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 Impact Jewish Jewish Permit No. 85 Fund Thinking Camping Grants and the Announced Environment

Page 3 Page 6 Page 18

February 2012 Shevat/Adar 5772 Volume XXXVI: Number 5 FREE JCS hosts Tu B’Shevat celebration at Matthaei Botanical Gardens Renee Bayer, special to the WJN u B’Shevat, which takes place in late • demonstrations, activities, and crafts, local experts. The session, titled “Healing the January or early February, signals the • a presentation on the state of the Huron River Great Lakes or Does Asian Carp Make Good T beginning of spring in Israel. But here and the Great Lakes, and Gefilte Fish?”, will describe the precarious state in Michigan, with our trees and soil lying dor- • a Tu B’Shevat seder sampling nuts and fruits of the Great Lakes ecosystem and promising mant covered in snow, spring seems a long way from trees to symbolize the Earth’s gifts and models of recovery emerging from in the Hu- off. That’s why the Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) environmental awareness. ron River watershed. invites the entire community to our annual Tu Have you wondered if your children’s prod- Tu B’Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish B’Shevat Celebration on Sunday, February 5 ucts, pet toys, and everyday household items month of Shevat, is a holiday also known as from 10 a.m. to noon in the lush, green oasis of- contain toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium, or the New Year for Trees and the Jewish Arbor fered by the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mercury? Here’s your chance to find out. The Day. The word “Tu” represents the number Tu B’Shevat is a minor Jewish holiday but Ecology Center will have an XRF testing device, 15 in Hebrew. one filled with meaning and delight. “Since the which immediately detects toxic heavy metals It is said to be the day that the sap begins first JCS event in February 2004, Tu B’Shevat in consumer products. Bring in your items and to flow in the fruit trees in Israel. Just like other in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens has become Ecology Center staff will test them for free. Jewish holidays, Tu B’Shevat has undergone a warm and fun place for the entire commu- Leslie Science and Nature Center will be on changes over the centuries. In ancient times, the nity to appreciate our interconnectedness with hand with Birds of Prey that swoop, screech, holiday marked the beginning of a new tax year the natural world and begin making plans for hoot and soar. Other confirmed exhibitors in- in Israel when the tithe for the produce of fruit spring,” says JCS member Seth Penchansky who clude the Huron River Watershed Council, the trees was calculated. Special laws were in place coordinates the celebration, “This event is de- Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, the to protect fruit trees in times of war and ensure signed for all ages, adults and families.” Michigan Bluebird Society, the city of Ann Ar- that trees were mature enough for harvesting.

The festivities will include: bor’s Natural Areas Preservation, Recycle Ann by Julie Gales Photo In the 1600s, the kabbalists (Jewish mystics) de- • a scavenger hunt in the conservatory to Arbor and more. Sophie Kirchmeier, a preschooler in the veloped a Tu B’Shevat seder (ordered service) learn about plants with ancient historical In the education wing, a presentation for JCS Sunday School, takes a break from where the fruits and trees of the Land of Israel significance, adults will feature Andy Buchsbaum, execu- Tu B’Shevat activities and sits with some were given symbolic meaning for the purpose • an interactive non-profit fair with local experts tive director of the Great Lakes Regional Center of the beautiful biodiversity that makes of bringing human beings and the world closer on the environment and local foods, of the National Wildlife Federation, and other up the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. in spiritual perfection. continued on page 2 2011 Genesis Humanitarian Award Recipient Camp Raanana moves to new location Helena Robinovitz, special to the WJN Shoshana Jackson, special to the WJN rene Butter, who is no stranger to accolades Two people amp Raanana, the Jewish Commu- in her work in the public health field over who wrote let- nity Center of Greater Ann Arbor’s I the years, felt especially honored to be rec- ters supporting C outdoor summer day camp, has out- ognized for her humanitarian work as the 2011 Butter’s nomina- grown its home for the past 16 years at Inde- recipient of the Genesis Humanitarian Award. tion include two pendence Lake and is moving to a new location. Accepting the award this past November at the fr iends w ho Starting in the summer of 2012, Camp Raa- Erev Thanksgiving Service, Butter stated, “I am worked with her nana will be located on Cedar Lake in Chelsea, not only surprised but overwhelmed. This is to raise the en- Michigan. While there are so many wonderful far more than I deserve because all the proj- dowment to es- memories over the years at Independence Lake, ects and activities mentioned have their own tablish the Raoul there is great excitement for the opportunity to intrinsic reward…. TBE and St. Clare together Wallenberg Medal hold Camp Raanana at a facility so beautifully formed Genesis and it is Genesis that has cre- and Lecture Series wooded. The Cedar Lake facility is part of the ated so many opportunities to work together at the Univer- Irene Butter Waterloo Recreation Area, much of which will Cedar Lake has swimming, boating and to enhance our community.” sity of Michigan. be accessible to the campers. From stately pine fishing access Jim Downward, president of Genesis, They wrote, “You do not tell Irene that some- forests to the sandy beach, Cedar Lake offers baal tashchit (do not destroy). The MUCC presented the award commenting, “…one thing cannot be done…. When she believes in children full immersion in the out-of-doors. promotes stewardship and sound ecologi- nominee stood out, having received 21 nomi- something she is steadfast.” The president of Part of the excitement about this move cal practices through education and outreach nations. These nominations contained story the university later admitted that he and his stems from the birth of a new partnership programs, bringing youth to the out-of-doors after story of how the actions of the nominee professional fundraising staff were astonished with the Michigan United Conservation and helping people from all walks of life un- had affected the lives of others and made this Corps (MUCC), to further Jewish values world a little bit better.” continued on page 30 such as tikkun olam (repairing the world) and continued on page 2 I Community

2935 Birch Hollow Drive Camp Raanana, continued from page 1 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 voice: 734/971-1800 derstand the interplay between humankind, family’s responsibilities are important, and fax: 734/971-1801 the land, and the animals which inhabit it. The the program makes it easy to meet them. e-mail: [email protected] www.washtenawjewishnews.org JCC is very enthusiastic about partnering with Also new this year, Camp Raanana will offer an organization that has such experience in the a single week-long overnight program during outdoors and is willing to share their space and 7th Week (August 6–10). This week is the per- expertise with us. fect introduction to sleep-away camp: a famil- Editor and Publisher Camp Raanana’s new space on Cedar Lake iar site with old friends and favorite staff! For Susan Kravitz Ayer has a sandy waterfront with swimming, boat- this program, campers will check in at the JCC ing and fishing access. Calendar Editor Shabbat celebrations Claire Sandler each week will be held Advertising Manager around the fire ring in Gordon White the amphitheatre over- looking the lake. All Design and Layout campers, from enter- Dennis Platte ing Kindergarteners Staff Writer through Counselors- Sandor Slomovits, Rochel Urist in-Training entering 10th Grade, will be Contributing Writers able to try their hands Mara Abramson, David Alpert, Renee Bayer, at archery and boat- Jonathan Cohn, Karen Freedland, Noah ing. Nature activities Gallagher, Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, Linda can take place in such Gradstein, Ben Harris, Eric Herschthal, Peretz Hirshbein, Shoshana Jackson, Ron Kampeas, varied environments Dan Klein, Kimberly Kunoff, Fran Martin, such as a grassy field, a Alice Miller, Soo Ji Min, Matan Naamani, Debra shadowy pine forest, a Nussbaum Cohen, Merrill Poliner, Andrea bog, the lake, and all of Rosner-Najer, Mae Sander, Rabbi Sid Schwarz, the delightful “transi- Hannah Sherman, David Shtulman, Dina tion places” where one Shtull, Elliot Sorkin, Tom Tugend, Brett Willner type meets the next. It is here where bugs and birds and animals are at 8:30 a.m. on Monday and will be picked up the Washtenaw Jewish News is a free and inde- most likely to be seen. Camp Raanana camp- at the JCC between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday. pendent newspaper. It is published monthly, ers will develop an appreciation for the flora Campers may select a 3-day option and will be with the exception of January and July. It is reg- and fauna that live here in Michigan. picked up at Cedar Lake between 5 p.m. and 6 istered as a Non-profit Michigan Corporation. In addition to this change of location, p.m. on Wednesday. 7th Week Overnight will Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of its editors or staff Camp Raanana is also making a few program include three meals per day, overnight lodging Penchansky changes. Most dramatically, the program day in a bunk-house and full-day programming. has been extended: it is now from 9 a.m.–5 Further, Camp Raanana will offer a melding Member of Whisler p.m., in an understanding of the dilemma of of Judaics with the outdoors: campers will be American Jewish Press Association working families. Camp Raanana is the only able to bake challah each Friday, either using the Architects day camp program in the Ann Arbor area to kitchen in the lodge at Cedar Lake or by trying offer continuous programming this late into out different campfire cooking techniques such the evening. This will provide families am- as reflector ovens or foil-wrapped baking. ple time to work during the summer weeks Camp dates for summer 2012 are June 25– before collecting their children at the end of August 24. Camp registration opens in early the day. Should families need care earlier in February and brochures will be available at the morning or later in the evening, pre- and the JCC and at www.CampRaanana.com. For

post-camp care will continue to be offered, more information, visit the website or con- ©2012 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. which extends the camp day from 7:30 a.m. tact Camp Director Shoshana Jackson at sho- All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw through 6 p.m. At Camp Raanana, each [email protected] or 971-0990. n Jewish News may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should Tu B’Shevat, from page 1 not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the Residential editor at [email protected]. Name will be Commercial In modern times, the holiday has been compelling reminder to all Jews to reconnect withheld at the discretion of the editor. Architecture 734-302-1010 marked in Israel by planting trees. On kibbut- with nature and recommit to a creating a sus- Circulation: 5,000 Interior Design www.p-wa.com zim, it is observed as an agricultural holiday. tainable future for ourselves and our children,” Subscriptions: $12 bulk rate inside Washtenaw County The Tu B’Shevat seder has been revived, and commented Julie Gales, JCS madrikha. “Ann $18 first-class su bscription is now celebrated by many Jews, secular and Arbor’s Matthaei Botanical Garden is the per- religious. Today the holiday is taking on new fect place to celebrate Tu B’Shevat and the JCS is The deadline for the March 2012 issue of the meaning as Jewish organizations, including the thrilled to be able to host this community-wide Washtenaw Jewish News is Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life event each year.” Tuesday, February 7. Publication date: Thursday, February 27 (COEJL) have connected Tu B’Shevat to issues The event is free, however donations for Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News of sustainability and environmental awareness. individuals and families are accepted. Metered are available at locations throughout “Today, as our hectic lives are filled more and parking on site is $1.20 per hour, free for Mat- Washtenaw County. more by electronics, Tu B’Shevat provides a thaei Botanical Garden members. n

IIn this issue… Advertisers ...... 31 Campus ...... 5 Seniors/Women ...... 8 Arts & Culture ...... 22 Congregations ...... 10 Washington D.C...... 20 Books ...... 23 Israel ...... 19 Youth ...... 14 Calendar ...... 26 On Another Note ...... 24 Vitals ...... 31

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 ICommunity

Federation announces Impact Fund grants By David Shtulman he Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Jewish and wider community to celebrate, ap- Arbor announced the winners of the preciate and learn about the wonderful tradi- T first-ever Jewish Community Impact tion of Sukkah building” explained project Fund grants in December. With input from member Josh Bloom. community online voting and a community- based selection committee, the Federation is Teen Leadership Council—$6,000 funding five new, innovative grants for a total The JCC Teen Leadership Council program of $39,000. will recruit youth leaders ages 13–18 to engage “Each award represents a new addition to in leadership and board training, manage a the richness of Jewish life in Ann Arbor,” says small budget to fund teen-based activities, and Federation President Edward Goldman. “We raise funds for TLC programs. The Council sought to encourage people from throughout will include representatives from various local our community to submit proposals that would congregations and seek connections with other touch the lives of our community members in community-based Jewish organizations. Dur- new ways. And that’s just what these winners ing the school year, it will meet monthly and will do.” at least once during the summer months. Lo- Through Community Voting, online voters cal teen leader Ari Axelrod explained “This is a (which recorded a total of 1,590 votes spread very exciting opportunity. Something the Teen among the 23 proposals) selected two projects: Council is really going to focus on is bridging all the teen organizations in the Jewish community Israel Fellow at University of Michigan/ of Ann Arbor together to connect in a way that Ann Arbor Community —$10,000 is different from Facebook, email and Twitter.” Hillel at the University of Michigan will en- gage an Israel Fellow (shaliach) for the 2012/13 Parent Education Series: Raising a academic year to strengthen Israel’s place on Jewish Child—$3,000 campus, engage with students and other com- Hebrew Day School, in collaboration with munity members who are interested in visiting the JCC Early Childhood Center, Beth Israel or learning about Israel and expanding the num- Congregation and Temple Beth Emeth, will of- ber of Jewish youth and students visiting Israel. fer a four-session series on raising a Jewish child Twenty percent of the Israel Fellow’s time will be for expecting parents and young parents with dedicated to working with the broader Jewish infants and preschool age children. The pro- community. “It’s so important for us to have an gram will be modeled on the Federation Salon Israeli voice on staff to work with students be- program, with speakers on topics such as cer- fore, during and after their Israeli experiences” emonies for welcoming a child into the world said Hillel Director Tilly Shames, referencing the and celebrating Jewish holidays and rituals at 6,000 Jewish students on the U-M campus. home with social opportunities for connecting with other young parents. The target audience Celebrating History With Our will be those with limited affiliation with the Stories—$10,000 Jewish community, or those with early signs Beth Israel Congregation, in recognition of of affiliation to encourage sustained connec- their 100th anniversary, and that of organized tion with the Jewish community. Dina Shtull, Jewish life in Ann Arbor, will create an oral and head of school at HDS, thanked the Federation video record of the Ann Arbor Jewish commu- for recognizing that “young parents need and Anything nity based on the NPR StoryCorps model and want to connect to one another and are actively will archive all the interviews and additional thinking about the Jewish culture. They are that can information on a new website created for that aware their decisions will have both a short and purpose. Rabbi Robert Dobrusin explained, a long term impact.” go wrong “Members of Beth Israel and the Jewish com- In all, the Federation received 23 propos- munity at large will share their experiences als from throughout the community totaling will go through their own stories of Jewish life in our $177,230. The intent of the Impact Fund is to community. We will use audio, video and other encourage programs that support outreach and wrong media to fully capture the unique nature of our engagement with new populations, expansion community.” of services for segments of the Jewish commu- in this The Federation Selection Committee made nity that are underserved and improved respon- three additional awards: siveness to unmet needs of the community. delightful “We are confident that these five programs will Sukkah Arbor—$10,000 comprise a meaningful addition to the quality and farce about scope of Jewish life in Ann Arbor,” says Goldman, Sukkah Arbor is a project of several com- putting on munity members who are architects or in the “while addressing significant needs and expand- ing participation in community life. We are also building industry with the support of local con- a play. gregations. The project is a regional competi- pleased that many other worthwhile ideas, while tion to use creative and sustainable design-build not receiving funding through the Impact Fund, techniques to reimagine the sukkah while stay- received broad exposure in the community. Per- ing true to halachic standards. The sukkot will haps we can raise added funds in this year’s cam- be assembled and displayed at the JCC during paign to fund more great ideas next year.” the Sukkot holiday where each one will become To learn more, visit the Federation’s website a center for educational, spiritual and charitable at www.jewishannarbor.org or contact the Fed- n purposes. “We’re hoping to bring together the eration at 677-0100. Roger Cohen talk now February 6 Noises Off The talk by New york times correspondent Roger Cohen—“Israeli Spring? The Enduring by Michael Frayn • Directed by John Neville-Andrews Jewish Question”—originally planned for Sunday, February 5 ahs been rescheduled for February 16 at 7:30 PM • February 17 & 18 at 8 PM • February 19 at 2 PM • Mendelssohn Theatre Monday, February 6, at 6 p.m. in the Rogel Ballroom of the Michigan Union (530 South Reserved seating $26 and $20 • Students $10 with ID • League Ticket Office • 734-764-2538 Street). The talk is free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary. tickets.music.umich.edu • Department of Theatre & Drama

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 3 133rd season ums 11/12

Sabine Meyer and the Trio di Clarone Saturday \ February 4 \ 8 pm Rackham Auditorium Wayne McGregor | Random Dance PROGRAM Saturday \ February 18 \ 8 pm Poulenc Sonata for Two Clarinets (1918) Power Center Mozart Three Arias from The Marriage of Figaro (1786) Stravinsky Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo (1918) Wayne McGregor | Random Dance was founded in 1992 and J.S. Bach French Suite No. 5 for Two Clarinets and became the instrument upon which McGregor evolved his drastically fast and articulate choreographic style. The company Basset Horn (1723) became a byword for its radical approach to new technology, Mozart Divertimento No. 1 for Three Basset Horns, incorporating animation, digital fi lm, 3-D architecture, electronic K. 439b (1783) sound, and virtual dancers into the live choreography. Wayne C.P.E. Bach Duo for Two Clarinets in C Major, Wq. 142 (b.1714) McGregor is “doing some of the most exciting work in ballet Mozart Four Arias from Cosi fan tutte for Three Basset on the planet.” (The New York Times) Horns (1789) Funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Media Partner WGTE 91.3 FM. Art Works. Media Partners Metro Times, Between the Lines, and WDET 101.9 FM. Shanghai Chinese Orchestra Chamber Ensemble High-Defi nition Broadcast from the Wang Fujian artistic director National Theatre, London Friday \ February 10 \ 8 pm Traveling Light Rackham Auditorium By Nicholas Wright The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra Chamber Ensemble performs Directed by Nicholas Hytner music that represents the gallant warriors of the past, the Sunday \ February 19 \ 7 pm happy days of childhood, a foggy spring morning after a night Michigan Theater of rain, and other poetic images brought to life by these iconic Nicholas Wright’s new play is a funny and fascinating tribute musicians. They perform on the zheng, dizi, erhu, pipa, and other to the Eastern European immigrants who became major players Chinese instruments seldom featured in the West. in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Sponsored by the Confucius Institute of the University of Michigan. Special support for this residency is from Arts Midwest’s Performing Arts Fund. Music of Marsalis’ 50th Birthday Media Partner WGTE 91.3 FM. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis The Tallis Scholars Wednesday \ February 22 \ 7:30 pm Peter Phillips director Hill Auditorium Thursday \ February 16 \ 7:30 pm On this new tour and to celebrate Wynton Marsalis’ 50th St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church birthday, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) will The Tallis Scholars add a new dimension to UMS’s 11/12 focus showcase a retrospective of Wynton’s music written for big on artistic renegades, presenting music of the wealthy Italian band. The JLCO will complement the program with modern jazz prince Carlo Gesualdo (b.1566). At the centerpiece of this renditions of traditional favorites, including tunes by Thelonious Monk; classic Blue Note Records selections by Herbie Hancock, program is the Tenebrae Responses for Holy Saturday, part of Jackie McLean, Lee Morgan, and Joe Henderson; and modern the liturgy for the fi nal three days of Holy Week. Works by other compositions and arrangements by jazz contemporaries. “maverick” Renaissance composers round out the program. Media Partners WEMU 89.1 FM, Metro Times, The Michigan Chronicle, Complete program listing available at www.ums.org. Detroit Jewish News, and Ann Arbor’s 107one. Sponsored by Glenn Watkins. Funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works. Hagen Quartet Media Partners WRCJ 90.9 FM and WDET 101.9 FM. Thursday \ February 23 \ 7:30 pm Rackham Auditorium Sweet Honey In The Rock “Their performance was fi lled with subtlety and wonder… Friday \ February 17 \ 8 pm the playing was breathtaking in its precision, dynamism, and Hill Auditorium agility…a thrilling encounter.” (The Independent) For this return performance, the Hagen Quartet presents a program Sweet Honey In The Rock focuses on music that challenges, of Beethoven quartets as part of UMS’s focus on musical inspires, teaches, encourages, and empowers audiences from renegades. all walks of life to become interested and involved in issues that PROGRAM are central to their lives. The group has built a distinguished Beethoven String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1 (1801) legacy as one of the most celebrated ambassadors of a cappella Beethoven String Quartet in f minor, Op. 95 (1810) music, fusing fi ve scintillating and soulful voices with the texture, Beethoven String Quartet in E-fl at Major, Op. 74 (1809) harmonic blend, and raw quality that is indigenous and true to authentic a cappella music. Sign language interpreted. Sponsored by Sponsored by Funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Art Works. Media Partners Metro Times, Between the Lines, and WEMU 89.1 FM. Media Partners WGTE 91.3 FM and WDET 101.9 FM.

