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$2.00 MAY 10-16, 2012 / 18-24 IYAR 5772 A JEWISH RENAISSANCE MEDIA PUBLICATION theJEWISHNEWS.com

» Earthly Inspiration Israel’s unceasing magnetism begins with walking the land. See page 30. ▲ » A New World Local artist Robert Schefman’s paintings explore ever-changing technology. See page 43.

» Lag b’Omer Bonfires Ex-Detroiter explains meaning behind holiday bonfires popular in Israel. See page 61. Collected Knowledge, 2012, DETROIT JEWISH NEWS Robert Schefman metro » cover story Brett Mountain Brett Brett Mountain Brett

Rabbi Mendel Shemtov; Bentzion Stein; Schneur Zalman Krinsky, Vilnius, Lithuania; Moshe Spalter, Costa Rica; Lavi Shemtov, West Bloomfield; Yudi Namdar, Gothenburg, Sweden; Shmuli Friedman, Bahia Blanca, Argentina; Moti Schusterman, Atlanta; Mendel Korf, Los Not Your Angeles; Mendel Marinovsky, Houston; Tzvi Alperovitch, Belmont, England; Rabbi Mendel Stein

erhaps you’ve seen them. Mother’s Teenage boys in white P shirts, black pants and hats walking on Northwestern Highway Mikvah to visit business owners before Growing Shabbat, or manning a sukkah on Putting a modern twist wheels in an Orchard Lake parking Outreach lot or driving in a parade of cars on an ancient tradition. topped with hand-built Chanukah menorahs. Rabbi Marla Hornsten at the Temple Israel mikvah They are the middle school Lubavitch Yeshiva Eduational Center’s and high school students of the Ronelle Grier | Contributing Writer expanded new home almost ready. Lubavitch Yeshiva Educational Center in Oak Park. he age-old custom of mikvah is taking some new Beyond their studies, which turns as modern Jewish women expand the tradi- Shelli Liebman Dorfman | Contributing Writer are immersed in the teachings of T tion and dispel some of the negative beliefs that -Lubavitch, an Orthodox have long been associated with the ritual. Use of the mikvah has become more widespread in recent years, with a proliferation of ritual bath facilities through- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 out the United States and Europe. Many of these are quite spacious and luxurious, even with custom tile work, like Mikvah Israel in Oak Park. While the mikvah once was used

Years primarily by prospective brides and observant wives in accordance with the Jewish laws of family purity, now the 61942 9- 2011 Covering and mikvah is used for a variety of other life-changing situa- Connecting Jewish Detroit tions, including recovery from illness, becoming a grandpar- Every Week ent or surviving a death or divorce.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 metro » on the cover

