Washtenaw Jewish News Presort Standard In this issue… c/o Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor U.S. Postage PAID 2939 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, MI Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Crisis Secular Danish Permit No. 85 in Haiti Judaisim Jewry

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February 2010 Shevat/Adar 5770 Volume XXXIV: Number 5 FREE The Soul of Tikkun: Spiritual Practice & Social Action Op-Ed: Steve Merritt, special to the WJN “The few and the just” by Laurel Federbush abbi Amy Eilberg will visit Ann Arbor hospice care February 19. Her topic will be “Shema Yisrael: This is a medita- for the third annual community-wide program. The Mitzvah of Sacred Listening.” There will be tion about my program on Jewish spirituality. Her She also co- a dinner at 6 p.m. and a service at 7:30 p.m. For R former involve- visit will culminate in a workshop on Sunday, founded a more information or to reserve a dinner, go to ment with the February 21, entitled, “The Soul of Tikkun: center for Jew- www.templebethemeth.org or call 665-4744. group Jew ish Spiritual Practice & Social Action.” The event ish Spiritual Rabbi Eilberg will appear at Beth Israel Con- Witnesses for will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Jewish Community Direction. gregation on Saturday, February 20, and will Peace and Friends Center of Greater Ann Arbor. Her cur- speak on “Listening for the Sacred in Our Lives.” ( J W P F ) — j u s t “We will explore the interconnectedness of rent focus is The program will begin with havdallah at 8 p.m. some of my spiritual practice and our work in the world,” more outer- and be followed by refreshments. For more infor- thoughts about says Rabbi Eilberg. “Both spiritual practitioners directed, lead- mation, call 665-9897. that whole expe- and social justice activists can expect to find the ing interfaith Rabbi Eilberg’s visit is being co-sponsored rience, and some usual boundaries between ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ dialogue pro- by the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah, Laurel Federbush of my recollec- questioned.” grams in St. Beth Israel Congregation, Hillel at the University Rabbi Amy Eilberg tions. The title of this is “The Few and the The workshop format will include lecture, Paul, Minne- of Michigan, the Jewish Community Center of Just,” because that’s what we thought we experiential practice, discussion, and a chance sota. She teaches compassionate listening and Greater Ann Arbor, the Jewish Cultural Society, were—the few people in Ann Arbor who to reflect on the ideas presented with a panel is involved in peace and reconciliation efforts the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, were compelled, in the name of justice, to do and small breakout sessions. around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rabbi Pardes Hannah, and Temple Beth Emeth. what we did. Rabbi Eilberg was the first woman ordained Eilberg also works with issues of conflict within The cost for the Sunday workshop, including Here’s what we did, and what, as you may as a Conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theo- the Jewish community. vegetarian meals, is $30. Students with an ID may know, the group still continues to do: Ev- logical Seminary of America. She has extensive She will use the Sunday workshop to show how attend for $5. Limited scholarships are available. ery Saturday morning, Jewish Witnesses for experience in both the realms of spiritual and inner spiritual work and outer work in the world For more information or to register, go to Peace and Friends would stand outside Beth community work. can be used to inform and nourish each other. www.jewishannarbor.org and click on the Soul of Israel Congregation, holding protest signs She is nationally known as a leader of the Rabbi Eilberg will also make two other ap- Tikkun Workshop link. For scholarships or other against the Israeli “occupation” of Palestine. Jewish healing movement. Rabbi Eilberg co- pearances which are open to the community. questions, email [email protected] We called our demonstration a “vigil.” founded a Jewish healing center and directed its She will visit at Temple Beth Emeth on Friday, or call Dorrie at 665-4186. n Others in the Ann Arbor community use the term “picket” to describe it. While the term “vigil” is probably too gentle to describe what we were doing, I’m going to use that Detroit School of Arts Vision-Male Choral Ensemble at Beth Israel term because that’s how I thought of it for Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN years and it’s the one that comes naturally to n Saturday evening, February 6, me. Feel free, in your own mind, to substitute from 8–9 p.m., Beth Israel Congre- the term “picket” if you like. O gation will host the Detroit School We weren’t popular. In fact, I didn’t know of Arts Male Choral Ensemble, who will per- anyone, outside of our group, who approved of form a medley of music strongly influenced what we did. But we got the occasional head- by African-American culture through the ages line in the local paper, some letters to the editor, in honor of Black History month. People of and we brought attention to our cause. all ages are welcome to this free concert, which I myself had always made a point of will be followed by an afterglow with refresh- avoiding news about Israel, the Palestinians, ments with the performers. or the Middle East in general. When I was The Detroit School of Arts was established a child, there had been plenty of footage of in 1992 by founder and principal, Dr. Denise wars going on in that part of the world, and it Davis-Cotton. Detroit School of Arts is one seemed so hopeless, so grim, an endless cycle of four magnet schools in Detroit, others be- of violence. ing Renaissance High School, Cass Technical But, along with my mom [Marcia Fed- High School and Communication & Media erbush], I joined the group JWPF, hoping Arts High School. The Detroit School of Arts Vision-Male Choral Ensemble to learn more. I had recently decided to ac- During the nine-hour school day, students one of several vocal groups whose mission is students perform at engagements throughout knowledge my Jewish heritage, and I thought follow a rigorous college preparatory cur- to strengthen the spiritual and cultural bonds Detroit and Michigan. The Ensemble is direct- this was a way to do it. I had had a secular riculum with an intensive study in the arts. between students. This group of talented and ed by Cheryl Whitney Valentine, vocal director upbringing. While many of my relatives were The DSA Vision Male Choral Ensemble is enthusiastic African-American high school of the Detroit School of Arts. n continued on page 8 I Letters/Community

2935 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 Ann Arbor benefited from Jerry Lax as city attorney voice: 734/971-1800 Last month’s piece on Judie and Jerry Lax winning dented—wildly disruptive and potentially very fax: 734/971-1801 the Bernstein Leadership Award for outstanding dangerous—but thanks largely to Jerry’s perfor- e-mail: [email protected] community service was a welcome commenda- mance they turned out to be more interesting than www.washtenawjewishnews.org tion for a couple of Ann Arbor’s more valuable damaging. As city attorney he was at the center of citizens—but it completely ignored one of Jerry’s most of that period’s conflicts and it was largely his key contributions to our city. character, attitude and legal insights that kept Ann 1969-1973 was probably one of the most in- Arbor on an even keel. Editor and Publisher tense, tumultuous, critical period in the history It was our rare good fortune to have him in the Susan Kravitz Ayer of Ann Arbor and it was during those years that City Attorney’s office during those years and for Calendar Editor Jerry was our city attorney. The issues that arose that we should be grateful. Claire Sandler during his four-years on the job were unprece- Robert Faber Advertising Manager More on “False Witnesses” Gordon White Design and Layout What should have been the primary thrust of the American mainstream on the question Dennis Platte of the article “False Witnesses” [WJN, De- of Israel; their constant analogizing of Israel cember 2009], the picketers’ rabid, absurd to Nazi Germany; their imputation of rac- Staff Writers perspective, is only peripherally touched on. ism to an ideology, namely Zionism, that has Noa Gutterman, David Erik Nelson, Their flagrant anti-Semitism in which all nothing to do with race—none of these is dis- Sandor Slomovits Jews are stereotyped on the basis of ethnic- cussed. These individuals are so beyond the ity; their attribution of a political mission pale of rational thought that I am incredulous Contributing Writers AuraAhuvia, HalyeAisner, Jacob Berkman, Rabbi to an institution whose mission is religious; the author of this article couldn’t find more Lisa Delson, Milka Eliav, Eric Fingerhut, Sue their ignoring of the fact that the bulk of the convincing material to employ in his quest. Fishkoff, Julie Gales, Rabbi Ahron Goldstein, membership of Beth Israel is politically left Jessica Lieberman Rabbi Alter Goldstein, Tim Grimes, Ben Harris, Deborah Huerta, Ron Kampeas, Claire Kinberg, Kimberly Kunoff, Stacey Martin, Steve Merritt, Mike Newman, Stephen Pastner, Merrill Dr. Burton Visotzky to be scholar-in-residence Poliner, Karen Shill, Rachel Siegal, Elliot Sorkin, Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN Byrnie Steifel, Leslie Susser, Yael Warshai, Beth Israel Congregation will host Burton p.m. there will be a Natalie Wiesend, Tzvi Hersh Weinreb Visotzky, Ph.D., as scholar-in-residence from luncheon Kiddush The Washtenaw Jewish News is a free and inde- March 19–21. Dr. Visotzky is professor of Mi- and a talk entitled pendent newspaper. It is published monthly, drash and Interreligious Studies at The Jew- “Isaac Unbound.” with the exception of January and July. It is reg- ish Theological Seminary in New York City. On Saturday eve- istered as a Non-profit Michigan Corporation. With Bill Moyers, he developed the series ning, March 20, at Opinions expressed in this publication do not Genesis: A Living Conversation, serving as 7:30 p.m., Visotzky necessarily reflect those of its editors or staff both a consultant and a featured participant. will discuss “Cairo He was also a consultant to Jeffrey Katzenberg to Qatar and Affordable design for brochures, of DreamWorks SKG for the film The Prince Beyond—Jewish- Member of advertising, invitations and all of of Egypt. There will be four opportunities Muslim Dialogue American Jewish Press Association Burton Visotzky, Ph.D. your personal or business needs. to learn with Dr. Visotzky. On Friday, in the Past Five March 19, at 8 p.m., Visotzky will present Years: One Rabbi’s Experiences.” On Sunday, Make your next “The Dysfunctional Family as Moral Exem- March 21, at 9:30 a.m., Visotzky will present design project a plar.” The evening includes a Shabbat ser- “Moses Goes to Hollywood.” This lecture se- vices at 7:30 p.m. and a dinner beginning at ries is funded by the Alfred and Alice Rosen- 7 p.m. Reservations are required for the din- berg Lecture Fund. All the presentations are ner part only. (Contact 665-9897 for further open to the public at no charge. For more details). On Saturday, March 20, at 12:30 information, contact Mary at 665-9897.

©2010 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw Annual Bookstock collection day at the JCC Jewish News may be ­reproduced without permission of the publisher. Halye Aisner, special to the WJN Bookstock is an annual fund-raiser to help sup- dropped off and receipts will be given. Donations Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should by Dennis Platte not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the 734.483.9619 port education and literacy projects. Hundreds are tax deductible as allowed by law. editor at [email protected]. Name will be [email protected] of volunteers work throughout the year to collect Bookstock is sponsored by the JCC of Greater withheld at the discretion of the editor. and sort books and media. Bookstock is a media Ann Arbor, Detroit Jewish Coalition for Literacy, Circulation: 5,000 lover’s paradise where tens of thousands of gently the Oakland Literacy Council, the Jewish Com- Subscriptions: $12 bulk rate inside Washtenaw County used books, books on tape, records, videos, CDs, munity Relations Council, Detroit Jewish News, $18 first-class su­bscription DVDs and more will be sold from April 18–25 at and a consortium of Jewish communal non-prof- Laurel Park Place Mall in Livonia. Savvy shoppers it organizations which support education and lit- The deadline for the March 2010 issue of the and collectors can attend a pre-sale the first morn- eracy projects throughout metro Detroit. Washtenaw Jewish News is ing, April 18, from 8:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m. The cost For further information or to sign up as a volun- Monday, February 8. is $10 for the pre-sale only. The event itself is free. teer, contact Rebekah Gamble at 971-0990 or re- Publication date: Thursday, February 25 Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann [email protected]. For more information are available at locations throughout Arbor will have a collection day on Sunday, March on Bookstock, visit www.bookstock.info. Washtenaw County. 21, from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Donations can be

IIn this issue… Adult Education...... 6 Federation...... 5 Seniors...... 4 Advertisers...... 31 Israel...... 24 Youth...... 17 Calendar...... 26 Letters to the Editor...... 2 Vitals...... 31 Congregations...... 11 On Another Note...... 25 World Jewry...... 22

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 ICommunity

JStreet comes to Ann Arbor Crazy Wisdom Salon Clare Kinberg, special to the WJN addresses question of Street, the political voice of the pro-Israel, discussion of how we best secure Israel’s fu- ethical responsibility pro-peace movement, is setting up shop ture as a democratic homeland for the Jewish J in Ann Arbor. people,” said J Street Ann Arbor chair, Rebecca WJN staff writers The group, which has sparked conversation Kanner. “We look forward to engaging and mo- We all know when something we see is un- in political and Jewish community circles across bilizing our community as effective advocates ethical. What does it take to move us from ob- the country about the connection between Isra- for a two-state solution and true peace and se- servation or outrage to action? What societal el’s future as a democratic Jewish homeland and curity for Israel.” and/or religious imperatives guide us to move achieving a two-state resolution, will officially J Street, billed in a feature story by the New outside our personal interests? These ques- launch J Street Ann Arbor at a public event on York Times Magazine as “The New Israel Lobby,” tions and others will be addressed Thursday February 4, at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community was founded in April 2008 to promote meaning- evening, February 18, at 7 p.m., at the Crazy Center of Greater Ann Arbor. The kick-off will ful American leadership to end the Arab-Israeli Wisdom Salon. The Salon is titled, “Ethical feature simulcast remarks by J Street’s executive and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Its new national Responsibility—What Compels One to Act?” director, Jeremy Ben-Ami, as well as an oppor- grassroots program and field operations fall un- Crazy Wisdom Bookstore sponsors tunity for some of J Street’s hundreds of local der the auspices of the J Street Education Fund, monthly community Salons that provide an supporters to celebrate the launch and get ready Inc, an educational nonprofit which educates opportunity to creatively address complex for upcoming campaigns. targeted communities about the need for a two- topics. February’s event will be facilitated by J Street Ann Arbor’s launch is part of state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Susan Ayer, long-time editor/publisher of the J Street’s new national grassroots field program raises the visibility of a mainstream pro-peace, Washtenaw Jewish News. Guest panelists include: that will both broaden and deepen the pres- pro-Israel presence within the American Jew- • Rabbi Nathan Martin, assistant director at ence of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement in ish community, and promotes open, dynamic the University of Michigan Hillel. Rabbi communities across the country. The event in and spirited conversation about how to best ad- Martin graduated from the Reconstruc- Ann Arbor will coincide with dozens of similar vance the interests and future of a democratic, tionist Rabbinical College in 2006 and events in other cities. Jewish Israel. enjoys learning, biking, and dialogue. “We’re thrilled that local leaders and activists The J Street family of organizations also in- • Reverend Ken Phifer, a long-time peace in Michigan will enhance J Street’s advocacy for cludes J Street and JStreetPAC. J Street, a non- activist. Reverend Phifer served as senior strong US efforts to achieve peace and security profit lobby, uses online organizing, advocacy minister (now emeritus), of the First in the Middle East,” said Jeremy Ben-Ami. “A and education to political and popular support Unitarian Universalist Congregation of grassroots network of pro-Israel, pro-peace ad- for American leadership to achieve peace and Ann Arbor, from 1980 to 2005. He is a vocates is an essential component of our work security in the Middle East. JStreetPAC, a legally graduate of Harvard College and the in pursuit of a two-state solution and a regional, independent political action committee, works University of Chicago Divinity School. comprehensive peace.” to demonstrates that there is meaningful politi- • Irene Butter, PhD., professor emerita at J Street Ann Arbor will integrate the city’s cal and financial support available to candidates the University of Michigan School of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom chapter, and also aims to for federal office from large numbers of Ameri- Public Health. Born in Berlin, she grew draw new supporters from J Street’s substantial cans who believe a new direction in American up as a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied netroots base in the area. policy will advance U.S. interests in the Middle Europe when her family was deported “By growing the pro-Israel, pro-peace East and promote real peace and security for Is- to two German concentration camps in movement in Ann Arbor we aim to create the rael and the region. n the early 1940s. She has been involved political space in our community for a vibrant in peace and justice projects for most of her life. She is a co-founder of Zeitouna, a Palestinian and Jewish Women’s Dia- logue group. Butter received her PhD. in Spend a day with the Frankel Scholars economics from Duke University. Kimberly Kunoff, special to the WJN For more information, email bill@crazywis- he Frankel Institute for Advanced archaeology, anthropology, literature, and dom.net or call 665-2757. Crazy Wisdom is Judaic Studies annually assembles folklore. They meet weekly to discuss each located at 114 S. Main Street. The program is T a group of outstanding scholars to other’s research. free and open to the entire community. pursue their research on a common, previ- While the fellow delivers one public lec- ously announced theme. For the academic ture each during their stay at the Institute, year 2009–2010, a dozen scholars from the public rarely has the opportunity to par- around the world have gathered to explore ticipate in the discussions and sample their Schedule the theme of “The Culture of Jewish Ob- scholarship. 9:30 a.m. Check In/Refreshments/Welcome jects” and what makes an object Jewish. On February 7, the Frankel Institute will 10 a.m. Session One (choose one) The question invites other questions, partner with the Jewish Forum, Federation’s 1A – Keren McGinity Shiksa: Object of Jewish Desire or Derision? about the significance of objects within Jew- Alliance for Jewish Education, Fed Ed, and 1B – Oded Zehavi Hallelujah: ish culture and whether one can speak of a The Jewish Community Center of Metro- Setting Tehillim (Psalms) to Music culture of Jewish objects. Jews have obvious- politan Detroit’s SAJE (Seminars for Adult 11 a.m. Break/Refreshments ly used diverse objects throughout their long Jewish Enrichment) to present a unique day 11:10 a.m. Session Two (choose one) history and some of these have been endowed of Jewish learning. 2A – Oren Gutfeld News from the Past: with specifically Jewish significance. Ritual “Each year the Frankel Institute at the Jerusalem at the End of the Second objects associated with Jewish religious prac- University of Michigan hosts an extraordi- Temple Period tices immediately come to mind. Sabbath nary group of Judaic scholars from around 2B – Michal Artzy observance, with its candleholders, Kiddush the world,” attests Todd Endelman, interim Excavating Ancient Harbors cup, challah plate, and spice box just to name director, The Jean & Samuel Frankel Center 12:10 p.m. Kosher Lunch familiar objects, involves a range of Jewish for Judaic Studies. “The Day at the Institute 1:15 p.m. Session Three (choose one) artifacts that simultaneously expand on and is a wonderful opportunity for the public in 3A – Chava Weissler Contemporary deviate from sacred meaning associated with the greater Detroit area to learn from and ex- Tallitot and Their Intersection with synagogues or the ancient Temples. But what change ideas with these scholars.” Both Renewal and Feminism about other, more mundane, objects that are The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. 3B – Michal Kravel-Tovi Visuality, integral to Jewish life yet not associated with to 3:30 p.m. at The Jewish Community Cen- Temporality and Messianism: The sacred time or space? How does one think ter of Metro Detroit. The cost, including Case Study of Lubavitcher Hasidism about buildings and decorations, book cov- kosher lunch, is $40 per person and $25 for 2 p.m. Break/Refreshments ers and design, kitchen structures and cook- students, Jewish educators, and Jewish com- 2:10 p.m. Closing Panel How to Talk About ing utensils, clothing and jewelry? munity professionals. Advance registration Jewish Objects The scholars who have come together and payment are required. Naomi Feuchtwanger-Sarig, Shlomo Berger, around this theme represent different disci- To register, call (248) 432-5692 or visit Todd Endelman, Chava Weissler and Oren Gutfeld plinary backgrounds, including art history, www.thejewishforum.org. n Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 3 I Community I Seniors

AADL hosts “Ignite” talk by Jack Zaientz February SPICE* of Life on American Jewish music *Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, and Educational Programs for Adults Tim Grimes, special to the WJN Merrill Poliner, special to the WJN gnite Ann Arbor is a biannual event that Tuesdays experience or physical expertise necessary. Call brings passionate people from throughout Merrill at 971-0990 for more information. the community on stage to present 20 slides 11 a.m.: Energy Exercise with Maria Far- I quhar. $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10 in 5 minutes about their interests. At Ignite Second Thursday special events Stage @ AADL, some of the best Ignite Ann Arbor Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person presenters are invited to the Ann Arbor District 1 p.m.: Games and Activities. Join in for February 4 Library to give an expanded version of their talk a variety of games and activities including 12:30 p.m. Birthday celebration for all On Sunday, February 28, from 1–2:30 mahjong, quilting, art projects, and other with February birthdays! Bring your family p.m., in the Downtown Library Multi-Pur- card games. *New* Bridge club at 1:00. and friends for lunch and birthday cake. pose Room, Jack Zaientz, an Ann Arbor area 1:30 p.m.: Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversa- 1 p.m. “So Near and Yet So Foreign: an Il- research scientist who blogs about contem- tional Group). Open to the public as well lustrated Tour of the Jewish Renaissance porary Jewish Music at http://teruah-jewish- as University of Michigan faculty, staff and in Cuba,” Elliott Gertel’s illustrated presen- music.blogspot.com/ will present “The Silver students, all ages and levels welcome. Bean- tation on his humanitarian mission to the Age of American Jewish Music is Happening ster’s Café, ground floor, Michigan League. Jewish community of Cuba in April 2007. Now! And You’re Missing It!” Free. For more information, call 936-2367. According to Zaientz, Jewish music is February 11 exploding. Bands and labels and venues are Thursdays 12:30 p.m. A registered nurse from Care multiplying. Rock. Hip Hop. Reggae. Punk. 10 a.m.: Energy Exercise with Maria Far- Response will take and record blood pres- sures and address any questions. Free. (This Klezmer. Sephardic. Choral. Chamber Music. Jack Zaientz quhar. $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10 Jazz. Chassidic-Pop. Breslov Techno. Nig- 11 a.m.: Current Events with Heather event is repeated the second Thursday of gunim. Pop-liturgical. Bible-gum. Beat Box. Boy Choirs. House. Socialist Yiddish Gothic. In- Dombey. A Jewish perspective on this week’s each month.) die. Weird hybrids. Avant-Garde experiments. Earnest devotion. Jewish music encompasses news. Bring items of interest for group 1 p.m. The always popular “Happi- them all. discussion. ness Boys” return with a performance of “We’re not immigrants clustered in tenements, in range of a local Yiddish radio station Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person new songs. anymore, says Zaientz. “A revolution is happening but we’re scattered across a big nation with 1 p.m.: Thursday Special Events and February 18 no common media to connect us… except the net. Will it be enough?” Presentations (see below for details) This Extended Play version of Zaientz’s recent 5 minute Ignite Ann Arbor talk will be 12:30 p.m. Allison Pollock, MSW, Jewish 2:15 p.m.: Literary Group facilitated by loaded with more music, a road-map of the contemporary Jewish Music scene, and a case Family Services geriatric social workers will Sidney Warschausky, Call Merrill Poliner, study in social-networking Jewish music. be available for discussion. 971-0990, for more information and the The Downtown Library is located at 343 South Fifth Avenue. For more information on 1 p.m. Janet Basset, Elder Law Specialist current book. this event, call the library at 327-4555. n will lead a discussion on legal aspects of aging for seniors and their families. Fridays 1:30 p.m.: Yiddish Reading Group at the February 25 New at the JCC Jewish Community Center. Call Ray Juni for 1 p.m. Which films have been nominated additional information at 761-2765 for the Academy Awards? Who will win? Merrill Poliner, special to the WJN Tuesday special events What do you think? Local movie expert, Guest Speaker Series for Older Adults JCC Film Group. Russ Collins, executive director of the In February, the JCC’s SPICE program He is probably February 2 through March 23 Michigan Theatre will bring his expertise to will host special guest speakers including best known as the 10 a.m.–noon SPICE for a pre-awards preview. Irving M. Hermelin Curator of Judaica El- Michigan Theater’s The Bible In It’s Time with Dr. Liz Fried. This liot H. Gertel, and Executive Director of the executive director, semester the class will cover “The Prophets In Sunday special events Michigan Theater Russ Collins. Both pro- Ann Arbor’s not- their World.” Class is tuition free to Washt- grams will take place at 1 p.m. at the Jewish for-profit center enaw County residents age 65 and over February 6 Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor for fine film and through the Washtenaw Community College 2–4 p.m. and are free of charge. the performing Department of Lifelong Learning. Registra- Opening Reception: Senior Photography Elliot Gertel will arts. Russ Collins tion at the first class. Contact Merrill at 971- Exhibit. Come to the JCC to see the photog- speak on Thursday, will be discuss- 0990 to register or for more information. raphy, meet the photographers and listen ing the upcoming to them speak about their work and en- February 4. Ger- Russ Collins tel selects books, Academy Awards. February 9 and 23rd joy the reception buffet. Free and open to serials and elec- For more information or to RSVP to ei- 1–2 p.m. Welcome to the new Wii! Join the public. tronic products in ther of these events, contact Merrill Poliner SPICE for an introduction to Wii bowling. No Hebrew, Yiddish at 971-0990 or [email protected]. and English to sup- port faculty and SPICE welcomes the Wii Senior photo exhibit opening Elida Silverman, Margaret Singer, Charlotte student research for Thanks to a generous donation by Dr. Marc The Senior Photography Exhibit returns, Vogel, Ann Wasick, Xian Fang Xu the Frankel Center Renner to Jewish Family Services, the JCC’s after a several year hiatus, to the JCC on Febru- Elliot Gertel JCC and Orchestra collaborate on piano for Judaic Studies, Older Adults Program now has the use of a ary 1. The exhibit will be displayed until March Community members attending musical Center for Middle Eastern and North African Nintendo Wii game system. Recent research 31. Many of the photographs will be for sale as events at the JCC will be the beneficiaries Studies and a variety of other related Univer- shows a significant increase in the number of a fundraiser for the JCC’s senior programs. of a new collaboration between the JCC sity of Michigan departments. Gertel has an seniors and senior centers around the country There will be an opening reception on and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. M.Phil. in Modern Jewish Studies from Ox- using the Wii for various activities. The Wii’s Sunday, February 7 from 3–5 p.m. The com- A Yamaha six-foot grand piano, donated to ford University and has served as curator for sports simulation games require no specific munity is invited to attend the reception, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO) over a decade. physical ability or expertise, making them ac- view the artwork, listen to presentations and by a local supporter, will be permanently Russ Collins will speak on Thursday, Feb- cessible to many who can no longer partici- discussions by the artists and share in the re- housed at the JCC. ruary 25. He is a lifelong resident of Ann pate in or have access to active sports. freshments. There is no admission charge and The orchestra will use the piano for Af- Arbor and a graduate of the University of The Wii will make its debut on Tuesday, reservations are not required. Call Merrill Po- ternoon Delights concerts at the JCC as well Michigan with bachelor and master degrees February 9 at 1 p.m. at the JCC with a dem- liner at 971-0990 for more information. as concerts at other venues where a piano in arts administration. He teaches Film Ap- onstration and lessons. Thereafter, the system As of press time exhibitors include: Bar- will be required. The piano will be available preciation at Eastern Michigan University; is will be available on alternate Tuesdays from bara Bergman, Mundan Chu, Pat Cornett, for the JCC to use at its musical events. n the emcee of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of 1–2 p.m. All are invited to take part on a drop- Howard Fink, Luda Ketslakh, Joan Levitt, Commerce monthly gathering called Morn- in basis. There is no charge for participating. Joel Levitt, Richard Malvin, Nancy Margolis, ing Edition; is the co-host (with David Fair) Call Merrill Poliner, SPICE program coordi- Irwin Martin, Arnold Mutchnik, Phyllis Per- of Cinema Chat on WEMU; and leader of the nator at 971-0990 for additional information. ry, Denise Rohde, Fritz Shafer, Judy Schmidt,

