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 Let there Channukah Healthier Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Permit No. 85 be music in sufganjot

Page 4 Page 14 Page 27

December 2014/January 2015 Kislev/Tevet/Shevat 5775 Volume XXXVIII: Number 5 FREE Maimonides Symposium to focus on Ebola Chabad to host Jonathan D. Trobe, MD, special to the WJN annual Chanukah veryone knows about Ebola. But, there are at least two people in our community who have special exper- celebration E Chana Sara Elias, special to the WJN tise on this topic. They can get behind the news and provide in-depth perspectives. They will n a room purposefully chilled to keep the be the featured speakers on Sunday morning, ice rink frozen, it’s hard to think about December 14, at a symposium entitled “The I an active, hot flame. This is exactly what Ebola Story: Are We Responding Wisely?” Or- Chabad of Ann Arbor is going to do at their ganized by the local Maimonides Society, and annual Chanukah on Ice event on Tuesday, free of charge, it will start at 8:30 a.m. in the December 23, at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Lane Family Auditorium of the U-M School “Not only are we bringing more light into Ann of Public Health. The speakers will be Arnold Arbor through a public menorah lighting, as Monto, MD, professor of epidemiology, U-M prescribed by the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, School of Public Health and a world authority but we will also create an intense dynamic of on the spread of influenza; and Eden Wells, Dr. Arnold Monto Dr. Eden Wells Dr. Sheri Fink fire grazing the tops of a carved ice menorah,” MD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiol- As a preview to this event, Drs. Monto Guinea. Then it got exported to neighbor- said Rabbi Aharon Goldstein of Chabad. ogy and director of the Preventive Medicine and Wells graciously agreed answer ques- ing disadvantaged countries—Liberia and Each year during Chanukah, many cities residency program, University of Michigan tions put to them in telephone interviews. Sierra Leone—and across the world. nationwide help to bring light into this world School of Public Health. They will be joined Here is what they had to say: JT: Where did it start? by having a public menorah lighting. Chabad on Skype from Liberia by Sheri Fink, MD, of Ann Arbor is excited to continue this cus- JT: What makes this outbreak of Ebola differ- Dr. Monto: In bats in remote rural areas. PhD, a U-M graduate and Pulitzer Prize- tom. There have been many different versions ent from every other outbreak of Ebola? Then it probably spread to monkeys as winning medical reporter for The New York of Chabad’s annual Chanukah events, such as Dr. Monto: This one got to the crowded urban secondary hosts. Then it got to humans, Times, who is covering the Ebola crisis. areas of a very disadvantaged country— Chanukah Wonderland and last year’s Cha- continued on page 33 nukah in the Jungle. The most popular event, Chanukah on Ice, is back again with all of the trimmings, including a dinner and many Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz to speak on ethics and family-oriented activities. Martin B. Shichtman, special to the WJN The evening will begin with a kosher dinner at 5:45 p.m. and iceskating to festive n Tuesday, December 2, East- penal reform, and immigration policy. He cial justice movement and is currently ex- Chanukah and other Jewish tunes will start ern Michigan University Jewish has used his position as a Modern Orthodox ecutive director of Valley Beit Midrash, a at 6:30 p.m. During the event, there will be O Studies will wel- rabbi to advocate for LGBT collaborative organization that offers the many activities for kids, including one for the come Rabbi Shmuly Yanklow- inclusion, including his sup- Greater Phoenix Jewish community excit- whole family—watching a huge block of ice itz, who will address the topic port for gay marriage. He is ing programming like the “Start Me Up be carved into a menorah. The cost before De- “ and Social Jus- a fierce and determined voice Fellowship,” an incubator that trains and cember 18 is $25/family and will increase to tice.” The presentation will for animal welfare— Rabbi funds Jewish social entrepreneurs to launch $30/family after December 18. To reserve, go begin at 7:30 p.m. in the EMU Yanklowitz is a committed innovative social ventures. to www.jewmich.com or call 995-3276 #5. n Student Center Ballroom. Ad- and determined vegan. Rabbi Yanklowitz has written six books, mission is free. Rabbi Yanklowitz holds including Jewish Ethics and Social Justice: In 2010, a young Mod- a bachelor’s degree from the A Guide for the 21st Century and The Soul ern Orthodox rabbi, Shmuly University of Texas; a mas- of Jewish Social Justice. His articles have Yanklowitz, exploded onto ter’s degree from Harvard in appeared in , the Huff- the national scene as one of leadership and psychology, a ington Post, , the Wall Street the stars of the PBS Indepen- second master’s degree from Journal, the Washington Post, , dent Lens documentary, The Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz Yeshiva University in Jewish and . Calling. Brilliant, charismatic, philosophy; and a Ph.D. from At the age of 33, Rabbi Yanklowitz has al- determined to make relevant and in Moral Development ready been recognized by Newsweek maga- exciting to all Americans, Rabbi Yanklow- and Epistemology. From 2010–2012, Rabbi zine as one of the 50 most influential rabbis itz insisted that faith is inextricably bound Yanklowitz served as Senior Jewish Educator in America. Dr. Jonathan Sarna writes, “Rab- up with the struggle for social justice, and and Director of Jewish Life at UCLA Hil- bi Shmuly Yanklowitz’s name has become that study of the Torah requires a concomi- lel, and he has taught at UCLA Law School synonymous with the call for ethical renewal tant commitment to ethical living. He has and . He is the founder and and social justice within the American Jew- since taken on such issues as labor rights, president of Uri L’Tzedek, the Orthodox so- ish community.” n I Community

2935 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 One Candle for Tzedakah celebrates voice: 734/971-1800 e-mail: [email protected] giving, not receiving www.washtenawjewishnews.org Clara Silver, special to the WJN Editor and Publisher he Jewish Community Center of about—giving. This program is the perfect way Susan Kravitz Ayer Greater Ann Arbor will bring the Ann to bring the entire Ann Arbor Jewish commu- Arbor Jewish community together on nity together in one of the most festive holidays Calendar Editor T Claire Sandler Thursday, December 18, at 6 p.m., for One all year.” Candle for Tzedakah, a com- Advertising Manager munity Chanukah event that Gordon White celebrates not the gift-receiving aspect of the holiday, but rather Design and Layout the gift-giving aspect of the holi- Dennis Platte day through tzedakah, (charity). Staff Writers Children who attend One Can- Mary Bilyeu, Sandor Slomovits, Rochel Urist dle for Tzedakah forego the gift they would have received that Contributing Writers night and instead donate one Shadin Atiyeh, Rabbi Ilana Baden, Rabbi Robert that they purchase with their Dobrusin, Alina Dain Sharon, Chava Sara Elias, Polina Fradkin, Rosemary Frenza Chudnof, Deborah parents to children less fortunate Fineblum Schabb, Jaime Geller, Robert Gluck, Rabbi than themselves. Aharon Goldstein, Linda Greene, Deborah Meyers Families will have the op- Greene, Bobbi Heilveil, Maayan Jaffe, Jacob Kamaras, portunity to engage in tzedakah Dalit Kluger, Yaffa Klugerman, Lucinda Kurtz, in two ways. The JCC has once Lighting the menorah, 2013 Joan Levitt, Jim Morgenstern, Avital Ostfield, Sue again partnered with the United Rebner, Ali Reingold, Matt Robinson, Sean Savage, States Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots One Candle for Tzedakah will begin with a Sarah Schneider Hong, Martin Shichtman, David Shtulman, Clara Silver, Yehudit Jessica Singer, Elaine program, which will distribute the donated kosher style dinner that will include traditional Sneideman, Elliot Sorkin, Maxine Solvay, Jonathan gifts. Also, families who attend One Candle for Chanukah foods There will also be games and ac- Trobe, Rabbi Michal Woll, Leah Zaas tzedakah will also be able to “give tzedakah,” or tivities for a variety of ages. After dinner, partici- donate money, to raise funds for Food Gather- pants can join in lighting the Chanukah candles, The Washtenaw Jewish News is published ers. Anyone from the community can partici- led by Israeli teens visiting from our partnership monthly, with the exception of January and July. pate by bringing new, unwrapped toys, games community in the Galilee region, as part of the It is registered as a Non-profit Michigan Corpo- ration. Opinions expressed in this publication do and other gifts to the JCC, as it is serving as a Ann Arbor/Nahalal teen exchange program. The not necessarily reflect those of itseditors or staff collection site for Toys for Tots. Donations candle lighting will be followed by a performance will be accepted through December 18. The and magic show by award winning, professional ©2014 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw donated gifts will be presented to the Toys for magician and actor, Tom Plunkard. Jewish News may be r­eproduced without Tots representatives, visiting Marine reservists, One Candle for Tzedakah is open to the en- permission of the publisher.

during the community menorah lighting that tire community with options to participate in Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should evening. The Marine Toys for Tots program has both the dinner and the show, or just the show. not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the a nearly 70 year history, and has collected and The full evening begins at 6 p.m., includes both editor at [email protected]. Name will be distributed millions of donated toys nationally dinner and the show, and costs $10 per person withheld at the discretion of the editor. to less fortunate children in regions both with or $20 per household (up to two adults and Circulation: 5,000 and without Marine Reserve units. Ethan Kras- children residing at a single address). Admission Subscriptions: now, director of Youth, Camping, Scouts, and to only the show costs $5 per person or $15 per $18 bulk rate inside Washtenaw County Family Programs at the JCC, believes that par- household, and entrance will begin at 6:45 p.m. Deadline for the February issue ticipating as a collection site for Toys for Tots, “is Registration is available by calling the JCC at of the Washtenaw Jewish News, exactly what Chanukah and the holidays are all 971-0990 or online at www.jccannarbor.org. n is Friday, January 9 Publication date: Friday, January 30 Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News are available at locations throughout New and exciting adult programs with JFS and the JCC Washtenaw County. Leah Zaas, special to the WJN There are many new and exciting programs coming to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor this winter in conjunction with Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. Caregiv- er Conversations re-started this fall. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a drop-in support group for any caregiver who would like a safe place to talk IIn this issue… and meet other caregivers. The group meets at JFS (enter though the State Street main entrance). JFS and JCC are also sponsoring a Medicare drop in clinic. Medicare open enrollment is until De- Advertisers ...... 35 cember 8. There will be staff members from both JFS and Medicare who can help answer Medicare enrollment related questions. This Medicare clinic will be held on Tuesday, November 18, and American Jewry...... 20 Thursday, November 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the JCC. The Issues for Aging series has been a popular program. After the last presentation on “Driving: Best Reads ...... 25 Satying Safe and Knowing When to Stop,” JFS and JCC will offer a safe driving course for older adults at the JCC. Additional upcoming spring events will include a casino trip and a trip to the theater. Calendar ...... 29 Suggestions are always welcome for other Issues for Aging topics and other programs at the JCC. Congregations ...... 10 For more information about these programs, contact Leah Zaas at 769-0209 or leahz@jfsan- narbor.org. To see what other events are happening at the JCC, check out the JCC website, http:// Israel ...... 18 www.jccannarbor.org. n Kosher Cuisine ...... 26 Corrections On Another Note ...... 28 In the November 2014 Washtenaw Jewish News, a photo accompanying an article about the Frankel Rabbis' Corner...... 12 Institute for Advanced Judaic Studies’ symposium on Russian Imperial Legacies mistakenly identi- fied the person pictured as Alex Koffman. The photo is of Mikhail Krutikov, this year’s head fellow Teens...... 16 at the Frankel Institute. Also in the November issue, the photo of Gil Shaham, featured in the “On Another Note” col- Youth ...... 17 umn, was mislabeled, with Shaham’s name spelled incorrectly. Our apologies to both Mikhail Krutikov and Gil Shaham. Vitals ...... 35

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 ICommunity Hear Better. Live Happier. group presents "Looking at institutional food through a Jewish lens" in 2015! Rabbi Michal Woll, special to the WJN he community is invited to gather food, and supporting sustainable local agri- at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital on culture,” added Basch. T December 7 to explore how the Jewish Inspired by shmita-year materials pro- teachings of shmita are coming to life through vided to them by Hazon, the national Jewish the impact of regional institutions and their organization for environmental awareness commitments to lo- cal, healthy food. The event is a continuation of an exciting year-long exploration of the teachings of shmita, funded by a grant from the Jewish Fed- eration of Greater Ann Arbor late last winter. “For me, the Thomas E. O’Connor, commandments of Hearing Testing and Hearing Aids Clinical Audiologist shmita can be seen Claudia B. Williams, as a built-in sev- Licensed Dispenser Private Practice Owners enth year wake-up Happy Hanukkah from call,” said Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation mem- Call Today! Hoop house with planters for patient use at St. Joe ber Carole Caplan, www.oconnorhearing.com 734-994-8300 who is co-chairing the event with fellow and action, Caplan and Hammond-Sass congregant Idelle Hammond-Sass. Caplan were touched on a personal level to take explained, “Shmita, which means ‘release,’ is the questions they were individually wres- 203 S. Zeeb Rd. Ste 207, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 the opportunity to become conscious of our tling with—healthy food accessibility and relationships with each other, with the envi- affordability; availability of a sustainable ronment, and with our understanding of true non-gmo, local, organic food supply; the en- health, nourishment, and ‘enough-ness.’ Just vironmental impact of the food production as is an opportunity to reset our ideas system; fair-wages in the food system—and about production and consumption on a per- gave them a framework with which they sonal level, shmita provides us with a unique could involve those around them in the con- and important opportunity to re-imagine versation as . and reset our practices regarding food pro- “Jews hold justice and environmental duction and consumption in and beyond our stewardship as important spiritual values,” own homes out into our communities.” Caplan offered, “I believe that if we can get AARC member and owner of Locavori- people into the conversation and make them ous Rena Basch agreed. “Modern philoso- understand that it is personal, more people phy on how to celebrate and honor the will be inspired by those shared Jewish val- shmita years recommends we take the time ues to act. And, of course, with all of the in- to re-imagine society, re-lease the land and terest in sustainable, , the time to re-think farming,” she noted. Basch, who act is now.” began working in the local sustainable food The Food, Land and Justice Shmita event movement in 2006, founded Locavorious, a committee is currently made up of Caplan, locally grown frozen fruit and vegetable CSA Basch, and Hammond-Sass from AARC, here in Ann Arbor. “Do you wonder how we, along with Oran Hesterman, Lucinda Kurtz, and our community, our congregations, our and Linda Jo Doctor from Pardes Hannah. schools, and our institutions can support There is a hope for involvement with other the values and intentions of this shmita tra- Ann Arbor synagogues, and partnerships dition?” Basch questioned. “This event will with other local organizations, as well as introduce us to the inspirational people who plans for the group to move forward follow- are re-imagining our food system by consid- ing the grant year as the Jewish Alliance for ering environmental health, human health Food, Land and Justice. and in institutional food The committee is very excited to have sourcing. These community leaders are on partnered with ICPJ, the Interfaith Council the ground working to incorporate local and for Peace and Justice, for this event. healthy food into our community’s schools, Future events include “Sustainability at hospitals and other large institutions.” Home,” with a focus on organic home gar- The panel will include farmer Dan Bair, dening and permaculture principles, in hon- project manager at Saint Joseph Mercy or of Tu b’Shevat; a “Stewardship Day” late Health System; Betti Wiggins, executive di- spring; and will culminate the year’s efforts rector of School Nutrition for the Detroit in a community-wide Youth Outdoor Educa- Public Schools; and Nicki Milgrom, Healthy tion Farm Day and Community-wide Jewish Food in Health Care Organizer with the Food Festival at a local organic farm. n Center. Basch will facilitate the pan- The December event will take place at St. Joe’s el. A tour of the hoop house with Farmer Women’s Health Center, 5320 Elliot Drive, Yp- Dan will follow the panel discussion. silanti, from 1–3:30 p.m. There is no charge for “This event will be a great opportunity to the event. For information, contact Carole Ca- celebrate ancient Jewish wisdom as a path- plan at [email protected], or Idelle way towards invigorating local food systems, Hammond-Sass at [email protected] creating community mindfulness around Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 3 I Cultural Arts/Women

Amster Gallery hosts Leslie Masters’ student exhibition Clara Silver, special to the WJN

Leslie Masters Elise Weisbach Mary Schuman Rita Gelman Jo Ann Ward

he Herb and Carol Amster Gallery at the much of which was developed in class at Masters’ gage in a new project every two weeks, a tall order 26, the artists had the opportunity to speak with Jewish Community Center of Greater studio as a close-knit group, working closely with for even the most experienced artists. The cap- many attendees about their paintings. Masters TAnn hosted the Leslie Masters Studio Ex- Masters for many years. stone project combined the many abstract and spoke briefly to the crowd and explained that, perimental Painting Student Exhibition, beginning The newest student in the group joined them color techniques the class explored into a multi- “My goal is to develop painters in their own right, October 6; the show will close on November 30. only five years ago, but many have been paint- step project that included finding small sections and to help students find their own voice.” She The exhibition paintings were the results of class ing with Masters for nearly a decade. One such of multiple pictures, collaging them with stu- also expressed her appreciation that the JCC’s assignments given to the students in the Experi- painter, Rita Gelman, explained that she began dents’ own sketch paintings, and then enlarging Amster Gallery was willing to host the exhibition. mental Painting class led by Leslie Masters, a na- painting with Masters, “to find a way to exercise the smaller collage into a major, unified painting. She noted that, “The Amster Gallery show gives tionally recognized artist and teacher at regional the creative center of the brain.” Masters noted The exhibition was suggested by Elise Weisbach, the students the opportunity to really experience venues like the University of Michigan at Dear- that the group’s bond is so strong that, “I don’t a longtime member of both Masters’ studio and what it is like to put on a full exhibition, some- born and the Center for Creative Studies in De- have places for new students even though I have the JCC. Weisbach has been involved with bring- thing not always possible.” troit, among others. In the Experimental Painting many who ask. The last place opened because a ing other exhibits to the Amster Gallery at the The JCC Amster Gallery hosts many different class held at her Ypsilanti studio, Masters teaches member of the current group passed away.” JCC and worked with Karen Freedland, director art shows throughout the year and the artwork on advanced color and painting techniques designed The Experimental Painting class was the next of Cultural Arts at the JCC, to bring the students’ display is available for purchase. For more infor- to help students explore the abstract. Every stu- phase in developing the groups’ painting skills, work to the gallery. mation on upcoming shows, visit www.jccannar- dent in the class had prior painting experience, and was intense as students were required to en- At the exhibition’s reception held October bor.org or contact Karen Freedland at 971-0990. n Folksinger Sandy Cash in concert Celebrated composer and songstress Jim Morgenstern, special to the WJN ike every American-born immigrant part of the world. returns to Southeast Michigan to Israel, Sandy Cash (www.sandycash. Cash’s performances focus on general top- Deborah Meyers Greene and Sue Rebner, special to the WJN L com) has stories to tell—about cultural ics as well as her life in Israel, and lean heavily ward-winning composer Jane Ro- “In Marilyn Krimm, I found a supportive differences, politics, and the recent war. Cash toward family-friendly humor. “My songs deal man Pitt will return to Ann Arbor for colleague and mentor, and with her encourage- tells her stories through music—sharing her with everyday women’s crises, like trying to A a performance of three of her works ment, I continued to write choral pieces, which perspective in a unique, heart-warming show talk on the phone while the kids are tearing the that will be featured in the December 7 concert have since been published by Transcontinental that the Post called “stand-up comedy house apart, or keeping the refrigerator full in a by Chaverim B’Shirim. The 3 p.m. perfor- Music Publications in New York,” said Pitt. with guitar.” house full of teenagers,” says Cash. “In parent- mance will take place at the Jewish Community Many of Pitt’s compositions are based on Cash will share her music at a house concert hood—as in any stressful situation —if you can Center of Greater Ann Arbor. spiritual themes and have been performed by in Ann Arbor at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Decem- laugh, you’ve got it.” Pitt, an Ohio girl by birth, arrived in Ann choral groups in synagogues, churches, and Cash has recorded four albums, and her Arbor in 1991, where she found a rich and other venues across the . Three of music has been played on folk music radio all diverse music these will be performed at Chaverim B’Shirim’s over the globe. Her most recent disc, Voices scene. She stud- December 7 concert: “I Forgot About the Stars,” From the Other Side, was named one of the top ied, composed, “I Am Sarah,” and “Remember.” 25 folk releases of 2012 by the hosts of NPR af- and performed In 1997, Pitt won the Grand Prize for cho- filiate radio show The Back Porch. music in Ann Ar- ral music in an international competition with An award-winning songwriter, Cash has ap- bor and Ypsilanti the Amadeus Choir of Toronto. Her master’s peared at major American folk festivals, and was with several of thesis was a study of the Jewish Renaissance a finalist in Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s Emerg- the area’s notable composer Salamon Rossi, whose music she was ing Songwriter’s competition. She was also a fi- musicians and introduced to by Chaverim B’Shirim. nalist in the Great American Song Contest. teachers. As a singer, she has recorded four albums, rang- In the days before she became a folksinger, “I’m very ing from folk style to country to jazz. One of them, Cash appeared with the New Israeli Opera happy to come Peace of the River, was recorded in Ann Arbor with under the baton of maestro Zubin Mehta. As back to Ann Ar- some of the area’s greatest jazz musicians. a member of the Opera’s professional chorus, bor, where my “Jane’s music has always been a personal ex- she appeared in such memorable roles as “six- Jane Roman Pitt family and I lived pression of women of goodwill. ‘I Am of Sarah’ Sandy Cash teenth gypsy from the right” and “19th cen- for many years,” said Pitt. “While I lived there, I was commissioned by Temple Israel in West ber 13. Reservations for the concert and direc- tury courtesan with the worst wig,” alongside had the good fortune to often collaborate with Bloomfield, and often performed and recorded by tions to the venue are available by contacting leading opera stars. Chaverim B‘Shirim under the direction of Dr. Chaverim B’Shirim,” said Krimm. “She has writ- the concert hosts Jim Morgenstern and Marcie After leaving the Opera, Cash turned to Marilyn Krimm so I’m really looking forward ten many songs for her own performances, as well.” Greenfield at [email protected]. musical theater, with stints in the casts of the to this concert.” Pitt’s most recent album, Midnight Lul- Born and raised in Michigan, with ties to Hebrew production of Les Miserables (starring Early in her Ann Arbor sojourn, Pitt found laby, was recorded in Nashville and ulti- the Ann Arbor area, Cash is one of Israel’s most Dudu Fischer, who went on to play the leading herself intrigued by an upcoming Dr. Martin mately received a “Parent’s Choice Award.” popular English-language entertainers. With a role on Broadway), as well as a long-running Luther King, Jr., Day concert. The performance It is a collection of contemporary lullabies, professional background in theater and opera, Hebrew version of Evita. In the last few years groups were to be Chaverim B’Shirim and Dr. with songs written by Pitt, Wilco, Sade, Bob Cash’s original songs employ drama and humor she has deepened her involvement with Israel’s Willis Patterson’s Our Own Thing Chorale, Dylan, the Dixie Chicks, and others. to describe her life as an American immigrant growing English-language theater scene, ap- which finds its inspiration in the historical spir- Pitt now lives in North Carolina, where to Israel, and as a citizen of the changing and pearing as Anna in The King and I and Desiree itual music of the African American commu- she continues to write music, sing as much challenging . At the same time, in A Little Night Music. n nity. Pitt approached Krimm with a piece she as possible, and play with her grandchildren. Cash’s songs shine a light on the life of a mom had just written, her first choral composition, But for now, Ann Arbor is excited to wel- trying to raise relatively sane children in a crazy “Light the Light,” in honor of Dr. King. come her “home.” n 4 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 Cello concert at TBE January 24 Bobbi Heilveil, special to the WJN n Saturday evening, January 24, the Temple Beth Emeth Sisterhood will pres- your ent an extraordinary evening of O music featuring a 16-member cello COOPERATIVE ensemble from the University of Michigan’s School of Music. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the TBE Sanctuary. The ensemble FOOD STORE is comprised of students from the studio of Richard Aaron, who serves as their teacher, fresh. local. friendly. mentor and their music director for this con- cert. Aaron is a member of TBE and has col- laborated musically with the congregation in the past, but this is his first experience involv- ing his own cello studio. The selected music includes Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasilleras No. 1, Rachmaninov’s Vocalise, and Piazzolla’s Tangos. The concert will provide an excellent opportunity for attendees to appreciate the Richard Aaron cello as an instrument of unbelievable range and artistry. Tickets for the concert are $18 general admission/ $10 students. Tickets can be purchased at the event or online (www.templebethemeth.org) to insure seating. Some reserved seats are available. Online sales close on January 22. n

ORT Chanukah party, December 18 Elaine Sneideman and Joan Levitt, special to the WJN On Thursday, December 18, the Ann Arbor Chapter of ORT America will host its annual “Chai’nukah” party at the home of Ruth Petitb The party will begin at 6 p.m. and include a 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE light dinner. The cost is $18 (Chai), which will help support the programs and mission of ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN ORT America. ORT members and prospective members are invited to attend. PHONE (734) 994-9174 The guest speaker will be Robin Axelrod, director of for Memo- rial Center Zekelman Family Campus in Farmington Hills. For the past 70 years, there has PEOPLESFOOD.COOP been no tool more powerful to learn about the Holocaust than to speak with a survivor. Only those who lived through the Nazi’s attempt to rid the world of Jews can authentically explain what happened. Yet, who will tell their stories once the last survivor is gone? In an era without survivors, how will we teach future generations the lessons we all must learn? Axelrod will ex- plore these and other questions and offer thoughts about Holocaust and genocide education. This Chanukah celebration will also feature good food, great company, candlelighting, and a book exchange. Participants are asked to bring a new or gently used wrapped book. Readers are urged to visit the Ann Arbor chapter’s website at www.ortannarbor.org, as well as ORT America’s national website at www.ortamerica.org, to learn about this interna- tional organization which educates and trains more than 300,000 students annually. To RSVP or for further information, contact Elaine Sneideman at [email protected] or 222- 3716, by Friday, December 5. Rides are available upon request.

Celebrate Chanukah with Hadassah Maxine Solvay, special to the WJN Light the menorah, rekindle Hadassah friendships, learn a “new” Chanukah spiel, and enjoy light refreshments. Take part in a fun gift exchange by bringing a wrapped present—make it or buy it for five dollars or less. Donate to Young Judaea Scholarships and help to educate future generations—$10 suggested. The fun will begin at 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 17, at the home of Sue Adler, 3010 Exmoor. Direct questions and RSVP to Maxine Solvay at [email protected] or 668-1901. RSVPs are encouraged.

Genetic counseling focus of TBE Sisterhood program Bobbi Heilveil, special to the WJN On Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 7–9 p.m., Temple Beth Emeth Sisterhood is sponsoring a panel discussion with faculty and students from the Genetic Counseling program at the University of Michigan. They will cover the history of genetic counseling, how it’s done, what can be discovered, what might be of interest to an Ashkenazi or Sephardic Jewish population, and what genetic counseling might tell us about a person’s ancestry.

