JFS to Honor Rachel Bendit and Mark Bernstein

February 2009 Shevat/Adar 5769 Volume XXXIII: Number 5 FREE JFS to honor Rachel Bendit and Mark Bernstein Batsheva Laurie Barnett and Robin Little, special to the WJN Dance Company n Sunday, February 15, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw returns to UMS O County will honor Rachel Ben- Sara Billmann, special to the WJN dit and Mark Bernstein with the Claire and he University Musical Society Isadore Bernstein Leadership Award at “An (UMS) will present Israeli ensem- Afternoon of Heart and Sole.” This award is T ble Batsheva Dance Company in given each year to Ann Arborites who have two different programs on Saturday, Febru- demonstrated outstanding community ser- ary 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 15 at vice. Past recipients include Ambassador 4 p.m., in Ann Arbor’s Power Center (121 Ronald Weiser and Albert Berriz (McKinley Fletcher Street). Batsheva Dance Com- Associates), Ken Fischer, and Phyllis and Da- pany is one of the most influential artistic vid Herzig. A dessert reception will be held groups in Israel, internationally renowned at 2 p.m. in the Michigan League Ballroom, for pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge followed by a performance by the Batsheva dance with intense energy, rich sensuality, Dance Company of Israel at 4 p.m. in the and a culturally diverse dance language. Power Center. Tickets are $36 per person; Led by Ohad Naharin since 1990, this con- combined tickets to both the reception and temporary dance company reels with ener- dance performance are $72 per person. gy, adrenaline, and force. On Saturday, the From the time Rachel Bendit and Mark company presents Three, a bewitching work Bernstein met at the University of Michigan from 2005 that tests the dancers’ individual Hillel while students, they have built a life boundaries in a powerful composition of together based on the Jewish tenets of fam- force, speed, and passion (Three contains ily, service, and education. And since they brief nudity). The Sunday performance moved to Ann Arbor five years ago, they features Deca Dance, a celebration of 10 have made an indelible impact on Jewish Rachel Bendit and Mark Bernstein years of artistic director Naharin’s work and non-Jewish organizations throughout Women’s Health Program at the University during the Clinton Administration as the with Batsheva (first performed in 2000). the community and Michigan, as well as of Michigan, and the Corner Health Center. Director of Press Pool Operations. Mark Deca Dance takes sections of existing works Jewish philanthropy nationally. She has close ties to the Jewish Federation of serves on the executive board of the Michi- continues on page 33 Rachel is a mediator and attorney who Greater Ann Arbor, where she is consulting gan Association for Justice and the Michi- serves on the executive committee of the with staff to launch a local Jewish teen phi- gan Civil Rights Commission, for which Jewish Funders Network and the board of lanthropy program, serves on its Personnel he also has served as chair. Nationally, he the Bendit Foundation, and works closely Committee and has also served on its Israel serves on the Jewish Funds for Justice, a with the Dispute Resolution Center, a and Overseas Committee, Women’s Divi- public foundation working to achieve so- community mediation center in Ann Ar- sion, and Search Committee. cial and economic security and opportunity bor. She is also involved with Jewish Fam- Mark is an attorney with the Bernstein ily Services of Washtenaw County, the Law Firm. He served in the White House continues on page 2 Lecture and class on Islam hosted by Genesis Ronnie Simon, special to WJN Temple Beth Emeth and St. Clare of Assisi ly authored Na- He has written extensively about Egypt, Iran, Episcopal Church will host a public lecture by poleon’s Egypt: Iraq, and South Asia. He continues to study University of Michigan Professor Juan Cole, Invading the Mid- and write about contemporary Islamic move- entitled “Shiite International in Global Islam dle East. A regular ments, whether mainstream or radical, Sunni Today,” to be held at their common facility, guest on PBS’s Leh- and Salafi or Shiite. Genesis of Ann Arbor, 2309 Packard Rd., on rer News Hour, Cole In March Temple Beth Emeth will host Sunday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. has also appeared a jointly sponsored class on Islam, Sunday Juan R. I. Cole is the Richard P. Mitchell on ABC Nightly evenings at 7:30 p.m., March 1–22, taught by Collegiate Professor of History at the Univer- News, Nightline, the Grant Shaefer, a member of St. Clare’s who has sity of Michigan. Cole has sought to put the Today Show, Char- taught World Religions at Eastern Michigan relationship of the West and the Muslim world Juan R. L. Cole lie Rose, Anderson University and Washtenaw Community Col- in historical context. His most recent book is Cooper 360, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, lege. To register for the class, email office@st- Engaging the Muslim World, and he also recent- Democracy Now!, and many other programs. clares.org. n

Washtenaw Jewish News NON-PROFIT ORG. In this issue… c/o Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor U.S. Postage PAID 2939 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, MI Mission Tu Where Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Permit No. 85 to B’Shevat Klezmer Israel celebrations meets corn

Page 8 Page 14 Page 26 I Community

2935 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 JFS February programs voice: 734/971-1800 Robin Little, special to the WJN fax: 734/971-1801 e-mail: [email protected] JFS explores intermarriage www.washtenawjewishnews.org Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County will present “Family Affairs: Intermarriage and Jewish Parents in Historical Perspective” on Sunday, February 8, from 2–4 p.m. at the Editor and Publisher Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County. Has your adult child married someone Susan Kravitz Ayer who is not Jewish? Join Jewish Family Services for this unique examination of intermar- riage throughout the ages and today. Featured speaker Keren R. McGinity, Ph.D., will discuss Copy Editor research findings from her new book Still Jewish: A History of Women and Intermarriage in David Erik Nelson America. Keren R. McGinity is the Mandell L. Berman Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Con- Calendar Editor temporary American Jewish Life at the University of Michigan Frankel Center for Judaic Claire Sandler Studies. Following her presentation, a panel of Jewish parents of intermarried children will discuss Advertising Manager their experiences with intermarriage today. This event is free and open to the public. For more Gordon White information, contact Abbie Lawrence-Jacobson, 769-0209, or [email protected] Design and Layout JFS explores driving safety and the elderly Dennis Platte Are you concerned about the driving capability of an aging loved one? On Wednesday, Staff Writers TAILOR February 18, Jewish Family Services will host a discussion of this topic from 6:30–8 p.m., “The Judy Cohen, David Erik Nelson, MADE SERVICE Driving Dilemma: Is Your Loved One Safe on the Road?” Learn how to initiate this difficult Sandor Slomovits discussion with a parent, and how to create positive solutions. Extensive resources, includ- Contributing Writers With Me You’re Family ing conversation scripts and safety worksheets, will be provided. A guest expert will present, Aura Ahuvia, Roann Altman, Toby Axelrod, Leslie followed by open discussion. For more information contact, Abbie Lawrence-Jacobson, 769- Bash, Laurie Barnett, Laura Berger, Sara Billman, 0209, or [email protected] n William C. Daroff, Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, ILENE FRIEDLAND Eileen Freed, Julie Gales, Tina Gargotta, Terri REALTOR Ginsburg, Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, Rabbi Altar Bernstein, continued from page 1 Goldstein, Esther Goldstein, Jesse Gordon, Noa 734-358-7089 Gutterman, Ben Harris, Erika Hauff, Kelly Hartog, Peretz Hirshbein, Deborah Huerta, Michael J. www.ilenefriedland.com by investing in healthy neighborhoods, vibrant Jewish communities, and skillful leaders. He Jordan, Ron Kampeas, Kim Reick Kunoff, Rabbi [email protected] also serves on the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, and is a past board Robert Levy, Robin Little, Andrea Ludwig, Eszter member of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County and University of Michigan Hillel. Margit, Merrill Poliner, Cantor Annie Rose, The Claire and Isadore Bernstein Leadership Award honors the founding members of Dina Shtull, David Shtulman, Clara Silver, Ronnie Simon,Elliot Sorkin, Bert Stratton, Jewish Family Services. In 1977, Claire and Iz organized a resettlement committee to assist Hadar Susskind, Tamar Weaver 734-769-3800 Russian Jews who came to Washtenaw County, and these activities led to the establishment of JFS in 1993. JFS remains the primary county resource for resettlement of immigrants and Mailing Committee refugees. JFS assisted with the temporary resettlement of families displaced by Hurricane Ka- Ruth Ankiewicz, Beverly Bixler, Ruth Breslaw, trina, and is currently helping to resettle Iraqi families. English as a Second Language classes Ethel Ellis, Steve Fishman, Esther Goldman, are an important component of this process. Fran Goldman, Betty Hammond, Jayne Harary, The agency also provides crucial social services for older adults and their caregivers, the Evelyn Horwitz, Doris Jamron, Marilyn Krimm, unemployed, families in crisis, and people in need of transportation. Proceeds from “An Lily Ladin, Doris Miller, Bob and Sophie Mordis, Afternoon of Heart and Sole” will support JFS’s ongoing work. In addition, a matching gift Irwin Pollack, Lotte Rosenbaum, Esther Rubin, from Rachel Bendit and Mark Bernstein will establish an Emergency Aid Fund to assist indi- Sol Saginaw, Sarah Shoem, Nell Stern viduals and families impacted by the current economic crisis. Special thanks This gift demonstrates Bendit and Bernstein’s service to community and social justice— To Ethel Ellis and Betty Hammond to improving the lives of all people—in order to create a better place for their children, our The Washtenaw Jewish News is a free and inde- children and all of us. They demonstrate what it means to care, to serve, and to make a dif- pendent newspaper. It is published monthly, ference. with the exception of January and July. It is reg- The event chairs for “An Afternoon of Heart and Sole” are: Stefanie and Herb Aronow, istered as a Non-profit Michigan Corporation. Catherine and Jeff Hauptman, Helen and Noah Kaplan, and Beth and Jeff Wilensky. Opinions expressed in this publication do not For more information about the event, visit the JFS website at www.jfsannarbor.org or necessarily reflect those of its editors or staff contact Robin Little at 769-0209. n Member of American Jewish Press Association

IIn this issue… ©2009 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. Advertisers...... 35 All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw Ruthless Cosmopolitan...... 34 Jewish News may be ­reproduced without permission of the publisher. Around Town...... 34 Seniors...... 4 Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the Books...... 25 Teens...... 17 editor at [email protected]. Name will be with- held at the discretion of the editor. Calendar...... 29 Vitals...... 35 Circulation: 5,000 Subscriptions: Congregations...... 12 The World...... 22 $12 bulk rate inside Washtenaw County $18 first-class su­bscription February 2009 Federation...... 8 Youth...... 18 A The deadline for the March issue of the Film...... 25 Washington D. C...... 21 Washtenaw Jewish News is Friday, February 6. Kosher Cuisine...... 28 Women...... 5 Publication date: Thursday, February 26. Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News On Another Note...... 27 are available at locations throughout Washtenaw County. Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 2 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 3 ------Exiles Levinson, Levinson, the Samuel Shetzer Professor “This is a tribute to Julian Levinson’s Jewish National 2008 the of winners The University of Michigan University of wins 2008 professor National Jewish Book Award WJN the to special Kunoff, Reick Kim The Jean & Samuel Frankel Center for Ju have books Jewish and culture Jewish book. always been created in dialogue with sur daic Studies congratulates Julian Levinson for being named recipient of the 2008 Na His book, tional Jewish Book Award. and Writers American Jewish Street: Main on Univer (Indiana Culture Literary American sity Press), has won the American Jewish Award. 350 Celebrate Studies: of Jewish American Literature and associ “This is ofate professor English, remarked, Thereally a bookcomesterrific out honor. of a very personal need to think through the ofparadoxes Jewish American identity. I adapted the title from the classic Roll ing Stones album, which I suppose reflects the very same pattern that I discuss in the rounding cultural forms. This award also recognizes that American Jewish literature isn’t just written in English. One of the central chapters explores the ways Yiddish poets absorbed the powerful influenceof and Whitman cre Walt American the bard ated their own Yiddish American literary idiom.” pioneering work in expanding our under standing of American Jewish literature. Thespeaks award to the intellectual excite ment of Judaic Studies at the ofUniversity Michigan, especially its interdisciplin said Deborah ary Dash Moore, character,” L. G. Frederick and director Center Frankel of History. Professor Huetwell Book will Awards be honored on March 5, for Center the at ceremony awards gala a at York. New History in Manhattan, Jewish ------, E-JewBlue . g As As UMAJA expands, there are a lot of ens ens of Hanukah cards, which were included in the Hanukah care packages distributed by County Washtenaw of Services Family Jewish with the help of local volunteers. Hillel at EMU is committed to providing - Jew EMU’s ish students with opportunities such as these so that these students can build a path to life long Jewish expression and contribution. For more information on how you can help sup port Hillel at EMU and EMU’s Jewish stu director, dents, contact executive Clara Silver, n [email protected] at 482-0456 or es of Washtenaw es County of to Washtenaw local families for Thanksgiving. About one hundred students celebrating an early Hanukah prepared doz Farm, Farm, and donated them to Food Gatherers, the primary distributor of food in Washtenaw About two County. dozen students assembled no-sew fleeceblankets and pumpkin pie “kits” Servic Family Jewish through distributed be to UMAJA sends out its e-newsletter, e-newsletter, its out sends UMAJA with information on events at the University that Jewish alums might attend, spotlights on interesting alumni, and tips on getting personally involved. One way that UMAJA is through helps to get alumni involved more its mentorship program. Glyck can attest to UM October, In guidance. for need students’ AJA had its first mentoring event, abrunch sev meet to able were others and Glyck where on received he advice The alumni. Jewish eral professions, locations, and overall life goals was more helpful than he ever would have guessed, he reports, and Glyck knows that there are another 6000 Jewish students here just as benefit greatly. who could launch goalsincluding they hope achieve, to members that so groups, UMAJA regional ing can get in contact with other Jewish alumni on updates periodic and receive in area their addition, In in. interested be might they events with the growth of the mentorship program, with students Jewish pair to hoping is UMAJA interested are they fields specific the in alumni n advice. much-needed share so as to in, learn membership UMAJA is more or To free. visitjoin, www.umaja.or ------The completed pumpkin kits pie completed with blankets. The - - - Hail Hail to the Victors

emember emember singing while watching Michigan dominate on the football aboutHow field? the

he Greater Ann Arbor Jewish com community- the munity is enriched by service efforts of the Jewish students

A new program has been created at the at director program Sheren, Allison When There are a lot of benefits to being a EMU’s EMU’s Jewish students participate in mul Despite the current financial Community

staff writers WJN staff U-M Association of Jewish Alumni U-M Association of Jewish

Clara Silver, special to the WJN the to special Silver, Clara Tzedek/social justice alive at EMU at alive justice Tzedek/social University of Michigan for proud Wolverines Wolverines proud for Michigan of University Dubbed ofalumni. the University Michigan this (UMAJA), Alumni Jewish of Association program is designed to give Jewish alumni with Jewish the to get chance involved more life at AlthoughMichigan. it only launched a couple months the ago, group already has over 700 members and momentum doesn’t be slowing. to seem the Michigan Hillel and Michigan alumna, re member of this organization. Every month feeling of being overwhelmed with Michigan Michigan with overwhelmed of being feeling pride (and students) while walking through you ofknowing joy the feeling Love Diag? the at were the school with the best combination of athletics, academics, and fun?” asks Eric Glyck, a current student at the ofUniversity Michigan. in- stay to able being loved she much how alized neededshe that decided she campus, on volved her alums fellow this give to same opportunity. with Working the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan, UMAJA received offi was and the born. status cial affiliate group ana, ana, students will assist with clean up and re combat building help efforts from Hurricanes Katrina values and Jewish how explore and Ike, participantsThe community. build and poverty commit to raising funds to the cover trip costs, planning and executing a campus-wide social justice initiative when they return, as well as seeking out opportunities to help their local communities. tiple social justice/community service projects in Justice) (Social Tzedek EMU’s at Hillel by led This year. the throughout Rosemun, Stacie tern, Fruit bush several picked students dozen a Wasem’s about fall, orchard, local a from apples of els oritize Tzedek, which means Social Social means which Tzedek, oritize bringingJustice, Jewish values alive. A group of 14 Hillel at EMU stu dents will be travelling to the Gulf Coast region late in February to participate in a life-changing com munity service project, Alternative Spring While Break. in Mississippi and Louisi from from Hillel at Eastern Michigan University. Jewish diverse a form Eastern at students Jewish littlewith students from community, Jewish knowledge to students raised in observant households. Some of Jewish in participated students these did some and up growing while life not, but these young Jews are active participants in Hillel, seeking out to contributing and traditions their the local community. pressures making continuing their EMU’s difficult, educations college Jewish students have chosen to pri

R

T I ICommunity ISeniors

Mussar workshop offered in March February SPICE* of Life Roann Altman, special to the WJN *Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, and Educational Programs for Adults Dr. Alan Morinis, one of the foremost advo- work of Dr. Alan Morinis, founding director Merrill Poliner, special to the WJN cates today for Mussar, is coming to Ann Ar- of The Mussar Institute (TMI). bor the weekend of March 20–22. But what Morinis was born and raised in a culturally Mondays Fridays exactly is Mussar? And what does one get Jewish, but non-observant, home. A Rhodes 9:30–11:30 a.m.: Music Appreciation and 1:30 p.m.: Yiddish Reading Group at the from “practicing” it? Scholar with a doctorate from Oxford Univer- Exploration. Laura Dunbar, education and Jewish Community Center. February 6, 13, “I have become more patient and have more sity, he is an anthropologist, filmmaker, writer, outreach director of the Ann Arbor Symphony 20, and 27. Call Ray Juni for additional in- compassion for others,” reports one member of and student of spiritual traditions. Orchestra (and accomplished musician), teach- formation at 761-2765. the local Season of Mussar study group. “The With the publication of his own intro- es this eight-week class, which began January simple practice of repeating short sayings to re- duction to Mussar practice, Climbing Jacob’s 12. To register or for more information, call Tuesday special events mind me how to be a better person brings into Ladder, Morinis began receiving requests for Merrill at 971-0990. February 3 focus what is important and helps me let go of material from others wishing to pursue Mus- Blood Pressure Clinic, 1 p.m.: A registered nurse things that are not,” reports another. sar work. TMI offerings have grown from from Care Response will take blood pres- Mussar is a centuries-old Jewish spiritual emailed lessons to online courses and now to Tuesdays sures, record them, and address any ques- practice that provides insights into holiness local courses offered in communities across 10 a.m.: The Bible in its Time with Dr. Liz tions. Free. (This event will be repeated on and human behavior and is startlingly relevant the United States and around the world. Fried. February 3–March 24, Dr. Fried re- the first Tuesday of each month.) even today. Focusing on behavior—what are Morinis has devoted the past eleven years turns to the JCC to teach another semester often referred to as “soul traits”—allows people of his life to this nearly lost spiritual discipline, of this popular class. Thursday special events and to become more of who they would like to be. recently publishing a guide to Mussar practice, 11 a.m.: Energy Exercise with Maria Farquhar. presentations Examples of soul traits include patience, gener- Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10 osity, gratitude, humility, and trust. Mussar. The key to the success of the TMI of- Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person February 5 Group members have acknowledged that ferings is the interactive component, where 1 p.m.: Games and Activities. Join in for 12:30 p.m.: Birthday celebration for all with practicing gratitude has helped them solve partners and small groups discuss readings, a variety of games and activities including February birthdays! Bring your family and problems and given them a better under- ponder questions about a text, and share their mahjong, quilting, art projects, and other friends for lunch and birthday cake. standing of difficult situations. “Studying own experiences of Mussar practice. card games. 1 p.m.: Tomer Zur, Jewish Federation Shaliach with partners and in small groups and doing The Mussar weekend with Dr. Morin- 1 p.m.: Special Tuesday events (see below (emissary) will present a program about individual journaling and reflection gives me is—Mussar: Change Yourself, Change the for details) Sderot, a western Negev city in the Southern insights about what I could be doing better World—will feature talks, text study, and ex- 1:30 p.m.: Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversa- District of Israel, currently under siege. and how I can become the person I want to periential sessions. For a complete schedule tional Group). Open to the public as well as be,” says another member of the group. or to register, go to jewishannarbor.org and University of Michigan faculty, staff, and stu- February 12 The practice of Mussar, which was popu- click on the link for the Mussar weekend. For dents, all ages and levels welcome. Beanster’s 1 p.m.: Arie Lipsky, Maestro of the Ann Arbor larized by Rabbi Israel Salanter during the questions, email AnnArborMussarWeekend@ Café, ground floor, Michigan League. Free. Symphony Orchestra and Laura Dunbar, Mussar Movement in 19th-century Lithuania, gmail.com, or call Steve at 274-5185. For more information, call 936-2367. Education and Outreach Director of the is experiencing a revival thanks in part to the Ann Arbor Symphony, will present on music Thursdays history, music appreciation and music in Have a heart—give blood 10 a.m.: Energy Exercise with Maria Farquhar. Ann Arbor. The Temple Beth Emeth Brotherhood is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive in the social hall $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10 at TBE on Saturday, February 14. The theme is “Have a Heart—Give Blood.” The drive will 11 a.m.: Current Events with Heather February 19 run from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and replaces the annual blood drive usually held on Mitzvah Day. The Dombey. A Jewish perspective on this week’s 12:30 p.m.: Allison Pollock, MSW, Jewish Brotherhood exceeded its goal in 2008 and would like to do the same this year. news. Bring items of interest for group dis- Family Services geriatric social worker will Anyone who is age 17 or older, is in good health, weighs at least 110 pounds, and has not cussion. be available for discussion, questions, and donated within 8 weeks of the drive is urged to donate. Sign up for an appointment at www. Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person assistance. givelife.org: In the “Find a Blood Drive” box, type “tbe,” then, click on the link for “Temple Beth 1 p.m.: Thursday Special Events and 1 p.m.: Rabbi Kim Blumenthal of Beth Is- Emeth Genesis of Ann Arbor,” select an available time, and continue to the registration page. Presentations (see below for details). rael Congregation will present on a topic to 2:15 p.m.: Literary Group is not meeting in be announced. February. The group, lead by Sidney War- February’s Kabbalat Shabbat discussion: schausky, will resume on Thursday, March 5 February 26 with a discussion of Cousin Bette by Honoré 1 p.m.: Join in for on a walk down memory Israel looking forward de Balzac. lane as the group watches excerpts from sev- Aura Ahuvia, special to the WJN eral Seniors on Stage performances. Post-Zionism (as distinct from anti-Zionism) is a buzzword in left-wing political circles in Israel and elsewhere. University of Michigan Professor Todd Endelman will explore the dif- ferent meanings assigned to the term and how the very success of Zionism—in establishing a Jewish state and in creating a modern Hebrew culture—gave birth to the idea that Israel had Hadassah to host theater party entered a new stage in its history in which classical Zionism was no longer relevant. Judy Cohen, staff writer Endelman, the William Haber Professor of Modern Jewish History, will be the featured Hadassah’s Annual Theater Party fundrais- a bit more… speaker at the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah’s Kabbalat Shabbat Discussion Friday, ing event will be held at Performance Network original.” February 13, from 6:15–7:45 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County. in downtown Ann Arbor, 120 East Huron, on Tickets for The Reconstructionist Havurah’s Kabbalat Shabbat Discussion is preceded by candle- Thursday evening, March 12. The 7 p.m. gather- the play are lighting and a brief kiddush. It concludes with a song and sometimes a prayer. All are welcome ing will include appetizers and desserts. Men are $25, with a to attend; no RSVP to the discussion is necessary. For more information, contact Aura Ahuvia, also encouraged to attend. Since this is the last portion of the 975-9045 or [email protected]. evening of the official previews, attendees will be price benefit- able to join other theater goers in a critique of the ing Hadassah. Save the date for the JCC gala auction play following the performance. The play is A To reserve Feminine Ending, by HBO writer Sarah Treem. seats, mail Leslie Bash, special to the WJN Quoting from the Performance Network your check The Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County will hold its bi-annual Goods and Ser- promotional materials, the author “brings us to Judy Co- vices Auction on Saturday evening, March 28 at 7 p.m. Funds raised will be used to replace and this quirky and comic look at feminine choices hen at 2855 Inga Wilson as Amanda

February 2009 insulate the JCC building’s roof. The theme of the evening will be “Raise the Roof” and will in the new millennium. Recently graduated Heather Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Reser-

A include live and silent auctions, a new “auction item raffle,” live music, and dinner catered by from a major conservatory, and with a rock- vations must be received no later than March Simply Scrumptious Catering. The event will be held at he JCC and will be $36 per person, which star boyfriend on the brink of mega-stardom, 1. All tickets will be distributed at the play. includes two auction item raffle tickets. The planning committee includes auction chairs Fran Amanda Blue’s ‘extraordinary life’ seems to be The theater is handicap accessible (indicate Martin and Pam Landau and committee members Sue Adler, Pat Binder, Eeta Gershow, Laurel all mapped out. But when her mother calls her special seating requests when making your Hern, Liz Kirschner, Elaine Margolis, Lisa Molnar, Ruth Petit, Swanna Saltiel, and Lisa Weiss. The home for help with a marital crisis, Amanda’s reservation). For more information, email committee is seeking donations of goods and services to be auctioned and volunteers to work on grand plans unravel to make way for something [email protected] or call 677-3426. the effort.. To vounteer, call Rachel Ricca at 971-0990 or email [email protected]. Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 4 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 5 ------or contact Laura Berger Berger Laura contact or g Benoff is also a member of Women’s Following Following the breakout sessions, all partici commit planning the and she says Feigelson Sharon Benoff Sharon a vice-president in serving2004, local sister hoods in the Atlantic District. She chaired the fundraising committee and, in 2006 and Conference Leadership the chaired she 2007, that was held Georgia in Atlanta, and Wash Benoff is DC. ington, Presently, a vice - presi Departmentthe for responsible WRJ of dent of and Communication. Marketing ARZA, the American Holocaust ORT, Mu the and Museum, Art Philadelphia the seum, in Philadelphia. Center Kimmel intermarriage rate related and effortswomen’s to strengthen their Jewish identities, a look at the book of Psalms as a means to express our - ste the re-examining and desires, and emotions reotype of the Jewish American Princess. Sev eral session facilitators are fellows and faculty members from the Frankel Center University’s for including Studies, Judaic the director of the Frankel Center, Deborah Dash Moore. The Jewish Federation of Ann Arbor Greater works with the Frankel Center to access the wealth of in our local community. available resources pants will for reconvene lunch catered by Chef Cari Beth Herskovitz. The close Temple of of the Rose event Annie will Cantor feature also music in attendees the engage will who Emeth, theme. the day’s that reflect and song tee members will count the day as a success if learn newsomething to chance a has “everyone on perspective new a gain life, Jewish to really related some with connect and meet topic, old an conversation. good have and people, interesting At the end of it the is day, all about learning being about good feeling and other each from n part of community.” this Jewish Connections the Exploring Thread: Invisible “The Between Jewish will Women” be held Sunday, March 8 from 9 a.m–2 p.m. at the Jewish - Com Birch (2935 County Washtenaw of Center munity For activities. Hollow Dr.). Tickets are $36 day’s each, and the include of all and lunch, breakfast, more information or to reserve your place, visit www.jewishannarbor.or at 677-0100, [email protected] [email protected] 677-0100, at , ------. In B’shallach g www.templebethemeth.or

pring pring is not too far off, and women across the community can look for ward to a special event offered by the

Sharon Benoff will be leading Torah study study Torah leading be will Benoff Sharon Sharon Benoff is from Newtown, Penn During the summer months, a group of The theme of the day is “The Invisible The day will begin with a breakfast buffet Women