Call or click for tickets! 734.764.2538 \ www.ums.org Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 am to 5 pm, Sat: 10 am to 1 pm.

Ad #4 — Washtenaw Jewish News First Proof of Ad Due: Tue, Jan 10 Final Ad Due: Wed, Jan 11 Size: 9 13/16 x 12.75 Color: Full color Ad Runs: February 4 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 ICampus

Dash Moore receives prestigious national book award Kimberly Kunoff, special to the WJN niversity of Michigan Professor of “We at IU Press are thrilled that this ex- History Deborah Dash Moore has cellent book, an enduring tribute to Paula’s Your feet are in good hands U been named recipient of the Na- memory, has been recognized by a National tional Jewish Book Award for Jewish Book Award. We Gender & Jewish history (In- are honored to be its pub- diana University Press, 2011) lisher.” in the category of Antholo- “The book and the gies and Collections. award are a tribute to The Jewish Book Council Paula Hyman—the field made the announcement in Jan- that she inspired and the uary. Other recipients include students she mentored,” Pulitzer Prize- winning author acknowledged Deborah Art Spiegelman for Metamaus Dash Moore, director of and Israeli novelist Aharon Ap- the Frankel Center for Ju- pelfeld, whose until the Dawn’s daic Studies and Frederick light gains him a third National G.L. Huetwell Professor of Jewish Book Award. History. Gender & Jewish history, The winners of the co-edited by Marion Kaplan 2011 National Jewish Book and written in honor of Paula Awards will be honored on Hyman, a founder of Jewish March 14 at a gala awards gender studies, is a collection ceremony to be held at the Deborah Dash Moore of essays from such noted Center for Jewish History in scholars of Jewish History as Beth Wenger, Manhattan. The awards ceremony, which be- Deborah Lipstadt, Rebecca Korbrin, and gins at 8 p.m., is free and open to the public. Marsha Rozenblit. As the longest-running North American “Indiana University Press congratulates awards program of its kind in the field of editors Deborah Dash Moore and Marion Jewish literature, the National Jewish Book Kaplan and the extraordinary group of con- Awards is designed to recognize outstanding tributors to Gender and Jewish history, whose books of Jewish interest. In addition to the outstanding scholarship, inspired in different above-mentioned winners, awards are given ways by the work of Paula Hyman, brought out this year in 14 categories. this amazing volume to life under Deborah’s A complete list of the 2011 National Jew- and Marion’s able guidance,” attests Indiana ish Book Award winners and finalists is avail- University Press Director Janet Rabinowitch. able at the Jewish Book Council’s website. n The Midwest’s largest selection of Naot shoes available at Mast Shoes

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Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 5 I Community

American politics and the health of the environment Jonathan Cohn, special to the WJN udaism is my faith but it is not, strictly can you see? At its core, the debate has always is dirty, and our planet is heating, we all suf- And so I put the question to you directly: speaking, my specialty. So when I was been about responsibility, whether it should fer. But we can fix it only through collective Are you taking action? Have you written J asked, re- be individual or collective. action, by seeing ourselves as partners, with your representatives in Congress? Have you cently, to share Up until the 1930s, medical care and health each other and, yes, with all of the other liv- organized a rally? Have you bothered to learn my thoughts on was thought to be purely an individual respon- ing things on earth. about the issues, so that you can be a source Jewish thinking sibility. People paid for themselves. Those who Each of us can, and should, do our part. of information, and guidance, for people and the health could not were at the mercy of charity. We can recycle, purchase environmentally who aren’t? of the planet, I But a revolution in medical care—the one favorable foods, and reduce our carbon foot- That last part is particularly important. decided I should that brought us anesthesia, the sanitary tech- prints. But as I think through this political For all of the money spent on political ad- start by consult- nique, and other innovations—also made it debate, and the one about health care, I also vertising, for all of the calculation that goes ing the most sa- too expensive for one person to afford; so, think there’s another way we need to remem- into political strategy, actually getting people cred text of all: interest in distributing the burden across the ber that we are part of a greater world. And to change their minds is incredibly difficult. Google. I typed in population began to grow. by that, I mean the greater political world. But when somebody hears a new argument “Jewish,” “health,” Jonathan Cohn The idea behind this is simple. We are all These days you hear a lot of disappoint- from somebody they know and they trust—a and “world.” That susceptible to illness and accident. We could ment and frustration with politics. And here friend, a family member, a neighbor—they yielded entries like The Lowfat Jewish Vege- all be crippled financially, as well as physi- in this community, those sentiments are fre- really do start to think. tarian Cookbook, Is it immoral to be over- cally, if left to our own devices and resources. quently the byproduct of high expectations A lot of people in our community already weight?, and Healthy Broccoli knishes. From But if we take responsibility for one anoth- after the election of 2008. The achievements do these things, I know. But many haven’t. this, I concluded that food is even more cen- er—if we all do our part, if we all contrib- since that election have seemed insufficient And many that do are so dispirited they are tral to Jewish identity than I realized—help- ute—then we can all be protected. We can all and flawed—an economic recovery package ready to give up. I hope that changes. What’s ful insights, perhaps, but not really relevant be secure. that didn’t produce a growing economy, a uni- happening at the grassroots, at the neigh- to issues of planetary survival. The recent Affordable Care Act sought versal health care law that isn’t fully universal, borhood level, is as much a part of our po- So I turned next to Aura Ahuvia, rabbinic to put the principle of shared responsibility a financial regulation initiative that won’t do litical failure as anything that’s happening in intern with the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist further into practice. But the debate is not very much regulating, just to name a few. Washington, on either end of Pennsylvania Havurah. She suggested I consider modern over. Many want to repeal the Affordable Meanwhile, the current political environ- Avenue. We need better leaders, sure. But we interpretations of the Eden story, where peo- Care Act and replace Medicare, our existing ment seems absolutely toxic, with misinfor- need better followers too. ple are instructed to “care for all life” rather program for people over 65, with a vouch- mation routinely ruling the day—and our It’s easy to forget sometimes, given the than simply dominate over nature. This was er-like program. For better or for worse—I lawmakers unable to handle even routine din of daily life, but we are all very lucky. We more helpful. She mentioned a passage that would argue for worse—these efforts repre- matters of government business. There is a live in the greatest country in the world. Not sets the rules for wartime, advising soldiers sent an attempt to move away from shared, poison in the air today, contaminating our a perfect country, by any means, but one that not to uproot olive trees as they fight—a sig- collective responsibility and back to a more discourse just as surely as it is contaminating laid out the basic ideals of liberty and de- nal, in other words, to show respect for non- individualistic notion of society. our lungs. mocracy, then spent the next 250 years try- human, but still living, creatures. She also told As it happens, we’re having the same de- Rabbi Modechai Kaplan, the founder or ing, fitfully and slowly, to realize them. And me about the concept of “interbreathing,” the bate about the environment. For most of hu- Reconstructionist Judiaism once said that re- we have the tools to keep improving. In the idea that we, quite literally, breathe in what the man history, the planet’s well-being was an ligion is as much a progressive unlearning of grand view of political development, this is trees breathe out, and vice versa. And that, by afterthought. The world was ours to use as false ideas concerning God as it is the learn- paradise. This is Eden. extension, our souls are part of a much broad- we please, to make use of, to exploit for our ing of the true ideas concerning God. In poli- But this paradise requires us to maintain er ecosystem, to which we are all connected own development. Like that older interpre- tics today, there’s a lot of unlearning to do. it—to nourish it. If we don’t, it will be gone and for which we were all responsible. tations of Eden, we were the masters and the It’s easy to blame our elected leaders for forever.n That resonated with me—a lot. As a few world was our servant. But in just the last few these failings, and to some extent, that’s fair. of you may know, I’ve spent much of the past decades, we’ve become aware of our mutual But politics, like policy, is also a matter of Jonathan Cohn is a senior editor at The decade learning, writing, and speaking about dependence on the planet, whether for nour- collective responsibility. I’ve heard so many New Republic magazine. This article is health care reform in our country. While the ishment, shelter, or life sustaining air. people complain about the state of politics, based on comments he shared at the 2011 debate over reform is often about simple, Once again, we are presented with what many of these people are part of our Jewish Rosh Hashanah services of the Ann Arbor concrete measures of well-being—How ex- the social scientists call a collective action community. What I don’t hear is people do- Reconstructionist Havurah. pensive are your premiums? Which doctor problem. When our water is fouled, our air ing something about it.

JCC hosts gardening club Celebrity Cooking Classes begin this month Karen Freedland, special to the WJN Karen Freedland, special to the WJN Calling all green thumbs! The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor will host a Reality television is coming to the Jewish Community Center of new gardening club that will include monthly speakers, workshops, plant exchanges and gar- Greater Ann Arbor with a brand new program, Celebrity Cook- den tours. The first meeting will take place Monday, February 27, at 7 p.m. and will feature ing Classes. If you are a fan of The Barefoot Contessa, Top Chef, Kathy Squiers, head horticulturalist for Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation. Squiers Chop and other cooking shows, this cooking program will be right will present a talk on garden maintenance, landscape design and preparing for spring. Ad- up your alley. Once a month, the JCC will host a local promi- ditional meetings will take place on Tuesday, March 27, and Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. nent Jewish chef/cook to teach a class in preparing a special dish Upcoming classes will feature biodynamic gardening practices, tours and vegetable gar- or two. Tuesday, February 21, at 7 p.m., will feature Lori Shepard, den cultivation. Annual dues are $20 for JCC members and $30 for non-members. owner and chef of Simply Scrumptious Catering. Shepard will For more information or to register, contact Karen Freedland at karenfreedland@jccfed. lead the class in how to prepare a romantic dinner for two. Wine org or 971-0990. is included with the class. Shepard’s love for cooking and entertaining started at the age of five at the knees of her mother and grandmother. After JFS brought the Temple Beth many years of feeding her creativity by providing informal cater- Emeth Choir to a Chanukah ing, Shepard made the decision to follow her heart and opened celebration at the University Simply Scrumptious in 2003. Living assisted living facility. Additional classes will take place Thursday, March 22 and Lori Shephard JFS’ Elderlink program works Tuesday, April 24, both featuring chef Dena Jaffe, culinary coordinator of Whole Heart Group and former with the facility year-round by chef to Dr. Andrew Weil, author and health educator. providing Jewish training, ed- The cost is $25 per class for JCC members and $35 for non–members. Advanced registration is re- ucation and programming for quired as space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, contact Karen Freedland at karenfreedand@ the staff to meet the needs of jccfed.org or call 971-0990. Jewish residents and ensure a higher level of Jewish cultural, religious and social life.

6 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 Adler Memorial Fund helps make Hebrew study available JCC gym floor renovation complete David Shtulman, special to the WJN Andrea Rosner-Najer, special to the WJN When Vera Adler passed away in 2008, her daugh- and Michelle are sure that she would be proud of After much research, exploration and gathering of suggestions, information and insights, the Jew- ter, Dorit Adler and granddaughter, Michelle Sil- this legacy. ish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor has completed the renovation of their gym floor. The ver thought about ways to honor her memory. A donor does not have to be wealthy to create gym concrete was tested, treat- Their answer was to create a permanent legacy a legacy in support of someone or something they ed, sealed and tested again. for her in Ann Arbor. love. It only takes a modest initial investment of After many discussions with Vera had a special gift for languages and was $5,000 to create a permanent endowment fund in experts in the field and those fluent in Czech, German, Serbian, Hungarian, the Jewish Community Foundation. The donor who have utilized various Hebrew, Italian, French and English. Therefore, can then choose to add to the fund each year to types of gym floors, the JCC when Dorit and Michelle thought about how to increase the amount it generates for the chosen replaced the parquet wood honor Vera’s memory, the Keshet Hebrew lan- purpose. In addition, friends and family mem- floor with a new solid wood guage program, sponsored by the Jewish Fed- bers can pay tribute to the person named by the floor installed via tongue and eration to make Hebrew language instruction fund by making their own contributions to it. groove method with several available to all Ann Arbor teens seemed ideal. Contributions to the Vera Adler Memorial methods of moisture barri- The Vera Adler Memorial Endowment Fund Endowment Fund are welcome and can be made ers in place underneath. This for the Keshet Ann Arbor Hebrew Program, es- through the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann raised the floor slightly from the entrance to the gym, which tablished in the Jewish Community Foundation, Arbor at 2939 Birch Hollow Drive, 48108 or by Before and after shots of the gym floor provides annual distributions to the Keshet pro- calling the Federation at 677-0100. necessitated a modification to gram in perpetuity. The resources made available The Jewish Community Foundation wel- the hallway outside of the gym. Ken Emerson, JCC maintenance supervisor, was instrumental in to Keshet each year help to sustain the program comes inquiries about how it can serve as a ve- the design and laying of the tiles outside the gym and in the JCC’s back hallway. and to reduce the need for additional support. hicle for your philanthropic, planned giving or The board and staff of the JCC appreciate the community’s patience during this long pro- This fund honors not only Vera Adler’s name but estate planning needs. For more information, cess. Now that the renovation of the gym is complete, volleyball and basketball will resume, and also her love of languages and belief in the impor- contact David Shtulman at 677-0100 or by email Israeli Dancing will move back into the gym. tance of Jewish children learning Hebrew. Dorit to [email protected]. The JCC welcomes the community to stop by and take a look at the new enhancements. With the new gym floor and the completion of the lounge renovations that were complete last year, the facility can now be rented for parties, baby/wedding showers, bris or baby namings, Ann Arbor Birthright Israel Foundation presentation weddings or mitzvot. For more information on having an event at the JCC, contact Rebekah Gamble at [email protected] or 971-0990. Fran Martin, special to the WJN Birthright Israel offers the gift of a free, first time, dation at the Jewish Community Center of Greater 10-day trip to Israel, for all Jewish young adults Ann Arbor. It will be held from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Soul Falafel and a movie set for February 18th between the ages of 18 and 26, regardless of their Tripping, a film about the Birthright experience, will financial situation or religious background. The be shown. Birthright alumni will be on hand to talk Karen Freedland, special to the WJN program format is accessible to Jews of varying about how this experience affected their lives. How do you spend your Saturday evenings? The ter life for him, tells him “Go, live, and become,” backgrounds and traditions, whether secular, chil- Admission is free and refreshments will be Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Ar- as he leaves her to board the plane. The film tells dren of intermarriage, Orthodox, Conservative or served. Because there are more applicants than bor will host “Falafel and a Movie” of his growing up in Israel and how Reform. It comes with no strings attached. spaces available on Birthright, there will be a on Saturday, February 18 at 6:30 he deals with the secrets he carries: The trip has three objectives: fundraising component to the event; every time p.m. Join this monthly screening not being Jewish and having left his • To strengthen each participant’s identity as a Jew. applicants are turned away for lack of funds, there at the JCC of an Israeli film, fol- birth mother. T’chiyeh v’T’hiyeh • To build an understanding, a friendship and a is a risk of not attracting them back to the pro- lowed by a meal of falafel and Is- was directed by Romanian-born lasting bond with the land and people of Israel. gram. All funds raised in Ann Arbor will benefit raeli salads. The February selection Radu Mihăileanu. • To reinforce the solidarity of the Jewish people local applicants. is the award winning film,T ’chiyeh The film won Most Popular In- worldwide. For further information and to RSVP, con- v’T’hiyeh (Live and Become). ternational Film at the 2005 Van- On March 11, the community is invited to a lo- tact Fran Martin at [email protected] The film tells the story of Sh- couver International Film Festival. cal presentation on behalf of Birthright Israel Foun- or 665-1452. lomo, an Ethiopian boy who is Tickets are $10 for JCC mem- placed by his Christian mother bers and $12 for non-members. with an Ethiopian Jewish woman Reservations are required. Child- New play reading workshop at the JCC whose child has died. This wom- care is available for an additional an, who will become his adoptive $5 per child with advanced notice. Karen Freedland, special to the WJN mother, is about to be airlifted from a Sudanese To reserve a space, contact Karen Freedland at The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor will feature a refugee camp to Israel during Operation Moses [email protected] or 971-0990. new four-week Jewish play reading workshop led by Kate Mendeloff, in 1984. His birth mother, who hopes for a bet- professor in the University of Michigan Residential College drama de- partment and director of the annual outdoor Shakespeare in the Arb. From Shalom Aleichem to Neil Simon, the group will explore the JFS takes over Meals on Wheels Christmas day world of great Jewish plays, written by Jewish authors. This is a chance to act and learn with an experienced professional. The program may Alice Miller, special to WJN evolve into a Jewish Theatre Workshop with regular performances. Ten years ago, Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels ap- particularly surprised to see JFS volunteers on The class will meet for four Sundays in a row from 7–9 p.m. on proached Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw their doorsteps. February 19, February 26, March 4, and March 11. The cost for the Kate Mendeloff County about taking over the meal delivery to “I think people were appreciative to receive a program is $70 for JCC members and $85 for non-members. their homebound clients on Christmas day. The meal, but were also excited to have contact on a For additional information or to register for the class, contact Karen Freedland at karenfreed- request, in line with the agency’s mission, and day they normally may not,” Franklin said. [email protected] or call 971-0990. on a day when most JFS employees and volun- The Meals on Wheels staff and clients were teers were free, was a perfect fit. And it has been especially thankful this year as it was the first every Christmas since. Sunday in the past nine years that they were able Attention movie lovers, film buffs and cinephiles Lisa Franklin, the current director of Pro- to deliver on a Sunday. grams and Community Outreach at JFS, lead the While clients were appreciative, the volun- Karen Freedland, special to the WJN agency’s participation in 2011 delivering meals teers with JFS also enjoyed the experience. For the past 10 years, the Lenore Marwil Jewish festival. The Film Festival committee is look- around the Ann Arbor community on Decem- “My favorite part was seeing all the families Film Festival has been one of the most antici- ing for members and volunteers. Come screen ber 25. More than 40 JFS volunteers delivered two who participated,” Franklin said. “A few of the pated events of the year. The Jewish Community movies to be shown, help plan lectures and meals to 134 people on 18 different routes. families have been delivering together this day Center of Greater Ann Arbor is in the beginning meet other film buffs. The first meeting will be Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels delivers food for years and have made it an integral part of stages of planning the 2012 Festival, which will early February. six days a week to homebound clients around their family tradition; one which they look for- take place April 29–May 3 at the Michigan The- To join the Jewish Film Festival committee the community who are not able to shop or ward to every year.” ater. The steering committee is under way and or for more information, contact Karen Freed- cook for themselves. For more information on volunteering with the JCC is looking for movie lovers to help in land at [email protected] or 971-0990. As Christmas fell on a Sunday this year, a day JFS, contact Lisa Franklin at lfranklin@jfsan- the film selection process and planning of the clients typically do not receive meals, they were narbor.org or call 769-0209.