6

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 5 We wish you a filled withHanukkah warmth, a holiday season surrounded by loved ones and a New Year that brings health and peace. With your support JFS is able to give the gift of care: A Older Adult Services A International Services A Partners in Care Concierge A Employment Services A Transportation Services A Crisis Management A Specialty Food Pantry A Counseling Services A Jewish Family Life Education To support these critical services please go to jfsannarbor.org. On behalf of our clients, we want to thank you for your generosity! SAVE THE DATE! JFS @ UMS: The 2015 Festival of Lights-International Claire and Isadore Bernstein Award Event Holiday Party HONORING: Phil and Nancy Margolis Friday, December 12, 2014 Sunday, April 19, 2015 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. - 3:30p.m. Cobblestone Farms Please mark your calendars. Your invitation will be mailed early 2015. To register, contact Shrina, 734-769-0209 or [email protected] JFS Caregiver Conversations The first Tuesday of each month at JFS Kids Care Fair 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015 There is no charge and this program is from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. open to the community. Travis Pointe County Club To register, contact Leah or Sharon, 734-769-0209 KIDS CARE FAIR -Details coming soon!

the To make&& a donationthe to JFS and The Herb Amster Center or for more information, please contact Erin: [email protected] • 734-769-0209

TheThe The HerbHerb Herb HerbThe Case Management/Services Coordination:Case Management/Services Coordination: JFS mster OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JFS mster Psychosocial Rehabilitation OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JFSJFS mstermster Center Psychosocial Rehabilitation A CenterOutpatient Treatment: Mental Health A Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health Collaborative solutions for a promising future Jewish Family Services A Division of Jewish Family Services Collaborative solutions for a promising future Center Jewish Family Services A Division of Jewish Family Services Employee Development Services of CenterWashtenaw County of Washtenaw County Employee Development Services AA of Washtenaw County of Washtenaw County Jewish Family Services A DivisionA Division of of Jewish Jewish Family Family Services Services Jewish Family Services 2245 S. State Street t Suite 200 t Ann Arbor, MI 48104 of Washtenaw of Washtenaw County County of Washtenawof Washtenaw County County 2245 S. State Street t Suite 200 t Ann Arbor, MI 48104 2245 S. State Street • Suite 200 • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 To give or volunteer, go to jfsannarbor.org

Lives Transformed. Hopes Realized.

6 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Jewish Family Services/Federation Guest Editorial

JFS: personal stories of community impact from 2014 Rosemary Frenza Chudnof, Sheree Askew, Leah Zaas, and Shadin Atiyeh, special to the WJN ast month, Jewish Family Services stead worked menial jobs after immigrating ily was residing in an assisted living facility and updating his resume. He also regularly reflected on its gratitude upon near- to the United States after World War II. The outside the Ann Arbor area. The facility was attended JFS’s ESL classes in order to im- L ing the end of a very impactful 2014. Blue Card program concerned about this woman’s social isola- prove his English so that he might apply to JFS is thankful for the opportunity to pro- and JFS recognize that tion, and contacted JFS. Askew began regu- college. After a few short months, Jim found vide critical assistance to the community this most vulnerable lar monthly visits, which include social time himself preparing for his first job interview this year through its many areas of service population deserves, spent together and regularly checking in to in the United States—and to his surprise it and its innovative programs, including its at the very least, never make sure her needs was with JFS, as a driver in the Transporta- partnership with kosher food bank Yad Ezra, to worry about receiv- were met. In addition tion Department. He explains, “I was so sur- the development of its Jewish Family Life ing proper medical to visiting, Askew was prised and thankful to receive a chance to Education program (funded by the Impact and dental care, or able to recognize her work in the U.S. and with JFS, because they Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater emergency financial client’s need for new are very kind, supportive, and understanding Ann Arbor), the expansion of its counseling assistance when it is clothes, and surprise of my school schedule.” program, and the creation and expansion of needed. The Blue Card application process her with warm cloth- For Jim, a typical day at JFS Transporta- its professional recertification program. This can be unexpectedly (and unintentionally) ing for winter. Over tion Services includes providing round trips month, JFS would like to take the oppor- traumatic, because applicants are required Rosh Hashanah, Askew to medical and other appointments for el- tunity to share several very personal stories to detail their experiences in Nazi Germany brought her apples and derly and disabled individuals. The program about how its staff members and programs and remember painful and sometimes long- Sheree Askew sugar-free honey (the is designed to provide JFS’s older adults and have impacted not just the community as a buried details. After becoming frustrated client is diabetic) and celebrated with her. disabled clients transportation to ensure whole, but individual clients who are ben- with the lengthy application, Zaas’ client This client reports being cheered and com- they can attend medical appointments, to efiting from its services. and his wife came to her for assistance. With forted by Askew’s visits, and has repeatedly get groceries and medications, go to work, or JFS’s Older Adult Services Program Co- JFS’s help, this couple is moving successfully noted her gratitude at the attention and con- to cultural and religious events, regardless of ordinator Leah Zaas has been working with through the application process toward re- tact. JFS is currently setting the client up with ability to pay. Jim currently works part time a client and his wife on their Blue Card sta- ceiving their Blue Card, and the security and a local volunteer who will be able to visit her for JFS while also attending college full-time. tus. The Blue Card is a dignity that comes with having their basic more often. Jim hopes to complete his undergraduate de- program that provides human needs met. Zaas points out that any- JFS’s international clients often experi- gree this year. His plans after graduating are assistance to Holo- one who needs help with The Blue Card, for ence many of JFS’s wraparound services. to pursue his dream career in health admin- caust survivors, who themselves or a family member, should con- Jim*, who is a JFS international client, is a istration, either through graduate school or a continue to suffer the tact JFS for assistance. refugee who resettled in Washtenaw County further training program. consequences of the Sheree Askew, JFS’s Clinical and Com- with his family through JFS in June 2009. As 2014 draws to a close, JFS is not only severe deprivations and munity Services Director, has been able to Soon after his arrival he became enrolled in grateful for its services and programs, but its trauma they suffered. help another Older Adult Services client this the PATH program. In order to satisfy his ability to impact the community, one indi- Many survivors never year through JFS’s Friendly Visitor Program. goals of finding employment and continu- vidual at a time. n received any financial JFS became aware that an elderly Jewish ing his education, he spent time utilizing Leah Zaas reparations, and in- woman who had no local friends or fam- JFS’s resources, including searching for jobs *Name changed for safety and privacy. Together we do extraordinary things By David Shtulman wo weeks ago several members of ally, culturally and politically. We are quick Now we have Birthright. I am a huge fan selves and are disappointed in them for not our Ann Arbor Jewish community to talk disparagingly about Jewish groups of Birthright and soon nearly 50 percent of being as excited as we are. It rarely occurs to T attended the JFNA General Assem- that see the world Jews between ages 18–25 in the world will us that if we helped them develop the pro- bly outside Washington DC. It was a great differently than have visited Israel. But Birthright is a start- grams that they want, instead of what we opportunity to hear from national and Jew- we do when we er trip. It stimulates interest but will have want for them, they might just feel as con- ish leaders from around the world; to meet should be appre- limited impact without follow-up. Because nected and excited as we hope. I am proud Jewish professional and volunteer leaders ciating how many it is free, families dismiss longer summer to say that is exactly what we have been do- from other communities; and to learn from different ways trips in high school because those trips can ing here in Ann Arbor for the past year and members of the other 150 communities there are to repair disqualify you from the free trip. And if you it is making all the difference. participating in the conference. If you have the world. We cel- wait until you are at the end of your col- The studies tell us that intermarriage is never been to a General Assembly, I strongly ebrate diversity in lege career, or past it, to go on Birthright, threatening our future because the children encourage you to join us next year. the larger commu- the life cycle makes it very difficult for you of interfaith families are less likely to get a As has become the trend in recent years, a nity and disdain it to return to Israel for a longer experience. Jewish education and those who do will not great deal of attention was paid to the chal- in our own. Perhaps Birthright is the right program see it reinforced in the home. Well, guess lenge of engaging and involving our young David Shutulman As we all know, but being implemented for the wrong age what. Interfaith marriage is not going away adults. The Pew study on American Jewry every action has an impact somewhere else. group. What if we made it for high school no matter how much we close our eyes and and the work of other prominent Jewish so- Once upon a time, great efforts were taken juniors and seniors and tied it to a longer click our heels and wish we were back in ciologists warn us that our younger Jews are to increase the involvement of women in follow up program? Kansas or Jerusalem or wherever. But I do “marrying out” or simply “not joining in” in Jewish life. From the creation of new ritu- A second problem is that we create a believe that the more welcoming and inclu- record numbers. Our future demands that als and Rosh Chodesh groups to women’s sense of entitlement for our young people. sive we are of interfaith families, the more we increasingly prioritize this issue each study groups and conferences, new ways We are so anxious to get them to participate we could encourage them to provide a Jew- year. Maybe I am being contrary, but I am were found for women to engage. And they that when we ask them to give something ish education for their children and create not sure I agree. did. But after a few years we found that men back many are bewildered. How can they a Jewish atmosphere in the home. Treating One reason is that I think we are too were becoming less engaged. We had not say they need me to give when they just sent interfaith families as a threat will not limit quick to throw money at the “problem” of thought that men could also use a revital- me and my friends to Israel for free? They the number of interfaith families, only the young people and too slow to understand ization plan and by focusing our attention spent so much effort trying to get me to number of interfaith families who want to that perhaps we are the “problem” and not in one area we suffered in another. this event, why isn’t it enough that I simply engage with the Jewish community. them. If the Jewish community we create My first trip to Israel was as a high showed up? In a sense, we are degrading our Finally, the best way to engage young around young people is creative, purposeful school graduate. It was seven weeks during young people with our eagerness. people is to create a Jewish community that and engaging, they will want to be part of it. the summer and included touring, educa- We forget that our young people are cre- is vibrant, diverse and welcoming for every If the community is fractured, divisive and tion and four weeks on a kibbutz. That was ative, intelligent, people in their own right. demographic, that focuses on our com- slow to adapt to a changing world, we can- a very common entry point to Israel back in They have their interests and their passions. monalities, while respecting our differenc- not expect them to want to join. Fewer and the 1970s. It was not overly expensive and, They want to contribute and to make a dif- es. Together we can do extraordinary things. fewer Jews of any age will want to engage. better yet, if it made us want more it was ference, but perhaps not in the same way we The rest will follow naturally. n Unfortunately, we live today in a Jew- relatively simple to join a gap year program are thinking about. We develop programs ish world that is fractured denomination- or a Junior year abroad program as I did. and courses that we would love for our-

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 7 ICampus

Collaboration with Jewish Museum in Poland is latest U-M initiative in Polish-Jewish Studies Yaffa Klugerman, special to the WJN he Museum of the History of Polish us not only because of our scholarly expertise, mono-religious nation-state. The museum tells versity in South Carolina, spoke on “Enlight- Jews opened to great fanfare in War- but also because of our experience with build- the story of a different Poland; and that Poland ened Memory? On Remembering the Jewish T saw on October 28, saluting the 1,000- ing collaborative projects. I hope the agreement does not necessarily equate Catholicism.” Past in Contemporary Germany and Poland.” year history of Poland’s Jewish community. will help situate U-M as the premier institu- The agreement between U-M and the Mu- And most recently, filmmaker Yale Strom But behind the scenes, the museum and the tion in North seum of the History of Polish Jews is just one spoke about his film, The Last Klezmer: The University of Michigan had together signed American for of many exciting joint ventures between the Life and Music of Leopold Kozlowski, as part of a significant document to ensure that Polish- Polish-Jewish Frankel Center and Copernicus. Courses fo- the Ann Arbor Yiddish Festival. Jewish studies would continue to thrive. studies.” cusing on Polish-Jewish studies are taught by More events focusing on Polish-Jewish The Memo of Understanding between the Zubrzycki, prestigious faculty members including Her- studies are being planned. In March, the Fran- museum and U-M’s Copernicus Program in who attended bert Eagle, Zvi Gitelman, Alexandra Hoffman, kel Center and Copernicus will co-sponsor a Polish Studies, in partnership with the Jean the opening in Mikahil Kruitkov, Marian Krzyzowski, Anita movie and talk by Toronto-based filmmaker & Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, Warsaw, sees Norich, Benjamin Paloff, Shachar Pinsker, Francine Zuckerman about her documentary, calls for an exchange of academic publications the museum and Jeffrey Veidlinger. And throughout the We Are Here, about Jews in today’s Poland. and pedagogical materials of shared interest. as a turning year, numerous events are offered to the pub- “These varied initiatives—cultural, intel- This includes mutual visits of U-M faculty, point in Pol- lic that focus on Polish-Jewish themes. lectual and scholarly—address perspectives graduate students and museum staff to pur- ish national This past October featured three such reflecting the rise of a new generation,” said sue research and training, as well as coopera- identity. “The successful events: Haya Bar-Itzhak, Schus- Deborah Dash Moore, director of the Frankel Genevieve Zubryzki tion on joint research projects in fields related museum of- terman Visiting Professor in Israeli Studies Center and Frederick G. L. Huetwell Professor to Polish-Jewish themes. fers two important correctives,” she said. “One at the Frankel Center and academic director of History at U-M. “Both in the United States “We are the first and only institution to is to the world, which tends to see Poland as the of the Israel Folktale Archives at the Uni- and in Poland, young people are eager to un- date to have an agreement with the museum,” land of ashes, but overlooks the long and rich versity of Haifa, spoke on “Jewish Poland: A derstand the complex Polish-Jewish past as a remarked Genevieve Zubrzycki, director of history of Jewish life on Polish lands. The other is Materialized Settlement and a Metaphysical means of charting a future that looks beyond Copernicus and the Center for Russian, East to Poles themselves, who, since the end of World Landscape in Jewish Legends.” Michael Meng, the Holocaust, even as it continues to wrestle European and Eurasian Studies. “They chose War II, have lived in a mostly mono-ethnic and assistant professor of history at Clemson Uni- with the murder of three million Polish Jews.” n Hillel alumni spotlight, Ariel Halpern By Polina Fradkin n my most recent excavation of my high parent’s pad for a few months. Here are some of necessity and translates into any other industry.” pects of yourself, it makes all the difference.” school memorabilia cave, I discovered a Ariel’s musings on building a solid foundation, On Israel: “Ellen is a tough job. Setting Jewish rules allows note scrawled in a journal from 2009. The Jewishly and generally, in post-grad life: me to have a life outside of work. I’ll give you an ex- I “Moving from Ann Arbor to a metropoli- note said, in blue pen and all-caps lettering: ample. The show is a full time production, a 6 a.m. On patience: tan city makes you closer to Israel. I am very ARIEL HALPERN IS MY HERO. Such was the to 10 p.m. job. As a result, asking time off for Rosh This is the first lesson I learned from our founded in my beliefs as an Orthodox Jewish relationship between an awkward freshman Hashana is a BIG DEAL. Yeah, we live in America conversation. “I’m twenty three years old,” he Zionist in a—you can almost say—anti-Zionist and an admirable senior at the Frankel Jewish and there are laws to protect my religious rights— said. “This is the average age to come out of col- Hollywood world. I felt it was necessary as a Jew Academy. Five years later, I found myself sitting but as a lowly production assistant, It’s a lot to ask lege and begin job hunting. It feels so awful to working in a more or less non-Jewish, non-ac- on the floor of my apartment, speaking to Ariel for. And you know what? They gave me the time leave college ademic, and a-political environment that I had on the phone following his recent appearance off! It was important to me that they knew what and come to a to defend aspects of Israeli politics, society, and on in a hysterical personality segment en- was important to me, and my confident approach Ellen city you’re not Judaism more than usual. A lot of my political titled “Sorry, It’s Ari!” Ariel was in the midst of in asking for this time off truly elevated my sta- comfortable conversations occur with non-Jews. It sounds a a cool-down walk after a post-work run at his tus at Ellen. I established my exact character and in and as hard little corny, but it’s true—the debates I scoffed home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, and indulged background at work before I had a concrete per- as you try and at and didn’t get involved in at Michigan Hil- me for 30 minutes with his big-city stories, his sonality there. I made them know exactly who I as much as lel—with AMI and AIPAC and JStreet—are so ineffable senses of wit and humor, and more am and that is undoubtedly what made them per- you look to important to know when you begin to function than anything, his unique and savvy perspec- manently hire me. I was myself, and not who they still not have in a brand new environment.” tive on post-grad life. expected or wanted me to be.” a job—and Ariel didn’t graduate Michigan with a job, “Coming into a new city, it is so important to so it is so im- On affirming priorities and establishing oneself: or knowing exactly what he wanted to do. He find a comfort zone within Judaism and a collec- portant for Ariel took the question right out of my emphasized that a few months ago, he was tion of knowledge on Israel—have a place you feel people to mouth. “Why me? Why did Ariel get to do this just like any college graduate—unemployed, Ariel Halpern comfortable when stepping into a society of gen- have patience. thing?” On the surface, the answer is clear. Any- disenchanted, and living in a big city—in his tiles. Trust me, it makes you that much more of You’re not gonna get everything you want one who has met him knows that Ariel has a grandparents’ house, nonetheless. So how did it an interesting individual. I have no doubt that they immediately. There are ups and downs and rare natural aptitude for making his audience, happen? How did a boy from Southfield, Michi- wanted to put me on TV because I am so transpar- moments when you question your path after his friends, his family laugh with any mundane gan, who used to get tied to his chair (as punish- ent with my identity.” college.” Cue the questions bubbling up in your word or gesture. “They just came up to me and ment for rowdiness) by his physics teacher and mind: Did you have the right major? Did you asked me to do it… Ellen got excited.” Ariel’s Miscellaneous questions: record nerdy videos of himself dancing with his move to the best location? Did you do enough deeper reasoning for his spotlight, however, goes friends, make it onto the top watched daytime P: How did hosting the Hillel Gala prepare you for of the right activities? Maybe your parents nag- further than that. “The reality is that I’d talk with talk show? It seems almost like a dream—I en- the Ellen Show? ging you to go to grad school were right in the people in the office, and in those conversations I vision Ellen Degeneres passing Ariel on Hol- I wouldn’t say the gala prepared me because I end? … And finally, are you happy? “Especially would display a complete sense of comfort with A: lywood Boulevard, seeing some transcendent didn’t know what was necessary to be on the while living with my grandparents, I so badly my personality and opinions and self—which quality in him that absolutely struck her with show. I also didn’t know they would hire me, wanted to tell my friends that I am doing what really developed in me at Michigan Hillel. I am awe, and—with a wink—handing him a glim- let alone make a segment with me, but I am I love, living the life, but I was struggling meet- known as the most Jewish person in the office! If mering physical manifestation of his future in beyond grateful. Grateful, satisfied, and thrilled ing people here are there…. I learned that if anyone at Ellen were to be asked to describe Ari the form of a business card. A star is born. Of that Hillel gave me the opportunity to flex my you’re 23 or 24 and you don’t have a job—it’s in three words —I’m sure they would say ‘Jewish, those who are acquainted with Ariel, such an ability to speak publicly. I was so nervous— okay. It isn’t the worst thing in the world. Don’t Jewish, and Jewish.’” We laughed. “I’m different incident wouldn’t come as a surprise, only serve and those were my friends, people I knew! This kill yourself over it! Having any old job doesn’t here,” Ariel affirmed. “I’m proud of it.” as a long-awaited pilot episode to the rest of his made me realize I loved making people laugh. necessarily make you a real person, or a happy “The phenomenon of leaving college is getting life. But we live in reality, dear reader, and so it It was my first onstage moment that simply person.” Ariel thought for a moment. “If I rush thrown into testing grounds of where you stand didn’t happen that way to him, and it won’t hap- made my college time. into bothering the writers or bothering Ellen in relation to your values and priorities.” For Ariel, pen that way to any of us. You won’t be sought about doing more—having more skits, getting these are largely Judaism and Israel. “But graduat- P: What is your favorite memory from Michi- out and hired immediately by a world famous promoted—they won’t like me. Patience is a ing students should know that when you approach gan Hillel? celebrity, and you might crash at your grand- life comfortable with who you are, with those as- continued on next page 8 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Community

Family Salon encourages kids to help kids Rabbi Ilana Baden, special to the WJN t is no secret that families with young grant, and were thrilled to receive generous were an assembly line of helpers who were has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve had children are always looking for mean- support from this source. Since then, Family making a difference. parents tell me how thankful they were to Iingful activities to do with one another. Salon has been busy with its programs. In October, the group met at Wasem be able to give their young children oppor- With this in mind, members of the Jewish Fruit Farm for “Apple Pickin’ Kids.” More tunities to help other kids in a meaningful, Federation of Greater Ann Arbor’s Family than 140 people, including many kids under yet age-appropriate way.” She continued, Salon program met last year to plan pro- 5, enjoyed the opportunity to learn about a “Combining the resources of The Jewish grams that could provide camaraderie, fun, cider mill, taste apples and donuts, and most Federation and the Jewish Community Cen- and purpose for our youngest community importantly, to pick 14.5 bushels of apples. ter makes for very strong, fun community members. As Family Salon Chairperson These apples were donated locally to Food events so Jewish families can gather together, Carrie Bank explained, “As a parent of a Gatherers so that hungry children in the enjoy a good time, and help make a differ- 10-year-old, an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old, community can enjoy the fresh fruit. Zagar ence for others.” n I had found it extremely difficult to find reflected, ““We had so much fun spending ways of teaching my kids (“re- the day at the orchard with our friends and pairing the world”) with hands-on experi- family. My three-year-old was really able to ences. Often my kids were just too young. I grasp the way he was helping other kids.” figured that if I was having trouble finding The next event will take place on Sun- volunteer opportunities, other busy families day, February 8, 3–5 p.m., at the JCC. At this were as well.” “Canvasses for Kids” program, children will Bank called upon committee members paint their own canvas, which will be donat- Carrie and Andrew Bank with Asher, Leila, Lauren Linkner, Robyn Schmier, and Sarah ed to Mott’s Children’s Hospital. Bank com- and Della at Wasem Fruit Farm Zagar. The moms put their heads together mented, “These works of art will adorn the and decided to combine the Federation’s In August, the group hosted “Backpack- walls of the hospital, hopefully adding a little Family Salon committee with the Jewish tacular,” an evening in which over 100 people brightness for the children who go by.” Community Center’s resources and came (more than half of them kids) gathered to In reflecting on the success of Family Sa- up with the idea of “Kids Helping Kids” for eat pizza, socialize, and stuff backpacks with lon’s Kids Helping Kids program thus far, this year’s Family Salon’s theme. They ap- donated school supplies for underprivileged Bank reported, “Even though we have only plied for a Jewish Community Impact Fund children in Ann Arbor and Detroit. The kids held two events so far, the parental feedback

Continued from previous page 1 A: Well, I was the Arts and Culture chair, and for Relay for Life I ran a zumba and dinner fun- draising event called zinner. That was pretty fun! And I have no shame in saying that I was definitely not the best leader. I just… you know… wanted to chill! But my favorite mo- ments of all time were Friday night dinners at Hillel, and seeing EVERYONE there, just en- joying a meal together! That is so important. I remember joking around during kiddush…. 2 You sang and you joked and caught up with your friends and then you went back to your night of going out. At some point I stopped go- 4 ing home because I was too excited for Friday night. And Tilly, she could be prime minister of Canada and still have time to say hi to everyone at Shabbat dinner.” 3 P: If you could come back to Michigan Hillel for one day, what would you want to see happen? A: I would want to see Kol HaKavod perform Ri- hanna’s Shine Bright Like a Diamond. P: Do you text with Ellen? A: No, but I did put the Ellen reception number in my phone as “Ellen Degeneres” so when the show rings for work it looks like Ellen is call- ing me. P: On a scale of acquaintances who occasionally exchange awkward eye contact to best friends who braid each other’s hair and engage in pillow fights to background music of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, how close are you with Ellen? A: Well, we talk sometimes and know each others names, but we’re not exactly getting froyo after work yet.” P: Be honest- living in LA, do you miss the winter you grew up with here in Michigan? A: HA! I don’t miss winter AT ALL. There is a 60° winter here. The thing I miss most is—I don’t know… Zingermans? n 1. Donated apples for Food Gatherers You can see Ariel on the Ellen Show’s YouTube 2. Sarah Zagar with Lane and Alice at Wasem Fruit Farm channel or on the poster standing at the entrance 3. Sylvie Swerdlow with bag to donate to Food Gatherers of Michigan Hillel. 4. Leila Bank at Wasem Fruit Farm Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 9 I Congregations