Laura Berger, special to the WJN the to special Berger, Laura Jewish Women’s Day of Learning Day Women’s Jewish Andrea Ludwig, special to the WJN the to special Ludwig, Andrea On February Friday, 6, Sharon Benoff, vice- communications and marketing of president speak will Judasim, Reform of Women the for at Temple Beth Emeth’s 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service on the portion, Torah TBE Sisterhood celebrates Sisterhood ShabbatTBE with national Sharon Benoff speaker, and a workshop on leadership and market an annual tradition, the members of the TBE the of members the tradition, annual an sisterhood create and lead a Shabbat service on Shabbat Shira. This service will include music from Kol Halev, TBE’s adult choir. cost the at p.m. 6 at offered is Dinner Shabbat on reserved be can and person, ofper $12.50 website, TBE the the dinner. during before the week ing for area sisterhood members on Satur February day, 7, from 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Her out ofprogram a ofpart is Michigan to visit local help strengthen to and education reach sisterhoods. sylvania, and is an active member of Con gregation Shir Ami. She has served on the executive committee of her synagogue as and treasurer, presently secretary, as a vice- president. Since 2003 Benoff has been serv ing on the board of directors ofof Women Reform which Judaism, is armthe women’s the Union for Reform Judaism (the central America). in North body of Judaism Reform became and 2003 in Biennial the chaired She S volunteers began to plan a day where women women a where to plan day began volunteers come together for learning and exploring the among their connections various backgrounds, cultures, and religious practices. The gathering on based is and 8, March Sunday, on held be will - Learn of Day Women’s Jewish the of model the ing, which was an institution in the Ann Arbor in the 1990s. years several for community the Exploring Thread: Between Connections Those present Jewish will Women.” consider the intangible ties and collective consciousness or perhaps despite, that women Jewish connect due their to, ofdiversity Happy experiences. Feigelson, planning explainscommittee chair, that this event will be a chance “for women from all segments of the Jewish community of greater Ann Arbor to get together for a day of It about life. Jewish conversation meaningful is an opportunity to experience ‘invisible those that bind us to one threads’ another and to our heritage.” Jewish and time for attendees to meet and converse. The opening presentation will feature Danielle Abrams, performance artist and professor in the ofUniversity Michigan School of Art and Design, who will share a performance created especially for this audience. Participants will a have to chance session the attend breakout of will their choice. Topics include child-birth thein increase the cultures, Jewish across rituals Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Ann of Federation Jewish Greater I Inga Wilson as Amanda Wilson Inga February 2009 A Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 6 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 7 ------julie n The Accidental Treasure Accidental The The second year is split “Ethics between “The mini-school has been a pioneer in learn To more about the Melton Mini- Course syllabus Course Sin of the Fruits 1: Inheriting Lesson Can inherit murderers from their victims? inBible, the isrecorded ofactchutzpah This secular lesson This up and in today. crops and court still Jewish of approaches the compares claim. this audacious to law 2: Lesson contractor Your demolishes a bathroom wall and discovers a had ing no You cash. idea was there rusting money lockbox contain stashed in the wall of your hundred-year-old house, and your home has many passed hands, making through it impossible to deter mine the original owner. Who gets to enjoy this unexpected windfall? the Real Owner 3: Will Lesson Please Rise? you when but a car, for paid and bought You come to pick it up, it is sold already gone from the salesman absent-minded The showroom. - re to unable is and people two to car same the member to whom he sold it first.Is thereany this quagmire? of out way Advantage Neighbor 4: The Lesson Jewish law that dictates when a is property sold, the neighbors bemust given the firstop is tion who of purchase. one Must sell to their just neigh And bidder? higher a is there if bor in this context? a neighbor considered Fired! 5: You’re Lesson can what circumstances one legally Under fire provide an to employee? When one terminates obligation employ ethical any there is ment, compensation? or severance Arm-Twister 6: The Lesson An who old partner, wants to business buy your to house, threatens reveal information is could that lead if to arrest your do you not sell duress, under sale a to agree you If him. to it the sale binding? valid and ish theological concepts in the Bible, Talmud, Talmud, Bible, the in concepts theological ish texts. sacred and other ofin which Jewish Living,” students explore topics such as life, community, death, jus tice, and sexuality from a variety of Jewish perspectives, and “Dramas of Jewish Living Throughout the Ages,” a historical look at the Jewish experience that features primary texts. source adult said Jewish Judy learning,” Kupchan, associate director ofAmerican Division that is based in Chicago. the Melton time students gives Melton Northat years two “The to understand some of the things they have ac absorbedonly small of time,” pieces over current a Axelrod, Brad Kupchan. to cording Melton student “It added, is a great experi ence to learn about the Jewish holidays, the and calendar, important texts, and concepts opportunity great a is Melton Jew. adult an as to had have I introductions the beyond go to all of these topics in the past. This program has allowed my Jewish education the same time.” at todeepen and broaden both School program or to audit one of the class es, contact Julie Gales, Melton Mini-School director and JCC Jewish Cultural Arts and Education director, at 971-0990 or g [email protected] ------The Melton curriculum is split into two “Knowledge is empowering,” said Julie Gales, Gales, Julie said empowering,” is “Knowledge direc Mini-School Adult Melton Arbor Ann it, you can “With learn who you are tor. and specJewish the history and into fit you how trum of Jewish life. Ann Arbor alone has so communities. Jewish of kinds different many text-based Melton’s format is a wonderful forum for all of us to wrestle with complex ofinterpretations practice.” Jewish of each during courses year-long concurrent, the two years. First-year students spend 30 classes each “Rhythms in of Jewish Living,” which examines ideas and central text to the recurring Jewish rituals, and “Purposes of which Jewish probes Living,” essential Jew ence ence the traditional Jewish training ground for to voice your add to chance a and acuity, mental n that span the millennia.” the voices The Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) is the adult education arm of Chabad-Lubavitch. JLI’s classes and programs are offered at over 300 locations in than more 250 cities nationwide and internation 100,000over by attended been have classes JLI ally. people since its creation in 1998. Every course of fered by JLI is synchronized so that lessons are offered concurrently in all learning locations. This unique global true a create to helped has feature community. for up-to-date www.myJLI.com Visit information II. BeThe Judge You about JLI courses are presented in Ann Arbor under the Chabad House Arbor Ann auspices of a chance a to chance observe the most brilliant minds of experi to chance a debate, heated in history our ------Melton Melton is now an extremely successful Says Says local JLI Paul coordinator Shapiro, Dr. The course will be offered at the Jewish “What will you gain by taking this course?” program to small community a Jewishthat knew Bash communitiesAmerica. North in partnership was needed to ensure a success ful venture. She sought out broad support and financial assistanceof theJewish com County. Washtenaw in organizations munity The response was overwhelming. Most of the Jewish congregations and educational or communal organizations in Ann Arbor financialprovided support have tobring the here. Mini-School Melton part of Ann Arbor’s Jewish adult educa tion The options. Meltonfirstclass began in September 2008 with 29 students represent ing Ann Arbor’s diverse Jewish community. to to challenge notions conventional of right and wrong, and experience firsthand theexhilarat ing mental exploration that characterizes tradi study. tional Talmud “If your mother always said you should have If have this you is course for you. been a lawyer, a reputation for thinking differently and cre thing If only the you. is for course this atively, wittier even an is line clever a than more like you you.” is for than this course comeback, County and of Community Washtenaw Center starting Wednesdays, six for House Chabad Rabbi the says $75,” costs course “The 18. February lesson “but first we are Goldstein, so sure that the you will en attend to you invite we that it joy with no obligation.” free, why discover to chance “A Goldstein. Rabbi asks people, our by cherished so been has Talmud the Some of the attendees gather at the JCC during the JLI fall course titled “Soul Maps” “Soul Maps” titled during the JLI fall course the JCC at gather Some of the attendees ------beit din, the court ore adults than ever are hitting the books and heading to the classroom. Adult learn back

ther ther peoples have told their stories through music or monuments, or poetry in themselves expressed have

Major support for the development of the of development the for support Major “Even “Even students who did not Be attend You with students II presents Judge Be the You “Perhaps “Perhaps you have been curious about the turn successful incredibly the to response In Adult Education JLI offers You Be the Judge, partYou Be the Judge, two JLI offers WJN the to special Goldstein, Altar Rabbi

munities munities Grant was awarded to the Melton Adult Mini-School to introduce the Melton M Melton Melton Mini-School came from a Humani ing programs are popping up across North American, in proportion to a growing de mand. With this growing demographic, Leslie Bash, director executive of the Jewish Community Center County, of Washtenaw wanted to enhance the community’s adult education offerings and she looked to the help. for Mini-School Adult Melton Florence - pro to dedicated is Mini-School Melton The viding busy adults with a university-quality curriculum designed Univer by the Hebrew sity in Jerusalem. The unique, interactive, text-based format relates ancient wisdom to week a hours two requires only It life. modern homework, no prerequisites, no are there and and no exams! With 65 sites internationally, Melton is the largest pluralistic adult Jewish in the world. network education tarian Dinner Award Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor and the a Small Communities Grant from the Cov enant Foundation, a national Jewish phil anthropic foundation whose mission is strengthen to to programming creative support educational endeavors that perpetuate Jew ish heritage and The identity. Small Com O tion, discuss, and argue, based on principleand argue, and discuss, tion, attendees allows II Judge The Be You precedent. analysis with the contemporary approach taken system oftaken Jewish and law, compares Talmudic approach contemporary the with analysis in US courts. include Topics business ethics, and practices, employment and rights, property each lesson provides an opportunity to ques the the Judge will says enjoy this Rabbi course,” Goldstein. “It includes six brand-new case studies that allow participants to pit their wits against of some the best minds in history.” real cases brought before out in 2006 for You Be The Judge, an interactive Be The Judge, out You in 2006 for Talmud’s the explore to students allowing course the Jewish Rohr Learn thinking about civil law, II. Be the Judge You will ing Institute launch Talmud, but thought Talmud, it was complex and inac nacle ofnacle intellectual their achievement. cessible to says anyone but scholars of the law,” Goldstein ofAharon Arbor Rabbi Ann Chabad you thought “Perhaps you needed to House, in part take to Hebrew or Aramaic understand need Participants more. any Not discussion. the no prior knowledge ofand no the for Talmud mal legal training. There are no prerequisites mind.” than an open other and philosophy. But and for philosophy. over a thousand years, many believe that the most important cultural activity of the Jewish people has been the study elevated an to artthe pin form, of the Talmud,

Julie Gales, special to the WJN the to special Gales, Julie Florence Melton Adult Mini-School—Ann Arbor’s newest Jewish adult ed option Jewish newest Mini-School—Ann Adult Arbor’s Melton Florence I I Federation

Report from the Ann Arbor-Israel mission Eileen Freed, special to the WJN his past November, nine Ann same warm welcome. mittee performed a beauti- Arbor community leaders spent The Nahalal Shabbat experience began with ful ceremony during which T a week in Israel participating a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service with Ni- members of Nahalal, the in the United Jewish Community’s General gun Ha’Lev, a community congregation based Ann Arbor mission group, Assembly and conducting site visits to pro- in Nahalal that aims at “renewing Jewish tradi- and a representative from grams and agencies funded by the Jewish Fed- tions with a unique Israeli style.” The members the Jewish Agency signed a eration of Greater Ann Arbor. of the congregation are secular Israelis, and the “Covenant of Partnership.” Participants included Susan Fisher (Federa- service and singing were unusually spirited and The program, attended by tion president) and her husband, John Waidley; spiritual. “The service at Nigun Ha’Lev was one over 50 people and includ- Joan Lowenstein (Federation past-president) of the most uplifting, beautiful spiritual ser- ing remarks from Nahalal’s and Jonathan Trobe (past campaign co-chair); vices I have experienced anywhere” said David general secretary and the Herb Aronow (2009 campaign co-chair) and Shtulman. Shabbat meals were spent with host mayor of the Jezreel Valley, Stefanie Aronow (past Young Adult Division families who made their guests feel as though demonstrated the com- co-chair); Ron Perry (executive director of the they were family. Stefanie and Herb Aronow munity’s commitment to Michigan Israel Business Bridge); and David found the experience particularly meaningful. strengthening the warm Shtulman (Federation executive director). Eileen “I didn’t know what to expect, but I found I relationship between the Freed, director of Israel/Overseas & Community had so much in common with my host family. two communities with Relations, coordinated and staffed the trip. Even though we live in different countries, we the goal of strengthen- struggle with the same issues of Jewish identity ing “Jewish identity and General Assembly and how to transmit our values to the next gen- Zionism among youths, The General Assembly, also known as the eration. We left the evening as dear friends.” adults, individuals, fami- GA, is an annual event during which partici- On Saturday, the group spent the day tour- lies, women, and men of pants from Federations across North America ing the village. They were astounded by how both Nahalal and Ann and Jewish leaders from Israel and around the much there is to do in such a small commu- Arbor.” Susan Fisher world gather as a Jewish community for a com- nity. Rain did little to dampen spirits as they summed up the feel- mon purpose. Featured speakers included: visited sheep and chickens; enjoyed a picnic ings of all those who Covenant signed by representatives of • Shimon Peres, who spoke of the potential (under the roof of an unused chicken shed); participated: “Marvel- Moshav Nahalal and the Ann Arbor Jewish community. Israel has to develop and share its ex- lous—the people were and Jewish leaders initiated by the Pittsburgh pertise in the areas of alternative energy, so friendly and the ceremony was just lovely. Federation’s Partnership 2000 program. water conservation, medicine, and home It was really one of the most special times of This year, Federation provided matching security in order to ensure its economic the entire trip.” and political success funds for the construction of a solar energy • Nir Barkat, newly elected mayor of Site visits: A first-hand look at the Ann system at LOTEM: Integrated Nature Stud- Jerusalem, who spoke of the challenges in Arbor community’s efforts in Israel ies. This organization provides people with all making Jerusalem the world-class city it abilities to experience nature and learn about The third leg of the mission was devoted agriculture and the environment. The visit in- should and can be to visiting agencies and programs funded by • Stanley Fisher, governor of the Bank cluded a short walk on a fully accessible trail the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor’s and time at the educational farm where the of Israel, who spoke about the factors Annual Campaign. Joan Lowenstein felt “these contributing to the relative strength of solar energy project will allow more extensive were really important” because of the opportu- programming. Israel’s economy and the longer-term nity to see first-hand the work being done with challenges of poverty and education Mission participants saw first-hand how Stefanie Aronow, Joan Lowenstein, and Susan our contributions. the JDC’s PACT program (Parents and Chil- that are essential to address to continue The group visited a support group for Israel’s recent successes Fisher in the Strauss family sheep shed. dren Together) provides resources and pro- Ethiopian women of Christian origin who gramming aimed at closing the education gap • Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and candi- sampled organic cosmetics developed, manu- have been abused by their spouses. This group, between Ethiopian children and native Israelis. dates for Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu factured, and sold at Nahalal; planted an olive coordinated and funded by SELAH: Israel Cri- They visited an optional pre-school for two and Tzipi Livni. tree in Nahalal’s Ann “Arbor”; and enjoyed a sis Management Center, has provided these and three year-olds, where Ethiopian children In addition to the plenary sessions, partici- home cooked meal with members of Nahalal’s women who have no relatives or community receive early exposure to organized education, pants had the opportunity to participate in a Community-to-Community committee. in Israel, a sense of family and belonging. variety of smaller programs and informative and a Gan (mandatory pre-school for four and At Kibbutz Sarid, near Nazareth, members five year-olds), where PACT offers specialized meetings with representatives from the Fed- Covenant of Partnership of the mission participated with Arab and Jew- eration’s primary overseas funding recipients, In order to provide formality to the Ann enrichment to the Gan program in the areas of ish fourth graders who were experiencing their literacy and math, and supplements teaching the Jewish Agency (JAFI) and the American Arbor-Nahalal relationship, the Nahalal com- first encounter of the year under the auspices Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). staff to allow for small-group learning. and guidance of A New Way. These encounters The group visited the Jaffa Institute, Susan Fisher “found the sessions interesting will continue throughout the year and provide and worthwhile, especially the JAFI and JDC where the Welfare-to-Work program gives a safe environment to learn about and befriend women receiving food aid job training, in- meetings.” A highlight of the GA was the day- one another. A visit to the Galil School, part of long field trips exploring all aspects of Israel cluding telemarketing, computer skills, and the Hand-in-Hand educational network, dem- workplace etiquette. Upon completion of the society. Members of the group participated in onstrated a different model of co-existence in programs with a range of goals, including Israel which students are fully integrated throughout continued on next page Advocacy, which entailed a visit to the Ministry the school day and year. Because of Foreign Affairs, and Israel’s Cultural Melt- of the daily interaction, these ing Pot, in which participants were exposed to young Arab and Jewish Israelis Bukharan, Yeminite, and Ethiopian cultures. are able to develop closer and more natural relationships that Making new friends: Shabbat at extend beyond the classroom. Moshav Nahalal Most missions do not visit Since last fall, the Ann Arbor Jewish com- Arab communities, but this munity, in conjunction with the Michigan group had the unique oppor-

February 2009 Partnership 2000 project, has been developing a tunity to visit Sakhnin, an Arab

A cooperative relationship with Moshav Nahalal, town near Karmiel, and home to an agricultural community near Nazareth. One many Arab students at the Galil of the most successful aspects of the partner- School. In addition to a brief tour ship has been the warm hospitality the mem- of the town, the group visited bers of Nahalal have shown members of the Stefanie and Herb Aronow plant an the local environmental center Ann Arbor community who have visited over olive tree in the Ann Arbor arbor at and learned about a leadership- Two young Arab students who spoke the past year. Mission participants received the development program for Arab Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw Moshav Nahalal. with the group at the Galil School 8

A hotography P x o F reg G by hoto P Washtenaw Jewish News February 2009 9 ------). m tina@jewis www.anatcohen.co Then Then the other set of event co-chairs, When Campaign Co-chair Gary Freed Co-chaired by Hillary Murt and Joan Lowen Joan and Murt Hillary by Co-chaired For more information about the ATID Jewish Singles mingling over cosmopolitans SinglesJewish mingling over

day’s needs, willneeds, we be ofproud day’s what we did? wish more?” we had done we Will Li Mara introduced Axelrod, Brad and Robin asson, whose informative and delightful pre sentation, which included a Q&A moderated by Campaign Co-chair Herb went Aronow, on for nearly an hour. It special coulda do to agreed have had she but easily longer, gone in the audience. the teens for session closed closed the meeting by announcing that the total dollars contributed by the attendees at the Main was Event $650,000, it was the final Jewish special a truly is Arbor’s Ann that proof n community. David Shtulman is the executive director of the Arbor. Ann of Greater Jewish Federation

musician Anat Cohen ( Cohen Anat musician For more information about YAD events, contact Tina at Gargotta, coordinator, YAD g [email protected] 677-0100 or hotography P x o F reg G by hoto Randy Friedman (Main Event Pre-Glow dinner chair), David Shtulman, and Judie co-chair) Lax (Main Event P plore plore the individual characteristics and values good leaders. them that make Program brings together the ATID leadersstein, from several local Jewish groups for a series of eight leadership-development workshops de Each to needed skills leader. special the augment to signed organizational Jewish effective an be session will be lead by an expert in the field and be interactive in nature. In the hope of facilitat ing further connections within the community, to continue to willing is Federation Jewish the accept to and program, the to enrollees accept staff leaders. communal as well as lay Jewish Leadership Program, contact Tina Gargotta, Coordinator for YAD the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann at Arbor, 677-0100 or g hannarbor.or ------Deborah Grayson Reigel Deborah Grayson - - Federation Federation Campaign Director Jeff Lazor Steven and Joyce Gerber received the Spir the received Gerber Joyce and Steven Join YAD once again at the Firefly Club on Club Firefly the at again once YAD Join This initial workshop, “Profile of a Jewish of aJewish “Profile workshop, initial This Steven Steven and Joyce Gerber recieving their Award Spirit of the Federation count on the services provided by our Annual Annual our by servicesprovided the on count Campaign. He asked, “When we look back years from now at how we responded to to it of the Federation in Award recognition of their extraordinary commitment to volun acceptance their In community. the in teerism speech, Steve Gerber urged the audience to volunteer their time as well as their dollars, “Don’t give until it hurts, give until it feels a standing ovation. They received good.” Main the at present people the while that said Event were neither hungry nor cold, we all have friends, neighbors, and fellow Jews around the world who face that situation due to the global and recession, those people tionship that is growing each day between our Jewish community and Moshav Nahalal 2000 program. the Partnership through

More More than 20 local Jewish Singles came out first event to YAD’s of the 2009Mix year, ology and Mingle, on January 6. Attendees gathered at the FireflyClub, a popular jazz spot and bar, to learn how to mix martini drinks withparticipate a licensed bartender, in a fun mixer game, and spend time min the of Most appetizers. and drinks over gling group stayed for the bar’s monthly comedy MixologyMingle and Funnies. Firefly night, Congre Israel Beth the by co-sponsored was Beth Emeth. gation and Temple Israeli by performance a special for 31 January

YAD Singles YAD WJN the to special Gargotta, Tina ATID Leadership Program launched in January Leadership Program ATID WJN the to special Gargotta, Tina On January 8, The ATID ATID The 8, January On Ini for Torah (Academy tiatives and Directions) Leadership Program, Jewish the by sponsored Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, launched with guest speaker Deb orah Grayson Reigel, of Elevated Training and fame. MyJewishCoach.com Riegel is a national trainer both for Jewish organizations and For tune 500 companies, assisting boards and indi potential. leadership their viduals reach to a on journey participants 26 the took Leader,” through their personal Jewish experiences and In leadership. Jewish for potential highlighted addition, attendees were given a chance to ex hotography P x o F reg G by hoto P - - - - n We remembered We the victims of terror in There are many ways to see Israel, but Noah Tobes, Noah Trobe, Alex Perlman, Alex Perlman, Trobe, Noah Tobes, Noah Michelle Rebecca Silver, Friedman, and Weiss Carly ten by Gilad by Shalit whenten he was 11 only years Gilad, for captivityof day 900th the was It old. spoke to the who is We being held by Hamas. global nature of the Jewish our community, global and responsibility, of the special rela President President Susan Fisher. Next Jim Graham, Fund, Company Motor Ford the representing (which generously sponsors the Main Event each year) spoke about how it is one of the most meaningful events he attends each year support. and pledged continuing children of video brief a showed and Mumbai reading a story about the hope for peace and reconciliation between Arabs and Jews, writ those who participated in the mission came away from the experience with insights and opportunities not always available to tour ists. When asked if she would participate in another mission or recommend it to her have I “Absolutely; said, Fisher Susan friends, already told various friends that this is the way to ‘see’ Israel. I can’t imagine going on - ‘mis a offer doesn’t it if Israel to trip another It was sion a component.’ truly outstanding and memorable experience.” Eileen Freed is director of Israel/Overseas and Community Relations for the Jewish Federation Arbor. Ann of Greater Impressions from from various ethnic groups with new media tion techniques to increase the effectiveness and authority of the decisions. ------

gether gether for the Jewish Federation’s n December 11, 2008, 600 members 600 2008, 11, December n of the Jewish community came to

I may have I been one may have of the few in people be It celebration. a was really evening The The group ended their site visits at the the room who was attending the Main Event Event the Main the who room was attending for the first time.While I knew in advance I what be, would the numbers was to unable understand the feelings it would engender until stand at I theactually experienced To it. that crowd a at out look and room the of front size and know that every facet of the com age annual attendance for this event speaks to to speaks event this for attendance annual age solidarityAnnand pride ofenormous the the Community. Arbor Jewish munity was everyrepresented, congregation, community Jewish organization and agency, ac marginally only are who those and leaders Every seniors. to teens community, the in tive celebration this in included be to wanted one of solidarity. Jewish attendees from quotations streaming with gan to means community Jewish what expressing them on two 12-foot screens while a klezmer band in played After singingthe background. the American and Israeli national anthems, there were welcome statements from eventFederation and Lax, Jerry and Judie co-chairs, O Main Event. Gathering this many people from from people many this Gathering Event. Main a Jewish community the size of Washtenaw for County’s any purpose other than the me morial of a national catastrophe, is virtually unknown. The fact that this number is only a few percentage points higher than the aver The The mission group spent a Shabbat meal in Jerusalem at the home of former U-M Rabbi Rich Kirschen and family. Director, Hillel Assistant

David Shtulman, special to the WJN the to special Shtulman, David A community joins together A community course, participantscourse, work for the Jaffa Insti Ramla Mediation Center. Ramla is a dramati- a is Ramla Center. Mediation Ramla cally heterogeneous community comprised of 70,000 inhabitants (23% Arab and population 27% immigrant The immigrants). new includes Bukharans, Ethiopians, and South Americans. At the Mediation Center, the group met volunteers from all backgrounds who mediate a range of disputes including those referred from the courts and child wel tute tute as fundraising and telemarketers, have raised over $20,000, most of which goes to pay for their own salaries. Major companies Insti Jaffa the with arrangements made have the completed who women have hire to tute training program. incor to is center ofthe focus A agencies. fare mechanisms mediation traditional the porate continued previous fron page I Federation

