May 2015Sivan/Tammuz/Av/Elul 5775

L David Shtulman, special to the WJN Federation annualmeetingsetfor May 27 eration, from inthe histime Young Adult dent. many Blatt hasserved roles intheFed - board member, succeed aspresi will Barnett Ann JewishArbor community. Federation abouttherole inthefeelings of asFederationher time president andher meeting. Barnett’s reflect on remarks will voted be will uponatthetion restructuring Federation bylaws reflecting theFedera tion board and operations. of set A revised theFedera of andarestructuring services increase andcommunity infundraising and inclusiveness by the Federation, an outreach markedbeen by anagenda of Wednesday, May 27. Barnett’s tenure has GreaterCenter of Ann Arbor, at7p.m., on Meeting attheJewish isheld Community T Israel resents through the honor sherep Israel andwhat agencies and synagogues will sponsor activi agencies andsynagogues will stations.activity Many Jewish thelocal of person or family $36per after May 11. tion before May 11, or $15per registra or family $25per with for thisevent person is$10per interactive activities. cost The of array andawide pervision) falafel bar(kosher under su alsoenjoyParticipants a will music,with anddrink. food around acampfiregathering Hebrew,rary asocial itsignifies which meanssit. In contempo which meanscome, andzitz, from the Yiddish words nity nity Israel 2015 ternoon, May 17. Rabbi Ilana Baden, special to the WJN Celebrate Israel2015:kumzitz andmore In thisissue… Neal Blatt, a physician and long-time Celebrate at 4p.m. Israel begin will with The highlight of Celebrate of highlight The kumzitz program on program Sunday af Federation the2015 when Annual years theJewish aspresident of conclude will three Barnett aurie nual opportunity tonual opportunity once forward looks to again itsan communityJewish he Ann Arbor WASHTENAW will be acommu be - will May 2015Sivan/Tammuz/Av/Elul 5775 . Kumzitz Celebrate page 7 Recipients Scholorship Lichter comes kum, - - - - -

Nahalal delegation at Celebrate Israel 2011

- - - - -

Laurie Barnett andNeal Barnett BlattLaurie ern Michiganern University. Shichtman hasbeen theJewish Studies Program atEast chair of honor Shichtman, Martin tion will founding and outgoing board members, theFedera other Federation committees andtaskforces. Jewish Community Impact Fund andseveral toDivision chair,Allocations the chair of bers from Annbers Arbor’sin community sister en with “historical” figures. Moreover, mem chance to their get photo for participants tak for children and adults. even There a be will telling, toy projects making, andcraft andarts suchties as pita baking, tasting, wine story In incoming to addition the recognition of page 12 Israel at 67 2015 Ha'Atzmaut Yom

- - - - - [email protected]. RSVPs sent to should be Cindy Adams at to Federation all members andtheir guests. opening D’var Torah. inJune,the Federation staff present the will Hamermesh.Bernstein andMiriam Endowedrial Scholarships Israel to Zachary theSusanpresentation L. of Lichter Memo andinIsrael oning nationally thesubject. academia, BDS in against in the fight lectur leaderShichtman hasbecome animportant work inbuilding the Jewish Studies program, degree in Jewish Studies. In addition to his that recentlyprogram offered itsfirst minor this the community intheestablishment of theuniversitying both and administration east Michigan Jewish community, at engag a profound force atEMU, andintheSouth convey the andjoy thespirit of host the Israel will “Nahalal Tent,” which will call 677-0100.call n the events, www.jewishannarbor.org visit or to everyone seeing there!” The FederationThe Annual Meeting is open Rabbi Baden, Ilana leaving be will who also feature annualThe will the meeting For more information and to register for Volume XXXVIII: Number8 page 18 Legacy Harburg’s Yip

traditional traditional sing, dance, and prepare some have to and will anopportunity aroundgather thecampfire village). cultural premier events. We forward look ourJewish community’sone of year’sThis Israel is celebration of so much to offer to everyone. has community Our Ann Arbor food, andwonderful friends. dancingandmusic,of great kumzitz rememberboth around sitting year’s Bunky Elyakin, are who this Israel event,” shared Neal and produce thisyear’s Celebrate flames. At 5:30p.m., everyone will “We are so excited to help

Celebrate Israel chairs. “We fires in Israel,with lots kumzitz Ann Arbor, MI48108 2939 BirchHollowDrive c/o JewishFederationofGreaterAnnArbor Washtenaw JewishNews n moshav (agri food on the food

- - - - - tive effort among the members of thechoir.tive among themembers of effort Dylan. are musical The selections acollabora Steven Sondheim, Leonard Cohen, andBob composers include George andIra Gershwin, the familiar from then and now. chosen The promises to mix of atimely and eclectic be music secular by Jewish composers of cert several concerts each year. This spring’s con lyn Krimm as the conductor and director in the Ann Jewish MariArbor community with songs” volunteer choir entertaining has been sion isfree. For over 20years, this “friends in Concert on MaySpring 3, at3p.m.; admis Ann hostChaverim will Arbor B’Shirim’s JewishThe Greater Community Center of Clara Silver, special to the WJN spring concert Chaverim B’Shirim’s JCC tohost moved away from Ann Arbor, n many members have original away passed or of “a sorts,” musical family of saidKrimm, audience was theJCCSince theestablishment and performance venue to reach thewidest and eventually rehearsal decided thatthebest choir wanted to Krimm continue with singing choir director. Many theTBE members of 1992, where, among other things, shewasthe Templeretired from serving in Emeth Beth from degree Arts theUniversity Michigan, of MusicalKrimm, her Doctor of earned who them. perform those choir members will who Cohen wereThe songs andDylan chosen by Disney’svia popularadaptation. film wildly former on theBroadway stage, andthelatter profileseen high in revivals recent years, the acclaimed musicals critically whichboth have cerpts fromthe Woods andInto Porgy andBess , This spring, selections will include ex will spring,This selections Chaverim when B’Shirim originated Permit No.85 Ann Arbor, MI U.S. Postage PAID Standard Presort FREE - - - - - I Community

2935 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 JLI course explores the origins of Judasim voice: 734/971-1800 Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN e-mail: [email protected] www.washtenawjewishnews.org he Rohr Jewish Learning Institute the nature and legitimacy of rabbinic law,” says (JLI) will present Judaism Decoded: Dr. Eugene Kontorovich, a law professor at T The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Northwestern University and contributor to Editor and Publisher Tradition, a new six-week spring course which theinfluential Volokh Conspiracy law blog. The Susan Kravitz Ayer will uncover the unique formula that has sus- course, he says, combines “high academic rigor tained Jewish tradition for millennia. with fundamental rooting in Jewish tradition.” Calendar Editor Claire Sandler “Judaism encourages us to question,” adds Rabbi Goldstein, the localJLI instructor Advertising Manager in [Ann Arbor. “Torah law is built on a com- Gordon White plex source code, and we’re going to examine it in detail. But we’re going to reach back even Design and Layout further: How do we even know the Torah is Dennis Platte true inthe first place? Staff Writers “This course is going to address these con- Mary Bilyeu, Sandor Slomovits, Rochel Urist troversial questions head on. I don’t think any- one will want to miss this.” Contributing Writers Like all previous JLI programs, Judaism Rabbi Ilana Baden, Jeffrey F. Barken, Alina Dain Decoded is designed to appeal to people at all Sharon, Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, Hadar Dohn, levels of Jewish knowledge, including those Deborah Fineblum Schabb, Karen Freedland, Paul Shapiro and Rabbi Goldstein Robert Gluck, Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, Maayan without any prior experience or background Jaffe, Yaffa Klugerman, Joan Levitt, Father Gabriel Rabbi Aharon Gold- Naddaf, Avital Ostfield, Sarah Schneider Hong, stein of the Chabad Henry Sholk, David Shtulman, Clara Silver, Maxine House will conduct the six Solvay, Elliot Sorkin course sessions at 9:30 a.m., and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, The Washtenaw Jewish News is published monthly, with the exception of January and from May 12, at Jewish July. It is registered as a Non-profit Michigan Commuicty Center of Corporation. Opinions expressed in this pub- Greater Ann Arbor and the lication do not necessarily reflect those of its Chabad House. Paul Shapiro and Rabbi Goldstein editors or staff “Just as science follows the scientific method, Ju- ©2015 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. daism has its own system All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw Jewish News may be r­eproduced without to ensure authenticity permission of the publisher. remains intact,” explains Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should Rabbi Zalman Abraham not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the of JLI’s New York head- editor at [email protected]. Name will be Not Just A quarters. “We wanted to withheld at the discretion of the editor. shed light on the mystery Circulation: 5,000 Photobooth! JCI Graduates, 2014 that surrounds biblical Subscriptions: $12 bulk rate inside Washtenaw County WEDDINGS interpretations. This really is an eye-open- in Jewish learning. AllJLI courses are open to $18 first-class su­bscription ing course.” the public, and attendees need not be affiliated BAR/BAT With the world changing at a rapid pace, Ju- with a particular synagogue, temple, or other The deadline for the June/July/August issue of MITZVAHS daism Decoded tackles the intricate questions house of worship. the Washtenaw Jewish News is of whether rabbis can unilaterally change To- Interested students may visit www.myJLI. Friday, May 8. SCHOOLS rah, and how Jewish tradition reacts to new cir- com for registration and other course-related Publication date: Friday, May 29 Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News BIRTHDAYS cumstances and modern-day dilemmas. information. JLI courses are presented in Ann are available at locations throughout Judaism Decoded is “an extraordinarily Arbor in conjunction with the JCC and Washtenaw County. CORPORATE sophisticated examination of Talmudic meth- Chabad House. n EVENTS odology, tackling the toughest questions about 248.545.6460 Course overview 1. The Dynamic Duo 4. Debating the divine Code: The Talmud is filled with all kinds of de- WJN If we have a written law, why do we need tradition? And if we have a tradition, what’s bates. If the law is Divine, should there be any IIn this issue… the point of a written law? Discover the bril- room for discussion? When there are differ- liance of this binary system, and how it has ences of opinion, how do we determine the Advertisers...... 23 kept Jewish tradition intact for millennia. law? And why does the Talmud record opin- ions that were ultimately overruled? Best Reads...... 17 2. A formula for eternity Circumstances change, and, in most cas- 5. Laws that expire Calendar...... 20 While most Jewish practices are as rele- es, so do the rules—unless, that is, the rules Campus...... 11 were created as principles with a unique vant today as ever, some laws have reasons formula to make them apply to any situa- that no longer apply. When does a law ex- Congregations...... 8 tion that may arise. Explore the systematic pire? How is it revoked? And why might we formula through which Jewish law is ap- choose to continue a practice even once its Israel...... 12 plied to solve new, modern-day dilemmas. rationale is no longer relevant? Kosher Cuisine...... 19 3. Rabbis making rules 6. Evidence for sinai Is my rabbi allowed to change the law Judaism encourages us to question. How On Another Note...... 18 when she deems it necessary? When do do we know the Torah is true? Why was Mai- rabbis have the power to legislate new monides so convinced about the historic Rabbis’ Corner...... 10 truth of the revelation at Sinai? Is there any laws? And what prevents a rabbi from uni- Youth...... 6 laterally changing the face of Judaism? empirical evidence to support his claim? Vitals...... 23

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 ICommunity

New U-M Library exhibit showcases pushkes from around the world Yaffa Klugerman, special to the WJN here exists a sound that has the According to Gertel, pushkes may date power to summon thoughts of giv- back to the Middle Ages when such boxes T ing, responsibility, and community. were passed through homes and synagogues. It’s the sound of a coin being dropped in a By the 20th century, pushkes for every con- pushke, or tzedakah (charity) box. ceivable type A new exhibit at the Jean & Samuel Fran- of charitable kel Center for Judaic Studies at the University organiza- of Michigan showcases the universality of the tion could custom by presenting pushkes from around be found in the world. The 40 charity boxes on display are homes, shops, from the Jewish Heritage Collection Dedi- synagogues, cated to Mark and Dave Harris, a unique as- schools, of- semblage of books, ephemera, artwork and fices, and in- objects of everyday and religious significance stitutions. in Jewish life. Housed in the U-M Library’s Examples of Special Collections Library, the Jewish Heri- many can be tage Collection is the gift of Constance and seen at the ex- Pushke

Vintage Blue Boxes (the late) Theodore Harris. The exhibit will hibit, including several versions of the popu- be on display at the through September 10 at lar Jewish National Fund “blue box.” 202 South Thayer St, Suite 2000. Among some of the most memorable “Organizations that produced and con- tzedakah boxes on display are a South Af- tinue to distribute the boxes and solicit rican Jewish War Appeal Relief Supplies donations in them include relief agencies, Box, meant for Jews in displaced persons benevolent associations, children’s aid so- camps after World War II; a pushke fash- cieties, yeshivas, synagogues, hospitals, or- ioned from a shofar; and an elaborate phanages, and many more,” explained Elliot metal and glass tzedakah box created by H. Gertel, the Irving H. Hermelin Curator artist Gary Rosenthal. of Judaica in the University Library. “In this “The pushke exhibit exemplifies the Jew- exhibit, you will see a wide range of such ish precept of ‘hiddur mitzvah’—of beau- organizations represented with a number of tifying a commandment—in this case the different shapes and materials, in addition to responsibility to be charitable,” said Debo- the typical rectilinear metal pushkes.” rah Dash Moore, director of the Frankel The commandment to give tzeda- Center and Frederick G. L. Huetwell profes- kah—which is commonly translated into sor of history at U-M. “Although a number English as “charity,” but actually means of the pushkes are simply pragmatic boxes to “justice”—is a well-accepted Jewish prac- hold coins, many are beautiful examples of tice. Maimonides listed eight levels of giv- efforts to inspire their owners to contribute ing charity, with the highest rank given money to a Jewish cause. The exhibit speaks to one who provides employment to an- to recent scholarly attention to the material- other. The second-highest level, giving ity of Jewish life, recognizing that religious anonymously to an anonymous recipient, precepts are not just abstractions but are ex- is the essence of the pushke. pressed through physical forms.” n

Reserve now for Sephardic Feast at El Harissa WJN staff writer On Saturday, May 30, El Harissa Market Cafe will host a Tunisian Sephardic Feast, pre- pared by owners Khaled Houamed and Susan Thomas, and guest chef Sylvie Jami Salei. El Harissa features North African and Mediter- ranean cuisine. Jami Salei grew up in a traditional Jew- ish home in Tunis, Tunisia; In her teens, she moved with her family to France; and then Is- rael. She now lives in Farmington Hills. Many of the dishes that will be served as part of this five-course feast were inspired by her family’s traditional foods, as well as by French and Israeli cuisine. Two seating times are available: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $35. Reserve by May 23 by calling 585-0686 or emailing [email protected]. El Harissa is located at 1516 North Maple Road.

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 3 ICommunity

JFS helps families raise “kids who care” Sarah Schneider Hong, special to the WJN ewish Family Services has launched new by a generous grant awarded to JFS by the Ann programming to energize and engage Arbor Area Community Foundation Youth J children and families about the impor- Council. Thanks to the participation of over tance and joys of giving back. The mission of 200 event attendees, the JFS Food Pantry and

JFS Disability Awareness activity these programs is to support local families in raising compassionate, aware and civic-mind- ed kids committed to repairing the world and serving others. Over 200 people attended the first annual JFS Kids Care Fair at Travis Pointe Country Club on Sunday March 15. Families with children ages 2–10 years old spent the afternoon participating in hands-on service- learning activities, including but not limited to topics such as valuing older adults, disabil- ity awareness and environmental stewardship. There were fun physical activities such as gym- nastics, yoga and swimming also emphasizing Sunday, June 14 | 3–8 PM the importance of good self-care. A fabulous performance by the Wild Swan Theater was a Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds big hit with children and adults alike! David 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Schtulman, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation, had this to say about the action Wild Swan Theater’s performance packed event: “I loved the variety of activities, both fun and educational, that were available at Counseling Services received a great boost to Fun for all ages! the JFS Kids Care Fair. There was something for help local families in need. • Live music everyone and I am sure everyone learned about The 2015 JFS Kids Care Fair was the • Food from 50+ something new.” “kickoff” gala event for a year’s worth of pro- local restaurants JFS was thrilled by the wonderful variety gramming, consisting of fun and enriching • Kids’ activities of local groups and organizations (Jewish and age-appropriate volunteer projects for families • Beer & wine other) who dedicated their time and efforts to spearheaded and organized by JFS. The ongo- hosting activity stations at the fair. Activity part- ing family volunteer events are part of the new • Silent auction & raffle ners included: Ann Arbor Police Department, JFS “Kids Creating Community” Program. The Ann Arbor Symphony, Beth Israel Madrichim, next KCC event will be a “Spring Park Clean- Dominique Theophilus RYT, Elameno-Peace, up” at Southeast Area park in Ann Arbor (at Greenhills School Trio, Gym America, Hebrew Ellsworth & Platt) Sunday May 3, from 2-4pm. Day School (5th grade), JCC Scouts of Ann Anyone interested in joining JFS for the May Arbor, Jewish Federation Family Salon, Junior 3 event should sign up online. To learn more League of Ann Arbor, Kim Braun, Noah’s Team about upcoming events and to get involved, of Ann Arbor, Temple Beth Emeth Youth Group visit www.jfsannarbor.org/kidscreatingcom- and the Wild Swan Theater. JFS Executive Di- munity . Older youth, grades 9-12, may wish rector Anya Abramzon said: “For me the most to become involved in the Kids Creating Com- ® heartwarming element of the program was the munity program as leaders serving on the “Kids beautiful collaboration of so many Jewish and Creating Community Youth Council.” Teens non-Jewish organization, coming together to interested in service-learning and philanthropy support a very important mission of raising and eager to take a leadership role in such a pro- the next generation of community activists, do- gram, should contact sarah.hong@jfsannarbor. ers and leaders.” Indeed JFS is looking forward org for more information about the council to the long-term benefits to the community and how to apply. gleaned by investing in today’s youth and the The date for the 2016 JFS Kids Care Fair has foodgatherers.org/grillin tagline for the JFS Kids Care Fair is “Because not yet been finalized but will be announced today’s kids who care are tomorrow’s leaders.” and widely publicized sometime this fall. If Tickets In advance at foodgatherers.org/grillin At the door Local corporate sponsors such as Ann Ar- your agency, business or local organization $75/Adults $85/Adults bor Pediatric Dentistry, Travis Pointe Country would like to be an activity partner or corpo- $10/Kids (ages 3–13) $10/Kids Club and Quest Martial Arts also showed their rate sponsor for the 2016 fair, contact Sarah support. The event was largely made possible Hong at JFS. n