Coming up at Beth Israel Congregation December and January at TBE Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN Avital Ostfield, special to the WJN Family Chanukah party and latke dinner service, followed by a cholent plus other foods Beginning Jewish Yoga discussion group about death. The purpose is to increase the awareness of death with Wednesday, December 17, 6–8 p.m. Kiddush luncheon. There is no charge for the Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18; noon–1:15 This fun evening event will feature a com- luncheon. p.m. Temple Beth Emeth Social Hall. a view to helping people make the most of munity candle lighting ceremony, a latke dinner Semester runs October 30–December 18, their (finite) lives. [E]met is a group directed of traditional potato pancakes as well as more Brunch and Learn: The Shmita Year and $85. For more information, contact aost- discussion of death with no specific agenda exotic varieties such as sweet potato and south- Human Rights [email protected]. other than to share stories, ideas and experi- west style, and a variety of fun activities. Saturday, January 24. 9:30 a.m. ences. While a decidedly Jewish context will The cost of the Family Chanukah Party is $8 This year, 5775, is the last of a seven-year Nosh and Nowledge Series with Terri be offered, the discussion is not limited by per person, with children ages 3 and under free. cycle—a Shmita, a Sabbatical year. It is a year of Ginsburg any one belief. Reservations are required and are requested by “release,” a Shabbat Ha’Aretz, during which, ac- Monday, December 1, 7 p.m.; Thursday, [E]meth is not a grief support group or Friday, December 12, by contacting the Beth Is- cording to the Torah, Jews in Israel are to refrain December 4, Noon a counseling session, but rather an opportu- rael office at 665-9897 or [email protected] from farming and private lands become public. A Guide for the Perplexed, a novel by Dara nity to grapple with this important part of life On this Shabbat morning, Karyn Schoem will Horn (2013). An engrossing adventure that within a community of others, And of course, Overnight Homeless Shelter facilitate a discussion about Shmita and its con- intertwines stories from Genesis, medieval to share a nosh. This is co-facilitated by Brian volunteers needed nection with issues of human rights, and the philosophy, and the digital frontier, A Guide Ashin and Rabbi Levy. For more information, contact [email protected]. Monday, December 22–Monday, December 29 meaning it may have for those living in the U.S. for the Perplexed is a novel of profound inner Each winter, Beth Israel Congregation par- Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. and there will be meaning and astonishing imagination. R&R hosts a Chanukah potluck ticipates in the Shelter Association of Washt- a break before the Musaf service at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 6 p.m.; Chapel Hill enaw County’s rotating shelter program for for brunch and the discussion. The service will Shalom Gever then conclude after the brunch at 12:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, December 1, 3, 8, Condominiums. 3350 Green Road one week and hosts up to 30 overflow guests Bring a gift and a dish to share. Cost is per night from the main shelter on 312 W. 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31; 4:30–8 p.m. Friday Night Lights Temple Beth Emeth’s Martial Arts for $5. RSVP by December 12 to Miriam Shaw, Huron. Beth Israel is responsible for provid- [email protected]. ing 3–4 volunteers staying overnight, and 3–4 Friday, January 30, 6 p.m. Health, Fitness and Self-defense. Open to drivers each morning and evening to drive the The evening will begin with a family-friend- grades K–12. Grades K–2 meet from 4:30– Men’s Torah study reinvented guests to and from Beth Israel. In the morning ly Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6 p.m., followed 5:15 p.m., grades 3–5 meet from 5:15–6 p.m. by a dairy dinner. The cost of dinner for ages 4 or 6:15–7 p.m., grades 6–9 meet from 7:15- Monday, December 8 and 22, 7 p.m. the guests are driven to St. Andrew’s Church A men’s Torah discussion group will be and above is $8 per person. Children ages 3 and 8 p.m., and grades 10–12 meet from 7:15–8 for the Breakfast Program. led by a lay leader on the 2nd Monday and under attend for no charge. p.m. Questions? Contact Rabbi Peter Gluck The overnight shelter is a great way to in- by Rabbi Levy on the 4th Monday. Partici- at [email protected] or SooJi Min at troduce children to the world of mitzvot and Shabbat pants will find their way as men by wrestling community service. Older children, significant 665-4744. Saturdays, December 6, January 10 and 24; 9 a.m. with text. For more information, contact Bill others, non-Beth Israel friends and relatives are Adults are invited for Torah study over cof- Parkus at [email protected]. all welcome to volunteer. Beyond Pentateuch: the rest of the fee and cake. The discussions, led by Rabbi Hebrew Bible Online signup is available by visiting Dobrusin, are informal, lively and participa- Women’s Torah study Thursday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Lisbeth the Beth Israel website at www.bethisrael-aa. tory. The study begins with traditional texts Mondays, December 8 and 22, 7 p.m. Fried teaches Amos org under “events” then “event sign up.” Offline and participants add their own thoughts on the An in-depth study and lively discussion signup and additional information is available Join in for guided discussions of the He- of the week’s Torah portion led by Cantor Torah, Haftarah portion of the week, or other brew Bible less well known. Participants will by contacting Rebecca Kanner (994-5717) or traditional texts. Regina Hayut. The group will explore vari- Diane Wilson (995-5411). read from the ancient prophets, the histori- ous passages from the portion looking at Lunch & Learn Series cal narrative, from Joshua to the Babylonian several translations and commentaries from exile, the poetry of Psalms, Job and more…. House of Israel Kaifeng: annual Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17; Noon–1:15 a variety of scholars from Talmudic times to In each seminar texts chosen by a special- Chinese dinner p.m., Garfunkel Schteingart Activities Center the modern day. No Hebrew knowledge nec- ist in history, textual analysis, ancient Near Wednesday, December 24 at 6 p.m. (2010 Washtenaw Avenue) essary to participate in the discussion. For Eastern civilization, or maybe even arche- Beth Israel hosts a community Chinese food Rabbi Robert Dobrusin and Rabbi Kim Blu- questions, contact Cantor Regina Hayut at ology will be discussed. Enjoy informal ex- dinner in its Social Hall, catered by Chef Kari menthal lead informal discussions on current [email protected] changes; learn from scholars and each other; Kosher Catering. This Chinese dinner features topics. Participants are invited to bring a dairy chat over refreshments after class. a delicious meat meal with tofu options for veg- lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Youth Programs etarians (number of vegetarians must be indi- Registration is not required, but it will al- AARTY Shul-in cated on the reservation form). The cost for the Tot Shabbat low for you to be emailed the texts. To reg- Friday, December 12, 7:30pm dinner is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages Saturdays, December 13 and 27, January 10 and ister, contact Leonore Gerstein lbmgerst@ Meet at TBE for an overnight Shabbat in- 4–12. Children 3 and under are free. 24; 11:15 a.m. gmail.com or 930-1673. cluding all our high school friends in the MI The name of this annual event is taken from Tot Shabbat is a Saturday morning program/ region! Cost: $10. RSVP by December 2 to Kaifeng, a city in China with a Jewish com- service for parents and their children 2–5 years Sisterhood Chanukah Bazaar [email protected] Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.; Sunday, De- munity that flourished for hundreds of years. old that includes songs, stories, and prayers. AARTY presents JNN: Jewish Nerd Night Reservations are required in advance and can be This program is run by Peretz Hirshbein on the cember 7, 3 p.m. Everything you need for Chanukah and December 14, and January 11, 7:30 pm, made by calling 665-9897 or office@bethisrael- second Saturday of the month (with time in the more! Gelt, candles, dreidels, menorahs, gift Join in for the monthly Jewish Nerd aa.org by December 19. Sukkah this month), and by Jake Kander on the wrap, toys, cards, kitchen items, music, jew- nights directly following Religious School fourth Saturday of the month. It includes songs, elry and unique gifts. on Sunday. Adult Hebrew Classes (Winter Term) the mysterious “Shabbat Box,” a Torah proces- Beth Israel Congregation and Temple Beth sion with stuffed Torah toys, and a Kiddush for Rishonim Chanukah Party It’s not just a good deed, it’s a Emeth offer Adult Hebrew classes at vary- tots. There is no charge for this program. December 14 3–5 p.m. ing levels of difficulty, in both Biblical and mitzvah Celebrate Chanukah together with food, conversational Hebrew. Everyone in the com- Mini Minyan (Kindergarten–2nd grade) Saturday, December 13, 8:30–9:30 a.m. and games, and lots of fun. RSVP by December 8 munity is welcome to join these classes, taught Saturday, December 13 and January 10 10:45–11:45 a.m. to [email protected] by two veteran Hebrew instructors, Malli Ho- At Mini Minyan, kids celebrate Shabbat What kind of person do you want your Rishonim Ice Skating at Vets loshitz and Pauli Weizman. The tuition fee is with the songs and stories they loved from Tot child to be? Discuss the values that you hope January 25 1–2:30 p.m. $180 for members of either congregation, $200 Shabbat while also learning prayers and discov- your children will develop. Learn how Juda- Meet at Veterans Park Ice Rink, 2150 Jack- for non-members, and $50 for full-time college ering more about Shabbat and other holidays, ism can help provide a framework for these son Ave, for skating and pizza. RSVP by Janu- students. The 12-week second semester will through discussions, games, and activities. values and put them in a Jewish context. Fa- ary 19 to [email protected] begin in January. For registration information, Mini Minyan meets the second Saturday of the cilitated by Terri Ginsburg in room 2. Kadima goes to Sky Zone contact Cindy Saper at 665-9897. month throughout the school year. n [E]met: An honest conversation Saturday, December 13, 6–8 p.m. Sweatshirt Shabbat Join in at Sky Zone for lots of fun at an about death indoor trampoline park. Drop off and pick Saturday, January 10. 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 15, 7 p.m. up at Sky Zone, 42550 Executive Dr, Canton. Come dressed in your favorite sweat- Remember the two topics never dis- Cost: $25. RSVP by December 8 to TBEY- shirt (school, camp, university, tourist location, cussed at the dinner table—sex and death? etc.) for a warm and friendly Shabbat morning Come join the first of an ongoing monthly continued on next page 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Spirituality

Spiritual direction: a personal progress report by Linda Greene t has all been a big surprise. Suddenly 11 service used to be. Could I accept being in the But Adonai had something else in the pipe- away at my computer I suddenly closed the file months ago there was a door. In a whirl- unknown? line for me. Two days later, after the Fair Foods I was working on and opened up the national Iwind I was propelled to that door. I had to Maybe empty could stretch into expansive, Network open house, I was chatting with Susan website for Clinical Pastoral Education, CPE. storm the door. It was an imperative! The door inviting in a new Shalom, a beginning. I was Ayer. We were catching up on life. When I men- The teacher who had had the most influence opened and Shalom! Welcome! I had applied tioned the Spiritual Direction training she said, on me during Smicha week is a rabbi who is and been accepted as a student in the Aleph: Al- “Oh, you should write an article about that for a CPE supervisor. I was being pulled to train liance for Jewish Renewal Hashpa’ah training. I the Washtenaw Jewish News.” This amazed me as a chaplain in a hospital. Everyone I had ever would be learning to be a Spiritual Director, a Spiritual direction is about as a direct manifestation of Shefa’s instruction. spoken to about CPE assured me that it was a one-on-one coach for seekers who want to re- personal reflection, intuition, The following month I went for the Aleph transformative part of their rabbinic training. fine their relationship with the Divine. “Smicha” week in Oregon. It was only the sec- As a non-ordination student it was not re- This is a story prompted by the experienc- guidance, and Shefa ond in-person intensive week for my three- quired. Yet I knew CPE was the next part of my es with my Spiritual Director, spiritual teach- year Spiritual Direction certification. I was not journey. Furthermore, I knew it was supposed ers and spirit buddies over the last year. They (divine flow). in a great place psychologically. I was still feel- to happen now. listened deeply and taught me to notice with ing uncertain, vulnerable, un-integrated. The Applying to CPE at St Joseph Mercy Hospi- extreme attention my heart messages and life not shattered but sorted out. My parts were up most inspiring thing that happened was also tal required a week’s worth of writing. I turned as it is offered to me. Spiritual direction is for evaluation. Would my healing work with the most devastating. Reb Zalman Schachter- the application in much later than all other about personal reflection, intuition, guidance, recovering addicts continue? Now I would Shalomi z’l died. All his loving students, our applicants. I was told it was extremely unlikely and Shefa (Divine flow). It can include the not be a spiritual teacher anymore. Would I teachers stood fast. Each one knew and hon- that I would be accepted this semester. I had to push from deep within you, or the call from ever teach exercise again? Will I do more chant ored Reb Zalman’s wish that his funeral be leave for Colorado. I persuaded the supervisor beyond you, to do something you have never leading? Would this Spiritual Director thing be to interview me via Skype, something he had done before. something I can actually do? And would any- never done before. The next two weeks in Col- I found myself diving into a three-year body want to do it with me? By cracking myself open and orado were devoted to writing my WJN article commitment of intense study, mostly done I felt uncertain and fragmented yet I re- and then my Spiritual Direction course paper. from a distance. The teachers are amazing and tained my emunah, my faith. I trusted that the creating a space, I could move I was wrung out. I had been writing for over challenging. The colleagues are extraordinary, Holy One of Being was sending these intu- three weeks. Finally a phone call… Shalom, provocative, and supportive. Out of the 18 of itions, opportunities and what looked like rash from fear to awe and allow welcome to CPE! The supervisor had decided us, I was to be one of the first four experimen- insights and actions for a reason. I was a fit for his continuing class of chaplains. tal non-ordination track students to learn this The Director of the Michigan Polarity something new and inspiring The supervisor and this cohort are now practice. We are yearning, exploring, and devel- Center (my healing profession) invited me to to flow in. my fellow seekers and guides, along with my oping together. present on Kabbalah and Polarity at our an- rabbis and Jewish spirit buddies. I feel closely The study includes much content, for nual professional conference in April 2014. For small. They stayed in Oregon. As if planned held as an evolving chaplain. My eight years of example Kabbalah, and Jewish metaphor in two months I immersed myself in the swirling by Reb Zalman, or the One who gives life and experience with the drug and alcohol recovery scripture about personal transformation. But, ethers of 1) Jewish theology and Kabbalah and takes it away, most of the bearers of Reb Zal- community is proving invaluable at St Joe’s it is really about deep self-examination and 2) the chakras, and the positive and negative man’s spiritual legacy were already gathered Hospital. I have started counseling two Spiri- reflection of God’s role in one’s life; what you electric currents that run the human body. The together. They could mourn, console each tual Direction seekers. I am leading the chant see in your higher self. One day my soul looked presentation created a new Shalem, whole, out other and celebrate his life. The community circle. My healing clients are returning. in that mirror and saw that it was clinging to a of two important parts of my identity. Hashem of teachers and students took off half a morn- With the Spiritual Direction process paying pattern, out of fear of not having an identity. was working overtime to offer me challenges. ing to do so. Then they carried on with devo- attention to my inner guidance, God’s voice So, Shalom, Goodbye! It was time to let go of Rabbi Shefa Gold came to stay with me for tion, transmitting or receiving his teachings. I within has brought me this far. My various work I had been doing for over eight years with the celebration of Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg’s and was stunned and inspired by the Shalom held identities are being illuminated. They are shin- the drug and alcohol recovery community at Pardes Hannah’s 20th Anniversary. She took by the leadership. In their personal grief and ing independently and in relationship to each the Home of New Vision. me for a walk on Sunday morning. As is her shatteredness they opted to affirm the Unity of other. They are shifting and creating readiness I was terrified, but was drawn to the notion style, her message was brief and to the point: God’s will and the unity of the Jewish Renewal to reassemble into the next stage of my emerg- that by cracking myself open and creating a “It is time for you to stop acting like you are community. ing identity as a Spiritual Caregiver. I am not space, I could move from fear to awe and al- just a student. It is time for you to step in to Returning to Ann Arbor, I was supposed sure when, but I feel the small peace, Shalom, of low something new and inspiring to flow in. your mastery. One of the things you have to do to write my course reflection paper and the knowing that I will eventually step into a new I felt both empty and liberated. There was a is write and publish about what you do.” She, article for the WJN. Instead I was sucked up wholeness, a different harmonious Shalem. n hole in my life where a lot of my purpose and of course, was thinking of my chant leadership. into the vortex of another whirlwind. Clicking

Continued from previous page Explore the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi Lucinda Kurtz, special to the WJN [email protected] abbi Elliot Ginsburg, of Pardes Han- tations, chants, approach to prayer, and his deeply into the material during the two-hour Kadima goes to Ice Skating at Vets nah, the Jewish Renewal Commu- “re-formatting” of Jewish tradition to restore monthly teaching. Saturday, January 24, 12:30–2:30 p.m. Rnity in Ann Arbor, will be teaching The class began on No- Meet at Veterans Park Ice Rink, 2150 a year-long course of study on the teach- vember 16, with the topic, Jackson Ave, for skating and pizza. ings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the ”Paradigm Shifting and the Cost: $15. RSVP by January 19 to TBEY- founding visionary of the international Jew- Jewish Spiritual Future.” [email protected] ish Renewal movement. Reb Zalman, like Each successive session will other Hasidic masters, encouraged follow- explore a different topic and Families with Young Children (FYC): Shabbat ers to seek a direct experience of the Divine use a variety of mediums to Service times every Friday through practices inspired by Jewish mysti- bring the teachings alive. Fridays, December 5, 12, 19, 26 cal tradition and promoted doctrines such Visit the Pardes Hannah Tot (0–5 year olds) Shabbat Services led as eco- that integrated contemporary website to see a full list of by Rabbi Levy, and Cantor Hayut, 6 p.m. concerns into Jewish practice. Reb Elliot re- each month’s offerings, key Dinner for Tot Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. ceived his rabbinical ordination from Reb books and suggested read- Popsicle Oneg, 7 p.m. Zalman in 1998 and founded Pardes Han- ings, video clips, and other All of your favorite songs, tot bots, tot nah in 1994 to bring this powerful practice materials at pardeshannah. team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Levy will hold of Judaism to the local community where wordpress.com. The classes Tot Shabbat at 6 p.m. Join in for macaroni he is also a professor of Judaic Studies at the are free for members of and cheese, fish sticks, applesauce, and salad University of Michigan. Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi Pardes Hannah and $10 per bar at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is just $5 per person One Sunday morning each month, Reb its vitality and accessibility to those engaged session for nonmembers. Classes are held 11 and this year you can buy a $20 punch card Elliot will help those in the community in- in contemporary Jewish spiritual practice. a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, contact ahead of time for a discounted price. Punch terested in learning more deeply about Reb Suggested readings from Reb Zalman’s pro- Lucinda at 635-9441 or Jade Jensen at jade- cards are available in the TBE office. n Zalman’s work explore his writings, medi- lific works will assist participants delve more [email protected]. n Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 11 IRabbis' Corner

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts— a Chanukah perspective Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN he Talmud describes the miracle their attempted conquest of Judea. Their ob- the context of it being a human philosophy— inroads and had many Jewish supporters for of the single cruse of oil. When the jective was not to disrupt the lighting of the not a blueprint for living given by God. the introduction of Hellenism into Jewish T Greeks entered the holy chamber of menorah. The wanted the Jews to light the The Greeks agreed that the Jews should culture. They had convinced many Jews that the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, they rendered menorah—but with unholy oil. This is why light the menorah. Where they differed was a “little bit” of Hellenism wouldn’t harm the all the containers of holy oil impure by re- they specifically that they wanted the light given off should be integrity of Jewish life. However, the Hasmo- moving the priestly seal. Subsequently, when let the oil remain neans were not blinded by the temptation the Jewish forces turned the tide and took the there and merely of small compromises of Greek philosophy advantage, they searched for sanctified oil broke the high On a daily basis, in every into Jewish practices and thinking that it with which to relight the menorah that stood priest’s seals on would have no deleterious effect. They saw in the temple. There was only one cruse that the cruses. In this aspect, a Jew should make through the Greeks’ plan and understood the still had the seal from the high priest. One point we find hid- long-term implications They knew that in- cruse would normally only be enough oil to den the main prin- their life holy. troducing outside philosophy would render last for one day, but God created a miracle ciple of Chanukah. impure the pure love and faith that the Jew- and it lasted the full eight days which were The war between Greek light not sanctified Jewish light. This is ish people have for God. This is what the war required to make sanctified oil. the Greeks and the Rabbi Aharon Goldstein why they unsealed (defiled) rather than de- was about—to ensure the purity and sanctity So now we have to understand a couple Jews was a head- stroying the oil. of Judaism from outside influences. of points. First, if the objective of the Greeks on collision between two worldviews. A menorah that is burning pure, holy, un- The story we tell every year of this war was to prevent the Jews from lighting the On the one hand, was the Jewish world contaminated oil symbolizes the pure, holy, that happened over 2,000 years ago is still menorah, why didn’t they destroy the oil of Torah, of having faith in God, and living a culturally uncontaminated lifestyle of a Jew. instructive to us in our modern times. Even rather than merely unsealing all but one of life based on self-abnegation, subjugation to The Greeks were trying to remove the purity (and especially) today a Jew should be care- the cruses and thereby rendering them unfit God? On a daily basis, in every aspect, a Jew and holiness of Judaism and “contaminate” it ful, both literally and metaphorically, when for use in the Temple? Secondly, why does the should make their life holy. This is in oppo- with the Hellenistic culture. “lighting the menorah” to ensure that the Talmud emphasize the oils that were in the sition to the Hellenistic culture’s existential So, the answer to the question we pre- “oil” is Jewishly pure and uncontaminated holy chamber? We have to say they defiled view with their emphasis on the primacy of viously asked regarding the Greeks’ inten- by other belief systems that might diminish all the oils in Jerusalem and the surrounding the physical aspects of life over the spiritual tionally not destroying the oil, but merely our pure faith in God. We should not use the area, not only in the Temple, because if there aspects of life. rendering it impure, is so that the Jews would oil that has been affected by other influences. was holy oil anywhere in the area it would This is the crux of the purpose of the perform the ritual of the burning of the me- We have to stick with the one cruse of pure have been available to use for the eight days Greek’s war against the Jews. They did not norah but without the holy oil and holy light oil, which is the pure faith that every Jew has. required for making more holy oil. So why want the Jews to transgress the laws of the that made the ritual holy. The answer to the And like God made the miracle of the oil does the Talmud specifically refer to the oil Torah. In the example of the menorah, they question of why the oil of the holy chamber lasting the requisite number of days, we also of the holy chamber and not to all the oil in weren’t asking the Jews to stop the ceremonies was singled out from all the oil in Jerusalem will have the ability to overcome all of the the general area? The Talmud is very careful of the Temple, (i.e., lighting the menorah), is that the Greeks wanted the impure oil to be challenges that surround us and be protected in the choice of language. The manner in but they wanted to omit the holiness aspect of readily accessible to the Jews. so that we will be able to maintain our pure which these events are described indicates subjugation to God’s will. They were willing The Jews were not only fighting the Greeks faith in God. n to us the ultimate objective of the Greeks in to let the Jews study the Torah—but only in in this war. The Greeks had made cultural The story of the little jug of oil Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, special to the WJN

e all know the story. It’s one of plain why Chanukah lasts eight days. There Talmud wanted to insure that there was a Talmud might have been using the oil as a the first stories that we learn and is another, and much better answer to this “God-centered” miracle associated with the parable. A small jar of pure oil represents W teach our children. The little jug question, which holiday. It would be easy to assume that it the small army that shouldn’t have been suf- of oil that burned for eight days instead of our rabbis already was the Maccabees’ courage and strength ficient to win the battle, but was able to do one is, for many, THE story of Chanukah. knew. According that brought the victory. While the Talmu- much more than would have been expected Because it is so well known, it is impor- to the second book dic rabbis didn’t read the soldiers out of the of them. Thus, the story of the oil becomes a tant to take a critical look at this story and of Maccabees in story, it is clear that they wanted to empha- metaphor for the victory of the Maccabees, consider its meaning and its place in our the Apocrypha, af- size matters of faith in God, and since only a victory that, in the minds of the rabbis, observance of Chanukah and in our faith ter conquering the God could make one day of oil burn for was not brought about only by courage and in general. Temple, the Macca- eight days, the story gains prominence. bravery but by divine intervention as well. As with many stories in our tradition, bees wanted to cele- There are also many who speculate that So, it’s a fascinating story and as I wrote I prefer not to address the question of brate the festival of the rabbis were also very concerned about earlier, we should continue to tell and to whether it really happened. In the end, the Sukkot, which they celebrating a holiday based on a rebellion celebrate this story, but we should be care- objective truth of the story is irrelevant. At Rabbi Robert Dobrusin ful not to focus too much on the literal the very least, it is a wonderful myth in the story. Instead, we should be concentrating greatest and most respectful sense of the on teaching our children the importance of word, and it must be preserved from gen- Thus, the story of the oil becomes a metaphor for the victory courage, strength and commitment to one’s eration to generation. ideals and identity. That is the story that But, to magnify the importance of the of the Maccabees, a victory that, in the minds of the rabbis, Chanukah represents. The oil story can be story and to focus on it at the exclusion was not brought about only by courage and bravery but by part of the big picture of Chanukah, but we of all of the other facets of this holiday, is shouldn’t be surprised if our children (and misguided. So, let’s take a minute to see the divine intervention as well. we ourselves) start to roll our eyes a bit story in perspective. when we realize that the story isn’t quite as The first time that this story appears in had missed because they were in the midst against the ruling power, and downplayed dramatic as some of the other great stories our tradition is in the Talmud as an answer of battle. So, according to the book, they took the role of the Maccabees to avoid suspicion of our tradition: the Exodus, the giving of to the question: “Mai Chanukah”? What is lulav and etrog, the symbols of Sukkot, and of fomenting further rebellion. the Torah among others. Chanukah? And, why do we celebrate it? celebrated for eight days, ordaining an eight It often occurs to me, though, that per- Keep the story and tell it proudly, but The Talmud’s answer is that when the Mac- day holiday each year to remember this cel- haps there is another aspect to the story of make sure it is only one small piece to this cabees entered the Temple they only found ebration of deliverance. the oil. great holiday. And, remember, that Chanu- enough oil to last for one day, but a miracle This story seems to make much more In the Talmud, the jar that is found is kah, as great a holiday as it is, is only one of occurred and the oil lasted for eight days. sense and is clear enough. So, why tell the identified as having been pure; sealed with the many celebrations in the Jewish year that So, in tribute, the Maccabees decided to or- story of the oil in the Talmud? the seal of the kohen gadol, the High Priest. reflect the ideals and values of our tradition. dain eight days of celebration every year. There are many who say, and I agree We know the Maccabee brothers were ko- May our homes be full of the light of One reason for telling this story is to ex- with this completely, that the rabbis of the hanim. It strikes me that the rabbis of the that tradition throughout the year. n

12 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 Come Home When you only have one chance to catch that special moment Perfection To Beautiful Maid Services.Com Residential & Commercial Custom Cleaning Plans Laundry, Dishes and More FREE ESTIMATES Tenira Byrd, Operations Manager SPECIALIZING IN: BAR/BAT MITZVAHS, FAMILY PORTRAITS, CHILDREN, 734.945-8057 FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, DIGITAL IMAGING, BUSINESS RECEPTIONS [email protected] 734.546.0426 [email protected] Gift Certificates Available susanayerphotography.com

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 13 I Chanukah

Chanukah menorahs of Israel shed light on Jewish people’s past, present, future By Deborah Fineblum Schabb/JNS.org s winter arrives and the days grow he used growing up in Minneapolis. “I believe shorter, outdoor lighting is needed that as soon as you look at them as art objects, A more during the Chanukah season it rips them up by their roots. These are ob- than at any other time of year. This need is jects made for performing a mitzvah and it’s taken particularly seriously in Israel, where only right to let them do that,” he says. outdoor menorahs make a nocturnal stroll Old hanukkiahs also serve as a reminder of RABBI YEHOSHUA FASS. YEHOSHUA RABBI

CREDIT: COURTESY CREDIT:

Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, of the Nefesh B’Nefesh agency, lights his Chanukah menorah through city streets a treat for the eyes—and those years when the act of lighting them was for the spirit. a risky undertaking. One hanukkiah, dating The outdoor Chanukah menorah was back to pre-World War II times, is on display 2nd Annual one Israeli tradition that painters Israel Her- in the Holocaust History Museum at Jerusa- shberg and Yael Scalia Hershberg embraced lem’s Yad Vashem, where visitors can find it when they made aliyah from Baltimore more in the section dealing with the Nazi rise to One Candle than three decades ago. Each year, they place power. Every year, members of the family who nine shot glasses filled with olive oil (and donated it—the Mansbachs—take it home to each topped with a wick) in a simple box Haifa to light it for the holiday. fashioned of brass and tin. The box has glass “The thousands of personal items in Yad for Tzedakah windows and little chimneys. Vashem’s collections help us connect with “It’s something of a Yerushalmi (Jerusale- the experience of Jewish men, women, and mite) artifact since it seems they don’t make children during the Shoah,” says Yad Vashem Thursday, December 18, 2014 6pm to 8pm them anymore,” Yael says of the box, which Chairman Avner Shalev. was purchased from a craftsman in the Je- Member of Knesset Rabbi 6:00 PM rusalem neighborhood of Mea Shearim. “It’s () and his family also use a hanuk- Hanukkah dinner & activities for all ages very old world, and in its authenticity and its kiah that reminds them of this dark time in simplicity it has real charm.” Jewish history—a replica of one constructed 7:00 PM The term menorah itself can be cause of nails in a concentration camp. “It was a gift for confusion, even in Israel. The one used for my bar mitzvah,” says Lipman, a Menorah Lighting & Presentation of donated gifts thousands of years ago in the Jewish Temple, native who now lives in Beit Shemesh. “As a for Toys for Tots to the Marine Reserve Corps which was adopted as a symbol of the nascent people we have always used any means at our state of Israel, has seven branches. But the disposal to survive and to stay strong, and ev- Chanukah menorah has nine branches—one ery year when we light this hanukkiah we and Show immediately following: for each day the scarce oil burned in the re- our children are reminded of that.” Magic with Tom Plunkard “Master Magician” claimed temple more than 2,000 years ago, as But not all menorahs have survived tough well as a “shamash” to light the rest of the can- times. Many, like the one Jewish Agency Chair- Register at www.jccannarbor.org or call (734) 971-0990 dles and stand guard over them as they burn. man Natan Sharansky used in a Soviet intern- In an effort to stem the confusion, in the ment camp 34 years ago, remain only in the Dinner and Magic Show: late 1800s Eliezer ben Yehuda, the father of memory of those touched by their light. Back the modern , coined the in 1980, Sharansky was one of a group of po- $10/person or $20/Family* term “hanukkiah,” which is how today’s Is- litical prisoners and the only Jew. “But when Magic Show Only: raelis tend to refer to Chanukah menorahs. I told them Chanukah was coming, everyone But not all hanukkiahs are outdoor af- was very enthusiastic,” he says. $5/person or $15/Family* fairs. Many of the 70-plus hanukkiahs in the One friend who worked in the wood shop home of collector Bill Gross and fashioned a crude menorah of pressed wood his wife Lisa are just too gorgeous—and too from a box for Sharansky. He lit in the barracks valuable—to expose to the elements. on the first night of Chanukah and on several Gross, however, is intent on “seeing them subsequent nights, until a KGB collaborator returned to their original use,” which is why turned him in and the menorah was confis- *Family price includes up to two adults and children residing in the same household. he uses a different hanukkiah each year. The rotation includes the 1950 Israeli specimen continued on next page 14 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 Green Chanukah: oil-conservation miracle inspires By Robert Gluck/JNS.org he miracle of Chanukah is an epic story huge bills. A lot of synagogues and Jewish about the environmental lessons of Chanukah Solar power pioneer , co- of conservation, as one day’s worth of oil communal institutions have set up environmen- can help light the way.” founder of the Arava Power Company and CEO Tlasts for eight days in the Jewish Temple. tal and sustainability committees to look at their In what specific ways can Jews celebrate a of Energiya Global Capital, uses a Chanukah Now, in some circles, energy conservation and facilities. They are now installing green roofs and green Chanukah? Krantz suggests taking on a menorah shaped like a bicycle each year. It was energy independence are increasing hallmarks of new environmental a gift from Nigel Savage, head of the environ- modern-day Chanukah. commitment for each mentally focused Jewish non-profit Hazon, after One of the first organizations to emphasize day of the holiday: On Abramowitz’s wife and daughter rode in Hazon’s this concept was the Coalition on the Environ- the first day, change in- annual bike-a-thon. “This year the festival of ment and Jewish Life (COEJL), a leading Ameri- candescent light bulbs lights is about trying to make Israel a renewable can Jewish environmental group and a program to compact fluores- light unto the nations, especially as we get solar YOSEF ABRAMOWITZ YOSEF of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. For cent or better yet, LED energy into underprivileged parts of the world,” Chanukah in 2003, COEJL asked its members to bulbs; on the second Abramowitz tells JNS.org. consider ecological concerns alongside the role of day, commit to wear- Rabbi Michael Cohen—a founding faculty enjoyment and aesthetics. ing sweaters in the member of the Arava Institute for Environmen- “We had a light-bulb campaign to get folks to winter instead of turn- tal Studies, an Israel-based research and educa- CREDIT: CREDIT: COURTESY change their bulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescent ing up the heat; on the tion institute that offers accredited academic light),” Jared Feldman, COEJL’s vice president and third day, plan a gar- programs on cross-border environmental issues Washington, DC director, tells JNS.org. “We came den for the spring; on for undergraduate and graduate students—says up with the idea of Chanukah as both a holiday of the fourth day, make the “timeless message” of Chanukah’s oil-miracle liberation, but also a holiday of resource scarcity. a donation to an en- story is not to give up hope, even when things We built off the idea of the limited amount of oil vironmental organiza- seem hopeless. for eight days and how conservation plays in.” tion; on the fifth day, “Certainly when we look at the state of the Moving forward, COEJL is working on more Solar power pioneer Yosef Abramowitz with his children Ashira and disinvest your stock world’s environment, that can be the case,” he tells actively engaging Jewish community relations Zamir as the family uses its bicycle-shaped Chanukah menorah portfolio from fossil- JNS.org. “But we can’t give up hope. The miracle councils (JCRCs) around the country on these solar power. This makes a big difference.” fuel stocks and invest in instead; lies in our hands.” issues, according to Feldman. According to David Krantz—president and on the sixth day, contact your collegiate alma The average Jew can prioritize conservation not “We’re thinking about how to use some of the chairperson of : Ecological Judaism, which mater, your synagogue, your local Jewish federa- only during Chanukah but year-round, according Jewish holidays as a platform to also discuss en- runs the Green Zionist Alliance, Jewcology.org, tion, and other institutions to ask them to follow to Cohen, who suggested turning off the lights in vironmental issues,” he says. “This has happened and Shomrei Breishit: Rabbis and Cantors for the your example of disinvestment and reinvestment; the room where the Chanukah menorah is lit and before and it is included in our longterm plans.” Earth projects—Chanukah is the original holiday on the seventh day, commit to eating less meat, performing an energy audit of one’s home. This Chanukah, Feldman suggests buying of energy conservation. which is the largest contributor of greenhouse “Make changes so less energy is needed,” he more fuel-efficient cars like hybrids or electric ve- “Think about it. One day’s worth of oil lasted gases; on the eighth day, call your local member of says. “Buy a better fuel-efficient car and find the hicles, buying Energy Star-compliant appliances for eight days. Imagine if we conserved energy Congress to advocate for climate-smart policies. best heating system that is better for the environ- for homes, and thinking about energy usage at like we did during the first Chanukah and only Krantz recommends additional measures that ment. Compost. Use low-energy light bulbs, don’t Jewish communal facilities. used one eighth as much energy as we do today,” he calls “low-hanging fruit”: unplug appliances idle your car. Reduce consumption. Chanukah “Make sure your communal facilities are built Krantz tells JNS.org. and chargers when they aren’t in use; turn off means to dedicate. The holiday is a good time to in a way that is energy efficient, because that not “Like Passover, Chanukah reminds us to rise lights when you leave the room; use fans instead step back and take stock, and dedicate the deci- only reduces the amount of energy but lowers the up, to challenge the status quo,” adds Krantz. of air conditioning when possible; walk or take sions we make in our lives to affirm the health of energy bill,” Feldman says. “We’d all rather put the “Today, we need to fight for what our ancestors public transit instead of driving when possible; our shared planet.” n money into Jewish community education or JCCs took for granted: clean air, clean water, and clean and use timers rather than leaving lights on for —With reporting by Deborah Fineblum Schabb or having Shabbat dinners with our friends than land. We need freedom from fossil fuels. Learning the duration of Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Continued from previous page cated. “The head of the camp called me in emies will hear our prayer and say, ‘Amen,’” says and told me, ‘This is not a synagogue; you Sharansky. Since the prayer was in Hebrew, the were brought here for punishment, not for head of the camp didn’t understand a word but praying,’” recalls Sharansky, who promptly just kept saying “Amen.” The next day, after the embarked on a hunger strike. commission had come and gone, Sharansky The hunger strike made the camp leaders was sent back to the camp’s prison. nervous because a commission from Moscow The light from all the menorahs throughout RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ. was expected to arrive shortly. On the last night of time continues to shine down through Jewish history, says Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi in charge of the Western Wall and other Israeli holy sites. Every year, after lighting the : COURTESY official Western Wall hanukkiah, Rabinowitz returns home to light the small silver one his in-

CREDIT: BILL GROSS. CREDIT: laws gave him for his wedding 25 years ago. “A little bit of light takes away all the darkness,” the rabbi says through a translator. “And this year, more than ever, we need the light. As a people we need to be united and together, with no fighting or disagreement. We Jews need to con- nect through this light to the spirit of Chanukah and to each other.” Rabinowitz adds, “At a time of so much darkness, we need to also connect to the power One of the 70-plus hanukkiahs amassed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz lights the Hanukkah menorah at the Western Wall Tel Aviv collector Bill Gross of our Jewish tradition. The light has the power to bring us back to it and to unify us.” could to buy a semblance of Judaism which light grows steadily stronger, we realize once Chanukah, Sharansky told the head of the camp, The hanukkiah at the home of Rabbi for him was a sign of rebuilding and hope,” again the importance of being here in Israel, the “You want me to stop the hunger strike? You give Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive says Fass. “And now that it has been passed only place in the world that is truly ours,” Fass me back my menorah and bring me nine candles. director of the Nefesh B’Nefesh aliyah agen- down to the fourth generation in our fam- adds. “Like the miracle of Chanukah, this mini I’ll say the prayers and you say, ‘Amen.’” cy, came with his wife Batsheva’s grandfa- ily, it also reminds us that Jewish history is miracle of our ability to return home to Israel Which is exactly what happened. “I prayed ther all the way to America from Germany, still being written and Israel is the homeland is something that we want to publicize to the the day would come when we will celebrate where he purchased it after the war. “He had for tomorrow’s generations of our people.” entire Jewish world.” n our freedom in Jerusalem and that all our en- lost everything but gathered whatever he “Each night when we add a candle and the Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 15 I Teens

Financial assistance available for teens Foreign policy disputes go deeper Rabbi Ilana Baden, special to the WJN Dalit Kluger, special to the WJN he Jewish Federation of Greater Ann age students. The amount of the subsidy var- n October 2002, Menachem Zivotofsky sets foreign policy. In other words, it has Arbor has announced the availability ies, based on the number of applicants each was born to Ari and Nomi, an Ameri- everything to do with the president’s con- Tof two sources of financial assistance year. The maximum any one individual will I can couple living in Jerusalem. Ap- stitutional power. for teens travelling to Israel: The Susan L. Li- receive is $1,000. Individuals may receive plying for Menachem’s U.S. passport, his Shortly after Zivotofsky was born in chter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship this subsidy only one time. Subsidy recipi- parents put “Israel” as the birth place. The 2002, Congress passed, and President and Jewish Federation’s Subsidies for teen ents will be asked to share their experiences State Department refused to recognize it. George W. Bush signed, the Foreign Rela- travel to Israel. during and/or after their trip. Applications Since 1948 the U.S. government policy has tions Authorization Act, requiring the U.S. for Israel subsidies must be received in the been to register Americans born in Jerusa- government to put “Jerusalem, Israel” as Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Federation office by February 23, 2015, and lem without listing the country, Israel. The the place of birth in Jerusalem-born U.S. Israel Scholarship notification of subsidies will be made by U.S. believes that formally recognizing Je- citizens’ passports if the parents requested The Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed April 1. Applications received after the dead- rusalem as part of Israel, would disrupt the it. The State Department, in keeping with Israel Scholarship Fund provides two $2,500 line will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis Israel-Palestinian peace process. the government’s longstanding neutrality scholarships annually for Ann Arbor area if funds are still available. The Zivotofsky family sued the State De- on Jerusalem’s permanent boundaries until high school students to participate in peer partment. Nearly a decade later, the case has a peace agreement with the is group Israel experiences such as signed, refused to en- semester, summer or gap year force this law. programs, which occur between Congress wants Isra- high school and college. Paul el to be on the passport and Carolyn Lichter established of American citizens the fund in memory of their born abroad. The presi- daughter who had a deep con- dent does not. So the nection to Israel. “We wanted case’s main constitu- to establish this scholarship to tional question is: Who keep Susan’s name alive in the decides? Congress’ leg- community and to give other islative role is to craft young people the opportunity laws, based on compro- she had, to have a meaningful mise among competing Israel experience,” Paul shared. parties, maximizing The scholarship applica- the benefit for all U.S. tion includes the submission citizens. The president’s of an essay in which students role, as chief executive, are asked to describe their goals is to take action as nec- for visiting Israel and how their particular essary on behalf of the program will help them meet these goals. A Eligible Programs worked its way to the Supreme Court. The American people; this is particularly true scholarship committee will determine the Eligible programs for both the Susan L. hearing of Zivotofsky v. Kerry Case took regarding foreign policy. scholarship award winners. Applications Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholar- place on Monday, November 3. I believe the president should be free to for the Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed ship and the Israel subsidies must be at least As a child born in Jerusalem to Ameri- determine foreign policy issues of this type. Israel Scholarship must be received in the four weeks in length and be organized by can parents, this case has a direct bearing The executive branch, with its professional Federation office by February 23, 2015, and an approved provider, such as those under on me. My certificate for a Birth Abroad of analysts, intelligence networks and military awards will be determined by April 1. Win- the auspices of a Jewish youth movement, a Citizen of the United States has Jerusalem capabilities, is better suited to understand, ning essays will be published in the Washt- denominational movements of Judaism, as my city of birth, also without a country anticipate, and react to America’s foreign enaw Jewish News and on the Federation MASA gap year programs, Israeli university listed just like the Zivotofskys. Although policy issues, than Congress. website. teen summer programs, or high school study oddly, my U.S. passport states Israel as my While I think the president has the right programs. Scholarships and subsidies are country of birth. And yet, my family did not to determine our foreign policy toward Is- Federation subsidies for teen travel not awarded for family or individual travel sue and it was not I being interviewed on rael from a diplomatic perspective, I also The Jewish Federation believes in the and will be paid directly to the programs in the radio last Monday. believe that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel value of Israel experiences for teenagers in which the selected students participate. The public perceives the case as a test and there will be a time when the U.S. gov- developing Jewish identity and offers sub- Local high school students interested in of U.S. support for Israel and whether the ernment officially comes to this conclusion sidies for teens participating in approved, applying for the scholarship and/or the sub- State Department’s Jerusalem policy is a as well. n organized peer trips to Israel. Subsidies are sidy should visit www.jewishannarbor.org good idea in the context of the Israeli-Pal- provided for summer, semester and year or contact Rabbi Ilana Baden at ilana@jew- estinian conflict. However, the Supreme programs, including gap year programs. ishannarbor.org or 677-0100. n Court is only ruling on the constitutional These subsidies are not provided for college- issue of which U.S. governmental branch

Downsizing? We can help! 2014 Chanuakah Bazaar

Temple Beth Emeth Saturday December 6, 9am-2pm Let Encore Sell It For You: Sunday December 7, 3-7:30pm Join us, Monday, December 8 at 7pm Electronics • Musical Instruments Designer Items • Antiques & Collectibles Jeff Cohen a.k.a. E.J. Copperman Sterling Silver • Sporting Goods to discuss THE QUESTION OF THE MISSING HEAD Camera & Audio/Visual Equipment Everything you need for Chanukah and more! and INSPECTOR SPECTOR Complete details at: www.auntagathas.com 1958 South Industrial Gelt, candles, dreidels, menorahs, gift wrap, toys, (in the Colonial Lanes Plaza) 213 South Fourth Avenue cards, kitchen items, music, jewelry and unique gifts Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734.761.6187 734.769.1114 EncoreOnlineResale.com

16 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Youth

HDS students enjoy city council experience Chabad Hebrew School expands — and Ali Reingold, special to the WJN am FOR cat licensing. Because, what to understand the issue of cat licensing, focuses on hands-on learning about the sick? What about the hun- preparing their arguments and practicing Chana Sara Elias, special to the WJN I gry? What about the lost? Cat licensing their delivery. HDS students spent time unday mornings at Chabad of Ann is really getting a grasp of it [Judaism], not would change everything because people developing confidence in delivering these Arbor have catapulted to new lev- just the specifics, but also the meaning of it would feed the cats and people would give persuasive arguments. They learned the els with the enthusiasm of children and personal relevance,” said Lee. them shots so they wouldn’t get sick and importance of asking critical thoughtful S learning about Judaism and improving their One part of the day is devoted to prayer they would not get lost.” questions, evaluating and critiquing infor- Hebrew-literacy skills. Chabad has always and Judaic education while during the other had Jewish education for children, however, half of the day, the focus shifts to learning this year the focus has shifted to 1 not just teaching the children about Judaism, but engaging them through new hands-on learning activities. Liora Rosen, mother of fourth- grader Halle, said she feels that her daughter has a better grasp of ab- stract concepts through this new learning style. “She came home one day and picked up a paper airplane and asked, ‘Mommy, do you know what this is for? A paper airplane is like God. God is the force that makes you go whoosh!’” said Rosen. During weekly classes, hands-on Students explored the Torah with Rabbi Goldstein at learning is used to describe abstract Simchat Torah celebration concepts such as the paper airplane. There how to read, write and speak Hebrew. There are also larger projects to engage the students are five different Hebrew levels, starting at 2 in each Jewish holiday. For Rosh Hashanah, the most basic level of learning the Alef-Bet, there was a shofar factory and a Tashlich fish- to the fifth level where Israeli Nadia Savir 3 ing game. During Sukkot, the students built teaches the students that come from a home graham cracker sukkot and discussed what where Hebrew is spoken. constituted a kosher sukkah. CHS intends to For the first four levels, CHS teaches He- include other programs like the matzah factory brew through a new program called Cap It. in preparation for Passover. According to the Cap It website, the program The teachers—Chanchi Goldstein, Esther is designed to encourage retention of He- Goldstein and Shternie Zwiebel—feel that brew students, as well as a fast progression this type of learning is essential to give the through the levels. Each lesson comes with children a sense of pride for their heritage an object that helps the students to remem- and a personal connection to the holiday or ber the sound of the letter or vowel. CHS’s Jewish topic. goal is to have all of the students fluent in Zwiebel, the director of Camp Gan Israel Hebrew reading by the end of the year. and Chabad Hebrew School, said that she has “This is a whole new way of learning He- 1. Deliberation during the mock city council sesson wanted to continue the excitement the camp- brew and the kids are loving it,” said Zwiebel n 2. Mayor Christopher Taylor meets with first and second grade students ers have for Judaism in CGI throughout the For more information about CHS or to enroll your 3. First and second graders present their arguments on the cat licensing issue year. She says that through the newly focused child, contact Shternie Zwiebel at director@myc- CHS, this idea is finally coming to fruition. ampganisrael.com or 995-3276 ext. 5. To find out “I am AGAINST cat licensing. The prob- mation and appreciating the complexity of Stacey Lee, mother of CHS third-grade more about Cap It, visit http://capitlearning.com. lem of cats leaving their waste in other peo- the mayor’s need to balance varying opin- student Samantha, said she sees this excite- ple’s gardens does not get solved by licensing. ions and multiple perspectives on a wide ment and understanding in Samantha. “She Lots of people let their dogs leave waste on range of issues. people’s lawns and don’t clean it up. How After a ride on the city bus and a brief can a licensing program solve this?” walk through downtown, the children sat One-by-one, citizens of Ann Arbor wide-eyed in council chambers where Taylor stood in council c6hambers, and presented entertained dozens of questions about being Mark your calendar for March Kids Care Fair compelling arguments for and against cat a member of city government. “How old do Sarah Schneider Hong, special to the WJN licensing. However, this was not your typi- you have to be to be mayor?” “Why is there he Jewish Family Services Kids Care kids, for kids, entirely focused on the mitzvah cal city council meeting—these citizens and a mayor?” “How much time can you spend Fair will take place on Sunday, March of service. council members were Hebrew Day School with your family?” “How much time do you 15, 2015, from 2–5 p.m., at the Travis Proceeds from this event will directly sup- students. In October, first and second grade have to speak to people?” “How much time T Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor. The Kids port families in the local community, with all students from HDS visited Ann Arbor City do you get to sleep being mayor?” Care Fair will engage and energize community funds raised going to the JFS Food pantry and Hall for a specially arranged meeting with A quick stretch break and a game of Si- children and youth about service and giving to subsidize counseling services for families in then council member and now mayor, mon Says led into the second part of their back. Activities at the event will include a food need. In addition to giving young people the Christopher Taylor. visit. It was time for the mock city council pantry scavenger hunt; disability awareness chance to learn and experience more about Anticipation and excitement for their session, led by Taylor, to determine whether activities; numerous crafts projects related to serving others, the fair will act as a springboard visit began back in the classroom, where cat licensing should be passed. Some stu- tzedakah, families, and helping isolated older for future charitable deeds and projects. The prior to their trip the students’ teach- dents made speeches for and against the adults; learning while Kids Care Fair will actually serve as the kick-off ers, Janice Lieberman and Eileen Nadler, issue while others acted as city council swimming in the heated indoor pool; family/ event for year-long service learning program- helped the class prepare. As part of their members, listening intently to the citizens kids Yoga; music and musical instrument pet- ming and opportunities for children, families social studies unit on community leaders, who were trying to persuade them. After ting zoo; and more. The above activities are de- and youth at JFS. n students identified what they already knew some deliberation, the city council mem- signed for children ages 2–10 and their families, More information, including opportunities to about our local government, and then they bers voted to pass cat licensing, but by a but there is an additional layer of service-learn- register for the event and donate, will be forth- posed questions they would like to have an- very slim majority of five to four. n ing for “the big kids.” Older youth from local swered about the work of city council and coming soon. If you have suggestions, resources For more information about the Hebrew Day community organizations will have the oppor- the mayor. To learn how issues get decided to contribute or would like to assist with plan- School of Ann Arbor, or to schedule a tour, con- tunity to plan, organize and execute booths and in the city, they prepared to participate in ning or volunteering, contact Sarah Schneider tact Ali Reingold, director of admissions and activities at the Kids Care Fair. In this way, the a mock council session. The group worked Hong at [email protected]. marketing, at [email protected] or 971-4633. Kids Care Fair will be an event that is truly by Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 17 I Israel

From Ebola to Iraqi refugees, Israeli aid group tackles world’s most difficult crises By Sean Savage/JNS.org nown primarily for their military hands of the Islamic State,” said Glick. “They prowess and high-tech ingenuity, are coming with absolutely nothing but the KIsraelis are often overlooked when clothes on their backs.” it comes to their global engagement. But Is- According to estimates, more than 1.8 raAID, an Israeli non-profit and non-gov- million Iraqis have been displaced by Islam- ernmental organization founded in 2001, has ic State. Christians in particular have been been on the frontline of every major humani- singled out by the jihadists, with many being tarian crisis of the 21st century—including forced to convert, leave, or die. today’s most difficult hotspots in Iraq and Most of the refugees living in Iraq’s Kurd- West Africa. ish region are Christians and Yazidis who fled “Our mission is to efficiently support and from Islamic State during the summer. A vid- meet the changing needs of populations as eo recently posted by IsraAID shows the orga- CREDIT: ISRAAID. CREDIT:

IsraAID delivers mattresses and blankets (among other supplies) to Iraqi refugees in Kurdistan they strive to move from crisis to reconstruc- nization’s truck arriving at a refugee camp in tion and rehabilitation, and eventually, to Kurdistan, with relief workers being warmly sustainable living,” Navonel Glick, IsraAID’s greeted by the refugees as they distribute the program director, told JNS.org. humanitarian items. Drawing on Israel’s military expertise and While Israel does not have diplomatic robust healthcare system, IsraAID has tackled relations with Iraq, Israel and the Kurds humanitarian disasters in 22 countries, in- maintain warm relations, and Israeli Prime cluding the earthquakes in Japan and Haiti, Minister has backed refugee situations in South Sudan and Kenya, Kurdish independence. and Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm San- “We do not want to hide our identity, and dy in the United States. to be honest, with those who knew where In early October, IsraAID supplied mat- we were from, we never encountered any tresses, blankets, food, and hygiene kits to animosity whatsoever—quite the opposite at more than 1,000 people in the Dohuk and times, in fact,” Glick said. Erbil refugee camps in Iraq’s Kurdish region. IsraAID is funded by a diverse group of Providing aid to refugees in the Arab world sources—including North American Jew- is no easy task for an Israeli organization, es- ish communities, Christian partners, foun- pecially in countries as hostile to the Jewish dations, corporate sponsors, and private state as Iraq, which has been overrun by ji- individuals. The American Jewish Committee hadists from the Islamic State terror group. (AJC) recently announced that it would pro- “This is an issue that is very sensitive, but vide assistance to IsraAID’s efforts in Iraq and not for the reasons that one would expect,” West Africa. AJC has partnered with IsraAID Glick said. “More than our security, our con- in the past on a number of humanitarian re- cern is how to make sure to protect the people lief missions. that we are helping. Having people we want to “AJC has long responded to humanitarian The Midwest’s Largest assist become the target of Islamic State sleep- crises around the world,” Kenneth Bandler, er cells within camps would be horrendous.” AJC’s director of media relations, told JNS. Selection of Naot Shoes The plight of Iraq’s Christians and Yazidis is org. “Our partnership with IsraAID began eerily similar to the story of the country’s for- about a decade ago to offer an international Made in Israel mer Jewish community. The modern persecu- Jewish response to manmade and natural di- Beautiful and tion and expulsion of Iraqi religious minorities saster and emergency situation.” Lucente draws many parallels to the waves of attacks “IsraAID’s ability to send quickly much- Comfortable on, and eventual expulsion of, Iraqi Jewry dur- needed humanitarian and medical experts ing the mid-20th century. Nearly 135,000 Jews and supplies and to be among the very first were forced to leave Iraq from 1948 onwards. on the ground is impressive, and, important- Located in the Westgate Shopping Center | (734) 662–8118 “We decided to launch this project be- ly, demonstrates that can and do assist 2517 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor MI 48103 | www.mastshoes.com cause of the incredible needs of the displaced others,” added Bandler. populations fleeing death and abuse at the continued on nex page 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 Continued from previous page

