocking murder suicide with his business her presence as barely a shadow in my fam- partner. With both brothers’ deaths just a few ily’s life. My father’s other siblings–Aunts months apart, Leonard’s widow must have Laura, Gert, Tillie and Uncle Leonard–were felt the need to keep family secrets was re- laxed. The liminal curtain that separates life and death having lifted for a brief period, she threw open a window. Their sister Rose, she told me, had run off with a Black man, aban- doning her young son–my cousin Joe–and the rest of the family. She was rarely seen or heard from again. Joe was raised by another sister, my Aunt Gert. I knew my cousin Joe well, and his two sons, who are just a couple of years younger than me. I may even have known that Aunt Gert was not Joe’s birth mother. But the rest of the story was news. This time, the reality stuck; my father had a secret sister Rose. There was a Rose whose life led her away from the family. Until that moment, my St. Louis Kinberg family was for me a cocooned milkweed pod from which I alone had leaked. In an instant I saw that an- other Kinberg had burst out years before. It was thrilling to know that another Kinberg woman had lived an unconventional life, had challenged the status quo, had followed her the oaks in the little woods of my childhood. heart, had defied racial segregation. It was an Our extended Ashkenazi Jewish family–my infusion of oxygen. father’s aunts and uncle, his siblings, their But “abandoning the family” is only one children and grandchildren, my four sib- way to look at Rose’s story. At the time my lings and I–lived in connecting neighbor- father died, I was consumed with the feeling hoods and saw each other at least monthly that his anti-Black racism had turned him at our rotating Cousin’s Club get togethers into a relic of what a human being should where we had dinner and the women played be. I was disappointed and angry at him spe- canasta while the men played poker and the cifically, but also aware that if I wanted my kids dashed in and out of rooms. I grew up own life to be different I needed to commit secure in the impression that the Kinbergs of myself to what we called then “unlearning” St. Louis were a proud and loyal clan. I had the racism that permeated every aspect of no idea that one of the trees had been walled life in America. off into a separate garden. I urgently wanted to hear Rose’s side of When, at 12 or so, I overheard my father this story and I resolved to find her. It took a preparing to take a short trip to see his “sis- very long time. ter Rose,” I barely noted it as a curiosity. Dad My Aunt Rose died on my 27th birthday, is standing in the doorway to the kitchen of February 6, 1982. I know that now, because our split-level home in suburban St. Louis I found her death certificate on the inter- County. The light is behind him and his face net in 2016. After unsuccessfully searching is in shadow; even though I am looking at for her for forty years, in one moment the him, I don’t see him. My mother is behind doorway to her life appeared on my screen. I him and I think I hear her say Dad is going to don’t remember what my search terms were, Vandalia to see his sister Rose. This informa- but once she was there in front of me, Rose tion is so unexpected and out of place that, Lillian Arnwine, I knew it was her. The big like a jigsaw piece that obviously doesn’t fit surprise? Rose had lived not in Vandalia, into the puzzle I am just beginning to as- Illinois, where I’d been searching because it semble, I put the information aside. I don’t is so close to St. Louis, but in the tiny town think I return to even examine the possibility of Vandalia, Michigan, not more than two of another aunt for several years. I don’t ask hours from where I lived in Ypsilanti with any questions. With a 12-year-old’s blink, I my wife Patti and our two adopted African file away the knowledge that there is a Rose American daughters. Vandalia, a mostly in Vandalia. Black farming town of 300 residents has a I might not have thought of Rose again compelling history, founded by abolition- until my father died in 1975. I was 20. My fa- ist Quakers, and several free Black families, ther’s obituary in the St. Louis Post Dispatch some who had been manumitted prior to included the phrase, “Beloved brother of the Civil War. Over the past few years I have Rose…” There she was again, the aunt I had learned much more about Vandalia’s history never met. Whoever submitted this obituary as a stop on the Underground Railroad and knew there was a Rose. A Rose we never saw, its role in events leading to the Civil War. of whom we never spoke. I have visited Vandalia several times now. My father died at 64 of complications re- I know where Rose is buried in an unmarked lated to kidney failure; he was about the age grave in a small church cemetery among some I am as I write this. Not long before he died, of the oldest residents of Vandalia. I’ve met doctors discovered he had only one kidney, a the descendants of her friends and the people condition he’d had for his whole life. among whom she is buried. The first time I It was the year my father died that I first stood near Rose’s burial plot, I resolved to write learned my family’s version of what hap- a book about her. This is its beginning. n Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 31 I Federation