4 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 IFederation

Federation women’s event set for March 7 Stacey Martin, special to the WJN nce again, women in the community welcoming presentation, participants will have a can look forward to a day of learning chance to attend breakout sessions of their choice. O and inspiration this spring, offered by Session leaders include Frankel Center for Judaic the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Studies fellows Naomi Feuchtwanger-Sarig and A tradition in the Ann Arbor commu- Chava Weissler, as well as the Zell Director of the nity since 1991, the Jewish Women’s Day of MFA Program in Creative Writing at the Univer- Learning has evolved into a experience that sity of Michigan, Eileen Pollack. Pollack will give local Jewish women can look forward to the participants of her session a sneak previous of each year. This year’s event will be held on her new novel, Breaking and Entering, which will Sunday, March 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., be published in 2011. As Pollack explains, Breaking at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann and Entering is “set in a mythical town not far from Arbor. As planning committee member Happy Ann Arbor populated by Jews, Unitarians, funda- Feigelson explains, the event is a unique oppor- mentalist Christians and a branch of the Michigan tunity for women of all ages in the community Militia.” After reading excerpts from the books, she to come together for a time of learning and in- will discuss the true-life events that inspired her tellectual exploring. They will greet old friends to write it and the creative process by which she and make new acquaintances, while stimulating turned those events into an actual manuscript. new thoughts and encouraging conversation. After each breakout session, participants will The theme of this year’s event is “The Jewish reconvene for a lunch of light fare catered by ko- Perspective in Art and Culture: A Creative Work- sher chef Cari Herskovitz. As Feigelson says, “There shop for Women.” Discussion topics will include are a lot of creative people in the community, and the benefits of unearthing the creativity within us a vast range of ages of women who come to this all, as well as the potential spirituality of the creative event. This ‘spanning the ages’ brings opens up process. The keynote speaker will be Debra Dar- new perspectives to participants and encourages vick, author of “This Jewish Life: Stories of Discov- thoughtful conversations.” Those in attendance ery, Connection and Joy” and a book for children, gain new opportunities to learn about other wom- “I Love Jewish Faces.” Darvick spoke at the 2009 en in the community and about themselves. Ann Arbor Jewish Book Festival. Her discussion The charge for “The Jewish Perspective in Art will emphasize that creative dreams are part of our and Culture: A Creative Workshop for Women” Jewish birthright and will detail her “eight steps for is $36, and includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, pursuing a dream” that she learned along the way and all of the day’s activities. For more information to having her first book published. or to reserve your place, visit www.jewishannarbor. The day will begin with a light breakfast as org or contact Stacey Martin at 677-0100 or sta- attendees arrive and begin to socialize. After a [email protected]. n

Jewish Federation introduces Facebook page Stacey Martin, special to the WJN The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor has launched of a Facebook “fan” page. In this digital age, perhaps no sector of daily life has evolved as much as communication. New technologies such as the Kindle electronic reader and the iPhone have completely revolutionized the way we think of transferring information. Books are no longer defined by having pages than one turns physically, and phones are no longer defined by their ability to solely send and receive calls. Furthermore, print newspapers have largely become replaced with online versions, and rather than meeting friends for coffee, people might chat on Facebook. Facebook has changed the way people communicate, not only with one’s “friends,” but also with the community. “Creating a true sense of Jewish community and being able to engage with as many commu- nity members as possible is always the goal and the greatest challenge to a Jewish Federation,” said Federa- tion Executive Director David Shtulman. The Federation Facebook page will keep community members updated by including photos, event details, and opportunities for community feedback. The advantage of a Facebook page is the opportunity for the public to engage directly and more easily with Federation staff members and other members of the Jewish community. While the page will not replace Federation’s weekly email, “Your Link to Jewish Life,” it will supplement it in a way only possible in the medium of online social networking. The page will allow community members to share their own thoughts about issues of Jewish interest. Federation staff encourages people to post pictures of their last visit to Israel or voice their opinion of who makes the best falafel in the Ann Arbor area. The Federation hopes the Facebook page will be- come an online meeting point for the Ann Arbor Jewish Com- munity. Fans can start a conver- sation by responding to David Shtulman’s “Question of the Week,” which has included top- ics such as being an American Jew at Christmas and security in Israel, or simply write on the “wall” to start your own discus- sion on Jewish life. Log on and join in! Become a Fan of the Jew- ish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor at www.facebook. com/jewishannarbor.

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 5 I Community

Melton Mini-School continues to grow Ann Arbor Chabad to offer JLI course, Julie Gales, special to the WJN he Florence Melton Adult Mini School happens after one dies, and why do people suf- “Portraits in Leadership” is designed to help adults acquire Jewish fer. They also examine the different historic New course explores inspirational avenues to emerge from times of uncertainty literacy… and Ann Arbor has an eager turning points for the Jewish people and Jewish T Rabbi Alter Goldstein, special to the WJN student body. The Jewish Community Center responses to those external and internal forces. of Greater Ann Arbor opened his February, the Ann Arbor Chabad and at the Chabad House, 9:30–11 a.m. for six its Melton Mini-School in Sep- House will launch its winter course Tuesdays starting February 9. The cost is $75 tember 2008 with the assistance T with the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute per person, $120 per couple. Potential students of the Covenant Foundation, (JLI), Portraits in Leadership: Timeless Tales are welcome to call 995-3276, extension 2, for the Jewish Federation of Greater for Inspired Living. Portraits in Leadership is more information. Ann Arbor, and a consortium a study of the inspiring of Ann Arbor’s congregations life story of six figures and Jewish organizations. “We whose courage and were really unsure whether Jew- determination helped ish Ann Arborites would make Judaism weather its the commitment to a two-year darkest hours. In the course of study given all their face of the first-century other personal and community Roman assault on Jeru- commitments,” said Leslie Bash, salem, the fundamental JCC executive director, “but we institutions of the Jew- were determined to bring this ish people were utterly destroyed. But with world class program developed Melton students Anita and Howard Merritt by faculty at the Hebrew Uni- wisdom and verve, versity in Jerusalem to Ann Arbor. We simply “The mini-school has been a pioneer in adult these leaders took the believed in the Melton curriculum.” Jewish learning,” said Judy Kupchan, director of radical steps that man- Bash’s conviction paid off as more students educational services and teacher for the Melton aged to preserve the es- than anticipated show up. There were 28 stu- school’s North American office in Chicago. sence of Judaism to this dents in the Ann Arbor Melton Mini-School’s “The Ann Arbor JCC Melton Mini-School is a very day. Part of the fall ‘09 graduating class inaugural class. Two-thirds of the inaugural wonderful example of how a community can “This course is one class returned to take the second year. When come together and learn,” Kupchan said. “For part history, one part biography—all parts up- Portraits in Leadership, like all JLI’s courses, is the doors opened on the 2009 first-year Melton students who want to meet people with varying lifting inspiration,” says Rabbi Lazer Gurkow, designed for people at all levels of Jewish knowl- class, 23 students were ready to learn. “It’s very points of view, this is a great program.” course author. “It is about decisions made two edge. Participants without any prior experience gratifying knowing that Ann Arbor is interested “The best part about the classes are what thousand years ago that continue to shape the or background in Jewish learning can attend and in all kinds of Jewish learning experiences,” said the students bring to it, such as life experience. contours of contemporary Jewish life.” enjoy this course. All JLI courses are open to the Bash. “Melton’s pluralistic approach draws upon It creates a great forum for learning,” said Aviva “Students are constantly looking for tools to public, and attendees need not to be a member the best scholarship from all movements of Ju- Panush, who teaches the Rhythms Class in Ann deal with day-to-day challenges,” says local JLI in- of any particular synagogue or temple. daism welcoming Jews of all levels of knowledge Arbor’s Melton Mini-school. “For the students, structor, Rabbi Aharon Goldstein. “What better The Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) is the and observance to participate.” learning with the same group of people each way to find guidance than from the wise example adult education arm of Chabad-Lubavitch. The Melton Adult Mini-school is not a how- week has led to friendships and the develop- of others who encountered hardships and used JLI’s classes and programs are offered at various to class. The assumption is that there are a lot ment of a learning community that have en- them as the impetus for growth and change.” locations in more than 300 cities nationwide of adults that are Jewish and who participate riched their lives and ours as faculty.” Lessons will examine a range of classic Jew- and internationally. Every course offered by in Jewish life, but who haven’t necessarily been For more information on Ann Arbor’s ish sources, drawing extensively from the stories JLI is taught concurrently in all locations. This engaged in thinking rigorously about Judaism. Melton Adult Mini-School or if you would like of the Talmud and modern commentaries that unique feature has helped create a truly global The two-year curriculum focuses on holidays to audit one of the classes to see if Melton is for point out their personal significance to our lives. learning community. n and life cycle, but it also covers Jewish history, you, contact Julie Gales, Melton Mini-School The course will be taught at the Jewish Com- Visit www.myJLI.com for up-to-date information ethics and philosophy. Melton students study director, at 971-0990 or [email protected] munity Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 7:30–9 p.m. about Portraits in Leadership. varying Jewish views about the Messiah, what An inspirational experience: the 2009 General Assembly Karen Shill, special to the WJN was privileged recently to attend the Gen- raeli Ambassador to the US, given global expression to the principle that Jews eral Assembly held in Washington, D.C. who opined that Israel of are responsible for one another, and of Col. Brett I November 8-11, 2009. Over 3,000 attended 2009 “is at a better geopoliti- Oxman, Chaplain Corps, US Air Force, a chaplain this meeting of national professional and volun- cal situation than at any time charged with ensuring that Jewish troops (over teer leadership. The biggest annual conference in its history” addressed the 10,000 on active duty) remain connected to Jew- for the Jewish community in North America, it Iranian situation. ish life throughout their military service. Col. Ox- is organized by the Jewish Federations of North Delegates were especially man and an honor guard of Jewish members of the America, (formerly United Jewish Communities/ excited that Barack Obama armed forces were presented with a small, kosher UJC) which protects and enhances the well-being was to talk on Tuesday No- Torah scroll commissioned by the Jewish Welfare of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun vember 10, but understood Board’s “Torahs for our Troops” initiative. olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and when he canceled to perform Philanthropic programs highlighted and ap- social justice), and Torah (Jewish learning). the mitzvah of menachem plauded included PJ Library, Hillel, Birthright, Award ceremonies took place to honor peo- aveilim, providing comfort Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit’s No Family ple who had made a difference, including Young to families by attending the Stands Alone, and service projects in New Or- Leadership and Jewish Community Heroes. The memorial ceremony in Fort leans, Ethiopia, Cambodia, and the former Soviet Covenant Foundation and the Grinspoon-Stein- Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education Ceremony, Hood, Texas. Instead, Rahm Union. The Jewish Education Service of North hardt Foundation both presented awards to edu- November 9, 2009, The Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly, Emanuel, White House chief America, Inc. (JESNA), offered Grinspoon-Stein- cators for Excellence in Jewish Education. Washington, DC. L ro R: Harold Grinspoon, president, the Harold Grinspoon Foun- of staff, talked on behalf of hardt Award winners the opportunity to meet Inspirational speakers shared the remarkable dation; Karen Shill, Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award winner; Rabbi David Gedzel- the Obama Administration, with the philanthropists, network, share informa- efforts being made to address the challenges fac- man, executive vice-president, the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life emphasizing US support for tion, and learn from an educational component. ing Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora. Benja- Israel and for a two-state so- Attending the General Assembly was the most min Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, urged to resume peace talks. Natan Sharansky, Chairman lution to the problem in the Middle East. enriching, inspiring and exciting experience, and I that we begin talks NOW with the Palestinians. of the Jewish Agency for Israel, impressed upon the Particularly impressive presentations includ- feel honored to be part of a Jewish community that He claimed that no previous government had Assembly the need to strengthen, deepen, build, ed those of the American Jewish Joint Distribu- reaches out with such compassion to so many. n made more concessions on settlements in order and defend our Jewish identity. Michael Oren, Is- tion Committee (JDC) which, since 1914, has

6 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 The Bad Plus 131st Season Reid Anderson bass ums09|10 Ethan Iverson piano David King drums Thu, Feb 4 | 7 PM & 9:30 PM LYDIA MENDELSSOHN THEATRE FEBRUARY The Bad Plus expel all notions of what a jazz piano trio should sound like, proudly recognizing and respecting the rules while ripping them to shreds with their covers of Pink Floyd, Nirvana, Wilco, Radiohead and more. “It’s about as badass as highbrow gets,” says Rolling Stone. EVENTS MEDIA PARTNERS WEMU 89.1 FM, METRO TIMES, AND ANN ARBOR’S 107ONE. Sō Percussion Sat, Feb 6 | 7:30 PM& 10 PM Schubert Piano Trios U M MUSEUM OF ART Wu Han piano Philip Setzer violin Called “astonishing and entrancing” by Billboard and David Finckel cello “brilliant” by The New York Times, this Brooklyn-based quartet’s innovative work has quickly helped them forge a Sun, Feb 14 | 4 PM unique and diverse career. The 7:30 performance features RACKHAM AUDITORIUM music by Steve Reich (Music for Pieces of Wood, Nagoya Marimba, Four Organs, Mallet Quartet, and Drumming, PROGRAM Part 1) and will be performed in the Museum Apse. The Schubert Piano Trio in B-fl at Major, Op. 99, D. 898 (1828) 10 pm concert will begin in the Apse and move to several Schubert Piano Trio in E-fl at Major, Op. 100, D. 929 (1827) locations throughout the Museum. Limited availability! SPONSORED BY GILBERT OMENN AND MARTHA DARLING. MEDIA PARTNER WGTE 91.3 FM. NT Live: Nation High-defi nition broadcast by London’s National Theatre Béla Fleck: The Africa Project presented in partnership with UMS and the Béla Fleck banjo Michigan Theater Featuring Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni Ba (Mali) Based on a novel by Terry Pratchett John Kitime guitar (Tanzania) Adaptation to the stage by Mark Ravenhill Anania Ngoliga multi-instrumentalist (Tanzania) Sun, Feb 7 | 5 PM Wed, Feb 17 | 8 PM MICHIGAN THEATER HILL AUDITORIUM Discover a breathtaking new adventure of a boy whose During renowned musician Béla Fleck’s travels journey to manhood requires the strength to defy expecta- to Africa, he discovered that though the banjo is tions and the courage to forge new beliefs. traditionally considered an American instrument, its origins lie far from her shores. His travels and explorations of music in Uganda, Tanzania, The Angela Hewitt piano Gambia and Mali were documented in the award- | PM winning fi lm Throw Down Your Heart. With Wed, Feb 10 8 The Africa Project, Fleck brings to the stage his HILL AUDITORIUM collaborations with some of Africa’s most talented PROGRAM musicians, exploring the origins of the Banjo. J.S. Bach Italian Concerto, BWV 971 (1735) CO SPONSORED BY DENNIS AND ELLIE SERRAS. Beethoven Sonata in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3 (1798) MEDIA PARTNERS METRO TIMES, MICHIGAN CHRONICLE, ANN ARBOR’S 107ONE, AND WEMU 89.1 FM. Brahms Sonata No. 3 in f minor, Op. 5 (1853)

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Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 7 I Op-Ed

“The few and the just” continued from page 1

practicing Jews, they lived in other states, and The next year, when “Celebrate Israel of the houses where parties were frequently I only stopped at the urging of my dad we rarely saw each other. Judaism had had lit- Day” came around again and our group did held, there was a doormat that was a picture and step-mom, who were against the vigil. I tle appeal to me, seeming repressive and overly our best to ruin it for the participants in the of the American Flag. We delighted in wiping cried bitterly as I made the agonizing deci- traditional. But my dad had recently taken an same way, I felt somewhat less guilty, maybe our feet and stomping on it. sion to leave. But once I did stop vigilling, I interest in rediscovering his Jewish roots, and because I knew what to expect. By the third I had always thought the Middle East quickly realized that I had made the right de- eventually convinced me to do the same. year, I didn’t feel guilty at all, and felt quite situation was complicated, but I learned cision. So much of my inner dissonance was This is what I was told by members of the proud of myself. I took it to mean that I was from the group that the situation was sim- gone. My life wasn’t devoted to antagonizing group: What was happening in Palestine was becoming a more loving person. ple. There was only one legitimate side—the people. With fresh eyes I saw that the people a crisis situation. I was told that the Palestin- When the time for the Ann Arbor Art Fair Palestinian side. Anyone who suggested that around me weren’t murderous Nazis seeth- ians were being systematically starved; sealed rolled around, a few of us from the vigil de- there might be two sides to the issue would ing with hate. In fact, I learned that the rabbi off from the world within a prison wall; ter- cided to hold a little demonstration for the immediately be rebuffed with, “Were there and many members of the Beth Israel Con- rorized in every way. And worse, the media fairgoers. We basically sat around a large tree two sides to the Holocaust?” gregation were quite concerned with finding didn’t report it. The temples and synagogues on the corner of one of the major intersec- But, apparently, there were two sides to a just and peaceful solution to the situation supported Israel to the hilt. Something need- tions, holding our signs from the vigil. When the Holocaust, at least within our group. in Palestine and had taken constructive steps ed to be done, and we were the ones to do few of the people walking by seemed to notice Holocaust revisionist theories were given to bring about positive change. it. We were among the few people in Ann us, we took to making snide comments about credence, and one of our members even went The people in the vigil think they have Arbor—or America—who knew the truth. to visit the famed Holocaust denier Ernst good intentions. But, like so many radicals, There were always group meetings, par- Zundel in Germany. Was he persuaded by they are utterly convinced of the truth of ties, lectures, or protest actions. Almost every everything Zundel had to say? Probably not, their actions, however misguided, and are night there was some activity with the group. Ideas that I might have once but it gave him a lot to think about, he said. impervious to reason. I found it a bit stifling at first, all this togeth- considered anti-Semitic were Had six million Jews really died? At least we I believe that they are a cult of sorts. I’m erness. But before long I began to feel a lot of could question the number, which was prob- not sure exactly what defines a cult, and I camaraderie with the others. I began to par- all around me…. I digested ably closer to a couple hundred thousand. was never threatened by anyone into staying ticipate in more and more of the activities, And the hated showers? Probably an attempt in the group against my will. I can’t say that until I was just as involved as my mom was, the idea that the Zionists to de-louse the concentration camp pris- they are powerless under the sway of a charis- and sometimes more so. oners. Beneficial, not intended to kill any- matic leader, although I did find members of A plethora of committees sprung out of controlled the world, a one. Besides, Zionists had co-operated with the group charismatic and compelling. They our group, some directly related to Palestine, Hitler, according to some source or other, were intelligent and quite witty, full of pas- others to left-wing politics in general. tight-knit, elite cabal. seeing the rise of the Nazis as an excuse to sion and a sense of conviction. I guess they One committee I joined was the Technol- establish the Jewish state of Israel. The Jews filled a void in my life. What makes them a ogy Study Group. It turned out to be more We weren’t being anti-Semitic had no right to evoke the Holocaust to jus- cult is that they are of one mind. They con- of an anti-technology group than anything by saying that, we thought, tify anything, according to our groupthink. tinually reinforce that mindset among each else. One of the articles presented was the However, members of our group compared other not only by the weekly vigil but also Unabomber’s thesis condemning technol- because we were talking about Palestinian suffering to the Holocaust and by constant e-mails, meetings, rallies, parties, ogy. “Someday,” mused the teaching assistant compared Israelis to the Nazis every chance and other interactions. They also try to be a leading the discussion, “the Unabomber will Zionists, not all Jews. we got. While we often accused the Israelis of secret organization, convinced that the Zion- be regarded as a hero.” Everyone else nodded stealing Arab culture—copying Arab music ist machine is out to get them. They are ut- in agreement. them amongst ourselves, about their petty and food and then claiming it as their own— terly convinced of the rightness of their own “Don’t you think it was wrong for him lives, and their contemptible appreciation of we in our group stole the Jewish Holocaust views and the wrongness of anyone with a to kill and injure those people to make his trivialities such as art. Why weren’t they do- experience, denying it to the Jews, and then contrary opinion or interpretation of facts. point?” I asked. ing something really important? Why weren’t claimed it for the Palestinians. The Israelis They have a sense of mission. The fact that The others scoffed. “It’s not for us to judge they sitting here with us, holding signs? were never just trying to defend themselves, their actions seem bizarre and repulsive to the tactics of the resistance,” was the reply. Group parties always proved intellectu- to our thinking. They were motivated by a most people is of no consequence to them. That attitude—that violence in the name of ally stimulating. Ideas that I might have once sense of ethnic superiority and entitlement. Not that one should necessarily be per- resistance was always justified—was also the considered anti-Semitic were all around me, They were always the aggressors and the suaded by popular opinion—often it’s a vir- excuse for any violence carried out by Pal- and I was eager to take part, to challenge my Palestinians were always the victims. I real- estinians, and for any attacks against Israel. mind. I digested the idea that the Zionists ize that this is somewhat ironic, because we We weren’t out to commit violence ourselves, controlled the world, a tight-knit, elite cabal. would constantly ridicule Jews for consider- Our attitude—that violence and said that we abhorred violence, but we We weren’t being anti-Semitic by saying that, ing themselves to be perpetual victims, and were quick to excuse it if violence was com- we thought, because we were talking about yet that is precisely the status we bestowed in the name of resistance was mitted by the right people. Zionists, not all Jews. It would be anti-Se- upon the Palestinians. When the Jewish Community Center [of mitic to say “The Jews run the world.” But in There was truly no shortage of colorful always justified—was also the Greater Ann Arbor] held its annual “ Cel- our own conversations, we weren’t so strict characters in our group: strong personali- ebrate Israel Day,” a festival of picnics, ice about that, so statements like “The Jews run ties, individuals who came into conflict time excuse for any violence carried cream, music, games, and other fun activi- the world” were commonplace. We didn’t and time again. In fact, with such strong ties, we would go with a megaphone to shout have to be strict because we knew what we clashes of egos, it’s amazing that our group out by Palestinians, and for them down. How dare they celebrate while meant. We weren’t talking about the Jews in held together at all. But the point is, it did. any attacks against Israel. the Palestinians were suffering? It wasn’t of- our group or others like us. We were talking The group took on an identity of its own, ficially a vigil group activity, but the contin- about all the other ones. Had Israel really in- over and apart from its individual members. gent that showed up to protest was made up stigated the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade It took over. Whatever our individual identi- tue to stand by one’s convictions in the face almost entirely of vigil group members. Center? Maybe. Were the Protocols of the El- ties might have been, we became members of of opposition. But the vigil mindset and the The first year I participated, I have to ad- ders of Zion really written by the Jews? There one organism, like ants in a colony. In fact, actions it leads to are so alienating, so outside mit I felt a bit guilty that we were being so was no proof they hadn’t been. Had rabbis after I left, I felt that I had spent years of my of average behavior, that they cut the mem- mean and disruptive to people who were just in the Middle Ages really killed babies and life living in an ant colony and was returning, bers off from the outside world. trying to have a nice picnic with their fami- drunk their blood? There was some histori- once again, to the world of humanity. It is also of no consequence to the vigill- lies, especially when a child near us started cal evidence of that, according to someone. It was terribly hard for me to leave the vigil. ers that their actions reflect badly on the very crying and wailing uncontrollably. Anything that put Jews in a bad light was a I didn’t want to, even though I had had my cause they’re supposedly promoting: that is, Other members of our group made com- hot topic of conversation. There were too differences with some members of the group. human rights for the Palestinians. Many ac- ments to the effect that “The children need to be many Jewish names on the editorial boards In spite of the concerns I’m expressing now, I tivists who have devoted themselves to that told the truth about Israel. Their parents aren’t of major newspapers, we said. When one of was not one of the more moderate members of issue are vehemently opposed to the vigil telling them the truth, so we have to do it. Blame our members was feeling blue, other mem- the group. While not a courageous person or because anyone who speaks out on behalf the parents. Besides, children in Palestine are bers would exhort her, “Don’t let the Zionists a leader-type of personality, I often supported of the Palestinians, or on behalf of peace- crying because of what Israel is doing to them. get you down.” We all accepted that Zionism the most extreme actions, and argued with seeking Israelis, on a local level is immedi- We love all children. What we are doing here is was the true cause of her depression. We de- those who advocated caution. The most radi- ately identified with the vigillers and may an act of love.” But it still didn’t seem very loving spised the United States government, too, cal members inspired me, and I am as guilty of be judged to be anti-Israel. The vigillers are to me, as I watched the child continue to sob. which was Israel’s biggest supporter. At one pushing things over the top as anyone. continued on page 13