Currently, IsraAID is the only Israeli en- positive among the people of Sierra Leone tity present on the ground in West Africa and the country’s government—including Can’t amid the Ebola crisis. Glick, who currently support from the First Lady of Sierra Leone, is in Sierra Leone to help lead the organiza- Sia Koroma, who is a trained psychiatric hear well? tions efforts there, described the situation nurse. was “very worrying.” Though the crisis in West Africa is serious, The Israeli Foreign Ministry and Glick said people around the world need to MASHAV - Israel’s Agency for International stop the panic and hysteria surrounding Ebo- Call me. Development Cooperation have jointly be- la. He said the sensationalistic global reaction I look forward to helping you with gun sending aid to the region, including the to the outbreak is leading to a growing stigma Lisa Saulles, MA, CCC-A • hearing evaluations deployment of mobile field hospitals that associated with people from West Africa and feature isolation units and protective gear for hampering efforts to combat the disease. • hearing aids and service (all brands) medical professionals. “This disease is indeed dangerous and • protective hearing equipment Despite increasing international assis- scary, but it is not easily transmitted, and even • five years free adjustments of the equipment tance, more than 4,000 people have died so in the affected countries, there are still mil- far in the Ebola outbreak. lions of people that are living their lives every we provide We’ll also work with “The Ebola outbreak continues to spread, day,” he said. for all adult and pediatric patients. Because hearing and while an increasing amount of internation- Glick said IsraAID is committed to con- you to discuss medical al support is coming, the healthcare workers tinuing to provide aid to Iraqi refugees as win- insurance and help loss is a medical problem, as a medically-based that have been on the frontline of the fight for ter approaches, and he believes that the Ebola you take advantage practice, we’re the best choice to give you the over five months now are absolutely exhausted, outbreak in West Africa is also a long-term of any insurance help you need. burnt out, and traumatized,” Glick said. project that may take several years to contain coverage you In Sierra Leone, IsraAID is beginning to and heal. may have. provide training to address the psycho-social “The road to containing and eventually 800-851-6672 impact of Ebola. beating this disease is still a ways away, and “Most people realize the very direct medi- mitigating its psychological impact will prob- cal efforts necessary to tackle the disease, but ably take years,” he said. n M.O.S.A. Hearing Aid Centers only now are people & Audiology Services starting to realize the 1020 East Michigan Ave., Suite I, Saline, MI psychological toll that www.mosaaudiology.com the outbreak has had on huge sections of the population—from fear ISRAAID. CREDIT: For a Free online hearing test, visit www.mosaaudiology.com of infection, to grief for whole families and com- munities that have been decimated, all com- pounded by increasing stigma towards survi- We love vors and the families of victims,” Glick said. According to Glick, the reaction to IsraAID net-worthing. training has been very IsraAID delivers humanitarian supplies to Iraqi refugees in Kurdistan

Israeli inventor to be honored by American government By United with Israel Staff Dr.Eli Harari, founder and former chairman and CEO of SanDisk, an Israeli who lives in America, is to be awarded with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. This award is America’s highest recognition for achievement and leadership in advancing the fields of science and technology. “These scholars and innovators have expanded our under- standing of the world, made invaluable contributions to their fields and helped improve countless lives. Our nation has been enriched by their achievements and by all the scientists and technologists across America dedicated to discovery, inquiry and invention,”U.S. President said in Washing- ton on Friday, when announcing the recipients. In our Investment Management and Trust & Estate Services groups, we Over the past 26 years, Harari and the Sandisk Corpora- tion have developed the flash memory drive, otherwise known oversee signifi cant assets to the tune of $930,000,00. How? By offering as the disk-on-key. This development has revolutionized al- a wide range of investment styles and asset classes. Charging a set most every field of technology, enabling the advancement of fee and not charging commissions. And always having you and your various innovative projects. Dr. Eli Harari family’s short- and long-term fi nancial goals in mind. “We’re now connected in ways that would not be possible without the technologies that Eli helped pioneer, and we’re well positioned to take on new market segments, such as en- To learn more, call Eric Helber at 734-327-1127 or visit boaa.com. terprise data centers,” declared Sanjay Mehrotra, co-founder, president and CEO of SanDisk. “Eli has had a profound impact on the entire technology landscape, and in doing so, has truly changed the world as we experience it today. His lifelong intellectual and technical achieve- ments are well-deserving of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.” From a Silicon Valley start-up in 1988, SanDisk now employs more than 8,000 people Not insured by the FDIC. Not deposits or other obligations worldwide and has more than 5,000 patents and $6.5 billion in annual sales. of the institutions and are not guaranteed by the institution. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is an honor granted by the President Subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the of the United States to American inventors and innovators who have made significant con- principal invested. tributions to the development of new and important technology. Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 19

Ad Number: PP-BOAA-16591B Trim: 4.812" x 6.375" Perich Job No: 16591 Bleed: NA Colors: 4/C Live: NA Format: 1/4 PG Version: 11.13.14

I American Jewry What will ADL’s priorities be in a post-Foxman era? By Jacob Kamaras/JNS.org hat message is the Anti-Defama- an ideology created by left-wingers and Mus- ganization,” said Rettig. “It shows a lay leader- “It is wrong for the ADL to seek to silence tion League (ADL) sending to the lims engaged in a global campaign against the ship with creativity, willing to reach outside its the rest of the Jewish community by unilaterally WJewish community through its re- and its supporters.” comfort zone.” declaring that the case is now closed,” ZOA said cent selection of White House aide and social “ADL used Jewish donations to push for Yet even those who commended ADL’s hire in a press release on Nov. 7. “ADL does not speak entrepreneur Jonathan Greenblatt to succeed such things as immigration reform, gay mar- acknowledged the difficulty of this particular for the Jewish community, only for themselves longtime National Director Abraham Foxman? riage, and women’s rights, seemingly uncom- succession process. and their supporters. … This closure statement While some are praising ADL for thinking fortable with focusing ADL’s work primarily on Giving the example of a synagogue with a is really a dereliction of ADL’s sworn duty to outside the box with its hire and trying to ap- fighting to protect Jewish interests, even in these rabbi who has served for decades, Rettig said fight defamation of Jews and Israel.” peal to a younger demographic, others are con- daunting times,” Jacobs told JNS.org. that it is usually not the immediate successor, Was ADL’s stance on “chickenshit” a sign of cerned that Greenblatt is too visibly partisan Echoing that sentiment is Chicago-based but rather “only the next person who is able to things to come? ZOA’s Klein fears that might be and that his past experience may signal ADL’s attorney Joel J. Sprayregen, a former national build something new.” the case, calling it unwise for ADL to hire a vis- de-emphasis of the fight against anti-Semitism “I’m sure that ADL is ibly partisan figure such as Greenblatt. in favor of civil rights work. But most agree that aware of this difficulty, “How will he be able to criticize President replacing Foxman, who will retire in July 2015, but I don’t know how Obama when he takes over [for Foxman]? He’ll is no small task for one of the highest-profile much you can do about never do it,” Klein told JNS.org. American Jewish organizations. ADL. CREDIT: it,” he said. Further partisan-related concerns have sur- The 74-year-old Foxman, who has become Windmueller ex- faced regarding the ties of the Aspen Institute almost an institution unto himself and is con- plained that fundraising think tank, Greenblatt’s former employer, to sidered by some to be a de facto spokesman for may be a challenge for liberal billionaire philanthropist . the Jewish people, has been ADL’s national di- Greenblatt because do- The think tank has received at least $400,000 rector since 1987. nors “identified with Abe in funding from Soros’s Open Society Institute. “When you [as an organization] are com- and gave to Abe on behalf Soros has funded a number of anti-Israel orga- ing off of a period that has been so dominated of their interests in fight- nizations that are aimed at delegitimizing Israel by a leader, the history is that the next person ing anti-Semitism, or globally, shifting U.S. public opinion against Is- often becomes kind of a human sacrifice,” said building advocacy for Is- rael, and promoting fringe political opposition Ed Rettig, a consultant for Jewish organizations rael, or dealing with civil groups inside Israel, according to the watchdog and former director of the American Jewish liberties issues and other group NGO Monitor. Soros also funds the left- Committee’s Israel office. matters that are a focal wing lobby J Street, which says it exists to bring ADL’s mission statement says that it “fights point of ADL’s agenda.” about a two-state solution but has often come anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends He said the question for under fire for partnering on programming with democratic ideals, and protects civil rights for Jonathan Greenblatt, at the ADL Annual Meeting in 2014 ADL will be, “How will anti-Israel organizations such as the campus all.” At a time when global anti- and vice-chair of ADL who ended his involvement they be able as an institution to hold on to and group Students for Justice in Palestine. anti-Semitism (and the convergence of the with the organization about a decade ago. retain the loyalty and support of traditional do- Sprayregen said Greenblatt’s ties to Obama two) is on the upswing, particularly in Europe, “The ADL has been a great champion for nors who were so tied to and so aligned with and Soros “are cause for concern, but Mr. some Jews have criticized ADL for taking too civil rights over the years, but of course it’s a de- Abe, so that they can continue to flourish and Greenblatt is entitled to be judged on what he many detours into alternate issues and fear that fender of the Jewish people, and I think they’ve grow their agenda?” accomplishes for ADL.” Greenblatt’s lack of experience in the area of blurred that mission in recent years, getting in- Jay Ruderman—president of the Ruderman “We feel strongly about the importance anti-Semitism will exacerbate the trend. volved with things like bullying which are not Family Foundation, which prioritizes disability of being non-partisan,” said Curtiss-Lusher. Greenblatt, a 43-year-old grandson of a Ho- part of an essential civil rights or Jewish mis- issues, Israel-Diaspora relations, and modeling “Many of the candidates had affiliations of locaust survivor, currently serves in the Obama sion,” Sprayregen told JNS.org. the practice of strategic philanthropy—said various sorts, political and otherwise. Jonathan administration as Special Assistant to the Presi- With the hiring of Greenblatt, Foxman and Greenblatt might be faced with the challenge of joins us to lead ADL. There is nothing partisan dent and Director of the Office of Social Inno- ADL “have doubled down on this tragic aban- living in Foxman’s shadow. about that, nor should there be.” vation and Civic Participation in the Domestic donment of Jewish interests in favor of an ill- “I don’t think Abe’s going to disappear,” Ru- Windmueller said the move from Foxman Policy Council. He also founded the Impact defined universalism,” said Jacobs. derman told JNS.org. “I think he’ll be out there to Greenblatt might be eased by the fact that Economy Initiative at the Aspen Institute think ADL’s Curtiss-Lusher, however, denied any on the stage. And [Greenblatt] will probably ADL’s agenda “is so potent, so significant at this tank and co-founded the bottled water produc- shift away from the organization’s prioritization have to work to redefine the organization. A lot moment.” er Ethos Brands, which donated to global clean of fighting anti-Semitism. of people are looking to see the direction the “I think that there may well be a natural water programs and was eventually acquired by “We do advocate for civil rights for all peo- organization takes. Organizations do change. transition because of the alarm that has gone the Starbucks Coffee Company. ple, and have done so since our founding in There are leadership changes, with staff leader- off with regard to whether or not we’re seeing a “We had a number of terrific candidates, 1913,” he said. “But what makes ADL special ship and lay leadership, and that’s okay. But they kind of resurrection of some new forms of anti- and it was a difficult decision,” ADL National is distinctly our focus on anti-Semitism. That have to find their place and their voice, and the Semitism, or some old forms of anti-Semitism Chair Barry Curtiss-Lusher told JNS.org in an is needed in today’s world more than ever, and role that they play in the community.” in new coverings,” said Windmueller. email statement. “What set Jonathan apart was our succession committee had that in mind Leading up to ADL’s leadership transition in Similarly, Curtiss-Lusher said, “The advent his passion for our mission, how he articulated when we selected Jonathan.” the summer of 2015, it is Foxman’s voice rather of a new leader creates an opportunity to talk his core values and his Jewish identity in the Ed Rettig argued that ADL’s multiple priori- than Greenblatt’s that will likely continue to about our strength as the leader in the fight context of our mission, and his experience (and ties don’t come “at the expense of the other.” come under scrutiny. Amid this year’s contro- against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred, success) in ‘thinking outside the box’ as a social “It’s not a zero-sum game between the two, versy over the New York Metropolitan Opera’s bigotry, and discrimination.” innovator. We think he represents continuity of they’re all part of the same picture,” he said. production of “The Death of Klinghoffer”—an Yet according to APT’s Jacobs, ADL has purpose and policy, but with a fresh approach.” Dr. Steven Windmueller—a professor of opera that Jewish communal observers have set the wrong priorities in the fight against Yet the fact that Greenblatt’s area of expertise Jewish communal service at the Los Angeles protested for its glorification of terrorism and bigotry by campaigning against “Islamopho- is “social domestic policy” suggests that ADL campus of Hebrew Union College and the au- promotion of anti-Semitic stereotypes—Fox- bia,” which he called “a false concept created “wants to continue moving in the direction of thor of an assessment of ADL’s role in American man said in June, “While the opera is highly to block any criticism of radical Islamic doc- emphasizing liberal social policy positions, as Jewish life for the organization’s centennial in problematic and has a strong anti-Israel bias, it trine and behavior.” opposed to emphasizing fighting anti-Semitism 2013—praised ADL for choosing a successor is not anti-Semitic.” “Foxman has said this stance [against ‘Is- and defending Israel,” Zionist Organization of to Foxman whose “story reflects the new gen- “If ADL can’t recognize the Klinghoffer op- lamophobia’] would prompt Muslims to join America (ZOA) National President Mort Klein eration of Jewish leaders, whose careers have era as anti-Semitic, do we really need an ADL?” Jews in fighting against anti-Semitism,” he said. told JNS.org. joined together social entrepreneurship and said Sprayregen. “Let’s hope Greenblatt can “This hope has not materialized.” Charles Jacobs—head of the Boston-based political activism.” restore ADL’s reputation to what is was under “ADL will continue to lose relevance,” added advocacy group Americans for Peace and Tol- “With his array of business and political former national executives [Benjamin] Epstein, Jacobs. “Jews who want to fight against the erance (APT), which has clashed with the ADL connections, Jonathan should be able to attract [Arnold] Forster, and [Nathan] Perlmutter.” clear and present dangers of Islamic Jew-ha- New England Region over what it calls ADL’s a broad circle of millennials and Gen X-ers to Foxman also took heat for recently saying tred and left wing anti-Zionism will step up rush to exonerate the Newton, Mass., public the ADL enterprise while retaining the loyalty that the White House, by criticizing an anony- their support of organizations that seriously school district in a controversy over anti-Israel and commitment of the agency’s existing lead- mous senior Obama administration official’s engage these threats on the campuses, in our texts in high schools—believes Foxman’s legacy ership base,” Windmueller told JNS.org. “chickenshit” insult of Israeli Prime Minister communities, and in the media. Jews will con- “consists mainly in his refusal to have the ADL “The fact that ADL reached out to an Benjamin Netanyahu, brought “closure” to the tinue to abandon an ADL that has abandoned shift its focus to take on the ‘new anti-Semitism,’ achiever like Greenblatt bodes well for the or- controversy surrounding the usage of that slur. them.” n

20 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Israel

Israel’s new pioneers work to transform the desert through farming By Maayan Jaffe/JNS.org n southern Israel, the next generation of Jewish turned it down over his concern that it is “a Young Farmers Project, they latched on. He explained that many of the Jewish holidays and pioneers is making the desert bloom. place of death. … Nothing could grow there.” “We became religious and we were looking for laws center on harvesting Israel. I A group of young, Zionist, idealistic adults But today, these young farmers, with the a place where we could keep growing spiritually,” “[The idea is] livnot u’lehibanot, to build the are cultivating a previously uninhabited area in the support of veteran farmer mentors, are chang- Uner told JNS.org. “Everything is so new you feel land and to be built by the experience,” he said. northwest Negev on Israel’s borders with Egypt ing sand into the blossoms of a new beginning. like you are a part of the beginning of something Manela said he has seen children and adults and Gaza—growing tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, They use hydroponics and scientific techniques new and special. It has its challenges, but being who work on Pearlstone’s farm achieve tremen- cauliflower, pomegranates, olives, and more. developed in the able to live and dous growth and insight. “I am there (in the Negev) because I can former Gaza- farm here—this is “I see an awakening, an excitement and a joy— make a difference,” said Nava Uner, who lives in based Jewish com- something I really a connection to the world and to God—through Bnei Netzarim, one of three Halutza (pioneer) munities of Gush enjoy, that I love. the experience [of being at Pearlstone],” Manela communities, as part of the new Young Farmers Katif to grow bug- This is pioneer- told JNS.org. “Working the land is a window into Incubation Project. free produce. ing.” the Jewish experience. That window is exponen- The (JNF) estab- Yedidya Har- Harush com- tially wider, deeper, and really higher in Israel.” lished the project shortly after the 2005 uni- ush, JNF’s liaison pared the 21st- Beyond the spiritual and the ideal, there is also a lateral disengagement from Gaza, one of the for the Halutza century Israel strategic component to the Halutza communities. most polarizing events in Israel’s history. The communities, ex- pioneer to those Harush said the area used to be a magnet for the Halutza planned communities are part of JNF’s plained that when of the past. He smuggling of drugs, weapons, and woman. The Blueprint Negev campaign, which is aimed at the communi- said they both face Sudanese used the unoccupied border to cross il- developing southern Israel through infrastruc- ties were founded challenges and op- legally into Israel. Furthermore, terrorists were able ture and jobs. The Negev comprises about 60 shortly after the portunities. When to move relatively freely from Gaza to Egypt to Is- percent of Israel’s land, but only eight percent of disengagement by residents of Gush Katif, only the first pioneers came to Israel after the Holo- rael to carry out attacks. Israeli citizens live there. But in recent years, the 30 families took part in the plan. Yet the initia- caust, they were tired and disenfranchised, with no The Halutza communities were struck hard by Negev has rapidly evolved into a hub of activity, tive grew steadily until four-and-a-half years government support and no infrastructure from the recent war against ; more than 70 rock- with a new cyber-security park, an expanded Is- later, there are now close to 400 families living which to draw. But they had world Jewry’s support ets fell on their land. JNF provided 40 mobile bomb rael Defense Forces presence, and the growth of in the three communities, with plans to grow and belief in building a Jewish state. shelters to keep the population safe. While some Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. to 15,000 families. The Young Farmers Project “The challenges we face today are that people residents did flee, Harush said most remained and The Young Farmers Incubator Project—co- brought a younger cohort to the land, enabling think Israel is built and strong already, meaning we additional families joined, even in recent months. sponsored by the Ness Foundation, Karen Fer- first-time famers to lease greenhouse space with don’t need Zionism, which is very wrong,” Harush Until now, JNF has invested more than $6 ber, and Ellen Aschendorf—is part of the area’s minimal capital down and low up-front costs for told JNS.org. “The second challenge is that we have million dollars in these communities. The orga- innovative spirit, aiming to encourage young one agricultural season. In other parts of the coun- to attract people to come because most people have nization is currently funding a $4 million medical entrepreneurs who are looking to make a future try, several years’ capital could be required. the comfort of living in the center of Israel or even center and a $2.5 million synagogue. working the land to stay and invest in their own Uner, a South African immigrant, is one of Be’er Sheva. Getting people is harder than it seems.” “Israel’s biggest national mission is the Negev,” farms in the Negev. those younger adults. She converted to Judaism af- But it is not impossible. said Harush. “We are Israel’s pioneers.” n The area, however, is desert. In fact, the Ne- ter volunteering in a Negev kibbutz, where she met Jakir Manela—executive director of the Pearl- Maayan Jaffe is senior writer/editor for Netsmart gev is so dry that in 2001, when former prime her husband. She spent the last several years study- stone Center, an educational Jewish farm in Mary- (ntst.com) and a Kansas-based freelance writer. Con- minister offered Yasser Arafat the ing in Jerusalem, but she and her husband wanted land—said the impulse to work the land in Israel tact her at [email protected] or follow her on area as part of a land-for-peace deal, Arafat to return to the south. When they heard about the is deep and “strikes at the core of the Jewish soul.” Twitter, @MaayanJaffe.

Fresh Imaginative Vegetarian Cuisine

· Wine Bar · Cappuccino · Fresh Juice Bar · · Craft Cocktails · Kids’ Menu Available ·

We’ve moved to Ann Arbor’s West Side!

· Free, convenient parking in the Westgate Shopping Center · 2541 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor MI 48103

734· 662· 1111 www.sevarestaurant.com

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 21 I American Jewry

Expanding conferences help FSU Jews gain mainstream communal acceptance By Alina Dain Sharon and Sean Savage/JNS.org n American Jewish astronaut who ish audience by the larger Limmud nonprofit, agers based around the world, each event is The partnership also expands on IFCJ’s learned to speak Russian while before Limmud FSU’s expansion to the U.S., planned by local volunteers using a budget made decades of existing work to help FSU Jews, in- A training with cosmonauts walks “there was not one Russian” in attendance. When up of entry fees, major donations, and local cluding recent efforts to provide emergency as- into a lecture hall filled with Russian-Amer- the eventual Limmud FSU founders asked Rus- fundraising. Limmud FSU has approximately sistance to the Jewish community of Ukraine, ican Jews. No, it’s not a priest-and-rabbi-style sian Jews why they didn’t attend such events, the 50 different funders and sponsors, including which has come under increasing hardship due joke, but a real-life event that exemplifies the response was, “We don’t want to feel like second- entrepreneur Aaron G. Frenkel, Limmud FSU’s to the instability there. spirit of the Limmud FSU (former Soviet class citizens. We want to feel like we are equal, president and Honorary Consul of the Repub- According to Eckstein, IFCJ has more than Union) educational conferences. and we don’t want to be treated like immigrants.” lic of Croatia in Jerusalem; prominent Jewish 1.4 million Christian donors, who show an inter-

At Limmud FSU’s 2010 conference in New est in assisting Jews in need. This falls in line with York, former NASA astronaut Garrett Reis- IFCJ’s stated vision “that Jews and Christians will man addressed the crowd in Russian—to the reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and re- audience’s delight. Many of the young FSU- place it with a relationship marked by dialogue, immigrant Jews living in the United States still understanding, respect, and cooperation.” “have a strong cultural affinity for being Rus- IFCJ is providing Limmud FSU with sian” and speak Russian when they get together, LIMMUD FSU. CREDIT: $400,000 a year for three years, making up about even though they may live in the same apart- 13 percent of the latter organization’s $3 million ment buildings or work in the same businesses annual budget. Eckstein told JNS.org that the as mainstream American Jews, explained Sandra funding would go towards creating a “deeper Cahn, one of Limmud FSU’s three founders. Jewish experience” through a more meaning- At the same time, Limmud FSU—whose con- ful Shabbat experience during Limmud FSU’s cept is based on the model originally established weekend conferences. by the British-Jewish educational nonprofit Lim- “It’s not an attempt to impose religion on mud (a name derived from the Hebrew word them, but an attempt to give them an experience meaning “to learn”)—is “trying very hard to get of Shabbat, like saying Kiddush or Hamotzi (the [FSU Jews] involved in mainstream American blessing for bread),” he said. Jewry,” Cahn told JNS.org. Secondly, IFCJ is looking to have education Besides its annual conferences in the U.S. and about aliyah (immigration to Israel) become an Israel, Limmud FSU is now expanding further integral part of the Limmud FSU conferences. around the globe. The organization hosted its first “There is a need for an organization that will conference in Canada from Oct. 24-26, and an work with young Russian Jews and give them a Australia conference is planned for March 2015. Limmud FSU founders Chaim Chesler and Sandra Cahn with Israeli Minister of Culture & Sport strengthened Jewish identity that will hopefully Cahn, Chaim Chesler, and Mikhail Chle- Limor Livnat at Limmud FSU’s first conference in Canada, October 24-26 inspire them to move to Israel at some point in nov—who are American, Israeli, and Russian, their future,” Eckstein added. “That’s one of our

respectively—cofounded Limmud FSU in 2006. It’s no surprise, then, that the crowd at Lim- top interests and why we contributed to Lim- Chesler worked as the executive director of the Is- mud FSU’s 2010 event in New York was pleased mud, which is an excellent organization that rael Public Council for Soviet Jewry in the 1980s to hear Reisman (the former astronaut) speak in achieves exactly that.” and later became the head of the Jewish Agency Russian. While IFCJ’s efforts have drawn some skepti- for Israel’s FSU branch, at a time when about Before Limmud FSU’s recent Canada con- cism from those who believe that the organiza- 70,000 Russian Jews were emigrating daily. ference, Canadian-Russian Jews would take 10- tion is hyper-focused on aliyah due to Christian For those Jews who remained in FSU countries, hour bus rides just to attend an event in New LIMMUD FSU. CREDIT: fundamentalist theology, which encourages Jews Limmud FSU’s founders sought to create a Jewish York. Yet the travel pattern was reversed for the to settle the in order to bring the experience. The first one-day Limmud FSU event, event in Ontario, with some attendees flying in messiah and Christian salvation, Eckstein called held in Moscow in 2006, brought together about from Los Angeles, Moscow, and Israel. Canada that “such a false perception.” He noted that only 1,000 participants from all over the Russian capital, had never seen “such a gathering of Russians to- $20 million of IFCJ’s $140 million budget is dedi- as well as top leaders from major Jewish organiza- gether for a long weekend for studying Judaism cated to aliyah. tions such as Taglit-Birthright, Israel, the American or experiencing Judaism” prior to the Limmud “We are talking about people who are giving Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Hillel FSU conference, Chesler said. up whatever small things they have in order to help campus umbrella, and others. What makes Limmud FSU events different the Jewish people,” Eckstein said, describing IFCJ’s “That was the beginning of the revolution,” from those planned by other Jewish groups? Alexei Leonov, a former Russian cosmonaut, Christian donor base. “There will always be those Chesler told JNS.org. Organizers point to a focus on “haskalah”— addresses a Limmud FSU conference critics who try to undermine that and give false Limmud FSU was the first real vehicle for meaning enlightenment or education. For in- philanthropist Matthew Bronfman, chairman motivations.” He added that the donors are pre- FSU Jews “that welcomed every strain of the Jew- stance, a Limmud FSU event this week in Lvov, of Limmud FSU’s International Steering Com- dominantly Protestant evangelicals whose giving is ish spectrum,” Cahn said. If “you knew nothing Ukraine, will feature the screening of the Oscar- mittee; UJA-Federation of New York; the Jewish motivated by the call in Genesis 12:3 to bless Israel about being Jewish, you think you’re maybe Jew- nominated film, “In Darkness,” which is about National Fund; the ; the and the Jewish people, especially the needy. ish, you’re a quarter Jewish, you found out from eight people who hid in the sewers in Lvov during Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against In Moscow, Limmud FSU participants your parents a year ago you’re Jewish all of a sud- the Holocaust. The book’s author, a survivor from Germany (Claims Conference); and the Interna- now pay between $250 and $600 to attend the den, or you’re Orthodox—wherever you come the group who lives in Long Island, will partici- tional Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ). organization’s events. In lower-income areas in, you’re very comfortable [at Limmud FSU], pate in the event via Skype. The translator of the The last organization on that list is a new- of the FSU, such as Moldova and Belarus, the because there’s no imposition of religion there, book from English to Polish plans to take partici- comer to Limmud FSU. In March, Limmud FSU fee is about $30. The events in New York and and yet we do provide religious services for all the pants to the place where it actually took place. and IFCJ launched a partnership to expand ef- Toronto cost approximately $300 to attend, different streams,” she said. A year after Reisman spoke at the Limmud forts to connect Russian-speaking Jews around and in Israel admission is roughly $105. There Before Limmud FSU’s founding, “if you FSU event in New York, the former NASA as- the world with Judaism and Israel. are long-distance travel subsidies available for weren’t affiliated with Chabad [Hasidic move- tronaut attended another Limmud FSU event Founded in 1983, IFCJ promotes under- Limmud FSU conferences. ment]” you had no way of experiencing Judaism in the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva along standing and cooperation between Jews and While Limmud FSU takes into consid- in FSU countries, added Cahn. with Alexei Leonov, a former Russian cosmonaut Christians. The group has raised more than eration “the economies of where the [host] Limmud FSU’s first four-day weekend event, who was the first man to “walk” in space in 1965, a billion dollars—mostly from Christian do- countries are” in determining prices for con- held near Moscow in 2007, is still remembered and current Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Korniy- nors—for Jewish immigration, social programs ferences, the organization believes partici- fondly. Participants said they “never experienced enko. Their appearance at the Be’er Sheva event in Israel, and struggling Jewish communities pants should pay at least something to attend in their lives being treated as equal” in the Jewish was in honor of the late Israeli astronaut Ilan around the world. in order to give Limmud FSU a perceived val- community, Chesler recalled. Ramon, who was killed in the Columbia shuttle IFCJ Founder and President Rabbi Yechiel ue and to inspire attendees to become active This issue of equality is all the more true explosion in 2003. Eckstein said his organization sought a partner- in their Jewish communities. in countries such as the U.S. and Israel, where Limmud participants “feel that they are mak- ship with Limmud FSU after working inside the Cahn said that both event participants and Russian-Jewish immigrant families sometimes ing a difference,” Chesler said. former Soviet Union for almost 18 years. There volunteer organizers “really grow with each Lim- report feeling separate from the rest of the Jewish Like the original British Limmud model, is a “deep concern” that Jewish life will lose the mud [conference]. … We want them to have re- population. Chesler and Cahn said that at several Limmud FSU works as a organiza- Russian Jews who are moving to different parts spect for themselves and what they produce.” n New York events planned for a mainstream Jew- tion. Although there are six paid project man- of the world, he said.