Two communities, One family Jessica Weil, special to the WJN or the fifteen Ann Arbor teens program has highlighted the uniqueness who participated in the 2019 and richness of our two communities and F Nahalal/Ann Arbor Student Ex- enabled over 120 local teens to build life- change, Moshav Nahalal is a very special long friendships with their peers in Naha- community in Israel. It represents their lal, Israel. Each visit provides participants second home. On October 15, Ann Arbor the opportunity to experience life, as teens welcomed 10 teens from Nahalal for their and Jews, in very different and enriching return visit. When the Nahalal group left a environments. The program is funded by week later, they too felt they had their own the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Ar- second home. They left with new memo- bor Partnership2Gether (P2G) allocation ries, experiences, and friendships that will and the Nahalal governing board. It is an stay with them for the rest of their lives. integral part of the Michigan-Central Gali- The teens had the opportunity help at lee P2G program, which is a collaboration Jewish Family Services’ food pantry, enjoy with the Jewish Federation of Metropoli- presentations from fifth graders at Hebrew tan Detroit. . n Day School, tour Temple Beth Emeth, cel- and tours, the group bonded around Mich- ebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah at Beth igan football, group dinners, and their Israel Congregation, and share their experi- sleepover. Participants from both commu- ences of Nahalal and Ann Arbor with par- nities say they now have a home in Nahalal ticipants in the Third Thursday at the JCC. and Ann Arbor. Although Jewish and academic life in Jonah Seinfeld-Chopp, one of the par- America are a key part of this experience, ticipants in this year’s Ann Arbor/Nahalal there was plenty of time for local teens to Student Exchange Program shared that show their friends what’s great about be- this was the “Most incredible and reward- ing a teenager in Ann Arbor. Local teens ing experience I’ve ever been a part of! The accompanied the Israelis to AirTime Tram- memories will last a lifetime.” As this year’s poline, the Ford River Rouge Factory, and program concluded, Ethan White shared ice skating. Excursions to local landmarks that “It let me find my family in Israel and included a private tour of the Big House exceeded my expectations in every way I and painting the rock. could’ve imagined.” Beyond the site visits, conversations, Since 2010, this two-part exchange

DECEMBER/JANUARY EVENTS

THE GRAPES OF WRATH Dec. 5-8 • Power Center • Dept. of Theatre & Drama

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COLLAGE CONCERT Jan. 18 • Hill Auditorium School of Music, Theatre & Dance soloists & ensembles

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32 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 I Obituaries