8 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 False Witnesses II: The devil’s in the details (or vice versa) By Stephen Pastner n Art Aisner’s article on the Beth Israel Con- Locally, the “Greens,” once a respectable international organizations, some smaller ones to community, the recent Ft. Hood shootings suggest gregation stalkers [WJN, December 2009], environmental advocacy group, are headed by which individual Herskovites belong operate on that folks with Herskovite ideologies shouldn’t be I Federation Director David Shtulman notes hijab-bedecked Aimee Smith (who is Catholic), the theme of “dredge up old and isolated incidents treated so cavalierly and dismissively. that, while annoying, the “Herskovites” are not who many readers know from her screeching to show how nasty Jews/Israel are.” These include: Likewise, the advanced age of many of these fatal. I concur, at least as to the small group of BIC through a bullhorn at JCC events, and some- • “USS Liberty Remembered”—a 1/2 century- “geriatric Jihadis,” as I call them, has also been a Sabbath “regulars,” who have been ineffective in times unconscionably using her small child as old tragic attack by Israel on a U.S. warship, source of comfort to many (the “wait em’ out and their efforts to unilaterally demonize Israel/Jews a prop, per the photo in the Aisner piece. Her shrouded in controversy and long ago “for- they’ll just die off!” approach). But most are spring while turning a blind, and even an approving co-head of the “Greens,” Charles Loucks, with given and forgotten” by the U.S. govern- chickens compared to, say, the late Holocaust Mu- eye, to the blatant misbehaviors of the Palestin- Herskovitz, was part of the unsuccessful bid for ment—is Herskovitz’s latest cause, per some seum shooter, an 88-year-old white supremacist. ian/Arab/Muslim world. But if one journeys the food coop board. of his postings on utterly unrelated threads Groups like the international anti-boycott only a short way into the Herskovites’ personal Loucks’ reaction, after a horrible showing on the Michigan Daily website. academic group “Scholars for Peace in the and internet connection to the wider “boycott with the voters, is on ample display on the lo- • Deir Yassin Remembered”—a case from the Middle East” (SPME), a chapter of which may Israel” and bogus “human rights=Israel/Jews are cal website Arbor Update [arborupdate.com] 1948 War of Independence in which Pales- soon be forming at the U-M, have long ago rec- bad; all things Palestinian/Arab (even Jihadi va- from that period, in which he interminably and tinian civilians were indeed killed by Israeli ognized that such folks are ignored only at one’s riety) are good” set, a far more sinister and argu- childishly vilifies both victorious candidates forces, for which the Israelis themselves have peril. One hopes the wider Ann Arbor com- ably dangerous picture emerges. and the electorate. repeatedly expressed guilt, is an annual “Jew munity, including the Jewish one, becomes a bit First as to the reported Herskovite synagogue Another broader group to which many bash” day in Ann Arbor and elsewhere, with more proactive in promoting Federation Direc- harassers’ ejection of extremist Blaine Coleman Herskovites are tied is the International Soli- the local cheerleader being sometime-syna- tor Shtulman’s goal of making these people into and his mate, Mozhgan Savabieasfahani, who darity Movement (ISM), which is prominent gogue harasser, coop boycott advocate, Shir- the “pariahs” they so richly deserve to be. n have carried swastika signs at BIC and worn a in many of the global “boycott Israel” attempts ley Zempel. Steve Pastner is an internationally-known sculp- “fuck Israel” sandwich board at city council in domains as diverse as film festivals, academia • Electronic Intifada—a “Jihadi- lite” website on ture and retired anthropology professor who has meetings, in front of the Peoples Food Coop, and grocery stores. The local “honcho” of that which Herskovitz regularly posts. done extensive research in the Islamic world. He and the Ann Arbor Library—in fact, they all re- movement for a time was also a char- also has published on extremist cults and sects, main joined at the hip. ter member of Herskovitz’ synagogue hence, in part, his interest in the Herskovites.

Blaine Coleman Charles Louks Mozhgan Savabieasfahani This was on ample display during recent food harrassers, Thom Saffold, an ex-Protestant min- I’ll conclude by reiterating coop electioneering (when Herskovitz made a ister who converted to Islam and whose image what many already understand: disastrous run for the board), and in their fre- can be seen on the SPURN website (the group that criticism of specific Israeli quent hectoring for “boycott Israel” movements that raises money for Magen David Adom, the policies is sometimes both in front of both the University of Michigan Stu- Israeli equivalency of the Red Cross, in response warranted and legitimate. But dent Assembly and the Ann Arbor City Council. to the picketers) He is the one pictured photo- that’s not what the Hersko- Consequently, the MSA changed its bylaws on graphing congregants on their way to worship. vites are doing. Instead, they community speakers to curtail such antics. He also has done “community outreach” for the deny Israel’s very right to exist Thom Scafold Coleman and others in the group regu- Ann Arbor Islamic Center. and openly support Jihadist groups like Hamas, larly contribute to the Arab American News in The ISM, like the pro-Palestinian American that have genocidal goals toward Jews in general Dearborn, which readily provides a forum for Friends Service Committee, has strong connec- (not just Israelis). And apart from this overt ant- what in Ann Arbor have clearly become bor- tions to the local Friends Meeting House (the Semitism they similarly demean/defame Arabs/ Herskovitz name change Henry Herskovitz, the subject of the ar- derline characters. Quaker congregation) and in an earlier screed Muslims by treating them as children, endlessly ticle “False Witnesses” [WJN, December All of the above activities are promoted on to his followers, Herskovitz indeed notes that unaccountable for self-destructive behaviors 2010], wrote to clarify that his original the anti-Semitic website zionistsout.blogspot. “Jewish Witnesses for Peace” might be more ac- and beliefs that are central to their undeni- birth certificate shows that his given com produced by Michelle Kinnucan, who curately called the “Quaker Witnesses….” able misery. All this is window-dressed by self- name was Henry Herskovitz. He further many may remember from the Bathsheba dance Then there’s Friends of Sabeel/Sabeel Inter- congratulatory verbiage about “human rights,” explains that it wasn’t until two years after performances, where she was the burly figure national, an international organization founded “peace,” and “progressive” values, none of which his birth that his parents legally changed suspending a huge Palestinian flag from the up- by Palestinian Protestant priest Naim Atek. Lo- they remotely embody, any more than Michael their surname to Henry, thus amending per level of the U-M Power Center. cally, the group has members affiliated with a Vick, who in 2007 was convicted for his role in the original birth certificate on August 6, The Green Party connection, alluded to by Ais- variety of Protestant congregations. Its official an extensive and illegal interstate dog fighting 1948. Known for many years by friends ner, should be amplified because all of the above platform, endorsed by notables like Bishop ring, embodies an “animal lover.” and coworkers in Ann Arbor as Henry people are in one way or another allied to it. Desmond Tutu and Jimmy Carter, calls for a Such tunnel vision critics of Israel operate Henry, Herskovitz did revert back to his Nationally, the party’s 2008 presidential can- two-state solution, which on the face of it is fine! along a spectrum that ranges from the well- birth surname of Herskovitz at some didate, Cynthia McKinney, was briefly detained Indeed, this was the case in a full-page ad the meaning but addled (“anyone who suffers at point prior to founding his group that by the Israel Defense Forces when she and fellow group ran two years ago in the Ann Arbor Ob- a given moment is more virtuous than those pickets weekly at Beth Israel Congrega- pro-Hamas boat passengers attempted to run an server. All the key Herskovites were signatories, who don’t, irrespective of the real historical tion. Herskovitz also questions the WJN Israeli blockade of Gaza in the recent war. Her- which only speaks to their capacity for dissimu- complexities involved”), to the truly malicious article’s motives in addressing this point, skovitz, with typical off-the-wall hyberbole, has lation since their local signage and verbiage are and anti-Semitic (whether from a disease of the stating, “Perhaps he [Aisner] was calling referred to this as “kidnapping of a presidential unequivocal in the call for a one-state, Hamas- soul or the psyche). The Herskovites and their into question the authenticity of my Jew- candidate” on the Michigan Daily website thread. dominated polity in what is now Israel. Indeed, local apologists individually exhibit this range, ish roots.” Herskovitz offered no expla- In her own brief congressional career in a further search in the International Sabeel web although the most visible (per Aisner’s and the nation in his correspondence with the Georgia, Cynthia is best known as the daugh- postings reveals a similar “Arab supremacist” above) cluster at the latter end of the spectrum. WJN as to why his parents changed their ter of former state legislator Bill McKinney, long-term goal for the area, with co-existence Despite the forebearance toward them, and name or why he chose to revert back to who, on losing an election, attributed his loss seen as but an expedient short-term tactic. the “just ignore them and they’ll go away” posi- the surname Herskovitz. to “THE J.E.W.S.!” Aside from the above mentioned large-scale tion shown by many in the local Jewish and wider

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 9 I Crisis in Haiti

Jewish community mobilizes giving to Haiti By Jacob Berkman NEW YORK (JTA)—The Haitian earthquake Committee. ros, who is Jewish, gave $4 million to the relief has been a major fund-raising boon at the Krieger While some relief efforts have been slow to effort through his Open Society Institute. The Locally owned Schechter Day School in suburban Baltimore. reach Haiti in the aftermath of the quake, on Workman’s Circle and the New Yiddish Reper- The Jewish elementary school normally col- the ground Jewish dollars already are at work. tory are organizing a benefit concert for later ReCellular donates lects about $200 per week from its 420 students, The AJWS says that all of the 10 organizations this month with the goal of raising $20,000. and the money goes to various charities. But with which it normally works in Haiti are now The swiftness of the response owes in part to proceeds of used when the school’s headmaster, Paul Schneider, in emergency mode and have shifted focus to the internet and the flourishing in online giving. phone sales for decided to direct last week’s giving to the Amer- help in the aid effort. By january 19, AJWS raised $1.8 million ican Red Cross to help the Haitian relief effort, For instance, one AJWS-funded group in from more than 16,000 people via its Web earthquake relief the weekly tally jumped to $4,600. the Dominican Republic that normally focuses site. The JUF-Jewish Federation of Metropoli- Mike Newman, special to the WJN “A fair amount of it was from children crack- on helping Haitians in the Dominican Republic tan Chicago raised $283,000 in five days from ReCellular is offering a new way for ing open their piggybanks,” Schneider told JTA. has formed a caravan from that country to Port- 2,200 donors. Almost all of it—nearly $260,000 Americans to provide support to the The American Jewish community has au-Prince to bring feminine hygiene supplies, – came in online, from 2,058 individuals. UJA- millions of victims of the January 12 cracked open its collective piggybank as Jewish diapers and other needed items into Haiti. Federation of Greater Toronto raised $173,240 earthquake in Haiti. Used cell phones organizations small and large have raised mil- Aside from providing funding for the IDF so far, much of it online. can be sent in by downloading a prepaid lions of dollars to help in the relief effort follow- and IsraAid field hospitals in Haiti, which Israeli Those involved in the fund-raising effort say mailing label at www.phonesforhaiti. ing the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shattered officials say can treat up to 500 patients per day, the Jewish community’s gifts to the people of com, with the proceeds going to the Port-au-Prince last month, killing an estimated money from JDC and the Jewish Coalition for Haiti stem from Jewish values. American Red Cross’ charitable efforts. tens of thousands in Haiti. Disaster Relief is going to organizations such as “Here is a vast group of people in desperate “The devastation in Haiti is slowly Dozens of Jewish organizations from the Re- Heart to Heart International and Partners in need, and we are committed to helping them, becoming all too clear,” said Steve Man- form movement to the Orthodox Union have Health to provide emergency medical supplies. and in helping them we are bettering the world,” ning, ReCellular CEO. “Sending in your set up links on their Web sites for constituents If past experience is any guide, some of the said the executive director of the Workman’s used phone is a simple and effective way to donate money toward the relief effort. money the Jewish community raises in the Circle, Ann Toback. “It combines our cultural to help with the rescue and rebuilding Most have directed their giving to the Amer- coming weeks for Haiti relief will not be spent identity with our commitment to social justice efforts already underway.” ican Jewish World Service and the American for months or even years. In the aftermath of and improving the world.” There are an estimated 130 million Jewish Joint Distribution Committee—two the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, B’nai B’rith Giving also provides a teaching opportunity phones retired in the United States ev- U.S.-based organizations that do work in the International raised $900,000, which it spent on said the Krieger Schechter school’s Schneider. ery year. If even a small percentage of developing world—or to IsraAid, the Israel relief and rebuilding efforts over the next four “I think some of the older children under- them are sent to Phones for Haiti, it Forum for International Humanitarian Aid, years. Similarly, the JDC took five years to spend stand what is happening in Haiti. I have talked would contribute millions of dollars a coordinating organization for 17 Israeli and the $18 million it raised following the tsunami. to them about it. They are concerned. They towards relief from the devastating Jewish humanitarian groups that has sent a The immediate days following the earth- wonder how these people are going to survive, earthquake. ReCellular will give 100% team of rescue workers to Haiti. quake tend to be the most critical for fund rais- what will they eat? Will they still be alive when of the phone value as a contribution to As of January 19, AJWS had raised an esti- ing. About 90 percent of the $18 million the someone finally comes to try to find them?” he mated $2.4 million to distribute to the grass- JDC raised for Southeast Asia was raised in the said. “We talk to the children all of the time the roots economic development organizations it month immediately following the disaster. importance of human life and ‘pikuach nefesh’” already works with in Haiti. The president of AJWS, Ruth Messinger, said – saving lives. “The children know all human The JDC, the foreign aid agency backed by it becomes more difficult to raise money when life is sacred, not just Jewish life. This is an op- the Jewish Federations of North America, has the issue disappears from the headlines. portunity to teach that.” n brought in nearly $1.5 million that it will direct “This is when most people get alerted to the to the Jewish Coalition for Disaster Relief, which situation,” she said. “They want to know who is is sending money to the Israeli field hospitals in raising money and who has a plan for what is Donations to the Haiti relief effort can be made Haiti. The coalition is comprised of some 30 being raised and what they are doing and who via AJWS at ajws.org and via JDC at jdc.org) organizations, including the Union for Reform can explain to us what is different and discrete The amount of donations noted in this article, Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative about what we are doing.” were as of January 20. the American Red Cross; charities have Judaism, World ORT, the Jewish Council for Meanwhile, organizations and donors large already earned more than $20 million Public Affairs, AJWS and the American Jewish and small are pitching in. Billionaire George So- dollars in contributions through their partnerships with ReCellular. With rescue and repair missions al- ready underway, it is critical that funds Op-Ed: The Jewish way of responding to natural disasters get to the region quickly. By using the By Tzvi Hersh Weinreb postage paid label, supporters can have NEW YORK (JTA)—See. Feel. Act. their used phones to ReCellular within These three words are Judaism’s answer to that inquiry the answer is powerful and clear: to good people.” It is the time to ask, “What can I just a few days, allowing for the rapid the questions that occur to religious people at See! Feel! Act! do to help those poor good people?” distribution of funds. All phones are ac- this time of great human suffering in Haiti. First, we must “see.” We cannot yield to the Those of us who have lived lives of faith and cepted, though newer phones will pro- There are two kinds of questions that we understandable temptation to block the scenes religious commitment know that the answers to vide the most value to the charity–in find ourselves asking when we are confronted of suffering from our visual senses. We must our doubts about God do not come forth from some cases $100 or more. with scenes such as the disaster that has struck watch scenes of the catastrophe and allow our- our philosophical quest. Rather they slowly issue “The overwhelming response from the island nation. selves to be impacted by them. from the context of a life of moral action, from all Americans to the crisis in Haiti re- On the one hand, we ask “why?” Or, more Second, we must feel the pain of those who deeds of charity and compassion. flects the depth of generosity of the intensely, “How can God have allowed this are suffering so horribly. We dare not anasthetize The Jewish community, in its entirety, can be American people,” said Manning. “We to happen?” ourselves to that pain. We cannot allow ourselves proud of its response thus far to the Haitian ca- are proud to be able to coordinate this On the other hand, we ask “what?”—”What to in any way explain the suffering away, with tastrophe. Rescue teams from the State of Israel opportunity when the need is so great.” can I, a single helpless individual hundreds of sick, silly, smug but sadly comforting statements and millions of dollars from the Jews of America With offices in the United States miles away from the tragic scene, do to help?” such as “they must have deserved it.” We must are but examples of our response. Whatever the and Hong Kong, ReCellular Inc. is the Quite simply, our tradition insists that we see the victims as humans no different from motivation for these responses, this has been a world’s leading electronics-sustainability “shelve” the first type of question. It has been ourselves, innocent and blameless, who are in a religious response, a Jewish response. firm. They provide solutions for the collec- asked before, perhaps millions of times over condition of desperation and dire need. The way to deal with religious doubt and skep- tion, reuse and recycling of used personal the course of history. Answers abound, and the And then we must act to respond to that need. ticism about God is to act compassionately and to electronics that generate financial return theological literature deals with it at length. But There are always ways to act, no matter how dis- respond generously, in faith and certainty, and in for their partners, quality products none of the answers has ever totally dispelled tant we are from the scene of tragedy, no matter confidence that our actions will allow us ultimately for their customers, funding for charity the question. how impotent we might legitimately feel. to bear witness to God’s benevolent love. n organizations, and protection of the en- Judaism insists instead that we ask the ques- Moments of tragedy and crisis are not the vironment. tion of the second type. We must inquire as to times to philosophize about God. This is not the Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb is the executive vice the response that God requires of us. And to time to speculate about “why bad things happen president emeritus of the Orthodox Union.

10 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 ICongregations

Temple Beth Emeth February activities Parsha Mishpatim Rabbi Lisa Delson, special to the WJN Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN on Saturday night, February 27. This year the The Torah portion for Saturday, February 6, Women’s Torah Study with Cantor Rose Bible, Morality, and the 21st Century is called “Mishpatim.” It contains the laws February 1 and 15 adults get to party with a DJ, a Texas Hold with Dr. Cobi Sacerdoti of the goring The Women’s Torah Commentary provides ‘Em Tournament, special themed drinks Monday February 8, from 7:30–9 p.m. ox. The Torah great insight into the To- from the cash bar, and a costume contest. TBE hosts the third of a three-part course distinguishes rah, written by women for Come in either a costume of your choosing on Bible, Morality and the 21st century. This between two everyone. These two weeks, or dressed in all black and white. There will course looks at the emotional journey into categories: the Cantor Rose will provide be music, desserts, and silliness to celebrate the moral wisdom of the Bible where, arro- “shor tam,” discussion for the weekly the Jewish victory over evil Haman. The par- gance, pride, jealousy, love and devotion im- a bull that is portions of Yitro and ty starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20 each, pact human life. This class discusses the way not known T’rumah. The first of these purchased online at www.templebethemeth. Jewish ancestors’ moral faults and strengths to be a gorer, Torah portions teaches org or at the door. This event is open to the shape Jews today and serve as a lesson in the and the “shor about leadership models entire Ann Arbor Jewish community. 21st century. Dr. Sacerdoti will discuss Abso- mu’ad,” a bull and ways of interacting with one another. The lam’s Rebellion – nobody can acquire honor that has gored second teaches about the free-will offerings TBE Purim Megillah Reading and Rabbi Aharon Goldstein by doing what is wrong. three times. that each person gives to the building of the Purim Carnival Dr. Sacerdoti, an Israeli-born scholar, Such an animal is considered dangerous and Mishkan in the wilderness. taught Hebrew language and literature at the Sunday, February 28, 5–7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend the annual me- likely to gore again. University of Michigan and was the depart- Everything in the Torah can be under- Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Robert Levy ment head of Hebrew at the Frankel Academy gillah reading at Temple Beth Emeth at 5 p.m. Fridays, February 5 ,12, 19, and 26, at noon stood on many levels. Thus not only does the of Metropolitan Detroit. She has published in the sanctuary. Noisemakers of all kinds are “Issues of Israel over Time and Space.” law of the goring ox pertain to animals, it also many books and articles on a wide range of encouraged to blot out the name of Haman, Each week Rabbi Levy will lead a discussion applies to a person’s soul. In general, the ox Jewish topics as well as Israeli life. as Rabbi Levy does his animated reading of on Israel as a hope, dream, fantasy, power, the Megillah. The carnival opens following is symbolic of the animal soul. (According to home and destination through the lens of the reading, with games for all ages run by Chasidut every Jew has two souls, a Divine Movie Tuesday soul and an animal soul.) The animal soul, Israel as an eternal idea and also a modern February 9, 1–3 p.m. the temple’s AARTY youth group. Tickets to nation state. Feel free to stop by for one or all play the games are 4/$1 and can be purchased by itself, is not necessarily bad. It has many Movie Tuesday is a free way to explore positive qualities and is a powerful force that of the sessions. Bring your lunch. Judaism and Jewish culture through film for at the carnival. Prize tickets are awarded and can be redeemed at the prize table during the can be harnessed for good. Nonetheless, like those with flexible schedules. In February, the physical ox, it must be closely guarded to TBE’s Twenties and Thirties participants will watch A Price above Rubies, evening. Pizza and beverages will be available Pot-Luck Shabbat dinner prevent it from inflicting damage. starring Renee Zellweger and Juliana Margu- for purchase for dinner. Sisterhood will again Friday, February 5, 6:30 p.m. at Rabbi The natural state of the animal soul is “a lies. This movie charts the difficulties of one sell delicious hamentashen. Lisa Delson’s apartment bull that is not known to gore.” As it is cre- young, married woman in the Hasidic Jew- Last month TNT enjoyed Shabbat dinner ated, the animal soul does not crave forbid- ish community. Child care is available with Families with Young Children Tot at Tuptim Thai restaurant. This month they Purim Carnival den things, only those that are permissible advanced notice. and necessary to sustain life. If the animal are celebrating Shabbat at Rabbi Delson’s. Sunday, February 28, 5:30–7 p.m. soul falters and commits a sin, it is the excep- It will be an evening of good food, Shabbat Black and White Purim Families with young children will get to tion rather than the rule, and runs contrary warmth, and even some board games. Bring celebrate Purim too this year. Join us for age- Masquerade Party to its true nature. In this instance it is rela- a dairy/vegetarian dish to share. RSVP to appropriate games, face-painting, and prizes February 27 tively easy to do teshuva (repent) and repair [email protected] or call 665- in the lower level of the temple, while the big Purim is not just for children anymore. the damage. 4744, with what you are bringing and direc- kids play upstairs. Come dressed in your fa- TBE is throwing a huge adult Purim party However, if a person commits the same tions will be provided. vorite costume, kids and parents alike. sin over and over again “until it seems per- missible,” he is considered “a bull that has gored three times.” Having already been re- Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah updates inforced several times, his negative behavior Aura Ahuvia, spcial to the WJN is now second nature to him, and he is con- sidered likely to repeat it in the future. of eight members to grow their skills as lay- Learning Services are held the first Satur- Beit Sefer changes How does a person turn “a known gorer” leaders. The class, entitled, “Opening the day of every month from 10 a.m.–noon at With enrollment slightly up, the Ann Ar- back into “a bull that is not known to gore”? Door,” just met in January, and now meets the Jewish Community Center of Greater bor Reconstructionist Havurah opened a new Simply by training it. According to Maimo- monthly. Topics range from learning the Ann Arbor. They are open to non-members, classroom for its youngest complement of nides, the transformation is complete “when general matbeah ha-t’fillah, or order of the and no RSVP is necessary. For more informa- kids, welcoming former Hebrew Day School little children can poke [the ox] and it still service, to specifics such as how to effect tion, contact Aura at 975-9045 or Aura613@ graduate and current University of Michi- doesn’t gore.” smooth transitions or construct effective gmail.com. gan freshman Sophia Blumenthal as its new The same rule applies in our service of kavannot, or little teachings, within the ser- Session 6, February 6 teacher. The new class will be called K’tanim, God. The “repeat offender” must work hard vice. Upcoming topics will include music, The Shema. Why does this prayer stand Hebrew for little ones, and will include late on refining his animal soul and weakening its leading discussions, constructing good ques- at the center of Jewish faith? How can we preschool through first grade children. desires. Then, when he finds himself facing tions, and more. unpack its theology? This session seeks to The two remaining classes were also the exact same temptation, yet he remains understand the Shema on multiple levels. renamed. The new middle class, comprised strong and doesn’t falter, his status reverts to Learning services continue Session 7, March 6 of mostly second and third graders, will be “a bull that is not known to gore.” Last month became a living art museum, The Amidah. Why does this prayer stand called Yeladim, Hebrew for children. It is Of course, this not an easy thing to accom- and participants became docents, as the Ann at the center of the Jewish service? How is taught by the Beit Sefer’s head teacher, Sho- plish, so the Torah offers us another method Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah revisited it qualitatively different than the prayers shana Maloff Jackson. The new older class, of attack. According to Maimonides, when Jewish history as part of its monthly Learning which precede and follow it? How can we called G’dolim (older ones), includes stu- a “known gorer” acquires a new owner, the Services. The “timeline of Jewish history”—a work with it in a more meaningful way? dents primarily from grades 4 to 5, with a slate is cleaned and the animal is considered bright yellow rope looping around the entire Session 8, April 3 (first day after conclusion few sixth graders. “a bull that is not known to gore.” Because room—held artwork created and shared by of Pesach). Topics in this weekly school vary, with a the new owner relates to it differently, the participants, who then told stories of war, The Torah Service. How did it evolve into mixture of teaching on holidays and Jewish animal’s nature also changes for the good. peace, roiling disagreements, judges who its current form? What was its original values complementing an individualized He- In spiritual terms, any Jew who wants to were warriors, kings who behaved badly and intent? Why is it seen as the highlight of brew reading program. For enrollment in- undergo a similar transformation must also more, as the group learned more about the the service? How can Reconstructionist formation, contact Beit Sefer Director Aura acquire a new “owner,” immersing himself broad sweep of Jewish history, and its impact communities address the challenges this Ahuvia, 975-9045 or [email protected]. completely in the realm of holiness: learn- in formulating our prayer service. Upcoming service poses, including making its deeper ing Torah, doing good deeds and engaging months promise to be no less colorful, even meanings more apparent and felt? Lay leader’s training in prayer. His ingrained bad habits will auto- The Ann Arbor Reconstructionist as the topics shift from history to specific matically lose their grip on him, and he will Havurah has begun training a new group prayers themselves. become “tam” - literally “perfect and whole.”