22 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 Sunday, december 7, 2014 • 3:00 pm

Film Screening a n d Director talk The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life nergetic, piano-playing Holocaust Esurvivor Alice Herz-Sommer will bring a smile to your face in this 2014 Academy Award-winning film. Malcolm Clarke, the film’s director, will provide additional details about the short documentary and this remarkable Theresienstadt survivor whose message is: “Life is beautiful, and I have so much to learn and enjoy. I have no space nor time for pessimism and hate.” Generously supported by: n L OCATION: Holocaust Memorial Center n AdMISSION : $10 / Members free n Reception with director following the program

Questions on events? Call Lawrence Willim at 248.553.2400, ext. 124

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTER ZEkELMAN FAMILy CAMpUS 28123 Orchard Lake Rd. • Farmington Hills, MI 48334 www.holocaustcenter.org 10:22 AM Wednesday November 19, 2014

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 23 Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra JAN Mozart 24-25 Birthday Bash

Saturday, January 31 8:00 pm Michigan Theater Arie Lipsky, Conductor Sponsored by Rebecca Horvath

Special Guests Jeanette Vecchione Timothy Michling FORD HONORS PROGRAM Mariinsky Orchestra

Valery Gergiev, music director Behzod Abduraimov, piano (Saturday) (734) 994-4801 Denis Matsuev, piano (Sunday) www.a2so.com Saturday, January 24, 8 pm Sunday, January 25, 3 pm [NOTE START TIME] Hill Auditorium

PROGRAM (SATURDAY 1/24) Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26 Shostakovich Symphony No. 4 in c minor, Op. 43

PROGRAM (SUNDAY 1/25 — FORD HONORS PROGRAM CONCERT) Shchedrin Concerto for Orchestra No. 1 (“Naughty Little Limericks”) Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in b-flat minor, Op. 23 Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Ravel)

CMYK Form (preferred)

The Ford Honors Program recognizes the longtime and generous support of UMS’s Education & Community Engagement program by Ford Motor Company Fund.

Black and White Form

TICKETS ON SALEFord FundNOW Master File Format: CMYK.EPS Ford Oval: CMYK Text: Black 6/2003 BW.EPS Black Black UMS.ORG / 734.764.2538 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ANN ARBOR

CONCERTMASTER ENDOWED SUPPORT MEDIA PARTNERS SPONSORS FROM THE WGTE 91.3 FM and Bank of Ann Arbor and William R. Kinney WRCJ 90.9 FM University of Michigan Endowment Fund and Health System the Catherine S. Arcure Endowment Fund

24 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Best Reads

Fiddlers and nostalgia From abortion to Rachel Urist, staff writer onathan Wilson was raised an Or- Kahanovich, in Scholem Asch, to chill- tune was the State Yiddish theatre of Mos- conversion, new thodox Jew in London, England. He ing effect in Elie Wiesel’s Night, and in cow, where he was commissioned to paint book tackles hot- J earned his Ph.D. at Hebrew Univer- Yehuda Amichai’s remarkable poem, backdrops in the early 1920s. He painted sity, focusing on the work of Saul Bellow. ‘The Jewish Time Bomb.’ ” sets for many playwrights of note, including Wilson now lives in Newton, Massachusetts, Chagall escaped Nazi-occupied France in Nikolai Gogol. Chagall designed the set for S. button issues in and teaches in the English Department at the nick of time. In 1941, along with many Y. Ansky’s The Dybbuk (1922) which, accord- Tufts University. He has written scholarly es- other prominent Jews, he was granted safe- ing to Wilson, proved a huge inspiration. Jewish law says along with award-winning novels and conduct to leave for New York. He liked the Wilson writes: “Like Chagall in his paintings, By Yehudit Jessica Singer/JNS.org biographies. His biography of Marc Chagall Jewish community he found in New York Ansky yoked together the natural and the su- ne of the most beautiful aspects was a runner-up for the 2007 National Jew- City, where he read the Yiddish newspapers pernatural in his Yiddish Romeo and Juliet about Jewish life is its diversity— ish Book Award. and hobnobbed with his Yiddish-speaking (or Romeo and Juliet meets The Exorcist, as the tapestry of colors that make up Wilson’s interest in art and art history is brethren. But given the anti-communist zeal one wag has described it.)” O how Jews around the world practice Jewish long-standing, and his biography of Chagall that swept much of the country in those days, Chagall left Moscow for Berlin in 1922. tradition and its laws. Yet it is this very diver- is informed by their parallel upbringings in the FBI viewed him with suspicion. J. Ed- He spent a year there, studying etching and sity that is contentious, or oftentimes divisive traditional Jewish households. Wil- gar Hoover sent his FBI goons, who lithography. The following year, he and his and charged, especially when people begin to son offers a de- came swooping down, snooping for wife, Bella, arrived in Paris. Eventually, Cha- deliberate whose observance carries more hal- tailed, insightful “incriminating documents.” Fortu- gall thought of France as home. He also ob- akhic (Jewish legal) legitimacy. look at the life and nately, Chagall and his wife had just served that it was almost impossible for a For columnist and educator Rabbi Shlomo times of the Rus- vacated their home; they were safe. Jew to assimilate there. He said: “It is amaz- Brody, appreciating “Shiv’im panim LaTo- sian-Jewish art- Still, this invasion of his personal ing the way the French resent foreigners. rah”—which in a lit- ist. Chagall loved life was a hostile incursion into the You live here most of your life. You become eral sense means the to travel, but his artist’s world. What prompted the a naturalized French citizen, give them 20 70 faces of the To- many moves bore FBI’s suspicions? McCarthyism was paintings for their museum of modern art, rah, but in a practice the hunted mark of reaching its heyday. Hoover was work for nothing decorating their cathedrals, sense refers to the early twentieth cen- sniffing for communists. Home- and they still despise you. You are not one of Torah’s numerous tury Jewry. Russian land security of the pre-suicide them. It was always like that.” possible interpreta- anti-Semitism met bombing era Chagall spoke the language of each of his tions—begins with more than its match mistrusted Cha- host countries, but he was happiest—and felt giving popular ac- in Nazi Germany. gall, especially most comfortable—speaking Yiddish. cess to the historical, Moishe (Mov- since the sub- In 1964, when Fiddler on the Roof opened legal, and theological cha) Shagal, later versive Jew had on Broadway, the set designs were an homage sources that impact known as Marc the chutzpa to to Chagall. The set designer was Boris Aron- halakhic discourse. Chagall, was born in be named hon- son, a Russian Jewish artist who, like Cha- Brody’s debut book, Vitebsk, Belarus, on orary president gall, had designed backdrops for the Moscow which is based on his popular newspaper col- July 6, 1887, the eldest of eight siblings. He of the Com- State Yiddish theatre and had studied in Ber- umn, features 134 concise essays on today’s lived through both world wars and the estab- mittee for the lin under Chagall’s former teacher. most provocative issues in Jewish law. These lishment of the State of Israel. He lived in St. Suppression of Chagall’s wife, Bella, was a fellow native issues include abortion, paternity and DNA Petersburg, Moscow, Berlin, Paris, and New Anti-Semitism of Vitebsk. Through her and through the testing, downloading from the Internet, or- York before returning to his adopted coun- and the Promo- insistent images of Vitebsk on his canvases, gan donation, the “protective power” of the try, France, where he died, at age 97, in Saint- tion of Peace. Chagall remained bound to his roots, how- Jonathan Wilson red string, kol isha (female singing), female Paul de Vence. Though he had distanced Wilson writes ever secular he became. After Bella’s prema- rabbinic ordination, fleeing Israel during war- himself from his Orthodox Jewish upbring- as though Chagall was a personal friend. When ture death at age 42, he became romantically time, fertility treatments, stem cell research, ing, his nostalgia for home and family is Wilson cites the criticism of the day, he does involved first with Virginia (not Jewish), and conversion standards, and more. visible in the iconic images of his oeuvre, so with compassion and wry humor. He notes, then with Vava, a Russian Jew who converted In the following interview, Brody provides which immortalized Vitebsk. His famously for instance, that when Chagall was commis- to Christianity. Yet, as Wilson points out, a behind-the-scenes look at his newly pub- flying figures, along with colorful birds and sioned to illustrate the beloved fables of la Fon- when his daughter became involved with a lished work, A Guide to the Complex: Contem- animals and fiddlers on rooftops, became taine, one skeptic wrote: “What next? Soutine non-Jew, Chagall objected. Chagall, like most porary Halakhic Debates (Maggid Books, 2014). the images now universally associated with on Racine?” Wilson hoists the critic on his own of humanity, was a bundle of contradictions. Chagall. The 1964 musical, Fiddler on the petard: anti-Semitic dismissiveness. Wilson, who also left religious practice JNS: What was your goal in writing A Guide Roof, takes its title from Chagall’s painting, Sarcasm did not inform all of the criti- behind, employs Talmudic wordplay, or nit- to the Complex? Music, which features his trademark fiddler, cism leveled at Chagall. Despite the jibes, picking (pilpul), in parsing some of Chagall’s Rabbi Brody: “Many Jews want to be knowl- in cap and prayer shawl. the artist commanded respect and achieved discourse. Consider, for instance, Wilson’s edgeable about the hot topics of debate Wilson’s intimate knowledge of the lan- international attention. His colleagues and disquisition on Chagall’s use of the word within Jewish law, but frequently don’t have guage and rituals that begot Chagall’s folksy, peers included Pablo Picasso, Sigmund “makom,” or place. Wilson finds in this a the time to properly research the nuances colorful vision, position the author to offer Freud, Chaim Soutine, Modigliani, Mark spiritual dimension. He contrasts Chagall’s and complexities of the disputes. I wanted helpful clues to Chagall’s work. Wilson as- Rothko (né Rothkowitz), Philip Guston (né insistence that his place was in France with to create a book that was sufficiently in- tutely observes that Chagall “painted in Yid- Philip Goldstein), and Roman Vishniac. his equally insistent: “My garden is waiting depth to be informative even for rabbis, yet dish.” His flying figures are embodiments of Chagall had longed to be included among for me.” Wilson posits that this “garden” im- concise and accessible so that anyone could the Yiddish “luftmensch,” literally an “air per- the modernists, and he achieved that sta- age suggests that Chagall feels his roots are use it for passionate discussions around the son,” or a “human being in the air.” Wilson’s tus, but he was also accused of being “senti- elsewhere. Wilson writes: Shabbat table or in college dorm rooms.” explanation of the title for Chagall’s Self mental.” Wilson sheds light on this label. He “The Hebrew word makom holds the Portrait with Seven Fingers is also helpful. In points out: literal meaning of ‘place,’ but it is also, as JNS: You write that it is harmful to the com- Yiddish, to do something with seven fingers “A book marking the vast contribu- in Ha-Makom, God. Makom is both any- munity when people are passionate about is to do it well, nimbly and quickly. tion of Jews to the history of sentimen- where and the sublime itself. … it appears halakhic controversies, but do not know Chagall’s use of the crucifixion as a sym- tality … has yet to be written. But in that Chagall’s true home was the makom the sources. Can you elaborate on why you bol of the Jew as scapegoat earned wide- it Chagall would surely have his own of his studio, in whatever country that believe this is dangerous? spread criticism, particularly from fellow chapter, not because his paintings are happened to be, where the mundane earth, Rabbi Brody: “Jewish legal debates are full of Jews. But Wilson points out, using his pen- desperately mawkish (and after all, squeezed paint tubes, brushes, turpentine, nuances, and it’s nearly impossible to ap- chant for surveying the cultural landscape, sentimentality is not the attribute only and his yearning for being in an ultimate preciate the complexity of the subject with- that: of weaker artists—think of Dickens sacred space were one.” out some access to the sources. Moreover, “Chagall’s appropriation of the Cru- or Renoir) but because he walked the Sometimes such chatter feels like a foray when people can root their opinions within cifixion of Jesus as an icon of Jewish suf- tightrope that separates sentimentality into obsessive too-muchness. Be warned. texts, they can create a shared language that fering is not entirely uncommon among from deeper, more authentic feeling bet- But then enjoy the book. Wilson is a writer allows for dialogue and respectful disagree- Jewish writers and artists in the twen- ter than anyone.” grounded in fact and reason. He documents ment. Halakha has been the traditional tieth century. It occurs, for example, in Among the steppingstones that helped meticulously. His biographies read like nar- language of the Jewish world for many the work of the Yiddish novelist Pinchas Chagall reach the heights of fame and for- rative fiction. n Continued on page 26 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 25 I Kosher Cuisine

Complex, continued from page 25 Celebrate Jewish food, Delancey style, this Chanukah Mary Bilyeu, staff writer centuries, and the ability to converse about t’s almost time to celebrate the mira- compares to the sort of food I was raised on.” per; mix well. Fold in matzo meal, making halakhic matters facilitates greater under- cle of the oil, the festival of lights that At 91, he says: “People often ask me for my sure that everything is very well blended. standing while forcing one to sharpen his/ I is Chanukah. secret to a long life. I’m not sure there is one. Heat 1/2 cup corn oil in a deep skillet. Spoon her own perspective. Conversely, a lack of This holiday brightens the darkness of But I know that if you have a steady diet of batter (use a large kitchen spoon) into the knowledge can lead to the (frequently winter, offering warmth when it’s so very cold Jewish food a long life is possible. I’m living pan to create pancakes about 3-1/2 inches unnecessary) delegitimization of others, outside. It’s not just physical warmth, of course, proof of that!” in diameter. Fry on low heat for 3 to 4 min- with people not even realizing that there’s but spiritual, too. Chanukah is haymish. And, oh, the pictures of all that Jewish utes until underside is a deep golden brown, another legitimate option out there. This And so is Aaron Rezny’s and Jordan Sc- food! Bialys, rugelach, mushroom barley soup, turn, and fry another minute or two. Drain is especially true if one includes (as one haps’ new book, Eating hamantaschen, good rye on paper towel. Serve with applesauce and/ should) scholars from the full range of the Delancey: A Celebration of bread, tzimmes, pas- or sour cream. halakhic community, without excluding Jewish Food. Published on trami, an egg cream, anyone for his ideological stances on, say, November 25, it’s come just cholent, blintzes, kasha Yield: 20 latkes Zionism or secular studies. Admittedly, in time to bring coziness and knishes... you can prac- not all opinions expressed in popular comfort to dark, blustery tically hear your doctor Katz’s Deli Egg Cream dialogue are well grounded in traditional days. With photographs admonishing you just for “‘Katz’s old-fashioned approach is thor- sources. Yet one cannot coherently ex- and brief essays, tidbits of looking and drooling. oughly contemporary—artisanal food from clude a position if there is no shared lan- Yiddish, and memories of Interspersed among the best ingredients made fresh every day,” guage for the conversation.” Old World dishes and dearly the photos, recipes, remembered relatives, this and quotes—such as says Alan Dell, father of current owner Jake JNS: Where do the questions that are featured book truly revels in the joys Milton Berle’s claim Dell. “We make everything ourselves, except in A Guide to the Complex come from? of Jewish food. that “Any time a person the bread because of union rules .... We don’t Rabbi Brody: “Many of the questions were Chanukah, of course, goes into a delicatessen put the pickle barrels on the sidewalk any- submitted by readers and staff of the Je- is one of those holidays and orders pastrami more, but otherwise we stick to tradition.’” rusalem Post, where I write the ‘Ask the that warrants the old ad- on white bread, some- From Jake Dell, owner: “Alright, so the per- Rabbi’ column. Other questions originat- age, even cited at the end of the book, “They where a Jew dies.” There are lots of anec- fect Katz’s egg cream is really simple. The ed from conversations I had with students tried to kill us. We survived. Let’s eat!” Eating dotes, as well as confessions. Isaac Mizrahi oldest recipe in the book for egg creams is a and friends, who wanted deeper knowl- Delancey makes you want to start chopping, shares a secret of watching model Dalma little Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup—although edge of Jewish legal perspectives on cur- stirring, baking, and, especially, feasting. Collado buying pastrami and a cream if you’re kinda a chocolate wuss you can use rent events.” More than anything, it makes you want to soda at “the fabulous Fine & Schapiro on a little vanilla syrup instead, but let’s be hon- JNS: Which books are you currently reading? fly to New York and eat your way through 72nd street.” When she recognized him she est, chocolate egg creams are infinitely better Don’t worry, the readers won’t judge you the city. whispered to him, “in her exotic Brazilian in my humble opinion—fill that up about an if you indulge in “Game of Thrones.” It’s The Lower East Side of Manhattan is leg- accent”: “Don’t tell!” And Larry King ad- inch or so. Put an equal amount of milk in okay. Really. endary, and for good reason. There, and in mits that he’ll “eat bacon, but bacon with a there. Top it off with a little bit of seltzer and Eating Delancey, you’ll find Streit’s matzos, glass of milk?—I’ll faint.” as you’re pouring the seltzer you stir vigor- Rabbi Brody: “I’m thinking a lot these days Yonah Schimmel’s knishery, Russ & Daugh- Rabbi Seth M. Limmer, senior rabbi of ously and that’ll get you the nice head on top. about what makes humans unique in ters, the 2nd Avenue Deli, and so many Chicago Sinai Congregation (who notes, as Voilà, you have the perfect egg cream.” light of the finding of contemporary neu- more beloved places—especially bubbes’ his credentials, that he was “born and bred roscience and evolutionary biology. These kitchens—remembered with both affection in New York”), writes that: “Food comforts. questions have many legal implications in and humor. Food roots us in our past as we face our fu- Ratner’s Rice Pudding areas like criminal law and animal rights, Eating Delancey features an introduction ture. Food is inseparable from identity. This “Ratner’s was a New York institution,” writes and I think the Torah has a lot to say in by the late Joan Rivers who, despite her very everyone knows is true.” Theodore Peck, second cousin to former co- response to these questions. Three help- slender figure and ability to afford the most At Chanukah, eat latkes, kugel, and suf- owner Robert Harmatz. “Ratner’s was the ful books that I’m reading include The elegant and contemporary cuisine, never lost ganiyot—foods that offer comfort, foods that community. It was the Lower East Side. They p by Thomas Suddendorf, Ga The Differ- her love for the classic Jewish dishes she was remind us of our roots, foods that we’ll carry do not make restaurants like that anymore. ence of Man and the Difference it Makes raised on. “Oh my God, the food,” she wrote, into our future. And may you do so as Eating You knew your neighborhood from eating by Mortimer Adler, and Who’s in Charge? “it was just terrific and this is how I grew Delancey wishes, on its very first page: at Ratner’s. It was the place you stopped at Free Will and the Science of the Brain by up—eating such food cooked with love.” “Ess Gezunterhait—Eat in good health.” n on your way home to get a box of cookies Michael Gazzaniga.” She continued: “I still yearn for all of for your wife, where you celebrated Sundays, JNS: Aside from being a columnist and au- those delicious childhood treats. Matzo balls where you went after temple. It was the kind thor, you’re an educator who works with that melt in your mouth! Chopped liver of place where you were with people from teens during their “year in Israel.” JNS: that’s just creamy enough. Flanken so tender 2nd Avenue Deli’s Potato Latkes your community whether you liked them or not, and really, where you figured out wheth- What are the most spicy halakhic topics that it doesn’t require a knife to eat it. So, 21/2pounds potatoes, peeled and quar- that have come up recently? How do you what do I do about getting these? Starbucks tered er or not you liked them.” 1 1 /2 cup sugar tackle these subjects with your students? doesn’t have a kosher section where I can or- 2 large onions (use 1 /2 cups grated; 2 cups half and half Rabbi Brody: “Students are very interested der a ‘glatte.’ So I go to Sammy’s Roumanian don’t tamp down) on Chrystie Street every four years or so with 3 eggs, beaten 3 cups milk in questions relating to gender, like wom- 3 cups cooked, friends and indulge. I took [my daughter] 1 teaspoon baking powder en rabbis, or questions relating to reli- 3 drained rice Melissa once and I thought she was going to /4 cup corn oil gion and state, like the question of public 2 eggs die. And my grandson—it’s so sad—he looks 1 cup flour transportation on Shabbat in Israel. But 1 1 teaspoon vanilla at Jewish food and doesn’t really get it. But I 2 /2 teaspoons salt more than any specific issue, they want to 1/4 teaspoon pepper extract discuss broader questions relating to rab- look at Jewish food and think, ‘How can any- 2 tablespoons melted butter one hate the Jews with all of the scrumptious 2 cups matzo meal binic authority and the halakhic process. 1 1 cup golden raisins things they produce?’” /2 cup corn oil for I try to discuss these issues in the same frying cinnamon Given that Joan recently passed away, it’s way I try to approach the questions in applesauce In a saucepan combine sugar, half and half, a bit eerie to see that she also wrote about my book: with honesty and clarity, giving sour cream milk and rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for what she hoped her final dinner might be: them the full range of opinions. By the In a food processor, fine-grate potatoes 30 minutes. end of the process that also know how I “If I had to choose, my last meal would be a good piece of gefilte fish with some fantastic (don’t liquefy; leave some texture), and Beat eggs. Put a small amount of hot mixture feel on the matter, but I try not to let my strain to eliminate excess liquid. Don’t over- into eggs and then stir the eggs into the sauce- own opinion cloud their understanding freshly grated horseradish on it. Or noodle kugel. Or halvah .... And kreplach.” do it; just let the water drain out. Fine-grate pan. (This prevents the eggs from curdling.) of the broader topic.” n Actor Fyvush Finkel contributed the fore- onions, and mix in a large bowl with pota- Stir in vanilla extract, butter, and raisins. A Guide to the Complex is the newest release ward, echoing Joan’s nostalgia and affection toes. (If you don’t have a food processor, you Pour mixture into individual serving dishes from Maggid Books, a division of Koren Pub- for the dishes of childhood: “All of my life, can grind the potatoes and onions in a meat and sprinkle top with cinnamon. Cool the rice lishers Jerusalem. It is available online and at I have loved Jewish food and kept a kosher grinder.) pudding and refrigerate until ready to serve. Add eggs, baking powder, 3/4 cup corn oil your local Jewish bookstore. house. I have traveled the world and eaten Yield: 6-8 servings all kinds of foods, but, in my book, nothing (most of it cooks out), flour, salt, and pep-