Caryn Ann Simon, 43, of Ann Arbor, Gentileschi and the Authority of Art (1999). Pittsburgh, Carol Ann (Jon Engelbert) Les- old, in 1964. She met her husband, St. Loui- Michigan, died on November 10, 2019, after There were many articles and presentations, sure of Ann Arbor, and grandchildren David sian Rabbi Myron Kinberg z’l in the spring of a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was the some in Italian. Ward continued his scholarly and Rachel Lessure, Avi and Deron Engelbert 1968 while they were both students at Hebrew cherished mother of Hazel Anjali Demmon, and connoisseurship activities up to a few Lessure, and his extended family including University. He was in his first year of rabbini- beloved daughter of Stu and Ronnie Simon weeks before his death, providing expertise nieces and nephews Ann Willow (Barry) Ka- cal studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish to owners, dealers and auction houses about plan, Mark (Marjorie) Willow, Mimi (Kurt) Institute of Religion. They were married paintings attributed to both Orazio and Ar- Trepanier, Holly (Gary) Strasberg, Beth three months later in Jerusalem. Together temisia. (Richard) Otto, Alan Lessure, Phillip Reisen- Myron and Alice served congregations and This warm, kind and fun-loving man beck, and Neil Milofsky. Graveside service the Reform movement in Topeka, KS; Kib- was known for his corny sense of humor es- will take place before interment at Adath Is- butz Ma’ale Chamisha and Jerusalem in Israel pecially his puns. He was a huge fan of UM rael cemetery on November 14, 2019, at 2:30 (1974-1977); Eugene, OR; and East Hampton, sports and ended every Friday lecture during pm. Shiva will be observed by their children NY. Myron died in 1996 and Alice went on to football season with “Go Blue!” He loved to in Ann Arbor and Pittsburgh. live in Portland, OR; Philadelphia, PA; Olym- be surrounded by beauty, collecting art and pia and Bellevue, WA; and Boise, ID. In each antiques with the same verve he brought to all Alice Haya Lotate Kinberg, March 23rd place, she mentored Jewish students and made his endeavors. In retirement, Ward became an 1967 to November 4th 2019. Alice Haya Lo- abiding friendships. Their longest sojourn artist himself, making wooden wall sculptures tate Kinberg died November 4, 2019 in Boise, was in Eugene, OR where they nurtured and inspired by Louise Nevelson but imbued with Idaho from injuries sustained from being hit grew their family and the Jewish community. his own sensibility. Ward was born in 1936 in by a car as she was crossing the street on her Alice never forgot she had been a refugee and New York City and graduated from Towson way home from the library. Alice was born on an immigrant, and sought to comfort all who High School in Maryland. He attended the March 23, 1947, in Boulemane, Morocco, the shared this experience. She spoke five lan- University of Michigan as an undergraduate oldest of Meyer and Hanna Lotate’s four chil- guages, each with the French accent of her student, initially in pre-dentistry; he changed home. She taught French, Spanish and Latin. his major when an art history course sparked She was a cook, a talit maker, a Hebrew tu- his lifelong passion, and he went on to earn tor, and a ritual creator. She was interested a PhD in the History of Art in 1966. Ward in everyone she met, ready to learn and be- taught at the University of Wisconsin for sev- come a friend. As a classroom teacher Alice and loving sister of Bari Simon. Caryn was a en years. He then returned to the University effortlessly drew on a wide breadth of eclectic shining light to which those around her were of Michigan as a Professor in the Department knowledge of Judaism and spirituality. She drawn. She connected with the community of the History of Art in 1971. He was a popu- had a love and respect for both Sephardic and around her as an herbalist, birth doula, lar teacher, thesis director, and advisor, and Ashkenazi traditions and would challenge organizer, creator, weaver, writer, dancer directed and taught in the UM Study abroad authority when it struck her as patriarchal or and true friend. Interment at Arborcrest program in Florence Italy many times. He unjust in any way. Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by loved teaching with the actual works of art on Alice was the beloved sister-in-law of the The Ira Kaufman Chapel. Contributions may hand. Washtenaw Jewish News editor, Clare Kin- be directed to The Sun Shen Healing School, He is survived by his wife of 31 years, berg and she is survived by her three children 2466 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor MI 48104, Tina (Goldstein), their son Alex Alden Bissell, Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg and son-in-law Rab- or The Southeast Michigan Doula Project, and Ward’s daughter Kathryn Reed (Rob) bi Seth Goldstein, Oni Kinberg and daughter- PO Box 8371, Ann Arbor MI 48107. of Rockville, Maryland and grandchildren in-law Anika Smulovitz, Moriah Kinberg Adam and Lillian Reed. Also surviving are and son-in-law Nicholas Buffum; five grand- Raymond Ward Bissell, 10/23/1936 Ward’s beloved brother Robin and sister- dren. As a child, her family moved to Sefrou children Ozi Goldstein, Aviv Kinberg, Erez - 10/26/2019. Raymond Ward Bissell died in-law Sandy, and their children, Stephanie, and then the mellah (walled Jewish quarter) Goldstein, Ruby Kinberg, and Myra Buffum; peacefully at home with his beloved family on Jill and Robin. Ward was very close to Tina’s in Fez. Her parents were active Zionists who her sister Shulamit Lotate and brothers Mati family and will be missed by sisters-in-law together were responsible for many Moroc- (Rachel) Sde-Or and Eli (Susan) Barr; many Carrie Eder (Mickey) and Holly Goldstein, can Jews getting to Israel. aunts, uncles, nieces, n and nephew Sam Eder. Ward was preceded Alice made aliyah when she was 17 years in death by his parents, Raymond and Irvina Bissell, and his son Mark Weston Bissell. In ac- cordance with Ward’s wishes there will be no funeral, but a celebration of life is planned for Yvette Lundy, French Resistance mid-November. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to either member who helped Jewish families, the UM Department of History of Art Under- graduate Internship Initiative or to the UM dies at 103 Museum of Art fund for new acquisitions. (JTA) — Yvette Lundy, a member of the She would go on to become a schoolteacher Both efforts support direct engagement with French Resistance who provided false identifi- and also worked at the town hall. original works of art, an experience Ward be- cation papers to Jewish families, has died. She Lundy joined the Resistance at the begin- lieved was essential for everyone. was 103. ning of the Nazi occupation of France, the French news agency AFP reported. She provid- Alfred P. Lessure, MD, age 90, passed ed fake papers to Jewish families and escaped away November 11, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. prisoners of war. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry She was arrested, interrogated and impris- and Lillian Lessure, brothers Max, Jack and oned by the Gestapo in 1944, when she was Louis, and sister Pauline Lessure Milofsky. He 28. Lundy was imprisoned at the Ravensbrück Saturday, October 26, after a long life filled is survived by his sister, Ethel Lessure Willow, concentration camp and later at Buchenwald. with enthusiasm for art, architecture, an- his children Harold Scott (Melissa) Lessure of Later she later was assigned to a Kommando tiques, gardens, and his many friends. slave labor unit near Weimar and was liberated A noted art historian specializing in Ital- by the Russian army in April 1945. ian and Spanish Baroque art, Ward taught Lundy returned to France but did not begin for 35 years at the University of Michigan. He speaking about her experiences until 1959. was a passionate and exciting speaker who in- “The words of Yvette Lundy were a power- spired many students and had a following of ful call for citizen vigilance, so that the dark- retirees who audited his classes. Ward’s early est hours of the 20th century would never be work on the painter Artemisia Gentileschi repeated,” a statement issued by the office of was ground-breaking, coming long before Yvette Lundy is shown in April 2017 at the President Emmanuel Macron said. women artists became the subject of scholar- age of 101. (Francois Nascimbeni/AFP via Her memoir “Le Fil de l’araignée” (The ly research. He wrote several books, including Getty Images) Spider’s Web) was published in 2012. In 2017, Orazio Gentileschi and the Poetic Tradition in Lundy, who also survived two Nazi con- she received one of France’s highest honors, Caravaggesque Painting (1981) and Artemisia centration camps, died in the northern French becoming a Grand Officer of the Legion of town of Epernay on Sunday. Honour. n Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 33 I Vitals