4 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 IWomen

“United Against Nuclear Iran” representative to address Hadassah Maxine Solvay, special to the WJN onfused about the Iran nuclear deal UANI is a not-for-profit, non-partisan, framework announced on April 2? advocacy group that seeks to prevent Iran C President Obama believes it is a “once- from fulfilling its ambition to obtain nuclear in-a-lifetime opportunity to see whether or weapons. UANI was founded in 2008 by not we can at least take the nuclear issue off Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, the late Am- the table” and potentially bring regional stabil- bassador Richard Holbrooke, former CIA ity to the Middle East. Israeli Director Jim Woolsey and Prime Minister Benjamin Middle East expert Den- Netanyahu and congressional nis Ross. UANI’s private Republicans have blasted the sanctions, campaigns, and accord. Senator Dianne Fein- state and Federal legisla- stein (Calif.), the top Demo- tive initiatives focus on crat on the Senate Intelligence ending the economic and Committee, has stated that financial support of the the nuclear framework was Iranian regime by corpo- “a better agreement, candidly, rations at a time when the than I thought it was ever international community going to be.” is attempting to compel Bob Feferman, outreach Iran to abandon its illegal coordinator from United Bob Feferman nuclear weapons program, Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) will be pre- support for terrorism and gross human senting one side of the issue at Hadassah’s rights violations. May 28 meeting. The talk will share his orga- Founded in 1912, Hadassah, the Wom- nization’s analysis of the nuclear deal frame- en’s Zionist Organization of America, is the work and their belief that Prime Minister largest women’s Zionist Jewish membership Netanyahu’s recent speech to Congress was organization in the United States. 330,000 understating the threat. UANI believes the members strong, Hadassah is entering its framework is “not a bad deal. It’s a very dan- second century, growing its commitment to gerous deal. We all deserve better.” innovative and life-changing medical care Feferman’s talk, “Iran is a Threat to Peace and research, women’s empowerment, edu- and Human Rights,” is open to Hadassah cation, advocacy, philanthropy and build- members and their significant others. It will ing Jewish identity – in Israel, America and be held on Thursday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m. around the world. For more information, RSVP required to Maxine Solvay at sol- visit www.hadassah.org. n [email protected] or 668-1901. Ann Arbor ORT Spring Dinner Joan Levitt, special to the WJN he Ann Arbor chapter of ORT ORT is the largest Jewish education non- America will hold its annual Spring profit in the world, serving 300,000 students T Dinner on Monday, June 1. The annually in more than 50 countries. dinner will be at 6:30 p.m., at the Quarter Bis- tro at 300 South Maple Road in Ann Arbor. The three-course dinner, offering a choice of three entrees, will cost $40 per person. The dinner will provide ORT members and potential Jeff Bernstein members the Marty Shichtman opportunity to dine with friends and to ORT’s courses emphasize the increasingly honor the chapter’s generous donors. important fields of science and technology. This year’s program will feature ORT graduates fuel economies — obtaining speakers Marty Shichtman, PhD, and Jeff and utilizing the skills that prepare them Bernstein, PhD, professors in the Eastern for the needs of the local job market. ORT Michigan University Jewish Studies and the quality of an ORT education have program. Shichtman and Bernstein teach remained stable and reliable sources of a course, “Becoming Jewish in America,” hope and opportunity since 1880. which includes a trip to New York City, Rides to the dinner will be available to Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Sixteen those who need them. For more information students, including six Jewish students, or to RSVP, contact Elaine Sneideman at participated in the 2014 trip. Two students [email protected] by May 22. n will attend the dinner to offer their perspective of the course.

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 5 IYouth/Federation

Essential pieces of a Jewish community Hadar Dohn, special to WJN or a small university town, Ann Ar- town to embrace Jewish engagement in a Breakfast event for local realtors at the JCC. addition to its Schechter affiliation, HDS add- bor has it all: congregations of all variety of ways. Ann Arbor’s uniqueness is Real estate professionals joined leaders from ed a RAVSAK affiliation, the network for Jew- F sorts—Reform, Conservative, Or- in the interactions among Jews regardless of the Ann Arbor Jewish community to learn ish community day schools. HDS’s families thodox, Reconstructionist, Humanistic and their affiliations. why Ann Arbor is such a great place for their identify as Conservative, Reform, Orthodox, Jewish clients to live, work, play and raise a or as having no denominational affiliation at family. Tours of both the JCC and its Early all. Students are taught to accept and respect Childhood Center and HDS were given in an differences, and the day school community is information-packed morning. thoughtful and courteous. At Hebrew Day School, educating chil- For more information or to schedule a dren to become knowledgeable and com- personal tour, contact Ali Reingold, director mitted Jews is at the core of its mission. Day for Admissions and Marketing, at admis- school education has been proven to be an [email protected] or 971-4633. n indicator of future Jewish identity, affilia- tion, and leadership roles. At the day school, the programs and curriculum are designed with these goals in mind. For example, tik- kun olam, repairing the world, is a daily con- HDS students, future Jewish leaders versation. Students are taught to look for, identify, and recognize wrongs in the world, Chabad—a Jewish Community Center with Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor’s exis- and learn that they can make a difference. its Early Childhood Center, the Jewish Fed- tence enables families for whom Jewish edu- Leadership opportunities are built in as well eration of Greater Ann Arbor, Jewish Fam- cation is important to choose Ann Arbor. For so students are able to live by experience; it ily Services, and of course, the Hebrew Day this reason HDS collaborated with the Jewish is a lab for Jewish living and contribution to School of Ann Arbor. All are significant el- Community Center, the Jewish Federation of the community. ements in the tapestry of Jewish life, each Greater Ann Arbor, and Jewish Family Ser- Hebrew Day School is a microcosm of Ann necessary for the completion of the com- vices, to present a larger view of Jewish Ann Arbor. It attracts a diverse mix of families from munity. It is fitting for a diverse university Arbor. It hosted an Open House and Bagel all streams within the Jewish community. In Happy kindergarteners at HDS

Peretz Hirshbein, director of the ECC shares his insights with realtors Ann Arbor realtors listen to Jewish leaders explain about Jewish life in Ann Arbor Together we do extraordinary things By David Shtulman he allocations process energizes me. has been worthwhile. Few people outside the of participants and donors that are the compo- of Ann Arbor is and how many dedicated peo- After spending eight intensive months Federation allocations committee get to see the nents of each assembly. ple it takes to make it so. I am also reminded T asking people for money, it’s great to individual efforts and the integration of those When we envision ourselves as a part of a how challenging it is to build and to sustain. start putting it to work. Our process begins in efforts to build Jewish community like we do. larger whole, we understand that the finished How much it must evolve each year to meet the March with site visits to our beneficiary agen- That is a shame. product is much greater than the sum of its demands of an ever-changing society. And how cies and then continues with formal presenta- I think about an automobile assembly line. parts. Ten disconnected individuals do not simple it is to take what we have for granted. tions to the allocations committee. The annual There are workers who take pride in the body have the power of a minyan and a minyan It is easy to think there are so many people campaign closes the last day of April and the and those whose expertise is the engine or cannot match the accomplishments of a con- involved it doesn’t matter what I do. I want committee meets the first week in May to deter- the transmission or any other element of the gregation. And a collective of congregations to give more time to my other interests, more mine the recommendations for allocations for car. Each does good work in their field, but can meet a much more diverse selection of money to my other charities, to take a year or the coming year. Those recommendations go it is the integration of those elements into a needs than a single congregation. The more two off from my Jewish involvement. It won’t to the Federation Board for review in mid-May product that can be driven off the plant that varied, yet integrated the pieces, the more re- make a difference. But it does. Every person is and by the time we get to our Annual Meeting is really special. We have that in Ann Arbor. warding the entity we call Jewish community crucial. We all matter. When one of us disap- at the end of May everyone knows how much But the analogy goes further. In order for the is for everyone. It all begins with those ten pears, that space is not automatically filled by money they will be receiving come September. production line to get the pieces it needs for disconnected individuals. the next person in line. Our community does True, it sounds more exhausting than ener- assembly, the company relies on hundreds of In this way, each of us is dependent on not become more efficient when our collective gizing, but this is why I love it. We have an ex- sub-contractors and suppliers to provide the another. Each individual participant, mem- volunteer and donor pools get smaller, merely traordinary group of people working on behalf parts that are needed. A flaw in a $10 part ber or donor is an essential building block less capable and, perhaps, less attractive. of the Jewish community in Ann Arbor. They can cause the entire vehicle to malfunction. of our communal institutions. At the same As we complete this program year and enter are committed, caring and very hard working. Everyone involved has to take pride in their time, each institution is a service provider for the summer months, I urge us all to consider They have a vision for the agencies they lead contribution to the finished product and do its participants, members and donors. One the amazing Jewish communal life we have and the role of those agencies in Jewish life. their part right. cannot exist without the other. Yet it is easy created in Ann Arbor and to recognize what After a few days of listening to them, discuss- The Jewish community is no different. If to forget how important we are as individuals a treasure it is. Let’s all enjoy it, commit to its ing their accomplishments and hearing about each of our service agencies and congregations in that equation. future and encourage even more people to get their challenges, I know that everything the are collectively the assemblies that comprise The allocation season is when I am remind- involved next year. Federation has done in support of their efforts the finished product, it is the many hundreds ed what a fine product the Jewish community Together, we do extraordinary things. n

6 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 ITeens 2015 Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarships recipients Rabbi Ilana Baden, special to the WJN nn Arbor teens Zachary Bern- proceeds provide two scholarships annu- school junior, and will take part in the helping these two outstanding teens reach stein and Miriam Hamermesh ally for Ann Arbor area high school stu- Young Judea Machon in Israel program. their dreams of travelling to Israel,” said A are the recipients of the 2015 dents to participate in peer group Israel These applicants were selected by the Carolyn. “We thank the committee for the Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel experiences such as semester, summer or Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel excellent job they did in reviewing the ap- Scholarship Fund. Paul and Carolyn Lich- gap year programs. Scholarship Committee, chaired by Lau- plications. We know that it must have been ter created the fund to honor the memory Bernstein is currently a high school rie Lichter and including Judie Lax and difficult for them to make a decision, and of their daughter, Susan Lichter z”l, and sophomore, and will be participating in Ami Rosenthal. The Lichters are pleased we look forward to helping more young over 170 relatives, friends and community Alexander Muss High School in Israel their efforts are bearing fruit. “We are so people in the years to come.” members contributed to the fund. The Summer Program. Hamermesh is a high happy to be able to make a difference by Looking for a more in-depth Israel experience By Zachary Bernstein I went on a trip to Israel with my fam- family and me, and I’m really glad I went. At tory, and be able to learn the information in a dents, I do not dread these things. My hope ily this past winter. My grandfather, who the same time, I felt that I could have gotten way that I will remember it. I look forward to and expectation is that this approach to Jew- believes that we shouldn’t use the word “awe- more out of it. having this opportunity when I return to Is- ish history will help me permanently remem- One thing would have made it better. I rael this summer. To me, it is very important ber the material I will be learning. heard and saw so many interesting things; that I know as much as I can about Jewish his- Another one of my goals for visiting Israel however, I knew it was likely I would retain tory, because that is a very important aspect of is to gain a better understanding of the many only a small portion of the historical informa- my identity. I want to be able to connect with different opinions pertaining to the many is- tion I heard about the Land of Israel and the the history in a way that will remain with me. sues facing Israel and Jews around the world. Jewish people. I am very interested in Jewish Some specific events and time periods I am Issues relating to anti-Semitism, the mean- history, and Judaism as a religion means a lot interested in and hope to learn more about in- ing of a Jewish state, conflict with Israel’s to me. Some of the things I learned and expe- clude the United Monarchy, the Hasmonean neighbors, and internal politics are all very rienced in Israel were very interesting. An ex- dynasty, King Herod, and the Mishnaic and complicated but also critical for a mature ample of this is when I learned more about life Talmudic periods. I hope that by learning and understanding of what it means to be a Jew atop Masada; Masada wasn’t simply a fortress retaining more information about these time and a Zionist in today’s world. I would really where the people died, it was also their neigh- periods, I will be able to better connect to my appreciate having a greater understanding of borhood where they lived for several years. identity and our people’s history. some of these issues, as well as the different Other things I experienced in Israel were truly The program I will be attending, a six- opinions surrounding them. To me, it is very moving. It was a powerful experience for me week summer program, is the Alexander important that I be educated on these issues, when we were walking through the Old City Muss High School in Israel. I will be learning and Alexander Muss High School in Israel of Jerusalem and saw things such as the Hurva about the history of the Land of Israel and is a good place to gain a solid foundation. Synagogue, the Western Wall tunnels, and the the Jewish people in both classroom settings In addition to learning about the history of Zachary Bernstein at Masada remains of King David’s Palace. Seeing the and at the locations where history took place. the Land of Israel, we will be learning about Kotel and praying at the Wall for Friday night The program is an educational program, with the State of Israel’s history and discussing its some” because it’s overused, suspended his services were also very spiritually moving. emphasis on retention and understanding of future. This program will give me a strong rule for the duration of the trip. Israel was an I really want to be able to fully understand material, not simply tourism. There are tests, understanding of modern Israel and of dif- awesome and incredible experience for my the important events and people in Jewish his- assignments, and papers. Unlike most stu- ferent perspectives on Israel’s future. n

Young Judaea Machon offers unique opportinities By Miriam Hamermesh Judaism is a huge part of who I am. I have daea’s Machon in Israel program, I will be in learn more about living in Israel so that I can in Young Judaea and being involved in such been an active participant in Young Judaea, Israel for a longer amount of time than I’ve become a better advocate for the country. It is a thriving Jewish community has led me to a Zionist youth movement, for nine years, ever spent in the country. I will be able to no mystery that Israel is not reviewed in the form my own very strong Jewish Identity, but and I have gone to Camp Young Judaea Mid- take in so much important history from the highest light by much of the world, and I be- on Machon, I will be able to spend so much places that I’ve only read and heard about, lieve that this should change and can change. more time getting to know Israel and mak- and I will get to strengthen my connections I make an effort to stay in touch with Israel’s ing new connections with the country, and to the places I have visited on previous trips. news so that if anyone asks me what Israel is relating those new connections with who I Zionism is one of the five pillars of Young up to, I will be able to give them a factual ac- am as a Jew. Judaea, along with Social Action, Peer Lead- count, hopefully as devoid of bias as possible. I have learned Hebrew since I was in ership, Jewish Identity, and Pluralism. I have However, this is no easy task, as the Ameri- kindergarten, but I’ve pretty much only been learning about the Zionist movement can media holds a strong bias against Israel, ever spoken it in a classroom setting. Every for as long as I can remember, and I consider which makes it very difficult to find simply time I go to Israel, I am astounded yet again myself to be a Zionist. I believe that the Jew- factual information about what is going on. by the fact that every single person in the ish people have a right to their own state, and One of my motivations for going on Machon country speaks Hebrew. It’s always shocking I believe that that state should be the Land of is that I want to be able to see firsthand the to me. After I get over the shock of every- Israel. I know that many other Jewish youth damage that Israel has suffered and also the one speaking this beautiful language that I movements don’t consider themselves to be resilience that keeps her running when so learned from a textbook, it hits me that I’m Zionist, but I think it’s important that Young many people all over the world are trying surrounded by more Jewish people than I’ve Judaea does, and I think it’s an important their best to bring her down. On Machon, I ever been near in one place. I live in a com- part of why I want to go on Machon. Since will have the opportunity to travel all across munity that is very accepting of Jews (not my first summer at camp and even before Israel and meet people from all around who just Jews, all minorities, for that matter) but then at the Hebrew Day School, I learned will help me understand what it is like to live nothing compares to the feeling of knowing that Israel was a special place, an important in Israel at a time like this. By making these that you’re surrounded by so many people Miriam Hamermesh at the Kotel with a friend place, and a place that must be protected for connections, when I come home, I will be who share your beliefs. Being in Israel makes all Jews to find a home in. Because of this better equipped to explain to anyone who me feel safe, it makes me feel protected, and west every summer since 2006. I have built a sentiment that has been taught to me, I feel asks what it feels like to live in Israel. it makes me feel like no matter how isolated strong connection to Israel based on the sto- that I have a strong connection to Israel that Israel is a very important place to me. Is- I may think I am, I am never alone in the ries I have been told by my counselors and grows stronger every time I see the country rael makes me think of family, friends, safety, world. On Young Judaea’s Machon in Israel the lessons I have been taught by my teach- in person. On Machon, I will be able to take religion, and so many other qualifiers that I program, I will be able to make so many new ers. I want to travel to Israel so that I can ex- in the country of Israel, and I will be able to can’t even put into words. My brother has connections to Israel and I will form so many perience in person the landmarks and cities find countless more reasons as to why I am a been living in Israel for the last seven months, new relationships with the country that I al- that I have learned so much about and have Zionist and why I believe that the Jews have and I can tell that it has changed who he is as ready love so much that I already know I will made such deep connections to throughout a right to the State of Israel. a person, as well as how he thinks of himself come back as such a different person than I my years of Jewish education. On Young Ju- Something else I hope to do on Machon is as a Jewish person in the world. Growing up am now. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 7 ICongregation Bloom! garden This month at Beth Israel Congregation center Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN · UNIQUE PLANTS · WATER GARDENS ORGANIC GARDEN ART · FAIRIES Spotlight on Jeffrey Bernstein, GARDENING FEATURING STEVEN COOPER ART “Training Future Citizens: Spillover from My Jewish Life to My Professional Life” MAY SPECIAL!!! Sunday, May 31, at 7:45 p.m. FREE PACK OF VISIT US AT DEXTER In explaining the nature of this presentation, Bernstein said, “In my evolution as SELECT ANNUALS GREEN DAY, MAY 17 a professor, I find myself thinking more and more about teaching issues, particularly W/ $50 PURCHASE FREE RAISED GARDEN BED WORKSHOP the training of future citizens. In hindsight, I see how this journey has mapped, in many ways, onto my own 1885 Baker Rd · Dexter, MI 48130 M-Th. 9-6 F. 9-8 Sa. 9-6 S. 12-5 Jewish journey during my years as an academic. I’ll (734) 426·6600 WWW.BLOOM-GARDENS.COM discuss the intersections between these two journeys, with special consideration given to the ways in which my own journeys reflect larger issues within academia, and Judaism.” Celebrate With Us! Jeffrey L. Bernstein is a professor of political science, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and an affiliated faculty member of the Jewish Stud- Weddings and Receptions ies program, at Eastern Michigan University, where he Life’s Other Milestones has served since 1997. He holds an undergraduate de- (Kosher Caterers Welcome!) gree from Washington University, and a masters and doctorate from the University of Michigan. He is a co- Enriching Ann Arbor Since 1951! Join Us! editor and contributing author of Citizenship Across Casual to Fine Dining the Curriculum (Indiana University Press, 2010), and Programs and Classes has published numerous papers on voting behavior, Jeffrey Bernstein Guest Speakers and on teaching and learning issues. He is most proud of the students he has mentored, Community Service and from whom he has learned so much, during his years as a professor. Duplicate and Social Bridge The Beth Israel Spotlight Series features lecture, performances, and other events Event Hosting Privileges that highlight our members, their stories, talents and experiences. Much More!