26 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 Celebrate Jewish food, Delancey style, this Chanukah How to eat Chanukah sufganiyot without guilt Mary Bilyeu, staff writer By Jaime Geller/JNS.org he average Chanukah sufganiya (jel- and fold in until just mixed, and add chopped In a standing mixer with a paddle, beat egg 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 ly donut) has between 300 and 400 cranberries. Stir until just mixed. Spoon into yolk, egg, yeast mixture, 1/4 cup of sugar, and /2 cup Water calories of nearly pure oil and fat. In donut pan. milk. 1/4 cup Granulated sugar T 1 honor of the miracle God bestowed on the Bake for 12–14 minutes. With paddle going, add flour and salt. /2 teaspoon cinnamon Maccabees, making oil meant for just a day 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt Make glaze. While donuts cool, in a small Add margarine one piece at a time. Dough 1 cup all purpose flour last eight days, the delicious donut and other saucepan heat the cranberries and orange should be sticky but elastic. traditionally oily Hanukkah foods become 4 large eggs juice until they burst about 5 minutes. Re- Turn out dough onto floured surface. Knead annual killers for your diet. For those who 1 granny smith apple (about 1 cup), move from heat, mash berries with fork, add once or twice. Shape into ball. Place in an are health conscious but do not want to be peeled and diced powdered sugar and vanilla stir well. Dip oiled bowl, cover, and place in a warm area deprived of the annual treat, here are three Vegetable oil for frying donut into glaze and serve. for at least an hour or until dough is doubled. 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar healthier recipes selected from Joyofkosher. 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam com. Consider substituting or reducing in- Lightly grease 2 baking sheets. 1 tablespoon orange juice gredients further as needed for your diet. Divide dough in half. With lightly oiled hands, take approximately 2 tablespoons of In a medium saucepan, heat butter, water, dough and roll into ball. Place on greased sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and bring to a Baked whole wheat cranberry baking sheet. boil. Remove from the heat and add flour. Return to low heat and stir with a wooden Repeat with remaining dough placing balls orange donuts spoon until the dough comes together and 2 inches apart (about 12 balls per baking Contributed by: Tamar Genger MA, RD on forms a ball. Continue to cook for 1 minute. Joyofkosher.com sheet). Cover with a kitchen or tea towel and Transfer dough to the bowl of a stand mixer. These baked donuts taste more like cake let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 de- grees F. Beat on low speed with a paddle attachment since they are not fried, but they are still very for 1 minute or until cooled slightly. Add Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until gold- tasty. In addition, they use the healthier op- eggs one at a time. Add apple and mix until en. Remove from oven and let cool. tion of whole-wheat flour just combined. Place jam in a pastry bag fitted with a me- Prep Time: 15 minutes In a heavy medium sized pan, heat oil to 350 dium pastry tip or use a small ziplock type Cook Time: 15 minutes degrees F on a candy or deep-fry thermom- of bag fitted with a medium pastry tip. Pastry Ready Time: 30 minutes eter. Using a 1-teaspoon scoop, carefully tips are available at most craft stores. Servings: 12 mini donuts Baked sufganiyot (jelly donuts) drop batter into hot oil and fry until golden Press tip into donut and squeeze at least 1 From Jaime Geller on Joyofkosher.com brown, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slot- Ingredients: teaspoon of jam into donut, or more if de- 1 cup white whole wheat flour Another recipe that forgoes frying in oil. ted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat sired. with remaining dough and dust with pow- 3 tablespoons corn meal Prep Time: approximately 2 hours Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve. dered sugar. 1 teaspoon orange zest Cook Time: 10-12 minutes 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons sugar Tips: In a small bowl, whisk together jam and or- Ready Time: approximately 2-3 hours 1 teaspoon baking powder If you don’t have a standing mixer, use a ange juice and serve with zeppole. n 1/2 teaspoon salt Servings: 24 doughnuts hand mixer for Step 2 and beat the egg yolk, 3 tablespoons liquid coconut oil Ingredients: egg, yeast mixture, sugar, and milk for about 6 tablespoons coconut milk mixed with 1 (1/4 -ounce) package rapid rise dry yeast 1 minute. Knead the rest of the ingredients Jamie Geller is the only bestselling cookbook 1 teaspoon lemon or vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar together by hand: first the flour, then the salt author who wants to get you out of the kitch- 1 egg white 1/4 cup warm water and margarine, one piece at a time, then pro- en—not because she doesn’t love food—but 1 /2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg yolk ceed with Step 5. because she has tons to do. As “The Bride Who 1/2 cups Chopped Fresh Cranberries 1 egg Knew Nothing,” Jamie found her niche special- For the Glaze 1/4 cup sugar izing in fast, fresh, family recipes. Now hailed 1/4 cup fresh cranberries 1 cup 1% milk, warmed Apple zeppole with jelly as the “Queen of Kosher” (CBS) and the “Jew- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour dipping sauce ish Rachael Ray” (New York Times), she’s the 1/4 teaspoon vanilla Pinch of salt creative force behind Joyofkosher.com and Joy From Jaime Geller on Joyofkosher.com 3/4 cup powdered sugar 3 tablespoons margarine or butter, cut of Kosher with Jamie Geller magazine. Jamie Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a nonstick mini into 9 pieces Try these apple zeppole as a change over for and her husband live in Israel with their five Cooking spray doughnuts. The recipe itself is not low-fat, donut pan with cooking spray and set aside. 3 busy kids who give her plenty of reasons to get /4-1 cup strawberry jam but the portions are bite-sized. out of the kitchen—quickly. Check out her new In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cornmeal, orange Confectioners’ sugar for dusting zest, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Prep Time: 8 minutes book, Joy of Kosher: Fast, Fresh Family Recipes. In a small bowl whisk the coconut oil, the Cook Time: 20 minutes Dissolve the yeast with the 1 tablespoon of coconut milk mixture, egg white, and vanilla Ready Time: 28 minutes the sugar in 1/4 cup warm water. together. Add the wet and dry ingredients Servings: 12

Not Just A Photobooth! WEDDINGS BAR/BAT MITZVAHS SCHOOLS BIRTHDAYS CORPORATE EVENTS 248.545.6460

Code: WJN

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 27 I On Another Note

A conversation with pianist Ethan Uslan San Slomovits, staff writer nn Arbor’s Fourth Annual Rag- it refreshing—as long as I did it in addition and I remember a nightmarish recital in syncopation, just as if it was written by Fats time Extravaganza will begin at 8 to the classical stuff. I went to [University of] which I played (mangled is much more ac- Waller. That’s what happens when you play A p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2015, Indiana, which is the biggest music school curate) “Beautiful Dreamer.” Do you have this kind of music all the time! in the Michigan Theater. Hosted by the River in the country. The halls of the school were any early childhood memories of playing WJN: Your duets with Adam Swanson are also Raisin Ragtime Revue, the fun-filled, fast- the piano—dreamy spectacular. Please talk a little about how paced evening’s lineup includes a number or nightmarish— you met. of nationally, and internationally renowned that you could share? ragtime, vaudeville and burlesque acts. (For Uslan: I met Adam when he was knee high to Uslan: My first a frog, at the World Championship Old- complete details, visit, http://www.ragtime- childhood memory band.org) This year’s all-star lineup includes Time Piano Playing Contest, which I started of playing the piano entering in my early 20s, and he started en- Ethan Uslan, (pronounced “Yoo-slin”) the was going on some first place winner of the 2007 World Cham- tering when he was a tadpole. Obviously kind of group date we have a bond—a love for this music. pionship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, in like sixth grade, held every year in Peoria, Illinois. Uslan, And really I feel that Adam and a lot of the to the mall, and other ragtime pianists I know, all over the along with fellow ragtime piano virtuoso, there was a key- Adam Swanson, is a featured performer in country, we are part of a brotherhood. The board for sale in the Entertainers documentary is largely about The Entertainers, an award-winning docu- Sharper Image. I mentary that follows several contestants at the friendly rivalry Adam and I have at this played the theme to contest. We will duke it out on stage (in Ann the annual championship. Swanson will also Fame, which was all appear in Ann Arbor’s Ragtime Extrava- Arbor) trying to one up each other with our the rage at the time. ragtime tricks. ganza and the documentary will air at the This may have been Michigan Theater a couple of days before the my public debut? WJN: I’ve been told that your wife’s aunt, Lisa Extravaganza, on Thursday, January 15. Us- So I showed off a Saulles, lives in Ann Arbor. lan has performed on NPR’s A Prairie Home bit, the girls crowd- Uslan: My wife Kate grew up in Ann Arbor Companion as well as in numerous concerts ed around me, and until age fourteen. She went to Eberwhite and festivals nationwide. then the manager Elementary. I’ve been to Ann Arbor maybe WJN: Did you grow up in a musical family? kicked me out of twice, Thanksgivings I think. Whose idea was it for you to play the piano? the store, which WJN: So this will be your first appearance on I think made me Uslan: My mom’s idea. Thanks mom! Nobody stage in Ann Arbor? in my family played an instrument. I don’t even cooler. Sure, Uslan: Yes. remember music being much a part of our I’ve had memory life until I was nine years old and a neigh- Ethan Uslan slips in public per- WJN: Are your children musical? formances, and I’ve been deathly ner- bor was selling a Wurlitzer spinet. My mom Uslan: My eight-year-old, Ben, has been do- covered with recital programs and every- vous, but those moments never really thought it would be nice as a hobby, a pro- ing great with guitar. He can play a mean body was playing pretty much the same traumatized me for more than a few days ductive thing for me to do, so she asked if “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Take Me stuff. Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, (maybe a week at most). The good mem- I wanted piano lessons, and I said “ok” and Out to the Ballgame.” My five year old and Debussy. Those guys cornered the mar- ories outweigh the bad. Nobody crowded at the time I didn’t even really know what a hasn’t picked up an instrument yet, but ket. I like Beethoven and Chopin etc. a lot, around me and smiled when I did math piano was, but I could tell “yes” was the cor- he sure likes to dance around and pound but its really difficult stuff, and why should I problems or successfully memorized a rect answer. So we got a piano and I got les- the bongos. He’s got some serious poten- dedicate my life to it if everybody else is do- poem in school. sons and I ended up liking it, despite the fact ing it? And it wasn’t like I was the best in the tial but he’s young yet. that my friends told me piano was for girls. school at that stuff. I always liked ragtime WJN: Your ragtime version of Beethoven’s “Fur My wife Kate (nee Kate Breiter) played WJN: You started out playing classical music. and early jazz so somewhere I think in my Elise” has been viewed over 750,000 times percussion growing up (first chair at Slau- How did you come to, as you say, “Harbor a sophomore year, I said to myself, “I’m gonna on YouTube. Not Justin Bieber territory, son Middle School!) and was a wiz on the ragtime addiction?” figure out how to play like Fats Waller, dam- but quite respectable for a ragtime piano marimba. Now she has a career in public player. Would you talk about how you came health, and we sold the marimba when Uslan: When I played ragtime everybody liked mitt!” And so I listened to a lot of recordings, to create that arrangement (or the Chopin’s we got married (hey, she never touched it and people still do (usually—can’t please starting playing by ear more, started getting “Knocked Urn,” or your other classical to it and we needed the dough), but she can ‘em all). You often get an instant happy re- a hold of transcriptions, and after several ragtime arrangements.)? play the maracas like nobody’s business. sponse from people. I remember once in years I started to make some progress. So thank you Mrs. Smith, from Slauson college I was playing ragtime in a practice WJN: I’ve watched your YouTube videos and Uslan: When you play a lot of ragtime you ap- Middle School! Maybe we can get Kate room and a pretty girl came in and com- listened to some of your music. Your ver- proach everything from that perspective. to play maracas at the show; I will bring plimented me, but she left before I got her sion of “Beautiful Dreamer” is, well, beauti- Instead of seeing “Fur Elise,”cf etc, as a clas- n number. My professor in college was strictly ful, and also very virtuosic. I studied piano sical piece I see it as a melody plus chord them just in case. classical but was supportive of it and found as a kid for a few years, many moons ago, progression that is waiting to be played in

RIVERSIDE ARTS CENTER 76 N HURON STREET YPSILANTI, MI

FOR TICKETS • 483-7345 •www.ptdproductions.com

28 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 5.1/2” THIS IS 1/2 ” TRIM EDGE TRIM ” 1/2 THIS IS x 5.1/2” 5.1/2” THIS IS 1/2 ” TRIM EDGE TRIM ” 1/2 IS THIS x 5.1/2” FINISHED POST CARDS ARE 4” 4” CARDS ARE POST FINISHED

FINISHED POST CARDS ARE 4” x 5.1/2” THIS IS 1/2 ”TRIM EDGE FINISHED POST CARDS ARE 4” 4” CARDS ARE POST FINISHED I Calendar

Beyond Pentatuch: The Rest of the Hebrew Bible: December 2014 TBE. 7:30–9 p.m. Wednesday 10 Tuesday 16 Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the and Learn: BIC. Noon. Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Monday 1 Jewish legal system by following the intriguing DAMES Dinner: TBE. 4–8 p.m. Tuesdays. See December 2. discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a Hebrew 100: TBE. 5–6 p.m. How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. 9:30–11 a.m. English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. composite of practical law, logical argumentation and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. See December 2. Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon. Mondays– and moral teachings. Study from the original Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Thursdays, 1–3 p.m. For information, contact Talmud tractate. 8 p.m. Thursdays. Thursday 11 Beanster’s Café in UM Michigan League. 1:30 [email protected]. p.m. Tuesdays. Nosh and Nowledge: TBE. 7–8 p.m. Thursdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Hebrew 104: TBE. 5–6 p.m. Friday 5 Thursdays. See December 4. Hebrew: 103. TBE. 6–7 p.m. Jewish Yoga With Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. Tuesday 2 Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: “Bohemian Jews as Bohemian Jews: Literary Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Strategies Between the Imperial and the Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Callanetics Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. understanding it is no simple matter. Study with Diane Dahl featuring muscle firming through Local:” Frankel Institute. Presented by Jindrich the text in the original, with the classical Rashi Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service/Third Toman, Frankel Institute Fellow. 202 South stretching exercises synchronized to music. $12/ Grade Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. commentary. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. members; $14/non-members. 9:30 a.m. Energy Thayer Street, Room 2022. For information, see Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Exercise with Maria Farquhar with low impact www.lsa.umich.edu/judaic/events. 12:15 p.m. exercise in a supportive environment. $4 per session Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Wednesday 17 or 3 monthly sessions for $10. 10 a.m. Homemade Saturday 6 Israeli Dancing: JCC. Thursdays. See December 4. dairy lunch buffet. $3 per person; Noon. Games Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Lunch and Learn: BIC. Noon. and activities including mahjong and quilting, Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. 8 p.m. Thursdays. See December 4. Hebrew 100: TBE. 5:30–6 p.m. including making quilts for children of Mott Chanukah Bazaar: TBE. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Family Chanukah Party: BIC. 6 p.m. Hospital; 1 p.m. For information, contact Leah Zaas Hadassah Chanukah Party: Hadassah. Light the at [email protected] or by phone at 769-0209, Shabbat Limmud: BIC. 9 a.m. Friday 12 menorah, rekindle friendships, learn a new or phone the JCC at 971-0990. Tuesdays. Human Rights Shabbat: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Chanukah spiel and enjoy light refreshments. How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. This course Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11 a.m. Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Take part in fun gift exchange by bringing offers an exciting journey into your own mind Falafel and Film: JCC. Falafel dinner followed by viewing Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot wrapped present you’ve made or bought for and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and and discussion of the film Footnote. $10 for JCC Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. five dollars or less. Suggested donation of $10 mystical teachings, this course will present a members; $12 for non-members. For information, Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service/Birthday to to Young Judaea Scholarships to help educate deeper understanding of yourself and help with contact Karen Freedland at karenfreedland@jccfed. and Anniversary Celebration. 7:30 p.m. future generations. At the home of Sue Adler, practical advice which, when implemented, org or phone 71-0990. 7 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. 3010 Exmoor. For information or to RSVP, will radically enhance the happiness quotient. Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. contact Maxine Solvay at [email protected] or by 9:30–11 a.m. and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. phone at 668-1901. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Saturday 13 Beanster’s Café in UM Michigan League. 1:30 Sunday 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Jewish Parenting Workshop: TBE. 8:30–9:30 p.m. Thursday 18 Hebrew 104: TBE. 5–6 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. Thursdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Hebrew: 103. TBE. 6–7 p.m. the basic text of Chassidism and discover the Saturday Morning Services and Discussion: beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Thursdays. See December 4. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: AARC. Participative community service Jewish Yoga with Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. JCC Scouting integrates traditional liturgy with music, understanding it is no simple matter. Study program is a skill-building program for girls chanting and contemporary English readings, Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. the text in the original, with the classical Rashi and boys in grades K-8. As part of membership, including Torah service and discussion. Led by One Candle for Tzedakah: JCC. Second annual commentary. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. scouts receive a badge collector for badges that are Rabbi Michal Woll. For information, phone event. Bring new, unwrapped toys to provide collected as skills are mastered. For information, 845-2361 or email [email protected]. a gift to a child in need. All proceeds donated contact Ethan Krasnow at ethankrasnow@ Held at the JCC. 10 a.m.–Noon. to Toys for Tots and accepted on behalf of the Wednesday 3 jccfed.org, Kellie Cohoon at kcohoon@jccfed. Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11:30 a.m. Marine Reserves on the night of the event. org, or phone 971-0990. Register online at www. Mini Minyan: BIC. 11:15 a.m. Dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a magic show at Lunch and Learn: BIC. Noon. jccannarbor.org. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. 7 p.m. Register by December 15 at jccannarbor. Home Concert: Sandy Cash. Detroit native and Israeli Chaverim B’Shirim Concert: JCC. Featuring a com or by phone at 971-0990. Hebrew 100: TBE. 5–6 p.m. resident for over 30 years, Sandy Cash will perform variety of great songs. Desserts will be served. ChaiNukah Party: Ann Arbor ORT. Bring $18 Donations appreciated. For information, “modern folk” with her own compositions as well as those of other modern writers. See www. (chai) donation and a new or gently-used Thursday 4 contact Marilyn Krimm at mkrimm@umich. wrapped book for a Book Exchange. Featuring edu or by phone at 663-1978. 3 p.m. sandycash.com. For more information and to RSVP, email [email protected]. 7:30 p.m. guest speaker Robin Axelrod, director of Thursdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Chanukah Bazaar: TBE. 3–7:30 p.m. education for the Holocaust Memorial Center Tot Shabbat: BIC. 11:15 a.m. Callanetics with Diane Dahl featuring in Farmington Hills. At the home of Ruth Petit. muscle firming through stretching exercises Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. Israeli Dancing: JCC. Thursdays. See December 4. synchronized to music. $12/members; $14/ Monday 8­ non-members. 9:30 a.m. Energy Exercise with Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. Maria Farquhar with low impact exercise in English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Sunday 14 Thursdays. See December 4. a supportive environment. $4 per session or Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon. Mondays– 3 monthly sessions for $10. 10 a.m. Current Thursdays, 1–3 p.m. For information, contact Planning Session: BIC Men’s Club. 9:30 a.m. Friday 19 Events at 11 a.m. Homemade dairy lunch buffet. [email protected]. Gan/Alef Family Chanukah Program: BIC BIRS. $3 per person; Noon. Also, monthly birthday 9:30 a.m. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. Brotherhood Breakfast: TBE Brotherhood. Off- celebration. For information, contact Leah Zaas Men’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the site. 8:30–10 a.m. at [email protected] or by phone at 769- basic text of Chassidism and discover the beauty Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. 0209, or phone the JCC at 971-0990. Thursdays. and depth of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Latke Dinner: TBE Brotherhood. 6–7:30 p.m. Nosh and Nowledge: TBE. Noon–1 p.m. Tuesday 9 JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. Jewish Yoga with Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. See December 7. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. “Reorienting Imperial Jews: Constantinople at Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Ruth Bardenstein Art Reception: JCC. Reception Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service/All the Crossroads of Modern Jewish Identities:” Tuesdays. See December 2. featuring the art of Ruth Bardenstein. Hors d’oeuvres Ensemble Family Hanukkah Service at 7:30 Frankel Institute. Presented by Devi Mays, How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. 9:30–11 a.m. and refreshments available. For information, p.m. Frankel Institute Fellow. 202 South Thayer and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. See December 2. contact Karen Freedland at karenfreedland@jccfed. Street, Room 2022. For information, see www. Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): org or phone 971-0990. 4–6 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar lsa.umich.edu/judaic/events. 12:15 p.m. Beanster’s Café in UM Michigan League. 1:30 p.m. Evenings in the Library With Authors: Miriam . Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Tuesdays. Brysk: TBE. 6–7:30 p.m. Saturday 20 Israeli Dancing: JCC. Easy and oldies from Hebrew 104: TBE. 5–6 p.m. 7:30–8:30 p.m. Intermediate and requests Hebrew: 103. TBE. 6–7 p.m. Monday 15 Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. from 8:30–10 p.m. $5 per class. Students and Mussar Group: BIC. 8 p.m. Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11:30 a.m. children free. Learn the latest Israeli dances, line Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chanukah Celebration: Ann Arbor dances, mixers and more. Families welcome. English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but Reconstructionist Congregation. Communal For information or to request a ride, contact Mondays. See December 1. understanding it is no simple matter. Study candle lighting, dinner, music and dreidel Laura at [email protected], phone 395-4223, [E]met: An Honest Conversation About Death: the text in the original, with the classical Rashi games at the JCC. All are invited to bring their or visit www.a2rikud.org. Thursdays. TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. commentary. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. own chanukiah and candles. Dinner is $10 per Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 29 I Calendar

person, children under 10 are free. RSVP by Oneg follows. Shabbat Service at 7:30 p.m. understanding it is no simple matter. Study December 2 at 445-1910 or contact Jennifer Fourth Friday Shabbat: AARC. Musical Kabbalat January 2015 the text in the original, with the classical Rashi Cohen through the website www.aarecon.org. Shabbat services are held at the JCC and are commentary. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. 5:30–8:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Michal Woll. Services followed Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Pizza nosh for Thursday 8 children before services at 6 p.m. and childcare Friday 2 provided during services from 6:30–7:45 Thursdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Sunday 21 p.m. Reservations requested for pizza and KidZone Vacation: JCC. Full day of fun and Callanetics with Diane Dahl featuring muscle childcare. Leave a message at 445-1910 or email adventure when Ann Arbor Public Schools firming through stretching exercises synchronized Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the [email protected]. 6:30–10 p.m. (AAPS) and Hebrew Day School (HDS) to music. $12/members; $14/non-members. 9:30 basic text of Chassidism and discover the beauty Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. have scheduled closures. Kids in grades K-5 and depth of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Sundays. a.m. Energy Exercise with Maria Farquhar with participate in field trips and activities. Today’s low impact exercise in a supportive environment. JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. program features the Leslie Science Center $4 per session or 3 monthly sessions for $10. 10 See December 7. Saturday 27 bringing two programs to the JCC. Grades a.m. Current Events at 11 a.m. Homemade dairy R&R Hanukkah Party Potluck: TBE. Off-site. 6–9 p.m. K-2 will explore “Where Animals Winter,” lunch buffet. $3 per person; Noon. Also, monthly Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50 a.m. and grades 3-5 will learn about “Habitats and birthday celebrations. For information, contact Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11:30 a.m. Human Impact.” $45/JCC members; $70/ Leah Zaas at [email protected] or by phone Monday 22 Tot Shabbat: BIC. 11:15 a.m. community members. For information, contact at 769-0209, or phone the JCC at 971-0990. Ethan Krasnow at ethankrasnow@jccfed. Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. Thursdays. KidZone Vacation: JCC. Full day of fun and org, Kellie Cohoon at [email protected], Nosh and Nowledge: TBE. Noon–1 p.m. adventure when Ann Arbor Public Schools or phone 971-0990. Register online at www. (AAPS) and Hebrew Day School (HDS) Sunday 28 jccannarbor.org. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Jewish Yoga With Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. have scheduled closures. Kids in grades K-5 Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Shabbat Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. participate in field trips and activities. Today’s Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the at 6:00 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Oneg Israeli Dancing: JCC. Easy and oldies from program features Ann Arbor Symphony basic text of Chassidism and discover the beauty follows. Shabbat Service at 7:30 p.m. 7:30–8:30 p.m. Intermediate and requests Orchestra bringing their Brass or Woodwind and depth of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. from 8:30–10 p.m. $5 per class. Students and Ensemble for a private concert and instrument children free. Learn the latest Israeli dances, zoo. $45/JCC members; $70/community JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. See December 7. line dances, mixers and more. Families members. For information, contact Ethan Saturday 3 welcome. For information or to request a Krasnow at [email protected], Kellie ride, contact Laura at [email protected], Cohoon at [email protected], or phone Monday 29 Torah Study: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. phone 395-4223, or visit www.a2rikud.org. 971-0990. Register online at www.jccannarbor. Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11 a.m. Thursdays. org. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. KidZone Vacation: JCC. Full day of fun and Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. adventure when Ann Arbor Public Schools Chabad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge Mondays. (AAPS) and Hebrew Day School (HDS) of the Jewish legal system by following the Women’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. have scheduled closures. Kids in grades K-5 Sunday 4 intriguing discussions in the Talmud. The Men’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. participate in field trips and activities. Today’s Talmud is a composite of practical law, logical program features the Michigan Science JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. JCC Scouting argumentation and moral teachings. Study Museum bringing their Skylab to the JCC. program is a skill-building program for girls from the original Talmud tractate. 8 p.m. Tuesday 23 Kids will be split into groups of K-2 and 3-5 for and boys in grades K-8. As part of membership, Thursdays. age appropriate programs. $45/JCC members; scouts receive a badge collector for badges that are KidZone Vacation: JCC. Full day of fun and $70/community members. For information, collected as skills are mastered. For information, adventure when Ann Arbor Public Schools contact Ethan Krasnow at ethankrasnow@ contact Ethan Krasnow at ethankrasnow@ Friday 9 (AAPS) and Hebrew Day School (HDS) jccfed.org, Kellie Cohoon at kcohoon@jccfed. jccfed.org, Kellie Cohoon at kcohoon@jccfed. have scheduled closures. Kids in grades K-5 org, or phone 971-0990. Register online at org, or phone 971-0990. Register online at www. Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. participate in field trips and activities. Today’s www.jccannarbor.org. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. jccannarbor.org. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. Elementary Shabbat Service with Rabbi Levy: program features the Great Lakes Zoological TBE. 6–6:30 p.m. Society (GLZS) sharing some reptilian friends. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot $45/JCC members; $70/community members. Tuesday 30 Monday 5­ Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. For information, contact Ethan Krasnow at Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service/Birthday [email protected], Kellie Cohoon KidZone Vacation: JCC. Full day of fun and English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. and Anniversary Celebration. 7:30 p.m. at [email protected], or phone 971-0990. adventure when Ann Arbor Public Schools Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon. Mondays– Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Register online at www.jccannarbor.org. (AAPS) and Hebrew Day School (HDS) have Thursdays, 1–3 p.m. For information, contact 9 a.m.–4 p.m. scheduled closures. Kids in grades K-5 participate [email protected]. in field trips and activities. Today KidZone will Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Nosh and Nowledge: TBE. 7–8 p.m. Saturday 10 Tuesdays. See December 2. go to the Zap Zone, where they will have the facility all to themselves. $45/JCC members; $70/ How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. 9:30–11 a.m. Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. community members. For information, contact and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. See December 2. Tuesday 6 Ethan Krasnow at [email protected], Shabbat Limmud: BIC. 9 a.m. Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Sweatshirt Shabbat and Cholent Kiddush: BIC. Kellie Cohoon at [email protected], or phone Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Callanetics Hanukkah on Ice: Chabad. Ann Arbor Ice Cube. 9:30 a.m. 971-0990. Register online at www.jccannarbor. with Diane Dahl featuring muscle firming through For information, phone 995-3276 or email org. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. stretching exercises synchronized to music. $12/ Saturday Morning Services and Discussion: [email protected]. Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. members; $14/non-members. 9:30 a.m. Energy AARC. Participative community service Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Tuesdays. See December 2. Exercise with Maria Farquhar with low impact integrates traditional liturgy with music, Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. 9:30–11 a.m. exercise in a supportive environment. $4 per session chanting and contemporary English readings, understanding it is no simple matter. Study and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. See December 2. or 3 monthly sessions for $10. 10 a.m. Homemade including Torah service and discussion. Led by the text in the original, with the classical Rashi Rabbi Michal Woll. For information, phone Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: dairy lunch buffet. $3 per person; Noon. Games commentary. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. 845-2361 or email [email protected]. Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but and activities including mahjong and quilting, Held at the JCC. 10 a.m.–Noon. understanding it is no simple matter. Study including making quilts for children of Mott Wednesday 24 the text in the original, with the classical Rashi Hospital; 1 p.m. For information, contact Leah Zaas Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11:30 a.m. commentary. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. at [email protected] or by phone at 769-0209, Mini Minyan: BIC. 11:15 a.m. or phone the JCC at 971-0990.Tuesdays. House of Israel Kaifung Chinese Dinner: BIC. 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat: BIC. 11:15 a.m. How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. This course Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. Wednesday 31 offers an exciting journey into your own mind Thursday 25 and psyche. Drawing on classical Jewish and KidZone Vacation: JCC. Full day of fun and adventure mystical teachings, this course will present a Sunday 11 Movie at the Michigan: TBE. Showing of Mary when Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) and deeper understanding of yourself and help with Poppins. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Hebrew Day School (HDS) have scheduled practical advice which, when implemented, JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. closures. Kids in grades K-5 participate in field will radically enhance the happiness quotient. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. See January 4. trips and activities. Today’s program features the 9:30–11 a.m. and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. Thursdays. See December 4. Challenge the Island: Out Think, Out Smart, Out Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Play on Sharktooth Island. $45/JCC members; Beanster’s Café in UM Michigan League. 1:30 Monday 12 Friday 26 $70/community members. For information, p.m. Tuesdays. contact Ethan Krasnow at ethankrasnow@ English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Mussar Group: BIC. 8 p.m. jccfed.org, Kellie Cohoon at kcohoon@jccfed. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Mondays. See January 5. org, or phone 971-0990. Register online at www. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Women’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. Shabbat at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle jccannarbor.org. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but 30 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 Men’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. ensembles combine programs including KidZone Vacation: JCC. KidZone Vacation Brotherhood Dinner: TBE. Zamaan Café freshly minted pieces along with time-honored provides full days of fun and adventure when the 6–7:30 p.m. Tuesday 13 classics. All concerts preceded by dessert and Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) and Hebrew Israeli Dancing: JCC. Thursdays. See January 8. coffee at 1 p.m. Concerts begin at 1:30 p.m. Day School (HDS) have scheduled closures. Field Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. This month’s selection is Schumann: Piano trips and activities for kids in grades K-5. Today’s Thursdays. See January 8. Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Quartet in E-flat Major, Op 47 on strings. program features the Ann Arbor Art Center who Tuesdays. See January 6. For information, contact Karen Freedland at will throw an art party for the kids. JCC Member How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. 9:30–11 a.m. [email protected] or at 971-0990. cost is $45 and community member cost is Friday 23 and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. See January 6. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot $70. For information, contact Ethan Krasnow Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. at [email protected], Kellie Cohoon at Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. Informal Beanster’s Café in UM Michigan League. 1:30 Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service/Pulpit [email protected], or phone 971-0990. Register discussion. Participants are welcome to bring p.m. Tuesdays. Switch at 7:30 p.m. online at www.jccannarbor.org. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. lunch. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Chabad. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. See January 6. Tuesday 20 Shabbat at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday 17 Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service/ 2nd Wednesday 14 Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Grade Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. See January 6. Fourth Friday Shabbat: AARC. Musical Kabbalat Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. Shabbat services are held at the JCC and are Sisterhood Series: TBE. 7–9 p.m. Sixth Grade Shabbat Morning with the Rabbis: How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. 9:30–11 a.m. and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. See January 6. led by Rabbi Michal Woll. Services followed BIC. 9:30 a.m. by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Pizza nosh for Thursday 15 Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Thursdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11:30 a.m. children before services at 6 p.m. and childcare Beanster’s Café in UM Michigan League. 1:30 Thursdays. See January 8. provided during services from 6:30–7:45 Annual Quiz Night: BIC. 7 p.m. p.m. Tuesdays. Jewish Yoga with Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. p.m. Reservations requested for pizza and Yiddish Film Series: Frankel Center. Showing of childcare. Leave a message at 445-1910 or email Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Yizkor. 202 South Thayer Street, Room 2022 [email protected]. 6:30–10 p.m. Israeli Dancing: JCC. Thursdays. See January 8. Sunday 18 Thayer Building. For information, see www.lsa. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Beyond Pentatuch: The Rest of the Hebrew umich.edu/judaic/events. 5 p.m. Bible: TBE. 4–7 p.m. JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. Mussar Group: BIC. 8 p.m. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. See January 4. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. Saturday 24 Thursdays. See January 8. Pulpit Switch: TBE. 10:30–11:30 a.m. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. See January 6. Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. TOV Social Justice: JCC. TOV Social Justice Friday 16 Community Reads event. For information, visit Shabbat Limmud: BIC. 9 a.m. www.jewishannarbor.org. 7–9 p.m. Thursday 22 Brunch and Learn: The Shmitah Year and Human Rights: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Chapel Service: TBE. 10–11:30 a.m. Afternoon Delights: JCC. The Ann Arbor Monday 19 Thursdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. Symphony Orchestra presents chamber music Thursdays. See January 8. Tot Shabbat: BIC. 11:15 a.m. Ice Skating: TBE. Kadima. Vets Park. 12:30–2:30 p.m. in hour-long concerts open to listeners of English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Jewish Yoga With Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. all ages. Wind, string and brass soloists and Mondays. Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. Fundraiser Dinner and CelloBration: TBE