Lubavitch Yeshiva Eduational Center’s Growing expanded new home almost ready. Outreach Shelli Liebman Dorfman | Contributing Writer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Jewish movement with roots in Chasidism, the business owners and they, in turn, get their precious few after-school hours are hands-on experience, which is so vital to spent doing Jewish outreach. Currently, them, by spending every week for years and more than 100 male students in elementary, years having conversations with people not middle school, high school and rabbini- in their ‘shtetl.’ Sometimes they meet with cal school rotate the use of five classrooms the same people three or four years in a inside the Congregation Mishkan Israel row. They develop a relationship and many building in Oak Park, where the keep in touch after they finish school.” school has been based since its founding in 1965 with three students. Friday Boys Late this summer, the building will be left Jerry Beale met his first pair of students to the elementary students, with the upper when they came into his office 12 years divisions beginning the school year in a new ago. “They asked directly if there were educational facility built on the Harry and any Jewish employees in the office,” Beale Wanda Zekelman Campus, with most also said. A dozen years later, several pairs of living in dorm rooms on the 4-acre site. students have visited both Beale and other In 1990, there were about 25 students; Donors Alan and Lori Zekelman at the July 10 groundbreaking ceremony for Jewish men who work at the Beale Group in now with 100, the school has more than out- the new campus Southfield. grown its current facility. “I absolutely look forward to the visits of “The students are in the building nearly elementary through the rabbinate, said, have only three or four hours of free time the young men; it is one of the highlights of 24/7, some of them for six years straight, so “The education here is unique because we each week from after school on Friday until my week,” he said. “We discuss the weekly they really need the additional space,” said are primarily focused on not just imbuing Shabbat,” Shemtov said. “But instead of portion of the and get into questions Rabbi Mendel Shemtov, one of the school’s a scholastic education, but in attracting buying doughnuts or playing games, they relative to that have relevance to directors. “The students and staff are very students committed to devoting their lives choose to do work with the Jewish com- my beliefs.” Many students help the busi- much looking forward to being in a more to work hard to embrace the philosophy of munity.” nessmen put on tefillin during their visits, comfortable atmosphere more conducive to the in doing this outreach work. They The teens run the school’s Chabad but Beale does that on his own earlier in learning.” learn that every Jew is highly important and Student Outreach program. the day. should be a priority, no matter what his or On Chanukah, they distribute small “I have kept in touch with a few of the Continuing Legacy her religious observance level. menorahs throughout the community — young men after they have graduated,” he A significant component of Chabad is com- “Our students devote their lives to the in malls, shopping plazas and universities said. “We have gone boating and gotten mitment to Jewish outreach, with many in service of the Jewish people; it’s Jewish edu- — and build huge ones to attach to vehicles together for various other occasions. Since the movement becoming shluchim, or emis- cation with a mission to instill compassion and drive through town in a parade. On some have moved out of the country, our saries of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi for every human being and a love for com- Passover, they distribute handmade shmu- involvement is basically a call and discus- Menachem Mendel Schneerson, whose munity service.” rah matzah; on Sukkot, they build and park sion of life as we have become friends over mission included sending young couples That was the impetus for Yudi Namdar, mobile sukkot, inviting Jewish passersby the years.” throughout the world to bring closer to 15, who came to the school last year from to come in and make the blessing over the In addition to the Friday meetings, the Judaism. Gothenburg, Sweden. “We chose Detroit lulav and etrog. The Megillah Hotline is set students read the megillah on Purim for a “The goal of the school is to secure the because my parents based their decision on up on Purim for homebound callers who group that includes Beale’s wife, Gail, and future of Judaism, and we can do that by my education by the quality of the school want to have a student come read Megillat other community members. preparing these young men for this work,” and the learning, not on the convenience of Esther to them. “What I have liked over the years is said Shemtov, whose parents Rabbi Berel a closer location,” said Namdar, whose three Many also go to senior apartments to that these young men have been non- and Batsheva Shemtov came from Brooklyn older brothers also attended the school. “The visit with residents. judgmental and have been very supportive in 1958 as Detroit’s head shluchim, sent here plan to become a shaliach is the reason why And, on a weekly basis during the school of me and my family,” Beale said. “We have directly by the Rebbe. most kids are here.” year, the middle and high school students achieved a strong bond and friendship. “In addition to receiving a Jewish educa- Many of his classmates are the sons of visit Jewish businessmen and women on These young men have been a source of tion and going on to have Jewish homes shluchim, as is he. “The shluchim found a Friday afternoons before Shabbat. light when our family endured a tragedy as with Jewish families, they are also fully great school for their kids, and the kids of “They walk one, two, three miles to well as on happy occasions.” committed to going to the far corners of shluchim make up a great school,” Namdar meet with them in their offices or stores,” the world doing whatever it takes to further said. Shemtov said. “This is not mandatory; it’s Near And Very Far the mission of the continuity of the Jewish completely on their own, and both the busi- Remarkably, the students of the Lubavitch people.” Student Outreach ness owners and the students benefit. The Yeshiva Educational Center come to the Shemtov, who attended the school from “The students work so hard in school and students share what they’ve learned with Detroit area to study and do outreach work