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 11 I Congregations

Beth Israel February activities Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN How are various wines different from Manischewitz? What countries are making kosher wine? Where can I find a good selec- tion in town? What do they really taste like? These “four questions” will answered as well as others. Ooenologist, Alan Lampear, will lead participants through a tasting of kosher red and white wines available locally to grace one’s table on Passover, Shabbat, or any other occasion. The wine tasting will be accompa- nied by dairy snacks, both sweet and savory. There is no charge for this program. A Star Trek to Purim Sarah Rontal (left) and Dana Margolis On Saturday, February 27, at 7:30 p.m., (right), BIC World Wide Wrap 2009 Beth Israel Congregation will offer a full Me- World Wide Wrap gilla reading of the Scroll of Esther including a multi-media purimshpiel entitled “A Start On Sunday, February 7, at 9:30 a.m., Beth Trek to Purim.” This skit recounts the involve- Israel will sponsor locally the “World Wide ment of Captain Kirk and First Officer Spock Wrap.” This program is a project of the Fed- from the Star Ship Enterprise in the Purim eration of Jewish Men’s Clubs that encourages story. Framed as the Court Martial of Cap- Jews around the world to put on tefillin and tain Kirk for violating the Prime Directive by pray together. Beth Israel will provide extra directly inter- sets of tefillin and experienced tefillin teachers fering in his- will be available to assist everyone who would torical events, like to participate in this important mitzvah. everyone, Beth Israel is known for its post service (both adults Polar Bear Tefillin Photo that captures all the and children) tefillin-clad participants in the out-of-doors, are encour- regardless of the weather. aged to dress Following the Shaharit service, partici- in costumes pants will enjoy a brunch of bagels, lox, and (star fleet, coffee. Beth Israel’s 7th graders will partici- science fic- pate in the morning program. tion, Purim Henry Gershowitz Memorial Shabbat characters, and more). A Star Fleet Bar will On Saturday, February 13, starting at 9:30 provide hamentashen, hot cocoa and coffee a.m., the annual Henry Gershowitz Memo- throughout. A short service with a few sur- rial Shabbat will take place. Henry Gershow- prises precedes the Megilla reading and will itz was a former president of Beth Israel. A take place in the large Social Hall. regular on Saturday mornings, he always encouraged new members to participate in Purim Seuda brunch A Purim seuda brunch with “juggling, leading the service, thus fostering the kind shtik, and Purim mayhem” will be held on of participatory service Beth Israel is known Sunday February 28, at 11:15 a.m., follow- for today. On this Shabbat people are en- ing the Shaharit service and Megilla Reading couraged to learn to lead a new part of the that starts at 9 a.m. There is a no charge for service. It is followed by a Kiddush. the brunch. Contact the Beth Israel office for Walking with God —Medieval Texts further details. through Modernity Judaism 101: An Introduction This course, designed by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, will present a and a Refresher Judaism 101 is a continuing class meant wide range of insights and conceptualizations for anyone who is looking to learn or review of God. Through exploring Sacred Texts of some of the fundamentals of Judaism. Two various time periods, students will engage in topics are still to be covered through the end critical study and grow in their own relation- of the course: Conservative Judaism and Sa- ships to God. This course will include read- cred Texts. Each topic will be explored for ing one short essay in preparation for each three weeks. Adults are welcome to sign up session. Each session will include some small for one topic, or two topics. Contact Mary at group text study and discussion. Texts will 665-9897 to sign up for this free course. All be distributed in Hebrew and English. In or- classes begin at 7:30 p.m. with Maariv, the der to prepare materials in advance, registra- evening service, and are facilitated by Rabbi tion is required. Contact Mary, at 665-9897 Kim Blumenthal. The session on Conserva- or email [email protected] with further tive Judaism take place on March 10, 17, and questions. It is not necessary to have partici- 24. The sessions on Sacred Texts take place pated before to join this course. All classes on April 21, 28, and May 5. begin at 7:30 p.m. with Maariv, the evening service. This class, on February 2 and 9, will Amy Eilberg, first woman be facilitated by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. Conservative rabbi, to speak Kabbalat Shabbat Service with On Saturday evening, February 20, at 8 p.m. wine tasting Rabbi Amy Eilberg, the first woman Conser- vative Rabbi, will speak on “Listening for the On Friday, February 12, the Shabbat Eve- Sacred in our Lives” at Beth Israel Congre- ning Service at 7:30 p.m. will be followed by gation. Rabbi Amy Eilberg directs interfaith a wine tasting event at 8:30 p.m. There is no charge for the evening. continued on nrxtpage 12 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 IPurim IOp-Ed continued from previous page Purim in the Jungle “The few and the just” continued from page 8 Brynie Stiefel, special to the WJN dialogue programs in the Twin Cities after Anyone who has celebrated Purim with Cha- anti-Israel, but many people who are truly The vigillers mean to be there forever, or at many years working in pastoral care, hos- bad over the past few years would already be concerned about fairness for all the inhabit- least as long as Israel exists as a Jewish home- pice and spiritual direction. She teaches the accustomed to expecting the unexpected. ants of the Middle East are proud supporters land or Jewish state. They won’t admit that to art of compassionate listening in venues Whether participating in the event involved a of Israel and the best interests of the Israelis. outsiders, of course, because that would belie throughout the country. There is no charge visit to the circus, a tour of Israel, or even be- The group ideology is a substitute for real the image that they were reasonable people for this presentation. ing transported back in time to the European life, real feelings and opinions. It’s a prepack- eager to negotiate, stymied by the brick walls shtetl, it is clear that Chabad has learned the Dr. Burton Visotsky to be aged way of thinking, complete with its own of the synagogue. That’s not true. They don’t trick of bringing history and age-old traditions jargon. Participat- want to negotiate or scholar-in-residence to life with a modern and fun twist—which is ing in group activi- compromise. They Beth Israel Congregation will host Bur- what Purim is all about — finding the hidden ties gives meaning are the most single- ton Visotsky, Ph.D. as Scholar-in-Residence miracle in a stream of seemingly lucky and fate- to life, and little by minded of ideo- from March 19–21. Dr. Visotsky is profes- ful events, and the complete transformation of little edges out other logues, absolutely sor of Midrash and Interreligious Studies desperation and grief to victory and joy. aspects of life until certain that they’re at The Jewish Theological Seminary in New This year’s Purim celebration promises to the group essentially right and that any- York City. There will be four opportunities be even more unique. Purim in the Jungle, tak- becomes one’s life. one whose views are to learn with Dr. Visotsky. On Friday, March ing place on February 28 at the Jewish Com- Jewish Witnesses even a shade differ- 19, at 8 p.m., Visotsky will present “The munity Center of Greater Ann Arbor, will for Peace and Friends ent from theirs is Dysfunctional Family as Moral Exemplar.” begin with a Megillah reading at 3:30 p.m., and is not interested in akin to the most hei- The evening will include Shabbat services be followed by a host of jungle-themed enter- peace. If they were, nous Nazi. at 7:30 p.m. preceeded by a dinner begin- tainment and amusements for all the family, they would not use When I was in ning at 7 p.m. Reservations are required for including a full buffet jungle dinner. Nelson’s such a disruptive tac- the vigil, we would the dinner part only. (Contact 665-9897 for Wildlife Adventure will present a “Jungle Ad- tic as the vigil. The defend ourselves further details). On Saturday, March 20, at venture,” featuring many animals from the very fact that it causes time and time again 12:30 p.m., there will be a luncheon Kid- wild, including a Brazilian Python, various so much pain and against the charge dush and a talk entitled “Isaac Unbound.” wildcats, reptiles and birds. This is all besides distress to the mem- that we were moti- On Saturday evening, March 20, at 7:30 the typical Purim singing and dancing and the bers of the congrega- They deny Israel’s very right vated by hate. “Hate? annual masquerade contest, in which all chil- p.m., Visotsky will discuss “Cairo to Qatar tion would be reason to exist and openly support Us? Nothing could and Beyond—Jewish-Muslim Dialogue in dren and adults are invited to participate. enough for a normal be further from the the Past Five Years: One Rabbi’s Experi- Due to popular demand, Chabad requests person to abandon Jihadist groups like Hamas, truth.” Now it seems ences.” On Sunday, March 21, at 9:30 a.m., that you book prior to the event if you would that tactic, or more clear to me that we Visotsky will present “Moses Goes to Hol- like to attend. Early bird bookings will receive likely, never take it up that have genocidal goals were indeed motivat- lywood.” This lecture series is funded by the a discount. Each child arriving in costume will to begin with. ed by hate, as well as Alfred and Alice Rosenberg Lecture Fund. receive a prize. I became a mem- toward Jews in general (not by dissatisfaction with All the presentations are open to the public For more information, call 995-3276 or ber of the Beth Is- our own lives, by a ro- at no charge. For more information, con- visit www.jewmich.com. rael Congregation, just Israelis). And apart from manticized view of tact Mary at 665-9897. and am so grateful one side of a complex for the kindness and this overt ant-Semitism they conflict and a roman- Tot Shabbat HDS Purim basket fundraiser forgiveness I have re- ticized view of our Tot Shabbat is a special Saturday morn- similarly demean/defame ceived there. Where I own ability to change ing service for parents and their children Rachel Siegal, special to the WJN am right now on the things. We hated our- 2–5 years old on February 13 and February Purim is coming! And with it, the Hebrew Day Arabs/Muslims by treating issue of Israel and selves, too—those of 27 at 11:15 a.m. that includes songs, stories, School’s annual Mishloah Manot (Purim greet- Palestine: I’m try- them as children, endlessly us in the group who and prayers. This program is run by Peretz ings and gift exchange) purchase and delivery ing to find out more, were Jews. How else Hirshbein on the second Saturday of each service. The mitzvah of giving of gifts to one an- and I don’t have the unaccountable for self- could a Jew go out of month and Jessica Kander on the fourth other on Purim helps create a sense of commu- answer. But I don’t his or her way to pres- Saturday of each month. Preschool-sized nity. There is a rabbinic teaching that we should pretend to. And I destructive behaviors and ent Jews as the arch- tables are set up for the regular Kiddush so not only give gifts to friends, but to someone have zero confidence villains of the world? that families may easily attend with their who is new to the community, to those who are beliefs that are central to in the solutions put “The term ‘self-hating children following Tot Shabbat. There is no needy, and to those whose spirits would be bol- forward by people Jew’—how ridicu- charge for this bi-monthly program. stered by knowing that someone cares. their undeniable misery. Each year, HDS parent volunteers, led by such as those in the lous!” we used to say. Kehilat Shabbat and Moadon on Jennifer Siegel and Stephanie Chervin, pack vigil group who talk in slogans and think in But how appropriate the term actually was. over 400 Purim gift bags filled with delicious absolutes. I don’t think that carrying a sign So, those are some of my reflections about Saturday mornings about peace or justice is the same thing as my involvement in the vigils. My intent is not This Saturday morning program for K– gourmet items, including many Israeli prod- ucts. The baskets are delivered to community taking the actions necessary to create the to give the vigillers yet another outlet for their fifth graders will take place on February 13 conditions of peace and justice. propaganda and more publicity and I hope at 11 a.m. It will include a morning service members with a card containing a personal greeting from every family who has ordered a The vigil was born of a lie, that the con- that by giving an account of certain anti-Se- to celebrate, to schmooze and to learn, led gregation’s rabbi would not allow someone mitic ideas that they express, I haven’t given by Gabe Pachter. Moadon, a gathering place gift bag for that recipient. The price to add your name to the list of to speak about the cruelty of the occupation new energy to those ideas. Anti-Semitism is for elementary school aged children, starts because the congregation supposedly “wasn’t a hateful, despicable phenomenon and needs at 10 a.m. every Saturday, and provides a Ju- people sending bags to a particular person or organization is $10 if the recipient is already ready.” In fact, that person was not allowed to to be denounced, period. I am hoping to shed nior Congregation experience at 11 a.m. on speak because he wanted to say that the mod- light on what is already out there, because ha- weeks where there is no Kehillat Shabbat. on the HDS Purim recipient list, or $15 for other community members. Should one wish ern state of Israel as a Jewish homeland should tred and lies flourish in secrecy. Child/Parent Room to send bags to all current HDS families and never have been created in the first place. The These are my own ideas, and do not re- Starting at 9:30 a.m., parents have the staff, the cost is $150. signs displayed in the vigil give the impression flect the opinions of the Beth Israel Congre- use of Room 14 that is stocked with toys, If you would like to participate in the mitz- that the congregation is jingoistic in its sup- gation or any other organization. Thank you n books, and snacks during the morning ser- vah of Mishloah Manot at HDS, email purimbas- port for Israel and completely indifferent to for reading this. the humanity of Palestinians. Since becoming vice that lasts until 12:15 p.m. [email protected] or call the school at 971-4633. Laurel Federbush was a member of the Jewish a member of the congregation, I have never Orders will be accepted until February 8. Witnesses’ group when they began picketing heard anyone in Beth Israel demand un- General community is always welcome Beth Israel Congregation in the fall of 2003. critical support for Israel’s policies, and have All of Beth Israel’s events, plus all edu- She ended her relationship with the group in heard frequent expressions of compassion for cational offerings are open to the general 2007 and in 2008 became a member of the the plight of suffering Palestinian civilians. community, often at no cost. For further synagogue. She is a freelance harpist with a In truth, the congregation’s real crime, in the information, call 665-9897 or visit www. bachelor of music degree from the University eyes of the vigillers, is its support for the ex- bethisrael-aa.org. of Toronto and a doctor of musical arts degree istence of Israel at all. If their signs would say from the University of Michigan. that, at least they would be honest.

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 13 I Religion

Pluralism wars reignite, U.S. Jews join fight By Ron Kampeas WASHINGTON (JTA)—A string of controver- “It is not ‘Love Israel, right or wrong,’ or ‘I The flurry of controversies in Israel come of Ahavat Yisrael,” the love of the Jewish people, sies has reignited the pluralism wars, prompting can’t be connected,’” she said. “We need to look at a time when American Jewish pluralism has Weiss said. a loose alliance of American and Israeli Jews to at the complexities of this country that we love, become more expansive than ever. Guests at Abraham Foxman, the national director of wage a renewed campaign against Orthodox we can’t reject it, nor can we be silent when there the White House Chanukah party ranged from the Anti-Defamation League, said Israel was control in the Jewish state. are issues that require our involvement.” Chabad rabbis to Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, suffering periodic social pangs that arise when Among the litany of developments making Activists on both sides see the Western Wall who heads Beth Simchat Torah, a gay syna- there is relative peace, and suggested that these headlines: The arrest of a woman for wearing as something of a battlefront. In recent years, gogue in New York. needed to be addressed indigenously, and not a prayer shawl at the Western Wall; protests by the site’s government-funded Orthodox rab- Some groups, particularly among the Or- due to U.S. Jewish pressure. fervently Orthodox, or haredim, against a park- binate has banned mixed groups from singing, thodox, reject the activism as Americans im- “Every time there’s a lull in daily threats ing lot open on the Sabbath and against the In- an action that precludes Israel and American posing their mores on Israel. of terrorist acts, normal life brings to the fore tel branch in Jerusalem for working through the Jewish youth groups from a tradition of burst- Israel “is a country that has a functioned with many of these unresolved social tensions,” he Sabbath; a battle over gender-segregated public ing into Hatikvah to celebrate the wall’s return a certain understanding among its religious and said. “Some of them impact on relations with buses; and the burial in Spain of a child con- to Jewish control in 1967. not religious Jews,” said Rabbi Avi Shafran, the Diaspora Jews, but it’s more important for Is- verted to Judaism by a Conservative rabbi in a One protest against the Orthodox monop- spokesman for Agudath Israel of America. “If raelis to deal with them because of their own corner of a cemetery reserved for non-Jews. oly took place in Jerusalem on the evening of the activists don’t want to alienate Jews, they need of religious tolerance, than because of the In response, activists have organized protests November 28. Protesters marched from Paris shouldn’t thumb their noses at the traditional Americans’ need.” in Israel and the United States against the per- Square to Zion Square in Jerusalem’s city cen- Jews in Israel.” The New Israel Fund, a group that has ceived hegemony in Israel of haredi-aligned rab- ter, carrying signs that read “Iran is here—we’re Shafran also noted that the most vocal hare- long advocated for a role for Diaspora Jews in bis. Organizers say that their goal is to keep Jews sick of haredi violence,” “Jerusalem will not fall,” di protesters were minorities within their own making the case for pluralism, welcomed the caring about Judaism and Israel, despite what they and “We are sick of (religious) coercion.” communities. Much has been made of the con- attention on the issues, said its spokeswoman, describe as the increasingly alienating behavior of Nofrat Frenkel, whose arrest at the Western tinued protests outside Intel’s offices, but these Naomi Paiss. Israel’s Orthodox religious authorities and mem- Wall a couple of weeks before helped spur the were sharply reduced in number after a com- “The whole premise of the New Israel bers of the country’s haredi population. recent demonstration, delivered a message that promise last month that allowed non-Jewish Fund is that you can love Israel and you can “People are saying enough is enough,” said explicitly addressed the threat of the alienation workers to work through the Sabbath. But this fix it,” she said. “The Israeli government has Andrew Sacks, director of the Israel branch of of Diaspora Jews from Israel and religion. has gone unnoticed, Shafran said. a special responsibility—what is made law the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical As- “The crowd gathered here today proves to “The main haredi groups were in favor of in Israel signifies the closest we have to a re- sembly. “You have a segment of the American the Jewish people everywhere, in Israel and in the compromise, but there are always holdouts,” ligious ruling, even for those of us who don’t Jewish community that cares deeply enough to the Diaspora, that ‘offense against public sen- Shafran said. live in Israel. We American Jews do take this want to change it, but you have a second less de- sitivity’ is not the sole province of the ultra- Other American Orthodox leaders, how- personally and we should.” sirable effect, among younger people especially, Orthodox,” the medical student and gay rights ever, fret about the possibility of alienation An example was the 13-year-old boy who that says if that’s what Israel is all about, I don’t activist reportedly said. “We are also the public, from Israel. They note that alienation could died this month in Madrid. The order to bury want any part of it.” the public who pays taxes and serve our coun- extend even to the modern Orthodox because him in a segregated corner of the Jewish cem- Rabbi Jacqueline Koch Ellenson, who directs try, in the IDF and National Service.” of a recent crisis in conversion policy that has etery came from Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Israel’s the Women’s Rabbinic Network, helped organize Michael Oren, the Israeli ambassador to threatened to discredit the majority of Ortho- chief Sephardic rabbi. a day of solidarity and support of Women of the Washington, told an audience of Conservative dox converts. NIF is currently organizing a petition drive Wall on December 17 that encouraged Jewish movement leaders that Frenkel was “led away” Rabbi Avi Weiss, who heads the Amcha ac- among Jews in Israel and the Diaspora urging women across the United States to hold meet- from the Wall, not arrested, the Forward reported. tivism group and Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, a Yisrael Katz, Israel’s transportation minister, ings, read from the Torah or pray in support of He later issued a statement correcting the misim- liberal Modern Orthodox seminary, called for to ban publicly funded buses from segregating women who choose to pray at the Western Wall, pression and confirming that Frenkel was, indeed, dialogue. “The greatest threat facing us, more male and female passengers. including those who wear religious vestments. arrested. Oren said he has asked his government than external enemy, is a divisiveness within our “If he yields to haredi pressure, we expect Separately, another group is organizing a similar to investigate why he was misled. However it is people that is so dangerous, God forbid, it could to become louder in response both here and in protest in San Francisco on January 10. resolved, the incident illustrates the sensitivity of lead to calamity,” he said. Israel,” she said. “We will use every means at our “My intent was to give people a way to Israeli officials explaining the practices of their Weiss noted that Orthodox authorities disposal to educate the American public about support people in Israel, and to support Israel country’s rabbis to American Jews. defend their actions by citing “humra”—the the issue.” n around an issue women and men feel strongly Oren, who was in Israel, could not be reached strict application of Jewish law. “In a world of about,” Ellenson told JTA. for comment. humra, there’s got to be a stress on the humra Left and right join on religious expression statement By Eric Fingerhut WASHINGTON (JTA)—The Anti-Defa- Amendment place restrictions on the politi- ering of the church-state wall on certain issues. American Jewish Committee and the Ameri- mation League and the Southern Baptist cal activities of religious organizations?” “It has the potential to bring more sanity and can Jewish Congress. Convention may butt heads over where the (The short answers: Yes with restrictions, civility to this area of the law.” The drafters stressed that the document out- line ultimately should be drawn on the sep- sometimes, and no.) The document also has the backing of the lines the consensus on how the U.S. Supreme aration of church and state, but representa- Members of the 28-person drafting commit- Anti-Defamation League, which generally Court has defined current law, not the law as tives of both organizations say they agree on tee say they plan to distribute the document to sides with those fighting to maintain a robust various groups would like to see it. where the law now stands—and with more state and local governments, civic and religious separation of church and state. It “shows that “There are things in the document that we’re than two dozen other experts they have organizations, and other grass-roots groups. religious expression “is very much a welcome not necessarily pleased by, but they’re current come together to help explain it to the rest Having the document as a reference, the mem- part of public life, but there are also lines we law,” Freeman said. of the country. bers say, can defuse many controversies over re- draw and shouldn’t cross,” said the ADL’s di- “Sometimes the state of the law is not what After nearly four years of work, the orga- ligious expression before they ever start. rector of legal affairs, Steven Freeman, another we would like it to be, but we agree on what the nizational representatives have issued a 32- “Frankly, a lot of the discussion of religion member of the committee. current state of the law is,” said drafter Richard page document titled “Religious Expression in public life in America when it hits the front The drafting committee included religious Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Lib- in American Public Life: A Joint Statement pages or 24-hour cable shows is often presented scholars; representatives of strict separation- erty Commission of the Southern Baptist Con- of Current Law.” in a hysterical mode that either a theocracy is ist organizations such as the American Civil vention, which favors a more prominent role Written in a question-and-answer format being imposed” or that anyone expressing reli- Liberties Union and People for the Ameri- for religion in American public life. and including extensive endnotes, the docu- gious beliefs “is being run out of town on a rail,” can Way; and leaders of a number of reli- Land quipped that if the report dealt only ment explains the state of the law on reli- said Nathan Diament, the Orthodox Union’s gious groups, including Jewish, Muslim, Sikh with the areas on which the groups agreed what gious expression, answering queries such as director of public policy and a members of the and Christian groups spanning the political they would like the law to be, “it would be a “Are individuals and groups permitted to use drafting committee. spectrum—from the National Council of much shorter document.” government property for religious activities The significance of the document is “show- Churches on the left to the American Center Drafter Marc Stern, acting co-executive di- and events?”; “May employees express and ing that there really is a lot of common ground for Law and Justice on the right. In addition to rector of the American Jewish Congress, noted, exercise their faith within secular nongov- and common understanding” on these issues, the ADL and the OU, the panel included rep- ernmental workplaces?”; and “Does the First said Diament, whose organization favors a low- resentatives from the Reform movement, the continued on next page