Over 250 gather to show support for peace for Israel Eileen Freed, special to the WJN ver 250 people gathered at Ann Ar- It “was a really nice event… It was wonderful world suddenly finds its voice. The Community bor’s Jewish Community Center on how so many different parts of the community Gathering for Peace for Israel gives our commu- O Sunday, January 11 to express sup- spoke, sang, and led prayers,” said Audrey New- nity a platform to have our voice heard. Silence port for Israel and for peace for Israelis and ell, board chair of the Ann Arbor Reconstruc- on this issue will otherwise be seen as agreement Palestinians. The Community Gathering for tionist Havurah. with those who condemn us.” Peace for Israel was coordinated by the Jewish The gathering was an opportunity for those Speakers at the event expressed concern for Federation of Greater Ann Arbor and was sup- who support Israel’s right to defend her citizens both Israelis and innocent Palestinians who ported by all of Ann Arbor’s Jewish congrega- from terrorist rocket attacks targeted at civil- have found themselves on the front lines. In his to write greetings and messages of support to tions and organizations. The program included ians to call for peace for all the residents of the remarks, Shtulman said “I bring to my remarks Israelis under fire in southern Israel. Follow- remarks from David Shtulman, the executive area and to send a message that peace will come regrets for every human being, Palestinian or ing the program, local peace organization Brit director of the Jewish Federation of Greater when Hamas halts its attacks. Shtulman stated Israeli, killed or injured…” but that the blame Tzedek v’Shalom offered a listening session for Ann Arbor, and prayers from the rabbis of Ann “the battle that is taking place today is one that lays squarely with Hamas for refusing to cease those who wished to express their feelings about Arbor’s largest congregations and the pastor of Hamas insisted upon. As usual, when Israel attacks and for using civilians as human shields. the current situation and share ideas for bring- St. Clare’s Episcopal Church. finally responds in defence of its citizens, the Program participants had the opportunity ing peace to the region. n Remarks by David Shtulman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, at Gathering for Peace for Israel It is difficult to stand here today and speak to you well as Israelis, but most of those were gone in a day if the United Nations had acted to stop the and weakness rather than Israeli restraint; and to about solidarity with Israel and about Israel’s short time too. And by 2007, so was the Palestin- actual war crimes being carried out by Hamas end the delusions of the Palestinians that Hamas’ desire for peace following two weeks of bomb- ian Authority. First, due to a Hamas victory at instead of characterizing Israeli defensive steps agenda of Jihad offers them a path to a better fu- ing and ground invasion that has wrought the the polls, and then on the battlefield. as war crimes? ture. The Palestinians should have no doubt that deaths of hundreds of people and the wound- Israel had been gone for nearly two years by And finally, when Israel was desperate to the only future continuing to support Hamas’ ing of thousands more. I know that for many then, but somehow it was still Israel’s fault. Crit- stop the shelling of her civilians, she agreed agenda of rejecting Israel’s existence holds for people, to even try to do so would be proof that ics said it wasn’t enough that Israel had left Gaza, to a six-month tahadiya, a lull in the fighting, them is repeated episodes of the same. I am either a fascist or divorced from reality. they had failed to do so in a way that would meet to be exact. That is the term that Hamas uses If Hamas deserves any credit, it is for being And yet, to paraphrase a recent article by Da- Palestinian needs. because a Jihadi organization whose very ex- absolutely forthright in its agenda to destroy the vid Breakstone, I do just that with many regrets Now, those crude homemade Kassams, istence is predicated on resistance to the very State of Israel. As critics of Israel are so quick to but not a single apology. I bring to my remarks while still very inaccurate, could carry much last Palestinian can never enter into anything point out, Hamas was democratically elected by regrets for every human being, Palestinian or larger charges for much longer distances and as substantial as a true cease-fire without be- the Palestinian people in Gaza. But democratic Israeli, killed or injured in this battle, but not were joined by their more powerful cousins, the traying its core beliefs. And, to be honest, the elections do not justify the platform of the win- one apology for the battle itself, or for how it is Katyushas and Grads, which had immigrated tahadiya enjoyed moderate success for about ning party. Did the Palestinians in Gaza truly being fought. I argue that the only country in through the tunnels because there was no longer four and a half months, until the rockets began believe that resistance was a one-way street, and the world that was helpless to prevent this battle an Israeli presence to hinder such developments, to fly again in early November. that rockets could fly forever in only one direc- was Israel. and the international observers who were sup- By December it was clear that quiet needed tion? The Palestinians are one of the very few Israel has acted to bring to a halt a rocket posed to guard against just such an eventuality to be re-imposed or the Israeli strike that had Arab people who enjoy free elections today. barrage of many years on its civilian population. had disappeared within days of Hamas defeat- been threatened off and on for years was going They are learning that they must take responsi- I will not ask Israel to apologize for that. I would ing the Palestinian Authority. Instead of falling to come. The Israelis asked Hamas to renew the bility for their electoral choices and there can be rather demand apologies of Israel for not do- on only the people of Sderot, just outside of tahadiya for another six months. The Saudis consequences for choosing poorly. ing so. Because a government that deliberately Gaza, they could now also reach Ashkelon and urged them to do so. The Egyptians and the Pal- Do I have regrets for the dead and wounded exposes its civilian population to danger is no other communities totaling more than 200,000 estinian Authority warned them. Hamas would and suffering of the last two weeks? Yes, I cer- better than Hamas. That is exactly what Hamas civilians. And they fell by the thousands. not listen and on December 19 they unilaterally tainly do. Do I have any apologies? Not a one. does. It offers its citizens martyrdom by Israel. The nations of the world didn’t pay very declared an end to the tahadiya and increased But I do demand apologies. I demand an Perhaps Israel could have acted differently. much attention to those “crude homemade their launches to a peak of 90 on Christmas apology from the United Nations, created to Perhaps, it could have sought accommodation rockets” because few Israelis died and the Day alone. And we learned that the rockets they promote peace and security among the nations with the Palestinians more aggressively. What wounded don’t count for the foreign media. But acquired during the tahadiya now have a range of the world, and which itself created the State if Israel would have accepted the Oslo Accords they count for Israelis. And the Israelis counted of nearly 30 miles and place more than 800,000 of Israel by a vote of the community of nations, and allowed a PLO terror infrastructure isolated 227 people wounded by Kassams in 2006, and Israelis within range. for not standing up against those who openly in Tunisia to establish a pre-state government 464 wounded by Kassams in 2007, and 948 It seems self-evident to me that every time profess to destroy Israel. in the West Bank and Gaza, called the Palestin- wounded by Kassams in 2008 with eight killed, Israel has made a concession for peace, peace I demand an apology from those nations of ian Authority, and armed it so that it could itself to be exact. has moved further into the distance. The ac- the world who, for years, could have been pres- prevent terror and establish a Palestinian state Also, the nations of the world may not have tions of Hamas since the Israeli withdrawal suring Hamas to end its rocket fire and instead living in peace alongside Israel? believed it was serious to have only 15 seconds from Gaza have made it impossible for Israel censured Israel for every attempt to stop it. But Israel did do that. And when the op- to respond to a Red Alert Rocket Warning, to consider any further territorial concessions I demand an apology from those Europeans portunity to create that Palestinian state came which can come at any time of day or night, but so long as Hamas continues to exist as a force who, in their cynical pandering to their Arab to pass, instead there came a second intifada. As Israelis did. They thought it was serious indeed in Palestinian society. We all know that there communities, excuse every Hamas aggression Yossi Klein Halevi pointed out, while the first when it became illegal to wear a seatbelt or use will never be a two-state solution unless Israel and interpret every Israeli defense as genocide. intifada pit stone-throwing Palestinian civilians your car radio in Sderot because it might delay makes further territorial concessions in the I demand an apology from the media, who against armed Israeli soldiers, the second inti- you a couple seconds from fleeing your car for West Bank and therefore, there will never be either outright lie, like France 2 TV, which on fada pit armed and explosive laden Palestinian a shelter; or when people became afraid to sleep peace or a Palestinian state as long as Hamas January 1 aired a 2005 videotape of a Hamas soldiers against Israeli civilians. or to shower when home alone because they remains in power. missile truck exploding with voiceover com- I suppose that several years ago, when might not hear the siren right away; or when The Palestinian people are not occupied by mentary describing a current Israeli air strike Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and those other Iranian every home had to add a concrete reinforced Israel. They are occupied by Hamas, and the (for which they had to publicly apologize), or proxies started firing those crude homemade room to shelter in. Israelis took that quite seri- only people on Earth who can change that are who distort the news by always blaming Israel Kassam rockets that could fly only a couple ously indeed. the Palestinians. for Palestinian actions in an attempt to be “bal- miles and could hardly hurt you unless they But even so, did Israel really have to launch Israel cannot control the corruption in the anced” in their coverage. actually landed on your head and knocked you these deadly air strikes? Couldn’t they have Palestinian Authority that led to the popular And I demand an apology from the Arab unconscious, that Israel could have gotten the tried economic pressures like closing the bor- election of Hamas. And Israel cannot destroy world for refusing to accept the legitimate right message that occupying Gaza was not a good der crossings or more limited attacks on rocket Hamas because you cannot destroy an ideology. of Jews to live alongside them in peace in the

February 2009 idea and left. launching crews or even holding back oil deliv- And Israel cannot completely stop the firing of Middle East as friends and neighbors and Se-

A But they did that back in 2005 didn’t they? eries or cutting off electricity? Yes, they could rockets in the future. So what then is the pur- mitic cousins. For that is all that Jews ever wanted Every last soldier and every last settlement and and they did. pose of all this carnage? from the beginning of the Zionist movement. every last civilian and every last synagogue and But instead of acting to pressure Hamas to The purpose is to put an end to delusions I want to thank all of you for being here to- every last house. The only things they left be- end the rocket attacks, the United Nations ac- and to assign responsibility. To end the delusions day in a showing of support for Israel and un- hind were the operating greenhouses that had cused Israel of collective punishment and war of Hamas that they have been able to shell Israeli derstanding that peace can only arrive when all provided a living for hundreds of Palestinians as crimes. Would we be at the point we are at to- cities with impunity for so long due to Israeli fear sides to the conflict hold it as a goal. n Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 11 - - - - - n ) contrib l Spring

l

Winter http://www.readthespirit.com/ 2 0 09UMS The final speaker wasIngrid Dr. Mattson, Gopin was followed by Msgr. Elias Chacour, Chacour, Elias Msgr. by followed was Gopin sending bombs and money to fund the war. Ac war. the fund to money and bombs sending cording to Chacour, people can cording to do Chacour, more good by encouraging grassroots dialogue than by in side one of only behalf on activism zealous Mostthe important,conflict. in his isopinion, Chris Jewish, understand and meet to working a building growing people, and tian, Muslim global community of people who understand level. personal a more on issues the human a professor of Islamic Studies and Christian- Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut. In Society 2006, she Islamic the became of the president first elected woman of North America Mattson Dr. (ISNA). spoke about the need of the American com Muslim munity to shout to be heard, and their lack of It self-awareness. is a group with divergent rights, land, interests, citizenship, and spiritual to able be should people that said She interests. religiousthe and scriptures own their interpret leadership needs to change their vision of the coexistence. peaceful include to future “Three international voices describe peace making in an era of global change” (posted at Read the Spirit, explore/2008/11/296-three-inter.htm uted to this article. to uted a Christian Palestinian who lives in Israel and is the Archbishop of Galilee for the Melkite Church. Chacour called for nations to stop - - - - - 130th UMS Season 130th Prue and Ami Rosenthal. Rosenthal. and Ami and Prue performance Gloria and Jerry by is co-sponsored Abrams Saturday The Herbert Foundation. The and Junia Doan performance by Sunday The is sponsored the Arts. for England Foundation Project in part of the New Dance the National by Funded News. Jewish and Detroit Michigan Radio the Lines, 91.7 FM, Between Times, Media Sponsors Metro

The participating ministers—Douglas The following day was the main fea event, gitimate means, such as gitimate harmingThe means, civilians. about be education should through response the true nature of Islam. He said that zealous to antithetical criminals are terrorists extreme the spiritual values of Islam. He “Jihad added, Imam Salie terror said is that a thefalse jihad.” in but outside, the from strong seems religions victims. vulnerable theyside and feel like are Brouwer (First Presbyterian Church), Lori Carey (Trinity Lutheran Church), Joe Sum of Church mers the (Episcopal Incarnation)— stressed the need for community discussions other. each understanding better for Msgr. Gopin, Marc Rabbi speakers: three turing Elias and Ingrid Chacour, Dr. Mattson. In his speech, Rabbi Gopin—a professor of world religions and the director of the Center on Re at Resolution and Conflict Diplomacy ligion, George Mason University—said that for too been pursued long international have relations lobbying and weaponry distributing by largely for exclusively one side or the other in Middle East conflicts.That approach to the conflict has thus far failed. He suggested that people- to-people relations are more People efficient. can entrenched overcome enmity by working care. health and education improve to together between relationships building that added He people can foster serious social change. Peace relationships personal about is said, he making, and love. integrity, ethics, equality, with honor, ------

” wide x 6.375” tall) wide Run FebruaryDate: x 2009 6.375” ” Three (Saturday, 9.8125

www.ums.org The particpating imams were Sayed Hassan Hassan Sayed were imams particpating The Finally, Rabbi Robert Dobrusin (Beth Israel(BethDobrusin Robert Rabbi Finally,

| Ad#2 — Washtenaw Jewish News First of Washtenaw Proof Ad#2 Ad — Due:Jewish News: 1/8 1/13 Washtenaw Ad due to Size: Half ( Horizontal Page

not represent the thoughts of all of the mem “but bers, I am going to try to speak not only Jewish in our people many for but myself, for par remind to on went Dobrusin community.” instand a whotook Rabin, Yitzhak ticipantsof favor of a compromise with the Palestinians. said that those who in believe compromise, He in the two-state solution, in peace, and believe speak should end, should occupation the that up. Jews are reluctant to criticize Israel, but Do same. the want that Israelis many are there want others to hear “We the brusin continued, ofIsraeli and Israel to fled who of Jews stories but we need to ofvictims to listen terrorism, the stories of the other side, people who fled in fear who live and families, their homes from ofHe concluded, dehumanizing checkpoints.” want “We peace because we love the State of and Israel, we know that her security and exis a settlement.” upon reaching depends tence Al-Qaswini (Islamic Center of Ach America), mat Salie (Oakland and University), Dawud (Chairman Walid of the Michigan Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations). said that legitimatehave Muslims grievWalid ances, but cannot resolve them through ille - ofJew religious issue the about talked dation), ish He extremism. said that Jews should ally in believe that streams Jewish with themselves beings human withtreating decency. Congregation) started by saying that he can NOTE TIME NOTE ------PM PM

www. 8 4 artistic director

| |

Deca Deca Dance (Sunday) celebrates 10 years of Naharin’s ).

Call or Click For Tickets! For or Click Call 734.764.2538 SAT, FEB 14 SAT, 15 FEB SUN, Power Center Power Ohad Naharin Since Since its founding in 1964 by Martha Graham and Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild, Rothschild, Batsheva Dance Company has become one of the most influen- tial cultural role models in Israel, internationally renowned for pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge dance with intense energy, rich sensuality, and

a culturally diverse dance language. Batsheva Dance Company Dance Batsheva

The The company presents two different full-length programs. contains contains nudity) is an expansive work of astounding physical exploits and unexpected humor that lays bare its dancers’ unique kinetic abilities, performed to music ranging from Bach’s Goldberg Variations to Brian Eno and the Beach Boys.

work work with Batsheva, with sections of existing dances reorganized into a new experience, providing the opportunity to look at the choreographer’s repertoire repertoire over time, from its most extravagant to its most intimate and heartrending.

he theme of the 2008 Morikawa Con in 2008, 8–10, November held ference Ann Arbor “In was: the Israeli-Pales

Rabbi Rabbi Robert ofBeth Levy, Emeth, Temple Opening statements were delivered by three by delivered were statements Opening The event was co-sponsored by 36 Chris Tamar Weaver, special to the WJN the to special Weaver, Tamar First Baptist Church Middle East peace conference, an interfaith Church Baptist First East peace conference, Middle event T told told the story of Jacob and reconcilia Esau’s nity. pre and brother his toward fear felt Jacob tion. pared for a possible battle when meeting him, but Esau hugged actions him. Esau’s are to be noted and appreciated for his ability to forgive and embrace a foe. The audience appreciated the story and the analogy to the Palestinians situation. Rabbi Nathan Martin (Hillel - Foun rabbis, rabbis, three imams, and three ministers, who to how on groups, break-out separate led then advance the support of peace in our commu tian, tian, Jewish, Islamic and interfaith organiza tions. The Jewish congregations were involved Beth Temple Emeth, Ann Arbor Reconstruc tionist Havurah, Brit Tzedek v’Shalom Ann and Arbor, Beth Israel Congregation (the full list of event sponsors is available online: / morikawaconference.org/about tinian conflict, how canJews,Christians, and in partofsolution, religion the make Muslims con annual The ofpart problem?” ofstead the Ann an Morikawa, Jitsuo for named is ference The theologian. Baptist American Arbor-based First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor maintaines an endowment fund to support events in his name. I Congregations

February at Beth Israel Congregation Temple Beth Emeth activities this month Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN Cantor Annie Rose, special to the WJN Bet Midrash both English and Hebrew, but no knowledge Navigating Your Child through meditation session in the chapel is available for Beginning February 10 and continuing on of Hebrew is required. These classes will take all who wish to stay. Torah study is open to all place on February 2, 9, and 23. adolescence workshop offered women, free of charge, and Torah commentar- Tuesday evenings (8 p.m.) through March 31, “Safely Navigating Your Child through ies are available for use during study. For fur- Rabbi Dobrusin and Rabbi Blumenthal will Adolescence in a Jewish Context, Part II.” On Tot Shabbat ther information contact Sisterhood President offer an innovative learning opportunity to Sunday, February 15, 6–7:30 p.m., Jerry Miller, study Contemporary Issues in Halakha (Jewish Tot Shabbat is a Saturday morning service Hillary Handwerger, at 665-4744. for parents and their children two through five Ph.D., Temple Beth Emeth member and direc- law). Study will be done in havrutot (pairs), tor of the University of Michigan Center for and conclude with a larger group discussion. years-old, held on February 14 and 28 at 11:15 Sisterhood Tu B’shevat seder and a.m. The service includes songs, stories, and the Child and Family, will share research on The study topics include: “Musical Instru- the connection between teen behavior and a dinner to celebrate D.A.M.E.S. prayers. This program is run by Peretz Hirsh- This year Temple Beth Emeth Sisterhood’s ments in the Synagogue,” the last couple de- family’s religious values, as well lead discussion bein on the second Saturday of each month D.A.M.E.S. dinner (Dinner in Appreciation of cades have seen significant growth in musical on the challenges facing the parents of adoles- and Jessica Kander on the fourth Saturday of the Members of our Extraordinary Sisterhood) accompaniment to services on Shabbat and cents. The workshop will be valuable to new or each month. Preschool-sized tables are set up will be celebrated as a Tu B’shevat seder at 6 p.m. holidays in a many synagogues that consider returning participants. RSVP to Terri, tgins- for the regular kiddush, so that families may in the TBE Social Hall on Tuesday, February 10. themselves to be bound by halakha. Often [email protected]. there are a wide array of instruments, and easily attend with their children. Cantor Annie Rose will lead the special seder, sometimes even “rock bands” performing. Kehilat Shabbat: “Big Ten” Torah study with Rabbi Levy featuring delicious special foods. The seder will Can these developments be justified by Jew- Rabbi Levy offers an ongoing modern ex- have much of the feeling of the Pesach seder, This is part of a new series of themed pro- with group readings, singing, and discussion. ish law? “Hekhsher Tzedek,” should a kashrut grams for K–fifth-graders, which takes place ploration of the weekly Torah portion, drawing certificate attest only to the technical aspects on tradition commentaries and today’s schol- Tu B’shevat seders include four cups of wine this month on February 14 at 11 a.m. Chil- with varying percentages of red wine and white of how an animal was slaughtered? To what dren are encouraged to wear their favorite arship. This class relies on group participation extent are business practices a religious issue? and draws wisdom and history from our deep- wine, as well as dried fruits and nuts of Israel: “Big Ten” team colors while learning about figs, dates, carob, raisins, and almonds. A full Before issuing the seal of approval, should the famous “Big Ten” from the Torah. Next est sources. Torah Study is held in the Temple kashrut agencies also investigate the corporate Beth Emeth chapel. The class meets Saturday dinner will be included. month, on March 14, the theme is “Dancing The dinner and seder are free to all TBE integrity, working conditions, product devel- with the Prayers.” mornings, 8:50–9:30 a.m. opment, and environmental impact of the Sisterhood members; for non-members, the business at hand? “Intellectual Property,” can Childcare, Junior Congregation Thought of the Day cost is $45. RSVP February 3 to Jenny Hackel, you steal it if you can’t touch it? Is it stealing to Childcare is provide for preschool chil- Begin each day with a good word. Open 213-1610 or [email protected] your email with a “Thought of the Day” cho- copy or download music, videos, software, or dren starting at 10 a.m. Moadon, a gathering Kol Halev Cabaret other forms of intellectual property without place for elementary school aged children, sen by Cantor Rose and Rabbi Levy. In trou- paying for it? bled times the “Thought of the Day” email can Broadway favorites, beloved ballads, oper- starts at 10 a.m. and provides a Junior Con- atic gems, and lighthearted comic songs will be All texts will be available in English. There gregation experience at 11 a.m. give you a positive, soulful moment of reflec- is no prior knowledge required to join this tion. To subscribe, send an email to Jan Davis, highlights of the annual Kol Halev Cabaret on class. Register for this free learning oppor- Beth Israel’s annual blood drive [email protected], or call the TBE Saturday, February 14 at 6 p.m. in the Temple tunity by contacting Mary at rabbisoffice@ Beth Israel’s annual Red Cross blood office (665-4744) to be added to the list. Beth Emeth Social Hall (2309 Packard St.) Kol bethisrael-aa.org or 665-9897. drive will run on Sunday, March 1 from Halev members will provide a buffet of warm- 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. in the Beth Israel Social Lunch and Learn with Cantor Rose, ing winter fare. The evening is open to the pub- Monday Evening Text Study Hall. Giving blood is an easy way to save a Haftarah Cantillation lic, free of charge. This free drop-in class on “Jewish Perspec- life or two, and perform an important mitz- Learn the melodies of Haftarah with Can- Mini-Shabbaton on redemption tives on the Beginning and End of Time” ex- tor Annie Rose on Mondays in the TBE Adult vah. There is an online sign-up with the Red On Saturday, February 14, from 1–3:30 p.m., amines speculative and subjective midrashic Lounge. Class meets from noon–1 p.m. on Feb- Cross. Donors should go to www.givelife. Temple Beth Emeth will offer the third mini- and aggadic texts (non-legal rabbinic expo- ruary 2, 9, and 16. All materials are provided: org, click Donate Blood Now, and fill in their Shabbaton of the year. This month’s Shabbaton sition of the Torah) concerning the Story of texts, CDs, study materials. All are welcome, free email address and birth date where indicat- will focus on Redemption. The afternoon in- Creation and the coming of the Messiah, the of charge. Registration is preferred, through the ed, plus the sponsor code (which is “bic13”). cludes guided meditation with Sandra Berman, end of days, and the “world to come,” as well as For more information or to volunteer for re- temple office, at 665-4744. contemporary authors who have based them- writing with Debbie Merion, Torah study with cruitment efforts, contact Julius Cohen, the Rabbi Levy, and prayer study with Cantor Rose. selves on these texts. The texts are studied in blood drive coordinator, at 429-4855. Sisterhood Torah Study On two Monday evenings in February, A mid-afternoon tea affords the opportunity TBE’s Sisterhood will offer Torah study with for in-depth group discussion. Cantor Annie Rose, using the new Women’s The mini-Shabbaton afternoons are de- Havurah adds dancing to monthly Musical Shabbat Torah Commentary. This Torah Study includes signed to offer varied study methods of a single theme. Each session in this month’s program Aura Ahuvia, special to the WJN reading of the text, commentary, poems in- spired by the text, and lively discussion. Torah is inspired by our journey from slavery to free- sraeli and other folk dancing to a live sometimes keyboard. study begins at 7 p.m. on February 2 (Parashat dom. The Shabbaton is open to the whole com- musical ensemble is the newest compo- Until now, services have featured at B’shallach) and February 16 (Parashat Mishpa- munity free of charge. Reserve a spot by calling nent to be added to the Ann Arbor Re- least one instrument—usually a guitar— I tim). At 8:30 p.m., following the study session, a the temple office at 665-4744. constructionist Havurah’s monthly “Musical and sometimes also a fiddle, flute, even the Kabbalat Shabbat” service, on the fourth Fri- odd trombone on occasion. But now, with day of every month. The new offering will enough members of the local Contra and follow the Havurah’s usual musical Shabbat English Country dance communities at- service at 6:15 p.m., and community potluck tending, the Havurah will benefit from their at approximately 7:30 p.m. talent, as they offer both dance instruction “I’m delighted to have been asked to as well as musical accompaniment, with lead dancing at the Havurah,” said Drake help from two accordions. Dances will be Meadow, a local dance caller. “While I value taught and tailored to the various levels of dancing on its own, traditional dance has the attendees. historically been practiced in a communi- The Ann Arbor Reconstructionist ty context,” and community is one of the Havurah welcomes new and prospective Havurah’s core unifying principles. Mead- members. It meets for musical Kabbalat ow also helps lead the Ann Arbor circle for Shabbat services on the fourth Friday of

February 2009 dances of Universal Peace. every month, at 6:15 p.m. A vegetarian or

A The dancing at the Havurah is likely to dairy potluck follows the hour-plus service. be a mix of Israeli and international pieces, Dancing will be added after dinner, and is along with a few danceable songs. Meadow open to all levels. For more information, and fellow musicians and dancers Neil and contact Aura Ahuvia at 975-9045 or auraa- Elisabeth Ashman Epstein will also lead [email protected] n At this year’s annual JCC Intergenerational Hanukkah party, Solomon Bernstein, dances with their accordion, flute, and Rachel Lewis, Jillian Bradin, Eli Levy, and Samantha Goldstein (back to camera) share their pictures with seniors Ben Muchnik and Polina Motova. Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 12 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 13 9/16/08 3:53:09 PM Our high number of repeat clients speaks volumes about the care and service your we provide. Trust home improvement with us, and see how we deliver what we promise. Rochman-WJN-Ad2.indd 1 #LAIREAND)SADORE THE "ETH*ASON-ILLER +AREN-OORE0AUL3HAPIRO !NITA2OBERT.AFTALY *ULIE2ON0ERRY %VE2ICHARD0RIMUS 0RUE!MI2OSENTHAL 3USAN+ARL3CHULTZ 2UBY2ICHARD3HAPIRO 0ATRICIA+EN3ILVERMAN !NNE.ED3TAEBLER 7ENDY7AGENHEIM "ERNSTEIN,EADERSHIP!WARD *&3 5-3 "ATSHEVA$ANCE#OMPANY 0OWER#ENTER 2ECEPTIONTICKETSPERSON #OMBINEDRECEPTIONDANCETICKETS PERSON 0- 2ACHEL"ENDITAND -ARK"ERNSTEIN RECEIVE -ICHIGAN,EAGUE"ALLROOM $ESSERTRECEPTION 0- *OAN"INKOW 2UTH-ICHAEL"ROOKS !MY'RADY"URNETT $EBRA#HOPP'IL3EINFELD 3HARNA'OLDSEKER3IMON'REER *ULIE$AVID'RAND %LIZABETH'REVE&RANZ(ERBERT 0AMELA(ARNICK*OHN3WERDLOW *ILL(ORWITZ4ED0ARSON *UDIE*ERRY,AX 3USAN*EFF,EVIN *OAN,OWENSTEIN*ONATHAN4ROBE ,ISA-ARKMAN*AY7INEGARDEN *&3n9OUR&AMILYINTHE#OMMUNITY 3UNDAY &EBRUARY  s PMATTHE*## 35.$!9 &%"25!29 50#/-).'*&3%6%.43   sWWWJFSANNARBORORG s PMATTHE*## 7%$.%3$!9 &%"25!29 *EWISH0ARENTS0ERSPECTIVESON)NTERMARRIAGE 4HE$RIVING$ILEMMA)S9OUR,OVED/NE3AFEONTHE2OAD *EWISH&AMILY3ERVICES)NVITES9OU
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JCS hosts community-wide Tu B’Shevat celebration hosted by JCS Erika Hauff, special to the WJN hat could be better than a taste of spring in the middle of winter?” asked Jewish Cultural Society member Eric Straka when describing the Tu B’Shevat celebra- W tion that the Jewish Cultural Society sponsors every other year at the Matthaei AS SEEN IN Botanical Gardens. This year the event, co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist NEW BEAUTY Havurah and generously funded by the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County, will take MAGAZINE place on February 8 from 10 a.m.–noon and is free to all. Tu B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar, is the day that marks the beginning of a “New Year for Trees.” This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land Do we practice what we preach? of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. The Jewish Cultural Society’s Tu B’Shevat celebration focuses on the historical, cultural, Of course we do! We’re the Aesthetics team at the Center for Plastic & and ecological aspects of the holiday, and includes activities for both children and adults. Reconstructive Surgery, and we specialize in the latest facial rejuvenation The wide breadth of activities, workshops, and displays offered each year ensures that the techniques to help people (ourselves included) look their best. Now through event is always well attended. Lori Moizio, the Jewish Cultural School’s principal, said, “We are particularly excited this year about the children’s music group, Gemini, playing two half- the end of February, you can learn about our own personal beauty secrets hour shows in celebration of the holiday.” There will also be storytelling by Judy Schmidt, * ® and save $50 on these Aesthetic treatments : Botox Cosmetic, dermal founding member of the Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild. Retired school librarian Lisa Vogel, fillers, photo facials, NEW crystal-free microdermabrasion, ultrasonic facials, an Advanced Master Gardener, will speak on sustainable gardening and Seth Penchansky, and laser hair reduction. a local architect, will talk about green architecture. Recycle Ann Arbor also plans to do a presentation on recycling, with an emphasis on trees. Representatives from Natural Area Don’t miss these beautiful savings: call 734 712-2323 Preservation and Global ReLeaf will be in attendance as well. Always a big hit, according to Moizio, is the plant scavenger hunt in the conservatory, Paul Izenberg, MD where participants follow clues to locate certain plants. Other activities will include crafts and seed planting. Guests can also taste some of the traditional holiday fruits and nuts that will be David Hing, MD part of the walking Tu B’Shevat Seder. Check the Jewish Cultural Society’s website at www. Richard Beil, MD jewishculturalsociety.org for more information, or contact Lori Moizio at 975-9872. n Daniel Sherick, MD CENTER FOR PLASTIC & Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY *Some restrictions apply. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Celebrate Tu B’Shevat, Michigan-style Reichert Health Center, Suites 5001 & 5008, Ann Arbor www.cprs-aa.com Terri Ginsburg, special to the WJN Take a winter nature walk, study Jewish texts about nature, play games, and sing Tu B’shevat songs to celebrate the holiday honoring trees, nature, and the environment. Community members are invited to join Temple Beth Emeth and the Jewish Hikers of Michigan for the annual Tu B’shevat Family Nature Program at Leslie Science Center, Sunday, February 8 from 10 a.m.–noon. Moshe Kornfeld will lead this program. Kornfeld is a Ph.D. student in anthro- Ann Arbor Observer AND Washtenaw Jewish News February 2009 pology and Judaic studies at the University of Michigan, and a former wilderness program coordinator at the Teva Learning Center, a Jewish environmental education institution. RSVP 1/4 Page COLOR Aesthetics Team Ad to Terri, [email protected], or 665-4744

Production: Contact B LaLonde 734 786-1501 [email protected]