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 7 I Seniors/Women

SPICE* of Life “Health Starts Here” is topic of Jewish *Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, and Educational Programs for Adults Women’s Circle meeting in February Merrill Poliner, special to the WJN Mae Sander, special to the WJN Tuesdays Special events and presentations he February 6 meeting of the Jew- used in the demonstration. Kemp’s discus- 10 a.m.: Washtenaw Community College ish Women’s Circle of Washtenaw sion will include suggestions of appropriate Bible Literature and History Class taught Thursday, February 2 County will feature a cooking dem- ingredient combinations and serving sizes. 12:30 p.m.: Birthday celebration for all T by Dr. Lizbeth Fried. This semester’s class, onstration at Whole Foods Market by Jan About these food choices, Kemp says: beginning on February 7, will cover “Ezra in with February birthdays! Bring family and Kemp, M.Sc. and Healthy Eating Specialist. “Delicious desserts can rely on fruit or even History and Tradition: Inquiry into God’s friends for lunch and birthday cake. Using only plant-based food, and follow- vegetable purees without added sweetners. Justice.” Call 971-0990 to register. 1 p.m.: For more than thirty years, Jim Glenn ing the “Health Starts Here” program, she Dates or sweet potatoes are especially good 11 a.m.: Energy Exercise© with Maria Far- has made presentations about William Shake- will prepare and discuss several recipes and for adding natural sweetness in combination quhar. $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10 speare to a wide range of audiences. His lively techniques for using healthful ingredients. with chocolate and other flavors.” Noon: Homemade Dairy Lunch Buffet. and informative talks set the Bard against a $3 per person. rich description of Elizabethan times—sur- 1 p.m.: Games and Activities. Join in for prising and delighting audiences with intrigu- a variety of games and activities including ing details of the author’s life and work. The mahjong, quilting for the patients of Mott presentation covers Shakespeare as a living, Hospital, art projects, and other card games. breathing—and extremely busy—author and 1 p.m.: Wii sports including bowling, ten- playwright during one of the most dynamic nis, golf and baseball. No sports or computer and pivotal periods of theatre history. experience necessary. 1 p.m.: Open Computer time—tutor available. Thursday, February 9 Call for reservations and more information. 12:30 p.m.: A registered nurse from Care Response will take and record blood pres- Thursdays sures and address any questions. 10 a.m.: Energy Exercise© with Maria Far- 1 p.m.: Rabbi Lisa Delson of Temple Beth quhar. $4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10 Emeth comes to SPICE to celebrate Tu 11 a.m.: Current Events with Heather B’shevat, the New Year of the Trees. Dombey. A discussion of this week’s news. Thursday, February 16 Bring items of interest for group discussion. 1 p.m.: Caroline Helton, opera singer and Noon: Homemade Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 professor of voice at the University of Michigan per person. School of Music, will perform songs ranging 1 p.m.: Thursday Special Events and Pre- from opera to jazz to Broadway standards. sentations (see below for details). 2:15 p.m.: Sidney Warschausky Literary Thursday, February 23 Group facilitated by group members. Call 1 p.m: Joyce Kessler, Injury Prevention Co- Merrill Poliner, 971-0990, for more informa- ordinator at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital will tion and the title of the current book. conduct the second of a series of four Senior Jan Kemp M. Sc., at the Whole Foods Market Lifestyle and Injury Prevention sessions. This Attendees will have the opportunity to try Kemp will start with an avocado-grape- Fridays month’s session, which will concentrate on ample samples of the foods that are prepared, fruit appetizer, and continue with a main dish 1:30 p.m.: Yiddish Reading Group at the Fall Prevention, is of importance to anyone and will receive copies of the recipes used. based on rice, lentils, quinoa, or pasta. Des- Jewish Community Center. Call Ray Juni for who wants to decrease the likelihood of seri- The meeting is just in time for Tu sert possibilities include a raw fudge based on additional information at 761-2765. ous injury for themselves or their loved ones. B’Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish walnuts and dates, or a lemon-flavored con- calendar, celebrated this year on Wednesday, fection. Ingredients and techniques not used February 8. This is the day that marks the be- in the actual cooking will also be discussed, “Ladies of the Book” Club for women ages 20–39 ginning of a “New Year for Trees.” One part and Kemp will be glad to answer questions of the celebration is eating fruit: particularly about new or unfamiliar items. Karen Freedland, special to the WJN grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. The Whole Foods website includes all rec- The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor will host a book club for women ages Many recipes presented at the meeting are ipes to be used, and many more. Kemp will 20–39. This new club will meet the second Monday of the month at 8 p.m. at the JCC. The appropriate for this celebration, as well as point out how to find additional new ideas book chosen for February 13 is Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner. the use of renewable paper products that on the website, noting: “Some of my favorite Jerusalem Maiden takes place in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire. A young Ortho- save trees. recipes that appear on the website, besides dox Jewish woman in the holy city of Jerusalem is expected to marry and produce many sons Esther Goldstein, Jewish Women’s Circle those to be presented, are pecan cookies and to help hasten the Mes- organizer, is working with Kemp to plan and a pasta with Romesco sauce.” siah’s arrival. While the select the foods to be prepared during the Kemp, a Certified Nutrition Specialist, has feisty Esther Kaminsky demonstration, and will also provide addi- over 25 years of experience teaching health understands her ob- tional material about the foods selected and and fitness in the Ann Arbor community, in- ligations, her artistic about the Tu B’Shevat holiday. cluding working as an instructor for the Phy- talent inspires her to “All the recipes in the cooking demon- sicians Committee for Responsible Medicine secretly explore worlds stration will be plant-based only, without and at Whole Foods. “Health Starts Here” is outside her religion, to meat, eggs, or dairy products, refined sugar, a nation-wide Whole Foods program, which dream of studying in or processed oils,” Kemp explains. “For ex- includes cooking advice, classes, and recipes Paris—and to believe ample, I may present techniques for making for an approach to healthier eating. that God has a special fat-free caramelized onions, or I may roast The Jewish Women’s Circle (JWC) meet- destiny for her. When mushrooms in balsamic vinegar rather than ing will begin at 7 p.m. (note earlier-than- tragedy strikes her using oil. I’ll point to many ways to add fla- usual time) upstairs in the classroom at family, Esther views it vor without excess fat.” Whole Foods Market, 3135 Washtenaw Av- as a warning from an angry God and suppresses her desires in order to become an obedient During the evening, Kemp will prepare enue. Cost for this JWC-Whole Foods pro- “Jerusalem maiden.” But when a surprising opportunity forces itself on to her preordained three or four recipes that follow the “four gram is $10 per person. All JWC meetings path, Esther finds her beliefs clashing dangerously with the passions she has staved off her pillars” of healthy eating developed by the are open to all women; no affiliation neces- entire life—forcing her to confront the most difficult and damning question of all: To whom “Health Starts Here” program. These include sary. To learn more, contact Esther at Gold- must she be true, God or herself? eating whole, unprocessed foods, eating a [email protected]. n The March 12 meeting will feature With Friends Like These by Sally Koslow; April 9 will colorful variety of plants, eating healthy fats, feature Big Girl Small by Rachel Dewoskin; and May 14 will feature Following Polly by Karen and selecting nutrient-dense foods. These Bergreen. principles do not prohibit eating animal For further information or to register for this free program, contact Rebekah Gamble at protein in moderation, though none will be [email protected] or 971-0990. 8 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 david kersch stephen anderson betsy cavanaugh charlie chapell ramona meadows denise jeff miller 734 214.3796 734 214.5897 734 214.3740 734 214.2728 734 944.3981 mcpherson-pratt 734 214.3721 734 214.3733

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Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 9 I Congregations

This month’s programs at Beth Israel Congregation Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN Hannan Lis to discuss reforestation Beth Israel is known for its post service The program is designed for kids to have a A Taste of Mussar Polar Bear Tefillin Photo that captures all the great Shabbat experience, including a kid What is Mussar? How does it work? in Israel tefillin clad participants in the out-of-doors, friendly service along with games and other Sunday February 12, 5:30 p.m. (follow- What’s in it for me? These are questions that regardless of the weather. activities each month to help teach about ing the Sunday minyan at 5 p.m.) are frequently asked about this ancient spiri- Following the Shaharit service and photo, holidays and Jewish values while building In honor of Tu B’shvat (February 8), tual tradition that has recently become very participants will enjoy a brunch of bagels, a stronger community for the kids in a fun Hannan Lis, Midwest president and assistant popular in the Jewish world. lox, and coffee. Some of Beth Israel’s reli- way. Gabe Pachter facilitates a service that vice-president of mar- Beginning March 4, a one-month mini- gious school students will participate in the is filled with student participation in the keting on the national course, Taste of Mussar, will be offered. The morning program as well. prayers, interactive discussions, and always board of directors of course, developed by Dr. Alan Morinis, dean ends with a snack. Kehillat Shabbat is a great the Jewish National of The Mussar Institute, introduces Mussar Lunch and Learn/Lunch and Laugh time once a month for elementary school Fund will speak about and the process of Mussar learning and pro- Wednesday, February 1, 8, 15, 22/ students to celebrate Shabbat, to schmooze, “Reforestation in Is- vides resources for working on sample soul February 29, noon–1:15 p.m. and to learn together. Kehillat Shabbat meets rael.” He will also in- traits (or middot), the essence of one’s inner These weekly events take place at the Gar- at Beth Israel on the second Saturday of the clude an update on the life. The month leading up to Pesach is con- funkel-Schteingart Activity Center at 2010 month downstairs in room 12. devastating forest fire sidered by many to be an excellent time to Hannan Lis Washtenaw Avenue, led by Rabbi Kim Blumen- engage in such inner work and look at ways on Mount Carmel that thal and Rabbi Robert Dobrusin. On February Thirsty Third Thursdays killed 44 people, and destroyed hundreds of to bring greater meaning to one’s life. 1, the group will study the traditional and mod- February 16, after 7:30 p.m. minyan All materials will be sent electronically by acres of forest and property. For informa- ern sources about the origins of Tu B’shvat and Men’s Club offers this once monthly event tion, contact Harvey Somers at harveysom- The Mussar Institute. While the course is in- the Jewish imperative to act consciously and re- after the evening service, to enjoy coffee and tended primarily for self-study, participants [email protected]. This program is sponsored spectively toward the natural environment. On snacks at a local establishment, while dis- by Men’s Club. will be able to experience how a Mussar group February 8, the group will participate in a Tu cussing the weekly parasha (Torah portion) works at a one-time optional group (va’ad) Originally from Haifa, Hannan Lis is B’shvat seder complete with traditional fruits. or other topics of Jewish interest. For more principal, COO and board member of The meeting to be held Sunday, March 18, from On February 15 and February 22, there will information, or to suggest topics of interest, 10–11:30 a.m. This meeting, to be facilitated WW Group, Inc. (Weight Watchers’ largest be a discussion on current events taking place contact Shelley Aronson at robin@firstriver. franchise group), and founder and CEO of by Rabbi Dobrusin and Roann Altman, will in the community and in Israel. On February com. No reservations are required. be open only to enrolled participants who Lis Ventures LLC, a venture fund investing 29, as part of Lunch and Laugh honoring the in emerging technologies and companies. LaBriut: Judaism and Health Series, have been studying the course materials. month of Adar, the group will listen to comedy, The one-month Taste of Mussar course He is also past-president of the Jewish Com- watch video presentations, and tell stories to “Not all Pandemics are Created Equal” munity Centers of Metropolitan Detroit and costs $18 per person. To enroll, send in a celebrate the season of laughter. Friday, February 17. Friday Night Ser- check made payable to Beth Israel Congre- a member of the Detroit Federation board Participants are asked to bring a dairy vice, 7:30 p.m.; presentation by Dr. Arnold of governors. Lis is a current member of the gation with name, email address, and tele- lunch; beverages and desserts will be provided Monto, 8:15 p.m. phone number. All registrations must be American Jewish Committee board of gover- at no charge. The most recent pandemic was different nors and co-president of MOPAC, a Demo- received by Thursday, February 23, in order from previous ones. While there were not as to ensure timely delivery of the materials. For cratic political action committee. Mini Minyan many deaths, there was high illness frequen- Saturday, February 10 questions about the course or about Mussar Men’s Club Super Bowl Party cy in school age children and some severe ill- in general, contact Altman at roann@umich. Mini Minyan is Beth Israel’s Shabbat ness in health adults. What makes pandemics Sunday, February 5, 6 p.m. morning service on the second Saturday each edu or 483-8352. Participants will enjoy a wide screen ex- so different? How can the flu virus kill 50 month for all kids in kindergarten through million worldwide in 1918 and so few now? Tot Shabbat perience in Beth Israel’s Social Hall, along 2nd grade. Mini Minyan was designed in with a full spread of hot dogs/buns (both And what is going on with bird flu? Saturdays, February 10 and February 24 collaboration with many of the parents from The presentation Tot Shabbat is Beth Israel’s Shabbat morn- meat and veggie varieties), vegetables, a Beth Israel and serves as a bridge for kids be- range of chips/salsa, nosherei, and beverages. will be given by Dr. ing program for toddlers and preschoolers tween Tot Shabbat and Kehillat Shabbat. It Arnold Monto, profes- along with their families. Tot Shabbat features The event is $12 per person to cover the cost shares many of the favorite songs and stories of food. Everyone ages 13 and up is welcome. sor of epidemiology at singing, dancing, stories, and prayers to cel- from Tot Shabbat while beginning to teach University of Michigan, ebrate Shabbat. The leaders of Tot Shabbat are To RSVP, email Shelley Aronson at robin@ prayers and incorporate activities similar to firstriver.com. and the Thomas Fran- Peretz Hirsbein on the second Saturday and Kehillat Shabbat. The Mini Minyan service is cis, Jr. Collegiate Pro- Jessica Kander on the fourth Saturday of the led by program director Jacob Kander with fessor of Public Health. month. Peretz Hirshbein is the assistant direc- World Wide Wrap special games and activities led by a team of Sunday, February 5, 9:30 a.m. Dr. Monto’s primary tor of the Early Childhood Center at the Jew- parent volunteers. All parents are welcome to Dr. Arnold Monto Sponsored locally by the Beth Israel current concerns in- ish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor join in this service along with their children. Men’s, “World Wide Wrap” is a project of the clude occurrence, etiology and prevention of and the current vice president for education Mini Minyan meets at Beth Israel on the sec- Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. This event infectious diseases in industrialized and de- on the Beth Israel board of directors. Jessica ond Saturday of the month downstairs in encourages Jews around the world to put veloping countries; frequency and cause of De Young Kander is a graduate of the School room 16. on tefillin and pray together. Beth Israel will respiratory infections in families living in the of Education at the University of Michigan provide extra sets of tefillin and experienced community, and in factors that predict the oc- and former preschool teacher. She currently Kehillat Shabbat currence and prevention of these illnesses; re- teachers will be available to assist everyone Saturday, February 10 teaches at Eastern Michigan University where search and training to respond to bioterrorist who would like to participate in this impor- Kehillat Shabbat is Beth Israel’s Shabbat she also earned her master of arts degree in threats. This is one in a series of presentations tant mitzvah. morning service for kids in 3rd-5th grade. Children’s Literature and a master’s certificate on Friday evenings and Saturdays on the topic in the Teaching of Writing. of Judaism and health. Tot Shabbat meets at Beth Israel down- stairs in room 15. Following services, child Friday Night Lights size tables are set out for out Tot Shabbat kids Friday, March 2, Family Friendly Kab- and their families are always invited to stay balat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Friday Night to enjoy a kiddush lunch with the rest of the Lights Dinner, 7 p.m. congregation. Beth Israel offers a family friendly Shab- bat dairy dinner for $7 per person, with no Child/parent room charge for children 3 and under. Families and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. individuals are encouraged to attend the full Parents have the use of Room 14 ev- evening, which includes a service and all the ery Saturday morning during services. The traditional rituals of the Friday night meal. room is stocked with toys. The kiddush Because no payments can be accepted on following services has kid-sized tables and Shabbat, there must be a pre-payment which chairs so that even the littlest ones may par- will confirm the family’s or individual’s res- ticipate in the kiddush reception. n ervation. World Wide Wrap participants, 2011 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 February Temple Beth Emeth events Why Parshat B’Shalach is for the birds Brett Willner, special to the WJN Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN Men’s Torah Study and taste the fruits of the earth—as well as he Torah portion we read from on shechita, “to slaughter” as in ritual slaughter. the first Shabbat of February is In Hebrew the term for slaughtering, shechi- Wednesday, February 8 and 22, 7:30 p.m. partake in a delicious dinner. All women are B’Shalach. It tells the story of Pharoah tah, also means “to bring in”. When we kill an Temple Beth Emeth’s Men’s Torah study invited. Cost is $18. Sponsored by Sister- T sending the Jewish people out of Egypt and animal in a kosher manner, we are spiritually meets twice a month for an evening of hood. Email your RSVP to bobbiheilveil@ their coming to the Red Sea. God then per- bringing it into our world so that we can use learning. Refreshments served. For more gmail.com or call 994-4261. forms the great miracle of splitting the Red its energy and life force in the human realm information contact Roger Stutesman, rg- Sea. The Torah tells for the purpose of doing God’s will with our [email protected]. Twenties and Thirties Shabbat Dinner Friday, February 24, 6 p.m. us that after being lives. The further a creature is from God the Spirituality Book Club Twenties and Thirties join TBE’s TNT for saved, Moses along more that is required to bring it closer. The Thursday, February 2, noon–1:30 p.m. a delicious Shabbat Dinner at Mani Osteria with the rest of the closer it is to God the less we have to do to Tuesday, February 14, 7:30–9 p.m. (341 East Liberty Street) Sit back and have a Jews sang the song prepare it. Fish, being created from water, are Cantor Annie’s Spirituality Book Club will relaxing time at the end of the week and have of praise praising at a highest level than creatures created from continue on their journey in February. This Shabbat Dinner with other Twenties and God for the mir- earth, and therefore closer to God so there month Book Club will Thirties. Couples and Singles are welcomed. acle. The Midrash is no ritual slaughter required. A bird, since be reading: The Jew in For more information or to RSVP contact tells us that the it is from a combination of water and earth, Brett Willner, bwillner@templebethemeth. birds and the ani- places it lower than a fish but higher than a the Lotus, by Rodger Rabbi Aharon Goldstein Kamenetz. Analysis of org or call the Temple office 665-4744. mals also sang the land animal. Thus, it requires only one of the texts and group dis- song of praise along with the Jews. Therefore three major anatomical structures (signs) of cussion will provide Movie Wednesday: Late Marriage it has become a custom to put buckwheat the throat to be cleanly severed. The land lively sessions each (Hatuna Meuheret) (kasha) on the roof of one’s house right be- animal, being the lowest and furthest from month. Participants Wednesday, February 15, 1–3 p.m. fore the Shabbat that we read about the split- God in this hierarchy, needs at least two of are welcome to drop February’s Wednesday Movie at Tem- ting of the Red Sea. This is to give a reward the signs in order to be recognized as a ko- in for selected sessions ple Beth Emeth is Late Marriage (Hatuna to the birds, whose ancestors sang praises sher slaughter. or the entire series Meuheret). An to God at the splitting of the Red Sea. So a So, with the above explanations in place, through June. Visit the Israeli film that question arises: Why do we give food to the we come back to the original question: Why TBE website, www.templebethemeth.org/con- centers on Zaza, birds but not to the animals whose predeces- do we reward only the birds for singing at the tent/spirituality-book-club-reading-list, for the 31-year-old sors also sang to God after the miracle? To splitting of the Red Sea? the book list for the year. Contact Cantor Rose, child of tradition- answer the question we have to understand a What’s with the idea of singing a song? [email protected], with questions. minded Georgian few Jewish metaphysical concepts. If one is happy, why can’t we simply say “I Jewish immigrants In Judaism we see the world as being am happy”? What’s the singing for? The pur- Women’s Torah Study who are anxiously comprised of different levels of living things. pose of singing is to express oneself in a way Monday, February 6, 7–8:30 p.m. trying to arrange a We have the four metaphysical elements (in that is beyond just saying words. Merely say- Cantor Annie Rose leads a Women’s To- marriage for him. descending order of proximity to holiness) ing words cannot express the joy one feels. rah study at Temple Beth Emeth. The Women Unbeknownst to – fire, air, water, and earth. God created fish Also, words alone don’t transmit the feeling of Reform Judaism Women’s Commentary has them, he is secretly from only water. God created birds from a of joy to others. In human nature we find become a major source of insight for those dating a 34-year- mixture of water and earth. Terrestrial ani- that a simple person can be aroused to joy studying Torah in depth or simply reading old divorcée, Judith. When his parents dis- mals were created from only earth - there- and song very easily. On the other hand, a the weekly parsha, portion. This month, the cover the relationship and violently intervene, fore they are on the lowest level. Speaking in very intellectual, cerebral person with a great Women’s Torah group will be studying Yitro. Zaza must choose between his family tradi- a hierarchical sense of relative closeness to intellectual capacity needs more stimula- tions and his love. The film is in Hebrew and holiness, fish are of a highest level than oth- tion in order to saturate the intellectualism Rabbi Levy’s Friday Lunch & Learn: Kivruli, Judaeo-Georgian language. Snacks er animals because they are created wholly until it can spill over into the expression of gluttony and other sins are provided and everyone is welcome. from a higher element - water. Birds, being emotional joy –through song. A small thing Friday, February 3, 10, 17, and 24, created from a combination of water and won’t move them to joy as it would with a noon–1 p.m. Families with young children (FYC) earth are next highest - lower than the fish simpler person. It takes much more to move Each week on Friday, Rabbi Levy will Shabbat Services times (Friday, but higher than most other animals. The them past the realm of cool intellectual teach an informal session on Gluttony and February 3, 10, 17, 24) other animals created from only earth are at analysis into the warmer realm of joy and its other sins. As always bring your own lunch Tot (0–5 years old) Shabbat Services led by the lowest level. manifestation in song. So the greater the per- and join in on a lovely conversation. Come Rabbi Levy and Cantor Annie Rose, 5:30 p.m. Why are these distinctions relevant? son intellectually, the more that is required every week or when you are available. Yum! Dinner for Tot Shabbat and Sukkat One way they become relevant is in the to bring that person to the next level of joy Shalom, 6 p.m. context of the actions required for us to take expressed as singing and/or dancing. Women’s Tu BíShevat seder and dinner Shira (Song Session), 6:30 p.m. nourishment. In order to eat from the ani- Bearing this in mind, we can now go back Tuesday, February 7, 6:15 pm Sukkat Shalom (6–10 years old) Shabbat mal kingdom we have to prepare them with a to our original question regarding the cus- Come enjoy this Jewish Celebration of Services lead by Rabbi Delson and Cantor ritual in order for them to be used as food for tom of treating the birds and not the animals the Earth, featuring the Seven Species of Is- Annie Rose, 6:30 p.m. our consumption. There are different ritual with kasha for Shabbos B’Shalach. The birds, rael. Perform the unique rituals of the seder Popsicle Oneg, 7 p.m. n requirements depending on the level of holi- being higher than the animals, require much ness from which the creature originates. For more to cross the threshold into song than fish there are no slaughtering requirements the animals that are lower than them. Their at all, we just have to gather them together expression of joy, like that of the intellectual, y Fox. and then they are ready to be food for us. For was much harder to achieve than that of the birds, we have to ritually slaughter them first. simpler animals. Therefore we treat the birds During the ritual of slaughtering the birds and not the animals. we have to make sure that at least one of the The basic lesson we learn from here is