Mazel tov Leo Wilensky on his bar mitzvah, December 7. Ayelet Lasser on her bat mitzvah, January 18. I Advertisers Alan Lampear & Anita Liberman-Lampear on the birth of their grandson, Ammi Jacob Lampear, son of Ari Lampear & Caren Minkoff and brother of Eva Ruth Lampear. Academy of Early Music...... 20 GiraffeBuild Design...... 18 Alex Milshteyn...... 3 Hebrew Day School...... 23 Condolences Amadeus Cafe/Patisserie...... 8 Hurwitz-Greene Real Estate...... 34 Robert Kleinbaum on the death of his wife, Aviva Kleinbaum, October 16. American Friends of Magen David Adom..... 13 Jewish Community Center...... 9, 35 Burt Steinberg (Ava Adler) on the death of his mother, Doris Estelle Steinberg, October 17. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 31 Jewish Family Services...... 9, 24,36 Tina Bissell on the death of her husband, Ward Bissell, October 26. Ann Arbor District Library...... 31 Jewish Federation...... 5, 18 Deborah Fisch, on the death of her father, Nathan Fisch, October 30. Jewish Cultural Society...... 32 Jade Choe on the death of her father, Tae Choe, November 2. Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra...... 6 Ronnie & Stu Simon on the death of their daughter, Caryn Simon, November 10 Ark...... 19 Lewis Greenspoon Architects...... 8 Carol Lessure on the death of her father, Dr. Alfred P. Lessure, on November 11. Ayse's Café...... 24 Main Street Area Assoc...... 21 Bank of Ann Arbor...... 24 Michigan Shakespeare Festival...... 6 Bivouac...... 18 Modern Mechanical...... 12 Brookhaven Manor Apartments...... 16 Pam Sjo, The Reinhart Company...... 20 Café Zola...... 14 People's Food Co-op...... 6 Cantor Samuel Greenbaum; mohel...... 12 Purple Rose Theatre Company...... 2 Capstone...... 20 Sweetwaters...... 23 Delux Drapery & Shade...... 17 University Productions...... 32 Dorfman Funeral Home...... 8 Vibrant Life Senior Living...... 21 Encore Online Resale...... 2 Women of TBE...... 2 Frankel Center...... 20

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34 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 One Candle for Tzedakah Celebrate Chanukah. Help those in need.

Give from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Registry... Bring a new item to donate to children who must spend their holidays in the hospital. (see jccannarbor.org for approved items and helpful links)

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Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020 35 from our family to yours. With your help we can “A candle is a small thing. continue the work of But one candle can light feeding, caring, resettling, another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle transporting, interpreting, gives its flame to the other. training, counseling You are such a light.” and supporting our — Moshe Davis community.

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36 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2019/January 2020