Leadership • Legacy • Community Thank you Corporate Partnership opportunities are NOW available. to our generous supporters. The Herb Amster Center The mission of facilitates important, The Herb Amster Center is to enhance meaningful relationships economic stability for individuals and between JFS and the local families in Washtenaw County by business community by developing revenue-generating providing a variety of Business businesses for JFS. Support Services, including: Talent Services: Dynamic This innovative social entrepreneurship training programs for staff model is creating long-term financial and clients. stability for JFS by reducing dependence on grant funding and allowing JFS to focus Employee Assistance: Individualized counseling and solutions for employees, including stress management and wellness. on its mission of providing critical community services. Relocation: Services for international and other employees and U.S. citizenship, acculturation and English as a Second The Corporate Partnership program Language classes. is a perfect example of For more information, social entrepreneurship in action. contact: Sarah Okin, HerbThe

Director, The Herb Amster Center JFS mster Case Management/Services Coordination: Psychosocial Rehabilitation A Center 2245 S. State Street t Ann Arbo r, MI 48104 Jewish Family Services A Division of Jewish Family Services Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health www.jfsa nnarbor.org t 734- 769- 0209 [email protected] of Washtenaw County of Washtenaw County Employee Development Services 2245 S. State Street • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or 734-769-0209 OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Collaborative solutions for a promising future 2245 S. State Street, Suite 200 • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Tel: (734) 769-0209 Fax: (734) 769-0224 [email protected] Equal Opportunity • • Employer/Programs www.jfsannarbor.org Lives Transformed. Hopes Realized. www. jfsannarbor.org

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 31 Celebrate With Us! Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Weddings and Receptions Life’s Other Milestones (Kosher Caterers Welcome!) Presented by the Benard L. Maas Foundation Enriching Ann Arbor Since 1951! Join Us! Casual to Fine Dining sat., deceMBer 6 Programs and Classes Guest Speakers 1:30 PM Community Service Duplicate and Social Bridge Event Hosting Privileges Much More! Junie B. Jones 1830 Washtenaw Avenue The incomparable Junie B. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 is back, featuring new tales 734-662-3279 www.annarborcityclub.org from her favorite books. CLONLARA SCHOOL

sun., January 25 • 1:30 PM THE PURPLE ROSE THEATRE COMPANY skippyJon Jones Skippyjon takes on a giant bee that is terrorizing the neighborhood, but will he be a ‘fraidy-cat or the top dog? Find out in this enchanting musical!

ticKets start at Just $10! TickeTs aT TickeTmasTer.com, all TickeTmasTer ouTleTs and nicola’s Books in ann arBor. charge By phone: 800-745-3000. Ann Arbor’s downtown center for fine film & performing Arts 603 e. liberty • 734-668-time • michtheater.org FOR TICKETS: 734.433.7673 or PurpleRoseTheatre.org

Take your wrinkles all the way to smooth

Belotero Balance ®

There is nothing quite like Belotero Balance® on the market. I have been injecting this product for some time and I am always impressed by how it helps soften deeper wrinkles that are not easily addressed by other products. Belotero Balance® is a perfect solution for those fine lines above the lip as well as deep etched lines in the lower face. ~ Dr. Rachel Streu

Special Holiday Offer Devoted to our patients. Dedicated to results. Take $50* off Belotero Balance® Was $450 per syringe NOW just $400. Richard Beil, MD • Daniel Sherick, MD • Paul Izenberg, MD • David Hing, MD • Ian Lytle, MD • Rachel Streu, MD Just in time for the holidays.

Call to schedule your appointment with Our integrated team approach provides optimal outcomes Lynda Chase, our Primary Nurse Injector that are appropriate for your age, lifestyle and goals. or Dr. Rachel Streu at 734-712-2323

* Offer good now until 12/31/14 Not valid with other offers. Some restrictions may apply.

facebook.com/CPRSA2 cprs-aa.com

Ann Arbor • Brighton • Chelsea • DearbornPaul Izenberg, • Saline MD • DavidPaul Hing, Izenberg, MD • MD Richard • David Beil, Hing, MD MD • Daniel • Richard Sherick, Beil, MDMD • • Daniel Ian Lytle, Sherick, MD MD • Ian Lytle, MD • Rachel Streu, MD

32 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Calendar

Sisterhood. 5–9 p.m. for Shabbat meals. UM Hillel. Maimonides Symposium, continued from page 1 Bowling: TBE TNT. Colonial Lanes. 8–10 p.m. Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Morning Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. childcare from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Shabbat Services: AA Reconstructionist caused death and spread because people Dr. Monto: My expertise is in the spread Congregation. Morning services held the did not know what they were dealing of influenza. By the way, we have more Sunday 25 second Saturday of each month at the JCC with. Sick and dead persons were not be- deaths from influenza in this country ev- from 10 a.m.–noon integrating traditional ing isolated. ery year than we ever will have from Eb- Volunteer Appreciation Brunch: BIC. 10 a.m. liturgy with music, chanting and contemporary ola. For example, in the 1957 pandemic, JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. readings including Torah service and JT: If Ebola outbreaks had earlier occurred See January 4. discussion. A morning of songs and text study in Africa and been snuffed out, why were 70,000 Americans died of influenza. High School Shir Chadash Café: TBE. 7:30–9 a.m. takes place the first Saturday of each month. For these countries so slow to deal with this Questions asked of Dr. Wells info, email [email protected] or call 913-9705 outbreak? JT: Were the health authorities in West Africa or visit www.aarecon.org. Dr. Monto: Past outbreaks occurred in slow to recognize the spread of Ebola? Monday 26 Shabbat Services: Chabad. Friday night services at Shabbat candle lighting time. Saturday morning Central Africa. West Africa has an even Dr. Wells: The local authorities were slow, Men’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. services at 9:45 a.m. Afternoon services 45 weaker public health infrastructure. Also, but so was the World Health Organiza- Women’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. minutes before sundown. Call 995-3276 for these countries have just gone through tion (WHO). Home Hospitality and Meals for Shabbat and civil unrest. By contrast, Nigeria, a more Jewish Holidays. populous country, has more developed JT: Why so slow? Tuesday 27 Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Generally meets health infrastructure, and controlled Dr. Wells: The local health authorities did the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Call Ebola quickly. not have the ability to relay good health Tuesdays at the JCC: JCC Adult Programs. 663-4039 for more information. 10 a.m. Led by information to the WHO. Tuesdays. See January 6. Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg. JT: What is Ebola and how does this strain spread? JT: Were we slow in putting in place measures How Happiness Thinks: Chabad. 9:30–11 a.m. Shabbat Services: TBE. Torah Study with Rabbi and 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesdays. See January 6. Levy at 8:50 a.m. Morning Minyan with Rabbi Dr. Monto: It is one of six strains of an en- to prevent Ebola spread to this country? Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. Delson and lay leaders at 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary veloped RNA virus. This strain does not Dr. Wells: Yes. Funding for preparedness 8 p.m. Tuesdays. See January 6. Service at 10 a.m. most weeks. Call the office spread easily. Take Mr. Duncan, the man jumps after something happens that at 665-4744 or consult website at www. who came from Liberia to Texas. Before makes us frightened. Once the fear dis- Thursday 29 templebethemeth.org for service details. he returned to the hospital, and after he sipates, so does the funding. During the Home Hospitality for Shabbat and Holiday Meals: already had a fever, he did not spread the recession, there were massive cuts to AAOM. Call 662-5805 in advance. Jewish Yoga With Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. disease to people who had close contact the CDC, NIH, and the Department of Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. with him at home. It was only after he got Health and Human Services. Those cuts Shabbat and Holiday. Call 995-3276 in advance. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. sicker in the hospital that the two nurses directly impacted the ability of public Thursdays. See January 8. got the disease from him. health agencies and hospitals to provide Frequently listed phone numbers and JT: What has been the Ebola mortality rate continual preparedness. Preparedness Friday 30 addresses of organizations in West Africa? has to be there all the time, especially Dr. Monto: Up to 70%. But in cases treated when no immediate threat has been per- Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) in good health care facilities, the mortal- ceived. The Ebola case that popped up in Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. Informal 1429 Hill Street 994-5822 Dallas—this is what we work to prevent. discussion. Participants are welcome to bring ity rate is much, much lower. We don’t It should have been recognized. lunch. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (AARC) know whether that is because of better 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 913-9705 Friday Night Lights Service and Dinner: BIC. 6 p.m. supportive care or because of treatment JT: What are the current guidelines for Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot with Ebola antibodies or some experi- screening travelers returning from Ebola- 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 Shabbat at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. mental drugs. endemic areas? Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service with Chabad House JT: For developing drug therapy, is there an Dr. Wells: The CDC issued “risk-based” 715 Hill Street 995-3276 Kol Halev and Worship Band at 7:30 p.m. adequate experimental animal model? guidelines on October 27, and we have Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Jewish Community Center (JCC) adopted them in Michigan. 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 971-0990 Dr. Monto: Only primates, and it hard to get enough of them to do reasonable work. JT: Do you agree with them? Saturday 31 Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 975-9872 JT: How many lives will Ebola take? Dr. Wells: Yes, they are extremely balanced Shabbat services: See listing at end of alendar. Jewish Family Services (JFS) Dr. Monto: Modelers say millions. But sup- and based on what we have learned about 2245 South State Street 769-0209 port is rolling in. I’m optimistic. Ebola transmission. Anyone returning Jewish Federation from an Ebola-endemic area and who Weekly Friday night Shabbat services 2939 Birch Hollow Drive 677-0100 JT: Is this outbreak going to be controlled? has “symptoms” that could suggest in- Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM Pardes Hannah Dr. Monto: Yes. I think we’ll be able to con- fection—fever, muscle pain, headache, Hillel. Call 994-9258 in advance to confirm time. 2010 Washtenaw Ave. 761-5324 tain the spread in urban areas. Oddly, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or un- Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) it may be tougher to contain it in rural explained bruising or bleeding—will be Shabbat Service: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 6 p.m., 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 areas. The concern is spread into other automatically isolated and evaluated for followed by tot dinner. Traditional Service at UM Hillel underdeveloped areas within Africa, infection. Among the asymptomatic indi- 7:30 p.m. Once a month Middle School Service 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 which also have relatively poor health in- viduals, the “high risk” persons are those at 7:30 p.m. For information, call 665-4744. frastructure, like northern Mali. We must who had close contact with Ebola-infect- Shabbat Service: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist devote resources to getting a good pub- ed patients and did not have adequate Congregation. 6:15 p.m. at the JCC the fourth lic health infrastructure in place before a protection. For 21 days after “exposure,” Friday each month. Musical Shabbat service surge of cases occurs. they are subject to “direct active moni- followed by vegetarian potluck. Pizza nosh for toring,” which means being visited every Shabbat Candlelighting JT: Is this the worse sickness outbreak in the kids at 6:00 p.m. Childcare provided during day by a public health person who will the service. All are welcome to attend. For your lifetime? December 5 4:42 p.m. check on temperature and symptoms. information, call 975-6527, email mamacohen@ Dr. Monto: No. There are other infectious They will not be confined to their homes, comcast.net, or visit www.aarecon.org. December 12 4:24 p.m. diseases that cause death at high frequen- but they are restricted from using public Shabbat Service: Chabad. Begins at candle- cy every year. In Africa, 2 to 3 million conveyances, appearing in public places, lighting time. Home hospitality available for December 19 4:44 p.m. young children die every year of respira- and going to the workplace. “Some risk” Shabbat meals and Jewish holidays. Call 995- tory illnesses. The same is true of HIV, 3276 in advance. December 26 4:48 p.m. persons—those who had close contact malaria, and tuberculosis. But Ebola has but were adequately protected—also Weekly Shabbat services January 2 4:53 p.m. caused more unwarranted fear than any have direct active monitoring, and may other outbreak I can remember. This fear have similar travel restrictions if a public Shabbat Services: AAOM. Morning service, 9:30 January 9 5:00 p.m. always happens until we get the proper health person decides so. “Low risk” per- a.m. Evening service, 35 minutes before sunset. facts. In 2009, we thought the influenza sons—those who had brief or remote ex- Call 662-5805 for information. Mincha/ January 16 5:08 p.m. outbreak was killing 10% of the Mexican posure to an asymptomatic patient in an Ma’ariv with Seudah Shlisheet and Dvar Torah population. That was wrong. Ebola-endemic area—have “active moni- every week. Torah topics and a bite to eat. January 23 5:17 p.m. Discussions led by Rabbi Rod Glogower and JT: What is your background in control of toring,” which means they must report other local scholars. Home hospitality available January 30 5:26 p.m. spread of infectious disease? continued on page 34 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 33 Maimonides Symposium, continued from page 33

twice-daily temperatures and symptoms Dr. Wells: Supportive care is what is saving by telephone to a public health authority. people—intravenous fluids and replace- They have no travel restrictions., ment of electrolytes. Some patients in this country have received plasma from New Families mention this ad to save $100. JT: Are these guidelines based on the idea that Ebola-exposed persons are minimal- recovered patients. It contains antibod- ly contagious until they develop fever or ies against the virus. The WHO approved other pertinent symptoms? this procedure this summer and we are now rushing plasma to West Africa. Dr. Wells: Yes. Ebola is transmitted through contact with body fluids—not through JT: What is happening with a vaccine? ZZZFDPSWDYRURUJ the air. There has been no known trans- Dr. Wells: No vaccines are ready. Trials are  mission from an infected person until in progress, but as with H1N1, a vaccine fever occurs. In fact, the viral load keeps may arrive as the outbreak is declining or H[HFGLU#FDPSWDYRURUJ increasing as you get sicker. You are most over.  contagious at or near death. There is JT: What are we doing to fight the spread of ,QDGGLWLRQWRKDYLQJIXQDQG some idea that the virus can be transmit- Ebola? ted through contact with sweat. PDNLQJQHZIULHQGVFDPSHUV Dr. Wells: First, train enough trained people DW7DYRUOHDUQDERXW JT: Where did the hysteria over the spread of who can deliver supportive care. Second, OHDGHUVKLSVRFLDOMXVWLFH Ebola in this country come from? find infected people early, trace their VWHZDUGLQJWKHHQYLURQPHQW Dr. Wells: Part of it came from confusion contacts, and keep good data—what you with the airborne (Reston) strain of might call good “field epidemiology.” DQGFRQQHFWLQJWR,VUDHO Ebola, about which the book The Hot Third, set up a good public health infra- Zone was written. That strain does not structure that can address not just Ebola affect humans. The movies Contagious but other infectious diseases like tubercu- Camp Tavor offers 5-day, 2- losis and malaria. week, 3-week and 4-week JT: What kind of personnel do we need for that? overnight camp sessions for The Ebola Story: Dr. Wells: We need the military to set up the campers entering grades 3‒12. treatment units. We need nurses and doc- First-time campers may be Are We Responding Wisely? tors and other health care workers to work with the patients. The CDC is training them eligible for up to $1000 Sunday, December 14, 2014 here and in West Africa. Actually, our U-M off of tuition. 8:30 am – Noon School of Public Health preventive medicine (breakfast included) residents are helping. Health care work-  ers get a 3-day training in infection control  Lane Family Auditorium, methods. And they learn to get IVs into in- School of Public Health Building 1, fected people, which is hard to do when you

presents 1415 Washington Heights are wearing layers of “personal protective Temple Beth Emeth equipment.” These workers are going over Sponsors: for up to 6 weeks. By then they are exhaust- Ann Arbor Maimonides Society, ed. Many countries are beginning to provide funds, volunteers and other resources. The Key Bank WHO is also recruiting community health Charge: None workers from other African countries. Registration: JT: Is this effort enough? www.jewishannarbor.org Dr. Wells: There is a lot of activity now, but by December 8 or contact the WHO says we need even more. Cindy Adams at [email protected] JT: How many lives will Ebola consume? or 677-0100. Dr. Wells: Maybe 20-50,000 confirmed cases Parking: Free on surface U/M Blue lots by January 2015; a recent CDC study es- (Observatory St. and Washington Heights) timates a worse-case scenario that Ebola and on Observatory Street could infect 1.4 million in Liberia and and Washington Heights Sierra Leone by end of January 2015, but that is unlikely. But if we can get enough people trained, we’ll start seeing a down- turn. and Outbreak fanned the flames. Also, people are Googling Ebola and finding JT: How did you get involved in this sort of that the Department of Defense has done public health work? research on protecting against Ebola bio- Dr. Wells: I was trained in internal medi- terrorism—someone converting Ebola cine. After I worked for the U.S. Public and other germs into airborne weapons. Health Service, I came to Ann Arbor to JT: Has the scare affected the willingness of get a master’s degree in public health and health workers from this country to go to afterwards joined the preventive medi- December 25 | 10:30 am Ebola-endemic areas? cine residency. Then 9/11 happened and funding increased to the CDC for bioter- Dr. Wells: Yes, people are naturally worried Michigan Theater | Doors open at 10 am rorism preparedness. That became my about getting infected. But even so, I’m Raffle prizes and food! specialty and I worked at the Michigan told that the CDC has a large cohort of Department of Community Health ad- Tickets: those who want to go over to West Africa. vising on preparing not just for emerg- $7 in advance at www.templebethemeth.org or 734-665-4744 By the way, health care workers in this ing infectious diseases and bioterrorism, country who are caring for Ebola-infect- $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under at the door but natural disasters like hurricanes and ed patients are being stigmatized. earthquakes. I track, I monitor, I try to JT: What are the medical measures against control. I’m a disaster epidemiologist! n Ebola?

34 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 I Vitals

Mazel tov Avi Engelbert Lessure on his bar mitzvah, December 6. Bridget Chemberlin on her bat mitzvah, December 6. Jake Bernstein on his bar mitzvah, December 13. Benjamin Nacht on his bar mitzvah, January 31. Aharon and Esther Goldstein on the birth of their grandson, Yosef, son of Levi and Miriam Goldstein, November 5. Ellen and Jeoffrey Stross on the birth of their granddaughter, Annabelle Jane Stross, daugh- ter of Alison Long and John Stross, October 18. Ted and Wendy Lawrence on the marriage of Rick Lawrence to Meredith Hickson, October 26.

Condolences Jan Warner and Shoshana Mandel-Warner, on the death of his father Leon Warner, October 14. Michael Brooks on the death of his wife Ruth Brooks, October 9. Richard Ball on the death of his father Ivan Ball, October 27. Milton Gross on the death of his mother Rhoda Gross-Rapoport, November 1. Molly Resnik on the death of her mother Gertrude Resnik, November 4.

I Advertisers Amadeus Cafe/Patisserie...... 27 Jewish Federation...... 14 Ann Arbor City Club...... 32 Joe Cornell Entertainment...... 27 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 24 Lewis Greenspoon Architects...... 2 Ann Arbor Restaurant Week: Mast Shoes...... 18 Main St. Area Association...... 5 Michigan Theater...... 32 Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra...... 24 Modern Mechanical...... 27 The Ark...... 13 MOSA Audiology...... 19 Aunt Agatha’s...... 16 O’Connor Hearing Center...... 3 Susan Ayer Photography...... 13 Paper Station...... 2 Bank of Ann Arbor...... 19 PTD Productions...... 28 Bennett Optometry...... 35 People’s Food Co-op...... 5 Bivouac...... 23 Perfection Maid Service...... 13 Camp Tavor...... 34 Purple Rose Theatre Company...... 32 Center for Plastic and River Raisin Ragtime Band...... 36 Reconstructive Surgery...... 32 Ron’s Glass...... 23 Chelsea Flower Shop...... 34 Seva Restaurant...... 21 Dorfman Funeral Home...... 35 Shutter Booth...... 27 Encore Online Resale...... 16 Pam Sjo, The Reinhart Company...... 2 Frankel Center...... 3 Temple Beth Emeth...... 34 Gold Bond Cleaners...... 28 TBE Sisterhood Gift Shop...... 16 Cantor Samuel Greenbaum; mohel.....5 Trusted Loving Care...... 13 Holocaust Memorial Center...... 23 University Musical Society...... 24 Jewish Community Center...... 14 Village Apothecary...... 2 Jewish Family Services...... 6, 31 Zingerman’s...... 35 We’re planting the seeds for your THE DORFMAN CHAPEL holiday event Serving with Dignity, Sanctity, and Compassion From family gatherings to corporate Directors: Alan Dorfman & Jonathan Dorfman Providing professional and personal Funeral arrangements to the Jewish Community parties, we’ll make your special celebration Now serving Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities sparkle! Featuring an authentically restored 30440 W. 12 Mile Rd. • Farmington Hills event barn, stunning historic farmhouse, and 248-406-6000 • www.thedorfmanchapel.com sustainable, working farm grounds, Cornman Farms will help you put together a holiday memory to Happy Chanukah! cherish. Contact us now to start planning! from the Washtenaw Jewish News 8540 Island Lake Road • Dexter, MI 48130 www.cornmanfarms.com [email protected]

Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015 35 river raisin ragTiMe revue’s 4Th annual RAGTIME EXTRAVAGANZA Featuring BOLCOM & MORRIS dynamic duo of song

JAMES DAPOGNY Jazz Pianist & bandleader grammy-winner PAT DONOHUE JOHN NEVILLE-ANDREWS and Master of Ceremonies BUTCH THOMPSON from a Prairie HoMe THE FRIARS CoMPanion U-M Male Vocal octet

MIMI MISCHIEF nYC burlesque dancer

ADAM SWANSON & ETHAN USLAN america’s Premiere ragtime World Championship old-time orchestra Piano Playing Contest Champions RIVER RAISIN RAGTIME REVUE ERIN MORRIS & HER RAGDOLLS William Pemberton, director all-girl Vintage dancers ARTWORK BASED ON ZIG’S IMAGE OF MISTINGUETT ON ZIG’S IMAGE BASED ARTWORK Sat.JANUARY 17 8pm Ann Arbor’s Historic Burlesque! Michigan TheaTer Vaudeville!

Tickets at a2so.CoM 734-994-4801 Visit ragtiMeband.org for more info.

36 Washtenaw Jewish News A December 2014/January 2015