Photo by G r e g o Photo three major anatomical structures (signs) of that the whole idea of singing is to show our the throat (trachea, esophagus, and artery) appreciation for the great things that Hash- are cleanly severed and then they are ready to em does for us. We should be moved beyond be food for us. For land animals we have to our intellectual capacity into the realm of be certain that at least two of the three major pure joy expressed as singing and/or danc- anatomical structures are cleanly severed. ing when we recognize, with profound grati- The rabbis explain these differences by tude, our relationship to God and all that is distinguishing between killing and kosher done for us. With this in mind, we all should slaughtering. What is the purpose of slaugh- look forward to the coming of the Moshiach, tering in a kosher manner versus just killing when the entire earth will be filled with the the animal? To simply kill an animal for food knowledge of God and we all will be moved there are many methods. When the Torah to such joy that we will sing the new song for speaks about taking an animal’s life for food it the coming of Moshiach. May it be speedily doesn’t use the term “killing”. It uses the term in our days. n NPR’s Allison Downey sharing her story with Temple Beth Emeth at the Year of Torah kickoff event Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 11 Café Verde Ann Arbor’s Premier 100% Fair Trade Coffee Bar

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12 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 IArts & Culture Don’t want it? Don’t need it? Don’t keep it! Clergy push Debbie Friedman song By Debra Nussbaum Cohen bout two weeks before she died, nual festival concert at Lincoln Center in March. Debbie Friedman stood with Rab- Those high school students, from 18 U.S. cities Let Encore Sell It For You: A bi Joy Levitt at the piano in Lev- and Israel, then took it back to their communities, Electronics • Musical Instruments itt’s Manhattan apartment, and she shared Lazar said. “We are keeping Debbie’s ‘Shalom Ale- Designer Items • Antiques & Collectibles with her friend a melody that the legend- ichem’ in our repertoire,” Lazar said. “It’s a song the Automotive Parts • Sporting Goods ary singer and composer would never have kids love, and it’s our attempt to distribute the song Camera & Audio/Visual Equipment the chance to record.It was a new version of to a wider and newer audience.” 1958 South Industrial “Shalom Aleichem,” the hymn traditionally The spring before she died, Friedman herself (in the Colonial Lanes Plaza) sung Friday evenings to welcome the Sab- taught the melody to several hundred people at bath angels. Hava Nashira, the annual Reform movement song 734.761.6187 Friedman told her friend Rabbi Joy Levitt that leaders’ gathering. EncoreOnlineResale.com her version of “Shalom Aleichem” would be her That summer, Friedman sang the song, which legacy. Friedman, who was in New she was still tweaking, for a class York en route to the Limmud Fes- she was leading at Hebrew Union tival in England, had sung the very College–Jewish Institute of Reli- same tune the previous night to gion’s School of Nonprofit Man- Levitt’s cousin, who was dying of agement in Los Angeles. Richard breast cancer. “I think this is going Siegel, the school’s director, asked to be my legacy. This is going to be Friedman what she was working bigger than Mi Sheberach,” Fried- on. As Friedman sang her “Shalom man told Levitt, referring to her Aleichem,” a student recorded it on melody of the prayer for healing, an iPhone. which is widely used as part of the Siegel has sung it every week liturgy in liberal synagogues. Debbie Friedman since at his Shabbat table. “Once A few days later, Levitt wrote Friedman an you get the hang of it, it’s quite haunting,” he said. email saying, “You gave me such a huge gift and Most recently, Cantor Jennifer Frost sang it I’m going to make it my business that everyone before 6,000 people who gatherde for the Union knows this ‘Shalom Aleichem.’” Levitt, who is the for Reform Judaism’s biennial gathering, held in executive director of the JCC in Manhattan, never December. Attendees could also request a biennial received a response. CD, which included Friedman’s version of “Sha- Sick with the flu that would end her life, Fried- lom Aleichem,” and about 650 people did, said man returned from England to her home in URJ spokeswoman Annette Powers. Southern California, where she died in a hospital Though it is only now reaching a critical mass on January 9, 2011. She was 59. of synagogues and Shabbat tables, the melody was Since then, her “Shalom Aleichem” has been composed in 2009, according to Merri Lovinger shared from one person and small group to the Arian, who taught with her at HUC–JIR’s cantorial next, in an informal effort to weave the melody school. That school has been renamed the Debbie into the American Jewish canon. It is becoming Friedman School of Sacred Music. increasingly popular at Friday night dinners and at “She grabbed me and said she wanted me to lis- Havdalah services, which mark the Sabbath’s end. ten to it, and she said, ‘Doesn’t it really sound like we In the coming days, Levitt and Cantor Angela were born with that melody, that it’s been around Buchdahl, of Manhattan’s Central Synagogue, are for a long time?’” Arian recalled. “She was right.” planning to reach out to every clergy member in In addition to the Shabbat Shira effort, Fried- the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist man’s “Shalom Aleichem” will be performed Feb- movements — urging them to sing Friedman’s ruary 1 at a Central Synagogue tribute to the late version of “Shalom Aleichem” on Feb. 3 and 4, musician, which follows her first yahrzeit. which is Shabbat Shira, or the Sabbath of Song. “All of us were left with this piece we know she Buchdahl and musician Josh Nelson sang that was so excited about, she really wanted to get it out very melody to a crowd of 700 people, who at- there,” Arian said. “Since it wasn’t recorded there tended a memorial service for Friedman at Central is a feeling that we have a responsibility to get this, Synagogue on January 27, 2011. of all melodies, out. We all feel a sense of urgency It was there that Vivian Lazar heard it for the about it.” n first time. She brought it to HaZamir: The Interna- this story originally appeared in the Forward news- tional Jewish High School Choir, which she directs. paper. to read more, go to forward.com. Some 300 HaZamir members sang it at their an-

Silent Witnesses: Synagogues Transformed, Rebuilt or Abandoned A unique installation of photographs, paintings, videos and mixed media works by 23 artists who researched the stories of synagogues across America, Europe, India and Israel as witnesses to the social and economic upheavals of our time.

A collaborative project of the Cultural Heritage Artists Project, the Jewish Art Salon, JWalks, and the Holocaust Memorial Center. On view February 15 – April 13

Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 Immediately north of 12 Mile Road

Washtenawhm_ad.indd Jewish 1 News A February 2012 1/19/12 11:30 AM 13 I Youth

Jacob’s trial: Hebrew court room at Hebrew Day School Dina Shtull, special to the WJN ourth graders at Hebrew Day School brothers received what they truly wanted. God “It was a good experience,” said Gabe Seir. in a text to demonstrate comprehension and to of Ann Arbor played out a court scene also played a role in Jacob’s decision, and Jacob “We had to prep in many ways to be ready for draw inferences. Students were required to pro- F to determine whether Jacob acted was following a divine calling. any question.” “If you really wanted to prove vide textual evidence for their testimonies. A morally when taking the birthright from his Student Gaya Pederson, attorney for the something,” said Natan Bondin, “you had to third skill is effective public speaking. Students twin brother Esau and when tricking his father prosecution, claimed otherwise. While Jacob keep asking questions.” “It was hard to defend a practiced looking at the lawyer, and speaking Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for was following his mother’s direction, he was at client who most think is guilty,” admitted Zach- loudly and slowly — skills that are particularly his elder brother. Students played the roles of the same time deceiving and tricking his father ary Weissman. Dana Steiner who played Rebecca challenging to do in a second language.

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the attorneys, the witnesses, and the judge. The and disregarding his father’s wishes. The com- on the witness stand said that the lawyers “asked Additional academic goals related specifically scene was un-scripted; characters on the wit- mandment is to honor both your mother and the same question in different ways. It was hard to to the study of Torah – the ability to distinguish ness stand answered whatever question was your father. Jacob’s father was blind, and trick- find different ways to answer the same question.” in a verse between narrative, dialogue, and inner posed to them by the attorneys. All of the court ing a blind person is in violation of the com- The students all agreed that the main idea quotations; and the ability to use verb prefixes proceedings were conducted in Hebrew. The mandment “Do not put a stumbling block in they learned from the project was that one and suffixes as an aid in text comprehension. spontaneous use of language to critically reflect front of a blind person (Leviticus 19:14).” While should not judge someone without having The court case was one example of the de- on and analyze the Biblical story is the highest the sale of the birthright was legal in that Esau proof. “We needed to find proof from the text velopment of critical thinking, a key 21st cen- level of achievement for students studying a agreed to sell it for a bowl of soup, Jacob was for our arguments,” continued Bondin. “We tury skill, that is applied at Hebrew Day School second language. taking advantage of his brother who was at the had to go to the Torah for our reasons,” said in the study of secular and Biblical literature. What did the students think of Jacob’s ac- time in a distressed emotional state. Seir. “We could not make assumptions.” “A lot Students often have debates when discussing tions? In his opening remarks, student Zach- Other students played the role of the wit- of people in our class will make great lawyers a challenging question. “In fact,” says teacher ary Weissman, defense attorney, claimed that nesses. Called to the stand were Jacob himself, one day,” said Bondin. Aaron Magid, “everyday in class is a mini in tricking his father to get a special blessing, Isaac, Esau, and Rebecca. Jacob and Esau were Participation in the court scene was a dem- court case.” n Jacob was not acting alone; he was listening to asked if they thought their deal was fair. Isaac onstration of academic skills that are develop- More information about Hebrew Day School his mother. Following his mother’s wishes was was asked why he proceeded to bless Esau if ing in fourth grade. One of these skills is the of Ann Arbor can be found on the school’s web- the respectful thing to do. Jacob did not steal the God’s desire was otherwise. Rebecca was asked ability to understand that some questions have site www.hdsaa.org or by calling the office at birthright; he engaged in an honest deal with why she tricked her husband. The questions, more than one answer. The debate raised a 971-4633 to schedule a private tour. his brother who preferred to have the bowl of and the opening and closing remarks, were all complicated question that did not have a simple soup. It was a win-win situation because both written by the students themselves. answer. Another is the ability to refer to details