14 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 Bar mitzvahs without God: Secular Judaism keeps next generation in the fold By Sue Fishkoff FOSTER CITY, Calif. (JTA)—When Mark California, who grew up in a Secular Jewish Younger Jews are more secular than their with a cultural or historical connection. Judith, Neuman celebrated his bar mitzvah seven community in Southern California, it’s about elders, according to the same study, and they one of 10 non-theistic rabbis ordained by the years ago at the Peretz Centre for Secular Jew- seeking her comfort zone. She explored Hillel at are overwhelmingly the ones flocking to the Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism, says ish Culture in Vancouver, B.C., he didn’t read college, but found it “too religious.” new cultural expressions of Jewish identity: when she got married, she and her husband from Torah, wear a yarmulke or pronounce By contrast, national conferences of the secu- film festivals, music concerts, Yiddish classes. bought a menorah. Her grandmother’s re- Hebrew blessings. He gave a talk on the psy- lar congress were filled with the secular Jews she’d This all works to the advantage of the country’s sponse upon seeing it: “What’s the matter; you chology of Jewish humor. known since childhood. “It’s where my friends small but committed core of Jewish secularists. getting religious?’” His brother Ben’s bar mitzvah “portion” were,” she says. “I feel this is where I belong.” Their ranks aren’t growing, but neither are they “I grew up with a Judaism that was a family, was a report on their grandfather’s escape from Other longtime members of Secular Jewish shrinking—both the Congress of Secular Jewish ethical, historical thing,” says Shoshana, who Nazi-occupied Poland. communities say kids stay involved because par- Organizations and the Society for Humanistic admits she finds religion strange, but isn’t hos- That’s typical in the Congress of Secular ents do. Instead of dropping off their children Judaism boast about the same number of affili- tile toward it. “I didn’t meet religious Jews until Jewish Organizations, a loose-knit group of for religious school, parents in most Secular ated communities as they did a decade ago. college, and by then I was comfortable with some two dozen North American communi- Jewish communities come inside for their own Seid-Green attended this fall’s West Coast who I was.” ties that emphasize Jewish history and culture adult classes, modeling the concept of lifelong conference with her sister Ya’el, mother Debby Wendy Berenson Garcia sends her 11-year- while eschewing Jewish ritual, faith and any- Jewish learning. Seid, grandmother Ethel Seid, and aunts Ruthy old daughter to monthly classes run by the thing that smacks of a deity. In contrast to the “It’s very clear to us that our parents and grand- Seid and Rabbi Judith Seid (formerly of Ann Ar- Secular Humanistic Jews of the Tri-Valley, in better-known Society for Humanistic Judaism, parents are very committed to this,” says 22-year- bor), all of whom are secular Jewish activists. Pleasanton, California. founded in 1963 by the late Rabbi Sherwin old Shoshana Seid-Green of San Mateo, Calif., “I don’t think I was ever uninvolved,” says Berenson Garcia grew up in a secular house- Wine, Secular Jewish communities are lay led who co-chaired this year’s West Coast Regional Shoshana, who, like other young people at this hold—her mother, an avowed atheist, wrote a and emphasize Yiddish rather than Hebrew. Conference with her 20-year-old sister Ya’el. conference, founded a secular Jewish organiza- secular Passover Hagadda, which eliminated But the philosophy and beliefs of both groups There is a conscious effort to bring the next tion on her college campus. all reference to God. But she inherited a strong are quite similar. generation into the movement’s leadership. Grandma Ethel, like most first-generation Jewish identity from that same mother, who fled “I feel Jewish,” says Mark, now 20 and a Young people sit on the national board, teenage secular Jews in this country, grew up with Labor Nazi Germany and bristles at the Christmas tree teacher at the Peretz school. “To me that means representatives elected by teenagers who attend Zionist parents, and went to Yiddish-speaking, in Berenson Garcia’s home. upholding the culture. It’s about the history, the national conferences join in, and at those gath- socialist-oriented schools and summer camps. If she hadn’t married a Catholic, Berenson Holocaust, the holidays, the language—all these erings, teenagers, parents and grandparents lead She brought up Judy, Ruthy and Debby as secu- Garcia doubts she would have sent her daughter are very important to me. But I don’t believe in and attend many of the same sessions. lar Jews, with a strong attachment to Jewish cul- to the Tri-Valley Sunday school. “I want her to the religious aspects.” “The young people are really involved; they ture, history and ethical values, but no ritual or have a knowledge of the Jewish religion, so she Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the are not just window dressing,” says the executive religion. She never held seders, she recalls, “just knows what people are talking about,” Berenson secular congress is tiny compared to larger syna- director of the secular congress, Rifke Feinstein. a dinner on the first night.” Garcia says. “If she ends up believing in God, gogue movements. But it has demonstrated an Jewish secularism, which engaged a large As the years passed, the family grew less stri- that’s fine. But I don’t think she will, if she listens ability to attract and hold its next generation in number of American Jews in the early 20th cen- dently opposed to Jewish rituals, at least those to her dad and me.” n a world where most Jewish organizations wrack tury, seems to be making a comeback. their brains trying to figure out what young Jonathan Sarna, professor of American Jew- people want. At a recent West Coast regional ish history at Brandeis University, has posited conference of Secular Jewish communities, two, that as the Holocaust and Israel cease to reso- National secular Jewish organization has local roots three, even four generations showed up in fam- nate with young American Jews, they look to Laurence Kirchmeier, special to the WJN ily units, and the conference chairs themselves Jewish culture, history and ethical values as the “The idea for the Congress of Secular Jewish make them relevant to modern day Jews,” Gales were two young women who had grown up in basis for their identity. Organizations (CSJO) was an outgrowth of a states. “Prayers have been replaced with other the movement. Jews are more secular than Americans in conversation over bagels and lox,” recalls Ju- creative outlets. Storytelling, plays, and readings “Our generation was all born into it,” says general, and their numbers are growing fast: 37 lie Gales, Jewish Cultural Society’s Madrikha by community members comprise much of Neuman, who came to the conference with percent of Jews claim to have “no religion,” ac- (philosophic and ceremonial leader). In 1968, the major celebrations, and the children always half a dozen other 20-something secular Jews cording to the 2008 American Religious Identifi- her father Harold Gales was the president of the have a part in the observances.” from Vancouver. cation Survey, versus 20 percent in 1990. Among Jewish Parents Institute (JPI), a secular Jewish The JCS Bar and Bat Mitzvah program Fine, but why do they stick around? For Americans in general, those figures were 8 per- community in Detroit. “My Dad’s goal was to focuses on helping students find their place 36-year-old Jamie Ireland of Castro Valley, cent in 1990, rising to 15 percent in 2008. bring together North American secular Jew- in the chain of Jewish life. “The work the stu- ish community leaders to share educational dents complete for their mitzvah is a balance materials and to build a national community between community service, researching their Religious expression, from previous page of like-minded people.” He spent the next two own family history, writing about an aspect years identifying and contacting secular Jewish of Jewish life that is particularly interesting to communities and then organizing a confer- them, and developing a secular Jewish identity for instance, a disagreement among committee The committee never met formally in the ence. In 1970, the first conference was held at project,” says Julie Gales. “The celebrations are members about whether the IRS restrictions on same room, but exchanged drafts via e-mail the Jewish Community Center in Detroit, and very personalized and inspiring examples of the the political activities of nonprofit organiza- over the past four years in a process that mem- people from a dozen communities across the student’s commitment to their community and tions is constitutional—but they can agree that bers described as cooperative despite the differ- United States and Canada attended. their roots.” those are the rules the Internal Revenue Service ences in opinions on the issues. Members of Ann Arbor’s Jewish Cultural Adam Liebowitz, JCS president offers that has laid out. The committee did not have the time to Society attended that very first CSJO confer- education doesn’t end with the children’s mitz- And while there was disagreement on how confront every controversial religious ques- ence. Rabbi Judith Seid, then executive director vah celebrations. “Our adult education pro- much a supervisor can say about religion in the tion—the hot topic of federal funding for of the Jewish Cultural Society, was one of the gramming is as important to us as our Sunday workplace to his employees, the members could religious groups is not included, and such Ann Arborites attending the early conferences School,” stated Liebowitz. “When our JCS kids agree on general principles. heated controversies as same-sex marriage and promoting JCS’ affiliation with the CSJO. see their folks engaged in Jewish learning, they The wide breadth of drafters should give and abortion are not addressed. And some According to Seid, “The CSJO would provide appreciate that their entire family embraces the document credibility with both the left and sections of the document may not be entirely our members with a place in the international Jewish values.” Reflecting on his own sons’ the right, participants said. clear because the Supreme Court has not been secular Jewish community. We wouldn’t be an experiences at the JCS, Liebowitz added, “My “The drafters are as important as the draft clear, such as its muddled decisions on public isolated outpost of cultural Jews, but rather a wife Cathy and I had our share of struggles get- itself,” said Melissa Rogers, director of the Wake display of the Ten Commandments. part of a larger movement.” Forty years later, ting our kids through Sunday School and the Forest University Divinity School’s Center for But, Stern said, having a resource avail- the Jewish Cultural Society continues to be the Mitzvah program, but now Avi and Jacob are Religion and Public Affairs. able that offers an informed view on the issues vibrant home for Ann Arbor’s secular Jews and interested in attending the First Friday Shabbat Rogers led the effort after suggesting the idea should help to cool the slogans and epithets that their families. at JCS each month. We couldn’t have expected at a Freedom Forum conference on religious is- often are part of the debate on religious issues. Holiday programming and life cycle celebra- that, but are so proud that they seek to have an sues in late 2005. “The impact is not necessarily in a visible tions at the JCS have a decidedly different feel active role in our Jewish community.” The document was modeled after a similar way,” he said, but “in the fact that they show than those in more religious Jewish communi- The Jewish Cultural Society meets at effort to clarify permissible religious expression people what they’re fighting about may not be ties. The emphasis is on understanding Jewish the Jewish Community Center of Greater in the schools that some of the same experts worth fighting about” and “a lot of times what history, celebrating Jewish culture, and making Ann Arbor. More information can be found worked on in the mid-1990s. It was distributed seems like a controversy goes away.” n connections between our collective past and at www.jewishculturalsociety.org or by by the U.S. Department of Education. our present. “Jewish rituals are reinterpreted to calling 975.9872.

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16 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 IYouth

ECC Preschool project benefits seniors’ Chanukah gift bags Natalie Wiesend, special to the WJN ewish Family Services (JFS) got a lift pictures to add to the bags. The children made from the JCC Early Childhood Center’s marker and paint drawings of menorahs and J Kangaroo Room just in time for Chanu- dreidels. They also created pictures of them- kah. The Kangaroo Room raised $258 to help selves and their families to give to the “bubbes JFS distribute 200 gift bags to senior citizens in and zaydes.” the Ann Arbor area. Wade said, “The children were really excited The Kangaroo Room teachers, Natalie Wi- about this project. It was nice for them to have a esend, Nancy Witter and Kelly Wade, began a plan for where the money was going. Plus, the chil- long term Tzedakah project when the 3 and 4 dren enjoyed making the bags and pictures for the year-olds became interested in putting money seniors. They were glad to make gifts for others.” into the classroom tzedakah jar. Witter said, JFS Director of Older Adult Services, Ab- “Recognizing the children’s good deeds on a bie Lawrence-Jacobson, visited the Kangaroo classroom mitzvah tree (initiated by Wiesend) Room to thank the children for all of their help. inspired them to bring coins for the tzedakah Lawrence-Jacobson brought in a box of gift bag 2 3

1 4 1. Sam Ball and his mother, Rebecca, put tzedakah in the tzedakah jar.

2. Talia Dauer picks out a picture to add to her gift bag.

3. Korinne Baker, Arielle Pedersen work on Hanukkah pictures to add to the gift bags.

4. Arielle Pedersen, Leor Bashan, Talia Dauer, David Gankin, Lewis Perry sort coins into containers. box. Singing about Jewish values with ECC supplies and each child helped put a gift bag song leader Debbie Gombert also helped the together. The bags consisted of chips, cookies, children stay excited about helping others. Of a peppermint patty, chocolate gelt and a piece course, family support of the child’s giving was of children’s artwork from the Kangaroo room. the most meaningful.” Lawrence-Jacobson told the children, “Many The teachers introduced the project to the older adults with whom JFS works don’t have children during classroom circle time. When family living nearby. These gift bags let them the teachers asked the children what tzedakah is, know that there are people thinking of them they said, “Tzedakah is money to help people.” at Chanukah time. Your tzedakah project “We give money to people who don’t have any.” will bring light and joy to bubbes and zaydes “Tzedakah is food for people who need it.” The who can’t celebrate Chanukah with their own children already understood the Jewish value of grandchildren. They will be so happy to receive charity: giving to those in need. your beautiful drawings!” The Kangaroo teach- The children brought in coins and dollars ers were honored to work with JFS. The agency every week after that and put the money in the was very supportive of their efforts. tzedakah jar. The teachers collected the money Deborah Renner, volunteer services and when the children were dropped off and at community outreach director for JFS, was ex- their weekly Shabbat celebration. The Kanga- tremely appreciative of the efforts of the Kanga- roo teachers felt pleasantly surprised with the roo Room students, families and teachers. “It’s amount of money that the families donated. always wonderful to connect with members of The families were very generous and the teach- the Jewish community to meet the needs of the ers appreciated their support. seniors served by Jewish Family Services. The Towards the end of the project, the children children learn about tzedakah and the older learned the values of pennies, nickels, dimes and adults are always very touched by our Chanu- quarters when they sorted the coins into differ- kah Gift Bag deliveries—everyone wins. JFS has ent containers. A preschooler said, “Some are many opportunities to get involved in serving dirty, some are golden and some are green!” the community and we’re always happy to work The children also helped count the money with individuals and groups to find the right after sorting it by putting the coins in stacks. match for a service project,” she said. These activities fostered the children’s counting Reaching out to JFS created a sense of and sorting skills. During the activity, a 4 year community in the classroom, according to old said, “I have a stack of pennies. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. I the teachers. The project was a meaningful have 5 pennies! Look how many pennies!” experience and genuinely nurtured an aware- The Kangaroos worked diligently during ness of generosity and philanthropy for the different times of the day to create Chanukah preschool children. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 17 I Teens/Youth

Dating Jews—or not Noa Gutterman, staff writer emale seeking male. Petite female who a marriage to a non-Jew, a future I in no way support this. How- our personalities on Facebook, and even find loves reading good books, eating ice that doesn’t fit into my life plan. ever, the fact that this kept Ju- our soul mates over the Internet. With sites like F cream, and going to summer camp. As kids, my sister and I asked daism alive in a difficult time is match.com and eharmony.com, we can find our Looking for tall, dark and handsome, 16–19 our parents for their opinion undeniable, and while it is in- valentines simply by comparing lists of interests years old. 5’8’’ to 6’2’’ male who loves to watch on marrying other Jews. While applicable in our society, we are and personality traits. We can choose to marry movies, listen to music and travel. Must be a they didn’t explicitly say that they approaching a future that may a non-Jew and still raise our children in Jewish good cook. Needs an extrovert who’s not afraid would prefer for us to marry oth- lack a strong Jewish population. homes. Some of my most religious friends were to talk about his feelings. MUST BE JEWISH. er Jews, I understood, even then, Activities such as Jewish youth brought up in homes with only one Jewish par- While many Jewish teenagers, myself includ- that an intermarriage would not groups, extra-curricular clubs, ent and have still chosen to seriously practice ed, will say religion is an important factor in a be their, or my, first choice. and Jewish summer camp help their Judaism. There is no true way to ensure future husband and/or wife, dating is an entirely In the book of Ezra, the Jews to facilitate Jewish dating in that a marriage of two Jews will produce Jewish different story. Living in America, as a religious have recently returned from teenagers. But, even I find my- children or that a mixed marriage will produce minority, dating another Jew is not always a the exile to Babylon and have self with non-Jewish dates for non-Jewish children. At the age of 17, I am priority or even an option. It is easy to prolong brought with them foreign wives homecoming dances and po- sure that I don’t have enough life experience to the idea of marriage to that far distant place in and children. These wives and tential valentines. formulate my opinion on intermarriage. The Noa Gutterman the future where we will no longer worry about children were not Jews and we do Intermarriage is a diffi- experience that I have had with dating has not skin quality or cumulative GPA. However, as ev- not know whether or not they had interest in cult issue. We no longer have to marry within given me enough information to make a final erybody’s favorite love holiday approaches, I’ve converting. All we know is that Ezra demanded monetary rank, social class, or even because statement about whether or not I will end up been considering the idea that dating non-Jews that these wives and children be expelled from of physical location. With modern technology with a Jew or a non-Jew. But for now, “MUST for the rest of my life may eventually result in the small community of Jews. Just to be clear, we can send love notes via text message, profile BE JEWISH” will stay on my personal ad. n Your child is grounded: why that’s a good thing Dina Shtull, special to the WJN rounding your child doesn’t neces- nifer Siegel, describes her experience: “Each of won a national competition in web-site design sarily mean he has to spend the rest my two daughters has a distinct learning style. (as part of a team of African-American students). G of the evening in his room. Ground- HDS teachers customize learning opportuni- Another student won a national writing contest ing your child can mean that he or she will be ties that are sensitive and effective. My girls are sponsored by a Scholastic children’s magazine. given the confidence, knowledge, and critical celebrated for their uniqueness. They receive An HDS alumnus was the speaker at his Univer- skills needed to successfully contribute to and personal attention that ensures success and sity of Michigan graduation ceremony. navigate a diverse modern society. This is what builds self-esteem.” As families begin planning for their pre- grounding means at the Hebrew Day School of The curriculum that follows local and na- schooler’s entry into kindergarten next fall, the Ann Arbor (HDS). Sending a child to HDS has a tional standards is complemented with Jewish following checklist may be helpful: private school price tag; yet many parents feel it content, helping students identify with and Is your child’s intended school a nurturing, car- is priceless. In deciding to enroll a child in HDS, participate in a proud intellectual tradition of ing, warm environment, where every teach- how can a prospective parent determine how questioning and analyzing that results in out- er and administrator knows every child? much the education is actually worth? How standing critical thinking skills. The day is in- Does the school have a stellar reputation in does one assess the value of a girl who excels at fused with values on a daily basis, immersing critical thinking—in math, reading, writing, learning languages because she was immersed children in Judaism’s proud ethical tradition. bilingual education, arts, and science? in a second language in elementary school? How Each child is given the gift of a second lan- Will your child develop a sense of comfort with does one assess the value of a student who, in a guage, and a language that is not only the pri- her/ himself, a strength that flows from literature class, can quote Biblical references? mary language of the Bible, but one that also years of deep grounding in a personal iden- Hebrew Day School recently conducted a opens door to employment in high tech and tity based on values and ethics from his/her survey as well as personal interviews of parents of international marketing. Israel is second only own tradition? preschoolers to explore views on Jewish educa- to North America in the number of companies Will your child speak a second language by the tion. Most parents are serious about their child’s listed on NASDAQ. time she/he approaches middle school, ensur- Jewish upbringing. Some parents value religious HDS Graduates,Class of 2009 Children become deeply grounded and ing success in foreign language acquisition? training; others focus more on the importance Left to Right: Danielle Turner, Avishag confident young people who feel comfortable Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor is offer- of practicing Jewish traditions, values and ethics. Eliav, Maya Burgard with themselves, and proud enough of their ing private tours for those who want to find out But all want their child to grow into a confident, for having sent her to HDS. Abigail says: “My Jewish identity to be part of a diverse world in a why families are choosing HDS for their chil- proud, Jewish young person who will be success- Jewish friends who did not go to a day school, uniquely Jewish way. dren. Call 971-4633 to schedule a visit, find out ful navigating our diverse modern society with its don’t really want to talk about being Jewish. I Day School graduates tend to excel in their more information about financial aid or learn multiple and varied opportunities. n do.” Abigail also commented about her ability various pursuits. One recent graduate recently about the HDS full day kindergarten. Some parents wanted to achieve this vision to befriend Muslims and children from other while enrolling their child in public school. ethnic background. “They are like me,” she said Others wanted to opt for a Jewish day school (referring to their similar experience of being education. They believed that through this type Habonim Dror activites are just heating up immersed in a culture). of schooling, they will most likely succeed in Yael Warshai, special to the WJN How does a child who attends HDS excel raising deeply-grounded, proud, and successful academically, emotionally and socially in the The local branch of the Habonim Dror youth which is located near Three Rivers, Michigan. learners who, upon graduation, will contribute comfort of the school and still remain a citizen movement, Ken Pardes, ended last semester Youth group activities to come this se- to a diverse world in a uniquely Jewish way. They of the world at large? Why is this formula worth with a bang. About 30 kids aged ten and up mester include the annual Winter Olympics, believe that a Jewish day school offers the best the tuition? There are five main reasons. attended the Chanukah party in December, where members will once again join with Ken education because it is immersed in the Jewish HDS nurtures each and every child and complete with a messy sufgania (donuts) eat- Afikim in a series of friendly competitions in intellectual and ethical tradition—an educa- provides unparalleled individual attention. ing contest and silly theatrical performances the snow. In addition, the older and younger tion measured not in annual tuition, but in a Through its RTI system (Response to Inter- of the story of Chanukah. The Ann Arbor kid sleepovers, and a promising new Tikkun myriad of unique experiences such as perform- vention), a team of teachers and support staff group was joined by some new faces as well Olam project are just around the corner. ing a play in modern Hebrew or questioning a meets regularly to discuss both the functioning as their Detroit counterpart, the Ken Afikim For more information about Ken Pardes passage in Biblical Hebrew. Parents who choose of each class as a whole and the functioning youth group branch. and Habonim Dror, contact Yael Warshai to spend their hard earned dollars on this kind of each individual child within that class. Ser- Also, about 10 local leaders just returned at [email protected] or Ron Sussman of education often speak about TVMs—Tu- vices are provided to either advance or boost from the national leadership convention in at [email protected]. New participants ition Validating Moments. “There have been a student in a particular area, and progress is the Pocono Mountains of Philadelphia. They from ages 9–15 are always welcome. If you are many of them,” says Peretz Hirshbein, Assistant monitored closely. Every teacher knows every brought back a renewed vigor and excitement interested in information regarding the sum- Director of the JCC’s Early Childhood Center, child, and every child knows every child. No for the semester to come and everyone is mer camp, email Kate Sandler at registrar@ whose daughter came home from Tappan mid- one falls through the cracks. HDS parent, Jen- looking ahead to this summer at Camp Tavor, habonimdror.org. dle school and thanked him and his wife Laura 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 JCC Youth Department news Deborah Huerta, special to the WJN Maccabi Informational Meeting to be choosing a different specialty each week; this transition from camper to counselor. CITs re- variety of fun activities at the JCC to celebrate year’s options may include Boating, Digital ceive training and hands-on experience in child President’s Day. held February 9 Photography, Martial Arts, Drama, Drum- development, leadership and team-building, The cost for the School’s Out day is $36 for Interested teens ages 13–16 and their parents ming, Clay Creations, World of Sports, Edible conflict resolution, program planning, and first care from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ($32 for additional sib- are invited to attend an informational meeting Art, Dance, Silly Science, and more. Mean- aid. CITs also get to participate in social activi- lings) and $10 for Extended Care from 4–6 p.m. about the JCC Maccabi Games on Monday, while, campers entering grades 6-8 partici- ties and special field trips. Teens may register for Registration and payment are due by Thursday, February 9, beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting pate in Camp Raanana’s Pioneer Adventure one or both four-week CIT sessions ($360 for February 11. Students should bring a nut free, will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Program, which features exciting field trips the initial four-week session, $60 for a second dairy lunch and appropriate clothing for play- Greater Ann Arbor and is geared toward both and fun mitzvah projects each week. Camp four-week session) and will receive an honorar- ing outside. new athletes and returning Maccabi athletes. At Raanana also offers a CIT program for enter- ium for their work upon successful completion the meeting, families will be able to learn more ing 9th and 10th graders. of the program. Teens must fill out an applica- February Break Programs about the JCC Maccabi Games, register for Ann The camp dates for summer 2010 are June tion and meet with the camp director to receive The Jewish Community Center of Greater Arbor’s team, and begin planning for the 2010 21–August 20 (an additional Summer Fun Days approval to enter the program. Accepted appli- Ann Arbor will offer February Break Fun Day Games. A free dinner will be provided for all program from August 23–27 will also be offered cants will be required to attend several pre-camp programs from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. from Febru- meeting attendees. through the JCC). Camp registration opens in training sessions in June. A limited number of ary 22–26. Each February Break Fun Day will The JCC Maccabi Games is an Olympic- early February and brochures will be available at CIT positions are available; interested families feature a fun field trip or special activity, plus style sporting competition that incorporates the JCC and at www.CampRaanana.com. The are encouraged to contact the camp director in crafts, games, and gym time or outdoor recess. community service and social activities to com- final registration deadline is June 1, but families January or February. Students may sign up for one or more days. bine for an unforgettable experience for Jewish are encouraged to register in advance to reserve Teens who have completed 10th, 11th, or Programming details for each day will be avail- teens. Ann Arbors sends a team to the Games their space and take advantage of savings op- 12th grade are eligible to work as Junior Coun- able in early February. each year; this year Ann Arbor’s team will attend selors at camp. This is a paid position that re- The February Break Fun Day programs are the JCC Maccabi Games in Omaha, Nebraska, quires a four or eight week commitment. Camp for JCC members only in grades K–5; middle from August 1–6, 2010. At the Omaha Games, Raanana’s Junior Counselors work directly with school students are also welcome to participate teens will be able to compete in basketball, soc- a group Head Counselor who acts as a mentor as helpers for a reduced fee. The cost for each cer, volleyball, bowling, dance, golf, swimming, and involves the Junior Counselor in planning day is $36 for care from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ($32 for baseball, table tennis, or tennis. Athletes of all and implementing all camp activities. Junior additional siblings) and $10 for Extended Care abilities are welcome to participate and schol- Counselors must have previous experience in a from 4–6 p.m. Registration and payment are arship assistance is available to help defray the camp setting and be able to attend several pre- due by Monday, February 15. Snow Days for costs of attending the Games. Teens must be camp training sessions in June. Interested teens Grades K–8 ages 13–16 as of July 31 to participate. should contact the camp director in December The Youth Department of the Jewish Com- For more information about participating or January to request an application. munity Center of Greater Ann Arbor will once as an athlete, coach, or volunteer, visit www. Camp Raanana is also seeking mature and again offer Snow Day programs this winter. On jccannarbor.org or contact JCC youth direc- talented individuals to fill several eight-week days when the JCC is able to open but Ann Ar- tor Deborah Huerta at deborahhuerta@jc- Campers having fun at the waterfront Head Counselor and Specialist positions. Ap- bor Public Schools are cancelled due to winter cfed.org or 971-0990. A limited number of plicants for these positions must have complet- weather conditions, a Snow Day program will spots on the team are available, so interested portunities. Families that register by March 15 ed at least one year of college (or equivalent), be offered from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for students in families are encouraged to contact the JCC as will be eligible for early bird rates, and those have previous experience in a camp setting, grades K–5; middle school students may par- soon as possible. that register by May 3 will be entered in a raffle and be able to attend several pre-camp train- ticipate as helpers for a reduced fee. for a free week of camp and other prizes. Camp ing sessions in June. Positions available may Students will enjoy games, gym activities Registration opens for Camp Raanana and fun in the snow under the supervision of Camp Raanana is the JCC’s outdoor sum- Raanana also provides scholarships to families include lifeguard, arts & crafts specialist, Judaic youth director Deborah Huerta and other avail- mer day camp for children entering grades K–8. who need financial assistance; the scholarship programs specialist, sports specialist, nature able staff. Students should bring a nut free, dairy Located on a beautiful private beach front at In- application deadline is April 15. specialist, special needs coordinator, aftercare lunch and appropriate clothes for playing out- dependence Lake, the camp offers nine 1–week coordinator, general counselor, and middle Camp Raanana hiring staff for 2010 side (weather permitting). sessions each summer and provides swim les- school travel group counselor. Applications will Camp Raanana, the JCC’s outdoor summer The Snow Days program is for JCC mem- sons, arts & crafts, Judaics, nature exploration, be accepting beginning in December; interested day camp, has several staff openings for this bers only and the program fee is $50 (additional music, sports, free swim, weekly special events individuals should contact the camp director as summer. Counselor-in-Training positions are siblings and Kids’ Konnection / Kids’ Club par- or field trips, and Shabbat celebrations. Camp soon as possible to request an application and available for teens who have completed 8th or ticipants receive discounts). Registration in ad- Raanana experienced record enrollment in obtain details about the available positions. 9th grade, Junior Counselor positions are avail- vance is not required, but parents will be asked 2009 and is busy preparing for another incred- able for teens who have completed 10th, 11th, School’s Out Program on February 15 to fill out a registration form and submit pay- ible camp season this year. or 12th grade, and Head Counselor and special- On February 15, the Jewish Commu- ment when they arrive. n At Camp Raanana, campers entering grades ist positions are available for college and post- nity Center of Greater Ann Arbor will offer a K–2 enjoy the benefits of engaging camp activi- For more information on all JCC youth programs college students. School’s Out/JCC’s In program from 8 a.m.–6 ties and experienced and nurturing counselors. and camp, or to request applications, contact JCC The Counselor-in-Training program is a p.m. for JCC members only in grades K-5; Campers entering grades 3–5 have the oppor- Youth and Camp Director Deborah Huerta at fun and supportive program for teens who have middle school students may also participate as tunity to enhance their camp experience by [email protected] or 971-0990. completed 8th or 9th grade and are making the helpers for a reduced fee. Students will enjoy a