Placement: Gina Thompson 734 712-7416 February 2009 A Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 14 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 15 - - - , , Mishna is Make Make sure when you visit Israel that you I’ll leave it to the historians and arche ologists to debate phenomena when flourished these as differentthe But periods. cultural different many through city did go the question of how much foreign influence found its way into the hearts and minds of Rab- the much how and Tzippori, of Jews the bis fought against it, is a fascinating one. If clear the see you literature, rabbinic read you evidence of influenceof language and cul attempts see and as you well the rabbis’ ture, to keep away from it. One way or the other, though, it is particularly meaningful to me making of fond is who rabbi, American an as classes and sermons my in references cultural (about baseball, music, situation comedies, or whatever else strikes me), that Tzippori, the site of the compilation of the not a world of it its is own. Rather, part of a real world with twists and turns, starts and influences. many and many, stops, city, ancient fascinating this to visit a include and how it consider reflects Jews our as lives in America We constantly today. struggle with this question of assimilation, and it is see fascinatingthat the to same affectissues n as well. ed our ancestors fluence by the surrounding peoples; and you you and peoples; surrounding the by fluence as existed have must that tension the feel can the rabbis taught while Torah Jews learned as well. them people around from - - - - (bitter maror , herbs), herbs), and dip ping, although in a slightly dif- ferent Theyway. did not ask the question about reclining, and likely most is that because in those days there was nothing unusual about reclin ing that would have prompted a young child to ask. and it notice matzah And And this is what is so meaningful to me sacrificeof which, wascourse, no longer be ing offered. They asked the same questions that we do about They lived in a world influenced by Greekre reclining thus and traditions, Roman and flected the customsof the times rather than a symbolic gesture of freedom as we explain it today. about a visit Each to timeTzippori. I visit, I am reminded of the fine line between being the on culture surrounding the by influenced one hand and completely assimilating and losing the distinct character of Judaism on the When you other. visit you Tzippori, see and a other mosaics, theatre, evidence of in- mpdbmmz/Ô ! - Nishta Mah text. We sat and taught from ˆ5NITED"ANCORP )NC Mishna cbol-! ! “Mona Lisa of the Galilee,” a mosaic in Tzippori a mosaic in Lisa of the Galilee,” “Mona - bet midrash I taught what is undoubtedly , the first post Biblical code Biblical post first the , Mishna Mishna. To the To rabbis of the Mishna, there were On my last … ” How different this night is from allof nightthis from is different How ” na… nights!the other depending on or either four three questions, whether an individual accepted the need to continue to ask a question about the Pesach the most recognizable together and read the words of the rabbis “ Pesach: of night first the about - Ye Rabbi by ited huda Hanasi in around Tzippori 200. the year on a visitvery to hot Tzippori, day, late June I gathered our group together in the cooling shade of the the of Jewish law, was compiled by the descendants and disciples of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, who left Jerusalem before the - de struction of the Temple in 70 C.E.; it was ed has for a rabbi is that it served as one of the Mishnaic during teaching rabbinic of centers The times. %-AIN3T„ 3:EEB2D„ 33TATE3T„

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he job of a pulpit rabbi in 21st-century 21st-century in rabbi pulpit a of job he America is certainly multi-faceted. But, without any doubt, the most

-EMBER&$)# One of the reasons that I love taking As much as I love swinging and swaying We in Ann Arbor have strong connections connections strong have Arbor Ann in We But the larger connection that Tzippori Commentary

Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, special to the WJN the to special Dobrusin, Robert Rabbi T From the house of study, in the ancient city of Tzippori in the ancient of study, the house From important role is that of teacher of Torah. Rabbis formally teach Torah from the groups groups to Israel is to take advantage of the opportunity to in teach Torah many differ on the bus while I teach, I have also taught in Israel more Torah in stable quieter, situa and in classrooms, and less formally during consultations with congregants, in commit settings. meetings other tee countless and ent settings. Among those, my favorite is to stand at the front of a tour bus as it winds or mountain a down or curvingup a road on Jerusalem rushhour in startingstopping and beto seems experience this Somehow, traffic. lives: our in has Torah role the for metaphor a being our anchor and our stability through times. unpredictable rapidly changing, tions. One of these was at the archeological the betbeen have to appears ofwhat remains midrash, city of Tzippori in the Galilee. city of Tzippori partnership our in located is It Tzippori. with us of many and Galilee, Central the of region visitedwithin conjunction there a have visit is not far away. which Nahallal, to I I Commentary

A lesson to be learned from Madoff‘s greed Rabbi Robert D. Levy, special to the WJN riginally, I intended to write this if such a sin was committed, is a feather in go beyond the lip service we pay to Jewish applied. Our Jewish educational systems are essay on a question remaining the breeze compared to the sadly wasted values and ethics, and raise our children to long on history, Hebrew, and ritual, and short O from an article I wrote for the De- admiration many a Jew and many a Jewish believe that success in morality is to be val- on living with Jewish decency. Continuity cember issue of the Washtenaw Jewish News. institution lavished on a man whose destruc- ued over financial success. from generation to generation, not how we That article covered the University of Michi- tive cyclone smashed a boulder through the Ok, so I sound pathetically like a rabbi, live in this generation, is our primary con- gan’s Wallenberg Medal, awarded to Bishop window of our good name. but perhaps this is the time for reassessment cern. The religion of intended spouses of our Desmond Tutu. Ernest Fontheim, in a letter- Sure, there are thieves the world over; based on values. Madoff is a thief. But the children concerns us more than the character to-the-editor, asked if such an honor, given in many who falsely profess belief in their vari- culture out of which his banality arose, our of the individuals our children choose as life memory of a savior of Jews during our dark- ous ancestral faiths. Obviously, we are repelled culture, seems to exalt material success over partners. Our priorities seem misplaced. In- est hour, should properly be given to someone by the destructiveness of Bernie Madoff’s cy- righteousness. Or rather, we separate the two. termarriage, continuity, and survival should Fontheim, and surely many others, consider a clonic greed. His ill wind may have smashed Make money in one realm, and do good with not be our deepest concern; rather decency radical opponent of the State of Israel. our window, but reputations mean nothing the proceeds through the Jewish community should be at the heart of a Jewish identity. But the subject of honor and dishonor compared to the financial ruin he visited on in another. Almost all of us earn our bread Our concern, our teaching, our message can no longer be easily approached within many, many lives. Nevertheless, one of our ethically, unlike Madoff, but ethics is not the to each other, to our children and to the the Jewish community. In the wreckage of community, an honored member, betrayed point of capital acquisition. Earning is. And world needs to be righteousness. Is that not the global economy, we discovered that the humanity and brought real shame upon us. then we support our community, both Jew- the message Abraham, our father, taught at single worst offender, the thief without peer, I am asking: Rather than being offended ish and not, with our well gotten gains. Ac- Sodom and Gomorrah? He chastised God was not only one of our own, but one who that a Desmond Tutu is honored, perhaps we quisition here and righteousness there. saying, “Can the Judge of the universe act traded on his exemplary Jewish good name. need to rethink our community’s blind pride Maybe we Jews need to reassess our eth- without justice?” Who are we as a people, if The sin of honoring Bishop Desmond Tutu, in its economic success. Perhaps we need to ics and where they need to be taught and not passionately dedicated to righteous?3 n Federal government must act to help the most vulnerable By William C. Daroff and Hadar Susskind WASHINGTON (JTA)—Officials at the Na- federal intervention, it is only a matter of time the most effective and immediate measures would allow the most vulnerable to continue tional Bureau of Economic Research announced before our nation’s safety net for the most vul- taken to reverse the previous recession. Since to access affordable health care when they last month what economists and most people nerable will be in severe risk of collapsing. then, despite repeated calls from our nation’s need it the most. Congress can immediately had known for quite some time—our nation is It is no coincidence that tzedakah, the word governors and others, Congress has not used implement this action without having to raise suffering through one of the worst economic we commonly translate to mean the Jewish this tool to ward off or reverse today’s current taxes or cut services elsewhere. recessions since the Great Depression. obligation to give charity, literally means “jus- economic decline. It is time to dust off this President Obama, House Speaker Nancy The need for chesed (kindness) and tik- tice.” As Jews, we are commanded to act so option and take serious steps toward ending Pelosi, and other congressional decision mak- kun olam (repair of the world) has never been that there will be “no needy among you,” not the recession. ers from both sides of the aisle already have stronger than it is today. Despite numerous only because it is moral but because it benefits Some will argue that it is the responsibility pledged their support for a temporary, timely signs of a worsening economy and pleas for the whole. Now is the time to raise our voices of the states and not the federal government to and targeted increase for FMAP. Additionally assistance, the lines of those seeking help have in support of federal aid for those who are provide food, health care, and shelter to those they have promised that an economic recov- grown longer, the demand for food pantries most affected by the recession—to advocate most in need. But no state is immune from ery bill would be among the first pieces of leg- and soup kitchens has risen precipitously, and to our elected representatives that they insti- the economy’s collapse. Nearly every state is islation considered in the 111th Congress. As volunteers and service providers have been tute comprehensive legislation to protect our now experiencing severe budget shortfalls and economic conditions across the United States stretched to the limit. nation’s most vulnerable. deficits that are paralyzing their efforts to pro- and specifically within 43 states grows worse, Local Jewish federation agencies are re- Our country worked its way out of the last vide needed services for the most vulnerable we must ensure that any economic recovery porting a profoundly disturbing nationwide economic recession in 2004 by implementing among us. Unlike the federal government, the legislation includes an FMAP increase. trend whereby a whole new group of work- a series of tax reforms and direct aid to states. vast majority of states are required by law to History will judge our nation by the qual- ers—bus drivers, teachers, and trash collec- Most notable was a multibillion-dollar infu- have a balanced budget. This means that when ity of life it provides for its most vulnerable tors, who once made a steady and sufficient sion by the federal government to increase the a state revenue declines, the legislature has two citizens. We as a community must advocate in living—are now joining the long lines of those federal medical assistance percentage rate, or options to fill the void: cut spending or raise favor of these proposals if they are to become seeking assistance. Jewish communities across FMAP. Simply put, FMAP provides funds for taxes, both of which have dire ramifications reality. n the nation are finding that increased levels of Medicaid that help make health coverage af- for an ailing economy. William C. Daroff is the vice president for poverty, hunger, and economic insecurity are fordable to low- and moderate-income fami- The federal government has more flex- public policy and director of the United Jewish growing concerns of social service agencies lies, whose members are generally the first to ibility in setting its budgets. Increasing aid Communities’ Washington office. Hadar Suss- and other partners that do not have the finan- be laid off and lose company health benefits to FMAP would allow states to avert further kind is the director of the Jewish Council for cial resources to meet the increased need. when the economy goes into a downturn. budget cuts and enable governors to allocate Public Affairs’ Washington office. It is becoming quite apparent that without The FMAP increase was credited as one of limited resources to other programs. It also

THE FRANKEL CENTER FOR JUDAIC STUDIES’ 19th ANNUAL BELIN LECTURE 
  

 
 
   with Fred Lazin We Are Not One: American Jews, Israel, 9OUR4RUSTED'UIDEAT-EDICAL!PPOINTMENTS and the Struggle for Soviet Jewry. *EWISH&AMILY3ERVICESOFFERSTRAINED February 2009 9 Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

A VOLUNTEERSTOHELPOLDERADULTSGET Forum Hall, Palmer Commons, University of Michigan THEINFORMATIONANDCARETHEYNEED 100 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 ATTHEDOCTORSOFlCE#ALLTODAYFOR Free & open to the general public. Call 763-9047 or MOREINFORMATION   visit www.lsa.umich.edu/judaic for more information Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 16 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 17 ------to obtain g . . All Adult Education eileenfreed@jewishan www.jewishannarbor.or . Freed and RamahFreed beg. may reached A limited number of spots are available, so Applications Applications for subsidies must be re The presentation fit into the eighth-grade the into fit presentation The Eitan Spivak, Gabe Eitan Spivak, Solomon, Gil Eisbruch compete in the JCC Maccabi Games. The fee to to must fee be 13–16 The years old as of Games. July 31, 2009 to Maccabi JCC the in compete participate is $850, which includes registration fees, plane tickets, and team uniforms. Some will assistance scholarship be offered. families with interested teens are encouraged to contact Deborah Huerta as soon as possible visit at 971-0990, or Games, [email protected] Maccabi JCC the about more learn www.jccmaccabigames.org. ticipate ticipate in one pre-trip and one post-trip meeting, and will be asked to share their ex trip. their duringperiences after or ceived in the Federation office 1. Students by considering March second semester programs, such as EIE, Alexander or Muss, Tichon Ramah are Yerushalayim, encour not as befunds may in aged apply March, to the funding cycle. after available Visit the a subsidy application. For more information, contact Eileen Freed at narbor.or at 677-0100. Eileen Freed is director of Israel/Overseas and Community Relations for the Jewish Federa Arbor. Ann tion of Greater Much Much of the learning takes place outside of the classroom. The class has already visited with the Muslim Community Association to learn firsthand aboutIslam. Other trips include volunteer service Al at Ann Arbor’s pha House, pha and House, a visit to Chabad House for a Sabbath observance. Larry Kuperman has been a teacher at the JCS for seven years. In addition to teaching the eighth-grade Sun day school, he also teaches Adult Education, a lecture and discussion series that explores Recent experience. Jewish the of range full the Adult Education classes include the African Jewish Experience; Belief in the Afterlife, a lecture by noted author Stephen Segall; and an upcoming discussion based on the film The Lost of Tomb Jesus offerings are free of charge and are open to n the public. in the class, added, “Listening a to “Listening first-hand added, in the class, Holocaust the about think me made account differently.” curriculum, which focuses on social activ ism, a core value of Secular Humanism. ------This summer Ann Arbor’s team will be at Participants Participants must be JCC members and Eligible programs must be at least four Subsidy recipients will be asked to par In In 1947, Hiss came to America. In 1948, “Because Larry Hiss was so young dur The students really enjoyed the - presen Teen athletes 2009 Maccabi for Games sought Teen WJN the to special Huerta, Deborah Federation offers subsidies for teen trips to Israel teen trips for subsidies offers Federation WJN the to special Freed, Eileen Each Each summer the Jewish Community Center County sends ofa team Washtenaw of athletes ages 13–16 to the JCC Maccabi Games, an incor that competition sportingOlympic-style service community porates socialactivitiesand to combine for an unforgettable experience for Jewish teens. This past year Ann Arbor’s team attended the JCC Maccabi Games, hosted by the JCC of Metropolitan Detroit, 17–22. August from tending tending the JCC Maccabi Games in San - An from August tonio, Texas, Sunday, 9–Friday, August 14. Teens may compete in bowling, boys tennis, table tennis, swimming, golf, dance, or girls girls softball, volleyball, and girls soccer, of all athletic girls abilities Teens basketball. are to welcome Theparticipate. JCC is also excited to announce that this Ann year’s Arbor team Ann Nahalal, from athletes two include also will partnership region in Israel. Arbor’s The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor Ann ofGreater Federation Jewish The offor value experiences the Israel in believes teenagers, and offers subsidies to those par ticipating in organized approved, peer trips to Israel. Subsidies are provided for sum mer-, semester-, and year-long programs, programs. gap-year including weeks in length and be organized by an ap proved provider, such as MASA gap-year programs and summer programs sponsored Other eligible Movements. Youth National by summer programs include those sponsored Acad Frankel (e.g. institutions educational by Israeli universities) emy, and those programs listed on the Jewish Israel Agency’s Experi ences web Subsidies site. are not available for the gap-year. programs beyond college allies. allies. The years of starvation had left their the rich food. for bodies unprepared just one year after coming to America, he joined the After his US Army. discharge, he found work as a home salesman, alongside two fellow Holocaust survivors. He later married, and his life could easily be - consid ered an American In success story. 1965, his business took him to Ann MI, where Arbor, his home. he still makes ing the Holocaust, the same age as students the in to his kids the really relate could class, added Larry“De experiences,” Kuperman. spite all that he endured, Larry maintains a positive attitude towards life, an important with that he shared value the class.” tation. Jess More said, “It was interesting. I learned more about history than I knew before. I know didn’t about the dividing of Poland and the relationship between Russia and Germany at the beginning of the war.” Max More, Jess’ brother and also a student ------n the Jewish council Judenrat, Noa Gutterman Noa - My countdown may not be completed in 23in completed be not may countdown My Hiss Hiss and his family were forced to live in Hiss survived in this way until liberated Hiss Hiss would eventually be sent to a series Noa, Noa, the daughter of Rabbi Robert Levy and Jo Ellen Gutterman, is a junior at Huron High School. This article was written the beginning of January. violence, violence, it will not change the world. While I may be up perfect the be not may experience my that rying about worrying be should I imagined, I dream The Gaza. around and in living those of lives the situation is complicated. I cannot sit here and blame Hamas for bombing innocent citizens. situation the though Even fault. at also is Israel and is far comprehen complicated beyond my sion, my teenage mind knows that I must find fault in both sides. Killing innocent people is all past looking that know I yet, And okay. never must all We part. important most the is that of who people the helping on attention our focus are being directly affected by the violence. We must give support to those living in our com in living family and friends have who munity upon and around must called Gaza. We think ofbe the - hun may who Israelis pain young of and dreds anger our transform must We fight. to supportinto and love. return can I before time some take may It days. to Israel. I am in no rush. My firstpriority is a cease-fire, so that the least possiblenumber of cannot I while And killed. are people innocent love and support that believe I help, to much do for Israel will help alleviate pain and suffering. must We put aside all of our countdowns and packing lists and focus on doing everything we to now act must We lives. innocent save to can sing we time every make we promise the fulfill must We prayers. our send must We . Hatikvah our hope. send must We our support. send set set that I may not able partake in this to adventure, the of Instead wor trip. my than bigger is situation ter ter than in the German-occupied section. In Germany went 1941, to war with and Russia section was annexed. the Russian-held a When ghetto. he was 13, he was among a tak and up rounded were that boys of group family the of friend A station. police the to en who was in the father Hiss’ Camp. Mauthausen-Gusen mous himselfwas he while killed, were mother and saved from death again by the intervention of friend. a family by the allies. He spoke of how many of the liberating soldiers were African-Americans, of spoke He many. to amazing seemed which how many people who survived the camps the by then to fed rations the survive couldn’t Jews Jews in Poland Russian-controlled was bet that served as a liaison with the Germans, had and Hiss one other pulledboy out do to All work. the other boys were taken away by gun. machine by truck executed and of concentration camps, including the infa ------

ast ast month, the eighth-grade Sunday School class at the Jewish Cultural School (JCS) of Ann Arbor was privi

have no memories of the first time I went went I time first the of memories no have to Israel. From pictures and stories, I’ve and smelled dirty, that it was gathered hot, From From the time I began telling my friends In an attempt to make some speculation The class’s teacher, Larry teacher, said Kuperman, class’s The Larry Hiss was born in 1928, in Poland. Teens Soon be in Israel to WJN the to special Gutterman, Noa strongly of falafel. I wore the same dress for times many broke stroller my and months three On of Jerusalem. streets stoned cobble on the January 25, I will return to Israel as a partici and classmates that I would be living I in Israel questions of the many year, upcoming the in got were concerning my Both safety. Jews and non-Jews expressed concerns for my personal health and security while in a country ravaged with war since its inception. Until last week, I While easy to were dismiss. questions these in violence constant been had there that knew I mind. my it Israel, seemed been of to have subdued to a low part far a to dismissed easily roar, was much more concerned with fittingmy be computer my at down sat I situation, the about cur everything the about find read and could I pant on NFTY-EIE High School in Israel, I hope I Israel, in School High NFTY-EIE on pant looking been I have sense. fashion better with forward to my trip since my sister went on the program in 2004 and returned home with rave be And countdown! 1825-day a That’s reviews. lieve me, I’ve been counting. HighNFTY-EIE School in Israel is a four-month program in which participants take general studies classes in addition to intensive Hebrew and Jewish The Studies. program includes trips all - Is over rael trip Poland. and a week-long to fulfill or - 50 poundlongings suitcases, two into I when Yet, leaving. before schoolwork my ing heard about the violence in Gaza, all concerns vanished. immediately planning and packing of thought I instantly that you tell I could While about the safety of those living in that Gaza, in panic days be I multiple a would spent lie. speculating about the fate of my trip. EIE has been cancelled and before, with a possible war, be again. cancelled it could I rent situation. Finally, realized that this situa tripgetsIfthe trip. my than bigger much is tion cancelled, or significantly modified, because of I about the session, “When I invited Larry Hiss Hiss Larry invited I “When session, the about was goal my class, the with speak and come to to the make history of this period real to the about read they that something just not kids, in books or moviesI watched wanted about. that the understand the class to tragic events some people, ofreal periodto this happened The themselves. kids the than older much not hopes.” my beyond succeeded presentation His father was an engineer at an oil refinery. On September 1, 1939, when Hiss was 11, Nazi Germany invaded and conquered Po leged to have a special guest speaker. Larry Hiss, speaker. guest special a have to leged a Holocaust survivor and local visitedresident, was it what of memories his shared and class the the Holocaust. through live to like land. On September 17, 1939, Soviet Russia invaded the eastern part of Poland, where Hiss lived. As he said, “that bought us two As bad as years.” the Russians were, life for L Jesse E. Gordon, special to the WJN the to special E. Gordon, Jesse Holocaust survivor Larry class with JCS eighth grade Hiss talks I I Youth

JCC to offer summer camping programs at 2008 rates Deborah Huerta, special to the WJN amp Raanana is the Jewish Com- reserve their space and take advantage of munity Center of Washtenaw savings opportunities. Families that register C County’s outdoor summer day by April 1 will be eligible for early-bird rates, camp for children entering grades K–8. Lo- and those that register by May 1 will be en- cated on a beautiful private beach front at tered in a raffle for a free week of camp and Independence Lake, the camp offers nine other prizes. one-week sessions each summer and pro- For more information about Camp vides swim lessons, arts, crafts, Judaica, na- Raanana, visit www.CampRaanana.com or ture exploration, music, sports, free swim, contact camp director Deborah Huerta at weekly special events or field trips, and Shab- [email protected] or 971-0990. n bat celebrations. Camp Raanana had a tremendously success- ful summer in 2008 and is busy preparing for another incredible camp season this year. Camp Raanana is commit- ted to providing dynamic Jewish camping experiences to Ann Ar- bor’s youth, particularly in these challenging economic times. For summer 2009, Camp Raanana is pleased to be able to offer camp at s Camper Quinton Clark, Junior Counselor Jack McWhinnie, and Camper Liam Knafl the same rates as last year. There participating in the boating specialty will be no increases in camp fees,

and rates for extended morning s Pioneer campers Sofia Eisenbeiser, Alexa Pinsky, and Hanna Clark and afternoon care will be re- duced slightly. In addition, Camp Raanana is happy to provide scholarships to Camp Raanana seeks staff members for 2009 families who need financial assistance. The camp dates for summer 2009 are June Camp Raanana, the Jewish Community teens must fill out an application and meet must have completed at least one year of 22–August 14. Camp registration will begin Center of Washtenaw County’s outdoor sum- with the camp director to receive approval college, or equivalent, and have previous in February and brochures will be available mer day camp, has several staff openings for to enter the program. Accepted at the JCC and at www.CampRaanana.com. this summer. Counselor in Training positions applicants must attend training The registration deadline is June 1, but fami- are available for teens who have completed on June 15 and 16. lies are encouraged to register in advance to eighth or ninth grade, Junior Counselor Camp Raanana’s Junior positions are available for teens who have Counselors work directly with completed tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade, a group head counselor who and Head Counselor and Specialist positions acts as a mentor and involves are available for college students. the Junior Counselor in plan- The Counselor in Training program ning and implementing all is designed for young people who have camp activities. Junior Coun- completed eighth or ninth grade and are selors must have completed making the transition from camper to 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and counselor. Camp Raanana is seeking en- have previous experience in a thusiastic and responsible teens who can day camp setting. This is a paid 2008 Camp Raanana Staff Members commit to a four-week program and are position which requires a four-week mini- experience in a day camp setting. All staff looking for a challenging, fun, and reward- mum commitment. All Junior Counselors members will be required to attend Staff ing summer experience. Families pay a fee will be required to attend Staff Training Training week from June 15-19. for teens to participate in the leadership week from June 15-19. For more information about working at training program and then the teens receive Camp Raanana is also seeking mature Camp Raanana or to request an application an honorarium for their work upon suc- and talented individuals to fill several and set up an interview, contact camp di- cessful completion of the training. A lim- eight-week head counselor and specialist rector Deborah Huerta at deborahhuerta@ ited number of CIT positions are available; positions. Applicants for these positions jccfed.org or 971-0990. Camper Clara Rosenblum having fun in the sand February 2009 A Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009  19                                                                                         ------. n . “Go Green!” will be another theme of the eve the of theme another be will Green!” “Go Students will display results of individual learned only not have scientists student HDS The ECC’s second parenting program is potheses, and designing experiments to find the find to experiments designing and potheses, answers to their questions. The displays show ing their explorations and discoveries at will be p.m. 7 at 19, February on public the to open willStudents be the fair. HDS academic science on hand to explain selected Kindergart topics. own their make to visitors encourage will ners predictions at discovery stations about color, mirrors, and water, ramps. Serving as resident scav a lead will graders first wolf, the on experts Afraid of the enger Big hunt “Who’s Badcalled will Clues information about the lead to Wolf?” and habitat, behavior, structure, family animal’s food. The finaldestination will be “Wolf’s the to view Den,” a student-prepared PowerPoint the animal. on presentation graders second the from learn will Visitors ning. all about eco-friendly projects that make HDS an environmentally-friendly school—such as - printer cartridges, con recycling paper, reusing serving adopting energy, an endangered spe cies, and building a birdhouse habitat. From about learn will they graders, fourth and third the solar system, water conservation, weather, and simple machines. Check out the student- created weather-testing instruments, such as a rain gauge and a barometer. research in self-selected areas of interest. For an electric created Weingarten Leah example, circuit-board game. Asaf Pollock will demon strate “shocking a (static surprise” electricity). Fisher-Pinsker has Yotam “hairya demonstra a Rosenfeld, Eva and adaptation), (animal tion” water shooter (water There pressure). will also be studies and results of research on how gills function, on conductors and insulators, mag the pH netic fields, of andwater its on effect and properties of nitrogen. liquid conductivity, from their own explorations. They have also been studying the work of famous scientists. ofMembers the to readcommunity invited are their research papers, test out their hypotheses, to lead to roads “all why them with discover and science.” For more information, contact HDS at at HDS contact information, more For science.” g [email protected] 971-4633 or newly developed, and seeks to provide par ents with the tools to guide them through dif ficultchild situations whilenurturing positive six of series with a relationships “Early their The children. Workshop,” Parenting Childhood Sunday sessions, links the methods that ECC use teachers in produc the to create classroom tive and peaceful classroom environments to strategies that parents can use with their chil dren to create a more harmonious home life. As families are busier, pressed for time, and stressed, it often seems that power struggles the wrong at exactly outbursts with children, time, and feelings of frustration (for both the parents and the children) must simply be en eliminate to of seeksset This workshops dured. these struggles through new interaction strat egies. and Noreen De Peretz HirshbeinYoung n this program. facilitate information more call on these For programs, Noreen or DeYoung Peretz Hirshbein in the JCC Early Childhood at 971-0990 Center - - - - - Blessings of a Skinned hich microwave hich popcorn microwave pops listening Does kernels? most the of rate the change music loud to

One of the parenting programs is new, but but new, is programs parenting of the One Hebrew Day School students are observing observing are students School Day Hebrew Youth one has returned to help mothers connect their connect mothers help to returned has one Jewishness and their parenting. The “Jewish book group Mama’s” explores parenting us proach proach to adult-child interactions. Adult-child interactions at the ECC are based on the High/ Scope approach, which emphasizes partner ships between adults and children, autonomy and development, a way non-judgmental to problems. solve book Mogel’s ing Wendy This Winter This Winter the JCC Early Childhood Center programs parenting several presenting is (ECC) ap support ECC’s the parents help to seek that Knee: Knee: Using Jewish to Teachings Raise Self-Reli . Mogel, a clinical psychologist, uses psychologist, clinical a Mogel, . Children ant and from sources lessons to Jewish tradition children gracious confident, raise parents help when family lives have become stressful, busy, group, the facilitates Zoldan at Yael uncertain. and month each night Thursday one meets it and the Jewish Community Center of Washtenaw County. Peretz Hirshbein, special to the WJN the to special Hirshbein, Peretz ECC rolls out parenting programs ECC Tal Tal Sasson, Rachel Siegel, Abigail Chervin, Wolves Unit on Daniel Unit on Geology Zacks,

Dina Shtull, special to the WJN the to special Shtull, Dina At HDS, all roads lead to science roads lead to At HDS, all the world around them and asking questions. - hy formulating observations, making Theyare tion influence whatyou see, think, and do? stitch which hand, by clothes mending When ofbrand Which longest? the rip the hold will trash bag is the strongest? your your heartbeat? Does the power of sugges W

Jane Mintz, Unit on Simple Machines I I Youth

Registration for Chabad's Camp Gan Israel now open Esther Goldstein, special to the WJN hen Ann Arbor trained, not only in what they are teaching, but Camp Gan Israel is part of the largest and resident Shternie in interacting with kids and creating an inclusive fastest growing network of Jewish day camps in W Zweibel decided environment. Many of the staff members re- the world, one which has a strong reputation as to open a day camp serving the turn year after year, adding experience and their a trendsetter with innovative ideas and a creative Jewish community, she knew strong rapport with the community. approach to integrating Jewish values across the the most important ingredient Still, a summer camp does need plenty of curriculum. They also have built a solid reputa- would be finding staff that could good programming to hold kids’ interest, and tion for their approach to teaching the arts. As make a personal connection Zweibel and staff have worked together with part of a global network, Zweibel and her staff with each family that enrolled parents and community members in putting enjoy the advantage of being able to introduce their children in the program, together a program that includes professionally new ideas to their program which have been and make both children and taught creative arts and sports programs, as well “road-tested” in summer programs from Aus- parents feel welcome. Eleven as more standard activities, such as recreational tralia, Europe, or less-exotic US locations. years later her program, Camp swimming, crafts, woodworking, and sports. This year, Camp Gan Israel is hoping to Gan Israel of Ann Arbor, is still Three times per week campers will be able to enlarge enrollment with an intensive sports growing and both parents and choose from a special roster of activities that in- camp. Participants in the sports camp will Zweibel attribute the camp’s clude yoga, dance, art, music, and martial arts. have special athletic training all morning three outstanding success to the staff. Campers at a field trip to botanical garden And of course there are field trips to a miniature times per week. “The program is well Zweibel says that she learned the importance golf course, an indoor ice skating rink, and local Looking ahead to this summer’s program, thought out with activities and field trips, and of staff interaction through experiencing sum- museums, to name a few. Zweibel said, “Plans are well underway now, and the values that are taught—charity, and justice, mer cap as both a child and as a counselor prior Camp Gan Israel is specifically aimed at I am looking forward to another great summer. and doing good in the world—are things that to opening her own summer program. While serving the Jewish community, and towards that I enjoy what I do, and I can’t wait to see all the are close to our heart and our home. My highest many camps offer high quality crafts programs end they have always complemented their other happy faces of our campers when they find out praise, however, goes to the incredible counsel- and recreation, and Eastern Michigan offers a activities and classes with programming specifi- what is store for them.” n ors,” wrote local resident Liora Rosen in a let- large supply of interesting and educational spots cally related to Jewish history and tradition, and Those interested in registering or finding out ter to the Zweibels after her son’s first summer for field trips, without the added ingredient of by incorporating Jewish themes in the art, music, more about the summer program can visit the at Camp Gan Israel, “I truly cannot say enough a warm, caring staff kids just won’t connect to and cooking classes. Families involved in Camp Camp Gan Israel webpage, www.mycampgan- about the amazing staff who, every day, greeted what they are doing and will get little out of it. Gan Israel appreciate the non-judgmental ap- israel.com, or call 995-3276 (ext. 15). Regis- the campers with such joy. It’s a great feeling to Zweibel hand picks the counselors, instructors, proach, which allows children with varying de- tration begins February 1, 2009. know that my son is in such a wonderful, cre- and everyone else who will be involved with the grees of Jewish education and observance to take ative, fun environment.” summer camp, and makes sure they are fully pride in their common heritage.