Tuition incentives and scholarships at Hebrew Day School Dina Shtull, special to the WJN Enrollment tuition incentive This past year $145,000 was allocated in The Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor scholarships. Of that amount, $76,000 came is offering a tuition incentive for children from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann entering kindergarten. All families applying Arbor. Over the last few years, at least 90 per- to the HDS kindergarten for the 2012–2013 cent of all applicants received an offer of either academic year will be entitled to an enroll- a grant or a loan. Approximately 30 percent of ment tuition of $10,000 for the kindergarten HDS students receive financial assistance. child. This represents close to a 20 percent Privacy and confidentiality are of utmost 6 7 reduction from the current tuition rate. Ap- importance in the process. Parents submit plications are due by February 6, 2012. financial information and documentation 1 Gabe Seir, as Jacob, on the witness stand The offer is contingent on formal accep- to an online service used by independent 2 Talia Dunietz, playing Isaac, on the tance of the student. The additional sibling schools throughout the country. A local com- witness stand discount and the early tuition incentive can- mittee reviews recommendations from this service. To preserve the privacy of the apply- 3 Dana Steiner, playing Rebecca, on the not be combined for the kindergarten. Other ing families, the committee does not include witness stand fees remain obligatory (registration, book and supply, PTO). Families may also apply any present HDS parents, and all proceed- 4 Gaya Pedersen, prosecuting attorney for scholarships that are based on demon- ings are kept confidential. The online appli- 5 Zachary Weissman, defense attorney strated need. cation form may be viewed at http://sss.nais. 6 Attorneys for the defense, writing their org/Parents using the school code of 1404. closing remarks: Gabe Seir, Sophia Berry, Scholarship process There is an application fee of $37. Informa- Zachary Weissman, Dana Steiner Each year, the HDS designates a substan- tion about data security and privacy regard- tial amount of scholarships to assist families ing the online documents can be found at 7 Rachel Siegel, playing the judge with demonstrated need. A loan may also be http://sss.nais.org/schools then click on the 8 Attorneys for the prosecution writing offered if a family is only temporarily finan- “Comp*Assist online” tab and pick “Infor- their closing remarks: Tom Dunietz, Talia 8 cially impaired. The scholarship program mation Security” from the drop down menu. Dunietz, Gaya Pedersen, Natan Bondin, helps ensure that the school maintains its di- Further questions about scholarships can be Jesse Rosenberg verse and inclusive student population. directed to [email protected]. 14 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 Afternoons are fun at the ECC JCC youth programs Peretz Hirshbein, special to the WJN Shoshana Jackson, special to the WJN he JCC Early Childhood Center has at simplifying Israeli dance for young children. JCC to offer snow day programs ing of Kung Fu Panda 2. The cost for the Kids’ always been glad to offer parents ex- Each classroom has their favorite dances; calls The Youth Department of the Jewish Night Out is $20 for JCC members (addition- T tremely customizable scheduling op- for their favorites are loud when Noreen works Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor al siblings $18). Non-members must include tions; the minimum schedule is two half-days with the children. will once again offer Snow Day programs a $5 surcharge. Registration and payment are per week and many parents combine both full- ECC Assistant Director Peretz Hirshbein this winter. On days when the JCC is able due by Wednesday, February 8. days and half-days. Almost all of the preschool- uses children’s love of narratives, as well as their to open but Ann Arbor Public Schools are aged children at the ECC attend during the enthusiasm for dramatic play to bring the sto- cancelled due to winter weather conditions, February break program offerings morning, but after lunch, some go home and ries of Genesis and Exodus to life with the ECC’s a Snow Day program will be offered from The JCC will offer February Break Fun some stay for the afternoon. What is the experi- preschoolers several afternoons a week. He ar- 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for students in grades K–5; Day programs from 8 am–6 pm on Febru- ence like for those who stay? rives in the classroom toting a large bin of bib- middle school students may participate as ary 20–24. Each February Break Fun Day will helpers for a reduced fee. Students will enjoy feature a fun field trip or special activity, plus games, crafts, gym time, and fun in the snow crafts, games, and gym time or outdoor re- (weather permitting). cess. Students may sign up for one or more Snow Day programs are for JCC members days. Programming details for each day will only. Registration in advance is not required, be available in early February. but parents will be asked to fill out a regis- The February Break Fun Day programs tration form and submit payment when they are for JCC members ONLY in grades K–5; arrive. The cost for each Snow Day is $50; ad- middle school students are also welcome ditional siblings and Kids’ Konnection and to participate as helpers for a reduced fee. Kids’ Club participants receive discounts. The cost for each day is $38 for care from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ($34 for additional siblings) and Kids’ Night Out program on February 11 $10 for Extended Care from 4–6 p.m. Reg- The JCC will host a Kids’ Night Out pro- istration and payment are due by Monday, gram on February 11 from 6:30-10 p.m. for February 13. n students in grades K–5. This month’s KNO For registration forms or more information will feature an optional talent show (those about JCC youth programs, visit www.jccan- electing not to display their talents will still get narbor.org or contact Shoshana Jackson at sho- to watch the show), pizza dinner and a screen- [email protected] or 971-0990. JCC seeks teen athletes for Maccabi Games Shoshana Jackson, special to the WJN Each summer the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor sends a team of athletes to the Maya Raveh, Sylvie Bleckman, Esther Zekic, and Elliot Parker team up to create a JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style sporting competition that incorporates community service square during a math large group time and social activities to combine for an unforgettable experience for Jewish teens. After rest time, preschoolers return to their lical-looking costumes, and asks the children, This summer, Memphis, Tennessee, is celebrating the 30th Anniversary since it first hosted Mac- group time carpets for a second beginning of “Who wants to be in the story?” Each week the cabi Games. Ann Arbor athletes have been invited to join these games from August 5–10. Teens will the day. Teachers and children consult their children recall which characters they had por- be able to compete in boys baseball, girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, dance, track and field, classroom message boards to see what will be trayed the week before, and what happened to swimming, tennis, table tennis and new this year, boys lacrosse and co-ed flag football. Teens must happening that afternoon. Will they have Gym them, before moving on to act out the next part be 13–16 years old as of July 31, 2012. with Kim? Will their teachers have a cool large- of the story as Peretz narrates. The Matriarchs Participation in the Maccabi Games is an enriching experience both within the context of the group time activity for them? Will Noreen come and Patriarchs come to life for the children, and competition as well as getting to meet Jews from around the nation. The five days of programming to do Israeli dancing with the class? Will Peretz become meaningful figures for them. include athletic competitions, opening ceremonies at the FedEx Forum (Memphis Grizzlies’ arena), bring his box of costumes for Torah Stories? Afternoons are indeed rich at the ECC. For a party a the Memphis Zoo, a special night with host families, a party at the Pink Palace (Memphis’ Anyone who has spent any amount of time more information, contact Noreen De Young, living history museum, like the Henry Ford) and the always-memorable closing ceremonies. in the JCC has heard gym teacher Kim Braun. JCC Early Childhood director, at 971-0990 or Athletes of all abilities are welcome to participate, and scholarship assistance is available for With young children, Kim takes a unique ap- via email at [email protected]. n qualifying families. A limited number of spots are available, so interested families are encouraged to proach that breaks popular sports down into contact Shoshana Jackson as soon as possible at [email protected] or 971-0990. their fundamental pieces – throwing, kicking, running, taking turns, and more. The pre- schoolers’ main time with her is on Thursday mornings, but during the beginning of the Spend the snowy winter months with Ken Pardes week, each preschool class gets an extra session Matan Naamani, special to the WJN with her in the afternoon. Camp Tavor, a Zionist, Jewish summer camp located near Kalamazoo, Michigan, is the sum- Music has a large place in the ECC. The mer home-away-from-home for many Jewish Ann Arbor kids between June and August. ECC’s has several song leaders who spend time Camp Tavor, which is associated with the youth movement Habonim Dror North America, with all age groups several mornings per week. provides chanichim (campers) with a meaningful Jewish community, progressive and Zionist But in the afternoon the classroom teachers get values, an appreciation for Jewish culture and Hebrew, and memories and friends that last a chance to use music and movement to teach a lifetime. Many madrichim (counselors) at Tavor are from Ann Arbor and grew up in and many different concepts. Sometimes, music is continue to be involved with the Jewish community in Ann Arbor. However, with winter well used to teach children how to use their bodies underway, the summer can seem far away and distant. Fortunately, there is still a way stay – what kind of locomotor and non-locomotor involved with and learn more about Habonim Dror and Camp Tavor. movements can our bodies do? As the teachers Habonim Dror and Camp Tavor run a ken (local chapter) in Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor plan each day, they create large-group activities Ken, known as Ken Pardes, meets regularly during the school year to celebrate holidays, build that connect music and movement to the rest community, run educational and fun activities with new and old friends. Members of the Ann of the curriculum. Recently, ECC teachers have Arbor chapter range from early elementary school through high school. Ken Pardes is run by been using music and movement to teach math members of the Ann Arbor Jewish community who are also madrichim (counselors) at Camp concepts. Tavor; many are students at the University of Michigan. The ken provides experienced Tavor Director Noreen De Young spends some of chanichim (campers) and families with a meaningful way to continue their Tavor experience her time during the afternoon bringing Israeli and is also a great place for new and prospective families to learn more about Camp Tavor. dance to the ECC’s students. Noreen has long A complete list of Ken Pardes events this semester can be found in the Camp Tavor ad in loved Israeli dancing, and when Florida-based this issue of the WJN. For more information on Ken Pardes, contact Matan Naamani at ken. Israeli dance guru Silvio Berflein conducted a Teacher Carolyn McCombs and Edison [email protected] or call 904-6578. workshop for Ann Arbor Jewish educators a McGovern work together to measure number of years ago, Noreen became skilled Edison’s jumps Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 15 I Teens

Summer at Muss High School creates Israel connection Hannah Sherman, special to the WJN his summer I attended the Alexander tests), but learning in such an active, engaging Muss High School in Israel program environment was fun and meaningful. T (AMHSI). This program is eight- I am deeply grateful and honored to have weeks long, and is based on its own campus in been a recipient of the Susan L. Lichter Me- Hod Hasharon, a small suburban town north morial Israel Scholarship. I was also fortunate of Tel Aviv. AMHSI includes daily classes on to receive additional support from the Jewish the history of the land of Israel, from biblical to Federation of Greater Ann Arbor and Beth Is- modern times. As a way to really “live” the his- rael Congregation. I made great friends in Is- tory we are studying, we go on tiyulim (treks) rael this summer, and the unique experience of to visit sites that correspond with what we are AMHSI enhanced my commitment to Israel in learning about. As we were studying the reign a lasting way. In fact, as a result of this experi- of Saul and the prophetess Devorah, for exam- ence, I decided I wanted to spend an even longer ple, we went on a hike up Mount Gilboa. At this period of time in Israel. I arranged to graduate spot, and Har Tavor nearby, we literally walked high school a semester early in order to do an on the same places that were so significant in intensive ulpan in Jerusalem and a five-month the lives of these ancient Jewish leaders. environmental internship in the Negev desert. We often had classes on our tiyulim and As a Jewish American, I have always felt a cer- would always discuss how we felt about the tain connection to Israel, but after this summer specific place. As a result, I found that I was I feel I now have a personal relationship with able to feel more connected to the sites, and the Hannah Sherman in Israel the land and a place with its people. n 3 texts, because we examined and discussed why Hannah Sherman is a recent graduate of Hu- each part of the country was linked to our his- The AMHSI classes are small and discus- meet separately at the base campus, but the ron High School. She was a recipient of the tory as Jews and our history in the land of Is- sion based, so each student is truly involved in group always travels together and has joint 2011 Susan L. Lichter Memorial Scholarship rael. In this process, these connections became the lesson. Depending on the size of the group, classes on tiyulim. I elected to take my courses for teen travel to Israel. very personal. there are either two or three teachers. Classes for high school credit (yes, there are papers and

“Hallelujah” competition in Israel offers unique experience Mara Abramson, special to the WJN ith the help of the Jewish Fed- competition with an aim to strengthen rela- bat mitzvah money, I gathered the funds to no one knew me from before, and I got the eration’s Susan L. Lichter Me- tions between young Jews in Israel and the cover the travel. opportunity to share myself and be an adult W morial Endowed Scholarship Diaspora using music as the medium. The My month in Israel will long remain one of for the very first time. I found this competi- and Beth Israel Congregation’s Eli M. Ladin competition was set to take place in Ramat the most important and defining experiences tion and auditioned for it without telling my Israel Scholarship fund (and Mom and Dad), HaSharon, Israel, in August. I submitted an of my life. This summer, I did everything I parents, and once I got in, they were very I was lucky enough to spend the summer of audition video on a whim, and to my sur- could as to make sure I wouldn’t come home skeptical. Because “Hallelujah” is a new, fairly 2010 with some of my closest friends travel- prise, after months of anticipation, I was with any regrets. I paid attention to where unknown project, it required a lot of research ing in Israel—a country whose people, cul- informed in early July that I had made the I was and asked questions about the land, and debating skills to convince them of the ture, heritage, sights and traditions I could value of this experience. only describe as exquisite. While in Israel, I Although I was eliminated after the semi- accomplished all I had been hoping to do. I final round and didn’t do as well in the com- learned about the land, I ate the falafel, and petition as I’d hoped I would, the experience I came back feeling more whole and entirely had is one that I could never replicate. I made reassured with my Zionism, or at least, my friends with young Jews from all around the ability to evaluate Israel’s actions and stand world, including Holland, Belgium, Austra- by her whether I disagree with her or not. lia, England, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Costa However, standing in my kitchen with my Rica, Argentina, and Canada. This interna- mother in the weeks following my return, I tional group was joined by a group of Israeli felt as though something were missing. I re- soldiers from an army band called “Kit Bag” member saying to her, in tears: “I feel like I who worked with Hallelujah as part of their didn’t take advantage of being there; I didn’t army service. I developed close relationships care enough about the places or the history, with these Israelis of my age, something I wish I just cared about being with my friends. I I’d had more of an opportunity to do on my can’t believe I messed this up.” While in ret- previous trip. Without them my experience rospect I realize I was being entirely overdra- in Israel would in no way have been as rich. matic, I understand why I was feeling that Spending time with these soldiers was easily way. My trip was through Young Judaea, my the most important part of this trip for me, youth movement in which I’ve made many for they showed me what it’s like to be a teen incredible friends from around the USA, growing up on the other side of the world. so naturally, I spent a great deal of my time They took me around and showed me what bonding with them. I hung out with Ameri- they did on the weekends, took me home cans teenagers, speaking English, listening to their families to have a comfortable bed to American music, talking about American Mara with members of the IDF band “Kit Bag” and home-cooked meal for a weekend, in- TV shows, etc. Although there’s absolutely top 30 and was invited to come to Israel to my surroundings, and the local way of life. I troduced me to their friends and army com- nothing wrong with this, I came back feeling compete for the title of “The Jewish Star” worked on my Hebrew and came back with a manders, and if even for just the three-weeks a terrible sense of guilt—not that I wasted (punny, huh!?). Although Hallelujah would much better sounding “reysh” and a head start I was there, I felt like I was so important to the opportunity given, but that I hadn’t got- cover all expenses for the competition other on my Hebrew 101 class, and I made friends I these people and so much a part of their lives. ten out of it all that I could. I came back than travel, with only a little over a month to know I will keep for the rest of my life. I hon- I finally felt like I was a real part of Israel. n feeling as though I’d spent my time as an get ready for my departure, I was very anx- estly think the reason why I gained more and Mara Abramson is a freshman at Michigan American who just happened to be traveling ious about how I would be able to pay for grew more through this experience than any State University in the Residential College in in Israel rather than a traveler in Israel who the flight. Thankfully, I am a member of a other in my life was because this was the first the Arts & Humanities. She participated in just happened to be American. This summer, Jewish community that values Israel travel time I ever truly embarked on something on the Hallelujah-Global Jewish Singing Contest however, was a whole different story. for teens, and with the help of Beth Israel my own—with no expectations and noth- (http://www.facebook.com/Hallelujah.Star) In February 2011 I caught wind of Congregation, the Jewish Federation’s Israel ing to hold me back. This was the first time I in August 2011. “Hallelujah,” a new, global Jewish singing experience subsidy, and the remainder of my ever traveled anywhere or did anything where

16 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 17 I Jewish Camping

Is your camp right for my child? Noah Gallagher, special to the WJN hoosing a summer camp for your child certainly important for a camp’s pro- can be daunting. Here in the Midwest, fessional staff to inspire confidence, it C there is no shortage of excellent Jew- is a camper’s relationship with their ish summer camps. Choosing the right camp is counselors that will have the most im- about finding the right “fit” for your family and pact on their experience. the individual child. Asking the right questions of the camp’s professional staff can help you de- What is the social environment termine the best place for your child to have a like at your camp? first-time summer camp experience. What does the camp do to cre- Camp directors find that most parents ask ate an environment that is free of the same questions about camp. The ques- bullying? What kinds of training tions usually have to do about camp’s daily and systems are in place? In addi- routine, camper to counselor ratio, variety of tion to being an environment where activities, facilities and living quarters. These children feel physically safe, a camp are, of course, important questions, but I should be a place where children feel encourage parents to ask different kinds of emotionally safe. A camp should questions to get a real sense of the kind of have a clear plan in place to recog- experience their child will have. nize negative social dynamics and address conflicts among campers. Where do your campers come from? Some camps draw the majority of their campers from a single area or a few com- munities. Sometimes, geographic diversity Ann Arbor campers and staff enjoying second session at CYJ can vary between age groups and sessions. If the majority of the campers in a bunk are What kind of communication from your child describing the incident or a bill from the same town or even the same school, from an unfamiliar doctor. If your child has to a child’s social experience can be drastically can I expect from camp? spend the night in the camp’s health center, will I often get questions about letter- different depending on whether or not the you get a call? writing, the availability of online pho- child is part of the group. Sometimes, letters home include cause for tos and email, but I rarely get questions concern. Most of the time, a camper was feel- about how we handle things like severe What is the staff like? Where do you ing a little homesick when he or she wrote weather. A camp’s emergency plan that letter asking to be airlifted back to Ann find your counselors and staff? should address children’s emotional Arbor, and is having a blast by the time you Some camps have a staff comprised primar- safety as well as their physical safety. read the letter a couple days later. Regardless, ily of alumni, some camps use camp staffing It should also include a way to inform the camp staff should have a way for you to services that draw talented young men and parents in the event of an emergency check up on your child. If the camp posts women from all over the world and many use a at camp. photos, you can ask the camp to try to “catch bit of both. Asking about how a camp chooses If your child is sick, or needs to see them in the act” of enjoying camp. its staff gives parents a better understanding a doctor (or even an orthodontist for a Some camps allow campers to send of what kind of role models their children will Gavi Forman, from Ann Arbor, and Maia Grosser, broken bracket), you should hear from “emails” back to their parents by filling out have during their camp experience. While it is from Minneapolis, hanging out on the lake the camp long before you get a letter a page that is faxed to a service that will send you a scanned copy of your child’s let- ter. Some camps choose not to do this for a variety of reasons. Some camps will scan At Camp Gan Israel, hidden talents revealed a letter and email it to you if you are far David Alpert, special to the WJN away during the time your child is at camp. ports. Trips. Games. Many summer in the middle of the camp, with full-blown Asking a camp about their communication camps feature a similar curriculum gymnastics course for children. For other policies and plans can be an important fac- S of activities that aim to provide kids, art teachers visited camp to teach tor in finding the best fit. children with a fun-filled getaway from the sculpting, weaving, and range of other kinds Campers and parents often choose school year. of art media. camps based on the availability of particu- But at Camp Gan Israel in Ann Arbor, This year, Zwiebel has a host of new ac- lar activities or the location of the camp, but Shternie Zwiebel, director of the camp, is tivities on the launching pad for the summer the decision to return to a particular camp driven by a different philosophy. camping season. Parents are counting down the following summer – or not to return – “Every child has a different skill set,” the days. often has to do with how a camp addresses Zwiebel insists. “Because every child is so “My son can’t wait to get the calendar for the issues mentioned above. As you research unique, we’ve placed a lot of emphasis on di- next year to see what we will be doing,” said summer camps, ask the questions of the versifying our curriculum to help every child Nikki Klien. staff and follow up with parents of campers discover their talents.” Parents are noticing the attention to detail that have spent time in a particular camp to To that end, several new activities were and well thought out, comprehensive sched- hear about it from their perspective. rolled out at a seven-week long camp last ule. “So much thought goes into planning While waterskiing or archery might be year. I9 Sports, a national franchise whose adventures and daily trips and activities,” what attracts you and your child to a par- coaches place special emphasis on sports- said Liora Rosen. Parents looking to enroll ticular camp, the less tangible aspects of manship and principle-driven play, ran the their children into Camp Gan Israel can do the camp experience are what keeps kids sports curriculum last summer. I9 pushes a so as soon February 15, when registration of- coming back. n philosophy of “inclusivity,” where every child ficially opens. becomes an essential part of the game. The emphasis on cultivating creative tal- Musically-oriented children found their ents sets up the camp on the right dynam- Noah Gallagher is busy planning for his niche with Oz Music, a music group who ran ics. And when this range of diverse activities fifth summer as director of Camp Young music lessons at camp. Their mission state- coalesces into one cohesive curriculum, says Judaea Midwest in Waupaca, Wiscon- ment is to tap into hidden musical talent, Counselor Elianna Zeller and Zwiebel, the “sky’s the limit for campers at sin. CYJ Midwest staff will be in Ann and help current music students discover camper Simon Shavit Camp Gan Israel.” n Arbor on February 5 to meet with cur- new ways to create music. For more information or to register contact rent and prospective camp families. To Waltzing around camp last year were a thing new from local professional teachers. Shternie Zwiebel, at 995-3276 #5, or at direc- find out more about CYJ Midwest, go to sophisticated segment of campers who per- Zwiebel doesn’t stop pushing the enve- [email protected]. www.cyjmid.org. fected their techniques and learned some- lope. Gym America set up shop last summer 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 I Israel