1830 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 T-Shirt Shabbat Tot Shabbat 734-662-3279 Saturday, May 23, at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, May 9 and 23; 11:15 a.m. www.annarborcityclub.org Everyone is invited to enjoy Shabbat morn- Tot Shabbat is a Saturday morning pro- ing services in the comfort of their favorite T- gram/service for parents and their chil- shirts (camp, school/university, and vacation dren 2–5 years old that includes songs, designs.) A summery Kiddush will follow. stories, and prayers. This program is run by Peretz Hirshbein on the 2nd Saturday Shabbat Limmud of the month, and by Jake Kander on the We love Saturday, May 2, 16 and 30, at 9 a.m. second Saturday of the month. It includes Adults are invited for Torah study over songs, the mysterious “Shabbat Box,” a coffee and cake. The discussions, led by Torah procession with stuffed Torah toys, Rabbi Dobrusin, are informal, lively and and a kiddush for tots. net-worthing. participatory. The study begins with tradi- tional texts and participants add their own Mini Minyan (Kindergarten–2nd grade) thoughts on the Torah, Haftarah portion of Saturday, May 9 11; 10 a.m. the week, or other traditional texts. At Mini Minyan, kids celebrate Shabbat with the songs and stories while also learn- Lunch & Learn Series ing prayers and discovering more about Wednesdays, May 6 and 20; Noon–1:15 p.m. Shabbat and other holidays through discus- Rabbi Robert Dobrusin and Rabbi Kim sions, games, and activities. Mini Minyan Blumenthal lead informal discussions on cur- meets the second Saturday of the month rent topics. Participants are invited to bring throughout the school year. n a dairy lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Held at Garfunkel Schteingart Ac- tivities Center (2010 Washtenaw Avenue).

In our Investment Management and Trust & Estate Services groups, we oversee signifi cant assets to the tune of $930,000,00. How? By offering a wide range of investment styles and asset classes. Charging a set fee and not charging commissions. And always having you and your family’s short- and long-term fi nancial goals in mind.

To learn more, call Eric Helber at 734-327-1127 or visit boaa.com.

Not insured by the FDIC. Not deposits or other obligations of the institutions and are not guaranteed by the institution. Subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal invested.

8 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015

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

May at Temple Beth Emeth Avital Ostfield, special to the WJN Shalom Gever people make the most of their (finite) lives. Mondays and Wednesdays, May 4, 6, 11, 13, [E]met is a group directed discussion of death 18, 20, 25, 27; 4:30–8 p.m. with no specific agenda other than to share Temple Beth Emeth’s Martial Arts for stories, ideas and experiences. While a decid- Health, Fitness and Self-defense. Open to edly Jewish context will be offered, the discus- grades K–12. Grades K–2 meet from 4:30– sion is not limited by any one belief. 5:15 p.m., grades 3–5 meet from 5:15–6 p.m. [E]meth is not a grief support group or a or 6:15–7 p.m., grades 6–9 meet from 7:15- counseling session, but rather an opportunity 8 p.m., and grades 10–12 meet from 7:15–8 to grapple with this important part of life p.m. Questions? Contact Rabbi Peter Gluck within a community of others, And of course, at [email protected] or SooJi Min at to share a nosh. This is co-facilitated by Brian 665-4744. Ashin and Rabbi Levy. For more information, contact [email protected]. Men’s Torah Study Reinvented Monday, May 11 and 25, 7 p.m. Special Shabbatot A men’s Torah discussion group will be Friday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. led by a lay leader on the 2nd Monday and Join in for a classical Reform service followed by Rabbi Levy on the 4th Monday. Partici- by an oneg in the social hall. pants will find their way as men by wrestling with text. For more information, contact Bill Confirmation Parkus at [email protected]. Friday, May 22, 7:30 p.m. Join in for a Shabbat service honoring Jeffrey Bernstein Women’s Torah Study the 10th grade students and their families Monday, May 11 and 25, 7-p.m. for confirmation. An oneg following will be An in-depth study and lively discussion sponsored by the confirmation families. of the week’s Torah portion led by Cantor Regina Hayut. The group will explore vari- Shavuot Programs ous passages from the portion looking at Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Saturday, May 23, 7 p.m. several translations and commentaries from Join for a night of study and preparation a variety of scholars from Talmudic times for Shavuot, celebrating the Torah. to the modern day. No Hebrew knowledge Sunday, May 24, 1 p.m. necessary to participate in the discussion. Service and Yiskor for Shavuot. www.afternoondelightcafe.com For questions, contact Cantor Regina Hayut Mitzvah Day at [email protected] Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. Alpha House, 4290 A Special Spring Session of Yoga Jackson Road Join TBE for a day of projects to benefit with Shlomit! Alpha House. Check templebethemeth.org for Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, and 28, Noon more information and the volunteer sign up. Join in for a little Jewish learning to set intentions for practice. The 7-week session Youth Programs is $80 for the package or &12/class. For more AARTY Shul-In and Board Elections information, contact aostfield@templebet- Friday, May 29, 7 p.m. hemeth.org. Meet at Temple Beth Emeth Friday night for an overnight with elections and Senior Adult Hebrew Classes Send off. Biblical Hebrew Mondays, 5:05 p.m. May 4, 11, 18 Families with Young Children (FYC): Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m. May 6, 13, 20 Shabbat Service times every Friday Beginning Hebrew Friday, February 10, 17, 24, Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. May 5, 12, 19 Tot (0–5 year olds) Shabbat Services led by Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn Rabbi Levy, and Cantor Hayut, 6 p.m. Fridays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dinner for Tot Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. Informal discussion. Participants are wel- Popsicle Oneg, 7 p.m. come to bring lunch. All of your favorite songs, tot bots, tot MADE FRESH team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Levy will hold [E]met: An Honest Conversation Tot Shabbat at 6 p.m. Join in for macaroni in our and cheese, fish sticks, applesauce, and salad PEOPLE’S FOOD CO-OP about Death bar at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is just $5 per person Monday, May 18, 7 p.m. and this year you can buy a $20 punch card Remember the two topics never discussed ahead of time for a discounted price. Punch at the dinner table—sex and death? Come cards are available in the TBE office. . n KITCHEN & BAKERY join the ongoing monthly discussion group about death. The purpose is to increase the ENJOY OUR NEW HOT BAR, SOUP + SALAD BAR! awareness of death with a view to helping ALSO SERVING VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

yourCOOPERATIVE FOOD STORE

216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN PHONE (734) 994-9174 PEOPLESFOOD.COOP

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 9 IRabbis’ Corner

Opening the wellsprings of knowledge Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN his year Lag B’Omer will be, God will- the Rabbi called out “Valley, valley fill yourself force comes to our physical plane of existence revealing to us the inner parts of the Torah. ing, on May 7. Lag B’Omer is the 33rd up with golden coins”. Immediately the val- from its source in Heaven. When the Messiah This power of Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai was T day of the 49 days (between the sec- ley became filled with golden coins. The stu- comes, the Truth will be revealed and evident invested in his teachings that are published as ond day of Pesach and the holiday of Shavuot) dents became very excited and Rabbi Shimon to everyone. In this physical world we will see The Zohar and through that he was able to of the “counting of the Omer”. It is also the Ben Yochai said they should help themselves tremendous amounts of wealth as a result of transmit this from generation to generation anniversary of the passing of the great Jewish to as much gold as they wanted but with this our dedication and diligence to Torah study until our day. sage Rabbi Shimon caveat—“whatever you take from these gold- and observance. Today, the great leaders of the Chassidic Ben Yochai. He was en coins now will be subtracted from your Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai was unique in movement are tasked with teaching us the the first to reveal to reward in the world to come”. The students that his whole life was Torah. Because of that, truth of Godliness. This can manifest itself in the world the inner, understood that the rewards in the world to the destruction of the Holy Temple, the exile a physical way as Rabbi Ben Yochai demon- theretofore secret, come are eternal as opposed to the temporary of the Jewish people and other disastrous oc- strated to his students in the valley of golden mystical dimen- rewards in this life – and consequently did not currences during his lifetime failed to obscure coins. The Zohar says the generation just be- sions of the Torah. take any of the coins. his perception of the truth. He was able to per- fore Moshiach’s coming, which all the Chas- He authored the So what does this story teach us? It shows ceive it. He did not see the world “through a sidic masters say is now, will be similar to famous book The us the power of Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai. glass darkly” as it were. He had a clear vision the generation of Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai. Zohar. His efforts The Talmud tells us that his great power was of true reality as a result of his being one with Thus, by occupying ourselves with the study were the beginning that Torah was his occupation. Everything the Torah. He wanted to prove to his students of the inner dimension of Torah and dissemi- of the revelation to Rabbi Aharon Goldstein that he did in life is connected to Torah. We that Torah has an influence on both this world nating it all around the world, God willing, everyone of the holy nature of Godliness that know for a fact that the Torah is the source and the world to come, so he showed them that this will enable us to see the physical flows fills the world. To illustrate the essence of the for the flow of all of the physical and spiritual all the Torah that they studied would manifest emanating from Heaven to Earth through the service of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai we find a needs of the world. As God promised the Jew- itself in a valley filled with golden coins. Torah and reveal the goodness and greatness story from the Midrash. ish people—if they will study and fulfill the So even though it was a time of exile with of Godliness in our physical world. This great One of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai’s stu- commandments of the Torah, they will be its obfuscation of the presence of Godliness revelation of God will be revealed in a clear, dents traveled abroad from Israel and was blessed to have sufficiency in all their physical in the world, Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai was plain, physical way for all to see—God willing successful in his business efforts there. He and spiritual needs. Now, as we are in exile, beyond the exile mentality and misperception may it be soon in our days. n returned to Israel a wealthy person. Con- (Exile is both physical and spiritual. The phys- of reality. The exile did not conceal the pres- P.S. Lag B’Omer is a day of celebration sequently, his colleagues envied his wealth. ical part is obvious but God also diminishes ence of Godliness for him because his whole of the passing of Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai Word got to their teacher, Rabbi Shimon ben the Shechina—the presence of God in the mission in life was to reveal God in this world. (at his own request). Several hundreds of Yochai that the other students were envious. world.) it is difficult to see the direct connec- This is why he taught us the inner parts of the thousands of people converge on the tiny The Rabbi called them all together and took tion between Torah and the physical flow of Torah. This was his strength. He was able to mountain town of Meron and light bonfires them to a valley near Meron (the city where Life in this world. Unfortunately, this is what reveal, even in a time of exile, that Godliness throughout the night. In Ann Arbor, Chabad Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai lived and where his exile is all about. It obscures our perception of is hidden from our perception but can and will host a Lag B’Omer celebration too— tomb still is visited by hundreds of thousands the Truth. The truth of the matter is, however, will be revealed when the Messiah comes and a community-wide celebration of family, of people on Lag B’Omer). When they arrived, that Torah is the channel by which all life- Redemption occurs. He accomplished this by food, fun, and fire—time and location TBA. The holiness code Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, special to the WJN uring the first Shabbat of May, him: “I won’t lend you the tool because you be supportive of our friends and family as we restrict our feelings of love and support the Torah reading includes a sec- didn’t lend me your tool when I asked to bor- they seek to overcome dangerous habits or to those who are literally our neighbors, or D tion of the Torah that is often row it” that is taking revenge. actions. Do we avoid any contact with peo- do we seek out new friendships and create a referred to as “the However, holding a grudge is described in ple who are facing difficulties, or do we seek connection with people we might not nor- holiness code”. This a different way. If a person asks to borrow a positive ways to help? mally be in contact with? section, chapter 19 tool and you tell her: “I will lend it to you And finally, when we observe the most fa- The holiness code reminds us to act prop- of Leviticus, begins despite the fact that when I asked to borrow a mous of all of the commandments of the ho- erly in our daily lives. But, we must think with the words: Ke- tool you wouldn’t lend it to me”, that is hold- liness code: “love your neighbor as yourself,” not only about our actions, but the spirit in doshim Tihiyu,.. ing a grudge. how do we interpret the word “neighbor.” Do which we act as well. n “You should be holy I particularly like this tradition because, because I the Lord in addition to addressing the specific issue your God am holy.” of revenge and holding a grudge, it speaks Beth Israel Congregation offers Shavuot study This verse is fol- to a bigger issue. That bigger issue is the fact Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN lowed by a collec- that it is not only what we do but how we Rabbi Robert Dobrusin The community is invited to attend Beth Israel Congregation’s annual Tikkun Leil tion of laws which do what we do that matters. It is nice to lend Shavuot, an evening of study in observance of the when observed, elevate our relationship with the tool to someone and to break the cycle holiday of Shavuot. The program will take place on God and, even more importantly, with oth- of selfishness. But, if in doing so we take the the first evening of Shavuot, Saturday, May 23 from er human beings. The laws concern proper opportunity to remind someone else of their 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. means of treating our parents, those who selfish act, we undermine the act of kindness The theme of this year’s Tikkun will be: “Ex- work for us, the needy and all with whom we we have performed. ploring Dimensions of Memory,” a theme chosen share our communities. These questions can be asked about al- in part to recognize the fact that, during this year, It is a foundational belief in the Torah that most anything we do. Here are some other Shavuot coincides with Memorial Day weekend. the way we act in our personal lives and the examples inspired by laws in the holiness The tradition of studying Torah on the first night way we interact with others is the founda- code. When we give tzedaka, do we do so of Shavuot is linked to the holiday’s designation as tion of holiness in our lives. Holiness is not willingly or grudgingly? One could argue “The Time of the Giving of the Torah. something reserved for our “spiritual” lives. that it doesn’t matter as long as the tzedaka The facilitators for the evening’s study will be Holiness is measured by the way we conduct is given, but our tradition would disagree. Rabbi Robert Dobrusin and Rabbi Kim Blumen- ourselves in our daily lives. Giving with the proper spirit is essential in thal of Beth Israel Congregation and Rabbi Sara One of the commandments in this sec- our tradition of tzedakah. Adler, chaplain at the University of Michigan tion instructs us not to “take revenge or hold One of the laws of this portion of the Health System. The sessions will explore different a grudge.” There is an interesting rabbinic in- Torah is: “Do not put a stumbling block be- concepts and traditions relating to memory in Jew- terpretation of this verse that seeks to distin- fore the blind”. Our rabbis interpreted this as ish tradition. Details for each of the sessions can be found at www.bethisrael-aa.org. guish between “taking revenge” and “holding meaning that we should not tempt someone The program begins with the ma’ariv evening service at 9:30 p.m. and there will a grudge.” with something that isn’t good for them. But, be a break during the study program for a traditional “cheesecake” oneg. For more According to the Talmud, the distinction do we merely follow this commandment and information, contact Beth Israel Congregation at 665-9897. can be described in a very specific way. If a refrain from tempting people, or do we do person asks to borrow a tool and you tell what we can in a proper, respectful way, and 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 ICampus