The best kept secret in town– Keshet Ann Arbor Milka Eliav, special to the WJN by the Ann Arbor Public Schools, which re- where all this is a reality. Keshet provides teens to class twice a week in the evening, af- The next generation of Hebrew is taking quire, for example, that teachers be “experts four weekly hours of Hebrew in the eve- ter they’re done with soccer, saxophone les- shape right here in Ann Arbor. Imagine in their field” and that the course would be nings for high school students in Ann Arbor. sons or swimming; it is what drives them to this: 20-plus teens attending a Hebrew lan- monitored by a public schools representa- It employs highly experienced professional dedicate at least five hours a week to language guage high school course. Hebrew is these tive. Students’ progress is evaluated through teachers of Hebrew and offers an optimal learning, and what makes their Hebrew time teens’ language of choice. It proudly fulfills tests and other assignments, and grades sub- learning environment for its students. Stu- worthwhile. their foreign language requirement needed mitted and registered in students’ transcripts dents learn Hebrew as the modern, live, Keshet is a unique joint effort by a num- to graduate from high school and to enter as is the case for every high school class. evolving language that it is today; they also ber of organizations in town, including the many colleges and universities around the These students, who come from all engage with modern Israeli culture through Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, country. To be exact, not one course is of- around town, opted out of French, German movies, songs, language games and more. At Beth Israel Congregation and Temple Beth fered, but rather four, each accommodating or Latin in favor of “Ivrit” (Hebrew).They Keshet, Hebrew “comes to life” outside the Emeth. It is also supported and sustained a different level, from introductory through learn everyday communication, develop and synagogue, and is marked as an integral part by generous Hebrew language lovers in the intermediate to advanced All classes cover enhance their reading, writing and speaking of a teen’s high school education. Ann Arbor community who value quality a wide range of topics which support the skills in Hebrew, and enjoy hanging out with To join Keshet, students need one thing: instruction and serious learning. grammatical and structural learning of the their peers during break time. the will to learn. Motivation is not an empty language. The courses adhere to standards set Sound incredible? Keshet Ann Arbor is word here, it is the force that gets very busy

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 19 clockwise from top left: David Kersch, 734 214.3796 Stephen Anderson, 734 214.5897 Charlie Chapell, 734 214.2728 Ramona Meadows, 734 944.3981 Denise McPherson-Pratt, 734 214.3733 Betsy Cavanaugh, 734 214.3740 United – still local and still lending to homebuyers in Michigan.

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20 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 I Teens/Youth

Camp Gan Israel gears up for summer Brynie Steifel, special to the WJN here are many Ann Arbor children eagerly awaiting the summer’s arrival this Valentine’s Day Special Dinner, Feb. 13, 2010 T year, and there are quite a few who will We are taking Reservations. give you the same reason why: Camp Gan Israel of Ann Arbor. “Our son cannot wait to go to Gan Izzy again next summer,” attests Erika, a mother of an enthusiastic CGI camper, and there are many other parents who echo her excitement. Limor, www.aysescafe.com www.aysesturkishcafe.com who also plans on sending her son to camp this 734.662.1711 [email protected] year, has warm memories from previous years. “My son loved getting up every morning to go to 1703 Plymouth Road, AA, MI 48105 Designed by EB Camp Gan Israel. The staff was wonderful, loving and caring, and the different combination of in- door and outdoor activities kept each day exciting. He always came back with great stories.” If you speak to Camp Director, Shternie Zwieb- Counselor Chaya Cunin Campers el, she is quick to mention that she considers the Gaby and Hannah Bergman success of the past 11 years to be mostly due to the one -on -one attention given to each and every choice taught by professionals from the Detroit camper. “Kids return year after year after building a Metro area. “The friendly atmosphere and nur- strong connection with the counselors,” she claims. turing environment allows children to grow in Counselors are handpicked to ensure they have their skills and accomplish new things to make the strong leadership skills and enthusiasm to create child feel accomplished, and their summer a more the safe, friendly and wholesome camp spirit that meaningful one,” explains Zwiebel, who is con- Camp Gan Israel campers have come to love. stantly searching for ways to make a child’s camp Of course, the varied and creative schedule fea- experience even more memorable. turing onsite activities at the wonderful Clonlara Another addition to this year’s camp will be the campus, as well as camping excursions and trips welcoming of 4 year olds into the Junior Division, don’t hurt either. Lynn, who sent her five year (catering to children entering pre K–1st grade), old daughter to CGI last year, commented, “The where a typical fun-filled day’s schedule will in- hard work of the staff and Shternie is so evident in clude swimming, crafts and sport as well as the the fantastic and organized field trips, the special skills-instruction “iCamp” program. Highlights guests that arrive at camp who teach the kids about of each session will include bi-weekly trips and science, animals, dance and much more and just in guest entertainers. The Sabra Division, (designed the day to day activities and fun the kids have. My for children entering Grades 2–4), provides a mix daughter absolutely loved it!” of sports, swimming, field trips, educational ac- This year, it seems, there will be even more to tivities and crafts. A week generally includes two look forward to. In addition to the regular crafts, trips, an over night, and two choice program days swimming, guest entertainers and sports activities, as part of the all-new iCamp program. Much ef- the camp has developed a special skills-building fort is taken in ensuring that each schedule pro- program to enable campers to master a new skill vides age-appropriate fun, so that campers and in a non-stress environment. At iCamp, children parents alike enjoy a summer that will provide a will have three hours a week to learn a skill of their lifetime of good memories. n

Adventure Pioneers at Camp Gan Israel Brynie Steifel, special to the WJN The Crazy Wisdom Salon Series After 11 years of directing Camp Gan Israel program. After discussions with parents and of Ann Arbor, Camp Director Shternie Zwiebel campers, the decision was made “not only to Join us for our February Salon, is proud to say that she feels it has “grown into a add a new division for the older child, but to pay moderated by Susan Ayer, family of its own.” With a growing attendance of attention to every detail in order give the kids a Editor/Publisher of the Washtenaw Jewish News over 100 children who return year after year, it is time of their lives.” The Adventure Pioneers will perhaps the parents who best explain the reason be a completely separate division for children Thursday, February 18th at 7 PM that this camp is so beneficial for their children. entering 5th-7th grades, with a new schedule “I really liked the personal attention my especially geared towards this age group. son received at CGI,” Carrie Thorpe ex- Longer and more frequent overnight trips Ethical Responsibility - What Compels One to Act? plained. This sentiment was echoed by many are planned, and activities such as horse-riding, We all know when something we see is unethical. What does it other parents, who were quick to appreciate rock climbing, camping, amusement parks and take to move us from observation or outrage to action? the consideration and support their children teambuilding initiatives will be offered. The What societal and/or religious imperatives guide received from their counselors. improved iCamp skills-building workshops, us to move outside our personal interests? Speaking to Zwiebel, it is easy to see why kids should also be a highlight. love coming to camp—she is totally committed “The reason for our continued change is Facilitator: Susan Ayer to ensuring that each and every child is happy. to give the kids a fun-filled summer like they Guest Speakers: “The true success of camp is the total devotion of never had before with a taste of Judaism. That Rabbi Nathan Martin, Assistant Director at the the counselors to the camp and the campers,” she means keying in to this age group’s greater University of Michigan Hillel. explains, “it is so beautiful to see so many children ability for understanding group dynamics, Reverend Ken Phifer, long-time peace activist, and Senior Minister joining together from all walks of life. It is a true self-discovery and adventure. So hand in hand Emeritus of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor. Am Yisrael Chai.” To that end, she not only en- with the swimming and athletics, hiking and Irene Butter, Professor Emerita, U-M School of Public Health, Holocaust sures that her camp is run by a responsible, cohe- skills-building activities, campers will experi- survivor, co-founder of Zeitouna, sive staff group, but takes great care in planning a ence the typical Camp Gan Israel friendship a Palestinian and Jewish Women’s Dialogue group. varied and stimulating schedule for all campers. and spirit that creates last memories for each Many children who have attended Camp child,” explained Zwiebel. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 South Main Street Gan Israel in the past want to attend this year as For more information, call 995-3276, #15, or well, even those who have outgrown the current For more info: www.crazywisdom.net • 734.665.2757 visit the website www.mycampganisrael.com. • [email protected]

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 21 I World Jewry

Denmark: myths and facts By Ben Harris COPENHAGEN (JTA)—In the center of this with which most of us are familiar, the fact ropean countries, Denmark has been remark- Danish governments and served in parliament European capital, just minutes walk from par- remains that Denmark’s Jews fared far better ably welcoming and protective of its Jewish for more than a quarter-century. liament and other institutions of Danish au- than their coreligionists elsewhere in Europe. minority. But that degree of openness has ex- A seventh-generation Dane, Melchior thority, sits the quasi-autonomous community Like Christiania, the truth is less unvar- acted its price, and the consequence may be the tells me that his grandchildren are the ninth of Christiania. Most of the literature describes nished than the myth. But there remains much dissolution of a community with nearly 400 generation of observant Jewish Melchiors in it as a hippie commune, and that’s more or less beauty in the myth. And much truth, too. years of history. Denmark. accurate. Streets are unpaved, buildings are You get a sense of some of that history at Impressive, but one wonders for how much covered in colorful artwork and surprises seem No requirements the Danish Jewish Museum, a typical Daniel longer. Even Melchior, with his irrepressible to lie behind every corner. Walking along the Bent Lexner lives in a row of modest but Libeskind concoction with slanted floors and Danish boosterism, sees the writing on the dark muddy streets one evening, I encounter stately apartments overlooking Osterport Sta- disorienting corridors that makes you feel wall. In 20 to 30 years, he predicts, the com- a young girl in a fluorescent yellow vest riding tion in the eastern part of Copenhagen. Den- slightly off kilter. It’s an effect that works well munity won’t be able to support two rabbis a pony. mark’s chief rabbi since 1996, Lexner is rushed in Berlin and Osnabruck, where the museums any longer, or a cantor, or a synagogue choir. Along Pusher Street—the thoroughfare ac- the morning we meet, cutting short an early in- in question are meant to illustrate the disconti- He even worries about the fate of the Jewish tually shows up on Google Maps—marijuana terview because of a death in the community. nuity and anxiety wrought by the Nazis. school, which is more than 200 years old. is sold nearly as openly as it is in Amsterdam. Danish Jews can barely spare a soul; only But Danish Jewish history is astonishingly When he tells me that Denmark’s Jewish Several vendors sell varieties of hash and pot about 2,000 are members of the Jewish com- uncorrupted by the sort of ruptures that be- school has 85 percent of its tuition covered by from small white plastic jars. Around the cor- munity. And depending on how you count, set other European Jewish communities. The the state, he launches seamlessly into a Talmu- ner, a cafe boasts that it is the “safest in the there are perhaps as many as 8,000 or 10,000 museum is appropriately modest in size, but dic sing-song defense of the practice. world,” thanks to 6,000 armed police inspec- more. No one really knows. its display cases tell the story of a community “If I had four children, if they would not tions in the past five years. Lexner ministers to a population well inte- embracing of its Danishness even as it ab- have been in the Jewish school, they would As with all experiments in utopia, time and grated into one of the world’s most secular cul- sorbed successive waves of immigrants fleeing have gone in a public school and the state the encroachment of commercialism have tures, a group that overwhelmingly does not oppression in the East. Absent those waves, the should pay anyhow,” he says. “Very fair—that somewhat diluted Christiania’s once idealistic share his Orthodox practice and has a high rate friendship club of Lexner’s imagination would is a very typical Danish example.” raison d’etre. There have been sporadic acts of of intermarriage. likely have already come to pass. violence in the recent past, and the drug trade All of which has led Lexner to adopt a The Danish lesson would seem to be this: In Prayer time attracts the usual litany of anti-social types. more pragmatic posture than many of his a peaceful, prosperous, tolerant, stable, demo- On my final morning in Copenhagen, I And while free love and communitarianism Orthodox colleagues. He counsels couples cratic, liberal, bike-loving country—absent awake before the sun—not such a great feat in have given way, at least partly, to drug dealing facing the prospect of an intermarried son throngs of other Jews—Jewish life will wither. Denmark in November, mind you—and head and delinquency, the place still stands as some- or daughter not to pressure too much, not Like I said, it’s rather depressing. for the Great Synagogue for morning services. thing of a testament to Danish free-spirited- to cut ties and certainly not to sit shiva if the The Copenhagen synagogue is located just ness and progressivism. marriage goes ahead. Nothing rotten off one of the main shopping streets in the city It is that same spirit that animates one of Children are admitted to the Jewish day Arne Melchior is my kind of guy. For start- center, down a small winding lane that is the the central narratives of Danish Jewish his- school even if they are not halachically Jewish, ers, he sees the world like I do, in terms of the very definition of charming. Inside, barely a tory: the rescue of some 8,000 Jews—nearly though the expectation is that eventually a con- weather. Denmark’s national character, he dozen men have gathered beneath the massive all of Denmark’s Jewish population—in 1943. version will take place under Orthodox auspices. explains, has been shaped by meteorological vaulted ceiling, painted in blue and gold. From The Jews were spirited away to Sweden over I ask the community president, Finn conditions—neither too hot in summer nor the outside, the building is unremarkable and several weeks in October where, for the next Schwarz, if conversion was obligatory. too cold in winter, the mild Danish climate has easily missed. But the sanctuary is large and re- 22 months, they were sheltered from the Nazi “You’re in Denmark. We don’t have require- helped forge a culture distinguished mostly by gal, its size seeming to magnify the smallness of storm. In stark contrast to what transpired ments,” Schwarz tells me. “We have a common its moderation. the number of worshipers. elsewhere in Europe, nearly all Denmark’s Jews understanding.” Second, Melchior is still spry at 85. Within The service already is under way and mov- survived the onslaught. Or so the story goes. Denmark’s Jews are disappearing—per- minutes of taking a seat in his living room, he ing along at a good clip when I duck inside a Like many Holocaust narratives, this one haps not entirely, not as individuals. But as a offers me a cigar, despite it being barely past few minutes after the 7 a.m. start time. I receive has been subjected to some degree of revi- distinct religious subgroup, it’s increasingly 10 in the morning. And as the smoke fills the a curt nod from one man engrossed in his sionism in recent years. Danes profited more hard to see how the community can persist room, he launches into a spirited soliloquy prayers, the closest thing that anyone comes to significantly, and were subject to consider- much longer in anything other than a highly about his homeland, leaping from the “golden greeting me. A younger bearded man wearing ably less risk, than the popular story would truncated form. balance” Danes have struck between socialism a messianic Chabad kippah is present, but oth- have us believe. According to a document In the middle decades of the 20th centu- and capitalism to a spirited defense of Dan- erwise the group is composed entirely of men prepared by Sofie Lene Bak, a historian at ry, the community had about twice as many ish tax rates—the highest in the world, and he of late middle age. the modest Danish Jewish Museum, families members as it has now. Lexner predicts that wouldn’t have it any other way. By 7:35 the service is finished and, this be- paid as much as 50,000 kroner for their pas- in 50 years the community will be “very, very Melchior is an elder statesman of Den- ing Denmark, several worshipers strap on their sage to safety—a sum equal to about $200,000 small,” and really more of a “friendship club” mark’s most prominent Jewish family. His bicycle helmets and head out into the cold. n than a religious community. father and brother served as chief rabbis, in today’s currency. This article was adapted from Ben Harris’ blog In a sense, Danish Jews are victims of their and his nephew Michael is a member of the Though the whole story may not paint the blogs.jta.org/wanderingjew. Danes in quite as positive a light as the version own good fortune. Virtually alone among Eu- Knesset. Arne himself was a minister in two

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            

22 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 20th Annual David W. Belin Lecture in American Jewish Affairs

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Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 23 I Israel

News Analysis: Can West Bank improvements hold in 2010? By Leslie Susser JERUSALEM (JTA) – In Israel and the West Bank, Abbas, in power since 2005, has consistently op- rivals. This also helps explain the decline in terrorist Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Strategic 2009 was the year that ended without a bang—and posed the use of violence as a means of attain- acts against Israelis in 2009. Studies, told JTA. “But the more you go forward people were grateful for it. ing Palestinian goals. He argues that when pitted The establishment of the new security force is on the state-building project, the more you will be For the first time in a decade, Israel experienced against Israel’s military superiority, it is ineffectual an integral part of Fayyad’s state-building plan. Not able to overcome that lack of confidence.” a year without a suicide bombing. According to offi- and ultimately self-defeating. only are Dayton’s men set to provide the security Yet as encouraging as today’s trends are, it all cial Israeli figures, five Israelis were killed in incidents Terrorism also does not sit well with PA Prime nucleus of the emerging Palestinian state, their uni- could unravel very quickly. in or with attackers originating from the West Bank Minister Salam Fayyad’s two-year state-building formed presence on the streets is perhaps the most With Israeli-Palestinian peace deadlocked for (In all, 15 Israelis were killed in 2009 by terrorism, project, which requires a modicum of stability and overt sign for Palestinians that their state indeed more than year, Palestinian leaders have begun including nine during the Israel-Hamas war last a great deal of international support. may be on the way, again reducing the incentive showing a degree of ambivalence toward terror- January). By comparison, 17 Israelis were killed by The West Bank also is in the midst of a major for Palestinian violence. ism. In late December, Abbas commemorated the West Bank terrorism in 2008 and 429 in 2002, at the economic boom, which a new round of terrorist The law and order imposed by the com- 50th anniversary of the birth of female terrorist height of the second Palestinian intifada. attacks would undermine. bined efforts of the Israel Defense Forces and the Dalal Mughrabi, and the governor of Ramallah Shooting attacks were down to 22 in 2009 Underpinning the newfound calm is the suc- Palestinian security force has enabled Israel to named a square in her honor. Mughrabi was one from 83 the previous year, while the use of explo- cessful training and deployment of local Palestinian eliminate dozens of roadblocks and checkpoints, of the leaders of a 1978 bus hijacking in which 38 sive devices fell to 13 from 54. Of the 633 recorded forces, responsible for law and order in major West allowing more freedom of movement. This has Israelis, including 13 children, were killed. terrorist incidents in 2009, more than 90 percent Bank cities. Since 2006, U.S. Lt.-Gen. Keith Dayton helped accelerate the economic boom in the West Also in late December, Abbas dubbed as “holy were considered minor—including the throwing has been building a Western-style gendarmerie Bank, itself one of the strongest brakes on Pales- martyrs” three terrorists shot dead by IDF forces of stones or Molotov cocktails. intended to provide the security foundation for tinian terrorism. after killing a Jewish settler in a roadside shooting. The decline owes both to Israeli and Pales- the would-be Palestinian state. The carefully vetted By any standards, the boom in 2009 has been Security experts estimate that potential Pales- tinian practices. recruits are sent on intensive four-month training impressive. Economic growth in the West Bank tinian militants have about 120,000 weapons hid- The security fence Israel erected in the West courses at a base near Amman, Jordan, run by U.S., reached 7 percent—far higher than in Israel or den underground in the West Bank, all of which Bank is proving to be a highly effective barrier Canadian, British and Turkish instructors, and re- the West. Tourism to Bethlehem, which doubled could come out should the situation deteriorate. against terror spilling over from the West Bank turn to the West Bank imbued with new Western to 1 million in 2008, was up to nearly 1.5 million That’s aside from the possibility that in a crisis, into Israel proper. standards of policing. in 2009. New car imports increased by 44 percent. Palestinian security forces could turn their guns Inside the West Bank, besides the deployment The results on the streets have been dramatic: Gleaming new shopping malls opened in Jenin on Israel; that happened when the second intifada of roadblocks and checkpoints, Israeli troops have Armed gangs have disappeared and crime rates are and Nablus. Palestinian developers are planning to broke out in 2000. honed a successful modus operandi around Pales- down, and there is a new can-do social and eco- build the first modern Palestinian city, Rawabi. Past experience shows that economic prosper- tinian cities: During the day they usually stay out of nomic atmosphere fueled at least partly by the new Law and order, the boom and the state building ity alone is no guarantee of peace and quiet. Both sight, and at night, acting on real-time intelligence, sense of law and order. all augur well for peacemaking over violence. previous Palestinian intifadas, in 1987 and 2000, they move in on would-be terrorist cells. In the context of local Palestinian politics, the “One of the things holding back progress to- erupted at a time of economic growth. More important than enhanced Israeli anti- National Security Force, known derogatively as wards a permanent settlement is an Israeli concern Whether the West Bank terrorism statistics rise terror capabilities, however, is the sharp decline in “Dayton’s Army” by its detractors, is very much an that there is no one on the other side capable of or fall in 2010 could depend on whether or not Palestinian efforts to wage terrorist attacks. arm of Abbas’ Fatah Party. As such, it is helping to cutting a lasting deal,” Shlomo Brom, director of serious peace talks between Israel and the Pal- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud keep a lid on violence by its more radical Hamas the program on Israel-Palestinian relations at the estinians get off the ground. n