In entering Israeli politics, Yair Lapid eyes force of socioeconomic protests By Linda Gradstein JERUSALEM (JTA)—One of the big open ment in order to rob the middle class of its Ashkenazi agenda,” said Guy Be-Porat, a pro- Shalit’s entry into politics is expected to questions after Israel’s social protests last sum- money,” wrote Lapid, who for years has flirted fessor of public policy at Ben-Gurion Univer- make less of a splash. mer was whether or not the one-time mass with entering politics. sity. “If you have four parties competing for the “After years of public struggle, during which movement would be able to translate its new- A day after Lapid resigned from his job as same votes, even if you divide it differently, it’s I got to know Israeli society in depth in all its found clout into lasting political power. anchorman of Israel’s Channel Two Friday still the same.” beauty and values, I decided to enter public activ- During the weeks of protests and for night news magazine to prepare for his run Ben-Porat said that unless Lapid can appeal ity in order to serve the public and be in a posi- months afterward, none of Israel’s political par- for Knesset, another well-known Israeli, Noam to the center-right Likud, Sephardic and Or- tion where I can influence the character of Israeli ties seemed able to capture the demonstrators’ Shalit, declared that he also would be a candi- thodox voters, there will be no change in Israel’s society,” Shalit said. “The Labor Party is a social- voice or allegiances. date for Knesset. political constellation. democratic party that strives for peace, which is But that could change with the entry into Shalit, who became a household name in Efforts to form a secular, centrist party have why it is my natural home. I believe that under the politics of one of Israel’s most popular journal- the five-year effort to free his soldier son, Gilad, been tried. leadership of Shelly Yachimovich, Labor can lead ists and TV personalities, Yair Lapid, son of the from Hamas captivity, will run on the Labor Lapid’s father led Shinui to an impressive 15 important measures for Israeli society.” late Shinui Party leader Yosef “Tommy” Lapid, Party list. The soft-spoken Shalit said he wants seats in the 2003 elections. Shinui promised the Shalit’s announcement was greeted with who also was a journalist. to give something back to the country that public secular marriage and to sharply cut subsi- mixed reactions. Some criticized Shalit for us- Polls show that the younger Lapid, who is worked so hard to free his son. dies to haredim. Neither happened, and by 2006 ing his son’s captivity as a springboard for en- expected to form a new centrist secular political Israel’s next elections are scheduled to take Shinui had split into a coalition of smaller parties, tering politics, while others said he could bring party, could receive up to 20 seats in Israel’s 120- place in early 2013, but a vote could come none of which have made it into the Knesset. a welcome calm to the Knesset. seat Knesset, making him a potent political force. sooner if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne- Lapid hopes that by tapping into last sum- “Politics is about serving the people, and I While Lapid has refused to give interviews tanyahu calls for new elections or if the current mer’s social protest movement he can ride an believe him when he says he wants to serve,” said since his Jan. 8 announcement, a column he governing coalition falls. In any case, Lapid’s emerging political wave into the Knesset. Professor Gideon Rahat of Hebrew University penned in Israel’s daily Yediot Achronot offered run could dramatically change the Israeli po- Last summer’s protests, which brought hun- and the Israel Democracy Institute. “It’s good a glimpse of what his platform will be: “Where’s litical game, some analysts say. dreds of thousands of Israelis into the streets, that good people are coming into politics.” the money?” “This is potentially an explosive transforma- focused on the high costs of living in Israel, Rahat criticized Lapid for trying to start his “This is the big question asked by Israel’s tion,” said Rabbi Uri Regev, the director of Hid- particularly for young families. Netanyahu re- own party rather than joining an existing centrist middle class, the same sector on whose behalf dush, an organization that promotes religious sponded by forming a government committee party, such as Kadima, which Ariel Sharon formed I’m going into politics,” Lapid wrote. “Where’s freedom in Israel. led by economist Manuel Trajtenberg to suggest in 2005 as a centrist breakaway from Likud. the money? Why is it that the productive sec- A poll conducted by Hiddush found that 43 changes to Israel’s tax code, housing practices “We’ve seen these ‘flash’ parties come and tor, which pays taxes, fulfills its duties, performs percent of the general Israeli public and 55 per- and social welfare system. go,” Rahat said. “They come and say the system reserve service and carries the entire country on cent of the secular public welcomes Lapid’s en- Several of those recommendations have be- is corrupt and they want to change it. But then its back, doesn’t see the money?” try into politics. One-third of the respondents come law, including increases in the marginal either they disappear or collapse or split or be- Lapid’s political gambit constitutes an as- said they would seriously consider voting for tax and corporate tax rates, and the extension come corrupt.” sault on Israel’s politically powerful haredi Lapid whether he forms a new party or joins an of free child education to Israeli children begin- Kadima, which is the Knesset’s largest fac- Orthodox minority at a time of heightened ten- established one. ning at age 3. tion with 28 seats—one more than Likud—re- sions between secular and haredi Israelis. In his “This may be the beginning of the end of the Part of Lapid’s appeal is that he is not a poli- mains an exception, though polls show Kadima column, Lapid had harsh words for haredim, dominion of the haredi parties,” Regev said. tician. He made the jump from journalism after would lose its leading position if elections were few of whom serve in the army but many of But other analysts said Lapid simply will the Knesset introduced a bill that would have re- held today. whom are recipients of government largesse. split the center and left-wing vote even further quired journalists to take a six-month “cooling-off Several Israeli analysts said Lapid might “For many years now, the State of Israel has because he will be unable to make inroads into period” between leaving journalism and entering have more impact if he challenges Tzipi Livni been subjugated to extortionist, shameless in- the right-religious bloc headed by Netanyahu. politics; it was dubbed the Lapid Law. Lapid made for Kadima’s leadership rather than striking out terest groups, some of them non-Zionist even, “This could galvanize the same 20 to 30 seats his announcement before the law was finalized, on his own. n which misuse our distorted system of govern- that belong to this middle-class, secular, mostly and the measure has since been dropped.

Op-Ed: Why Jews should care about the rights of Israeli Arabs By Rabbi Sid Schwarz WASHINGTON (JTA)—About a year and half social challenges faced by Israel’s Arab citizens. the Israel conversation sponsored by Jewish in Israel is strongly linked and connected to ago, I participated in a fact-finding mission to The test of any democracy is how it treats it communal groups. Even more importantly, we the Arab nation and the Palestinian people. Israel sponsored by the Inter-Agency Task Force minorities. It is all the more challenging in Israel were able to attract to our event both those who It makes the effort more difficult. However, it on Israeli Arabs (IATF). Established in 2006 as because it was founded as a Jewish state. How- would identify with the political right and with doesn’t exempt us, as a nation, as society and as a consortium of some of the major organiza- ever, there have always been non-Jewish citizens the political left. Nonetheless, the conversation at a government, from trying to make it work ... tions in American Jewish life -- including the living in Israel and the country’s Declaration of our event last year was both civil and respectful. These relations are a test of our national vision Joint Distribution Committee, the Conference Independence guarantees them full equality. I am well aware that there are those in the and morals, and a vital issue to the survival of of Presidents, Jewish Federations of North Arabs today make up 20 percent of Israel’s community who would deem this effort to Israel as a Jewish state and democratic society.” America, the ADL and the American Jewish population yet they represent only 1 percent of be misguided. They will offer a list of reasons Democracy is not a right/left issue. At the Committee -- the IATF is committed to raising the gross domestic product. There are vast in- why Israel is still a country at risk. They are not core of democracy is a respect for the infinite awareness of the circumstances of the 20 per- equalities between Jews and Arabs in Israel in wrong about that sad reality, but their disdain value of every human being, a central premise cent of Israel’s citizens who are Arab. terms of the schools they attend, the municipal for efforts that might help Israeli Arabs enjoy of the Jewish teaching that every person is made The issue was not new to me. A large part services they receive and the employment op- full equality is shortsighted. b’tzelem elohim, “in the image of God.” of my rabbinate has been devoted to advancing portunities available to them. Israel’s own gov- There are dangerous trends in Israel today In its brief history, Israel can boast many human and civil rights at home and abroad. Be- ernment admits that they have a long way to go that threaten the country’s democratic character. great achievements. If Israel could successfully cause I love Israel deeply, I was long concerned to create true parity for Israeli Arabs. Racist attitudes are on the rise and the Knesset meet the aspirations of its Declaration of In- that issues of human and civil rights were raised It is worth noting that the in forming the is now considering several pieces of legislation dependence and accord its Arab minority the only by progressive organizations, both in Israel GWFIA, we were committed to having the rep- that are overtly discriminatory. It is clear that same opportunities and rights enjoyed by its and abroad. It was long overdue for the Jewish resentation of the full range of our Jewish com- Israel is not immune from the religious extrem- Jewish citizens, it will have accomplished some- communal establishment to understand why munity. Our steering committee now includes ism that has poisoned Islam in recent years. thing that few other countries in the world have the rights of Israeli Arabs should be a priority the Israeli Embassy, the Washington Jewish Fed- Jews who care about Israel should pay as done—and under the most challenging of cir- for anyone concerned with Israel’s future. eration and the Jewish Community Relations much heed to the Jewish state’s democratic cumstances. Upon my return from the mission we es- Council. At our first Community Education character as they do about its security. This This is a cause worth rallying around. n tablished the first local affiliate of the IATF in Day last January, 300 people showed up for a position was eloquently framed at last year’s Rabbi Sid Schwarz is the founder of the PANIM the country in Washington, D.C. The Greater four-hour program on a Sunday afternoon. program by Noam Katz, the Israeli Embassy’s Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values and the Washington Forum on Israeli Arab Issues (GW- We succeeded in drawing many younger minister for public diplomacy. co-chair of the Greater Washington Forum on Is- FIA) was dedicated to educating the local Jew- Jews who are thirsty for a conversation about He said: “The Israeli-Arab and the Israeli- raeli Arab Issues. He is the author of “Judaism and ish community about Jewish-Arab relations in Israel that is rigorous and honest but who, for Palestinian conflicts are full of bitterness, bad Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World.” Israel, including the economic, educational and the most part, have absented themselves from blood and mistrust. The self identity of Arabs

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 19 I Washington, DC Caring begins at home. With Jack Lew’s appointment, Jewish community again has a White House address By Ron Kampeas WASHINGTON (JTA)—@JewishWhite- “As an American Jew, I can’t think of anyone House is back. who has a deeper commitment to the United President Obama last month announced States as well as his own Jewish identity at the that Jack Lew, his director of the Office of Bud- same time,” said Rabbi Levi Shemtov, who We’ll change the way you think get and Management—a Cabinet-level posi- heads the Chabad group and noted that Lew about senior care. tion—would replace William Daley as White occasionally stops by for Shabbat services. “His House chief of staff. appointment obviously gives the White House Interim HealthCare takes a unique approach to senior care — one that Lew, 56, was chosen for his long years in an envoy to the Jewish community who is elo- focuses on the different dimensions of an enriched life. We care for more government and his reputation as a skilled mul- quent, respected, even beloved across the Jew- than just the body; we care for the body, mind, spirit and family as part of our titasker—he was top- budget cruncher for Bill ish spectrum. That’s probably an added bonus HomeLife EnrichmentSM Program. Some of our services include: Clinton before reprising the job for Obama— rather than the core qualification.” but Jewish officials were offering a sigh of relief Lew maintains a reliable shtick in his interac- for a subsidiary reason: Their who-we-gonna- tion with Jewish audiences: How he balances the call pleas were answered. 24/7 demands of being a top government offi- • Personal Care • Bathing/Grooming Since Dennis Ross, Obama’s top Iran advis- cial with the 24/6 Sabbath-observant lifestyle. • Homemaking • Light Housework er, announced his departure late last year, com- One incident involves a Shabbat call he re- • Transportation • Companionship munity officials wondered who was left to call ceived from President Clinton. He came home in a White House that has hemorrhaged top from synagogue and the phone rang. As was his • Respite Care • Medication Reminders Jews over the last year or so. Lew, an Orthodox practice, he waited until the answering machine Jew, is close to the community and is a go-to clicked on to see if it was urgent enough to pick When it matters most, count on us. person for Jewish events in the capital. up. As it happened, it was a White House staffer “The reports that there’s no one to talk to telling him to ignore the earlier message from have always been exaggerated,” said Malcolm Clinton, who had been phoning from overseas Call today for a Hoenlein, the executive vice president of the and had forgotten that in Washington it was still FREE in-home evaluation. Conference of Presidents of Major American Shabbat. The matter was not urgent enough to Jewish Organizations. interrupt Lew’s observance, Clinton told the 734-INTERIM Hoenlein pointed to Peter Rouse, a counselor staffer to tell Lew. (468-3746) to Obama who has served as acting chief of staff, Going out of his way to keep Lew from break- as someone who has always been accessible. ing the Sabbath was a sign of the respect the presi- www.interimhealthcare.com/washtenaw Still, Hoenlein added, “Jack being there will dent has for his observance, Lew tells people. be beneficial, it will foster communication.” Another favorite line during his 1990s stint, Obama launched his administration with a when he lived in Washington—his family is strong contingent of Jewish advisers: In addi- now based in New York—was an exchange with tion to Ross, David Axelrod was his top politi- clergy at Beth Sholom, a synagogue in Potomac, cal adviser, Rahm Emanuel was his chief of staff Md. Nathan Diament, who directs the Ortho- and Daniel Shapiro handled the Levant desk at dox Union’s Washington office, recalled that a the National Security Council. rabbi would suggest jokingly that Lew might Emanuel quit in late 2010 to run for Chi- want to run for shul treasurer. Lew would rejoin cago mayor, Axelrod left soon after to help run that directing the OMB was complex enough, Obama’s re-election campaign and Shapiro is thank you very much. now in Tel Aviv as ambassador. It’s a shtick that suggests a corny, old-fash- That left a perceived gap in the White ioned sense of humor, but friends say it’s also one House—one that Lew would fill, although Jew- that is emblematic of his humility and cordiality. ish officials stressed that they did not expect the “Everyone would recognize that Jack’s man- attention from a chief of staff that they received agement style and personality is noticeably dif- from mid-level staffers. ferent from that of the previous Jewish White “That’s not the role he’s going to play,” said House chief of staff,” Diament said, a reference Abraham Foxman, the national director of the to Emanuel’s abrasiveness. Anti-Defamation League, referring to the regu- An open question is how much harder it lar conference calls that Ross and Shapiro had will be for Lew to balance family and Shabbat with Jewish community leaders. “He will be an observance in his new role. He stays close to his adviser to the president on all things and a gate- daughter, Shoshana, who works at the Obama keeper, but to the extent the president will turn administration’s Interior Department, but his to him for his view, he has an understanding of wife and married son remain in Riverdale, N.Y., the community and of its views.” where they are active in the Hebrew Institute of The Obama administration clearly wanted to Riverdale, in the Bronx borough of the city. push across the Jewish message; Shapiro Tweeted His previous stints—in addition to the the news in Hebrew to his followers. Israeli am- OMB post, he was also a deputy secretary of bassadors don’t usually make a big deal of the ap- state under Obama—involved managing a pointment of a White House chief of staff. 9-5, Monday-to-Friday bureaucracy. Aides say Obama stressed Lew’s management savvy there were occasions that necessitated work on in announcing the appointment on Monday. Shabbat—for instance, during negotiations “Jack’s economic advice has been invaluable with Congress last year aimed at averting a gov- and he has my complete trust, both because of ernment shutdown. his mastery of the numbers, but because of the Running the White House. however, means values behind those numbers,” he said. dealing with crises that have a bad habit of hap- Lew has become something of a go-to pening on weekends. Obama administration speaker and guest for “It’s a reflection of this administration’s the organized Jewish community, particularly comfort with him and his being Jewish,” Fox- among Orthodox Jews. Most recently, he lit the man said. “This is a job that is 24/7—but if “national menorah,” the giant chanukiyah that there’s respect, it works.” n graces the National Mall and is organized by American Friends of Lubavitch.

20 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 I World Jewry

Mystery swirls around Judaic manuscripts discovered in Afghanistan By Ben Harris NEW YORK (JTA)—It was said to be a find- gally smuggled out of Afghanistan. The director ing of groundbreaking scholarly and histor- of the Afghan National Archives told Reuters ic significance, comparable in importance that the find was not Afghan, but a Culture to the 19th-century discovery of the Cairo Ministry adviser conceded that it’s not uncom- Geniza and rivaling the Dead Sea Scrolls for mon for local antiquities to be shipped abroad sheer drama. where they fetch much higher prices. That, at any rate, was the buzz in schol- As a result, efforts to determine who now arly circles when reports began surfacing last holds the documents, where they are being month that an exceptionally rare collection stored or how they were acquired proved to of ancient Judaic manuscripts—some of be inconclusive. them dating back more than a millennia— What is clear is that the collection is split were discovered in a cave in Samangan prov- between several private dealers, at least one of ince in northeastern Afghanistan. whom is based in London. Other lots are said to The manuscripts are of several varieties, be in the hands of dealers in Dubai and Switzer- both religious and secular, and are drafted land. Other than Wolfe’s acknowledgement of in a number of languages, including Ju- his holdings, JTA could not confirm claims re- deo-Persian and Judeo-Arabic. Among the garding who has ownership of the documents documents recovered are fragments of the or how they were acquired. writings of the Saadia Gaon, a famed Jewish But that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of col- sage born in Egypt in the ninth century, and orful stories floating around. One story, which financial records that may shed light on the several of those involved had heard, involves little-known medieval Jewish merchant class a Russian-Jewish billionaire who supposedly known as the Raddanites. had expressed interest in purchasing the manu- But those who have seen the documents, scripts but had pulled out after his attorneys and who are familiar with the shadowy advised that he may run into legal difficulties. trade in Middle Eastern antiquities, say the No one would divulge his name. fantastic tales of an unsuspecting shepherd It “adds an element of mystique,” Wolfe happening upon documents of incalculable said. “I personally never spoke to any Russian historic value are not to be believed. oligarch. What I’ve heard is hearsay. I don’t “Generally, you have to be very careful of trust hearsay.” what a Middle Eastern antiquities dealer tells Menashe Goldelman, a London-based you,” said Lenny Wolfe, himself a Middle expert in Middle Eastern antiquities who Eastern antiquities dealer based in Jerusa- has authored a 23-page report on the docu- lem. “You’re probably safer not believing it.” ments, told JTA that they emerged on the What no one disputes is that the docu- London market several months ago. Goldel- ments are authentic and, if they can be made man said he had been enlisted by a dealer to widely available to scholars, can potentially sell the documents on his behalf. At present, shed light on a period in Jewish history that Goldelman said he was trying to broker an remains shrouded in mystery. agreement with the various dealers to bring The documents, which number about the collection together. Goldelman estimates ARE YOU ON A WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY? 150—far fewer than the thousands in the their total value at about $5 million. Cairo Geniza—are generally believed to be “They are not things that are stolen from If you have lost a significant amount of weight– you’re over the about 1,000 years old, though a few are prob- an institution or found in a legal excavation,” hardest part. But, if you have lost 50-100 pounds or more, you ably older. They include early texts suggest- Goldelman said. “At some point, everything may still have issues that affect your desired result including: ing the community may have been Karaite, that comes from the ground goes to the black a Jewish sect that rejected rabbinic law and market. The black market, this is the institution • LOOSE SKIN that won’t conform to your sleeker shape flourished in the 10th and 11th centuries. that helps to save this material. If something There are also financial documents that may has, let’s say, commercial value, it gets saved. If • STUBBORN AREAS resistant to further diet and exercise have much to teach about the Jewish mer- you don’t have a commercial value for the man- • FAT AND VOLUME LOSS in the face and neck chants who acted as middlemen along the uscript, they go and put it in the fireplace.” • VITAMIN DEFICIENCY affecting skin tone and texture trade routes between East Asia and Europe. Goldelman’s involvement may not reas- The writings of Saadia Gaon include frag- sure skittish buyers about their provenance. In ments of a biblical commentary and a rebut- 2010, two professors reportedly accused him After weight loss, many people suffer in silence. Excess skin tal to the claims of a local heretic. Poems also of trafficking in stolen antiquities and protest- were recovered. ed his scheduled appearance at a conference in left behind after rapid or excessive weight loss can cause rashes, “I think that it’s a very important find,” said Israel. Goldelman’s lawyer denied the accusa- pain and even infection. Shaul Shaked, an emeritus professor at the He- tions and threatened to sue for libel. brew University of Jerusalem who saw some None of the experts who have spoken pub- At The Center for Plastic & Reconstruction Surgery we can of the documents in London several months licly on the matter of the Afghan documents help by surgically removing excess tissue and contouring the ago. “This is the first time that we have a large appeared to be too troubled by unanswered quantity of handwritten documents from that questions about their origins, seeming to ac- body to help complete your weight loss transformation. area, from Afghanistan, where we knew vaguely cept such things as the cost of doing business For more information, watch a brief there was some kind of Jewish settlement, a in ancient artifacts. Paul Izenberg, MD Jewish community, but we had very vague ideas “What is important for us is that these David Hing, MD video with before and after photos and about what their life was like.” fragments and documents don’t get buried Richard Beil, MD commentary by Dr. David Hing Daniel Sherick, MD Wolfe told JTA that he had the opportunity again in some safe of a collector,” said Hag- at CreatingTimelessBeauty.com to purchase a small portion of the documents gai Ben-Shammai, a professor of Arabic at Ian Lytle, MD recently and is holding them in Jerusalem Hebrew University and the academic direc- or call to schedule your consultation: until a national institution can come up with tor of Israel’s National Library. Ben-Shammai 734-712-2323 the money to acquire them. He declined to said the library was searching for a donor who say how much he paid for them, where he got would acquire the manuscripts on its behalf. them or how much it would cost to deliver “We don’t have the means to acquire them www.facebook.com/CPRSA2 them to a museum. on our own,” Ben-Shammai said. “We need In all probability, the manuscripts were ille- some assistance in this.” n Reichert Health Center, Ann Arbor / Offices in Brighton, Chelsea, Dearborn & Saline