JCC youth programs Kids’ Night Out events are open to JCC mem- bers only and the program fee is $50 per student JCC to offer February Break Programs Deborah Huerta, special to the WJN bers and non-members in grades K–5. The cost (Kids’ Konnection and Kids’ Club participants This year the JCC will offer February Break for JCC members is $20 (additional siblings: $18). are eligible for discounts). Registration in ad- Fun Day programs from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. on Feb- Kids Night Out, Valentine’s Day The cost for non-members is $25 (additional sib- vance is not required, but parents will be asked ruary 23–27. Each February Break Fun Day will Each month the Jewish Community Cen- lings: $23). Registrations are due by Thursday, to fill out a registration form and submit pay- feature a fun field trip or special activity, plus ter of Washtenaw County offers a Kids’ Night February 12. ment when they arrive. crafts, games, and gym time or outdoor recess. Out event featuring games, crafts, dinner, and Programming details for each day will be avail- a movie to give elementary age kids a chance to Programs on snow days for grades K–8 School’s Out Program on February 16 able in early February. Students should bring a have fun with their friends and parents a chance The Youth Department of the JCC will once School’s Out/JCC’s In will take place on Feb- nut free, dairy lunch and appropriate clothing for to have a night on their own. This month’s again offer Snow Day programs this winter. On ruary 16 from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Participants will en- playing outside. event will be held at the JCC from 6:30–10 p.m. days when the JCC is able to open but Ann Arbor joy a variety of activities to celebrate President’s The February Break Fun Day programs are on Saturday, February 14. Public Schools are cancelled due to winter weather Day, including a special presentation. Students for JCC members ONLY in grades K–5; middle While parents enjoy a romantic evening, conditions, the Youth Department will run a Snow should bring a nut free, dairy lunch and appro- school students are also welcome to participate as kids will have a blast at this extra sweet Kids’ Day program from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for JCC mem- priate clothing for playing outside. helpers. The cost for each day is $34 for care from Night Out event. The program will feature the bers in kindergarten–eighth grades. During JCC The JCC’s School’s Out programs are for 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ($32 for additional siblings) and $8 timeless movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Snow Days, students will enjoy games, gym activi- JCC members ONLY in grades K–5; middle for Extended Care from 4–6 p.m. Registration and Factory, which tells the story of a poor boy who ties, and fun in the snow under the supervision of school students are also welcome to participate payment are due by Thursday, February 19. n wins a chance to visit the most amazing choco- youth director Deborah Huerta and other available as helpers. The cost is $34 for care from 8 a.m.–4 late factory in the world. Dinner, activities, and staff. Students should bring a nut free, dairy lunch p.m. ($32 for additional siblings) and $8 for Ex- For more information or registration for all a variety of health and not-quite-so-healthy and appropriate clothes for playing outside. tended Care from 4–6 p.m. Registration is due JCC youth programs, contact Deborah Huerta treats will complete the evening. The Snow Days program is for JCC mem- by Thursday, February 12. at 971-0990 or [email protected]

Graphic design to fit your needs… and your budget Make your next mailer, brochure, invitation or any design project a February 2009 A

by Dennis Platte 734.483.9619 [email protected] Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 20 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 - - - - - 21 , an , Amsterdam Amsterdam News continued 33 on page “The reality is day in, day out, blacks and Rabbi Rabbi David Saperstein, who as the direc Schneier Schneier says he likes to tease Eleanor Tat Rumors Rumors of the demise of the alliance are “Crown Heights was the he lowest point,” tor of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Action Religious movement’s Reform to the of tor outreach Jewish national of leader a is Center other civil rights and minority groups, says the is thriving—inrelationship the leadership. help to education, for together working are Jews he the said. In poor,” the “the U.S. Congress, black caucus is overwhelmingly pro-Israel, the been overwhelmingly has been caucus Jewish um, um, the publisher of the ads more sees he that weekly, African-American in Jewish papers for Martin Luther King Day activities in hers. than he does renew old ties generally.” and look forward renew overstated, said Rabbi Marc Schneier, who co-founded the Foundation for Ethnic Un derstanding with hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons. The tensions stoked by the radical of inclinations an had older generation been replaced by the outreach favored by younger Obama. including blacks, referring said, to the lethal 1991 riots in Brook “but lyn, since those difficult and trying days andAfrican-American of cadre a been has there restor and repairing to dedicated leaders Jewish ing the relationship.” - - - - Lauter Lauter said conveyed conveyed to him he would like see to the black-Jewish roots historic renewed,” Lauter said, referring to Abraham Foxman, national ADL’s - di rector. Obama’s commit ment might help

“When “When Abe met with Obama, Obama “The numbers were so strong in terms of “There “There are some pockets of but activity, no she said Lauter however, weeks, recent In President Barack ObamaPresident

talks with Jewish said leaders, Deborah Lau the ter, Anti-Defamation national League’s civil-rights director. ance. Obama’s 78 percent support among Jewish Jewish among ticed an support enthusiasm for re-establishing the alli percent 78 Obama’s ance. pivotal. than expected—was voters—higher the Jewish to she vote “There’s for said. Obama,” opportunities for looking renewal, of spirit a spur an alliance that has faltered in recent years. years. recent in faltered has that alliance an spur Charged with reviewing what ADL chapters had planned for Martin Luther sheKing Day, noticed that plans for events bringing blacks had decreased. together and Jews said. Lauter be,” to used they what not they’re “The ones that exist work well, but it hasn’t been a priority.” - - shoulder to shoulder”shoulder to African Americans have stood have African Americans our country’s history, Jewish and history, country’s our “In the great social the great “In movements in - “In the great last at speech a during earlier, months few A Throughout his campaign, Obama made fall flat.Not so with WashingtonObama: The convention center filled withcheers when he the invoked memories of the three civil-rights American African an and Jews volunteers—two —who were mur dered in Mississippi Mississippi in dered in 1964. social movements in our country’s history, - Jew ish and AfricanAmericans have stood shoulder to Obama shoulder,” said. “They took buses down south They together. marched together. They bled together. And Americans like Andrew Goodman Jewishand Mi alongside die to willing were Schwerner chael a black man—James Chaney —on behalf of and equality.” freedom commemoration year’s of the King holiday at the slain civil-rights leader’s church in Atlanta, anti-gay and anti-immigrant criticized Obama sentiment in some corners of the black com He munity. also lamented that “scourge the of itself at has, revealed in times, anti-Semitism our community.” his desire to bridge the divide a focus of his ------

Obama, who Obama, has tiesstrong with influential Invoking this alliance was a linchpin of his The president-elect’s The inaugural president-elect’s committee The emphasis came after a bruising cam Washington D.C. Washington members members of the Chicago Jewish community, made it clear during the campaign that the al speech in May to thousands of members of the American Israel Public Affairs Commit paign in which Jewish voters were targeted by by targeted were voters Jewish which in paign anonymous campaigns attempting to depict Obama as a secret as Muslim, well as conser vatives who questioned the pro- candidate’s It also camedecades Israel of after bona fides. mistrust fueled by disagreements over affir South with relationship Israel’s action, mative Africa and outright expressions of hostility Rev. the as such figures black prominent from Farrakhan. Sharpton and Louis Al liance which helped bring about civil-rights change in the 1960s was a central focus of his outreach. Jewish tee, where references to domestic policy often

By Ron Kampeas Ron By WASHINGTON (JTA)—Barack Obama’s black- the revive to presidency his use to pledged One—the (minus) Day on starts alliance Jewish he became president. before day asked Jewish groups to make black-Jewish dia Obama pushes ahead with plan to rejuvenate black-Jewish alliance black-Jewish rejuvenate to ahead with plan Obama pushes logue and joint outreach to the poor a focus of commemo this year's Day King Martin Luther rightsalliancecivil classic the Renewing rations. is part a of “big se the picture,” inauguration’s told JTA. inaugurationnior official I I The World

Germany’s Muslims take a Holocaust lesson By Toby Axelrod BERLIN (JTA)—Onur looks intently at the of programs, many financed by the federal or “It’s hard to fight such theories with facts,” curity officials warn us against doing things like photomontage. From all the famous news im- local government, to confront such tendencies. one teacher said. “Everything we say can be part that,” Witting said. ages, he picks one: New York’s World Trade Teachers sometimes take the initiative.Ulrike of the conspiracy theory.” There are some Muslim-Jewish encounter Center aflame. “Did you know that the Jews Boehnke, who teaches in Berlin public schools, Sometimes the programs lead young Mus- programs, however. Last summer, the Wannsee were warned before to get out?” he whispers. “I has instituted her own zero-tolerance policy.“One lims to identify with the Holocaust narrative a bit House brought a group of Muslim youth from read it on the Internet.” of my kids was not allowed by his parents to go too closely, as they see themselves as victims and Berlin to Israel and the West Bank. Onur, 15, and his classmates are taking on a trip to Sachsenhausen,” the memorial at the modern-day Israelis as Nazis. In this narrative, During their weeklong visit to the Wannsee part in a weeklong educational program at the former concentration camp outside Berlin, she Israel’s creation—the Nakba, or “catastrophe,” in House, the teens from Onur’s school fidgeted Wannsee House Memorial and Educational recalls. “But I took the kid anyway.” Arabic—becomes the Muslim Holocaust. and whispered while educator Elke Gryglewski Centre, the site where in 1942 Nazi leaders “I have pushed, despite the rejection by Aycan Demirel, founder of the Kreuzberg asked them to pick a photo of a historical event worked out their genocidal plan for the Jews. Turkish parents,” she says. “And most kids are Initiative Against Anti-Semitism in Berlin, says that impressed them. Gryglewski finally told The Wannsee House is one of many institu- really affected by the visit.” he often encounters “competition for the victim them what had happened in the very building tions in Germany today trying to counter anti- Berlin artist Thomas Schliesser recently status” among Muslim youth. where they were sitting. Semitism and Holocaust denial, particularly took a group of preteens from the Hans Fallada “They ask, ‘Why can’t we focus on my his- “Was Hitler ever here?” one student asked. among Muslim youths. School to a street in their neighborhood as part tory?’ But that does not necessarily turn into “No,” Gryglewski answered. “It was in this Teachers across Germany say they face a of a program with the Trialogue interfaith proj- anti-Semitism,” he said. house that Nazi leaders decided how to kill mil- special challenge from those of immigrant ect of the Herbert Quandt Foundation and the Demirel, who is Turkish-born, says young lions of people.” backgrounds, most of whom are Muslims. Neukolln Artists Association. Muslims find him credible because of his im- Gradually the yawning and fidgeting Disenfranchised from the mainstream, many Placing a large sheet of white paper on the migrant background. His program aims to help stopped. Gryglewski introduced the teens to of these students echo anti-Semitic attitudes cobblestone sidewalk, he taught the kids how youths recognize and reject conspiracy theories Nazi racial pseudo-science, asking them if they heard at home, trade schoolyard insults about to make a charcoal rubbing. When they were about Jews. could tell who was Jewish in a series of old pho- Jews or express Holocaust denial, testing Ger- finished, they saw not only the impressions of Some say more contact between Jewish and tos. The students seemed surprised to discover man taboos. stones but a small square plaque, one of Berlin’s non-Jewish students would help curb anti-Se- they could not. “There is a problem, but you cannot quantify so-called “stumbling block” memorials: It bore mitic tendencies among Muslims in Germany. The Jews “were just like you, children with it,” says Micha Brumlik, a professor of pedagogy the name of Jewish resistance fighter Olga Be- For Staav Meier it didn’t. When classmates in their own families and identity,” Gryglewski at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University in nario, and her dates of birth and deportation to her ethnically diverse Berlin school asked about told them. “And then came the Nazis.” Frankfurt. “I have heard so many teachers say the Ravensbrueck concentration camp. her unusual first name, she told them it was Eventually Jews could not go to the movies, that when they have eyewitnesses of the Ho- “This was put here on what would have been Hebrew.“Suddenly I had no more friends,” recalls she went on. They could not have pets. They locaust at their schools, parents excuse their her 100th birthday,” Schliesser explained. Meier, sitting in the library of Berlin’s Jewish high could not go for a walk in the park. They could children and say they are sick. And the same “I’ve walked here many times and never no- school, where she transferred two years ago. not use public transport. happens when classes are going to visit the in- ticed it,” exclaimed one girl, Ezgi, 11. Muslim boys and girls “waited after school “Verboten, verboten, verboten,” she said. formation center at Berlin’s Holocaust memo- In the background, two boys snickered for me and called me a ‘s**t Jew,’ ” she said. “Every Some Jews managed to leave Germany, but rial or Jewish museums.” “Jude” and “This is boring” until their teacher, time something happened in the Middle East, it many did not, Gryglewski explained. In the end, To be sure, Germany’s problems with far- Sabine Schonherr, reprimanded them. got worse. One girl had lost someone in her fam- “this is all that was left of many of them,” she right groups are bigger than those with Muslim “This is not boring; it’s very, very important,” ily in the Lebanon war and she punched me.” said, showing them a large photo of victims’ youths, and few Muslim students are criminals she said. “Show some respect. These people were Such problems are familiar to Barbara Wit- shoes from Auschwitz. The students leaned in or extremists. But in this history-steeped coun- murdered in a gruesome way.” ting, the Jewish high school’s principal. She for a better look. try with a growing Muslim population—3.2 At a recent program for educators hosted recalls students returning from a Kristallnacht “I used to curse the Jews, and I won’t do it million out of 82 million, most of them of Turk- by the American Jewish Committee in Berlin, commemoration being harassed by a group of anymore,” said one student, Yasemin, 15, during ish background—Germany is keen on combat- teachers said they need help countering per- Muslim students from another school calling a break. “I used to say Jews are s**t because they ing anti-Semitic tendencies among the young vasive conspiracy theories about Jews among them “dirty Jews.”“We don’t have any projects hate Muslims, but now I understand better. And Muslims. Recent years have seen a proliferation Muslim youth. together with Muslim children because our se- now I hate the Nazis.” n

Engaging young Hungarian Jews By Eszter Margit BUDAPEST (JTA)—When hundreds of young For many young Hungarians, Limmud is their 20s and 30s when they learn more about Siraly, a trendy cultural pub located on the Hungarian Jews gathered last month for the lat- among the many programs that offer a way into their family’s history, much of it rooted in the edge of the former Jewish ghetto, sees alterna- est Limmud offering around the world, they were Jewish life. Popular communal Internet sites such Holocaust, and realize that being Jewish is about tive Jewish culture as a solution to engaging partaking in yet another cutting-edge Jewish ac- as the Jewish Meeting Point or Judapest also are more than partying or lighting some candles. Jews. Siraly unofficially presents itself as a Jewish tivity offered in this city. gaining momentum by creating a dialogue and For the younger set, local branches of interna- cultural center with upscale ads, a barely visible In some ways, young Hungarian Jews have information exchange within the community. The tional youth organizations play a significant role mezuzah on its front door and artsy decorations been spoiled by the increasing number of initia- new initiatives are trying to establish their credibil- in shaping Jewish identity. For many, the Lim- on its walls around the Jewish holidays. It hosts tives aimed at providing positive Jewish experi- ity through transparency, freedom, and indepen- mud was a way to connect with friends from the non-Jewish environmental talks and literary ences. But the third Limmud-Keset festival, as it dence from the Hungarian Jewish establishment. Szarvas International Youth Camp. readings along with Jewish theater productions is known here, offered something of a twist—a Csaba Kurti, the director of Jewish Meeting Many youngsters define Limmud-Keset as and the office of the Conservative movement’s combination of learning, volunteerism and grass- Point, founded the Web site along with his broth- the grown-up version of their beloved camp, Marom youth organization. roots activism. er six years ago because they lived in the country- which each summer hosts thousands of stu- Communal organizers have established a Jew- The idea that anyone can offer a class on side and did not have much opportunity to meet dents aged seven to eighteen from more than ish Youth Forum in order to inspire organizations any given subject—the Limmud model used Jewish women or make Jewish friends. 24 countries. The camp, founded by the Ameri- to map out a plan for bringing Jewish values and internationally—is a radically new concept in Kurti says the site now boasts 2,000 visitors a can Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, has experiences to the broader society, and at the same Hungary. “The Jewish community is so used to week and offers forums, matchmaking, cultural shaped the Jewish identity of many Hungarian time provide a deeper meaning to Jewish identity. being bombarded with numerous top-down reviews, and job postings. He says he is most Jews over the past 18 years. While learning at the Limmud-Keset festival or programs that at first there was surprise, then an proud of reaching unaffiliated Jews. David Klopfer, 21 a college student and lead- the Szarvas camp are significant steps in the right outstanding excitement toward a real grass-roots, “There are still numerous people in Hungary er of Hashomer, is active in Limmud-Keset and direction, some say it’s not enough. independent program where people are actu- who only find out that they are Jewish in their 20s the Szarvas camp. “Hungarian Jewish life has really changed

February 2009 ally empowered to make a difference,” said Agnes or 30s, when a grandparent dies and gets buried “While most Hungarian youth are becom- since the political transition,” said Zsuzsa Fritz, the

A Peresztegi, an attorney and the main organizer of in a Jewish cemetery,” he said. ing more and more anti-social, just sit in front director of the Szarvas camp. “It is not a question the festival. Kurti says it can take several years before they of their Playstation or TV all day long, later do any longer for the younger generation whether This year’s festival, centered on the unusual feel comfortable enough to participate in a Web drugs or drink at parties, we are trying to offer they are Jewish or not. There are many different, theme “Blood and Taboos,” offered lectures and chat. Responding to a large demand for Jewish more meaningful personal connections, a real cool ways to experience a positive identity. workshops about werewolves, laws of family puri- learning, JMPoint has set up an online academy community,” he said. “The main issue is the meaning of their Jew- ty, brit milah, anti-Semitic blood libels, self-defense to teach about Judaism. Cultural activities are also proving an im- ishness: Is there any depth to it, is there anything techniques, and approaching your inner hero. He believes the situation changes for those in portant draw among younger Jews. at stake?” n Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 22 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 23 Over 60 years of excellence services of excellence 60 years Over Ann Arbor, MI 48104 MI Arbor, Ann The www.chelseaflowersllc.com 203 E. Liberty St. Phone 662-5616 St. Phone 203 E. Liberty ps!)845*!788.1211 Chelsea Flower Shop, LLC Shop, Flower Chelsea Ipx!ep!xf!tfotf!Kfxjtioftt@ wjtju!xxx/kfxjtiboobscps/psh! qsftfout!b!tqfdjbm!fwfou!gps!xpnfo Ipx!ibt!Kvebjtn!jogmvfodfe!zpvs!mjgf@ Xiz!jt!cfjoh!Kfxjti!jnqpsubou!up!zpv@ Uif!Kfxjti!Gfefsbujpo!pg!Hsfbufs!Boo!Bscps! Xiz!ep!Kfxjti!xpnfo!offe!fbdi!puifs@ Tvoebz-!Nbsdi!9-!311: CFUXFFO!KFXJTI!XPNFO Gps!npsf!jogpsnbujpo!ps!up!sftfswf!zpvs!qmbdf-! ps!dpoubdu!Mbvsb!Cfshfs!bu!mbvsbAkfxjtiboobscps/psh FYQMPSJOH!UIF!DPOOFDUJPOT Invisible Thread ------he adds. “In life she had a great purpose, a great great a purpose, great a had she life “In adds. he

“The pain that every family suffered unites us victimsits to monument lone a has Karaganda The gulag kicked into high gear after World of“enemies prisoners, convicted as theStalin’s One camp here was designated for the Wives In a rare sign of resistance, rebellions erupted Free to go, those who had family waiting for with Meanwhile, the camps abolished, Kara Jewish Jewish professors were instrumental in creat “They knew they be wouldn’t deported from little no commemorates Karaganda’s Today, On one side of Dolinkathe to road is a former once that barracks abandoned itself, Dolinka In says files, many withhold to continues Moscow she says. of“Some still alive,” are them Molotov-Luchanskiy says his grandmother “She wanted me to know that life wasn’t so “Hers was actually a story of a happy wom even today,” says David Bitsadze, a taxi driver. Bitsadze, David says today,” even nestled within a modest park. Among the trees is a striking wooden memorial, part of it carved and with a an Star a Islamic crescent, ofcross, Da vid. Another part reveals tormented faces covered in barbed wire. A marble slab “This reads, soil is bones of by the dead.” covered withsoaked blood, II, asWar Moscow exploited its bottomless slave wasregion The country. ravaged a rebuild to labor home to four special camps renowned for bru as tality, highlighted in Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s . Archipelago landmark The Gulag expose typically hinterlands, the to shipped were people,” for eight to 10 years, to toil in mines, factories or farming. In Karaganda, they extracted coal and with copper, some agriculture. Most died of star the cold. or disease, vation, of of Traitors the Motherland, housing women and their children after the husbands were shot. Still others were deported here “internal as exiles,” in death living in certainrestricted villages. to Stalin’s after shortly again and 1952, late in shuttered. the camps were year The next 1953. In stayed. didn’t who Those left. home back them laid-off cases their nearby. some lived jailers ganda turned boomtown. The 1960s saw a new gradu recent or professionals young ofJews: wave ates either ordered to the Soviet outerempire’s reaches to fill a need,or seekingwork opportuni love, and great suffering. She thoughtShe everywas it suffering. great and love, n thing an ordinary girl want.” Jewish could ties in the “virgin soil” of Kazakhstan. “virgin soil” ties in the Jewish local says ing medical Karaganda’s school, finest, which became Union’s Soviet the of one Abramovich. Alexander activist with a smile. says Abramovich here,” torious past beyond the sleepy village of Dolinka, of the 30center administrative the camp network, of the city. miles southwest labor camp, recognizable by its watchtower— been it’s conveniently converted into a prison for exclusively built homes garden-variety criminals. On the sandstone other side is a yellow of village who ruled the gulag. officers for housed women are crumbling from age and ne villa glect. The is though,commander’s inhabited, with two satellite dishes planted in the front yard. trickleofa visi sees somber museum memorial A learn about to the come of many whom have tors, of ones. fate loved museum director Marina Klyshnikova, perhaps because of the perpetrators. sensitivity over spoke daily about her earlier life until she died in 1980 at age 81. Speaking she Yiddish, would tell him tales of the camp and of his grandfather. says. Molotov-Luchanskiy so easy,” or simple, an,” ------