A reflection on Michigan Hillel’s L’Dor V’Dor Shabbat By Henry Sholk s a University of Michigan Junior, Hundreds of students, alumni, parents and in each person’s Michigan experiences. And, of upcoming football season. The look on his face and vice-chair of Michigan Hillel, I community members were treated to a per- course, no Hillel experience could be complete when he left the room is something I will not for- A have attended more Hillel Shabbat formance by Hillel’s a capella group, Kol Ha- without a delicious meal cooked by Chef Emil get. There was a sense of awe and amazement. As dinners than I can count. But the Shabbat on he left, he turned to me and said, “You guys put Friday, March 27—Hillel’s first L’Dor V’Dor on an incredible operation for an amazing com- (generation-to-generation) Shabbat—is one munity here”. I could not have said it any better. dinner that will remain prominent in my mind. As a student at Michigan, I have come to take for Our Hillel hosted over 400 attendees, with so granted that I get to spend every Friday evening many different connections to us. We had hun- with 300 of my closest friends in the Ann Arbor dreds of students, alumni from years spanning community. No matter how rough my week has all the way back to the 1950s, parents who came been I know my Fridays will always end with a in from all over the country, local community smile on my face. That was especially true after members and one very special guest, University the L’Dor V’Dor Shabbat. Having hundreds of of Michigan President Mark Schlissel. current students interacting with hundreds of As the sun set, marking the beginning of alumni, parents and members of the commu- Shabbat, students and guests alike began to nity like one big family is what is special about stream through the door with anticipation of this Michigan Hillel—it is the Michigan difference. momentous event. The presence of alumni and Not only did we learn from one another, but parents created an astounding Kabbalat Shab- we also gave tangible proof to how the Jewish bat environment and singing could be heard community here continues to grow and may be throughout the building. After services, a handful stronger than ever. More than ever, I can clearly of student leaders and alumni joined President see the immense amount of community sup- Schlissel before dinner. Schlissel touched on the port and can truly appreciate what an amazing importance of a strong Hillel and the incredible Kavod, before joining together to sing Shalom and the Hillel kitchen staff. Jewish community we have here at Michigan. I impact it has on Jewish students as well as on the Alechem. This cross-generational connection As the night came to a close, President Schlis- hope after I graduate, I will have the opportu- campus as a whole. The president also discussed continued throughout the night as students en- sel made an appearance in the “overflow” room nity to return to Ann Arbor to attend a L’Dor issues related to Jewish life on campus, including gaged and traded stories with alumni and par- and engaged the students in conversations about V’Dor Shabbat and meet the new generation of how his own role is impacted by his Jewish faith. ents, comparing the similarities and differences everything from favorite Seder traditions to the student-leaders. n

Where BDS loses: unique steps in support of Israel on campus By Alina Dain Sharon/JNS.org eading up to the 67th birthday of the and to call on the U.S. government to stop fund- Stanford recently signed one of two petitions school’s student senate to endorse “the Expan- State of Israel, more commonly referred ing the Palestinian Authority (PA). opposing the Stanford Student Senate’s passing sion of Study Abroad Opportunities in Israel.” L as Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Indepen- The campaign’s online petition intends to of a BDS resolution in February. Israel is “one of the most stable countries dence Day), it may be difficult to stay upbeat “raise awareness about the human rights abuses Four Jewish faculty members drafted a nine- in the Middle East, and the country with the given the rising anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism perpetrated by the Palestinian Authority against paragraph petition statement criticizing the highest ratings in freedom, human rights, and CREDIT: COURTESY SHMULEY RABBI BOTEACH. the Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank; to “one-sided condemnation of Israel.” democracy in the region” and a “global leader in call for accountability in the foreign aid given “The goal of our campus’ recent anti-Israel science and technology research and is home to to the Palestinian Authority and ensure it is not campaign wasn’t to open up discussion on these a world-renowned business environment with used to persecute Palestinians or Israelis.” complex matters but to dictate simple, outright the most startups per capita in the world,” the Pro-Israel student activist Chloe Valdary, excoriation. In this respect divestment was less senate resolution stated. who organized the initiative, told the Louisiana- its goal than a tactic, a deceptively benign way to based publication Hayride that the petition bring to fruition an anti-Israel resolution,” the University of California, Davis is “actually pro-Palestinian” because “we (the statement said. In February, an Israel divestment resolution U.S.) send aid to the PA, and instead of using it that had passed at the University of California, to build infrastructure and a good community University of Nevada, Las Vegas Davis (UC Davis) was overturned by a student for their people, they pocket the money and ac- At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in court on the grounds that the measure was not tually persecute their own people.” March, members of the Jewish fraternity Alpha sufficiently related to student welfare. Epsilon Pi (AEPi), together with other Jewish The Court of Associated Students, in a 5-0 Liberty University groups, succeeded in getting the school’s stu- vote with one abstention, found the passage of In February, the student government at Vir- dent senate to adopt a policy statement against the divestment resolution by school’s student ginia’s Liberty University passed an amendment anti-Semitism. senate to be in violation of the UC Davis stu- to its constitution that forbids legislation sup- The student senate adopted the statement in dent government constitution. NYU students protesting “Israeli Aparteid Week” porting the BDS movement. The amendment the wake of a speech given by AEPi President According to the student court, the resolu- around the world. On American college cam- declared that Liberty’s student government Nathaniel Saxe about the rise of anti-Semitism tion was “primarily a political document” that puses, the situation has been especially grave— “will not entertain BDS legislation targeted at at universities around the country. The state- “did not deal with student welfare to the extent but the picture may not be as gloomy as it seems. the Israeli state, or its people, or legislation of ment’s five conclusions included: a recognition that allowed the ASUCD (Associated Students A report released in February by the Israel similar intent.” of the right of Israel to exist as a nation, a rec- of the University of California, Davis) Senate on Campus Coalition (ICC) revealed that pro- The amendment was led by senior Chel- ognition of the right of Israel to defend itself jurisdiction to pass.” Israel activity on U.S. campuses has actually in- sea Andrews, a pro-Israel student activist with against threats to its existence, a belief that a creased in the wake of the war between Israel CUFI on Campus, the school’s division of the Palestinian state and Israel should exist in peace University of Minnesota and Hamas last summer and the uptick in ter- Christian Zionist organization Christians Unit- and resource equality with one another, a con- In February 2014, during Israeli Apartheid rorism against Jews in Israel last fall. ed for Israel. demnation of the actions of violent terrorist Week, the University of Minnesota’s chapter of While by no means all-encompassing, the “At Liberty University we stand with Israel, organizations, and a proclamation to actively Students Supporting Israel, which is the found- following is a snapshot of some of the college because as Christians, as Americans, and as boycott religious persecution and discrimina- ing chapter of the group, got a resolution to pass campuses on which pro-Israel activists have individuals focused on freedom and human tion at every level. in the school’s student government that calls for taken unique steps or have made major strides rights, there is no alternative,” Andrews said af- academic collaboration with Israeli universities in their quest to support the Jewish state. ter the amendment passed. University of Georgia and study abroad programs in Israel. In February, the Student Government As- The resolution stated “that the Minnesota University of New Orleans Stanford University sociation of the University of Georgia passed Student Association supports expanding study In March, a group of students at the Uni- Although California schools like Stanford a resolution calling for increased university in- abroad in the Middle East, specifically Israel, versity of New Orleans launched a campaign University have developed a reputation for be- vestment in Israel. with a concentration in business, science, engi- to both combat the Boycott, Divestment and ing hubs of BDS activity, more than 150 current The campus’s chapter of Students Support- neering and agriculture.” n Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and former faculty members and researchers at ing Israel initiated the resolution, leading the Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 11 I Israel

It’s hard to be a Christian in Israel, but not because of prejudice By Father Gabriel Naddaf/JNS.org y name is Gabriel Naddaf, and I army was an attempt to divide Arab society in have the privilege of being a Greek their national struggle against Israel. M Orthodox priest from Nazareth in Following the conference, a campaign of the Galilee. My people have mistakenly been harassment began against the conference’s or- called “Christian Arabs,” but the reality is that ganizers. Students who participated were also we are Arameans—descendants of people who threatened, isolated, and suffered humiliation lived here in Israel since biblical times. via social networks and in the Arab media. A Zi- Recently, Israel’s Interior Ministry rec- onist organization that supports us, Im Tirtzu, ognized us as the “Aramean nation,” fol- subsequently published a report detailing statements made against Christians who encour- aged Christian enlistment in the IDF. Personally, my convic- tion and actions have led to numerous death threats against me, my excom- munication by the Or- thodox Church Council, and the prevention of my MAOR X VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS. VIA X MAOR entrance into the Church of Annunciation.

CREDIT: None of this has any- thing to do with the Is- raeli government or the Jewish community. The assertion of Israel as a so- called “apartheid state” is complete nonsense. My successes and challenges speak loudly as to where the real problems lie for Fun new Fr. Gabriel Naddaf addresses Christian IDF soldiers in December 2014, my fellow Christians. SPRING with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in attendance. It pains me to say this, but it must be said. The styles! lowing a lengthy public campaign. Partners incitement against me, my campaign, and all in this effort include a number of Israeli those Christians who have sought to integrate Zionist organizations. into Israeli society has been led by Arab leaders In the past three years, I have become a con- from Israel and abroad, and even by some Arab Special Naot troversial figure in Israel for the simple reason members of Israel’s Knesset legislature. MK that I embrace Zionism, Jewish sovereignty in Hanin Zoabi wrote to me on official Knesset TRUNK Israel, and the tolerance, respect, and oppor- letterhead and accused me of “helping the en- tunity that has grown out of that sovereignty emy of the Palestinian people” and “collabora- SHOW! for all. I believe that our youths—Christian tion with occupying forces.” She pressured me youths—should fully integrate into Israeli soci- “to fight against the loyalists of the regime.” Of ety. Part and parcel of that integration includes course, all this creates an atmosphere of incite- SATURDAY, serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or ment against me and anyone who is interested MAY 16 undertaking some other form of national ser- in integrating the Christian minority into the vice that Israel routinely provides for teenagers. national service frameworks in Israel. In 2012, a few Christian IDF officers and But these people have had help. Under the I founded the Israeli Christians Recruitment guise of human rights protection, organizations Forum (ICRF). My efforts have had mixed re- such as Mossawa—which is funded by the New sults. On the positive side, hundreds of Arab or Israel Fund—have joined the incitement cam- Aramean Christian youths have heeded my call paign and have accused the leaders of the Chris- and have served their country with distinction. tian-Arab community in Israel who support They have been embraced by their fellow sol- integration of collaboration with the IDF, often diers, who regard them as comrades in arms, dubbing the IDF “the Zionist Occupation.” and not as strangers in their midst. A blacklist of priests and Christian leaders On the downside, the blowback, as it were, that support integration and cooperation with from my efforts among rejectionist elements in the State of Israel has been compiled, and pic- Try Our Expansive the Christian and the Muslim Arab community tures of leaders and youths who participated in has been intense. Christian soldiers have been IDF events have made their way into the Arab Selection of harassed by their neighbors, and in many cases, press, endangering their lives and encouraging Naot Footwear by their own families. These soldiers are forced violence. to change out of their IDF uniforms before re- Mossawa is not alone in trying to deny Made in Israel turning to their home towns, for fear that they Christians the right to integrate into Israeli so- may be harassed on their way home. ciety. A massive campaign against enlistment of Ronga Quartz Beautiful and Another example came in 2012, when a Israeli Arabs into the IDF has been led by other (also in Metal, Black) Comfortable conference was held in Nazareth by support- organizations. ers of Christian recruitment to the IDF. A local This campaign included massive pressure leader, attorney Abir Kopty from the Mossawa on the Israeli and Arab press, including a set of Located in the Westgate Shopping Center | (734) 662–8118 Center, attacked the participants and accused articles published on the +972 website in 2012 2517 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor MI 48103 | www.mastshoes.com them of persecution of Palestinians. Kopty also denouncing Arab enrollment in the military suggested that integrating Christians into the continued on next page 12 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 or national service; school activities that are intended to educate children not to serve the This Yom HaAtzma’ut, country; or the efforts of Baladna, an NGO that has worked for many years among the Arab youth in Israel, teaching them about the celebrate red, white, and blue. “threats” implicit in participating in national service or the IDF. Adalah , another NGO, is working to prevent military veterans from re- ceiving housing benefits in Arab cities. Among these Israeli non-profit organiza- tions opposing the Aramean community’s integration into Israeli society, some are com- posed of Israeli Arabs, while others are on the extreme left and are anti-Zionist. These NGOs reject Israel as the national home of the Jew- ish people. They would like to cancel the law of return and remove the Jewish character of Israel. They would reject the special status of the Hebrew language, modify the national flag and the national anthem, and make Israel a bi- national state. These organizations call on the Arabs of Judea and Samaria and the Arabs liv- ing in Israel to come together to fight against Zionism. The idea that one group has separat- ed itself from this struggle by identifying itself as Aramean is, for them, anathema. All of these organizations claim that they are fighting for the weak, for the minorities who cannot stand up for themselves, and demand and fight for their own rights. But ultimately, the actions of these NGOs beg the question of what rights they are really fighting for, whose interests they are protecting, and what their real agenda is. Clearly, these NGOs have no interest in seeing Christian Arabs become part of Israeli society. Much like the Arab countries that have used Palestinians in various refugee camps as pawns in fighting the State of Israel, these NGOs are content to reduce my community to cannon fodder in their efforts to de-legitimize Israel. My community is effectively being told to fight for their continued marginalization by Israeli society, even though it is the Israeli gov- ernment’s goal to bring them more fully into the mainstream. Doesn’t the Christian com- Magen David Adom, Israel’s only official emergency medical response agency, munity deserve the right to follow our own has been saving lives since before 1948. And supporters like you provide MDA’s will and integrate, if it so chooses, into Israeli society? Not according to most of the NGOs 14,000 paramedics and EMTs — 12,000 of them volunteers — with the training that say they are assisting our community. As a priest, I am distressed by this unwill- and equipment they need. So as we celebrate Israel’s independence, save a life in ingness to promote the welfare of individuals Israel with your gift to MDA. Please give today. in the name of a monolithic group identity, whose goals and objectives can be set by those who might have very little in common with the community they supposedly represent. As Christians in Israel survey the situation of our brethren in the wider Middle East, we are Come visit our ambulance at Celebrate Israel 2015 appalled by the persecution that so many have experienced in Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, among and learn more about MDA’s lifesaving work! other countries. Truly, it has only been in Israel where Christians can fully practice our faith and Sunday May 17, 2015, 4:00 p.m. can be productive members of society. We are not interested in misguided policies Jewish Community Center, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor that would only bring harm and dislocation to us. Instead, we see and appreciate the opportuni- ties to live full Christian lives in the Jewish state. It is important that Christians around the world understand that a Jewish Israel has Dr. John J. Mames Chapter — Michigan Region been a responsible steward for its Christians. Manny Charach, Chair We should be supported, and not demon- Cari Margulis Immerman, Director ized, for our efforts to more fully join this 23215 Commerce Park Road, Suite 306 n benevolent society. Beachwood, OH 44122 Father Gabriel Naddaf is the spiritual leader and Toll-Free 877.405.3913 • [email protected] www.afmda.org one of the founders of ICRF, the forum recruiting Arabic-speaking Christians to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. He is also the spiritual leader of the Christian Empowerment Council.