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 21 I Arts & Culture

Jewish media tries to make its mark Israel again going to the Oscars gate By Dan Klein NEW YORK (JåçTA)—It is a strange irony: can rely on language barrier to make people have with a Joseph Cedar entry Jews have been successful in the television busi- to watch your material,” TJC’s Weiss said. “With the By Tom Tugend ness—but Jewish TV, not so muc It’s not for Jewish audience, everyone speaks English.” LOS ANGELES (JTA)—Joseph Cedar is on a resemble his family or their relationships. lack of trying. Right now, no fewer than three Golub said it was an uphill fight to sell cable pretty good run: The Israeli director has made “The film’s Talmudists in no way represent my Jewish-focused national cable channels are try- companies on Shalom TV and the concept of a four movies in his 11-year career, and the first father and myself,” said the younger Cedar, who as ing to carve out a viable niche within the already Jewish channel. “No one had ever been able to three have represented his country at the Acad- an Orthodox Jew is a rarity among Tel Aviv film- small niche for Jewish TV. It’s a road others have convince a major cable system to launch a Jewish emy Awards for best foreign-language film. makers. “Actually, their relationship is my night- taken in the past, only to reach a dead end. network. There was every kind of ethnic, Haitian, One made the cut of five finalists, but a -Ce mare, not my reality.” Jay Sanderson, who served for 21 years as CEO Russian, Spanish television. There was Christian, dar film has yet to capture a golden statuette. In Yet Footnote explores the balance between un- of the Jewish Television Network, knows better but no Jewish,” Golub said. “No cable system fact, no Israeli film has ever won an Oscar. compromising honesty and family relationships. than most. “There’s been dozens of attempts and would say that we’re going to devote server space to Cedar and many of his countrymen are “What if my son becomes a more successful dozens of failures,” said Sanderson, now the presi- feature a Jewish channel in its own lineup of chan- hoping that his fourth entry, Footnote, will director than I am, but makes movies that I hate?” dent of the Jewish Federation of Greater Los An- nels alongside MSNBC, the Cooking Channel. prove to be the charm when nominations for asks Cedar, who explored the gulf between obser- geles. “It’s a cycle that’s been happening for 30-plus We convinced them.” In addition to Shalom TV, the 84th Academy Awards are announced on vant and secular Israelis in his first two films, In years. People want it to happen.” Golub is president of the Russian Media Group, January 24. Time of Favor and Campfire. “Will I tell him how The current Jewish television channels— which produces two of its own Russian-language Sixty-three countries, from Albania to Viet- I really feel or preserve family harmony?” The Jewish Channel, Shalom TV and Jewish Life channels and also distributes a package of satellite nam, are vying in the foreign-language film On a national scale, the insistence on one’s Television—have scored some successes. They all channels aimed at Russian speakers. Golub is a co- category, and there are no guarantees about absolute truth contributes to civic violence in Is- launched in the past five years. creator of the company’s flagship Russian Televi- which will make the cut. rael, Cedar believes. “We now have a generation The Jewish Channel garnered national atten- sion Network of America, a 20-year-old cable and Last year was the first in memory that no that considers ‘compromise’ a bad word, and so- tion twice in the last two months with news broad- satellite channel that targets immigrants from the domestic or foreign film dealing with the Ho- cial harmony has been taken hostage by people casts that ended up metastasizing into international former Soviet Union, most of whom are Jewish. locaust or the Nazi era was en- who claim to know the absolute stories. Launched in 2007 as a subscription video Representatives of all three English-language tered in any Oscars category. truth,” he said. on-demand channel, TJC has been touted as “a channels cast their projects not as luxuries but as On that basis, I predicted that Although Footnote has not Jewish film festival in your living room.” But it has necessities in the Jewish community. the Schindler’s List and Inglou- yet been released in American been the channel’s news coverage, which makes up “If the Jewish culture was not a rich culture, rious Basterds era had passed theaters, it has received favorable a small fraction of TJC’s overall programming and you could say there’s no place for Jewish television,” and that the historical genre reviews. At the Cannes Film Fes- mostly is not original content—that has thrust the Weiss said. “But in a community that produces as would deal with more recent tival, Footnote was awarded the channel into the public eye. many cultural pieces as we produce, as much fas- conflicts and genocides. top prize for best screenplay, and A November news report on an Israeli govern- cinating political news discussion and as much It took only a year to prove in the United States the National ment-sponsored ad campaign urging Israeli expa- fascination with Israel—that culture needs a TV the prophecy wrong with Po- Board of Reviews of Motion triates in the United States to return home sparked channel, it wants a TV channel and it deserves one.” land’s entry this year, In Dark- Pictures placed the film among an uproar in the United States, with many suggest- Weiss told JTA that TJC has 50,000 subscribers who ness. The movie’s settings and the five top foreign-language ing that the ads were dismissive of American Juda- pay $5 to $7 a month. He said the channel expects emotions are as lightless as the features. ism. The Israeli government ultimately apologized to begin turning a profit sometime this year. underground sewers of Lvov, But the Oscar competi- and ended the campaign. Phil Blazer, the founder of JLTV, says his chan- where a dozen Jewish men, tion in the foreign-language And in December, TJC landed a sit-down nel’s audience has grown on DIRECTV to nearly 2 women and children hid for category is rough and the interview with Newt Gingrich in which the Re- million households monthly. Based on that figure, 14 months during the German Academy Awards selection publican presidential candidate suggested that the he estimates that an additional 1 million viewers occupation of Poland. Their unlikely protector committee is widely considered unpredictable, Palestinians are an “invented” people. Gingrich’s are watching on other cable affiliates. Blazer attrib- was a rough-hewn Polish sewage worker and if not erratic. remarks drew headlines and criticism from GOP uted the relatively large viewership to the channel’s part-time thief who knew all the hiding places The Netherlands’ entry, Sonny Boy, tells the ac- rivals, including Mitt Romney. appeal to Christian audiences interested in Juda- in the underground system—it’s where he tual story of two unlikely rescuers, a middle-aged Steven I. Weiss, the director of original pro- ism and Jewish culture. worked and stashed his loot. Dutch housewife who runs off with and marries a gramming and new media at TJC as well as its Shalom TV says that its on-demand program- At the helm of In Darkness is the superb Pol- black Surinamese student more than 20 years her news anchor, credited the channel’s success to ming is accessed by 40,000 to 50,000 households ish director Agnieszka Holland (Europa, Europa), junior. Under the German occupation they hide “hard work and good luck, and doing the hard monthly. Shalom TV says it tracks audience us- whose forte is to delineate the shades of the human several Jews in their home. Similar to Anne Frank’s work until you get lucky.” ing the media organization RenTrak; JLTV uses character. As in her other works, the strengths and fate, the couple is betrayed and arrested, and they While TJC officials describe their channel as Kantar Media. TJC declined to say how it tracks its weakness of the victims, heroes, villains and by- die in captivity. a Jewish HBO, Shalom TV—a free on-demand numbers. None of the channels provided original standers vary with time and circumstance. One trend among foreign film producers is channel launched in 2006—describes itself as tracking documents, and JTA was unable to inde- “I have always been intrigued by the con- the growing emphasis on such themes as inter- a Jewish version of C-SPAN and PBS. Shalom pendently verify their viewership claims. tradictions and extremes in human nature,” nal conflicts, problems of immigrants and life TV features educational programming, including Blazer says that JLTV, which is a for-profit she said in a phone interview. “I wonder at how under the former Soviet occupation of Eastern Hebrew lessons, as well as videos of Jewish events, company, generated $2 million in gross advertis- fragile and how strong we are, how evil and ir- European countries. Examples are films from lectures, debates and speeches. ing revenue in 2010. He also is the president of the rational under some conditions, and how brave Bosnia and Ireland (ethnic cleansing), Co- In January, the network began operating as a Jewish Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization and compassionate at other times.” lombia (guerrillas vs. the military), the Czech linear cable channel, with programming through- that supplies some of JLTV’s original content. Ac- With Footnote, Cedar centers on the rivalry be- Republic (expulsion of ethnic Germans after out the day, according to Mark Golub, Shalom TV’s cording to IRS filings, Blazer draws no pay from the tween two Talmudic scholars who also are father World War II), Estonia (Soviet army deserter founder and CEO. Golub said that five small cable foundation. Blazer told JTA that he also does not and son. It’s a sharp contrast from the New York returns), Kazakhstan (Soviets invade Afghani- systems across the country will carry the linear receive a salary from the channel itself. native’s previous film, Beaufort, a war film with an stan), Italy and Romania (illegal immigrants) channel initially, while three larger cable systems Golub, Shalom TV’s CEO, also does not re- anti-war message. and Lebanon (Christian-Muslim conflict). have committed to picking it up once it is up and ceive a salary, according to the channel’s IRS filings. “What could be more boring?” I can hear a While many colonials this side of the At- running. The programming also will be streamed The channel, Golub added, is a nonprofit that has younger audience moan about Footnote. But in the lantic consider the King’s English as a foreign online. been funded by him and his brother to the tune of hands of Cedar, 43, the film has more tension per language, this year the United Kingdom actu- Jewish Life Television, which launched in “seven figures” over the past four years. Shalom TV frame than a gun-toting action picture or apoca- ally submitted an entry in the foreign-language 2007, already is operating as a 24/7 linear chan- raises additional funds through outside donations lyptic sci-fi epic. category. The film Patagonia is set in a Welsh nel. It airs a variety of programming, from music and by selling DVDs of its programming. Golub Both Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik, father and son, settlement in southern Argentina, and the videos and cooking shows to religious services said he is starting to seek additional funding. are shining lights in the Department of Talmudic characters speak Welsh and Spanish. and entertainment news. JLTV appears on cable “We wanted to prove that a Jewish television Studies of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, In both the United States and Europe, the systems across the country, and recently joined network was viable and could have an impact where rivalries are fierce. To the two Shkolnik phi- critical favorite is the Iranian entry, A Separa- DIRECTV to be broadcast in all 50 states. In before we talked to the foundations about fund- lologists, the stakes in their lifelong studies of the tion, which has won a string of awards at inter- December, JLTV broadcast and streamed online ing,” Golub said. Sanderson, however, was less op- authenticity and meaning of each word in differ- national film festivals. President Obama’s speech at the Union for Re- timistic. “I’m sure some of the programming has ent Talmudic versions and editions are far higher The film by Asghar Farhadi masterfully form Judaism’s biennial conference. redeeming value,” he said. “The question is—is it than the struggles of warring countries or the rise combines an easily recognizable situation—an Officials at all three channels say there are dis- worth the cost and will it succeed and will it make and fall of national economies. impending divorce in an upper-middle-class tinct challenges in creating a television network an impact and will it penetrate the Jewish Ameri- The director, himself the son of renowned family—with the strange atmosphere, pieties and aimed at a broader American Jewish audience. “If can community in ways that are successful? I think Hebrew University biochemist Howard Cedar, judicial proceedings of an unfamiliar society. n you’re reaching Russian, Chinese audiences, you history doesn’t lie in this particular world.” firmly rejects the assumption that the protagonists The Oscars will be presented February 26. n

22 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 IBest Reads

Wendy Wasserstein at center stage in new biography Rochel Urist, staff writer endy Wasserstein, who died of Christopher Durang, actors Meryl Streep pitch-perfect memory made for credible her plays, I found the person intriguing, and cancer at age 55, was the first fe- and Sigourney Weaver, and playwright- dialogue, but her friends felt betrayed. A few I thank Julie Salamon for placing her center W male playwright to win a Tony composer William Finn (Falsettos). She later shut their doors against her. An earlier play stage. Award. She won it for the heidi Chronicles in became close with André Bishop (founder- prompted the termination of Wasserstein’s Salamon is a consummate journalist, an 1989. The play earned her the Pulitzer Prize director of Playwrights Horizons) and Frank brother’s marriage after her sister-in-law saw exhaustive researcher, and a prolific writer. that same year. She was 39. Today she is the Rich, among others. Brustein was herself aped on stage. She is often described as a novelist in a jour- subject of Julie Salamon’s elegant page-turn- no fan of Was- One might argue that such nalist’s garb. Her oeuvre includes Rambam’s er, Wendy and the lost boys: the uncommon serstein’s work. collateral damage is irrelevant ladder, a meditation on the practice and ne- life of Wendy Wasserstein. He dismissed it to discussion of her work. Writ- cessity of tzedakah (charitable giving); hospi- Julie Salamon captures Wasserstein in all as soap-opera. her bubbly, clever, neurotic, smiling, ambi- But he graciously tious, conflicted, witty, and determined acknowledged complexity. The youngest of five children, her success with Wasserstein looked to family for comfort a congratulatory and closeness, though she never satisfied her telegram when she mother’s wish that she slim down, marry, won the Pulitzer. and have children. When she won the Pu- Sixteen years later, litzer, her mother, Lola, gushed to friends when she died of and family: “Wendy won the Nobel Prize!” cancer, even her adding, “I’d be just as happy if she brought detractors gasped. home a husband.” Nine years later, at age 48, Few knew she was Wasserstein gave birth to a daughter, Lucy, ill. An ex-boyfriend having kept her pregnancy secret from her remarked that if mother and almost everyone else. The child’s Wasserstein had paternity remains a mystery. known that news Salamon herself grew up amid family of her death would secrets. At age 10, for instance, she learned hit the front page of from cousins that her father had been mar- the New York Times, ried before, and that his wife and daughter she’d have stayed alive! were killed in Auschwitz. Salamon has spent The “lost boys” of Salamon’s title refer her career uncovering secrets, and the secrets to the many young men of Wasserstein’s she exposes in this book have surprised even life, including an institutionalized brother people who knew Wasserstein well. Many who was discovered in middle age by his as- reported to Salamon that they never saw be- tounded siblings. “Lost boys” also includes neath Wasserstein’s sunny façade. They were Wendy’s mother’s first husband, who died Wendy Wasserstein with her daughter, Lucy Jane, in 1999 aware of her wit, moxie, drive and devotion prematurely, after fathering Lola’s first two ers, after all, have long mined their lives for tal, which follows the trials and tribulations to family. They knew her warmth and imme- children. For most of her life, Wendy thought material. Many modern classics—plays of of a young medical resident, a Nebraska na- diacy, her ability to make them laugh, espe- her eldest sister was born of the same father, Tennessee Williams, Lillian Hellman, Eugene tive, as he moves from big sky country into cially when she recapitulated conversations and she knew nothing of the unseen brother. O’Neill and Athol Fugard—spring to mind. the polyglot chaos of Maimonides Hospital, almost verbatim. But they were unaware of “Lost boys” also refers to the legion of gay The problem is that in the eyes of many crit- which boasts myriad translators for the 70 her deep-rooted sense of insecurity, of the men who were Wasserstein’s bosom buddies. ics, mine included, Wasserstein’s plays are languages spoken by the patient population. store of zealously guarded family secrets, She referred to many of them as “my hus- deeply flawed. Her plays lack structural in- Excerpts of hospital first appeared in the and of her relentless but futile drive to please bands.” One published a book called Diary tegrity. Her characters lack depth. They are New yorker. Salamon has also written for her mother. Salamon allows her subject’s life of a lost boy. Others referred to Wendy as the overly reliant on the playwright’s gift for the New york times, the Wall street Journal, to unfold without preamble or speculation, one who will not grow up; who tells stories gab—or gags—that she produced in abun- Vanity Fair, Vogue, and the New Republic. and she holds us in thrall as we watch Wendy to her lost boys. dance. A brilliant friend of mine was one of She wears her learning lightly, a fact under- and her siblings morph inexorably into vari- Salamon writes of Wasserstein’s uncanny Wasserstein’s chums at Yale. He once said of scored by the absence of any mention, in any ants of their feared, formidable, and secretive gift of recall for dialogue, which allowed her her: “There’s no one funnier as a dinner com- of her book jacket bios, that she holds a law mother. But this mother managed to raise to mimic the tropes of her generation and panion, but she can’t write a play to save her degree from NYU. four ferociously accomplished children. become an object of worship to many. But soul.” His corroboration of my own harsh Julie Salamon’s work is always rewarding. Wasserstein studied playwriting at Yale she ruffled many feathers. In her first big assessment of her work felt vindicating. But And note: you don’t have to know theatre to School of Drama during Robert Brustein’s success, uncommon Women and others, she his friendship with her kindled the curios- love this book. n tenure as dean. She was in the company of reproduced late-night conversations from ity I have long felt about the person behind theatre luminaries, including playwright her undergraduate days at Mt. Holyoke. Her these plays. Though I never much cared for

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Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 23 I On Another Note