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Neumann Smith Architecture Brett Mountain Brett

from 17 states and 10 countries. “The school has about 400 gradu- ates, with 90 percent choosing to become What Is shluchim,” said Rabbi Mendel Stein, the school’s development director. Chabad? Alumni who join the 4,500 shluchim in 70 countries are working Chabad-Lubavitch is a branch of throughout the United Chasidim, an Orthodox sect of States and Canada Judaism. “Lubavitch,” defined as and as far as Australia, “brotherly love,” was the name of Israel, South Africa and the town in White Russia where the China and at the more movement was first based 250 years Brett Mountain Brett than 20 , ago. “Chabad” is a Hebrew acronym Rabbi Mendel university Chabad for chochmah (wisdom), binah (com- Stein Houses, community prehension) and da’at (knowledge). centers, schools, camps Headquartered in Crown Heights, and organizations in Michigan. N.Y., Chabad-Lubavitch is guided Many, now settled in new cities, also send by the teachings of its seven lead- their sons back to Detroit for their educa- ers, , beginning with Rabbi tions. Schneur Zalman of through “Perhaps what I learned most during my the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi years there is the value of every Jewish soul Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who and how much each person and mitzvah died in 1994. matter in the battle for Jewish continu- In addition to synagogues and uni- ity,” said Rabbi Mendel Druk, a school versity Chabad Houses, in Michigan alumnus, who grew up in Oak Park. Now there are Chabad organizations, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Cancun including Friendship Circle in West in Mexico, along with his wife Rachel, his Bloomfield, providing programs and Jewish outreach work took him throughout support to the families of individu- the Detroit area and to Eastern Europe als with special needs; the Daniel and the Far East. He also led the Chabad B. Sobel Friendship House in West search-and-rescue team in New Orleans Bloomfield, providing friendship and after Hurricane Katrina and the Chabad support for individuals and families relief effort in Thailand following a recent dealing with addiction and other tsunami. isolating crises; F.R.E.E. of Michigan, “This value has been infused in every a Russian immigrant program in aspect of our Chasidut curriculum and Southfield; and Lubavitch Outreach Friday and holiday activity,” said Druk, who in Oak Park, with services including has been visited by many Detroiters travel- hospital and senior visitations. ing to Cancun. “Going at times to great The Lubavitch Foundation of lengths to meet with one Jew to perform Michigan in Oak Park, directed by Construction on one mitzvah, in return connects the finite Rabbi Berel Shemtov, is the regional the new Lubavitch to the infinite.” Lubavitch headquarters and includes Yeshiva Educational day and overnight camps, a mikvah Center in Oak Park Everything’s New and the Michigan Jewish Institute in The new Harry and Wanda Zekelman Oak Park, a college degree program Campus will house a 25,000-square-foot with a focus on technology, business building and a 20,000-square-foot dormi- and Judaic studies. ■ tory with space for 120 boarders. Currently, 60 students live in a 14-unit apartment Growing on page 10