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 13 IIsrael

For U.S. journalists, Ben-Gurion U. science mission more than an assignment By Deborah Fineblum Schabb/JNS.org he difficult we do immediately, the ers. For them, including Tanya Lewis, a staff Visiting the Sleep Unit Department of Bio- the problem. Ofir also shared her years of re- impossible takes a little longer.” When writer with LiveScience.com, the “gee-whiz fac- medical Engineering’s Biomedical Signal Pro- search into the effect of the lemongrass plant T Israel’s first prime minister, David tor” ran high. cessing Lab, the journalists were among the first and her findings on its positive impact on im- Ben-Gurion, spoke those words, he could very “I’m really into robotics, so it’s been great to hear of a new diagnostic approach to sleep munity against disease. well have been referring to the scientific break- being here,” Lewis said after a briefing on diag- problems using a non-contact, non-invasive As they pulled their suitcases toward the throughs that were destined to emerge from the nostic robotics designed to crawl through the audio process, rather than hooking patients up waiting van, the journalists reflected on what school that would bear his name. to uncomfortable sensors in costly sleep centers. they had learned. “We got to see the exciting CREDIT: FINEBLUM DEBORAH SCHABB What Ben-Gurion may not have envisioned In the Laboratory for Rehabilitation and things they’re doing here, and some of them in is the emergence of an annual rite in which Motor Control of Walking, Dr. Simona Bar- their early stages,” said Amishai Gottlieb of Phil- American journalists see those discoveries for Haim and her team of researchers run a pro- adelphia’s Jewish Exponent. “I especially thought themselves. After 10 years, the Murray Fromson gram that helps teens with Cerebral Palsy live the sleep apnea study was very cool.” AABGU (American Associates, Ben-Gurion more independent lives. The journalists were Dr. Rivka Carmi, president of BGU, de- University) Media Mission has brought nearly invited to try on the “Re-Step,” a shoe for train- scribed the annual media mission as an “ex- 100 reporters and editors from across the At- ing people with brain injuries, strokes, and ceptional program that showcases a completely lantic for an up-close look at the cutting-edge Cerebral Palsy who struggle with impaired different side of Israel—science and innovation, research taking place at Ben-Gurion University mobility, allowing them to practice walking on community outreach, and the Negev.” To maxi- of the Negev (BGU), which is home to some changing surfaces. “It’s incredible that they can mize the mission’s impact, she said, “We invite 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students. actually retrain patterns in the brain that have people who might otherwise never visit this “We want them (the journalists) to see that, been damaged,” said Melissa Gerr, a reporter part of Israel, to open their eyes to the exciting although it’s so new, only 45 years old, this uni- for the Baltimore Jewish Times. “It was pretty work being done here.” versity was the realization of Ben-Gurion’s vi- amazing to see that.” In fact, Alexandra Lapkin, a reporter with sion of a world-class research center in the heart Dr. David Zarrouk, director of the Bio- the The Jewish Advocate of Boston, used the very of the desert,” said Ronni Strongin, the AABGU inspired and Medical Robotics Laboratory, same image to describe her experience. “It’s vice president who initiated the media trip. showed off his team’s tiny robots. Some resem- been an eye-opening week,” she said. The re- “With each group of journalists who come and bled cockroaches, others were designed to travel search was fascinating for her, but simply being see it, the news gets out there about the amazing the length of a human intestine. Bioinspired, he in Israel was just as powerful. things going on here.” Experimenting with small robots designed to explained, means guided but not limited by “What happens is, the view of Israel gets very The theme of this year’s mission—which travel the length of a human intestine. nature. “We want to combine the knowledge muddled from far away,” Lapkin said. “You have wrapped up March 20 after a week of demon- of nature with 21st century technology,” said to see it for yourself, wander the city streets, and strations and insider briefings by top scientific human body. “To see the technology they’ve Zarrouk. BGU is one of the world’s foremost see all kinds of people sitting at outdoor cafes, researchers—was the health and medical ad- come up with here, and the ones still in devel- centers of robotics research and design. happy and surprisingly… peaceful.” vances currently being developed at BGU. The opment and their medical uses, is just exciting.” As the journalists peered through a micro- In fact, the “all kinds of people” aspect was a showcase included research and innovations in Among the highlights of this year’s mission: scope at a beating heart cell, Dr. Rivka Ofir of fundamental take-away for the media mission the fields of neuroscience and imaging, stem At the BGU Department of Physiology and BGU’s new Center for Regenerative Medi- participants. cell research, biomedical robotics, biopharma, Neurobiology’s Zlotowski Center for Neurosci- cine, Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Research “It’s not the way I thought it would be here,” and medical informatics. ence, Prof. Alon Friedman’s team is developing a presented the journalists with “disease in a said LiveScience.com’s Lewis. “There is an im- Since this year’s theme was scientific and drug to prevent epilepsy after brain injury by re- dish”—a technique of programming a patient’s mense diversity of people and cultures here that medical breakthroughs, several of the nine pairing the blood-brain barrier, a network of blood diseased cells into any kind of cell that will best I didn’t expect.” n journalists on the mission were science report- vessels filtering the blood flowing to the brain. allow them to be studied for the root cause of Aliyah trending: immigration to Israel rises among boomers, young adults By Maayan Jaffe/JNS.org want to be a part of something greater than Haifa (where they will be living), spoke with ship- “The Israeli government was always open the average immigrants to Israel via NBN were myself,” says 24-year-old Ron Nahshon of ping companies, and learned how Sara will be to receiving new immigrants—about 1.3 mil- entire Orthodox families, today the organiza-

New York City’s Washington Heights neigh- lion people made aliyah in tion is seeing a steep rise in single young adults I CREDIT: SASSON TIRAM borhood, who is preparing to move to Israel the first three years since and boomers. this summer with his wife Sara. the founding of the state,” Boomers tend to be retirees or empty nest- Born in Israel, Nahshon’s parents (who Rosenberg tells JNS.org. ers, people who sold their businesses or are made aliyah themselves) left Israel when he was Many of those people were consulting and want to live in Israel. Some of only 1. Raised in the Conservative movement, refugees fleeing to the Jew- them have children—and therefore grandchil- he describes his upbringing as “Zionist” and ish state to escape persecu- dren—living in the Jewish state, and they want says his parents infused “a love of the land” into tion or other challenges in to be close to them. their home. Later, Nahshon became Orthodox their native countries. Even “The healthcare is wonderful. There are and attended Yeshiva University. Over the past today, crises such as anti- nine months of wonderful weather,” Rosenberg several years, he has been investing and saving Semitism in France and po- explains, adding that for young adults, there to prepare for aliyah. litical upheaval in Ukraine is a correlation between aliyah and those who “I grew up learning how my grandfather have spurred increased ali- participated in Taglit-Birthright Israel trips and trekked to [Mandatory] Palestine on a camel. yah from those countries. The Jewish Agency for Israel’s MASA (Israel Now, I just have to get on a plane and fly there. But North American Jews Journey) programming. It’s easy to get comfortable elsewhere. By mov- A happy couple makes aliyah as part of El Al Flight LY 3004 in 2014 “have a choice,” says Rosen- “More young people are visiting Israel and ing to Israel, I am able to live a part of history berg. they want to come back,” he says. and tradition in a way that people two, three, able to transfer her nursing license from the U.S. “They are choosing to come to Israel. So There is also a tie to the flailing American and more generations back didn’t have the op- to Israel so that she can work in her field. we have to treat them differently,” he says. This economy. Rosenberg says that with the rising portunity to do,” Nahshon tells JNS.org. Overall, some 2,000 people participated in was the catalyst behind the founding of NBN costs of American education and the unpredict- Nahshon was among the more than 1,200 NBN aliyah events across North America from by philanthropist Tony Gelbart and Executive ability of the job market, many young adults are people who attended the Nefesh B’Nefesh March 8-15, a 10-percent increase over last year Director Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. The agency fa- attracted to the free degree they receive through (NBN) aliyah agency’s mega event in New York and a 300-percent increase over the past five years. cilities aliyah exclusively from North America making aliyah and the ability to readily enter City last month. He says the event turned his According to the organization, about one-fifth of and the United Kingdom. the job market based on skills and not degrees, vision of aliyah into a reality. all the participants in last year’s mega events made “It is a response to people choosing to as is often the case in Israel. NBN has served as what Nahshon calls a aliyah within one year of their attendance. leave wonderful opportunities in America to “They are seeing this as a stepping stone to “friendly middleman,” assisting his family with Nearly 4,000 people made aliyah from North explore wonderful opportunities in Israel,” their future,” Rosenberg says. With the global the extensive paperwork needed to make aliyah. America last year. Marc Rosenberg, director of Rosenberg says. economy growing and the world feeling smaller At the event, the Nahshons visited the booth for pre-aliyah for NBN, says aliyah is “trending.” According to Rosenberg, whereas initially continued on page 22

14 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 Tower of Babel in reverse: Hebrew language unites Israelis and Jews By Jeffrey F. Barken/JNS.org all it the reverse Tower of Babel story. taunting him at school. His frustration hints at a of writing in Hebrew while living in an English- ments of the culture they left behind. American When a united humanity speak- larger controversy that originally surrounded his speaking environment. The series also featured Jews, likewise, are curious about Israeli customs ing the same language tried to build grandfather’s mission to establish Hebrew as the a Hebrew poetry contest involving students and desire an authentic experience. The IAC’s

C CREDIT: LARSON HARLEY. a tower to reach the heavens, God confounded from 30 Jewish day monthly Kabbalat Shabbat dinners are suc- their speech. But in the early days of modern schools across cessful, Eyny suggests, because the structure is Israel, a clash of tongues made life difficult— North America. unimposing. until Hebrew became “the glue that brought The IAC’s mis- “There are no lectures, it’s not about giving the people together,” says Rabbi Eliezer Ben- sion statement money, or religion. It’s simply about enjoying be- Yehuda, grandson of the “Father of Modern calls for initiatives ing Jewish and Israeli culture,” Eyny tells JNS.org. Hebrew” bearing the same name. that “build an en- Perhaps Averbuch, who was born to Israeli “Imagine if David Ben-Gurion had deliv- gaged and united parents but grew up in the U.S., best personi- ered the 1948 Declaration of Israeli Indepen- Israeli-American fies the IAC’s bridge between Jewish American dence in Yiddish. Israel would not only be a community that and Israeli culture. Watching her perform, Fein- different country, but Israelis would know a dif- strengthens our stein-Mentesh comments, “She never felt home ferent existence,” Rabbi Eliezer says last month next generations.” until she came here.” Averbuch was center stage in New York City at the first event of a new ini- Participants who throughout the cultural series, entertaining au- tiative called “Hagigah Ivrit”—a cultural series attended the IAC’s diences of more than 700 people as she narrated and festival featuring educational lectures, film Shishi Israeli event, the story of “Peter and the Wolf” in Hebrew screenings, Israeli music, art, and social activi- which ushered in a with orchestral accompaniment. ties for children and adults. Shabbat during the Averbuch is influenced by the work of art- A collaboration of the Israeli-American The Israeli-American Council’s “Shishi Israeli” event ushering in Shabbat culture series on ists including Israeli greats Chava Albertstein, Council (IAC), the Steinhardt Foundation for Friday, March 27, Arik Einstein, and Yael Naim, as well as Amer- Jewish Life, and the Council for Hebrew Lan- official language of Israel and the Jewish people. could see that community taking shape. Billed ican singers Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. guage and Culture, Hagigah Ivrit provides a “The controversy was that Ben-Yehuda had as an event in which “Israeli and Jewish Ameri- Taking her music on the road, she served in platform for individuals and families seeking the audacity to think that people would take up cans will create a shared experience around the the Israel Defense Forces band during the to both learn the Hebrew language and deepen a God-forsaken language,” Rabbi Eliezer says. Shabbat dinner table,” families of all ages and 2006 war with Lebanon. “It’s a beautiful thing their connection with Israel. For all practical purposes, Hebrew was obsolete backgrounds were in attendance. Numerous to see how music can completely change a situ- Framing the cultural series thematically, Rab- until his grandfather revived and modernized arts activities kept young children happily en- ation,” Averbuch says, explaining how her troop bi Eliezer describes how the life and times of his the lexicon. Rabbi Eliezer makes a distinction, gaged, while actor, singer, and songwriter Shira would visit families confined to shelters and sing grandfather highlights the fundamental magic of elevating the historical significance and origi- Averbuch led a band, singing classic and popu- Hebrew songs to lift morale. At one stop, “a little Hebrew. The elder Ben-Yehuda insisted that his nality of Hebrew. lar Hebrew songs. girl held my leg,” she recalls. wife speak only Hebrew around their children. “My book is not a bible, it’s a tanakh,” he The IAC “didn’t have to spend a lot on ad- “‘Please don’t go. The music makes me feel He spent his family’s meager savings on a start-up says. “People who read the New Testament think vertising” for Hagigah Ivrit, but rather word of safe,’” Averbuch quotes the girl as saying. newspaper in which he published articles in He- they understand the first words, ‘In the begin- mouth among the area’s Israeli American com- Despite this somber moment, Averbuch brew and provided lists of newly invented words, ning,’ but, in fact, they are reading a translation.” munity was the primary marketing vehicle, says laughs when she pictures her fellow soldiers eventually creating the first Hebrew dictionary. Thanks to Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, Jews today have Yehudit Feinstein-Mentesh, the organization’s wearing helmets and carrying guitars through Initially, Israelis were resentful of Ben-Yehu- unprecedented access to their shared heritage. regional director in New York. the war zone. Likewise, she finds the Israeli ar- da’s efforts to modernize Hebrew, yet curious to Hebrew is “organic, growing, and changing all “It becomes like a family,” she tells JNS.org. “Ev- my’s ban on English songs amusing. learn each neologism he published. His grand- the time,” but it is still the most enduring ele- erybody brings something and in this way we’re “That’s the patriotism they try to instill,” son sings verses from an Israeli folk song that ment of Jewish culture, Rabbi Eliezer observes. creating a community that takes care of itself.” she jokes. pokes fun at his grandfather’s legacy: “Eliezer The Hagigah Ivrit event shed light on many Sharon Eyny, IAC’s director of programs Rabbi Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, however, likely Ben-Yehuda, an amusing man, words upon current Hebrew language and literary achieve- and events, says, “The idea, especially on [New would see this regulation as an element of his words he invented in his feverish mind.” He ments. Israeli author Assaf Gavron presented York City’s] Upper West Side—where there is grandfather’s legacy. Establishing a Jewish state notes that it was never easy growing up a “Ben- his new book, The Hilltop, a novel depicting a big Israeli community—is to bridge Jewish required stubbornness and pride in a common Yehuda” in Israel due to high expectations for the complicated reality of life in the West Bank. American and Israeli communities. They don’t language. As a result, at Israel’s 67th birthday, his grandfather’s progeny. Later, Reuven “Ruby” Namdar, resident New usually do things together.” modern Hebrew is providing the necessary “Of course Ben-Yehuda is going to write a Yorker and esteemed recipient of Israel’s Sapir Eyny notes that 2nd and 3rd-generation mechanism—a common language—for Jews good paper,” the rabbi recalls his jealous peers Prize for Literature, spoke about the experience immigrants from Israel are nostalgic for ele- around the world to connect with each other. n The other Spielberg tells story of American pilots who fought for Israel in 1948 By Robert Gluck/JNS.org ot as famous as director Steven Spiel- A businesswoman, fundraiser, and philan- state in 1948. He also recruited pilots and Hava Nagila, Blessed Is the Match: The Life and berg is his sister Nancy, the filmmak- thropist, Nancy Spielberg has in recent years crew members from the U.S. Death of Hannah Senesh (which was shortlisted N er. Lesser known than the Israelis turned her energy and talents to producing After the war, Schwimmer was indicted for for an Academy Award and won the audience who fought for their country’s independence documentary films. She served as consultant violating the U.S. Neutrality Act and lost his cit- award at 13 film festivals), and 500 Nations, the were the American pilots who secretly joined on the Oscar-winning documentary Chernobyl izenship. He stayed in Israel and founded Israel eight-hour CBS miniseries on Native Ameri- that fight. Ahead of Israel’s 67th Independence Heart and is executive producer of Elusive Jus- Aerospace Industries. In 2001, he was pardoned cans hosted by Kevin Costner. She is currently Day, the new documentary Above and Beyond is tice: The Search for Nazi War Criminals, which by U.S. president Bill Clinton. beginning production on a new film, Who Will fusing those two unsung elements. aired nationally on PBS. She also produced a Nancy Spielberg calls Schwimmer the key Write Our History, about the secret archives of In 1948, just three years after the liberation film project for the Israeli government,Celeb - figure in the story of Above and Beyond . the Warsaw Ghetto. of Nazi death camps, a group of American Jew- rities Salute Israel’s 60th, which was featured in “He was the man that everybody respect- “I’m interested in Jewish history, especially ish pilots answered a call for help. In secret and New York City’s Times Square on the NASDAQ ed,” she tells JNS.org. “People ran to help him. 20th-century Jewish history,“ Grossman tells at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out stock exchange screens for one month. He was a quiet, soft-spoken guy, but when he JNS.org. “I’m also interested in American Jew- of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain in Spielberg says she first became attracted walked in a room he had an air about him ish identity and the way that it was changing at Czechoslovakia, and flew for Israel in its War of to the American Jewish pilots’ story after where everyone listened. He was a natural- that time, post-Holocaust.” Independence. reading an obituary of Al Schwimmer, who born leader in many ways. He called upon his The pilots featured in Above and Beyond are As members of the Machal—“volunteers is regarded by many as the father of the Is- contacts at TWA and Pan Am (Pan American Leon Frankel, Coleman Goldstein, Lou Len- from abroad”—this ragtag band of brothers raeli Air Force. Schwimmer worked for the World Airways) and got the ball rolling.” art, George Lichter, Gideon Lichtman, Harold not only turned the tide of the war, but also now-defunct TWA airline and was a flight After deciding to produce the documentary, Livingston, Milton Rubenfeld, Smoky Simon, embarked on personal journeys of discovery engineer for the U.S. Air Transport Com- Spielberg contacted award-winning filmmaker Stan Andrews, and Bob Vickman. Art students and renewed Jewish pride. Winning audience mand in World War II. Upon learning of the Roberta Grossman to be the director. Grossman at University of California, Los Angeles in 1948, awards from Florida to West Virginia, Above need for aircraft for the new nation of Israel, has written and produced more than 40 hours Andrews and Vickman had been stationed in and Beyond presents their story. he smuggled 30 surplus planes to the Jewish of documentary film and television, including continued on page 22