24 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 I On Another Note

Deborah Katz, music educator Sandor Slomovits, staff writer or the past five years I’ve written here interesting! (Laughter) For a while I taught demands on classroom teachers for progress Katz: Right. They see those cases walking down primarily about performing musicians, at Dicken in the multi-purpose room, with kids are so intense that they just don’t the hall, they talk to us. I talk with kindergart- F concerts and recordings. Last year I did which was wide open, and the main office feel they can afford to have an entire half- ners and first graders every single time I’m at profile an ardent music fan, and this month I’d was right across the hall. I told the secretary day, that’s impacted twice a week, with kids the elementary school. We’re talking all the like to introduce you to a music teacher. After that we start out making a lot of noise, and coming in and out of the room. That really time about how many years it’s going to be all, where would we musicians, or our audienc- somewhere in the year it begins to transition changes the way they have to teach. And also till they play and what they might like to play. es for that matter, be without music teachers? to music, and that when she hears music fiscal issues: we now provide planning time, So they get a huge amount of exposure to this Deborah Katz is a longtime Ann Arbor for the first time, she should come and say where before we weren’t part of the release and they see it as a foregone conclusion that resident and music educator. She is married something. And in February, she said, “Deb, time at all. they’ll play. If you take that out of fifth grade to Ralph Katz, a well-known local clarinetist it’s music! I hear music!” That’s really about and put it into middle school, even if every who I profiled in these pages a year ago. She is the time frame, from when it’s noise to when WJN: With the cuts in education funding in kid did it in sixth grade, the visibility piece also the president of Temple Beth Emeth. We it becomes recognizably music. Michigan, what do you foresee? is gone and I think that’s gigantic. If it was talked during the holiday break in December. going to start in sixth grade, it would have to WJN: So the strings and band instruments split Katz: We’re immensely fortunate here. It’s a be for all the kids and that would require a WJN: How long have you been teaching? up after that initial month? community that clearly values music, and huge change in the way our sixth grade year values instrumental music, in particular, is structured. By sixth grade now it’s a choice. Katz: I start my 32nd year when I go back in Katz: Yes, I have a partner who is a string teacher very highly. And it’s very vocal about that. And a lot of kids choose to play. January. I’m the band director at Scarlett and that first month we work together, hav- We’ve basically been in a budget-cutting Middle School. I also teach beginning ing the kids try everything. Then the kids say mode since I arrived here 21 years ago. Every WJN: How did you choose this? Did you grow band at Carpenter and Pittsfield Elemen- what they want to do. Ann Arbor is such an year there’s some discussion of reductions. A up in a very musical family? Was it a foregone tary schools. I started my career up in amazing place. Practically nobody does what couple of times they’ve explored eliminat- conclusion that you would play music? the Thumb. we do. Every child in fifth grade plays. There’s ing fifth grade instrumental music, and it’s no fee, they don’t rent an instrument. We put never come to pass because there’s a great Katz: It wasn’t a foregone conclusion that I WJN: Is that where you’re from? an instrument in the hand of every single deal of will to have it, and there’s perhaps would play music. My grandfather, and my fifth grader. They play for not the will to fight the fight grandmother on my mother’s side, who I Katz: No. I’m from West Bloomfield. We moved a year, we don’t ask them if it would require to eliminate never met, were both very musical people. to West Bloomfield in 1956. At that point it they want to. We ask them it. The finances of the state My grandfather had a baby grand piano and was a farm community. I always say to people what they want to play. It’s make that dicier now than one of my older brothers, who is just im- that I grew up not in the West Bloomfield that just built into the curricu- it’s been. mensely innately musical, would sit down at anybody knows now. You could see from the lum in fifth grade. After that piano every day we’d go over there, and window of my bedroom to our friends’ house, that first month we assign WJN: I’m not telling you play. When he was about six, with a lot of three quarters of a mile down the road. kids to instruments, gen- anything you don’t already begging and pleading for piano lessons, and When I started teaching, there weren’t a erally it’s their first choice, know, but it’s obvious that my grandfather not using the piano in his lot of women who were band directors. and sometimes it’s their you don’t get the kind of house, it was moved to our house. He start- I taught for about four years up in the second choice. Then we award-winning music ed piano lessons and I started a little after Thumb. That was my introduction to what it spend a couple of weeks programs like you have at him. Couple of years of piano, but as soon as was really like to be a band director. I did the on mouthpieces and bar- Pioneer and Huron High, they put a flute in my hands I stopped play- K–12 music-teaching thing. After four years rels, they figure out how without the work you’re do- ing piano, which was a huge mistake, but I of that I needed to take a little time to think to safely put their instru- ing in fifth and sixth grade. was too young to understand that. about whether that was really my life’s work ment together and take it or not. I came back to school, did grad work apart, how to make those Katz: I think that’s very true. WJN: Who put a flute in your hands? at U-M, studied flute real hard and decided first three or four notes. And it’s also true that there’s that I missed teaching, that that’s where I I tell them somewhere Deborah Katz a strong commitment to Katz: School. I started in fourth grade. We did a wanted to be. But also, that I wasn’t really a around Halloween that they now can make general music education and vocal music semester of recorder in fourth grade and then small town girl. I needed to be more in the a sound that won’t scare their parents too education starting in kindergarten. The fact you could choose to play an instrument. My city. So I worked part time in West Bloom- much, and they can take the instruments that we’ve held on to that has a lot to do school had the chamber ensembles from the field for a little while and then got a full-time home. Then we can say to them, “So work on with how we’re able to do our job in fifth Detroit Symphony Orchestra came out every teaching job in Berkeley. Taught there for that between now and next time.” Which is a grade. The kids come to us understanding a year and do little concerts. I remember Albert about six, seven years and then became co- great thing, because at that point they will. lot about music, having had a fair amount Tipton, he was the principal flutist in the DSO ordinator of music for Ann Arbor Schools. This year, in some ways we’re a little ahead of aural training. They have some aware- at the time, came and played at our school. I of the game. They’re playing Twinkle, which ness of staff, of note reading. They have to looked at that and said, “I want to play that.” WJN: How long have you been at Scarlett? is six notes. We do a bunch of three-note relearn it all when you put an instrument in WJN: That’s how it works. stuff and a bunch of five-note stuff, and just their hands, but they’ve had it before. And Katz: It’s my third year at Scarlet. I had six years before they went home for the holiday I gave that’s huge. If Ann Arbor were to take fifth at Pattengill, teaching elementary music and Katz: Yes. It took me awhile to figure out. I them that sixth note. grade instrumental music out of the mix, it beginning band. I’m not moving again. This would have an impact. It would be very fast, couldn’t make a sound on the thing at all. My brother picked it up and played it imme- is my last one. Next one will be retirement. WJN: How often do you meet with the kids? that change. The general music component in Ann Ar- diately and my parents told him he wasn’t WJN: What it’s like to start out kids those first Katz: Twice a week for 36 minutes. That six bor has changed, but it’s incredibly power- allowed to touch it. I couldn’t do it at all. few weeks, when they’ve never touched an is just some thing that has to do with how ful. It used to be a lot more focused on vocal It’s good for me as a teacher, because I can instrument before. many minutes of planning time classroom training and there’s certainly some people say to my kids, “It took me a month to get a teachers need. who do a great deal of vocal training, but sound, but I figured it out.” It also took me Katz: It’s really exciting because they just can’t it’s much more a general music approach in a couple of years to figure out that there was stand it, they’re so anxious to start to play! WJN: How has that changed over the years? Do elementary school than it used to be, and I a connection between practice and success. you see the kids less, or more than you have Once I figured that out, I went from being WJN: When do they start? think it’s right for the time. The kids sing a in the past? lot, and they learn a lot and they’re incredibly the worst flute player in the school to being a competent player. Katz: Fifth grade. We spend about a month at well-primed for what we do in fifth grade. Katz: The biggest change is how they’re grouped. I didn’t figure out at all that this was go- the beginning of the year trying everything I’ve taught beginning band in sixth grade When I first got to Ann Arbor, the model ing to be my life’s work until the end of under the sun. They buzz brass mouthpiec- and in fifth grade over my career and in was that a group of music teachers, three or my senior year in high school. I was plan- es, blow in clarinet mouthpieces and flute terms of the musical development of the four, depending on the size of the school, ning to be a biochemist and was admitted head joints, and pluck string instruments, kids if they start in fifth grade or sixth, I would go into a school for an afternoon to Kalamazoo College as a biochem major, find out what it’s like to hold a violin under think it’s a wash. What’s different is the pool. or a morning and they would pull kids out had my roommate, and was all set to go off their chin. So they’re very ready to play when If kids start in fifth grade then kids in kin- of their classroom in small groups. So they to school. Meanwhile, during my senior we finally put instruments in their hands the dergarten see themselves as a child who will would have a flute class, and a clarinet class year at West Bloomfield High School, they first week of October. They’re so excited you play eventually. and a trumpet class. They don’t do that any- can hardly hold them back. The sounds are more, for a couple of reasons. One is that the WJN: Because they’re in the same building. continued on page 30 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 25 I Calendar

tion will cover his humanitarian mission to the February 2010 Jewish community of Cuba in April 2007. Kick-Off Event: J Street Ann Arbor. Launch of Monday 1 local field office as Ann Arbor Brit Tzedek be- comes part of new J Street National Field Pro- English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. gram, an organization of the pro-Israel, pro- Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– peace movement. 7–9 p.m. at the JCC. Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays at Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish legal For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 system by following the intriguing discussions in the or email [email protected]. Ongoing. Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of practical law, logical argumentation and moral teachings. Study of the original Talmud tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Tuesday 2 Every Thursday.

SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or Friday 5 $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Games and activities including Lunch and Learn: TBE. “Issues of Israel over mahjong, quilting, art projects and card games, Time and Space,” with Rabbi Levy. Noon. and weekly Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Portraits in Leadership: Jewish Learning In- Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at stitute. “Timeless Tales for Inspired Living.” 761-2765 for information. Winter semester course studies the inspiring Tot Shabbat and Dinner: TBE. Dinner, songs and life story of six figures whose courage and de- popsicles. 5:30–7 p.m. termination helped Judaism weather its dark- Super Bowl Tailgate Shabbat: EMU Hillel. 12:30 p.m. est hours. 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad House and Shabbat Dinner: TBE TNT. 20s and 30s dinner at 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Rabbi Delson’s. 6:30 p.m. The Bible in Its Time: JCC Seniors. Class led by First Friday Shabbat: JCS. Once monthly Shab- Liz Fried. This semester’s topic is “The Prophets bes observation with songs, candlelighting, in their World.” Class is tuition free to Washt- wine and challah. Includes short thematic pro- enaw County residents age 65 and over through gram. Following Shabbat, there is a meal. This Washtenaw Community College Department year’s theme for First Friday meals is “Local of Lifelong Learning. Registration at the first Ann Arbor,” focusing on local favorites, locally class. Contact Merrill at 971-0990 to register or owned businesses, and locally grown foods. for more information.10 a.m.–Noon. February $10/person or $25/family of four for dinner. 2 through March 23. RSVP online at www.jewishculturalsociety.org. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): 6:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. All ages and levels welcome including UM and Friday Night Live Service: TBE. With Youth Choir non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s and Middle School Shir Chadash. 7:30 p.m. Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. For information, call 936-2367. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. “How to Sell on EBay:” TBE Sisterhood. 7:30 p.m. “Walking with God Part I–Medieval Texts Saturday 6 through Modernity:” BIC. Presented by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. 8 p.m. Torah Study: TBE. Led by Rabbi Levy at 8:50 a.m., Topics in Jewish Law: AAOM. Class led by Rabbi Gl- followed by Chapel Minyan at 9:30 a.m. ogower covering various topics treated over a pe- Blood Drive and Pancake Breakfast: TBE Broth- riod of one to several weeks. Material is presented erhood. Sign up to donate blood at givelife. in English and Hebrew. 8 p.m. at U-M Hillel. com with the organization code of TBE. Break- Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. fast for all donors. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Reading the Bible may be easy, but understand- Soul Food: Torah Study Lunch: EMU Hillel. ing it is no simple matter. Study the text in the 12:30 p.m. original, together with the classical commen- Havdalah Hang Out: EMU Hillel. 6:20 p.m. taries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Concert: BIC. “Vision–Detroit School of Arts Male Ensemble Concert” in honor of Black Wednesday 3 History Month. 8 p.m. Youth Group Concert Night: BIC Kadima. Con- “48 Ways to Wisdom: Understanding of the cert presented by Detroit School of Arts Male Heart:” EMU Hillel. Knowing yourself is the es- Ensemble followed by ice cream and chance to sence of being alive. If you don’t know yourself, meet some of the performers. 8 p.m. you’re not living. Learn some great tools for how Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Cha- to know yourself. 8 p.m. at the Hillel Building. bad. Learn more about the mystical dimensions of the Torah: Chabad. 1 hour before sundown. Every Saturday. Thursday 4 Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. Saturday. SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise Shabbat services: See listing at the end of calendar. with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Sunday 7 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Weekly special events and guest presentations (see de- The Culture of Jewish Objects: Frankel Institute. scription below); Literary Group with Sidney “A Day at the Institute” is an invitation to meet Warschausky at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Poliner and study with the Frankel Institute for Ad- at 971-0990 for name of current book. vanced Judaic Studies’ visiting fellows, at the Presentation and Birthday Celebration: JCC Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Seniors. Birthday celebration for all with Feb- Detroit, 15110 West Ten Mile Road, Oak Park. ruary birthdays featuring lunch and birthday Through a day-long program of seminars and cake for family and friends. Followed at 1 p.m. discussions, explore the theme of The Culture by a presentation by Elliott Gertel titled “So of Jewish Objects. Cosponsored by The Jewish Near and Yet So Foreign: An Illustrated Tour of Forum, Federation’s Alliance for Jewish Edu- the Jewish Renaissance in Cuba.” The presenta- cation, and The Jewish Community Center of

26 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 Metropolitan Detroit’s Seminars for Adult Jew- Maccabi Info Meeting: JCC Teens. For interested Kabbalat Shabbat: BIC. Followed by wine tast- Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): ish Enrichment (SAJE). $40/including lunch. teens ages 13–16 and their parents. Both new ath- ing oneg. 7:30 p.m. All ages and levels welcome including UM and $25 for students, Jewish educators and Jewish letes and returning Maccabi athletes, along with Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s community professionals. 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. their parents, will learn about the Games, register Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. For more information, visit www.thejewishfo- for the Ann Arbor team, and begin planning for For information, call 936-2367. rum.org. To register, call 248-432-5692. the 2010 Games. Dinner will be provided for all at- Saturday 13 Book and Film Club: TBE Sisterhood. 7:30 p.m. tendees. For information, contact Deborah Huerta World Wide Wrap: BIC. Followed by a brunch. Topics in Jewish Law: AAOM. Class led by Rabbi Gl- at [email protected] or phone 971-0990. 9:30 a.m. Torah Study: TBE. Led by Rabbi Levy at 8:50 ogower covering various topics treated over a pe- Storytime: BIC. For 3 and 4 year olds and their par- Men’s Torah Study: TBE. Discussion of the weekly a.m., followed by Chapel Minyan at 9:30 a.m. riod of one to several weeks. Material is presented ents with BIC Librarian, Stacey Tessler. 9:30 p.m. torah portion led by Roger Stutesman. 7:30 p.m. Memorial Shabbat: BIC. Henry Gershowitz Me- in English and Hebrew. 8 p.m. at U-M Hillel. Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for Heart Health and Healthy Eating for Women: morial Shabbat. 9:30 a.m. Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the Hadassah. Featuring UM cardiologist Lisa Jack- Sixth Grade Shabbat Program: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Reading the Bible may be easy, but understand- prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah son, MD, UM and cardiology nutritionist Kathy Kehillat Shabbat: BIC. For 1st through 5th grad- ing it is no simple matter. Study the text in the reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. at Rhodes, PhD, RD. Dr. Jackson will speak about ers. 11 a.m. original, together with the classical commen- cardiac concerns for women and Dr. Rhodes will Chabad House. Every Sunday. Tot Shabbat: BIC. For preschoolers and their taries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. present heart-healthy versions of famous Jewish Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the families. 11:15 a.m. recipes. Heart-healthy appetizers will be served basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to and Dr. Rhodes will provide recipes. RSVP to Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at Chabad Wednesday 17 Martha Young at [email protected] or Chabad. Learn more about the mystical di- House. Every Sunday. phone 769-7523. 7:30 p.m. at the JCC. mensions of the Torah: Chabad. 1 hour before Caregiver Conversations: JFS. Monthly drop-in Sixth Grade Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Series: BIC. sundown. Every Saturday. Topics in Jewish Law: AAOM. Class led by Rabbi Gl- educational and support group for adult chil- 11 a.m. ogower covering various topics treated over a pe- Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study dren in a variety of caregiving roles for aging PB&J-a-thon: BIC Kadima. Peanut Butter and riod of one to several weeks. Material is presented group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Jewish parents. This month’s topic is “The Importance Jelly-a-thon at Jump City. Noon. in English and Hebrew. 8 p.m. at U-M Hillel. Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every Saturday. of Preventing a Fall.” Caregiver Conversations Photography Opening Reception: JCC Seniors. “Walking with God Part I–Medieval Texts Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. is sponsored by the Community Foundation Senior Photography Exhibit Opening Reception through Modernity:” BIC. Presented by Rabbi for Southeast Michigan, and co-sponsored by where participants will view photos, meet local se- Kim Blumenthal. 8 p.m. the JCC, AARH, TBE, BIC, and JCS. For infor- nior photographers as they speak about their work, Sunday 14 mation, contact Abbie at 769-0209 or email ab- Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. and enjoy a reception with refreshments. 3–5­ p.m. [email protected]. 6:30–8 p.m. at the JCC. Reading the Bible may be easy, but understand- Beth Israel Café: BIC Women’s League. 9:30 a.m. Super Bowl Bash: EMU Hillel. 6 p.m. ing it is no simple matter. Study the text in the “48 Ways to Wisdom: Awe:” EMU Hillel. In the Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learning original, together with the classical commen- face of tremendous force like the Grand Can- Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of life. 8 p.m. taries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. yon or a hurricane, human beings feel small. Every Sunday. prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah Master your power of awe. 6:30 p.m. At the reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. at EMU Student Center. Wednesday 10 Chabad House. Every Sunday. Meditation: TBE. 7:30 p.m. Monday 8 Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into Jewish Mamas Group: JCC ECC. This group focuses the basic text of Chassidism and open your English as a Second Language Daily Classes: on the book Blessings of a Skinned Knee by Wendy eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at Thursday 18 JFS. Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mogul, which discusses how to raise self reliant, Chabad House. Every Sunday. Mondays–Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mon- compassionate and ethical children. Four sessions Bowling: BIC Chalutzim. Noon. SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with days–Thursdays at Jewish Family Services, Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Current for $60, includes cost of book, snacks and childcare. Jew-lentine’s Day: EMU Hillel. Romantic com- 2245 South State Street. For more infor- Events with Heather Dombey, a Jewish perspec- 10:30 a.m.–Noon. For information, contact Noreen edy movie night. 6 p.m. at the Hillel Building. mation, contact JFS at 769-0209 or email DeYoung at 971-0990 or email noreendeyoung@jc- tive on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Homemade Basic Judaism: TBE. With Rabbi Lisa Delson. 7:45 p.m. [email protected]. Ongoing. cfed.org. Also March 10, April 14 and May 12. Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Special events and Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn- Board Meeting: TBE Brotherhood. 6:30 p.m. Battle of the Bands: Semi-finals: EMU Hillel. Join guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Literary Group with ing the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of Board Meeting: TBE Sisterhood. 7:30 p.m. EMU students for this fourth annual competition Sidney Warschausky at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill life. 8 p.m. Every Sunday. Poliner at 971-0990 for name of current book. Speaker: TBE. Dr. Cobi Sacerdoti will speak on “Bible, between amateur rock bands to get to the finals in Morality and the Twenty-First Century.” 7:30 p.m. March. 8 p.m. at the EMU Student Center. Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- Monday 15 ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. Thursday 11 Discussion: JCC Seniors. Allison Pollock, MSW, Tuesday 9 School’s Out/JCC’s In: JCC Youth. On days when Jewish Family Services geriatric social workers Ann Arbor Public Schools are closed but the JCC will be available for discussion at 12:30 p.m. At SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise is open, the JCC Youth Department offers full day 1 p.m., Janet Basset, Elder Law Specialist, will Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Cur- with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or programs featuring field trips or special activities lead a discussion on legal aspects of aging for rent Events with Heather Dombey, a Jewish $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet for JCC members only in grade K-5. Middle school seniors and their families. perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Lunch, noon; Games and activities including students may participate as helpers for a reduced Games Night: TBE Brotherhood. 7 p.m. Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Weekly Mahjong, quilting, art projects and card games, fee. $36/day; $32/additional siblings. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. special events and guest presentations (see de- “Ethical Responsibility–What Compels One to weekly Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. For information, contact Deborah Huerta at 971- scription below); Literary Group with Sidney Act?:” Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Salon Series. Movie Tuesday: TBE. With Rabbi Lisa Delson. 0990 or email [email protected]. Warschausky at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Poliner Featuring Rabbi Nathan Martin, assistant direc- Viewing of the filmA Price Above Rubies starring at 971-0990 for name of current book. Womens Torah Study: TBE. With Cantor Annie tor of UM Hillel; Reverend Ken Phifer, long-time Rene Zellweger and Juliana Margulies. Noon. Rose. 7 p.m. peace activist and senior minister emeritus of Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- Portraits in Leadership: Jewish Learning Institute. First Unitarian Universalist Congregation; and ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. “Timeless Tales for Inspired Living.” Winter se- Irene Butter, professor emerita of UM School of mester course studies the inspiring life story of six Health Check and Music: JCC Seniors. At 12:30 p.m. Tuesday 16 Public Health. Facilitated by Susan Ayer, long- figures whose courage and determination helped a registered nurse from Care Response will take time editor of Washtenaw Jewish News. For Judaism weather its darkest hours. 9:30–11 a.m. at and record blood pressures and address questions. SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise more information, contact bill@crazywisdom. Chabad House and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. (This event is repeated the second Thursday of with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or net or phone 665-2757. 7 p.m. at Crazy Wisdom each month.) At 1 p.m. the popular “Happiness The Bible in Its Time: JCC Seniors. Class led by $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Books, 114 South Main Street. Boys” return with a performance of new songs. Liz Fried. This semester’s topic is “The Proph- Lunch, noon; Games and activities including Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. ets in their World.” Class is tuition free to Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Sharp- Mahjong, quilting, art projects and card games, Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish Washtenaw County residents age 65 and over en your wits and knowledge of the Jewish legal and weekly Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. legal system by following the intriguing discus- through Washtenaw Community College De- system by following the intriguing discussions Portraits in Leadership: Jewish Learning Institute. sions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a compos- partment of Lifelong Learning. Registration in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of “Timeless Tales for Inspired Living.” Winter se- ite of practical law, logical argumentation and at the first class. Contact Merrill at 971-0990 practical law, logical argumentation and moral mester course studies the inspiring life story of six moral teachings. Study of the original Talmud to register or for more information. 10 a.m.– teachings. Study of the original Talmud tractate figures whose courage and determination helped tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. Noon. February 2 through March 23. Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. Judaism weather its darkest hours. 9:30–11 a.m. at Wii Bowling: JCC Seniors. Join SPICE for an in- Chabad House and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Friday 19 troduction to Wii bowling. No experience or Friday 12 The Bible in Its Time: JCC Seniors. Class led by physical expertise necessary. For more infor- Liz Fried. This semester’s topic is “The Proph- ets in their World.” Class is tuition free to Lunch and Learn: TBE. “Issues of Israel over mation, phone Merrill at 971-0990. 1 p.m. Also Lunch and Learn: TBE. “Issues of Israel over Washtenaw County residents age 65 and over Time and Space,” with Rabbi Levy. Noon. February 23. Time and Space,” with Rabbi Levy. Noon. through Washtenaw Community College De- Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. All ages and levels welcome including UM and partment of Lifelong Learning. Registration at Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at the first class or contact Merrill at 971-0990 761-2765 for information. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s 761-2765 for information. Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. to register or for more information. 10 a.m.– Tot Shabbat and Dinner: TBE. Dinner, songs and Tot Shabbat and Dinner: TBE. Dinner, songs and For information, call 936-2367. noon. Tthrough March 23. popsicles. 5:30–7 p.m. popsicles. 5:30–7 p.m. Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 27 High quality chocolates on sale this month at People’s Food Coop!