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Growing from page 9 of Machon L’Torah, a vacant home and land owned by Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. complex owned by the school across “Both structures were torn down from Mishkan Israel. The purchase in preparation for the new building,” of the building was enabled by a Stein said. donation and interest-free loan from Sheldon Yellen of Bloomfield Hills, A Dream Come True CEO of Belfor USA. Until that time, Stein’s parents, Rabbi Bentzion and Grand Hall Grills students boarded with families in Chana Stein, principal of the school’s BUY BELOW WHOLESALE! • REFRIGERATORS the community. The future use of girls elementary division, came to the building has not yet been deter- the Detroit area as shluchim from • RANGES • RANGE HOODS • WALL OVENS mined. Brooklyn, N.Y., to teach at the school • COOK TOPS • ISLAND HOODS • REFRIGERATORS The educational building will be in 1973. After nearly 40 years here, large enough for 180 students and Stein, a director of the school, looks • DISHWASHERS • DISPOSERS • BBQ GRILLS will include a large study hall, where forward to moving to the new cam- • WARMING DRAWERS • ICE MACHINES daily and Shabbat prayer services pus. • REFRIGERATED BEVERAGE • DISPENSERS will be held as well as eight large “It is unbelievable; a dream we classrooms, a dining room, teachers’ didn’t believe would ever come true,” • UNDERCOUNTER REFRIGERATORS • WINE COOLERS lounge and staff offices. he said. “Now the students will have a The outdoor area will include bas- spacious, modern campus with every This is One Sale that is Too Good to miss! It’s worth the drive ketball courts and a courtyard. convenience they can dream of. This from wherever you live! The hope, according to Stein, is will surely impact their daily studies that once the campus is complete, the and help give them a rich Jewish edu- school will attract more students. cation to become the future Jewish 2 DAY WAREHOUSE SALE “We already hired two new staff ambassadors to the world.” members at the beginning of this There are 75 Chabad-based schools FRIDAY, May 11- Noon til 8p SATURDAY, May 12 - 10a to 6p school year in preparation for our in the U.S., not including the many future growth,” he said. “Next year, we preschools, with about 35 with This is your rare opportunity to purchase top of the will hire an additional two and con- high school and rabbinical school line Major Kitchen Appliances, many priced BELOW tinue our growth slowly.” divisions. The Lubavitch Yeshiva WHOLESALE COST! Over Half a Million dollars in The campus was built with the Educational Center has one of the showroom samples, discontinued models, open space option to add 20 dorm rooms highest rates of graduates who go on for 60 students and a second level to to become Chabad shluchim. crate and over-stocked appliances must go! the main building. There is no fund- Stein said, “We are registered with Bring your car, truck or trailer to save the most... but don’t miss it! ing yet for this phase. An endowment the Department of Education as are Or delivery & installation arranged by third party cartage company. campaign has been launched to raise all Michigan private schools. The old- $10 million for the campus upkeep. est grade just over high school is reg- I-96 The new Lubavitch Yeshiva istered as a branch of the Michigan Wixom Rd. Meijer N Educational Center is being built Jewish Institute, an accredited college 'LVWLQFWLYH$SSOLDQFHV Grand River Ave. on land on West Ten Mile Road in in the state of Michigan.” Distinctive Oak Park, between Coolidge and The school’s girls division, the 'LVWULEXWLQJ INC. Appliances Distributing Varsity Lincoln Greenfield roads on the former sites Lillian Schwarcz Education Center, or cash accepted *UDQG5LYHU$YH:L[RP0, No Checks Please 10 May 10 • 2012 Rabbinical students Avner Antin of Swampscott, Mass., Akiva Steinmetz of Southfield, Chaim T Samama of Strasbourg, France, Mendel Mimoun of Paris, and Yudi Browd of Queens, N.Y., all 19 Come Join the... TAM-O-SHANTER COUNTRY CLUB ESTABLISHED 1949

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Olympic Size Pool & Kiddie Pool based in Oak Park, has 120 stu- dents. It was renovated with a donation from Edward and Gloria Clay Tennis Courts Meer and family in 1997. The girls all live in the Metro Detroit area, Toledo, Ann Arbor and Flint and Newly Enhanced Fitness Center commute daily. Longtime Chabad support- ers Alan and Lori Zekelman of Bloomfield Hills set out Fine & Casual Dining to help upgrade the current 12,000-square-foot Mishkan Israel facility more than five years ago, after Alan Zekelman began frequenting the building to say NO INITIATION TO JOIN! Kaddish for his mother. Instead, monthly membership rates in November 2010, they funded the $5 million project for the new AGE 21-26 27-30 31-35 36-40 41 + campus. SOCIAL The campus has been named in MEMBERSHIP $50 $100 $150 $200 $300 memory of Alan Zekelman’s par- ents, Harry and Wanda Zekelman, who lived in Windsor, Ontario. Alan GOLF $100 $200 $300 $400 $750 Zekelman has expressed pleasure MEMBERSHIP in knowing his family’s investment goes beyond a local one, touching Jews throughout the world. “I personally know and knew the Zekelmans and their pas- sion for Jewish education,” Rabbi To Schedule a Private Tour Bentzion Stein said. “This campus will surely continue their legacy of Our Facility Contact of educating Jewish children who will in turn educate others and strengthen the never-ending chain Bashar Tobia at 248.254.8306 of our heritage.” ■

For further information on the new TAM-O-SHANTER COUNTRY CLUB Lubavitch Yeshiva Educational Center 5051 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD in Oak Park, call (248) 721-9871 or email [email protected]. WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48323 To view live ongoing construction, 248.855.1900 T go to www.zekelmancampus.com. www.tamoshantercc.org

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