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 15 I Books

Through liturgy and commentary, new mahzor gives voice to Israeli independence By Maayan Jaffe/JNS.org ost Jews today never saw all of add to the depth of the spiritual experience” this,” wrote Rabbi Yehuda Am- of these days. “This book gives expression to M ital shortly before his passing in seeing Yom Ha’atzmaut not only as of his- 2010. “They were born to a life of freedom. toric significance to the Jewish people, but They never experienced living in bunkers, with a deep connection to HaShem,” Peretz praying for the day when they could walk tells JNS.org. in the streets and look around without fear. The religious and spiritual significance of Only someone who looks at the entire 2,000 the State of Israel, however, has been a con- years and sees Jews being troversial and divisive point led into exile by Titus, among observant Jews—es- sees the Crusades and pecially in the Diaspora. When you only have one chance to pogroms—only someone Arguments about the issue catch that special moment who sees all of this un- center on the question of SPECIALIZING IN: derstands the meaning of whether the founding of the BAR/BAT MITZVAHS, Jewish independence.” State of Israel is the first step FAMILY PORTRAITS, Koren Publishers Jeru- in the Jewish redemption, CHILDREN, salem is hoping to change or rather, something that 734.546.0426 FAMILY CELEBRATIONS, that through its new Yom should be celebrated with a [email protected] DIGITAL IMAGING, Ha’atzmaut Mahzor, the non-Messianic approach. susanayerphotography.com BUSINESS RECEPTIONS first-ever translation The Koren Yom Ha’atzmaut into English of the Yom Mahzor does not shy away Ha’atzmaut (Israel Inde- from this question. Among pendence Day) and Yom the 25 essay commentaries Yerushalayim (Jerusalem in the book, more than a Day) liturgies that were handful tackle the dilemma. established by the Chief A piece by the late Rabbi Rabbinate of Israel. The Joseph B. Soloveitchik, for mahzor (holiday prayer example, describes Israel book) includes optional as a gift from God with re- prayers such as Hallel and Al-HaNissim— demptive potential, but without actually be- which are mandatory on many biblical Jew- ing redemptive in and of itself. An opposing ish holidays—as well as a collection of essays piece by Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, son of the by a diverse mix of leading scholars in the late Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, explains Is- modern Orthodox and religious Zionist rael within the Messianic framework and the worlds. Jewish people as living today in the middle of 2015 ANNUAL MEETING Rabbi Moshe Taragin, author of the the redemptive era. commentary in the Koren Yom Ha’atzmaut “The vision of Israel’s redemption is re- The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor Mahzor, says the new prayer book serves to vealed in the words of the Torah and the help observant Jews grapple with what it Prophets,” begins Kook’s essay. “Redemp- means to have a contemporary state of Israel. tion… is the rejuvenation of the life of the “Our generation witnessed such a dra- nation. … The Jewish people are once again Together, We Do Extraordinary Things. matic revolution—the ability to defend our- connected to their rightful place.” selves, the ingathering of the exiles. … As In addition to these leaders, several oth- Orthodox Jews, we look to the past to try to ers tackle the theological, philosophical, and Wednesday, May 27 process this information, but it can be very halakhic implications of the modern State of 7:00 pm Reception challenging because these events, while they Israel. Popular scholar and author Dr. Erica exist in our texts, are embedded in obscure Brown brings it home in her essay, “Yom 7:30 pm Program prophesies and other unknown or hidden Ha’atzmaut: Personal Reflections on Dias- Federation/JCC Building sources,” Taragin tells JNS.org. The mahzor, pora Observance,” in which she equates cel- 2939 Birch Hollow Drive he says, is meant to “decode” these sources. ebrating the holiday in America to “making a The book deals head-on with the debate birthday party where the guest of honor fails Honoring about what prayers should or should not be to show up.” She also criticizes those who fail added to services on Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut in the U.S. be- Martin Shichtman, Yerushalayim, and offers commentary reflect- cause of “ideological differences, laziness or Director of Jewish Studies ing divergent opinions about why or why not lack of creativity.” Eastern Michigan University to change the liturgies on those days at all. “It is a slap in the face to this transforma- “One of the major controversies between tional turning point in the development of Please RSVP to Cindy Adams Orthodox and other sects is the flexibility our people,” writes Brown. “It is a diminish- ([email protected] or of the liturgy,” says Taragin. “You can be le- ment of the spiritual and national center that 734-677-0100) or register online gally and halakhically (within the parameters Israel is for world Jewry, whether as relief at www.jewishannarbor.org of Jewish law) committed to Israel but not and refuge, or as a place where Jews can ex- comfortable changing the tefillah (Jewish press their Judaism fully and autonomously.” prayer)—that’s OK.” Rabbi Reuven Ziegler, editor of the Koren In Israel, the spiritual or religious com- mahzor, says the book should be read “before ponent of these national holidays is often and after” Israel Independence Day, not just lost to barbecues, fireworks, and plastic in synagogue during the holiday. hammers. In the Diaspora, the spirit of the “The commentaries and essays are en- holidays can be lost to mediocre celebra- lightening and inspiring… maybe inspiring tions—at best—at JCCs or other venues, enough that people will join us in Israel on explains Yehudit Singer, Koren’s book mar- this great adventure,” he says. n keting manager. Rabbi Doron Peretz, head of www.jewishannarbor.org the World Mizrachi Movement in Jerusalem, which partnered with Koren on the mahzor, says he sees the work as “an opportunity to 16 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 IBest Reads THE PURPLE ROSE Turn Spring Clean Roger Rosenblatt memoir–making THEATRE COMPANY into Spring Green! grief intelligible Rachel Urist, staff writer oger Rosenblatt’s Making Toast is a and was a finalist for the National Book Critics memoir of the year following the Circle Award. Rosenblatt has a Ph.D. in English Let Encore Sell It For You: R death of his 38-year-old daughter, Literature from Harvard, where he joined the Electronics • Musical Instruments Amy, a pediatrician and mother of three faculty at age 22. He received seven honorary Designer Items • Antiques & Collectibles young children. Roger and his wife, Ginny, doctorates and is now Distinguished Professor Sterling Silver • Sporting Goods immediately drive from Long Island to of English and Writing at Stony Brook Univer- Camera & Audio/Visual Equipment Bethesda, Maryland, to pitch in. They learn sity. But Rosenblatt wears his accomplishments from their son, who lives near Amy’s fam- lightly. In this book, he offers only a glimpse 1958 South Industrial (in the Colonial Lanes Plaza) ily, that her husband, of his stature by noting, almost in pass- Harris, a hand ing, public interviews he is scheduled to 734.761.6187 surgeon, was sum- conduct with major literary figures. He EncoreOnlineResale.com moned by the two showers lavish praise on those he most older children, ages loves and admires: his wife, Ginny, a 6 and 4, who found former kindergarten teacher, and his their mother col- son-in-law, Harris. lapsed on the tread- How did this man of letters be- mill. “Mommy’s not come “Boppo” to his grandchildren? Do you believe that one talking,” the kids tell He explains: “Just before Jessie was mesmerizing evening can him. Though he ar- born, Amy asked Ginny and me what rives within seconds, our grandparental names would be. change the course of two lives the CPR he adminis- Ginny chose “Mimi,” after her own forever? Join us for Lanford ters fails to revive her. grandmother. I Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning The cause of her chose “El Guap- romantic comedy about a pair sudden death was po,”—the hand- “due to an anoma- some one—the of mismatched souls longing to Join us, Friday, May 15 at 7pm lous right cor- o - nickname of an find love after nearly giving up Allison Leotta nary artery”—meaning that her two ineffective for- on the dream. will be signing A GOOD KILLING coronary arteries fed her heart from the same CHIP COOPER CREDIT: mer Red Sox re- at the Ann Arbor District Library, 343 South 5th Avenue side. Physical exertion led to increased blood lief pitcher. The FOR TICKETS: Complete details at: www.auntagathas.com flow that was suddenly cut off. “Her condi- babies could 734.433.7673 or 213 South Fourth Avenue tion,” writes Rosenblatt, “affecting less than not pronounce Ann Arbor, MI 48104 two thousandths of one percent of the popu- El Guappo, thus PurpleRoseTheatre.org 734.769.1114 lation, was asymptomatic; she might have Boppo.” In tell- died at any time in her life.” ing this story, The grandparents, Roger and Ginny Rosenblatt re- Rosenblatt, become permanent and wel- Roger Rosenblatt calls how his come members of the household. Roger, daughter rued the devolution of her father’s known to his grandchildren as “Boppo,” be- honorific: “Such a sad story. He thought of comes a specialist in making toast. Ginny, or himself as the handsome one [El Guappo], “Mimi,” as she is called by the grandchildren, but he became a clown [Boppo].” becomes the children’s surrogate mom. Making Toast is written with sensitivity Roger Rosenblatt writes in simple sen- and astute powers of observation. Rosenblatt tences in present tense, with a humility that mentions an incident in which his son-in- belies his achievements. To cope with the un- law, Harris, begins to shout when someone imaginable, the death of his beloved, vibrant steps in to help sweep up a broken glass after and vital daughter, he keeps a journal that he drops it. But Harris never shouts, Rosen- becomes this memoir. He immerses himself blatt tells us. Rosenblatt understands the in the here and now, partly to be useful, partly outburst to mean that the bereft husband is to numb the pain. The grief is overwhelm- “asserting his authority—not because of a ing. It is made tolerable only by submitting lack of self-confidence, but rather as a way to the daily and routine tasks of life—and by of holding his life together.” recording his thoughts and perceptions. For Rosenblatt, writing is the way to Rosenblatt leavens this memoir by deftly hold life together. He asserts that what keeps weaving in the kind of anecdotes normally him from seeking psychological help is this: reserved for kvelling—the proud tales of a “What happened to Amy, and to all of us, grandparent. Six year old Jessie demands: is real. The monster is real. And while there “Do your Nutcracker dance, Boppo!,” and may be strategies that help Ginny and me he swings into his improvised ballet, “the feel a little better rather than a little worse, high point of which is when I wiggle my we will never feel right again. No analysis or ass like the dancing mice.” He becomes so therapy will change that.” involved with the grandchildren, that the He tells of reviewing Deaf Sentence, by reader might think he is just one more dot- David Lodge: “about a retired linguistics ing grandparent. He is more. He is a gifted professor who is losing his hearing and who man of letters, the author of 17 books and is also deaf to life until, against his will, he six plays. He won two George Polk Awards, visits Auschwitz, where the silence teaches a Peabody Award, and an Emmy for the es- him to hear. He reads a letter from a pris- says he wrote, during over 25 years of his oner in the camp to his wife, discovered in a tenure at Time Magazine and The NewsHour pile of human ashes. One sentence rises up: on PBS. Two of his books, Kayak Morning ‘If there have been, at various times, trifling and The Boy Detective, were New York Times misunderstandings in our life, now I see how notable books. Others were national best- one was unable to value the passing time.’ As sellers. Children of War, an examination of far as I can tell, this is how to live—to value children’s reactions to their experiences of the passing time.” war, won the Robert F. Kennedy Book Prize continued on page 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 17 IOn Another Note

New “Oz” documentary by lyricist’s great-grandson, Aaron Harburg Sandor Slomovits, staff writer robably nearly everyone has seen other uncle is a social worker, and none by resonances and similarities between Harburg: You know it’s hard to tell what actually The Wizard of Oz—multiple times. of my siblings, with the exception of my my grandfather and me, characteristics will wind up in the final film. But, I think one P And the song, Somewhere Over the younger brother—and this is more recent— that seemed to have skipped a generation, of the big ones was how Yip came up with just Rainbow, has been sung by countless artists have ever attempted to make any career in meaning that I didn’t see them in my father, the idea of including the rainbow, because it’s in many genres and is one of the most popu- entertainment of any kind. None of my aunts, but did recognize them in me. Have you seen not in the Frank Baum book, (the original lar and familiar songs of the 20th century. But uncles, cousins, you name it, none of them things like that in your life? Wonderful Wizard of Oz). It wasn’t in any of while the song and the movie are very well the scripts of the movie either. The story goes Harburg: Absolutely. known, it’s likely that many people would that Yip was out wandering around, racking Several years back I not recognize the name Edgar Yipsel “Yip” his brain for these lyrics, I think at this point read the book that my Harburg as belonging to the man who wrote he’d already heard Harold Arlen’s tune, he was grandfather Ernie the lyrics of that song, and many others. The trying to think of something to coincide with wrote with Harold Harburg name is probably better known in it. And while he was doing that, one of the Meyerson, Who Put Ann Arbor than in many places, partly be- gardeners started spraying the garden, and so the Rainbow in the cause Yip’s son, Ernie Harburg, worked at Yip ran to get out of the way. He was getting Wizard of Oz? When the University of Michigan and was the co- wet, and he saw a rainbow (in the spray) and I was reading that owner of the popular downtown bar/restau- he thought to himself, “If I can just get past book and they would rant, the Del Rio. However, it’s likely that the the rainbow” and that’s when it clicked. That’s describe aspects of name Harburg will become better known, one of my favorite stories. Yip’s personality, both locally and more widely, in the next few there were some WJN: Was that how he and Arlen usually worked, years because Aaron Harburg, Ernie’s grand- things in particular that the melody came first? son and Yip’s great-grandson, is working on that I definitely a documentary about his late great-grandfa- Harburg: It’s kind of like a big mystery for the resonated with, could ther and about Harold Arlen, the composer most part. Yip has gone on record in various see that existing in who wrote the music for all of Harburg’s song interviews throughout the years saying that me. Obviously the lyrics in the Wizard of Oz. To see a trailer of it was very much a collaborative process. So tendency to go for the documentary, and/or contribute to the much so that it seems that it was blended, something more Indiegogo campaign to raise funds to com- where the distinction between lyricist and artistic in general plete the film, go to https://www.indiegogo. composer wasn’t as clear as we would like it to lends itself to that com/projects/the-sound-of-oz. be. That he would make suggestions to Harold sort of thing. But they Aaron Harburg, who was born and raised Arlen for aspects of the tune and vice versa. I talked about how he in Ann Arbor, is now a freelance communi- know for Over the Rainbow in particular, he Aaron Harburg would just be cations specialist who creates video graphics did not give Harold Arlen even a title. I guess perpetually to help companies communicate complex are doing entertainment of any fashion. for them the title was the last thing that they sanguine, technical concepts quickly and clearly. We As far as I know I was the first one to would do. They didn’t want that to influence and being met recently at the Washington Street Sweet- pursue, professionally, entertainment the tune that Harold Arlen would come up quirky, and water’s and talked about his great-grand- as something to make a living out of. with. So from what I understand, at least for that’s certainly father and the making of the Wizard of Oz. Over the Rainbow, and some of the other songs WJN: When you were growing up, was how some of my Yip Harburg was born Isidore Hochberg. from the Wizard of Oz with Harold Arlen, Yip your great-grandfather Yip a big friends would Aaron Harburg told me that it’s not clear would allow him to write the tunes first and presence in your family? describe me. why his great grandfather changed his name, then he’d apply the lyrics to them afterwards. (Laughter) Also, and speculated that it was possibly because Harburg: Absolutely, he was definitely One of the things that my grandpa Ernie is like him, definitely of anti-Semitism in the 1920s and ’30s, al- a big presence. It didn’t sink into me really insistent on is that Yip did a lot more extroverted. though Harburg certainly doesn’t sound not how wide reaching his work was than just write lyrics. He was actually pretty I think I’m one Jewish. “Maybe,” Aaron said, “he was just sick until much later, but it was always instrumental in getting Bert Lahr a part as of the most of people butchering his name.” a part of our family. We knew his the Cowardly Lion. And there was a lot of extroverted people songs, we had some songbooks other stuff behind the scenes, and some of WJN: You look too young to have met your great in my family, and of his, I have several of his songs it hasn’t been confirmed, that he did to help grandfather. Yip was extremely memorized, Brother Can You things out. For example, the Wizard speech at extroverted. Harburg: Right, he died in 1981, before I was born. Spare a Dime, and songs from Finian’s the end, was originally a song, so that entire Rainbow, and of course from Wizard of Oz. As WJN: You probably thing was actually written by Yip, it was a WJN: You’re the first one in your family, since a family we would sing them at various family don’t want to give away too much before the part of the script. I think that’s one thing that Yip, who is interested in the arts. reunions. His presence was definitely felt. release of the documentary, but as you’ve a lot of people don’t realize that he had some Harburg: My grandfather Ernie was a social done your research, have you come across involvement behind the scenes in addition to WJN: I never met my grandfather. He died psychologist. My father is a clinical anything about Yip or Oz that is not common writing lyrics for the songs. . n before I was born, but when my father would psychologist, and my uncle is a doctor, my knowledge that you would like to share? tell me stories about him, I was often struck

Making Toast, continued from page 17

This book, Making Toast, came to my at- news of Amy’s death. The friend went to the so you think it will be over all at once. But it see the practical and beneficent effects of love tention through a friend, who mentioned it Wailing Wall and kicked it, adding: “F___ you, is your guest for a lifetime.” showered by grandparents on their grandchil- as “a book by a friend of mine, Roger Rosen- God!” That, says Rosenblatt, summed things In the subsequent book, Kayak Morn- dren and son-in-law, we also see why writing blatt.” My friend talked about the book and up. But he also believes in getting on with life. ing, Rosenblatt wrote: “This morning when I is important. Rosenblatt, who has long taught about sitting shiva in the same breath. I as- Hence the book. Unfortunately, though per- climbed into my kayak and headed out, I knew creative writing, consolidates and confirms his sumed that the book would include Jewish haps not surprisingly, completing the book that I would be going nowhere, as I have been conviction that the point of writing is to make customs and symbols. I was surprised when did not end his mourning. That continues. going nowhere for the past two and a half years. suffering endurable and love possible. In his I found, instead, descriptions of the family’s Kayak Morning, written two and a half years But my love for my daughter makes somewhere 2011 book, Unless It Moves the Human Heart: Christmas preparations, Easter decorations, after Amy’s death, is a meditation on grief. out of nowhere. In this boat, on this creek, I am The Craft and Art of Writing, he writes that if and other such observances. The Rosen- Rosenblatt marvels that no matter how much moving forward, even as I am moving in circles. one can rise above all the suffering, injustice and blatts, says the author, favor child-oriented time elapses, the pain remains profound. Amy returns in my love, alive and beautiful. I evil in the world, if one can make grief intel- celebrations. Yet Roger Rosenblatt, however Rosenblatt told a psychologist friend that have her still.” ligible, if one can make it all beautiful and thus secular, believes in God—the God of James writing Making Toast was a kind of therapy, Why read about such sorrow? Because in lovable, then life is worth living. He posits that Joyce. This is not a beneficent God. This is a a way of keeping Amy alive; but after he fin- filtering his private tragedy into this memoir, by affirming life through writing, one makes a God who doesn’t care. Rosenblatt reports that ished, it was as if she died again. His friend Rosenblatt has created a thing of beauty. It is contribution to the world. With this book, he a friend was in Jerusalem when he heard the responded: “Grief comes to you all at once, comforting, edifying, uplifting. Not only do we proves his thesis. n