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28 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 “Shema Yisrael: The Mitzvah of Sacred Listen- istration due by February 15. For information, visit Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Shabbat Service: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist ing:” TBE. Rabbi Amy Eilberg, first woman www.jccannarbor.org or contact Deborah Huerta Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at Havurah. 6:15 PM at the JCC the last Friday ordained by the Conservative movement, vis- at 971-0990 or email [email protected]. 761-2765 for information. each month. Musical Shabbat service followed its Ann Arbor this weekend. Rabbi Eilberg will Through February 26. Tot Shabbat and Dinner: TBE. Dinner, songs and by vegetarian potluck. Tot Shabbat with option- give a talk as part of the third annual commu- popsicles. 5:30–7 p.m. al kid’s pizza dinner at 6:00 PM. All are welcome nity-wide Jewish spirituality program. Dinner Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. to attend. For information, call 913-9705, email at 6 p.m. followed by a service at 7:30 p.m. Also, Tuesday 23 [email protected] or visit www.aarecon.org. performance by adult choir, Kol Halev. For Shabbat Service: Chabad. Begins at candle-lighting more information or to reserve a dinner, call SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise Saturday 27 time. Home hospitality available for Shabbat meals 665-4744 or visit www.templebethemeth.org. with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m.; $4/session or and Jewish holidays. Call 995-3276 in advance. Adult Shabbat Dinner: TBE. Salmon Dinner. To $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Torah Study: TBE. Led by Rabbi Levy at 8:50 a.m., reserve, call 665-4744. 6 p.m. Lunch, noon; Games and activities including followed by Chapel Minyan at 9:30 a.m. Weekly Shabbat services mahjong, quilting, art projects and card games, Shabbat Services: AAOM. Morning service, 9:30 Breakfast for Dinner Shabbat: EMU Hillel. and weekly Bridge Club, 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. Tot Shabbat: BIC. For preschoolers and their a.m. Evening service, 35 minutes before sun- 6 p.m. at the Hillel Building. families. 11:15 a.m. Portraits in Leadership: Jewish Learning In- set. Call 662-5805 for information. Mincha/ Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar. stitute. “Timeless Tales for Inspired Living.” Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Ma’ariv with Seudah Shlisheet and Dvar Torah Winter semester course studies the inspiring Chabad. Learn more about the mystical di- every week. Torah topics and a bite to eat. Dis- Saturday 20 life story of six figures whose courage and de- mensions of the Torah: Chabad. 1 hour before cussions led by Rabbi Rod Glogower and other termination helped Judaism weather its dark- sundown. Every Saturday. local scholars. Home hospitality available for Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study Shabbat meals. U-M Hillel. Torah Study: TBE. Led by Rabbi Levy at 8:50 a.m., est hours. 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad House and group code of law for Shabbat, and study of followed by Chapel Minyan at 9:30 a.m. 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m.; 6 p.m. Mincha. Wii Bowling: JCC Seniors. Join SPICE for an in- Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every Morning childcare from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Cha- Saturday. bad. Learn more about the mystical dimensions troduction to Wii bowling. No experience or Shabbat Services: AA Reconstructionist Havurah. Adult Purim Costume Party: TBE. $20 per person. of the Torah: Chabad. 1 hour before sundown. physical expertise necessary. For more infor- Discussion-based format with topics changing Reserve online at www.templebethemeth.org. Every Saturday. mation, phone Merrill at 971-0990. 1 p.m. monthly. For info, email [email protected] or Grand Gala Purim Celebration: Chabad. Come call 913-9705 or visit www.aarecon.org. Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): dressed in costume for a big party with Purim group code of law for Shabbat, and study All ages and levels welcome including UM and Shabbat Services: Chabad. Morning services Shpiel, Megillah reading, gragars, dancing, of Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s at 9:45 a.m. Afternoon services 45 minutes singing, food, door prizes, hamantashen, raffles Every Saturday. Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. before sundown. For information, call 936-2367. and fun. 7 p.m. “Listening for the Sacred in Our Lives:” BIC. Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Gener- “Star Trek to Purim” Service: BIC. Service at 7:30 Rabbi Amy Eilberg, nationally known for her Men’s Torah Study: TBE. Discussion of the weekly ally meets the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each p.m. followed by annual Megillah reading ex- work in Jewish spirituality and healing, will torah portion led by Roger Stutesman. 7:30 p.m. month. Call 663-4039 for more information. travaganza and Purim Shpiel at 7:45 p.m. give this talk as part of the third annual com- Topics in Jewish Law: AAOM. Class led by Rabbi 10 a.m. Led by Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg. munity-wide Jewish spirituality program. Pro- Glogower covering various topics treated over Megillah Reading: AAOM. 8:30 p.m. at U-M Hillel. Shabbat Services: TBE. Torah Study at 8:50 a.m. gram will begin with Havdallah at 8 p.m. For a period of one to several weeks. Material is Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar Chapel Service at 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service at 10 information, phone 665-9897. presented in English and Hebrew. 8 p.m. at a.m. Call the office at 665-4744 or consult website Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. U-M Hillel. at www.templebethemeth.org for service details. Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. Sunday 28 Home Hospitality for Shabbat and Holiday Reading the Bible may be easy, but understand- Meals: AAOM. Call 662-5805 in advance. Purim Services and Activities: Chabad. Services Sunday 21 ing it is no simple matter. Study the text in the Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every original, together with the classical commen- with Megillah reading at 9 a.m. Send out Mish- loach Manot (Purim Baskets) during the day. Shabbat and yom tov (Jewish holiday). Call Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for taries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. 995-3276 in advance. Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the Dinner and Megillah reading.at 5:30 p.m. prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah Shaharit Service and Megillah Reading: BIC. 9 a.m. Phone numbers and addresses of reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. at Wednesday 24 Purim Morning Service: AAOM. 9:30 a.m. at UM Chabad House. Every Sunday. Hillel. organizations frequently listed The Soul of Tikkun: Spiritual Practice and Social Busy Women’s Lunch: TBE. Zingerman’s Road- Purim Celebration: JCS. Games, crafts. music, a house at 11:30 a.m. Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) Action Workshop: JCC. Rabbi Amy Eilberg is the Purim shpiel and costume parade. Pizza and 1429 Hill Street 994-5822 featured guest for the third annual community- “48 Ways to Wisdom: Mastering Fear”: Roller hamantashen available for purchase. Cous- wide Jewish spirituality program. This all-day coasters and horror movies-we pay good mon- tumes encouraged. 10 a.m.–noon at the JCC. Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah (AARH) P.O. Box 7451, Ann Arbor 913-9705 workshop will explore the connection between ey to be scared out of our wits. Find out how Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the our inner lives and our actions in the world. $30 to harness the energy of “fear” for positive pur- basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) per person including meals; $5 for students with poses. 8 p.m. at the Hillel Building. the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at Chabad 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 ID. For more information or to register, go to House. Every Sunday. Chabad House www.jewishannarbor.org and click on event link. Thursday 25 Purim Seudah Brunch: BIC. Featuring juggling, 715 Hill Street 995-3276 Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the schtik and Purim mayhem. 11:15 a.m. EMU Hillel basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with “The Silver Age of American Jewish Music is 965 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti 482-0456 the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at Chabad Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Current Happening Now:” Ann Arbor District Li- House. Every Sunday. Jewish Community Center (JCC) Events with Heather Dombey, a Jewish perspec- brary. Presented by Jack Zaientz, an Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 971-0990 Tie-Dye and Tights: EMU Hillel. Tie-dye shirts tive on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Homemade research scientist who blogs about contempo- Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) for local social service agencies while watching Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Special events and rary Jewish music at http://teruah-jewishmu- 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 975-9872 Mel Brooks’ comedy classic Robin Hood: Men guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Literary Group with sic.blogspot.com. Mr. Zaientz will play music in Tights. 6 p.m. at the Hillel Building. Sidney Warschausky at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill and offer a roadmap of the contemporary Jewish Family Services (JFS) Basic Judaism: TBE. With Rabbi Lisa Delson. Poliner at 971-0990 for name of current book. Jewish music scene, a case study in social net- 2245 South State Street 769-0209 7:45 p.m. Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- working Jewish music, and the greatest Jewish Jewish Federation Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learning ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. song you’ve never heard. 1–2:30 p.m. at the 2939 Birch Hollow Drive 677-0100 the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of life. 8 p.m. Discussion: JCC Seniors. Pre-Academy Awards Downtown Library, 343 South Fifth Avenue. Pardes Hannah Every Sunday. discussion of which films have been nominated For more information, call 327-4555. 2010 Washtenaw Ave. 761-5324 Purim Megillah Reading and Carnival: TBE. 5 p.m. and who may win. Led by Russ Collins, Execu- Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) Monday 22 tive Director of the Michigan Theatre. 1 p.m. Basic Judaism: TBE. With Rabbi Lisa Delson. 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 7:45 p.m. Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. U-M Hillel English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learning 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– legal system by following the intriguing discus- the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of life. 8 p.m. Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays at sions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a compos- Every Sunday. Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. ite of practical law, logical argumentation and For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 moral teachings. Study of the original Talmud or email [email protected]. Ongoing. tractate Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. Weekly Friday night Shabbat services Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM Shabbat Candlelighting February Break Fun Days: JCC Youth. During the Hillel. 4:45 p.m. Call 994-9258 in advance to February 5 5:32 pm February school break, the JCC Youth Depart- Friday 26 confirm time. ment offers full day programs featuring field trips Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. February 12 5:13 pm or special activities for JCC members only in grade Lunch and Learn: TBE. “Issues of Israel over Shabbat Service: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 5:30 p.m. fol- K-5. Middle school students may participate as Time and Space,” with Rabbi Levy. Noon. February 19 5:29 pm helpers for a reduced fee. Students may sign up for lowed by Shira at 6 p.m.; Shira: Traditional Ser- Meditation: TBE. 1 p.m. one or more days. $36/day; $32/additional siblings. vice at 7:30 p.m. For information, call 665-4744. February 26 5:58 pm 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; $10 for aftercare from 4–6 p.m. Reg- Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 29 I On Another Note I Around Town

continued from page 25 Ethiopian Cuisine and Hospitality hired a new band director, a woman. David Erik Nelson, staff writer There were no women then. She was lue Nile co-owner still see the person I saw in 1992, one of two in the state of Michigan, Habte Dadi originally still coming, so how can I quit who were band directors. B had no interest in on him?…Everyone is cutting restaurants: He came to Lou- back, losing jobs…one of the WJN: What year was that? isville, Kentucky, from his na- reasons that we survive now… tive Ethiopia in 1981, following is because one of the major cus- Katz: 1971–1972. There were no women in his older brother’s footsteps tomers we have is the Jewish playing in major orchestras, certainly to attend university and study community, and so we are really not in the wind section, maybe in the business. Eight years later, while very supportive.” The Blue Nile back of the string section. It never en- working as a consultant, Dadi has enjoyed long, close relation- tered my mind that this was something happened to walk into the origi- ships with the Jewish communi- I could do. It wasn’t that I said, “Oh, I nal Blue Nile restaurant (then ties both in Ann Arbor and the can’t do this, because a woman can’t do in Detroit), and he fell in love Metro area—often contributing this.” I never thought of it as being a pos- with both the restaurant and to fundraising efforts with Jew- sibility. I thought of being a biochemist, the owner’s sister, Almaz Les- ish Family Services both here and I didn’t say, “I can’t be a biochemist sanework. Shortly thereafter and in West Bloomfield—but because I’m a girl.” My mother was very Dadi and Lessanework married Dadi and Lessanework hardly prominent in metro Detroit, working. and came to Ann Arbor, where limit themselves to working I didn’t question that I could or would they opened their own Blue Nile only within the Jewish commu- work. But it never entered my conscious- Almaz Lessanework and Habte Dadi (221 E. Washington, 998-4746). nity. According to Dadi, “I just ness that I could be a musician. It wasn’t The couple have been “partners both ways” love to be with the society and community, and that I thought of it and discounted it. It the Middle East, then spread world wide.) every since. just be helpful to any kind of association, as long didn’t come up. And then this woman, While the Blue Nile offers a full bar and a The Blue Nile’s trademark offering is their as it is helpful to the community.” June Ludwig, came to work in our school wide variety of beers and wines, their jewel is “Ethiopian feast”: a platter ringed with tidy por- As the economy has tightened, the Blue Nile district, and I absolutely fell in love with the Blue Nile label honey wine, which Dadi tions of seven dairy-free vegetable dishes (red has chosen to eschew harsh cutbacks and down- the way she worked, and second semes- proudly offers as “the best wine on the planet.” lentils, cabbage, yellow peas, spicy peas, mixed sizing, instead looking to sustain themselves by ter I had all my credits to graduate, so I Honey wines were separately discovered and veggies, green lentils, and greens). At the cen- expanding and diversifying their business, of- dropped all my classes and worked with developed throughout the world. Most are like ter are four meat dishes: mild chicken cooked fering more, and further opening themselves her all day. I taught during the summer the European meads associated with Viking in herb butter, chicken in spicy berbere sauce, to the community: The Blue Nile is once again some, and at the end of that summer, I feasts: strong, heavy, syrupy, and often cloyingly tender lamb cooked in garlic and onions, and open for lunch, with an expanded and seasonal remember going out to the back porch sweet. Ethiopian tej, on the other hand, can be shredded beef simmered in berbere sauce (this menu, kosher catering, and even wider days and and saying to my parents one evening, strong, but is smooth and light. The Blue Nile’s last something like a spicy dream brisket). All hours of operation to “give customers more op- “We have to talk. I don’t want to do this. honey wine, made with hops, is light and sweet, are eaten without utensils; parties dine family tions and more alternatives in the menu…we I don’t want to go be a biochemist. I but still complex, complimenting their spiced, style around traditional woven “basket tables,” have to deal with customer ability and afford- don’t want to go off to this school that’s garlicky cuisine. picking up their food using strips of injera ability …Everybody is cutting back, looking for brilliant in science. I want to be a musi- Although Dadi and Lessanework excel in bread (a supple matzot, like a spongy crepe). something little, a small plate.” cian. I want to be a music teacher.” To my the kitchen, it is not just their culinary zeal that These dishes are made from fresh and local Along with an expanded menu and hours of parents incredible credit, they didn’t say, has kept them afloat, especially in such lean eco- ingredients, often purchased at the Ann Arbor operation, Dadi and Lessanework have also phys- “What, are you crazy?” They didn’t say, nomic times. According to Dadi, “I love cook- Farmers Market just a few blocks away. All fat is ically expanded the Blue Nile, doubling its size. “Well go to school for a year and think ing because I love the people, and if I love the trimmed from the meat, which is then marinat- The restaurant can now accommodate parties as about it.” They said, “So, what do you people then I have to serve something I believe ed overnight in fresh lemon juice; the results are large as 200, using either conventional tables or want to do?” And, tears streaming down is good. And also, I want to make my living, and both lean and succulent. And, of course, since it the traditional Ethiopian basket tables. The Blue my face, I said, “I don’t know.” in order to make my living I have to be with the is a feast, dinners are encouraged to enjoy “all Nile also offers a semi-private 60 person dining So we talked for a little bit and they people …. What excites me at the Blue Nile is you care to eat.” As Dadi explains: “Everyone area that can be separated from the main restau- said, “Go over to the high school and seeing the people walk in and look around at has a different taste; each of these foods has a rant for receptions and other large gatherings, talk to your counselor.” So I went the the basket tables like they’ve never seen them. different flavor, texture … taste all of these, and as well as two fully private rooms. Each private next morning and said, “I’ve come to this The second thing that excites me is when they then make a decision. Should they care to eat, room seats around 18 people, and has separate understanding. This isn’t what I want to come from the cold air and have their hot tow- they can have as much as they want to …. This climate control, audio/visual capabilities, and do. What do I do now? Where could I els. The hot towels, we serve them to clean their kind of dining takes time. We never rush the white boards tastefully concealed in dark wood go to school?” And he got on the phone hands with, but at the same time they use them people…. If we offer a feast, then guests have to cabinets; while these spaces are especially popular and got me an audition that afternoon to clean their face, which is already frozen in have time to enjoy it.” with the university and corporate clients looking at Oakland University, where the DSO this cold weather. To offer that, it really excites Two Blue Nile beverages deserve special note: to host large working lunches, they are also great wind players were applied faculty. At that me …. The other day I was standing by the host the coffee and the wine. The coffee–bold, sweet, for family gatherings or small parties. point Irv Monroe was the principal flut- stand, and a couple of ladies walk in, it was terri- and slightly astringent–is brewed from the Blue Throughout the year Dadi and Lessanework ist for the DSO and I played for him and bly cold–‘Woohoohoohoohoo! It’s so cold and Nile’s own freshly roasted organic, Fair Trade hope to add new special and ongoing events, apologized all over the place that I hadn’t my face is frozen!’–and I didn’t get a chance to yrgacheffee imported from the Kaffa region of such as Sunday Brunch. Dadi is especially eager prepared an audition and he said, “Any serve them at their table, just to serve them their Ethiopia. (Coffee takes its name from Kaffa; the to launch a daily Ethiopian-style kaffeeklatsch musician who means anything can play hot towels while they are standing at the host plant is indigenous to the Kaffa highlands, and (in Ethiopia, coffee traditionally goes hand-in- an audition any minute.” I’m not sure I stand, and I can’t tell you how happy they both was discovered there in 850 C.E. by a shepherd hand with schmoozing). In mid-February the agree with that! (Laughter) But, he in- were, just the look on their faces, just shining. curious to determine the cause of his flock’s Blue Nile will celebrate Valentine’s Day with vited me to come to school and I started People love this, and I love to see that.” “queer antics” after they cropped the ripe berries live entertainment and a special lover’s menu– the next day. Despite the constricted economy, Dadi and from the bushes. A stimulating beverage brewed which Dadi and Lessanework suggest might My parents taught me a lot about the Lessanework have maintained their “all you from the roasted pits of the coffee plant’s ripe best be accompanied with a few glasses of their wisdom of listening that day. n care to eat” menu, “because we are serving the cherries quickly gained a reputation throughout loyal costumer that has been with us for years. I honey wine, a “dangerously romantic drink.” n

30 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 I Vitals

Mazal Tov Ethiopian Cuisine and Hospitality Jonah Ahuvia on his bar mitzvah, October 17. David Erik Nelson, staff writer Aliyah Kiesler on her bat mitzvah, December 5. Abigail Lauer on her bat mitzvah, December 5. Brian Pinsky on his bar mitzvah, December 12. Ben Vinnik on his bar mitzvah, December 12. Claire Fishman on her bat mitzvah, January 9. Benjamin Seagloff on his bar mitzvah, January 16. Matthew Parent on his bar mitzvah, January 23. Benjamin Schreiber on his bar mitzvah, January 23. Eitan Halpern on his bar mitzvah, January 30. Seth Stancroff on his bar mitzvah, January 30. Annie Rashes on her bat mitzvah, January 23. Julie Barnett on her bat mitzvah, February 13. Emily Uhlmann on her bat mitzvah, February 13. Avital Smotrich-Barr on her bat mitzvah on February 20. Michael Newman, son of Chuck and Sharon Newman and grandson of Dorothy Newman, on his marriage to Patricia Cavuoto, November 7. Laura Wallis on the birth of her grandson, Cobin, September 18. Dorine and Seymour Kroll on the birth of their granddaughter, Sydney, October 8. Laurence and Marla Biederman on the birth of their son, Andrew, October 15. Natalie and Roger Palay on the birth of their granddaughter, Sadie, October 20. Eileen and Herb Pritzker on the birth of their granddaughter, Jori, October 22. Sofia and Ilan Rosenberg on the birth of their son, Yuval, November 4. Dan Cutler and Chris Merrill on the birth of their daughter, Sadie Lynn. Michelle and Arthur Riba on the birth of their grandson, Oscar Roger, son of Alissa and Jim Roger. Scott and Julie Hershovitz on the birth of their son, Rex Martin Hershovitz. Rabbi Nathan Martin and Abby Weinberg on the birth of their son, Yehuda Meir Weinmartin.

Condolences Alice Fishman on the death of her father, Sidney, October 16. Carole Segall on the death of her father, Donald Flax, October 16. Richard Greene on the death of his mother, Shirley, October 25. Sylvia Walker on the death of her step-father, Jack Miller, November 2. Najda Robinson-Mayer on the death of her grandmother, Clara Whiteside-Dyson, November 11. Genie Wolfson on the death of her father, Herbert, November 21. Eileen and Herb Pritzker on the death of their son-in-law, Jerrold Kaplan, November 21. Marilyn Siegel on the death of her father, Bernard Siegel, November 17. Selma and Robert Cohen on the death of their husband and father, Sidney, December 15. Celia Copeland on the death of her husband, Peter, December 20. Stu Simon on the death of his mother, Eleanor, December 23. Susan Beckett on the death of her mother, Dorothy Wolff, December 26. Miriam Weininger on the death of her husband, Steven, December 31. Myra Fox on the death of her mother, Rachel, December 31. Larry Adler on the death of his grandmother, Sylvia Abramovitz. Haran Rashes on the death of his grandfather, David Rashes. Ronald Sussman on the death of his mother, Claire Sussman.

Correction Our apologies to our readers for mistakenly repeating the December 2008/January 2009 list of vitals instead of this year’s list in the December 2009/January 2010 issue of the Washtenaw Jewish News. The correct listings are included in this month’s “Vitals.” RELIABLE ▪ RESPONSIVE I Advertisers ▪ Ann Arbor State Bank...... 28 Carol Hoffer...... 3 RESPECTED AATA...... 17 iSoldIt...... 3 Amadeus Cafe/Patisserie...... 3 Jewish Community Center...... 32 ▪ Susan Ayer Photography...... 2 Joe Cornell Entertainment...... 30 RESULTS Ayse’s Café...... 21 Keshet...... 31 Bank of Ann Arbor...... 22 Alex Milshtein, Realtor...... 31 Bennett Optometry...... 23 Modern Mechanical...... 31 Beth Israel Congregation...... 5 People’s Food Co-op...... 28 120 HOMES SOLD IN 2009 Bodman LLC...... 26 Polo Fields Golf & Country Club...... 12 Camp Gan Israel...... 16 Probility Physical Therapies...... 21 Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery... 5 Christopher Sevick, PLC...... 22 Chelsea Flower Shop...... 31 Simply Scrumptious...... 28 Chrysler Jeep of Ann Arbor...... 20 Soul of Tikkun...... 23 ALEX MILSHTEYN, GRI, ABR Crazy Wisdom...... 21 Summers-Knoll School...... 17 Dennis Platte Graphic Design...... 2 Temple Beth Emeth...... 22 ASSOCIATE BROKER Fawzi’s Westgate Auto Repair...... 24 United Bank & Trust...... 20 (734) 417-3560 Frankel Center...... 23 University Musical Society...... 7 Gold Bond Cleaners...... 2 Village Apothecary...... 3 Cantor Samuel Greenbaum; mohel...... 30 Zingerman’s...... 23 Edward Surovell Realtors |1898 West Stadium Blvd. | Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | (734) 418-2400

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010 31 Register for camp by March 15th for great early bird discounts!

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• Beautiful, natural setting and private beach at Independence Lake • Flexible scheduling with nine one-week sessions and am/pm care • Field trips and Red Cross swim lessons included for grades K-5 • Exciting weekly specialty choices and overnights for grades 3-5 • Pioneer Program with fun field trips and overnights for grades 6-8 • Extra Summer Fun Days program for the week of August 23-27

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Please visit www.CampRaanana.com for brochures, registration forms, pictures, and more! If you have any questions, contact Deborah Huerta at [email protected] or 734-971-0990.

32 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2010