“ ‘Your “ ‘Your family was in this camp?’ That’s with bond special a share they say here Jews Visiting the city today, remnants of the Visiting that city eratoday, The purges of the late 1930s injected large which Karaganda, in today pulsates life Jewish pain the for known best are here Jews the But “There is no separate story of Jews here in The heart of labor ma the slave Karaganda They were Theyswept up duringwere ofthe frenzy - Sta was to eightsentenced Luchanskiy years in the says Stalin,” only system, the blamed never “She citizens—span Soviet million 1.2 as many As what they know about says Karaganda,” Bela the Kamenetskaya, head of the local Hesed wel their Karaganda neighbors because they all suf ful history of When Karaganda. local Jews travel to other ex-Soviet republics, the mere mention of their hometown—now third- Kazakhstan’s city—typicallylargest elicits the same reaction. “Iffare office. theycome here, theyexpect itto look They’re like surprisedAuschwitz. to see we and an airport.” city squares streets, have together. fered can be felt still in the collective psyche and in and psyche collective in the still be felt can the of identity making the that Jews remain, the Karagandan community among the more unique in the Diaspora. It may be the least as Russian of numbers descendants of Jews to Before Kazakhstan. that, thewere 19th the either in here area Jews the in few settled who soldiers Jewish of or century fragments Silk Road Bukharan Jews. has 1,500 registered Jews. Chabad-Lubavitch here. Kazakhstan in school day second its opened There is a rabbi in town. The community hosts an annual festival for Jewish youth that draws some 200 participants from around the region. Last Purim, some Jews from Karaganda took a four-hour bus ride to the Kazakh capital Astana there. at a synagogue the holiday celebrate to chine chine was the railroad hub of Karaganda city, in central Kazakhstan. Once the camps were of “city it became closed a and virtualemptied, ex-convicts.” similated Jewish community in Kazakhstan, because 20,000 Jews, 15,000 to has some which grand or children are here Jews ofthe many so children of rabbis and other traditional Jews labor camps. the Karaganda to sent Stalin’s gulag,” offers Mikhail gulag,” Stalin’s Kreichman, who teaches Jewish history and tradition in Astana. in there.” nations suffered other many “Many, ning practically all the myriad ethnic groups na Among in death near or death to Karaganda. worked tionwide—were comprised that camps 75 the rabbis. many including Jews, many were them lin’s Great Terror, from 1937 to Great 1939. Terror, lin’s Josef was exiled was Liza and 1938, in squad firing a by shot Karaganda. cattle car to by vast network of forced-labor camps here, on the southern edge of fearsome Stalin’s gulag. Endur today who internist an Molotov-Luchanskiy, Vilen in Karaganda. Center Cultural heads the Jewish anskiy was born to a poor, Yiddish-speaking family family Jordan J. Michael by Yiddish-speaking poor, Kazakhstan (JTA)—Liza KARAGANDA, Luch a to born was anskiy the in historic, Berdichev, heavily Jewish city deep promisesSoviet by Lured ofSettlement. Pale the in truebeliever, communist a became she ofequality, Si in committee a on serve to up way her working revolu ofthe enemies so-called targeted that beria enough her or to But save her her tion. zeal wasn’t Josef. husband, similarly devoted ing extreme cold, hunger and exhaustion, which Luchanskiy never let afflicted her health ever after, grandson her says. ofgo faith in communism, her Jewish life flourishes where flourishes life Kazakh Jewish stood gulag once February 2009 A Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 24 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 25 ------The refugee camps were in Lebanese terri Then-defense minister Ariel Sharon re well do not did film the where place only “The “It’s no coincidence that there are two about audience the from questions Fielding but bridges, small build can they think do “I “So my unfortunately, film did notchange Folman Folman says he always intended to make in is there that everything at look you “When The film was first screened in Israel in June “I thought people would call it a left-wing The Israeli response, according to Folman, “They didn’t pull the trigger; it was the the type of propaganda the Israeli government government Israeli the propaganda of type the sending kept So they money. for buy couldn’t the movie out.” tory under Israeli but control, the attacks were allied fighters Christian Lebanese by out carried commission withAn Israeli investigative Israel. following the massacres found that though Is raeli officials did not have a hand inorganiz ing the massacres, which left at least hundreds dead, they bore indirect responsibility for fail ing to anticipate the violence and allowing the the camps. Christian into fighters signed his post as a result. was in where the Germany, public was obsessed with the comparison of the Sabra and Shatilla said. Folman the Holocaust,” to massacres strong to references the Holocaust in the film,” “The himself of son the survivors. Folman, said why That’s DNA. Israeli’s every in is Holocaust the biggest demonstrations in Israel happened after Sabra and Shatilla, because it sparked memories of our past. People realized some massacrebecausethat terribly wrong was thing took place with the support and collaboration of government.” the Israeli current the inform able be might film the how that believe doesn’t he said Folman Gaza, in war world. the change films can I think don’t they can change public opinion. war what shows it because current film this love Israelis the about talking said, he but,” is, really to have you ‘Sometimes say “they Gaza, in war very Israeli. That’s do.’ to have whatdo you n anything.” Waltz with Bashir film. as an animated Waltz which war, of memories memory, film—lost this are probably the most surreal things hallucination—it on earth, drugs, subconscious, dreams, storyline,” fluid one combine to way only the was “If it he was said. it a would classic documentary, with covered be to have shown middle-aged have men telling their war would it and experiences wouldn’t and find never could you that footage through. went big they a what resembling made to close you come if And film. boring a be would It movie,of Israeli budget with moviean actionthe be sad.” just that would While it 2008. generated enormous discussion, of it the wasn’t politicalsays, Folman nature he expected. anti-Zionist film and he that didn’t happen,” more than the that, film became“And the said. darling of the establishment.” to soldiers was positive for allowing two reasons: It country, made Israel tolerant a like look talk openly about their experiences in the war, and when it was screened in Europe it made for the first timerealize people thatthere many it the wasn’t Israeli troops that committed the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacres. Christian Folman this regime,” said. “And is ------his anti- Waltz with Bashir Waltz Waltz with Waltz Bashir, he was talking to a The 45-year-old filmmaker appeared some appeared filmmaker 45-year-old The “When Sony bought the film theytold me, called Folman “This film wascomplicated becauseon the - Leb in served he when 19 only was Folman ago, years four than more little startedalla I was “I confessed. he fighter,” big a not was “I Folman said the army was always calling “It was the first time I heard myself speak After hearing the recollections of a soldier Folman waded through more than 100 re Film backstory with Bashir revealed Waltz Hartog Kelly By LOS ANGELES (JTA) – The day before Ari Fol Ari before day The Best – (JTA) ANGELES for LOS Award Globe Golden the accepted man Language Foreign Film for his animated docu mentary packed house at Arclight Hollywood’s Theatre offollowing a screening the movie. what bemused by all the hoopla, after eight and film the with world the traveling of months of dozens festivals. attending Fol season,’” awards for over come to have ‘You man “I recalled. know didn’t what that meant. But now I see that there is an NBA season, an NFL season, and an like awards season. evIt’s - competing You’re a game. there’s days two ery with the same films and the same directors. Some days they win, some days I win. like It’s obsessed with all really prizes.” you’re war movie. one hand I wanted to show war in a very non- he “Unlike those said. Americanglorifying way,” anti-war movies where they tell their ‘War kids: sucks but the guys in my the movie are for really cool.’ die and ‘Yes, Iraq They say, to way. wrong the it take kids the And go to want I that but essential sucks, was it war hand, other the On country.’ shown as victims.” weren’t soldiers the Israeli anon during the time of the didn’t massacres he in theBut camps. refugee Shatila and Sabra experi - his about film a make to yearning return In fact, he ences. could barely remember them, is whatwhich forms the basis of the movie. when he was looking to get out of his annual military duty. reserve to was army the in job my and a screenwriter, de to ‘How like movies, instructionshortwrite in attack nuclear Iranian an from yourself fend to I had have an agreement with the army: 60 seconds.’ didn’t I uniform, a wear to have didn’t I get out of bed, and [in return] they could call they wanted.” me whenever him at inopportune times, including in the delivery room when his wife was giving birth, so he told them he wanted out. He ended up doesn’t army Israeli early—the released being only 50—but are they until soldiers its release therapist an army with meet to agreeing after and discuss his experiences. about what I went through, and although I had the main storyline there were definitely black he “I recalled. started holes,” talking to my closeI realized I had and age same the all and were We time it. about friends same the at army the in been either.” experiences nothing about their knew - Leba in dogs 26 shoot to had who Boaz named nese villages barkingsilence to that have would warned the residents villages’ of IDF intruders, the idea for the film was born. A dream killed se he dogs 26 the and Boaz involving quence opening sequence. became the film’s cordings of first soldiers after the placing in an ad online Lebanon in served who those asking three months of the war to come forward and tell their Nine stories. of those made it into the by voiced are stories of the two only and film, rather than the original protagonists. actors, I ------was , , may au- in 1855. in La- 1855. tekhines tekhines , theDevotion of , Hours Hours of Devotionof Hours A Jewish Prayer Women’s - bless traditional the with feel

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A Women’s Torah Commentary Torah A Women’s cover a broad historical and geographic A number A of number were the by written prayers “It’s a kind of window on the lives of Jewish Jewish of lives the on window of kind a “It’s The prayers in “They are not new Lavie for says people,” “I’ve “I’ve been told that just about every Jewish other and books, recent Lavie’s and Berland’s “Who was she? And why I didn’t know about about know didn’t I why And she? was “Who Lavie is not the firstcontemporary writerto - con very they’re and personal very “They’re Berland, to According Like Lavie, Berland’s discovery of Neuda was ofNeuda discovery Berland’s Lavie, Like age, age, an alternative to the blessing for men that Oth thanks God not for making them women. and of unknown origin. prayers ancient are ers who Jew Moravian century 19th a Neuda, Fanny authored a popular book of ing thanking God for making women in his im his in women making for God thanking ing territory, incorporating territory, contemporary authors responding to modern concerns—such as the many discomfort Book Such Such private prayers reflect the personal long ings of women throughout the ages and, Lavie to appeal of their part a large explain believes, contemporary Israelis. that fact “It Lavie brings The told JTA. back women,” to the prayers. personal the society Israeli you to can pray without belong being part people of the many syna Israel in because gogue, they that felt people community—suddenly no fear.” without that they any can touch can pray, the denominational spectrum, is scheduled for City. York in New March of the prayers in her though“Even book. the people didn’t hear them, they had them inin them have They memory. oftheir back the n blood.” their once once enormously published popular, in 28 edi English first The 1918. and 1855 between tions edition came out in 1866 and the book was still in print in Switzerland as late as 1968. But over the years Neuda and, the more generally, tradi obscurity. fallen into tion of have tekhines woman who read German had a copy of this Berland said. book,” similar volumes, including the recently pub lished gur a revival of prayers for particularlywomen, as a growing number of women assume lead ership roles, even in the Orthodox community. spon Prayer, A on conference Jewish Women’s sored by vie’s discovery of Neuda in the national library in in library national the in Neuda of discovery vie’s a flurry prompted of Jerusalem questions. she come got permission her? How to write such asking. recalled Lavie this?” an amazing book like “I had a lot of with her.” imaginary conversations sheis nor of Neuda, discovery the by amazed be the firstto tryto revive herwork for acontem poet Angeles Los the year, Last poraryaudience. published Berland Dinah tion, her son “disappeared from Adam my life encouraged client A years.” eleven than more for her to but pray, she was at a loss until happen itsand book of Neuda’s version old an upon ing is abroad. whose a mother child for prayer Berland said crete,” of compositions. Neuda’s they’re very “And emotional and direct. Rather in an in talking they’re God, about talking than God as a friend as a parent.” to or voice timate first English edition of Neuda’s landmark work work landmark Neuda’s of edition English first than a century. in more - Af disturbance. a emotional deep by prompted ter her Berland divorce, writes in the introduc ------A Tefillat Tefillat is improperly —On the evening of May of May evening the —On

, or supplications, a genre a supplications, or , tekhines (JTA)

published in Israel in 2005 and which which and 2005 in Israel in published YORK

“I stood there in Lavie the hassynagogue,” The fruit of that resolution was Fervently Orthodox women, unable to find opened “Aliza the gate, the gates of prayer,” the provides book prayer a that extent the To said Shulamit correcting history,” “We’re tradi a resurrect helped has also book Lavie’s Even in a country numbed to the brutality ofbrutality the to numbed country a in Even pro a Lavie, Aliza evening that synagogue In Books NEW of devotional prayers recited principally by Hebrew in uneducated either whowere women or barred from participating in public worship. tion known as known tion written, written, “grappling with questions Hen’s and of couldme front in book prayer the that sensing the out seek to resolved I answers. the provide not the legacy; explore to grandmother’s of secret my faith of powerful women.” Jewish eternal, became, by the country’s standards, a runaway best-seller. else it found shops, religious in book prayer the the former chief Lau, rabbi ofYisrael Israel, said in Israel. release book’s upon the prayer stage direction for a choreographed synagogue service, book— Lavie’s released in English this month by Spiegel & Grau under the title Reinharz, a sociology professor and the direc fessor fessor of communications and political science at found herselfBar-Ilan University, unable to banish thoughts of Keinan from her mind and holi Judaism’s ofliturgy the from comfort draw She est wished day. she could tell ofKeinan the long tradition of Jewish brave women who had own her them adversity—among down faced lost who immigrant Bukharian a grandmother, three of her nine children, and yet remained faith. in her steadfast Nashim Lavie friends, their for it photocopied and where said. Secular women brought it to the hospital when they gave birth. Arab women soon fol lowed suit. Musicians set the which of verses to music. prayers of array an resurrected it And even among the scholarly and few devout, Jews, aware. were Prayer Jewish Book— Women’s named. Rather, Lavie has unearthed prayers from an expanse of Jewish history and geogra phy that give liturgical expression to moments life by often overlooked the in tradia woman’s tional synagogue service: a prayer for a first pe a for and husband, sick a for childbirth, for riod, off going son war. to at Center Research Studies Women’s of the tor misper a correcting “We’re University. Brandeis ception that women did not writeAnd prayers. I think when you correct a misperception like history.” change you that, terrorist violence, Israelis were captivated by the by captivated were Israelis violence, terrorist been had Keinan, Hen woman, one how ofstory rendered both childless and an orphan by the of pub figure a still was she later Months attack. 27, 27, 2002, a Palestinian terrorist walked into an ice cream parlor in the central Israeli city of Petach Tikvah and detonated the explosives were Israelis 30 than More chest. his strappedto wounded in lives were the claimed: attack. Two 56-year-old her and Keinan Sinai 18-month-old Peled. Ruti grandmother, lic interest. On the a eve Kippur, news of Yom paper interview with Keinan and her husband described their decision to move to the United of in the aftermath States the attack.

women’s liturgy women’s Ben Harris By New prayer books revive forgotten forgotten revive books prayer New I CAMP I Music YOUNG Yiddishe Cup: Where Klezmer meets corn Bert Stratton, special to the WJN JUDAEA igs in the sticks intrigue me. You meaningless. Quotes from “Hava Nagila” and “Tse- know, the ones where the pick-up na, Tsena” work well. And because it’s-a-small-world- G trucks outnumber the Jews. My after-all, everybody understands it when I introduce klezmer band, Yiddishe Cup, calls these jobs Steve Ostrow, our trombone player, as a “guy who of- MIDWEST “playing Siberia.” ten plays in symphony orchestras, but now gets great We’ve played Catholic colleges, Methodist re- satisfaction playing ‘Dreydl, Dreyl, Dreydl.’” Waterskiing Sports High Ropes Course treats and towns so small they don’t even have To hedge our bets, we usually add a “country” • • traffic lights. Take Richland Center, Wisconsin. No tune—“16 Tons,” which I explain “was written by Arts & Crafts • Camping • Dance • Friendships traffic light, but a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed that great klezmer composer Merle Travis.” Then warehouse. (Wright was born in Richland Center.) we break into Mickey Katz’s parody, the one about New campers receive $1000 off tuition! Our Siberia gigs, no matter how remote, al- “16 tons of hard salami.” It ends with “I owe my ways have at least one Jew in the audience. Even neshoma (soul) to the delicatessen.” if we play in Lancaster, Ohio, a Jew will show At college towns, like Ann Arbor, we do our Info Session - Sunday, February 15, 4:00pm up. And for this sole Jew, we are the equivalent rock version of Sophie Tucker’s “My Yiddishe at the home of Corry, Gahl, Hana & Rephael Berkooz of secular Lubavitchers. Mama.” Back home, this tune, played straight, And another thing that always happens at makes the old folks cry. But on the road, our lead Building Jewish Identity & A Lifelong Commitment to Israel our Siberia gigs… the local Jew apologizes to us singer, Irwin Weinberger, takes the microphone for his town’s lack of sophistication and rugelah off the stand and struts around, a la Mick Jag- Questions and to RSVP: (rolled dough pastries). The Lancaster Jew called ger. At Cottey College—an all-women’s school his town “Lackluster.” (This sort of thing happens in Nevada, Missouri—the crowd intuitively un- 888-605-CAMP all the way up the Jewish “food chain”; Cleveland derstood the joke, and shrieked and howled like [email protected] and Detroit Jews continually beg forgiveness from they were at a Beatles concert. At that show, the New Yorkers and Chicagoans.) lone Jew was from Joplin—about 50 miles south For more information, check us out at Ann Arbor Jews wonder if Zingerman’s is in the of Nevada. And by the way, that’s Nuh-vey-da www.cyjmid.org same league as Cleveland’s old-school deli Corky & (YIVO pronunciation), gateway to the Ozarks. Lenny’s. No comparison… apples and oranges, basic “The Jew from Joplin” is an apt metaphor for our For 3rd-9th graders rye versus eight-grain. Ann Arbor is the antithesis of band. We are Midwestern Jews–except for the two Located in Waupaca, WI our “Siberia” gigs; The Ark is the way-coolest place we non-Jews in our band—and we generally feel quite at (2 hours north of Milwaukee) play. The crowd is all ages and dances like crazy, and we home among large numbers of large non-Jews. typically have amazing local musicians sit in. The peculiar thing, actually, is when we play When Yiddishe Cup played Richland Center, for Jews who can “out Jew” us ethnically. We’ve we outdid ourselves; we had six Jews—none of been to America’s Jerusalem—Boca Raton, Flori- whom was about to make it into the Jewish fed- da. In fact, we’re going to be there again February eration’s database. Each one announced he, or 11. Everybody in Boca Raton understands our she, was intermarried and unaffiliated. jokes—most, better than we do. www.hillers.com At Lakeside Association, a Christian Chau- Once, in Florida, we did a totally obscure com- tauqua-style retreat on Lake Erie in Ohio, we edy skit, “Essen,” which is about eating too much U.S. 23 & WASHTENAW had one actual Jew and a Methodist minister food at a Catskill resort, and the crowd roared. In IN THE ARBORLAND MALL Happy Valentine’s who said she had been a Jew, named “Rachel,” in Ohio we had considered dropping the sketch be- From Everyday To Gourmet Sweetie! a previous lifetime. cause nobody, including our own Cleveland yidn, Philo-semites—like the Methodist minister— could relate to eating too much herring and matzo are just a small part of our audience. The majority brai at a hotel. In Florida I asked the audience, is Middle Americans out for an evening of “multi- “Anybody ever heard of Billy Hodes, the Catskills culturalism.” Typically, Yiddishe Cup is part of a sub- comedian who wrote ‘Essen’?” Sure enough, an el- scription concert series – one week an Irish band; the derly man told me all about Hodes at the break. next, an African dance troupe, then us. Alan Doug- Maybe this could be a full-time thing for us: lass, our keyboard player, said our van should have a klezmer, condos, and coinage. Miami Beach to bumper sticker, “We Brake for Ethnicity!” Boynton Beach, rewind, and do it over again. In El Paso, Texas, we went on stage the week Nah. We like the Midwest. We like being part after the Irish band. The real multiculturalism— of the close-knit Cleveland Jewish community. for us—was the audience, which was 75 percent And after 20 years on the local bar mitzvah/wed- Mexican-Americans. The concert was a free city- ding scene, we’re big machers in the Midwest. We HILLER’S PROMOTES MICHIGAN sponsored picnic/barbecue/party in a grassy field do all right in Michigan; this is our fifth annual Buying Michigan-made food products can give the state's economy a tangible boost. by the Rio Grande. We played a mix of Yiddish appearance at The Ark. Hiller’s has many wonderful gift ideas to choose from: gourmet foods, theater tunes, Borscht Belt comedy, klezmer in- As for the Siberia trips, they serve as an interesting "If every Michigan household spent just $10 of their weekly grocery budget on local foods, we wines, strumentals, and one Ladino song. For an en- change of pace from the weekly grilled salmon gigs. would keep more than $37 million each week circulating within the state," said MDA chief Don core we played “La Bamba.” The Latinos danced A concert organizer from Celina, Ohio called. gift cards, the list goes on and on. Our gourmet deli will showcase Koivisto. Start by checking out our grocery aisles and looking for the Made In Michigan tags. to everything, even “Rozhinkes mit mandlin,” a “You sure this music will go over here?” he said, many unique items which are simply slow Yiddish lullaby, which was supposed to be a “We’re a bunch of German farmers.” No problem, What’s good for Michigan is definitely good for you. irresistible for food lovers everywhere. Choose from listening tune. Our dance leader, Daniel Ducoff, I said. Then I looked up Celina (YIVO pronuncia- BETTER MADE • PIONEER SUGAR • FAYGO • YOPLAIT • MUCKY DUCK • LEELANAU WINES described it as a Jewish-Mexican Woodstock. tion Ceh-lay-na) on a map. It was nowhere I’d ever POLLY’Sour manyPASTRIES delicious • DEARBORN deli, BRAND fruit and • KOWALSKI veggie • trays GOLDEN for LEGACY holiday TURKEY On the Texas bandstand I complimented “the heard of, and I’ve lived in Ohio my whole life. GARDEN FRESH GOURMETparties • CO-OP and ELEVATOR gatherings. MICHIGAN NAVY BEANS • VERNORS small but mighty El Paso Jewish community.” Our most Siberian gig? We were booked into The concert planner had told me she had hired the opera house in Calumet, Michigan. That’s OLGA’S KITCHEN • GUERNSEY FARMS DAIRY • BAREMAN’S • WINTER’S BRAND us specifically because of the local Jewish com- an old copper mining town, a four-hour drive MA COHEN’S • BREDE’S HORSERADISH • EDEN’S ORGANIC FOODS munity’s leverage. El Paso is a town of 5, 000 Jews north–north after you cross the Mackinac Bridge SUPERIOR BREAD CO. • GREENFIELD EGG NOODLES • LEELANAU COFFEE with a kosher deli, Corned Beef College. That’s to the Upper Peninsula. •INDIAN SUMMER • JIFFY MIXES • SANDER’S CANDY • TOPOR’S PICKLES not “kosher-style,” that’s kosher, period. We found a Jew there. In fact a Jewish mechanic RIB RACK PREMIUM BBQ SAUCE • ABSOPURE WATER • ANDIAMO PASTA SAUCE In Rockford, Illinois, after a concert, the organiz- with two sets of dishes (meat and milk). He said he ing committee sponsored a reception for the band. drove to Green Bay for his kosher meat. n February 2009 HOT ROD BOB’S DRESSINGS • GREAT LAKES APRICOTS • SAFIES • LEO’S GREEK DRESSING We had cheese, crackers, wine, and fruit. This, for a A AND SO MANY MORE! Bert Stratton, Yiddish Cup’s bandleader and clarinet- klezmer band that eats grilled salmon weekly? Our ist, graduated from University of Michigan in 1973, incredulous drummer, Don Friedman, said, “You and is a two-time Hopwood Award winner. WIN A $100 HILLER’S GIFT CARD serious? No desserts? What, no diet pop?” register online www.hillers.com/register Musically, our stage show differs at Siberia gigs Yiddishe Cup will perform at the Ark, 316 South than at, say, JCC venues. Yiddish theater medleys Main St., on Saturday, February 7, at 8 p.m. WE CARRY A LARGE SELECTION OF •ALLERGY FREE •GLUTEN FREE •PEANUT FREE PRODUCTS don’t make it in Siberia. “Tumbalalaika,” too, is Tickets are available by calling 761-8587. Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 26 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 27 ------I would have had a very different… The way you talk about your life, it Now I only teach university, but I think I but university, teach only I Now My teaching has really evolved from My main goal [in teaching] is so my when my kids go off to college, I’ll teach many more young kids. I’ll start a whole class of younger kids. But the issue with starting young kids is that the hours are the when teach to have You different. very kids are out of school. I teach now from four three-thirty, till morning the in eight every and day, then, when my kids are home, I want to be home. a It’s different life when after you teach Your children. noons and evenings are shot. So, it was perfect timing for me that when I had kids. college only kids I started teaching very young, then it went to very old, and I hope when my kids go off to college in eight years, I’ll revert back to again. young the very students can have a life in music. I only want to take students who I thinkmake a living canin music. Whether I think they have qualities in teaching, or per forming. All the kids I teach, hopefully they learn to play very teach well. I won’t as it make can think don’t I who someone a I musician. very think important. that’s A lot of places, you they know, take stu feel I but numbers, the theyhave so dents if someone make can’t it as a living, they should just do it for fun, and not be as make to hard it’s Because it. about serious a living in music. seems like often you’ve been in the right at the rightplace time. … in that laundromat If I wasn’t life. peo- those called hadn’t I if And [laughter] ple in Seattle at that exact moment when just It’s retired. teacher thirty-student their absolutely total luck. And I think every thing in our lives is timing. Look, every husbands, their or wives, their meets body out of Some people have timing and luck. better luck than others. [Laughter] I feel lucky that I’m in I Ann Arbor. think a it’s n be. to place wonderful and it was a fabulous group of kids. One of them is the now principal cellist of the I St. had Louis Symphony. just oodles of fantastic talent in Seattle and I loved it. Music ofInstitute Cleveland the when So, called me, I wasn’t sure. I was so happy in Seattle. I met my wife in Seattle. Yuni was an architect and we met just when going ClevelandreallycalledIwasn’t me. to go because I was so But happy. then my uncle, Sam really said, Adler, “You have to go, because getting your foot in conservatoryveryimpor a is at door the And go.” I’ll right, “All said, I so And tant.” fantas- a be to out turned Cleveland then really it years the Over also. experiencetic built At up. firstI started withonly kids and a few high school students, but then it worked into my teaching almost only students. university WJN: Aaron: Circumstance really does matter in Exactly. WJN: Aaron:

- - - And And then, when I came back to this whenSo, I moved to Seattle, I went to She didn’t realize that to teach young They whisper] a to drops voice [Aaron’s country, country, I I know, “You said, really like kids and young working withI like them. I have to learn how to Soteach.” I took some teacher training courses with a in Chicago, named Gilda Barston woman who really inspired me to teach. I took a Suzuki teacher-training course with her and that really inspired a me. She’s fabu a Suzuki school and I “Here said, I am, and I’m ready And to they teach.” said, “Coincidentally, our cello teacher of retir told us she’s yesterday twenty years, children you need a lot of experience. You You ofexperience. lot a need you children young teaching person young a have don’t children. better played at their first lesson than they had I [Laughter] lessons! of year a after did great enthusiasm, but they really played year one after So, theywhenstarted. better doing. I’m what know don’t really “I said, I They should were better find You before. And a she real “OK, said, teacher.” fine.” I just years. ten for again teach I didn’t So, thought I was a terrible teacher. lous teacher, still a friend, a really great cellist and a terrific cello teacher. I took this one seminar, four days long, and it totally inspired me going “I’m and I said, a read and went I that After kids.” teach to children. lot about teaching And she had thirty cellists there and ing.” they needed to find acello They teacher. So, “These said are your to students.” me, overnight, the firstweek I was in Seattle, pe a over And thirtystudents. had I cello riod of three two, years, I ended up with from ranged ages their students, fifty over fiveto eighteen, and I just loved it. I was teaching, week a hours 70 60, 50, working a woman who donated instruments so children who could not afford lessons could use them. Amazing woman. I was there orchestra the in was I when 18 only and she thought I should teach children. She have “We ten said, cellos, young would you teach these ten children?” I to.” love “I’d said,

When I was living in Israel there was was there Israel in living was I When Aaron: ------In Connecti What What brought you to Ann Arbor? Where Where were you I said to my wife once when we were schools The here. it like do really we But really enjoyed moving We’ve here. It’s cut. cut. I’m a Yankee. But, really that isn’t home any more. I haven’t been there since I’m seven teen. My parents moved to Boston, the whentook and I job at the Cleveland Institute of Music I said to my parents, “Why don’t you come to Cleveland? no grandare There children in Boston.” Then, when TheyI “OK.” took said, the position know, I here, said “You to them, I’d only move if you And move with us.” So two- here they moved “OK.” they said, and-a-half years ago, when we moved. and that they happy here, really are We’re been here. very happy they’ve Not the weather! took [Our conversation place during early Hanukkah, and it was 15 degrees out.] The is University not wonderful. No, the when said, all they fact, of Matter weather. I lived in “Oh, Cleveland the weather is much I better see in no Ann Arbor.” dif [Laughter] ference. topher. I topher. think Christopher is a fantastic And this director. is a wonderful musical really We were town. Terrific community. pleasantly surprised how nice it is to live been a very move. comfortable It’s here. I when day, other the Then, students. your to [prominent mentioned Gabe Bolkosky violinist here and in teacher, Ann Arbor] he said many with be you, talking that I’d complimentary things about in you,particular he said that that butyou’re rare chil young teach can who teacher of breed a terrific you’re that as adults, as well dren with allteacher levels. age are wonderful. Our are wonderful. kids love being there. My daughter, Sofie, is in fifth grade Angel and Noah is atin at seventh Tappan, grade. a great city I The why reason for families. came here is Christopher Kendall [Dean of the School of Music]. We othermet in eachSeattle twenty-two years ago. I taught his niece at a summer program cellist. wonderful a was She Encore. called would thoughtit I me, called he when So, Chris withofpart a be to place great a be still in Cleveland, “You know, ifstill know, in we “You ever Cleveland, leave here, I promise you we’re going to go to And a we beautiful, warm climate.” Arbor. Ann up in end born? London for almost then and years three I came back to this country. WJN: WJN: Aaron: No, it was the music school here. I first heard your name through some of some through name your heard first I WJN:

Aaron: WJN:

------All ThingsAll Considered It really starts with my

ichard ichard Aaron is professor of cello at the University of Michigan. His bio interna and national a like bit a reads There’s a lot of in the family. music There’s I’ve played cello all my life. Matter of My My mother sings, used to play French

. chazzan. My mother was born in - Man On Another Note On Another grandfather, Hugo Chaim Adler. He Hugo grandfather, Chaim was Adler. a heim and her father was one of the five He Manheim. in synagogue the in cantors was the first musician inmy family,my grandfather, who I never met. He died uncle, My born. was I before years several my mother’s brother, is Samuel Adler, who taught composition for many years at the Eastman School of He Music. was just here yesterday for Chanukah. I now at Julliard. York withteach him in New fact, fact, the first job I evergot … I was visit gogue. gogue. My older brother plays viola, vio- lin, and and piano, my younger brother an plays He’s incredible guitar. guitarist, incredible He memory. knows every He brew song in the world. He just hears it it. and he can do once ing who my brother, was studying in Je rusalem. I was in a the laundromat, third from the last day I was going to be there. laundry my doing and is a sittingguy I’m vio a he’s Wolf, Richard is name his there, and talking, We’re now. Amsterdam in list an American, I what ask “You’re do him, you “I’m He do?” in says, the orchestra, “I I the play say, Jerusalem Symphony.” “Oh, tomorrow He there says, is a cello.” I went to the cello So, au cello audition.” Then job. the won and day next the dition stay?” I can “Ma, said, I and home called I that [laughter] So, was “Fine!” They said, my college education. I stayed there for four years, playing. Then I went to Swit zerland then for several I to years, moved horn. horn. My father turns the radio on. He loves the radio. He listens to music a lot. My older brother is a rabbi at HUCCincinnati, and my younger inbrother is a rabbi in Los Angeles at Emmanuel Syna You’ve probably heard his You’ve students play,

Sandor Slomovits, staff writer staff Slomovits, Sandor Cellist Richard AaronCellist Richard

R without even realizing it. There is a version of the theme of NPR’s tional travelogue. His travels include giving master classes in Madrid, Spain; Manheim, Germany; Japan; Seoul, Matsumoto, Korea; and Paris, France. In the United States he’s given master classes at a number of lead ing music schools, including Rice, Eastman, During Oberlin. and Michigan, of University summers he has taught at the Aspen Music Indiana Festival, StringUniversity Academy, Calgary Music Bridge, Aria, Innsbruck, the Chautauqua Festival, and Aaron’s Idyllwild. students won have many national and inter national competitions and have performed as soloists with prestigious orchestras. One of his current students, David re Requiro, International Naumburg 2008 the won cently Violoncello Competition, perhaps the most in the country. competition prominent performed by a cello choir—they were all teach was he when students, Aaron’s Richard before Music of Institute Cleveland the at ing Arbor. Ann moving to family? a musical from come WJN: Do you Richard Aaron: I IKosher Cuisine

Celebrate Tu B’Shevat with Israeli dishes Sephardic bulgur pudding or prehito Judy Cohen, food editor 6–8 servings 1 c. medium bulgur 1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts or almonds u B’Shvat, celebrated on the 15th day On our first trip to Israel many years ago 3 c. water ½ c. dried currants or raisins of the Hebrew month of Shvat, was we visited one of many forests where the pinch of salt ¼ c. chopped dates (optional) T originally designated as the last date trees are planted. A short old man, slightly ½ c. sugar or honey 1 tsp. ground cinnamon on which to tax the ripened produce of the stooped, handed each of us a very small sap- 1. Combine the bulgur, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat trees for tithing. As a holiday, it was first ob- ling, a trowel, and a small piece of paper with to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender, served by a community of Kabbalists in 16th a prayer written on it. In a strong Yiddish ac- about 30 minutes. If necessary, continue cooking uncovered until the liquid is absorbed. century Safed. It has since come to symbol- cent he informed us “You can say the prayer 2. Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the remaining ingredients. ize the birthday of the trees, our concerns or not, but I have been here many years, and 3. Spoon into a 9-inch square baking dish and refrigerate until chilled. for the environment, and humanity’s con- those that have the prayer grow better.” We nection to nature and the earth. never wrote down the exact location of our Variation: Baked Prehito: Before transferring to the baking dish, add 1 lightly beaten egg, and Tu B’Shvat is more than just another har- trees, so in subsequent visits have not been bake in a 350° oven for 40 minutes. vest festival. It is closely linked to our love able to verify whether he was correct. from www.cyber-kitchen.com for the physical land of Israel and a time to This seems an especially appropriate express that solidarity. Some customs began holiday to celebrate in Ann Arbor, which is Nut balls before the exile of the Hebrews, but have con- affectionately known as “tree city” and was 1 c. margarine 1 tsp. vanilla tinued in the traditions ever since. Others, like originally called Anns’ Arbour, after the two 2 c. flour 3 T. sugar the Tu B'Shevat seder (ceremonial meal) first women who, with their husbands, founded 1 c. almonds, chopped powdered sugar described in the 18th century work, Peri Etz the city. If you are looking for inexpensive 1. Mix margarine, flour, nuts, vanilla, and sugar together. Hader (Goodly Tree), are still evolving and trees to plant, each spring you can buy co- 2. Roll into small balls. are continually being re-interpreted. Certain nifer or hardwood seedlings in multiples of 3. Bake in 325° oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. crops associated with Israel, in particular 25 for only $18 from the Washtenaw County 4. Remove from oven and roll in powdered sugar while hot. grapes, nuts, figs, dates, olives, pomegranates, Conservation District. Call Dennis Rice at and grains (barley and wheat in particular) 761-6721 or go to www.washtenawcd.org from Judaism.about.com came to be called the “seven species” and In addition to planting trees, Tu B’Shvat is should be included in the festivities. usually celebrated with a seder based on and Couscous with apricots Tu B’Shvat in my childhood is associated similar to Passover. It is customary to set the Serves 4 with bringing coins to Sunday school to fill table with fine linens, your best dishes, and 1-1/2 c. water the small blue and white JNF (Jewish National flowers. Drink four cups of wine with the 1 c. instant couscous Fund) boxes, so our class could plant trees in meal, and be sure that the menu includes a va- ½ c. dried apricots, roughly chopped Israel. For donations over a specified amount, riety of fruits, especially those from the seven ¼ tsp. salt (optional) a child received a certificate with a picture of species. There are many Tu B’Shvat hagaddot 1 T. unsalted butter (optional) his/her “very own tree”. Planting a tree in Is- (books to describe the seder) with a variety 1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. rael for a special occasion was then, and still of blessings and interpretations as to what 2. Add the remaining ingredients and boil for 1 minute. is, considered an honor and a mitzvah. For each fruit and each cup of wine may sym- 3. Remove from the heat and let stand for 1 additional minute. Serve immediately. my granddaughter’s bat mitzvah a few years bolize, or you are free to create your own. n ago, every guest got a tree certificate. This has only 109 calories per serving and 3 grams of fat, so you can enjoy the holiday without the guilt on this one. Chicken with pomegranates, also known as Chicken Rimonim from www.cyber-kitchen.com Serves 4–6 Orange Persian barley 1 chicken, cut into eighths 2 T. flour Serves 4 juice of 2 pomegranates ½ tsp. salt seeds of 1 pomegranate ¼ tsp. pepper 1 c. regular pearl barley ¾ tsp. ground cumin 1 onion, diced 1 tsp. caraway seeds (optional) 3 c. water ½ tsp. salt 2 T. of margarine 2 c. chicken soup ½ c. chopped pitted dates ½ tsp. pepper ½ c. dried apricots ½ c. slivered toasted almonds 1. Soak the chicken pieces in the pomegranate juice for half an hour. 3 T. orange marmalade 2. Mix the flour, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds together. Dredge the chicken pieces in the 1. In a medium saucepan bring the barley and the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and mixture. Reserve the pomegranate juice. cook, covered, for 45 minutes, until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed 3. Fry the coated chicken pieces in margarine. Add the diced onion and continue to fry. 2. Coat a large skillet with nonstick spray. Stir dates, apricots, and marmalade over medium heat 4. When the chicken has been well-browned, add the pomegranate juice and cook on low for three minutes. Blend in cumin, salt, and pepper, and simmer for two minutes longer. Stir flame for 20 minutes. Add the pomegranate seeds before serving. in cooked barley and almonds. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until warmed through.

from www.cyber-kitchen.com from www.jewishfood-list.com. February 2009 A Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 28 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009

. 29 ------. 8 Winter se 9 a.m. at the . . Rabbi Rod Gl . Taught by . Rabbi Taught . . Energy Exercise . Arie Lipsky, Maestro Maestro Arie Lipsky, . . . Led by Roger Stutes Facilitated by Rabbi Do All ages and levels welcome including UM and UM including welcome levels and ages All non-UM participants. 1:30 at p.m. Beanster’s Café, ground floorof UMMichigan League. call 936-2367. information, For D.A.M.E.S. dinner (Dinner in Appreciation for the Membership of our Sisterhood) beginningExtraordinary with wine and cheese at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall. Led by Cantor Annie Rose, with participation by all. No charge for paid up members. For information or to RSVP, contact Jenny Hackel at 660-3461 or email [email protected]. brusin and Rabbi Blumenthal. register, To contact Mary at [email protected] or 665-9897. phone Chabad. losophy–for Women: Thursday. Every JCC. with Maria 10 Farquhar, a.m., $4 or 3/$10; a with Jew Events Current Heather Dombey, ish perspective on this news, week’s 11 a.m.; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; p.m.; 1 presentations, guest and events Special will Literary with Warschausky Group Sidney in March. resume Reading Reading the Bible may be easy, but under standing it is no simple matter. Study the in text the withtogether original, the classical . Tuesday Every 8:30 p.m. commentaries. ogower presents different topics each week using texts and from Talmud, rab Tanach, binic literature. English translations of texts provided. Discussions in areas of- philos law, ophy and 8 theology. p.m. at UM Hillel. For call 662-5805. information, p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium. Third Third Auditorium. Center Student the in p.m. Annual battle semi-finals where six EMU- connected bands will compete. For informa [email protected] at Ricky contact tion, at 482-0456. phone by or man. The group meets second 7:30 p.m. month. each Wednesday and fourth your Challenge Judge.” the Be “You class mester sense of right and wrong with an exploration at the JCC. 7:30–9 p.m. of Law. Civil Jewish of Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (AASO) and Laura Dunbar, Education and Outreach Director ofwill AASO, present on music his tory, music appreciation and music in Ann 1 p.m. Arbor. bad. Sharpen witsyour and knowledge of the Jewish legal system by following the intrigu is The Talmud ing discussions in the Talmud. argumen logical law, ofpractical composite a orig the of Study teachings. moral and tation, inal tractate chapter Talmud 2. Taanit 8 p.m. Thursday. Every Kim Kim Blumenthal. session Twelve free class starts at 7:45 p.m., however students are en Ma’ariv for congregation the join to couraged serviceevening at 7:30 p.m. Tu Tu B’Shevat Seder Dinner: TBE Sisterhood Bet Midrash: BIC. Battle of the Bands Semi-Finals: EMU Hillel Introduction to Judaism: BIC Reading Torah and Weekly Jewish Phi Prayer, SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors JCC Presentation: Seniors Yidish Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. Portion—for Women: Torah Weekly Topics in Topics Jewish Law: AAOM Jewish Learning Institute: Chabad. Study Talmud Group–Jewish Civil Law: - Cha Men’s Torah Study: Torah TBE Men’s Wednesday 11 Wednesday Thursday 12 . ------. . Exami Delve into . . Exercise Energy . Full seder dinner ofseder Full . McGinty McGinty is the Mandell L. . . “Jewish Perspectives on the See listingat the end of calendar. . Gemini will perform, plus there there plus perform, will Gemini . . . Performance by the group con Ongoing. nation of intermarriage throughout the ages author ofPhD, and today by McGinty, Keren Intermar and Women of History A Jewish: Still riage in America. Con in Fellow Research Postdoctoral Berman temporary Jewish Life at the Frankel Center presentation, her Following Studies. Judaic for chil intermarriedof parents Jewish of panel a dren will discuss their experiences. 2–4 p.m. at the JCC. For information, call 769-0209 or [email protected] Detroit Metro of Hillel of members Join . Hillel seeHills to the ofPistons Auburn at the Palace on take the First Phoenix ten students Suns. to $20/ Tunnel. Fan the tour to get will tickets buy ticket. Tickets are very limited and the cost is in For p.m. 8 Hillel. EMU by subsidized highly program@emuhil at Ricky contact formation, at 482-0456. phone by or lel.org brusin. 8 p.m. brusin. with 11 Maria a.m.; Farquhar, $4/session or $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; games and activities includ ing Mahjong, quilting, art projects, and card . Tuesday Every 1 p.m. games, . JFS. Ongoing class from Mondays– on p.m. 1–3 and 9 Mondays–Fridays a.m.–noon on Thursdays at Jewish Family Services, 2245 contact information, more For St. State South JFS at 769-0209 or email andre@jfsannarbor. org. with Rabbi Do Beginning and End of Time,” Women: An . Chabad in-depth Women: study into the an overview of book, Torah the weekly prayer reading, with Jewish 9:30 philosophy. a.m. at Every Sunday. House. Chabad will be storytelling, crafts, workshops, a walk ing seder and a popular conservatory scavenger scavenger conservatory popular a and seder ing Botanical Gardens. at Matthaei 10 a.m. hunt. the basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at Every Sunday. House. Chabad RSVP to 10 a.m.–noon. Center. Leslie Science [email protected]. ents in Historical JFS Perspective:” special food and drinks of Israel in honor of mean the on session Study Day. Arbor Jewish ing of the day and the Jewish perspective on 8 p.m. ecology. Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown Every Saturday. House. Chabad at sidered to be one of the top klezmer bands in Cup Yiddishe Ohio, Northeast From America. revives the wacky Jewish humor of the ‘50s ‘60s and by parodying everything from cha- at 8 p.m. cha $20/tickets. to doo-wop to rock. Main. 316 South Ark, The Get Out of Room: Your Detroit Pistons: EMU Seder: Chabad B’Shevat Tu . 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Seder: BIC. and Dinner B’Shevat Tu Tot Text Study: BIC SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors English as a Second Language Daily Classes: Reading Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for JCS B’Shevat: Tu Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Tanya–Jewish Chabad. Tu B’Shevat Outdoor Family Program: TBE “Family Affairs: Intermarriage and Jewish Par Yiddishe Yiddishe Cup servicesShabbat : Monday 9 Monday 10 Tuesday Sunday 8 Sunday

. . ------Cel . . Study National Winter se . . 9 a.m. at the . Jewish sweets of sweets Jewish . Energy Exercise . Taught by . Rabbi Taught Thistheme for year’s See listing at the end of : - will(emissary)pres who Shaliach Shaliach ical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Cha Women: Torah–for the to Insights ical Meets at the JCC. 1:30–3 p.m. Call Ray Juni at Juni Ray Call p.m. 1:30–3 JCC. the at Meets information. 761-2765 for dinner is Local Ann focusing Arbor, on local locally and businesses owned locally favorites, grown foods. $10/person or $25 for family of on RSVP Lounges. JCC the in p.m. 6:30 four. line at to www.jewishculturalsociety.org en that enough food is ordered. sure losophy–for Women: Chabad losophy–for Women: Thursday. Every JCC. with Maria 10 Farquhar, a.m., $4, or 3/$10; a with Jew Events Current Heather Dombey, ish perspective on this news, week’s 11 a.m.; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; p.m.; 1 presentations, guest and events Special will Literary with Warschausky Group Sidney in March. resume ebration for all with birthdays in February. Friends and family are invited to join group fol p.m., 12:30 at cake birthday and lunch for lowed by presentation by JewishZur, Tomer Federation rugelach, date cookies, and orange nut cook 2–4 p.m. pin. Bring a rolling ies. Sharpen bad . witsyour and knowledge of the Jewish legal system by following the intrigu is The Talmud ing discussions in the Talmud. argumen logical law, ofpractical composite a orig the of Study teachings. moral and tation, inal tractate chapter Talmud 2. Taanit 8 p.m. ent a program about Sderot, a Western Negev Negev Western a ent a program about Sderot, city in the Southern district 1 p.m. of Israel. Thursday. Every Kim Kim Blumenthal. Free twelve-session class. Class starts at 7:45 p.m., however students are encouraged to join the congregation for service evening at 7:30 p.m. Ma’ariv your Challenge Judge.” the Be “You class mester sense of right and wrong with an exploration at the JCC. 7:30–9 p.m. of Law. Civil Jewish Facilitated by Rabbi cakes. Dobrusin.and coffee over portion DiscussionTorah weekly of 9–10 a.m. . bad. Learn more about the mystical dimen sions of the Chabad. Torah: 1 hour before Every Saturday. House. at Chabad sundown group code of law for Shabbat, and study of the calendar. Board Board member and VP of Marketing and of Juda Reform Women for Communication por Torah the present willBenoff Sharon ism tion. (Benoff will also lead a Saturday group 7:30 p.m. Halev. with Kol Music discussion.) Weekly Yiddish Reading Weekly Group: JCC Seniors First Friday Shabbat: JCS. Sisterhood Shabbat: TBE Sisterhood. Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading Torah and Weekly Jewish Phi Prayer, SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Birthdays and Presentation: JCC Seniors. Study Talmud Group–Jewish Civil Law: - Cha . 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBE. Board Meeting: Introduction to Judaism: BIC Sisterhood TBE Bake: and Take Jewish Jewish Learning Institute: Chabad. Myst Laws Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad Shabbat Shabbat Limud (Shabbat Learning): BIC Friday Friday evening services Friday 6 Friday Thursday 5 Wednesday 4 Wednesday Saturday 7 Saturday

. ------. Learning . . Taught by . Taught . . Delve into . A registered registered A . . . Rabbi Rod Gl Energy Exercise . Every Sunday . Followed by Polar Bear by Followed Polar . “Jewish Perspectives on the Be the on Perspectives “Jewish

Ongoing.

. . Meet at Hillel at 1 p.m. For information, with 11 Maria a.m.; Farquhar, $4/session or $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; games and activities includ ing ing Mahjong, quilting, art projects, and card . Tuesday Every 1 p.m. games, Dr. Liz Fried, this class runs through March 24. 24. runs this class March through Liz Fried, Dr. . . niors Accomplished musician Laura Dun Education bar, and Outreach Director of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, teaches an eight-week class that began January 12. For more information or to call register, Merrill at 971-0990. JFS. Ongoing class from Mondays– on p.m. 1–3 and 9 Mondays–Fridays a.m.–noon on Thursdays at Jewish Family Services, 2245 contact information, more For St. State South JFS at 769-0209 or email andre@jfsannarbor. org. lel contact Ricky at [email protected] or at 482-0456. phone by Rose. Bi-monthly study session using the new 7 p.m. Commentary. Torah WRJ Women’s ginning and End With Rabbi ofDo Time.” 8 p.m. brusin. Women: An . Chabad in-depth Women: study into the an overview of book, Torah the weekly prayer reading, with Jewish 9:30 philosophy. a.m. at Every Sunday. House. Chabad Tefillin photo Tefillin in the snow. Lox and bagels 9:30 a.m. provided. nurse nurse from Care Response will take blood them record and address ques any pressures, First Tuesday each month. Tuesday First 1 p.m. tions. and UM including welcome levels and ages All non-UM participants. 1:30 at p.m. Beanster’s Café, ground floorof UMMichigan League. call 936-2367. information, For Reading the Bible may be easy, but under standing it is no simple matter. Study the in text the withtogether original, the classical Tuesday. Every 8:30 p.m. commentaries. ogower presents different topicsrabbinic and eachTalmud weekTanach, from texts using literature. English translations of texts pro philosophy Discussions ofin areas vided. law, and 8 theology. at p.m. UM Hillel. For infor call 662-5805. mation, the basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at Every Sunday. House. Chabad the deeper meanings to the Jewish way ofthe deeper way meaningsthe Jewish to life. House. at Chabad 8 p.m. Calendar SPICE SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. “The Bible in JCC Time:” It’s Seniors Blood Pressure Clinic: JCC Seniors JCC Clinic: Pressure Blood Alternative Alternative Spring Break Can Drive: EMU Hil Music Music Appreciation and Exploration: JCC Se English as a Second Language Daily Classes: Annie Cantor With Sisterhood. TBE Study: Torah Study:BIC. Text Reading Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for BIC Wrap: Wide World Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Tanya–Jewish Chabad Yidish Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). Chabad Portion—for Torah Women: Weekly in Topics Jewish Law: AAOM Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad Women: Concepts–for Jewish Tuesday 3 Tuesday Monday 2 Monday

Sunday 1 Sunday February 2009February I I Calendar

Take and Bake: TBE Sisterhood. Coffee cakes, SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise Friday 13 apple and sour cream and current cakes. 6–7 with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Monday 23 p.m. Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- English as a Second Language Daily Classes: Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learning ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; JFS. Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Meets at the JCC. 1:30–3 p.m. Call Ray Juni the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of life. $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Mondays–Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays– at 761-2765 for information. 8 p.m. at Chabad House. Every Sunday. Special events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Coffee and Chill with Hillel: EMU Hillel. 5 p.m. Literary Group with Sidney Warschausky will Thursdays at Jewish Family Services, 2245 at the EMU Student Center Starbucks. For resume in March. South State St. For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 or email andre@jfsannarbor. information, contact Erin at FYSH@emuhil- Monday 16 Discussion and Presentation: JCC Seniors. Jew- org. Ongoing. lel.org or by phone at 482-0456. ish Family Services Geriatric Social Worker Annual Knowledge Exchange: EMU Hillel. School’s Out/JCC’s In: JCC. For JCC members Allison Pollock, MSW, will be available for February Break Fun Days: JCC. For JCC mem- Holy Trinity visits Hillel for Love Shabbat. only in grades K­–5. Middle school students discussion, questions, and assistance at 12:30 bers in grades K–5. Middle school students are 6 p.m. For information, contact Ricky at are also welcome to participate as helpers. p.m. Rabbi Kim Blumenthal of BIC will also welcome to participate as helpers. A week [email protected] or by phone at 482- Participants will take part in activities cel- present on a topic TBD. 1 p.m. featuring field trips and special activities, plus ebrating President’s Day. Register by February crafts, games, and gym time or outdoor recess. 0456. See also February 15. Taglit Birthright Israel Registration: EMU 12 at www.jccannarbor.org or contact Debo- $34 per day for care from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. $32 Friday evening services: See listing at the end of Hillel. 10 a.m. at Pray Harrold and noon at rah Huerta at [email protected] or for additional siblings and $8 for Extended the calendar. Student Center. For information, contact call 971-0990. Care from 4–6 p.m. Registration and pay- Ricky at [email protected] or by phone ment due by February 19. For information English as a Second Language Daily Classes: at 482-0456. Saturday 14 JFS. Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on or to register, visit www.jccannarbor.org or Caregiver Conversations: JFS. Monthly drop- Mondays–Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays– contact Deborah Huerta at deborahhuerta@ in educational and support group for adult Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Thursdays at Jewish Family Services, 2245 jccfed.org or call 971-0990. children in a variety of caregiving roles for Chabad. Learn more about the mystical di- South State St. For more information, contact their aging parents who either live indepen- mensions of the Torah: Chabad. 1 hour before JFS at 769-0209 or email andre@jfsannarbor. dently or require full-time care at home or in a Tuesday 24 sundown at Chabad House. Every Saturday. org. Ongoing. residential facility. This month’s topic is “The Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study Torah Study: TBE Sisterhood. With Cantor Annie Driving Dilemma: Is Your Loved One Safe on SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Exercise Energy group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Rose. Bi-monthly study session using the new the Road?” Learn how to initiate this difficult with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown at WRJ Women’s Torah Commentary. 7 p.m. discussion and how to create positive solu- $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Chabad House. Every Saturday. tions. A guest expert will present followed by Lunch, noon; Games and activities includ- Have a Heart–Give Blood: TBE. Blood Drive. Tuesday 17 open discussion. 6:30–8 p.m. at the JCC. ing Mahjong, quilting, art projects and card 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Cha- games, 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. Shabbat Service: TBE. Led by sixth graders followed SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise bad. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). by lunch for students and their families. 10 a.m. with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m.; $4/session or Jewish legal system by following the intrigu- All ages and levels welcome including UM and Kehillat Shabbat: BIC. For first through fifth grad- $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet ing discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s ers. Today’s theme is “Big Ten Shabbat.” Par- Lunch, noon; Games and activities includ- a composite of practical law, logical argumen- Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. ticipants should wear favorite team’s colors and ing Mahjong, quilting, art projects and card tation, and moral teachings. Study of the orig- For information, call 936-2367. learn about the Big Ten from the Torah. 11 a.m. games, 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. inal Talmud tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Bet Midrash: BIC. Facilitated by Rabbi Do- Every Thursday. Tot Shabbat: BIC. For tots ages 3–5 years old Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). brusin and Rabbi Blumenthal. To register, and parents. 11:15 a.m. All ages and levels welcome including UM and contact Mary at [email protected] or Mini-Shabbaton: TBE. 1–3:30 p.m. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s Friday 20 phone 665-9897. 8 p.m. Kol Halev Cabaret: TBE. Annual cabaret with Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. Topics in Jewish Law: AAOM. Rabbi Rod Gl- dinner and music from Broadway to Opera For information, call 936-2367. Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. ogower presents different topics each week to Israeli favorites. 6–8:30 p.m. Bet Midrash: BIC. Facilitated by Rabbi Dobrusin Meets at the JCC. 1:30–3 p.m. Call Ray Juni at using texts from Tanach, Talmud, and rab- binic literature. English translations of texts JCC Kids’ Night Out: JCC. Fun monthly event and Rabbi Blumenthal. To register, contact 761-2765 for information. provided. Discussions in areas of law, philos- for kids in grades K-5, featuring games, crafts, Mary at [email protected] or phone Friday evening services: See listing at the end of ophy and theology. 8 p.m. at UM Hillel. For dinner, and a movie. This month will feature 665-9897. 8 p.m. the calendar. information, call 662-5805. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. $20/ Topics in Jewish Law: AAOM. Rabbi Rod Gl- JCC Members, $18/additional siblings; $25/ ogower presents different topics each week Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. non-members, $23/additional siblings. Reg- using texts from Tanach, Talmud, and rab- Saturday 21 Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- ister by February 12 at www.jcccannarbor. binic literature. English translations of texts standing it is no simple matter. Study the org or contact Deborah Huerta at deborah- provided. Discussions in areas of law, philos- Shabbat Limud (Shabbat Learning): BIC. Fa- text in the original, together with the classical [email protected] or call 971-0990. ophy, and theology. 8 p.m. at UM Hillel. For cilitated by Rabbi Dobrusin. Discussion of commentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Shabbat services: See listing at the end of calendar.. information, call 662-5805. weekly Torah portion over coffee and cakes. Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. 9–10 a.m. Wednesday 25 Sunday 15 Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: standing it is no simple matter. Study the Chabad. Learn more about the mystical di- Busy Women’s Lunch: TBE Sisterhood. 11:45 text in the original, together with the classical mensions of the Torah: Chabad. 1 hour before a.m. at Zingerman’s Roadhouse. RSVP to Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for commentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. sundown at Chabad House. Every Saturday. Shirley Harkness at 994-1104 or email Sandy Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study Harlacher at [email protected]. prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Jewish Learning Institute: Chabad. Winter se- reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. at Wednesday 18 Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown at Chabad House. Every Sunday. mester class “You Be the Judge.” Challenge your Chabad House. Every Saturday. sense of right and wrong with an exploration Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Alternative Spring Break Night Out: EMU Hil- Shabbat services: See listing at the end of calendar.. of Jewish Civil Law. 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. the basic text of Chassidism and open your lel. 6 p.m. at the JCC of Greater Ann Arbor. eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at For information, contact Ricky at program@ Introduction to Judaism: BIC. Taught by Rabbi Chabad House. Every Sunday. emuhillel.org or by phone at 482-0456. Sunday 22 Kim Blumenthal. Twelve-session free class. Class starts at 7:45 p.m., however students An Afternoon of Heart and Sole: JFS. Honoring Meditation: TBE. 7 p.m. in the chapel. are encouraged to join the congregation for Rachel Bendit and Mark Bernstein with the Introduction to Judaism: BIC. Taught by Rabbi Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for Ma’ariv evening service at 7:30 p.m. Claire and Isadore Bernstein Leadership Award. Kim Blumenthal. Twelve-session free class. Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the Dessert Reception at 2 p.m. at the UM Michigan Class starts at 7:45 p.m., however students prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah League. $36/tickets. Reception attendees may are encouraged to join the congregation for reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. at Thursday 26 also purchase tickets for the Batsheva Dance Ma’ariv evening service at 7:30 p.m. Chabad House. Every Sunday. Company performance at the Power Center Jewish Learning Institute: Chabad. Winter se- Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Phi- at 4 p.m. Phone the JFS at 769-0209 or email mester class “You Be the Judge.” Challenge your the basic text of Chassidism and open your losophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the [email protected] for ticket information. sense of right and wrong with an exploration eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at JCC. Every Thursday. Register at www.jfsannarbor.org. of Jewish Civil Law. 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Chabad House. Every Sunday. February 2009 SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise “Safely Navigating Your Child through Adoles- Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learning A with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; cence in a Jewish Context:” TBE. With Jerry Thursday 19 the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of life. Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- Miller, PhD. 6–7:30 p.m. 8 p.m. at Chabad House. Every Sunday. ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; Annual Knowledge Exchange: EMU Hillel. Hillel $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Phi- visits Holy Trinity for Sunday Supper. 6 p.m. Special events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; losophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the For information, contact Ricky at program@ Literary Group with Sidney Warschausky will JCC. Every Thursday. emuhillel.org or by phone at 482-0456. See resume in March.