18 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 I Kosher Cuisine

New Sussman cookbook perfect for Shavuot Mary Bilyeu, staff writer ax and Eli Sussman are back with you and not asking which fish market exploded another cookbook, their fourth: in your living room.” The hash brown omelet Detroit Greek Salad M Classic Recipes for Modern People. turns things inside out as Max and Eli ask, “The Detroit Coney Island-style Greek salad is a thing of simply beauty. Iceberg lettuce, beef- Nephews of Ann Arbor’s own Ron and Lonnie “Who says an omelet must be made of eggs?” steak tomatoes, and cukes provide crisp freshness, and the dressing and olives deliver the acid Sussman, they are, of course, a part of our ex- They use the potatoes as a crust while fried eggs that every dish needs. It’s a hearty, working-class salad that everyone can love. Not too stuffy, tended Jewish family and we all take enormous become the filling. “What you are experiencing not too cute .... So how to improve on such an iconic Coney classic? Sometimes it’s the small pride in their accomplishments. and tasting here is innovation,” they write. things in life - like a deep-fried cube of feta cheese and roasted tomatoes— that can just make From being named in recent years as This is, clearly, the perfect book to rely upon for everything right in the world.” semi-finalists for James Beard Awards (con- Shavuot recipes. Because at Shavuot, we celebrate sidered the Oscars of the food world) to their the Torah—our standby, our rock. Our classic. 6 plum tomatoes, quartered lengthwise plans to open an as-yet-not- But if we don’t read it with a ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil publicly-named restaurant fresh perspective each cycle, or Kosher salt featuring Middle Eastern- approach it with an open mind 1/4 cup all-purpose flour inspired cuisine, we follow for new insights as we study, then 2 large eggs, beaten their culinary adventures and it becomes stagnant and bor- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs their numerous successes. ing. We should be renewed and ½ pound feta cheese, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces We long to have them cook refreshed by Torah and by the 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar a meal for us, so we can enjoy holidays, not faced with a plate - 1 head green leaf or baby red leaf lettuce, leaves separated the real thing rather than only whether literal or figurative - of ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives drooling over pictures and stale leftovers, the same ol’ thing 1 or 2 beets, boiled until tender, peeled, and cut into wedges hearing tales of fabulous feasts. over and over again. ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch dice Noted for hip, contempo- As Max and Eli have decon- rary dishes, New York City- structed and reconstructed so Preheat the oven to 375°. based Max and Eli are among the most creative many beloved dishes —roasted chicken, pot pie, In a bowl, toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Transfer and praised chefs in the country. A lot of the meatloaf, Salade Niçoise, patty melts, and fondue to a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the tomatoes are dark brown, have dried out on the food they make is just fun to eat, served with among them—so, too, should we take Torah and outside, and are slightly leathery, about 45 minutes. Set aside. generous doses of whimsy and sass. look at it through a new framework each time we Meanwhile, put the flour, eggs, and panko into separate bowls. A few at a time, toss the feta Max and Eli are very serious about food, but encounter it. Whether reading on an annual or a pieces in the flour, then coat with the eggs, and finally coat completely with the panko, shak- don’t seem to take themselves very seriously. triannual cycle, learning in a group, or studying ing off the excess after each step. Refrigerate until ready to fry. They color outside the lines, letting inspira- independently, we should not be bringing our tion lead the way. Their only rule is that food current selves to the Torah and still relating to it In a blender or food processor, combine half of the tomaotes, 5 tablespoons of the olive oil, “should taste amazing.” They write that “there’s as we did when we first heard it, or as we experi- the vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of salt and blend until smooth. Set the vinaigrette aside. no preciousness for us when it comes to food. enced it at the last reading. In a frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. When the oil Leave no food item unmessed with.” All of us should be reviewing, reassessing, is hot, add the feta and cook, turning as needed, until golden brown on all sides, about 3 Classic Recipes for Modern People was just and re-evaluating Torah. New perspectives and minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. published in March. In it, Max and Eli offer up- hard-earned wisdom should be applied, such In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, olives, beets, onion, cucumber, the remaining to- dated dishes from their own childhood in the that we reinvigorate our relationship with it. maotes, and the vinaigrette. Garnish with the feta. Detroit area, as well as beloved favorites from Torah, obviously, can’t be tampered with. Yield: 4 to 6 servings. those who did not “grow up white, Jewish, and But it can be reinterpreted as we learn and grow suburban,” who “therefore might not have the and mature. It offers classic stories for modern same idea of what defines a classic dish” as the people, to paraphrase the Sussmans’ titl—tradi- Preserved Lemon Key Lime Pie Sussmans did when younger. tional teachings still relevant in contemporary “This recipe, with its 7UP lemon-lime-inspired twist, is Eli’s favorite pie dessert. There’s French “classiques,” t.v. dinners, interna- times, familiar favorites to be served with fresh something so quintessentially dineresque about it that reminds him of the 1950s. That’s tional specialties, breakfasts and desserts are inspiration. Torah should be as essential and his favorite decade because he loves the idea of being a Greaser from the wrong side all served up with flair and fun. A gefilte fish pertinent to us now as it was to the ancients. of the tracks and taking the head cheerleader out for burgers and milk shakes while terrine is “topped with smoked salmon, yield- At Shavuot, as we celebrate the gift of Torah, everyone else in the diner looks on disapprovingly. Rebel with a cause. And that cause ing a more beautiful layered dish that will have and as it is with Max and Eli’s recipes: “Every- is eating pie.” your guests asking which French chef trained thing old is new again.” n 2 cups graham cracker crumbs ½ cup granulated sugar Ultra Mega Dip 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 2 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk “Hollywood has an amazing strategy for making money. It takes old movies and remakes them 2 large egg yolks louder and bigger, with more explosions and fancy CGI .... And we’re doing the same thing for 1 cup Key lime or regular lime juice these dips. We started with the original and injected each with some Hollywood blockbuster 1 cup crème fraîche juice. Bigger! Spicier! Fattier! More layers! More proteins! More calories! In surround sound!” 2 tablespoons finely diced preserved lemon ½ cup sour cream 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup mayonnaise 1 lemon, for zesting ½ cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill Preheat the oven to 375°. 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives 2 tablespoons dried parsley In a bowl, stir together the cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and butter. Press the mixture 1 tablespoon each onion powder and garlic powder firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake until browned, about 20 1 teaspoon kosher salt minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature. 1/4 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika Reduce the oven temperature to 325°. 1 /4 pound blue cheese, crumbled In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk and egg yolks until well blended. Add ½ pound shallots 2 cups vegetable oil the lime juice and mix well, then fold in the crème fraîche and preserved lemon. Pour Ridged potato chips for serving the filling into the cooled pie shell. Bake until the filling is set like a custard, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, then refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 4 hours In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill, chives, parsley, onion pow- or up to overnight. der, garlic powder, salt, and paprika and stir to mix well. Fold in the blue cheese. When ready to serve, place a metal bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. Remove the bowl, pour Using a mandoline, slice the shallots into thin, even rounds about 1/8 inch thick. in the cream, and whisk until soft peaks form. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat to 325°. Add the shallots and fry until To serve, cut the pie into slices, transfer to individual plates, and top each slice with a dollop deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. of the whipped cream. Grate a little lemon zest on each slice, then finish with a sprinkle of Sprinkle the shallots over the dip and serve with the potato chips for dipping. confectioners’ sugar. Yield: 4 servings. Yield: 6 to 8 servings. Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 19 ICalendar

Hebrew 104: TBE. 5–6 p.m. May 2015 Hebrew 103: TBE. 6–7 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but understanding it Friday 1 is no simple matter. Study of the text in the original, with the classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Symphony Chamber Concert: JCC. Enjoy chamber Wednesday 6 recital music by Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra musicians and guests. Hour-long concerts open to Mahj: TBE. Off-site. 1–3 p.m. listeners of all ages. Wind, string and brass soloists Shalom Gever: TBE. 4:30–8:30 p.m. and ensembles combine programs including freshly minted pieces along with time-honored classics. Hebrew 100: TBE. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Concert is preceded by dessert and coffee at 1 p.m. Concerts begin at 1:30 p.m. For information, contact Thursday 7 [email protected] or phone 971-0990. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Thursdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs, JCC Adult Shabbat at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Programs. Callanetics with Diane Dahl featuring Oneg follows. Shabbat Service at 7:30 p.m. muscle firming through stretching exercises synchronized to music. $12/members; $14/non- Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. members, 9:30 a.m. Energy Exercise with Maria Farquhar. Low impact exercise in a supportive Saturday 2 environment. $4 per session or $10 for 3 sessions per month, 10 a.m. Current Events, 11 a.m. Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. Homemade dairy lunch buffet. $3 per person, Shabbat Limmud: BIC. 9 a.m. Noon. For information, contact Leah Zaas at Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. [email protected]. Thursdays. Jewish Yoga with Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. Sunday 3 Lag B’omer Picnic: Chabad. Picnic dinner of hot dogs, salads, drinks. Fun programs and prizes for 6th Grade Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Series: BIC. 9:30 a.m. children and adults. Contact Chabad for details 8th Grade Graduation: BIC BIRS. 11:15 a.m. of time and location. Baseball Outing: BIC Men’s Club. 1 p.m. Israeli Dancing: JCC. Easy and oldies from 7:30–8:30 JCC Scouts of Ann Arbor: JCC. The JCC’s Scouting p.m. Intermediate and requests from 8:30–10 p.m. program is first and foremost a skill-building $5 per class. Students and children free. Learn the program. Girls and boys in grades k-8 learn new latest Israeli dances, line dances, mixers and more. skills not easily found in school or other clubs. Scout Families welcome. For information or to request a members will receive a badge collector to collect ride, contact Laura at [email protected], phone badges as skills are mastered. For information, 395-4223, or visit www.a2rikud.org. Thursdays. contact [email protected] or kcohoon@ Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Sharpen your jccfed.org or phone 971-0990. 1–5 p.m. Sundays. wits and knowledge of the Jewish legal system Kadima: TBE. Off-site. 6–8 p.m. by following the intriguing discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of practical Kol Halev: TBE. 6:15–7:45 p.m. law, logical argumentation and moral teachings. event highlights at the Study from the original Talmud tractate. 8 p.m. Monday 4 Thursdays. Ann Arbor District Library English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. For information, contact Jessica at jessica@ Friday 8 jfsannarbor.org or phone 769-0209. Mondays. Events will take place in the Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room. Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Shalom Gever: TBE. 4–8:30 p.m. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot FILM | Oscar Nominated Documentary Shabbat at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle ‘Finding Vivian Maier’ (NOT RATED) Tuesday 5 Oneg follows. Classical Reform Shabbat Service Wednesday, May 6 | 7–8:30 PM with Kol Halev/ Birthday and Anniversary Tuesdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs, JCC Adult Celebration at 7:30 p.m. This intriguing documentary shuttles from New York to France to Programs. Callanetics with Diane Dahl featuring Chicago as it traces the story of the late Vivian Maier, a mysterious muscle firming through stretching exercises Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. career nanny whose previously unknown cache of 100,000 photo- synchronized to music. $12/members; $14/non- Shabbat Morning Service: Ann Arbor graphs earned her a posthumous reputation as one of America’s members. 9:30 a.m. Energy Exercise with Maria Reconstructionist Congregation. Participative most accomplished and insightful street photographers. Farquhar with low impact exercise in a supportive community service integrates traditional environment. $4 per session or 3 monthly sessions for liturgy with music, chanting and contemporary $10. 10 a.m. Homemade dairy lunch buffet. $3 per English readings — includes Torah service and Award-Winning Mystery Author person; Noon. Games and activities with mahjong discussion led by Rabbi Michal Woll. . For more Allison Leotta Discusses ‘A Good Killing’ and quilting, including making quilts for children of information, call 845 2361 or email Rabbi Michal Friday, May 15 | 7–8:30 PM Mott Hospital; 1 p.m. For information, contact Leah at [email protected] JCC 10 a.m.–noon Allison Leotta creates compelling and thrilling fiction based on her Zaas at [email protected] or by phone at 769- 0209, or phone the JCC at 971-0990. Tuesdays. real-life experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, Saturday 9 DC, where she handled sex crimes, domestic violence, and crimes Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Jewish Tradition: Chabad. Shedding a light on the Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. against children. Her new Detroit-based novel, A Good Killing, finds mysteries surrounding biblical interpretation. How 6th Grade Shabbat Morning with the Rabbis: BIC. her heroine sex-crimes prosecutor coming home to save her sister do we know our interpretation is true? If true, why 9:30 a.m. from a murder charge. is it subject to differences of opinion? With so many Shabbat Morning Service: AARC. Participative interpretations to choose from, how do we know community service integrates traditional liturgy Dave Menzo Record Release Concert which one reflects its original intent? Discover with music, chanting and contemporary English Saturday, May 16 | 4–5:30 PM the elegance of the “source code” upon which the readings, including Torah service and discussion. Musician Dave Menzo explored an exciting concept for his new Torah law is built; enjoy reasoning, debate and Led by Rabbi Michal Woll. For information, arguments of the Talmudic dialectic; get glimpse album “Shhh...”. Every instrument played on the album came from phone 845-2361 or email ravmichal@aarecon. of the sophistication behind the Jewish religion. org. Held at the JCC. 10 a.m.–Noon. AADL’s Music Tools! This unusual collection allows Library 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. cardholders to check out drum machines, synthesizers, guitar Tot Shabbat: BIC. 11:15 a.m. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Mini Minyan: BIC. 11:15 a.m. pedals, and other instruments. Hear Dave perform live versions of Beanster’s Café, first floor of UM Michigan Bonfire: TBE TNT. Off-site. 8:30–10 p.m. tracks from his album! League, 911 North University Avenue. All levels and ages welcome to join conversation in mame- Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. For more information on events, visit aadl.org loshn, Yiddish. For information, phone 936-2367. 1:30–3 p.m. Tuesdays. 20 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 Sunday 10 Tuesday 19

Planning Session: BIC Men’s Club. 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs: JCC Adult Kol Halev TBE. 6:15–7:45 p.m. Programs. Tuesdays. See May 5. Thursday, 5/28, 8 pm Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Monday 11 Jewish Tradition: Chabad. 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Raul Malo Tuesdays. See May 5. A Benefit for The Ark! English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). 1:30– *Tickets through The Ark’s business office at For information, contact Jessica at jessica@ 3 p.m. Tuesdays. See May 5. 734-761-1800 jfsannarbor.org or phone 769-0209. Mondays. Hebrew 104: TBE. 5–6 p.m. Saturday, 5/30, 8 pm Russ Collins Film Discussion Group: JCC. Join Russell Hebrew 103: TBE. 6–7 p.m. Collins, executive director of the Michigan Theater Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. and co-host of WEMU’s Cinema Chat for a lively 8 p.m. Tuesdays. See May 5. Judy Collins discussion of movie plots, characters and the unique Folk’s beloved legend in a rare intimate show cinematic elements that send subtle messages to viewers. Films selected will include popular Wednesday 20 blockbusters, independent films, thought-provoking Sunday, 6/14, 7:30 pm dramas, intense thrillers, and more. Refreshments Lunch and Learn: BIC. Noon. An Evening with provided. For information or to register, contact Mahj: TBE. 1–3 p.m. [email protected] or phone 971-0990. Shalom Gever: TBE. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Jeff Daniels Shalom Gever: TBE. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Hebrew 100: TBE. 5:30–6:30 p.m. A Benefit for The Ark! *Tickets through The Ark’s business office at Women’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. Men’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. Thursday 21 734-761-1800

Thursdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs: JCC Adult Tuesday 12 Programs. Thursdays. See May 7. Tuesdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs, JCC Adult Jewish Yoga with Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. Wednesday, 6/24, 8 pm Programs. Tuesdays. See May 5. Israeli Dancing: JCC. 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets for Judy Collins and Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Thursdays. See May 7. Kurt Elling Kurt Elling at the Michigan Jewish Tradition: Chabad. 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. Union Ticket Office, The Ark Tuesdays. See May 5. Thursdays. See May 7. Box Office or theark.org. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). 1:30– 734.763.TKTS 3 p.m. Tuesdays. See May 5. 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, MI Friday 22 “The most remarkable jazz Hebrew 104: TBE. 5–6 p.m. vocalist of his generation” www.theark.org Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Hebrew 103: TBE. 6–7 p.m. --The Independent Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Shabbat Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Oneg 8 p.m. Tuesdays. See May 5. follows. Shabbat Service/Confirmation at 7:30 p.m. Special Fourth Friday Shabbat and party to honor Wednesday 13 Rabbi Michal: AARC. Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Shalom Gever: TBE. 4:30–8:30 p.m. services are open to all community members and will be led by Rabbi Michal Woll. Services Hebrew 100: TBE. 5:30–6:30 p.m. are followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner, and post dinner klezmer and dancing. Pizza nosh for Thursday 14 children and childcare provided during services from 6:15–8 p.m. Reservations requested for Presented by THE BENARD L. MAAS FOUNDATION Thursdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs, JCC Adult pizza and childcare. Call 445-1910 or email info@ Programs. Thursdays. See May 7. aarecon.org. JCC 6:30–10 p.m. A BUZZIN’ COMPILATION OF Jewish Yoga with Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. Israeli Dancing: JCC. 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. CHILDHOOD CLASSICS! Thursdays. See May 7. Saturday 23 Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. Thursdays. See May 7. Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. SAT., MAY. 9 T-Shirt Shabbat: BIC. 9:30 a.m. 1:30 PM Friday 15 Food Gatherers R&R: TBE. 10 a.m.–Noon. Tot Shabbat: BIC. 11:15 p.m. Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. Tikkun Leil Dinner and Study Session: TBE. 7–9 p.m. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Mincha, Maariv and Tikkun Leil Shavuot: BIC. 8:15 p.m. FLY GUY Shabbat at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Service at 7:30 p.m. Shavuos Services: Chabad. Services followed by Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. festive meal and all-night learning. 8:45 p.m. AND OTHER Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. Saturday 16 Sunday 24 STORIES Brotherhood Breakfast: TBE. Off-site. 8:30–10 a.m. A chock-full musical revue Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. Shavuot Shaharit: BIC. 9:30 a.m. featuring a wide variety of Shabbat Limmud: BIC. 9 a.m. Shavuos Morning Services: Chabad. Services followed by annual festive dairy meal. Children TICKETS contemporary and classic Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. invited to come to hear the Ten Commandments START AT children’s book favorites. Sunday 17 and for an Ice Cream Social. 9:45 a.m. JUST Shavuot Yizkor Service: TBE. 1–2 p.m. $ Kol Halev: TBE. 6:15–7:45 p.m. Kol Halev: TBE. 6:15–7:45 p.m. 10 Shavuot Mincha: BIC. 7:30 p.m. Monday 18 Shavuos Afternoon and Evening Services: Chabad. 8:40 p.m. TICKETS AT TICKETMASTER.COM, ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS AND NICOLA’S BOOKS IN ANN ARBOR. English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. CHARGE BY PHONE: 800-745-3000. For information, contact Jessica at jessica@ Monday 25 jfsannarbor.org or phone 769-0209. Mondays. ANN ARBOR’S DOWNTOWN CENTER Shalom Gever: TBE. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Shavuot Shaharit: BIC. Including Yizkor. 9:30 a.m. [E]met: An Honest Conversation about Death. Shavuos Morning and Afternoon Services: Chabad. FOR FINE FILM & PERFORMING ARTS TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. Including Yizkor Memorial Services. 9:45 a.m. 603 E. LIBERTY • 734-668-TIME • MICHTHEATER.ORG