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Specialty Foods Dine-in & Carry Corner of Main & Madison www.southmainmarket.com Gourmet Back Alley in your neighborhood!in your from around the world around from Brazamerica party style!! Brazilian By the Pound the Pound By Copernicus Deli exceptional food everyday food exceptional candies, spices and staples candies, and spices Discover Authentic Foods Authentic Discover homemade Polish delicacies Polish homemade get “just enough” favorite of your February 2009 A Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 32 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 ------33 - - n In In 1990, Naharin was appointed artistic dance technique, which Naharin’s he de tickets For or additional con information, - Wash to person a coming Jewish “If you’re lighthearted. more Other programs were The Greater Washington Jewish Com such were insisted not activities Schneier “When I saw Rahm Emanuel appointed the United States. He made his choreograph He States. the United ic debut in 1980 in the Hirabayashi Kazuko studio in where New York, he studied and worked with Maggie Black, David Gordon, Seigenfeld. and Billy Gina Buntz, director of the Batsheva Dance Company, where he quickly developed artistic associa tions with prominent Israeli designers, in costume and Bambi designer lighting cluding designer Rakefet He Levy. often collaborates in the musical compositions for his work (Naharin trained musically before he started to dance) using widely divergent musical Jo to Zorn John and Pärt Arvo from sources, with such He has collaborated hann Strauss. musicians as Tractor’s Revenge, Avi Belleli and Dan Ivry Peter Zegveld, Makov, Oider, of in works his Many Poll. Thijsand der van performed music stage. on live clude vised when he was having back trouble, is known as Gaga. In an interview with Dance Magazine, Naharin explained the behind Gaga: “With theoryGaga we discover our movement patterns, and we become attuned to our weaknesses and to the places of atro efficient more become We bodies. our in phy in our movement and it allows us to go be our to connect We movements. familiar yond The ofjoy dance and power. to our explosive dancers become really great interpreters and also inventors ofThis explor movement.” atory method has become the cornerstone of work, acclaimed by Naharin’s critics and alike. members audience 764-2538 at Society Musical University the tact be also may Tickets www.ums.org. at online or purchased in person at the League Ticket Of fice (911Ave). UMSNorth UniversityTicket Office hours:Monday-Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday. closed 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday ington for the inauguration, you’ll see that -- that see you’ll inauguration, the for ington but you’ll also see homeless shelters and soup said the senior inauguration kitchens,” official, who spoke on the transitionstrict team’s con dition of anonymity. munity Relations Council marked the King day evening with the Black-Jewish Dialogues, which was described “a as hilarious two-actor, theater and multimedia ofvidromp - sketches, eo that reveals the absurdity of prejudice and Black- American of the context withinthe hate experience.” Jew heyday the to close ordinary—“we’re the of out of the black-Jewish relations”—but he said it was thrilling in weeks recent to see the alliance level. at its most rarefied White House chiefhe “I said, saw ofthe staff,” at trying again work to alliance black-Jewish n this country.” restore ------Batsheva Dance Company was founded and Israel in performances annual 250 With Dancer and choreographer Ohad Naha An array of national and local Jewish In Jews Washington, attending inaugural It needs to trickle down, Saperstein says. Saperstein trickle needs to down, It “There’s too little said social interaction,” Using Internet outreach, ADL asked its “By signing this I pledge, recognize that re and reorganizes them into a new experience, providing an opportunity to extravagant look at most Naharin’s its from time, over repertoire and heartrending. its most intimate to in 1964 by modern dance pioneer Martha Graham and one of her students, Baroness The turning Batshevapoint for de Rothschild. the company was the appointment of award- winning Israeli dancer/choreographer Ohad as Naharin artistic in launchingdirector 1990, Dance Batsheva Today, era. new a into Batsheva with year, the throughout operates Company two companies and 40 The dancers. company includes dancers from Israel and abroad who creative distinct their affirm to encouraged are cre the in or process rehearsal the in either gifts ongoing the during works own of their ation series. Batsheva Many Workshop ofDancers’ during skills their develop dancers Batsheva’s com junior the in period training extensive an the Batshevapany, Ensemble. The Ensemble generation next the for greenhouse a as serves of dancers and choreographers, and dedicates the majority of its compre time to Batsheva’s program. and education outreach hensive around the the world, is company now consid ambassadors. cultural leading Israel’s of one ered International performance highlights include engagements at the of Academy Brooklyn Mu Kennedy F. the John Festival, Wave Next sic’s Center for the Lyon Pillow Performing Arts, Jacob’s Festival, Dance American Festival, Dance Biennale, The Barbican Melbourne In Center, The HetMuziek Arts, the of Festival ternational Festival. and the Cannes ater, rin began his dance training with the Bat sheva At the Dance Company. invitation of Martha Graham, he came to New York to join her and company study at the School of American Ballet and the Juilliard School of After Music. a year with the Graham Com Naharin enjoyed a period pany, performing with major dance companies in Europe and groups groups signed up with the inaugural commit outreach. black-Jewish tee’s festivities also were on asked to day” join “work - the Wash Congregation’s Hebrew ington helping the homeless. January 19, supportive supportive not just on civil rights, but on aid Africa.” sub-Saharanfor the rabbi, who delivered the invocation the night Obama accepted the presidential nomi can nation “We develop in more August. op portunities for youth groups to work together oflevels building the is It projects. common on of trust and personal connection that helps us toughthrough times.” activists and others to take the Martin Luther “service pledge.” Day King spect for individual achieving dignity, equality and racism, ethnic opposing anti-Semitism, bigotry, homophobia, or any other form of hatred is a non-negotiable responsibility of all it concludes. people,” Batsheva Dance Company, continued 1 page from Batsheva Dance Company, Black Jewish Alliance, continued 21 page from Black Jewish Alliance, - - - -

5:35 pm 5:44 pm 5:53 pm 6:02 pm

(Jewish holiday). Call yom yom tov Shabbat Candlelighting February 6 February 13 February 20 February 27 February 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 Road 2309 Packard 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 Street 1429 Hill 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 Ave. Washtenaw 2000 995-3276 Street 715 Hill Ypsilanti 482-0456 Ave., Washtenaw 965 971-0990 Drive Hollow 2935 Birch 975-9872 Drive Hollow 2935 Birch 769-0209 Street State 2245 South 677-0100 Drive Hollow 2939 Birch 761-5324 Ave. Washtenaw 2010 1429 Hill Street 994-5822 Street 1429 Hill Arbor 913-9705 Ann 7451, Box P.O. ing monthly. For info, email [email protected] [email protected] email info, For monthly. ing call visitor 913-9705 or www.aarecon.org. 9:45 a.m. Afternoon services 45 minutes be sundown. fore meets the 2nd and 4th month. Call 663-4039 Saturdays for more information. of each Elliot Ginsburg. Rabbi by Led 10 a.m. Chapel Service at 9:30 Sanctuarya.m. Service at 10 a.m. Call the office at 665-4744or con for sult website at www.templebethemeth.org service details. Call 662-5805 in advance. AAOM. Meals: Shabbat and Discussion-based Discussion-based format with topics chang 995-3276 in advance. women to learn more about the mystical di mensions of one the Saturday, hour Torah. Call 995-3276. sundown. before Study group examines the code of law for 1/2 hour Saturday, Shabbat and Jewish ethics. Call 995-3276. sundown. before Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) Temple UM Hillel Beth (BIC) Congregation Israel House Chabad EMU Hillel (JCC) Center Community Jewish Society Cultural (JCS)Jewish Services Family Jewish (JFS) Federation Jewish Hannah Pardes Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) Minyan Arbor Orthodox Ann (AARH) Havurah Arbor Reconstructionist Ann Shabbat Services: Chabad. Morning services at Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Generally Study Shabbat at Services:8:50 a.m. TBE. Torah Home Hospitality for Shabbat and Holiday Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every Shabbat Services: AA Reconstructionist Havurah. Havurah. Reconstructionist AA Services: Shabbat “Mystical “Mystical Insights to Chabad. the For Torah:” “Laws of Shabbat—Jewish Ethics:” Chabad. Phone numbers and addresses of organizations frequently listed in the calendar:

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Learn more about the mystical di Please It is their support that makes this publication financially possible. this publication It is their support makes that a.m. a.m. Evening service, 35 minutes before sun set. set. Call 662-5805 for information. Mincha/ Torah Dvor and Shlisheet Seudah with Ma’ariv topics and a bite Disto eat. every Torah week. otherand Glogower Rod Rabbi by led cussions Home hospitality scholars. local available for UM Hillel. and meals. Shabbat 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. from childcare Morning Hillel. Call 994-9258 in advance for times. for Call 994-9258 in advance Hillel. lowed lowed by dinner at 6 Shira: p.m.; Family Shab at Service Traditional p.m.; at 6:45 Song in bat call 665-4744. information, For 7:30 p.m. Havurah. followed service Shabbat Musical month. each by vegetarian Shabbat potluck. withTot op tional kid’s pizza dinner at 6:00 PM. All are call 913- information, For attend. to welcome 9705, email [email protected] or visit www. aarecon.org. Shab for available hospitality Home time. ing bat meals and Jewish Call holidays. 995-3276 in advance. parents. 11:15 a.m. parents. Chabad. mensions of the Torah: Chabad. 1 hour before before hour 1 Chabad. Torah: the of mensions Every Saturday. House. at Chabad sundown group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown Every Saturday. House. Chabad at Meets at the JCC. 1:30–3 p.m. Call Ray Juni at Juni Ray Call p.m. 1:30–3 JCC. the at Meets information. 761-2765 for the calendar. memory lane watching several excerpts from 1 p.m. performances. Stage” on “Seniors Sharpen bad . witsyour and knowledge of the Jewish legal system by following the intrigu is The Talmud ing discussions in the Talmud. argumen logical law, ofpractical composite a orig the of Study teachings. moral and tation, inal tractate chapter Talmud 2. Taanit 8 p.m. Thursday. Every Shabbat Shabbat Services: Morning AAOM. service, 9:30 Shabbat Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m.; 6 p.m. Mincha. Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. Service:Shabbat BIC. fol p.m. 5:30 at Shabbat Tot TBE. Service: Shabbat Shabbat Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM Shabbat Service: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist candle-light at Begins Chabad. Service: Shabbat Mystical Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: . For tots ages 3–5 years old and old years 3–5 ages tots For BIC. Shabbat: Tot Laws Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad servicesShabbat : . 1 p.m. in the chapel. 1 p.m. . TBE Meditation: Yiddish Reading Weekly Group: JCC Seniors Friday Friday evening services Seniors Seniors on Stage: JCC Seniors Talmud Study Talmud Group–Jewish Civil Law: - Cha Weekly Shabbat services and classes Weekly Weekly Friday night Shabbat Weekly services Saturday 28 Saturday Friday 27 Friday IRuthless Cosmopolitan IAround Town

Just being (Jewish) Our summer camps, ourselves By Ruth Ellen Gruber David Erik Nelson, staff writer ROME (JTA)—Not long ago, a Facebook friend They include: Jewish atheist; Absolute atheist; lthough it’s hard to focus on sum- look online at www.mycampganisrael.com of mine wrote that she had had a great time at a I love being Jewish; The Golden Rule; Incoherent; mer camps while scraping ice from We have two prominent Jewish over- Shabbat dinner even if there had been “a wee bit That’s between me and my imaginary friend; It’s all A your windshield every morning, night camps. Camp Young Judaea is located much talk” of religion. good; Eclectic; Panoramic; Anything I Can Cling take note: these camps all have early-bird in Waupaca, WI, on Lake Stratton (2 hours “Why all this American obsession with Jew- To; Ignostic; Resolutely Secularly Jewish; Neo- discounts, scholarships, and other incentives north of Milwaukee), and offers the familiar ish identity?” she wrote on her profile page on the tribalist, neo-pagan of Zion; “Still haven’t found for families that can commit early. fixtures of traditional sleep-away camp: team social networking site. “Just BE!” it” Jewish; Spiritual Jewgayism; Whirling Dervish; Two local Jewish day camps offer pro- sports, archery, swimming, sailing, tennis, Her comment got me thinking. Rationalist; Jewishjewishjewish; I can see a church grams geared towards kids in kindergarten drama, and crafts, plus water-skiing, rock Defining Jewish identity, refining Jewish iden- from my window; Jewish but not obsessive; All; through eighth grade. Camp Raanana holds climbing on their 40-foot climbing tower, a tity, reclaiming Jewish identity, reinforcing Jew- Post Pigeon-Holistic; Waiting for UFOs to Take Me their annual day camp at Independence Lake ropes course with zip line, disc golf, and a ish identity—these seem indeed to be constant to Hawaii. County Park (about 20 minutes from Ann new nine-hole miniature golf course. concerns among many Jews, and not just in the Some of these are frivolous or funny; others Arbor). This outdoor program runs from Camp Young Judaea’s program aims to United States. tweak stereotypes. Most, though, even if outland- June 22–August 21, and aims to instill a love strengthen campers’ Jewish- and Zionist iden- “Jewish identity” has been the subject of end- ish, are at heart thoughtful expressions of complex of nature and water, with ecology lessons, tity, with Hebrew classes, Israeli folk dancing, less conferences, surveys, books, articles, analyses contemporary IDs that go far beyond the usual explorations, and Red Cross-certified swim Shomer shabbat observance, and a certified and movies—not to mention comedy routines. definitions of who (or what) is a Jew. lessons. Camp Director Deborah Huerta kosher kitchen under rabbinic supervision. A Google search for “Jewish identity” gave me One friend summed it all up by stating his re- notes, “Camp Raanana prides itself on its Their trained and certified staff includes an 573,000 matches! ligious views as follows: “A simple Jew (who am I dedicated and experienced staff. All of Camp on-site registered nurse or doctor. What impact, I wondered, does this all have on kidding? Is there such a thing????).” Raanana’s head counselors are mature college Camp Judaea has two three-and-a-half who we are—or at least on who we say we are? I asked a few of my friends why they chose to students with extensive day camp experience week sessions, running from June 15–July I decided to carry out an unscientific study to define their views as they did. The klezmer musi- and a commitment to providing exceptional 9 ($3,400), and July 13–August 6 ($3,300), find out—a very unscientific study. cian and filmmaker Yale Strom, for example, called programs for campers.” Raanana’s staff also as well as a two-week session for third and My methodology was simple: I used Facebook himself a “Yiddish pagan.” includes two Israeli shlichim, who serve as fourth graders ($1,900). Camp Young Ju- to see how Jews, or at least Jews I know, define “Yiddish is the tongue I relate to most as in my counselors and share their perspective on daea offers sibling and referral discounts. Call themselves in terms of religious identity. second tongue,” he said in an e-mail. “My pagan Israel and the Jewish experience. (847) 328-4942 (ext.16), or visit their website For those unfamiliar with Facebook, a site that beliefs come from me not believing in a typical om- Weekly field trips and special events in- (www.cyjmid.org) for more information. has 120 million users around the world, its software nipotent god figure sitting on a throne but a more clude trips to the Toledo Zoo, the Ann Arbor Located on Lake Kaiser in Three Rivers, permits you to connect with lists of “friends” who amorphous one as in ‘Mother nature.’ ” Hands On Museum, Jump City, Greenfield MI (just 2 hours from Ann Arbor), Camp are in turn linked with friends’ lists of their own. Strom said he felt connected to Mother Nature, Village, several water parks, and a visit from Tavor takes its lead from Israel’s collective Upon joining you create a profile, including “as did the Baal Shem Tov who lived in the for- the Israeli Scouts Friendship Caravan. farms in nurturing personal and commu- information you want to make public about your ests, studied the plants and was a known herbalist The three-day program (for campers en- nity identity. Camp Tavor is a part of the age, sex, location, profession, personal views, and among the Jews and non-Jews.” tering kindergarten) costs $150 per week, Habonim Dror movement and bases their even your sexual preference. You pick and choose “I am not an atheist,” he added, “because I know while the full-week program (campers up to program on Progressive Labor Zionism, what you want to post. Some people post only their there is something greater than myself—or there fifth grade) costs $200 per week. The Pioneer Cultural Judaism, and social justice. Coun- name; others provide the whole megillah. better be or we are all doomed—in fact there has to Adventure Program (for grades six through selors and campers work together to define One of the choices is to state your “religious be, why else be born, put into this life?” eight) costs $220 per week. Camp Raanana their community goals, determine activities, views.” You can choose whether or not to post any- Bruno Bitter, in his early 30s, coordinates a also offers a four-week, $360 Counselor-in- and resolve conflicts. thing at all about your religious beliefs and, if you popular Jewish blog and online community in Bu- Training program for teens entering ninth or Camp Tavor offers traditional camp ac- opt to post, you choose how you want to define dapest. He described his religious views as “opiate tenth grade. Registration fees include daily tivities daily (including swimming, boating, yourself; there is a blank space you can fill in with of the few.” transportation from the Jewish Community team sports, crafts, etc.), likewise augmented whatever you want to say. Why that? Center of Washtenaw County to Indepen- with Hebrew classes, Shabbat observance, Is- For my study, I simply checked how my Fa- “Marx wrote that ‘Die Religion ... ist das Opium dence Lake. All pre-May 1 registrants are raeli folk dancing, and healthy meals from cebook friends I know to be Jewish chose to re- des Volkes,’ “ he told me. “This is often referred to entered in a raffle to get a free week at camp. their kosher kitchen. spond. as ‘religion is the opiate of the masses’ in English. Learn more at their website (www.campraa- But Camp Tavor’s atmosphere is more I have more than 200 Facebook friends, and as But the Jewish religion is for no ‘masses,’ as we are a nana.com) or contact Deborah Huerta at similar to a kibbutz than a traditional sleep- it turns out, the overwhelming majority are Jewish. small minority.” [email protected] or 971-0990. away camp. Each morning includes a one- They include several rabbis, a cantor, klezmer musi- In Philadelphia, meanwhile, Michael Seifert, a Camp Gan Israel is an Ann Arbor-based hour work session (avodah) during which cians, Jewish scholars and leaders or staff members retired technical writer, described himself as “Secu- day camp (just a few minutes from down- campers elect to care for the camp’s live- of Jewish organizations, as well as friends and fam- lar Humanist Jewish.” town) offering three sessions—June 23-July 3, stock, work in the organic garden, or other- ily who have nothing to do with the Jewish institu- “I call myself a secular humanist because I put July 6-24, and July 27-August 7—with a half- wise maintain and develop the camp. Camp tional world. my faith in civic, political, charitable, and educa- day session for pre-kindergartners. Tavor also maintains the spirit of tikkun About half of them chose not to fill in the “re- tional institutions not affiliated with any religions Camp Director Shternie Zwiebel’s hand- olam and social justice, volunteering in the ligious views” blank. Some clearly wanted to keep and follow the teachings of the Western humanist picked staff are noted for their warmth and Three River’s community. their religious beliefs personal; for others it was un- tradition, which emphasizes the rights of man and quick rapport with campers and their fami- This co-ed program is geared towards important to define them. For others still, filling in the dignity of the individual,” Seifert told me. lies. Zwiebel places a high value on main- campers in the fourth through tenth grades, the blank would have been redundant. “Oh yes,” he added. “I was born Jewish, so I have taining as much year-to-year continuity in and enjoys a 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio “It would be stating the very obvious,” Herschel certain traditions and beliefs that come from my her staff as is possible. Daily activities in- and licensed on-site medical staff. Gluck, an Orthodox rabbi who for more than 20 Jewish upbringing and education, as well as a birth- clude a mix of field trips and summer camp Camp Tavor offers a three-week and a years has done Jewish outreach work in East-Cen- right and familial alliances with Jewish people.” staples like cooking, crafts, music and dance, four-week summer session, as well as a full tral Europe, told me in an e-mail. Two of Seifert’s siblings are also Facebook team sports, and swimming, as well as sci- seven-week season, which runs from June All of his other postings on Facebook, he noted, friends of mine—one, a musician, calls himself ence programs and other projects with a 21–August 11. Each session costs around including pictures that show him in a long beard a “spiritualist,” and the other, a professor, is “in- focus on education, personal growth, and $3,000, but Camp Tavor offers a $1,000 tu- and black hat, made his religious identity clear. different.” social development. According to their web- ition reduction for first-time campers who “EVERYTHING is naturally and unashamedly Members of my own extended family de- site, Camp Gan Israel is committed to foster- enroll for a full-session. There is also a price proudly Jewish!” he said. scribed themselves as “Jewish of the Reform and ing “a totally non-judgmental environment break for full season campers. Current rate Of my more than 80 Jewish Facebook friends secular sort,” or “Jewish-ish,” or simply wrote made up of campers from all Jewish back- information is available online at www. who did choose to state their religious views, only “yes” after the words “religious views.” grounds. An individual’s level of observance camptavor.com. Scholarships may also be a minority went the standard route. Barely a dozen Myself? I chose not to say anything. is not stressed. All children enjoy a shared available. To meet local campers and coun-

February 2009 wrote simply “Jewish,” and only another dozen or If anyone wants to know, they can ask. Jewish spirit through songs and projects.” selors, contact their Ann Arbor recruiter,

A so identified themselves as some traditional formu- Camp is $190 per week for kids five Ron Sussman, at (313) 702-3116. n Ruth Ellen Gruber’s books include National Geo- lation of Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox. through 13-years-old (or $1,254 for the full graphic Jewish Heritage Travel: A Guide to Eastern The others produced a cornucopia of qualifi- season), and $135 per week for three- and Europe, Letters from Europe (and Elsewhere) and ers, inventions, political statements, and imagina- four-year-olds ($898 for the full season). Virtually Jewish: Reinventing Jewish Culture in tive shadings that demonstrated a vast and colorful For more information, contact camp direc- Europe. She blogs on Jewish heritage issues at spectrum encompassing the widest range of belief, tor Shternie Zwiebel at 995-3276 (ext.15), or jewish-heritage-travel.blogspot.com n observance and nuanced sense of self. Washtenaw Jewish News Jewish News Washtenaw 34 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2009 35 1299150 5 5 2 19 28 14 28 35 18 23 13 28 31 18 20 15 11 32 31

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Advertisers Investor Relations LLC Relations Investor Dennis Platte Graphic Design Graphic Platte Dennis Gold Bond Cleaners mohel Greenbaum; Samuel Cantor Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Arbor Symphony Ann Judaea Young Camp Plastic and for Center Surgery Reconstructive Flowers Chelsea Photographer Christensen, Paula Repair Auto Westgate Fawzi’s Center Frankel Realtors Reinhart Ilene Friedland; Market Hiller’s Hoffer Carol Arthur Murray Dance Studio Dance Arthur Murray Photography Ayer Susan Arbor Bank of Ann Barry Bagels Gan Israel Camp Camp Tavor Camp Amadeus Cafe/Patisserie Amadeus Vitals October 26. October Goldstein. Alison and of daughters Aaron Sarah Goldstein, 13. December Condolences Abraham. Zev of the death on father, her Sacerdoti Yaakova Helton. Caroline Nancy of the death on mother, her Helton Caroline 22. November on Oscar Schwartz, Ellen Stroff of the death on father, her 23. November death, her on ofThe family Rostow Millie 29. November on Savishinsky, Kate of the death on Epstein mother, her Ann 9. December on Harnick, Steven of the death on Harnick father, her Pamela 20. December on Parkus, Carolyn of the death on his mother, Parkus Bill 25. on December Fair, Gibson R. Shelleyofdeath Griffithon the step-father, her 27. December on Solomon, Jack of the death on Deb Schild uncle, her 27. December on McCracken, Don of death the on Black-Elk Rivka father, her 18. December Druckman, Sylvia of the death Leora Druckman on mother, her January 5. on Holliday, Alan of the death on father, her Weiss Sarah Steven and Nancy Goldstein on the birth of their granddaughters, Leah Danit and Jordyn the birth on Goldstein of Danit and Jordyn Leah granddaughters, their and Nancy Steven on (Mimi), Derrow Sophia May the birth on ofDerrow and Ginger daughter, their Avi 29. December on Jr., the birth on and Daniel Daniel Pritts, Pritts Thomas Jill of son, their Mina. Kimberly to Michael, of the engagement on son, their and Lesley Hume Richard Beth Holland. to Dan, of the engagement on son, their Unangst and Paul Fredda January 4. on Gankin, Bella Pearl the birth Gankin on and Maria ofLeonid daughter, their Mazel tov Mazel February 7. bat mitzvah, her on Shira Hammerslough February 7. his bar mitzvah, on Hirsch Noah February 7. Eliza Caughey bat mitzvah, her on February 28 bat mitzvah, her on Cook Hannah February 28 Lillian Sedman bat mitzvah, Clark her on February 28. mitzvah, bat her on Silver Yael 28. November on Tunk, Joe to Rachel, Gary the marriage on and Harriet Charson of daughter, Jacob, Danny to Adler, Ruth the marriage on ofAdler daughter, their and SaraJane Rich

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‰ Al[X`Zgif^iXdd`e^ileYp@jiX\c`jg\Z`Xc`jkj ‰ Highly experienced college-age counselors ‰ 9\Xlk`]lc#eXkliXcj\kk`e^Xk@e[\g\e[\eZ\CXb\ ‰ Flexible scheduling with one-week sessions ‰ I\[:ifjjZ\ik`]`\[jn`dc\jjfej]fi^iX[\jB$, ‰ Program options from 7:30 am - 6 pm daily ‰

CAMP RAANANA FOR GRADES K-2 Nurturing counselors introduce our youngest groups of campers to the Camp Raanana experience. Swim lessons, nature exploration, arts and crafts, music, sports, and free swim are all part of the fun! Campers entering kindergarten may participate in a 3 day program.

CAMP RAANANA FOR GRADES 3-5 Campers entering grades 3-5 enjoy Camp Raanana’s fun activities and also get to choose an enriching specialty each week. Previous specialty options have included model rocketry, martial arts, soccer, digital photography, boating, science, dance, edible art, and more!

PIONEER ADVENTURE PROGRAM FOR GRADES 6-8 The Pioneer Adventure Program caters to the interests of our oldest campers. Each week campers travel to unique field trip destinations, participate in stimulating mitzvah projects, and enjoy fun activities, Shabbat celebrations, and special events at camp.

High schools students may apply to be CITs or Junior Counselors. February 2009 A

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