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 21 ICalendar

Shalom Gever: TBE. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Weekly Shabbat services Aliyah trending, continued from page 14 Women’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. and more connected all the time, Israel makes hosts five “mega events” with aliyah-related Men’s Torah Study: TBE. 7–8:30 p.m. Shabbat Services: AAOM. Morning service, 9:30 a.m. Evening service, 35 minutes before sunset. more sense as a long-term option for laying seminars and workshops and an Israeli vendor Shavuot Mincha: BIC. 7:30 p.m. Call 662-5805 for information. Mincha/Ma’ariv down roots. Last year, between 1,400 and 1,500 marketplace in Los Angeles, Toronto, Montre- with Seudah Shlisheet and Dvar Torah every young adults were among North American im- al, Miami, and New York. Israeli professionals Tuesday 26 week. Torah topics and a bite to eat. Discussions migrants to Israel. from a variety of aliyah-related fields—includ- led by Rabbi Rod Glogower and other local Boomers and young adults were certainly ing shippers, accountants, financial planners, Tuesdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs: JCC Adult scholars. Home hospitality available for Shabbat among the crowds at last month’s aliyah events, insurance, healthcare, real estate, universities, Programs. Tuesdays. See May 5. meals. UM Hillel. says Yael Katsman, NBN’s director of commu- and more—help prospective immigrants to Judaism Decoded: The Origins and Evolution of Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Morning childcare nications and marketing. There was also a di- Israel advance their aliyah plans. To date, more Jewish Tradition: Chabad. 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. verse mix of religious affiliations in attendance. than 50,000 North American and British Jews Tuesdays. See May 5. Shabbat Services: AARC. Morning services held Among the participating young adults, 65 per- have attended NBN pre-aliyah information Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). 1:30– the second Saturday of each month at the JCC cent defined themselves as non-Orthodox, and seminars. Since its founding in 2002, NBN has 3 p.m. Tuesdays. See May 5. from 10 a.m.–noon integrating traditional among families with young children, 70-75 assisted more than 42,000 newcomers to Israel. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. liturgy with music, chanting and contemporary percent identified as Orthodox. “In the 1980s, there was a 50/50 chance that Tuesdays. See May 5. readings including Torah service and discussion. Katsman says that “success breeds success.” someone who made aliyah would still be living A morning of songs and text study takes place Families who make to Israel it tell their friends, in Israel three or 10 years later,” says Rosenberg. the first Saturday of each month.For info, email who then want to come as well. During last “Today, three years later, more than 90 percent Wednesday 27 [email protected] or call 913-9705 or visit www. aarecon.org. summer’s war between Israel and Hamas, NBN of the people who made aliyah with Nefesh Shalom Gever: TBE. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Shabbat Services: Chabad. Friday night services at saw no aliyah cancellations—the planes were B’Nefesh are still living here.” full, Katsman says. Additionally, she says that Ron Nahshon says he is hopeful about life Board Meeting: BIC. 8 p.m. Shabbat candle lighting time. Saturday morning services at 9:45 a.m. Afternoon services 45 while NBN sees European Jews choosing aliyah in Israel. minutes before sundown. Call 995-3276 for because of increased anti-Semitism, that does “Many people say that going to Israel is ‘a Thursday 28 Home Hospitality and Meals for Shabbat and not seem to factor heavily into most North dream of mine,’” he says. “Then they get a job, Jewish Holidays. American Jews’ decisions to move to Israel. have a family, and they look back with regret. It Thursdays at the JCC: SPICE Programs, JCC Adult Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Generally meets To accommodate this growth in aliyah, is easy to say you’ll do it in the future. It says in Programs. Thursdays. See May 7. the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Call NBN has evolved its events. In 2002, they were Ethics of the Fathers, ‘If not now, when?’ Some- Jewish Yoga with Shlomit: TBE. Noon–1:15 p.m. 663-4039 for more information. 10 a.m. Led by dozens of smaller-scale meetings, which the times you just have to seize the moment.” n Israeli Dancing: JCC. 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg. organization still offers. But today, NBN also Thursdays. See May 7. Shabbat Services: TBE. Torah Study with Rabbi Levy Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. 8 p.m. at 8:50 a.m. Morning Minyan with Rabbi Delson Thursdays. See May 7. and lay leaders at 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service at Above and Beyond, continued from page 15 10 a.m. most weeks. Call the office at 665-4744 or consult website at www.templebethemeth.org for the Pacific with the U.S. Air Force in World and led the Air Force’s first combat mission Friday 29 service details. War II. They arrived in Israel in June 1948. on May 29, 1948, stopping the Egyptians less Home Hospitality for Shabbat and Holiday Meals: In a Tel Aviv bar, they created the logo for the than 30 miles from Tel Aviv. Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. 12:30–1:30 p.m. AAOM. Call 662-5805 in advance. 101 Squadron unit of the Israeli Air Force, “I was born to be there at that moment in Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every scribbling the Angel of Death on a cocktail history,” he says in the film. “It’s the most im- Shabbat at 6 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Shabbat and Holiday. Call 995-3276 in advance. napkin. Their design is still CREDIT: ABOVEBEYOND AND . portant thing I did in my Oneg follows. Shabbat Service with Worship on Israeli F-16 jets today. life.” Lenart later helped airlift Band at 7:30 p.m. Frequently listed phone numbers and Both men were killed when Iraqi Jews to Israel and be- Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. addresses of organizations their planes were shot down came a pilot for El Al Airlines. in separate incidents in July The father of actor Paul Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) and October 1948. Reubens (Pee Wee Herman), Saturday 30 1429 Hill Street 994-5822 With the exception of Len- Rubenfeld was a former stunt Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation art, whose family members pilot who flew for the British Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:50 a.m. (AARC) were recent immigrants to the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Shabbat Limmud: BIC. 9 a.m. 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 913-9705 U.S. at the time, the pilots were Air Force. He was one of Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the calendar. Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) all second-generation Ameri- the first volunteer pilots in 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 cans. They were part of the Israel, narrowly missing out Sunday 31 Chabad House group American Jews who had on the Israeli Air Force’s first 715 Hill Street 995-3276 come from Eastern Europe and combat mission when there Mitzvah Day: TBE. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Jewish Community Center (JCC) other places in the first quarter were five pilots, but only four Kol Halev: TBE. 6:15–7:45 p.m. 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 971-0990 of the 20th century. planes to fly. He flew the next Spotlight Series: BIC. “Training Future Citizens: Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) “They were very Ameri- day—May 30, 1948—on a Spillover from My Jewish Life to My Professional 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 975-9872 canized and patriotic,” Poster for Above and Beyond critical mission that stopped Life,” presented by Jeffrey Bernstein. 7:45 p.m. Jewish Family Services (JFS) Grossman tells JNS.org. the Iraqi Army. 2245 South State Street 769-0209 “The thrust of that time had been for assimi- Beyond a retelling of the 1948 war, Above Jewish Federation lation. People were still changing their names and Beyond examines the motivations of the Weekly Friday night Shabbat services 2939 Birch Hollow Drive 677-0100 and distancing themselves from their grand- foreign volunteers—who were both Jews and Pardes Hannah parents. The grandparents’ generation spoke non-Jews. It mines the tensions between the Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM Hillel. 2010 Washtenaw Ave. 761-5324 Yiddish, the parents’ generation spoke some, Israelis and the Machal foreign volunteers. It Call 994-9258 in advance to confirm time. Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) and then they didn’t teach it to their children. reveals how desperately Israel needed planes Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 By the time we get to our pilots’ generation, and pilots at the time. And in recounting the Shabbat Service: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 6 p.m., UM Hillel they were pretty acculturated, and it was also a personal stories of the American Jewish pilots, followed by tot dinner. Traditional Service at 7:30 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 time of anti-Semitism, so they were standing whose experiences in Israel were life-altering, p.m. Once a month Middle School Service at 7:30 apart in most cases from their Jewish identity.” the film is a story of Jewish identity. p.m. For information, call 665-4744. Frankel was a bomber pilot in the Pacific “The tremendous historical, unbearable Shabbat Service: AARC. 6:15 p.m. at the JCC the in World War II and received the Navy Cross clash of the Holocaust and the birth of the state fourth Friday each month. Musical Shabbat Shabbat Candlelighting for his heroism in the Battle of Okinawa. He of Israel, and the loud cacophony that hap- service followed by vegetarian potluck. Pizza flew 25 missions for the Israeli Air Force as a pened between those two events, shook these nosh for the kids at 6:00 p.m. Childcare provided May 1 8:16 p.m. member of the 101 Squadron before returning pilots into a Jewish identity that they might not during the service. All are welcome to attend. For to Minnesota. have otherwise had,” Grossman says. information, call 975-6527, email mamacohen@ May 8 8:24 p.m. “I just made up my mind that I was going “The pilots felt it was their duty to help, that comcast.net, or visit www.aarecon.org. May 15 8:31 p.m. to do it,” he says in the film regarding his deci- it was the right thing to do,” says Spielberg. “They Shabbat Service: Chabad. Begins at candle-lighting sion to volunteer for Israel. “I couldn’t live with found their Jewishness through this process.” n time. Home hospitality available for Shabbat meals May 22 8:38 p.m. myself if I didn’t do it.” and Jewish holidays. Call 995-3276 in advance. Above and Beyond is due for an April 28 VOD May 29 8:44 p.m. Lenart served in the Marines in the Pa- release including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, cific Theater, then volunteered to fly for Israel and other platforms.

22 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 I Vitals P E G T O I D E T H E The Ypsilanti Theatre at its Best Women Mazel tov Amy and Andrew Paberzs on the birth of their granddaughter, Evelyn Rose, born on April 5 of to parents Anna and Matthew Modansky in Indianapolis. Lockerbie Madeline Berger on her bat mitzvah, May 2. by Deborah Brevoort Ariel Halpern on his bar mitzvah, May 9. at the Riverside Arts Center • 76 N. Huron Street Ypsilanti, Michigan Noah Greenberg on his bar mitzvah, May 16. Dinner - Theater 483-7345 www.ptdproductions.com Zachary Weissman on his bar mitzvah, May 16. $ 4.00 play ticket with each Casey Lewis on his bar mitzvah, May 16. dinner at Haab’s Abigail Weiner on her Bat mitzvah, May 23. (734) 483-8200 Josh Weiner on his bar mitzvah, May 23. Etai Smotrich-Barr on his bat mitzvah, May 30. MAY 7, 8, 9, 10 & 13, 14, 15, 16 Ariel Mobius on her bat bat mitzvah, May 30. THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Samantha Ruud on her Bat mitzvah, May 30. ALL SHOWS AT 8 pm EXCEPT MATINEES AT 2 pm , SUNDAY, MAY 10 and WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 Tickets: $18 • Students/Seniors : $12 • Thursdays are Pay-What-You-Can Kathy and Steve Rhodes, on the birth of their grandson Adam Rhodes Dietzel, born on April 7 to parents Marjorie Rhodes and Joseph Dietzel.

Condolences Michael Simon on the death of his sister, Frances Unger, March 22. Paul Shifrin on the death of his sister, Wendy Shifrin. James Shayman on the death of his wife, Andrea Kevrick, April 1. Daniel Green on the death of his sister, Carol Green, April 3. Terri Mellow on the death of her mother, Norma Weinstein, April 5. Jackie Moore, on the death of her mother Ilse Doner, March 27. Jerry Miller, on the death of his mother Matilda Miller, April 3. Eva Taylor on the death of her husband, Samuel Taylor, April 14. Martha Sullivan on the death of her husband, Robert Green, also father of Daniel Green, April 13. Jonathan Levin, on the death of his father Hillie Levine, April 10. Eva Taylor, on the death of her husband, Sam Taylor, April 14.

I Advertisers Afternoon Delight...... 9 Jewish Family Services...... 24 Amadeus Cafe/Patisserie...... 2 Jewish Federation...... 16, 24 American Friends of Magen David...... 13 Joe Cornell Entertainment...... 16 Ann Arbor City Club...... 8 Mast Shoes...... 12 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 20 Michigan Theater...... 21 Ann Arbor District Library...... 20 Alex Milshteyn, Howard Hannah Realtors.5 The Ark...... 21 Modern Mechanical...... 3 Aunt Agatha’s...... 17 MOSA Audiology...... 17 Ayse’s Café...... 9 People’s Food Co-op...... 9 Bank of Ann Arbor...... 8 Performance Network Theatre...... 16 Bennett Optometry...... 3 PTD Productions...... 7 Bloom Garden Center...... 8 Purple Rose Theatre Company...... 17 Chelsea Flower Shop...... 9 R.D. Kleinschmidt...... 3 Dorfman Funeral Home...... 23 Shutter Booth...... 2 Encore Online Resale...... 17 Pam Sjo, The Reinhart Company...... 2 Food Gatherers (Grillin’)...... 4 Susan Ayer Photography...... 16 Gold Bond Cleaners...... 23 Trusted Loving Care...... 8 Farm Tours! Cantor Samuel Greenbaum; mohel...... 3 Village Apothecary...... 2 Welcome to Zingerman’s Cornman Farms! VIsit Jewish Alliance for Food, Land & Justice...4 Zingerman’s...... 23 us for a tour of the gardens, animals and historic buildings and enjoy a taste of something delicious THE DORFMAN CHAPEL from our gardens! Serving with Dignity, Sanctity, and Compassion Directors: Alan Dorfman & Jonathan Dorfman Upcoming sessions: Providing professional and personal Funeral arrangements to the Jewish Community Now serving Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities May 19 • June 9 30440 W. 12 Mile Rd. • Farmington Hills July 29 •August 25 248-406-6000 • www.thedorfmanchapel.com September 29 Each tour starts at 6 pm and is $20/person

Sign up at zingermanscommunity.com/events See you there!

Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015 23 Thank you for supporting Your Help Made this Year’s Event a Success! Jewish Family Services and Honoring Nancy and Phil Margolis through your gifts and attendance at Building Community... One Smile at a Time If you were unable to attend, please view our video at: www.jfsannarbor.org. JFS Events - Spring 2015 Kids Creating Community: Spring Park Clean Up Sunday, May 3, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. at the Southeast Area Park (at the corner of Ellsworth & Platt) To register: www.jfsannarbor.org/kidscreatingcommunity

Issues for Aging: Shining a Light of Understanding on the “Invisible” Aging and Gay Community Featuring: Shari Lynn Robinson-Lynk, LMSW, ACSW Wednesday, June 17, 2015 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor There is no charge for this educational presentation, but registration is required. the Please contact Leah Zaas theat (734) 769-0209 or [email protected]&&

TheThe JFSJFS msterHerbmsterHerb AA CenterCenter JewishJewish Family ServicesServices A ADivision Division of ofJewish Jewish Family Family Services Services of of Washtenaw Washtenaw County of Washtenaw of Washtenaw County County 2245 S. State Street • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Case Management/Services Coordination: Psychosocial Rehabilitation To make a gift in Nancy and Phil’s honor, visit: 2245 S. State Street t Ann Arbo r, MI 48104 Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health www.jfsa nnarbor.org t 734- 769- 0209 Employee Development Services

www.jfsannarbor.org/bernstein 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

The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor PLEASE JOIN US Sunday, May 17 • 4-7 PM Celebrate Jewish Community Center ISRAEL 2939 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor 4:00 p.m. Israeli Activity Stations for All Ages (Meet our partners at the Nahalal Tent!) 2 1 5 5:30 p.m. Community Kumzitz: Campfire with singing, dancing, food, and Israeli beer Kumzitz Featuring Ann Arbor’s Finest Falafel Bar Kosher under supervision

Cost (includes activities and food): Early Bird – $10/person or $25/family (before May 11); after May 11 or at the door – $15/person or $36/family.

For more information and to register, visit www.jewishannarbor.org or call Cindy Adams at 734-677-0100.

Kumzitz (Küm-z˘lts) – a social gathering www.jewishannarbor.org around a campfire with music, food, and drink

24 Washtenaw Jewish News A May 2015