Music and Midrash by Sandor Slomovits y interview subject this month when I was in my Jimmy Buffet phase a write a midrash which fills in the gaps in But I have been astounded by the power is someone who needs no intro- while ago, I had this live concert CD of his the story, that midrash takes on much more that music has, and the power that it has to M duction to the Ann Arbor area and I was listening to it for the first time. I power, because it has a connection with the touch a place in people…I’ll give you an ex- Jewish community. Rabbi Robert Dobrusin hadn’t looked at the index, and sure enough, text. So when I hear Allan Sherman singing ample. I once gave a sermon in which I want- has been the spiritual leader of Beth Israel he plays a version of “Jamaica Farewell.” In the line from the song that’s a takeoff on ed to quote a line from the song “The Boxer” Congregation since 1988. In the past couple that concert version that I was listening to, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and he by Paul Simon, but I wanted to quote a line of years I’ve been fortunate enough to read he said something that was not in the regular version of the rough drafts of a book he’s working on of like “This is for Harry song, but in the version that Simon and Gar- his life stories and sermons. I was particu- Belafonte. I hope you funkel sang in their concert in Central Park larly intrigued by one of the chapters in that like what we’ve done in 1981. (That I could have gone to because I book, in which Rabbi Dobrusin writes about to your song.” And I was in Rabbinical school in New York at the music. That chapter inspired the following realized that there was time, but I didn’t, and I don’t know why, one discussion. a tremendously pow- of the bad choices I made in my life.) erful statement in that In any event, there was a verse to that song WJN: I’ve known from discussions we’ve had, about midrash, how that they added in that concert, and one of that you really enjoy music, that it’s a fre- we read text. There is the lines was, “After changes upon changes quent companion in your day-to-day life. In a text that exists and we are more or less the same.” I wanted to use your book, in the chapter about music, you then somebody else that line, and as I started to think about the tell a funny story about singing along with gets a hold of it, and sermon, which was a High Holiday sermon, the CD player in your car. reads it, interprets it, I found the opportunity to teach something, Rabbi Dobrusin: I don’t know if it’s common covers it so to speak, to teach the concept of a niggun, a wordless for a lot of people or if it’s just me, but I’ll to use a musical term, melody used in prayer. I started to ask my- find one particular style, or one performer in a completely differ- self, are there any niggunim that come out of that I’ll just listen to constantly for a month ent way. And it doesn’t contemporary music—again using my un- or a little bit longer, and then I still like them, matter whether Harry derstanding of contemporary music—that but I move on to something else. A few years Belafonte liked it or people would immediately recognize and ago, for whatever reason, I started listen- not because it’s there, would sing along with? I started the sermon ing to music by Queen. I’m always twenty standing on its own. by saying, after talking a little about what That’s how it stands a niggun was, that there is “a beautiful and years too late with these things. (Laughter) Rabbi Robert Dobrusin I was driving to a funeral in Detroit and I now, and there will haunting niggun [in a contemporary song] had my dark coat on and my dark hat and always be people who will love that version sings of “trampling through the warehouse that is repeated over and over at the end, be- I was completely lost in one of the songs. I and people who will despise it, some who where the drapes of Roth were stored” that coming almost hypnotic. If you know it, and I was singing along and, I’m sure, banging on will consider it a great improvement or a only is funny if you know the original. “The hope you do, please feel free to join with me.” the steering wheel. It must have been quite terrible step back. And I really got to think- Battle Hymn of the Republic” doesn’t have And I sang the “lie la lie” from “The Boxer,” a sight, especially for the people in the car ing about the power that it has when any a problem being well–known, but there and I’ll tell you that three quarter of the con- that pulled up beside me. It’s lucky that rabbi, or any person who stands up to give are plenty of other songs that Sherman gregation was singing along. I was stunned. I those people weren’t heading to that same a d’var Torah, or anybody who stands up to gave new life to because people heard his thought three or four people would join me. funeral, (Laughter) because that would have interpret a text, really is covering it in their versions and maybe they went back to the It got me to be able to start, and it got people been really embarrassing. The idea of telling own way. If we have a connection with the original. The first one that everybody thinks connected with what I was about to do. And a humorous story, if it’s appropriate, from original text, as I did with the song, we find of when they think of Allan Sherman is of course we know the power of religious the bima, during a funeral, that I have no ourselves either tremendously drawn to that “Hello Muddah, Hello Fuddah,” which, as music, we know the power from Hassidic problem with. It’s just driving there, aren’t I new version, because it’s perpetuated the old I only later found out, was actually a piece niggunim, but I think this enabled people supposed to be gearing myself up for some- version—and that’s really good—or we find of classical music called the Dance of the who aren’t tied into that to connect to that thing, and here I am…. it to be repulsive because it’s taken some- Hours by the 19th century composer, Pon- idea of what music can do. thing that’s sanctified in a way, and under- chielli. Maybe you could get away with it I’m careful how many times I do this, WJN: Do you remember the song? mined it. By the way, I like his version very now because time has passed, but certainly but sometimes… I remember I gave a ser- much, but it doesn’t bring back the memo- 20, 30 years ago, no serious orchestra was mon on a very, very serious theological issue Rabbi Dobrusin: It might have been “Crazy ries that Harry Belafonte’s does. going to play that piece of music because and felt that, while it was very accessible to Little Thing Called Love,” but I don’t re- they knew that half the audience would people, I wanted to ground it in something member. I just remember being so totally WJN: Being who you are, you view the world to start singing, “Hello Muddah, Hello Fud- that people could walk away with. I used the embarrassed. (Laughter) And then I let that a certain extent through the lens of being a dah.” And yet, at the same time, that’s given tag line, “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” by embarrassment go by because I figured this religious Jew, a rabbi, and so when you hear that music life. That’s kept that music go- Jim Steinman, made famous by Meat Loaf, is what music is, this is what music does. any song lyric, it’s filtered through those ing. And that’s similar to some of what which is just an incredible song, I think, and lens, but it’s interesting to me that you would WJN: You write about hearing the Harry Be- midrash does. It does keep stories alive. By used it to relate to this teaching that I was think of midrash when you hear a new cover lafonte song, “Jamaica Farewell,” as a child, interpreting them in a contemporary way doing. And again, it really resonated with of an old song. and then your experience of hearing Jimmy we keep them alive as well. people. It gets people listening who may not Buffet’s version years later. otherwise listen, and it gives people that cue Rabbi Dobrusin: I think that I first learned WJN: You write about referring to song lyr- about midrash, although I didn’t know it at to be able to remember, and finally, it urges Rabbi Dobrusin: My parents loved music, es- ics in your sermons. In fact you devoted a the time, by listening to Allan Sherman, who people to listen for the serious midrashic pecially my father, but they didn’t listen to whole sermon to Allan Sherman. Have any by the way, I think was an absolute genius messages in songs. The person who wrote much music at home. My father played the of your members ever said to you, “Rabbi, in the way he used language and in the way “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” did not have piano by ear and sang a little off key, but he could you stay a little farther from contem- he was able to use his voice. Clearly he did anything theological in mind, I’m quite sure, loved it. If there was somebody on TV, a porary music, please?” not have that good a voice at all, but still it and I wouldn’t claim it has a hidden mes- singer or classical music, we’d listen, but they was captivating. Unlike Jimmy Buffett, Al- Rabbi Dobrusin: Well, I’m sure somebody has sage. I’m bringing the message; I’m reading didn’t actually sit down at the record player. lan Sherman takes a text and completely said that. First of all, one of the things that into the song. But I have this memory that my mother had changes that text. But you still remember the I always preface with is that when I’m talk- We all do this, of course. We listen with a kind of a scratchy 45-RPM version of Har- original, and it’s only because you know the ing about contemporary music, I’m talk- our ears. I’m listening with different ears ry Belafonte singing “Jamaica Farewell.” And original that it works. So similarly with mi- ing about music from the 1960s, 70s and than the artist did. That meant something for some reason, either because she played it drash. We have a tradition called aggadah, in maybe the early 80s. That’s contemporary to the artist who created the song, while for over and over or she played it one time and which people just tell stories about texts. So, music to me. I mean I know some contem- us it may mean something that relates to it stuck in my mind, I just associate that song for example, Abraham’s father is known in porary songs, but very rarely would I use our lives. And I think the same is true when with a very quiet time of my youth. I associ- the Jewish tradition as selling idols. There’s something that I didn’t grow up with, or we read the prayer book in Jewish tradition. ate it with summer vacations at a beach cot- nothing in the Torah that indicates that. So, didn’t feel a really strong connection with. People will say to me, “I can’t accept what tage that we had, and in later years when I it’s a nice story, but it has no connection And also, I don’t do it [refer to song lyrics in these words mean.” And I say, “Well, you’ve would hear that recording it always brought with anything in the Torah. If you can find sermons] so often that I’m hoping people got a few choices. One is you don’t say them. back extraordinary memories to me. So, a hook in the language of the Torah and don’t get tired of it. Two is you say them even though you don’t

24 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 believe in them.” Neither of which I would just stick to the written notes first, rather listening to the radio about a year ago and than saying, “I’m going to stick with the endorse, but I would endorse looking at than immediately improvising. I wonder I heard that Neil Diamond had produced a midrash that exists in the Talmud.” Why the text and asking, “What is this saying to whether that’s something that early on was new CD in which he took some of his fa- do I say that? Because very few traditional me?” And even if it’s something different a personality trait that led you to feel like vorite songs, one or two that he’d written, Jews can read a story in the Torah, if they than the author intended, once you put it you wanted and needed to be able to make I think, and some that others had written, are learned, without hearing the tradi- out there, as a prayer, as a poem, or as a your own interpretations. and he redid them, without any desire to tional midrashim that have been written song, it’s open season for anybody to say, necessarily match the original songs. One on it. The story of the exodus, the midrash “I’m finding my meaning in this,” and then Rabbi Dobrusin: I would like to think it was, of the songs on there is “Midnight Train is in the Hagaddah. Jews have never been you can say it more comfortably. that it wasn’t just laziness. (Laughter) I was to Georgia” and he sings it as this slow, sad fundamentalists, that is the point. We’ve There are many cases where there are songs never known as one who had to color out- ballad, where you can really feel the disap- always engaged in midrash. The question that I hear and I know that the writer didn’t side the lines. (Laughter) I do use that as a pointment. Now the original is a beautiful is do we want to write our own or do we mean that but…the best example of that is a metaphor for what you’re asking, because song, there’s no question, but it’s different. want to go by what somebody else said. song by KENNY, “Watching the River Run.” certainly I had a lot of trouble early on in So, if we have a text in our tradition The problem with writing your own is, I am quite sure that they were absolutely not college, and even a little bit at times later— that for years, for centuries, has been un- what you just said, to be authentic it has to talking about tashlich, the ceremony done on though of course in Rabbinical school they derstood as intending to convey a certain be in some way backed up by a knowledge the banks of a river on Rosh Hashana! (Laugh- understood this—because I would often emotion, and I, or anybody comes with of and a respect for the process. I would ter) But when I hear that song, I cannot hear interpret texts that I wasn’t supposed to in- their experience and points out how it re- not call somebody who took a text in the it without thinking about tashlich. Now, they terpret. I was supposed to understand them ally can be understood in a different way, Torah and completely held it up for public may not have been thinking about that, but on the simplest level, on the basic level, and whatever the text is, it can be understood ridicule, as doing midrash. But, that’s an clearly the song is about the passage of time, I would give my own twist to them. I was as positive, rather than negative, as happy extreme. I think it’s tremendous, and very, clearly it’s about finding places of meaning, writing my own midrash. Certainly now, a rather than sad, as challenging rather than very powerful, when people have that re- and that is the way I look at the world, pro- lot of people will say, and they say this to comforting, that’s the power of it and we spect, or at least that curiosity, even if they fessionally and personally, that resonates with rabbis in general sometimes, “Why can’t the make it what we want. don’t have the knowledge of the traditional the Jewish ritual. I can’t hear the song without text just say what it says? Why do you have background, to look at a text and say, “I thinking of it. They have their meaning, but to take it and argue with it, or move it in a WJN: There are purists in every field. People see something different in this.” I can tell I’m interpreting it with mine. different direction? Or, why do you come who say, “If you don’t do Shakespeare the you stories about people in classes of mine I think it was listening to my all time up with this crazy question about the text, way Olivier did it…” Would you agree that who’ve had no Jewish background what- favorite songwriter, Harry Chapin’s music when the text says this?” And that’s part of while freedom is essential, it’s also impor- soever, who look at a story and see things that really gave me the sense of the power what we’re trying to do as rabbis. Is it frus- tant that if you’re going to “cover” some- that none of us ever saw, partly because of words. He has a line, “A song don’t have trating? It’s sometimes frustrating because thing you need to have a background of we’ve been trained to look in a particular much meaning when it don’t have nothing people just want to see the text the way it is. knowledge and respect for the original? direction. Maybe because we don’t have the to say.” To me that’s what music is supposed But I can’t just teach the text the way it is. expertise in the particular area that they It’s there, you can read it, anyone can read Rabbi Dobrusin: They’re both great points. to be. And it’s not that I can’t enjoy a song I want to make a distinction between two do, maybe it’s poetry, maybe it’s linguistics, that doesn’t have anything to say, but it’s not it, and anybody can do what a rabbi does. maybe they look at a section of the Torah You just have to feel the freedom to do that, things, first of all. One is between practice, going to be the one that’s going to stick in and study and learning. There are many and they know something about agricul- my mind. It’s not going to be the one that to ask the questions, to improvise on it, be- ture that I don’t know…. There’s a book come Allan Shermans with the text. people who say, “I’ll do a lot of midrash, I’ll will occur to me in the middle of writing a interpret text, but my observance is what on my shelf, from a Christian perspective, sermon, that this is the piece that I need. WJN: You said that in Rabbinical school they my observance is, and that’s something called a shepherd looks at the 23rd Psalm. But I have to tell you, I still like music understood this. different.” People who are very, I wouldn’t It’s fantastic. You could find somebody who for what it is. Every song doesn’t have to even say strict, but traditional in their ob- has never looked at this Psalm before, “The be Torah. Sometimes a song is just a song, Rabbi Dobrusin: Yes, I think that they were servance, can still engage in this. It’s two Lord is my shepherd,” but who grew up be- and that’s wonderful too. It’s just pure fun. trying to train us to interpret. So they un- different aspects of what Judaism is. But ing a shepherd, look what they could tell If I hear Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in derstood if they were asking you to explain my argument would be that no Jew who me about this psalm. So they may have no Paradise,” I am not about to say—although something, and you were throwing your- is serious about Torah study is not doing knowledge of it, may have no knowledge he does mention kosher pickles—I’m not self into the explanation, they might write this midrash business. The point though of the context of it, but they know shep- about to say this is some philosophical in the margins, “Why don’t you leave this is that very often there is a difference be- herding. That’s what I think the point is. statement. (Laughter) And I’m not going for the class where you learn how to give tween those who will only depend upon So I don’t think people can get themselves to turn it into that. I’m just going to like it sermons.” So there was an understanding the midrash that was written two thou- off the hook too quickly by saying, “I don’t for what it is, and that’s good too. that people were going to do that with the sand years ago, or eighteen hundred years know anything about….” I think if you text. My college professors didn’t necessar- come in with the proper attitude you still WJN: You write about taking piano lessons ago, or maybe today by some very, very ily understand that. learned individual they respect, as opposed have so much to share. n as a child and how your teacher said that It is a process and it is a process of inter- you could be a fine pianist if you would to those who are a little more free to con- pretation. Here’s a perfect example. I was tinue that process through the years, rather

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 25 I Calendar

Havdalah Pajama Party: JCC-Early Childhood monetary quandaries that are both personal and February 2012 Center. Includes a pizza dinner, a Havdalah ser- professional. Grounded in 3,000 years of tradi- Friday 10 vice, pillowcase making, storytelling, and an eve- tion and practical experience, an ancient yet ning snack. $5 per person. For information or to fresh spin on how we view ethics and money will Lunch with the Torah: TBE. Rabbi Levy will Wednesday 1 register, contact Noreen DeYoung at noreendey- be presented. 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad House and teach an informal session about the Torah. [email protected] or phone 971-0990. 6 p.m. 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Every Tuesday. Bring lunch and join in the lively conversation. Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Cha- SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Noon–1 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. bad. Learn more about the mystical dimen- Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or $10/3 Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. sions of the Torah. 1 hour before sundown. sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at Every Saturday. noon; Games and activities including mahjong, 761-2765 for information. Thursday 2 Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study quilting for the patients of Mott Hospital, art Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Jewish projects and card games, 1 p.m. Wii sports in- Shabbat for ages 5 and under, and Tot and Suk- Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every Saturday. cluding bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. No kat Shalom at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:00 p.m. Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- experience necessary. 1 p.m. Open computer Shira and Sukkat Shalom Shabbat for ages 5 ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. time with a tutor available, 1 p.m. Call for reser- through 10 at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Family Ser- SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise vations and more information. Every Tuesday. vice honoring 2nd Grade with Middle School with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Sunday 5 Bible Literature and History Class: JCC Seniors. Shir Chadash (MSSC) at 7:30 p.m. Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- First session of Washtenaw Community Col- Kids’ Night Out: JCC. Featuring crafts and games, ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for lege class taught by Dr. Lizabeth Fried. This a movie and a pizza dinner. The evening will Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, Noon; Special Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the semester’s class will cover “Ezra in History and begin with an optional talent show for anyone events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Sidney prayer book, an overview of the weekly Torah Tradition: Inquiry in to God’s Justice.” To reg- interested in showing off their singing, dancing, Warschausky Literary Group facilitated by reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. at ister, call 971-0990. music, magic or other skills. Tonight’s film will group members at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Po- Chabad House. Every Sunday. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). All be Kung Fu Panda 2. Open to JCC members and liner at 971-0990 for name of current book. Tu B’shevat Environmental Programs: JCS. Sev- ages and levels welcome including UM and non-members in grades K-5. Kosher dinner op- Birthdays and Presentation: JCC Seniors: Birth- eral non-profit environmental organizations non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s tions available with advance notice. Registration day celebration for all with February birth- will share their work and lessons. The Ecology Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. and payment due by February 9. RSVP to sho- days, with lunch and birthday cake for family Center will be on hand to test toys for toxicity. For information, call 936-2367. [email protected] or phone 971-0990. and friends at 12:30 p.m. Followed at 1 p.m. Featuring a panel of local experts who will dis- Hebrew 103: TBE. 6:15–7:15 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar with a presentation by John Glenn, who for cuss, “Protecting Our Great Lakes Waters: Do more than thirty years has shared his expertise Women’s Tu B’shevat Seder and Dinner: TBE. In Asian Carp Really Make Good Gefilte Fish?” At the Social Hall. 6:15 p.m. about William Shakespeare with a wide range Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 North Dix- Saturday 11 Tu B’shevat Seder: Pardes Hannah. At Leslie Sci- of audiences. This lively and informative talk boro Road. Metered parking available. For in- ence Center. 7:30 p.m. will set the Bard against a rich description of formation, contact the JCS at 975-9872 or email Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. Elizabethian times. [email protected]. 10 a.m.–Noon. Tu B’shevat Seder: Chabad. Jewish Arbor Day Seder Shabbat Limmud: BIC. With Rabbi Dobrusin. 9 a.m. Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Cantor Rose leads a with special foods and drinks from Israel, plus a Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the Services: AARH. Interactive community service lunchtime session of the book club focusing of study session on the meaning of the day and the basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to features music, singing, modern English read- The Jew in the Lotus, by Rodger Kamanetz. For Jewish perspective on ecology. 7:30 p.m. the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. at Chabad ings and thought provoking Torah discussion. information, contact [email protected] House. Every Sunday. Led by rabbinic intern Aura Ahuvia. To get Noon–1 p.m. World Wide Wrap: BIC. 9:30 a.m. involved, contact [email protected] or visit Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Wednesday 8 Super Bowl Party: BIC Men’s Club. 6 p.m. www.aarecon.org for more information. 10 Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the JCC. legal system by following the intriguing discus- Basic Judaism: TBE. Meets in Room 9/10. 7:45–9 p.m. Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. Mini-Minyan: BIC. For K–2nd graders. 11 a.m. sions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learning Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. rd th of practical law, logical argumentation and moral the deeper meanings to the Jewish way of life. “Klezmer Time Zones:” UM Frankel Center for Kehillat Shabbat: BIC. For 3 –5 graders. 11 a.m. teachings. Study of the original Talmud tractate 8 p.m. Every Sunday. Judaic Studies. Presented by Mark Slobin of Tot Shabbat: BIC. For preschoolers and their Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. Wesleyan University. 202 South Thayer Street, families. 11:15 a.m. Room 2022. 4 p.m. Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Cha- Monday 6 Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. bad. Learn more about the mystical dimen- Friday 3 Men’s Torah Study: TBE. Bi-monthly group sions of the Torah. 1 hour before sundown. English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. open to the community. Led by Roger Stutes- Every Saturday. Lunch with the Torah: TBE. Rabbi Levy will Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– man. For information, contact rgstutesman@ Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study teach an informal session about the Torah. Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays at sbcglobal.net. 7:30–9 p.m. group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Jewish Bring lunch and join in the lively conversation. Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every Saturday. Noon–1 p.m. For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. or email [email protected]. Ongoing. Thursday 9 Meets at the JCC. 1:30 p.m. Call Ray Juni at “Up Against the Wall–Israel in a Changing Mid- 761-2765 for information. dle East:” UM Frankel Center for Judaic Stud- Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- Sunday 12 Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot ies. Symposium at the UM Michigan League– ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. Shabbat for ages 5 and under, and Tot and Suk- Koessler Room, 911 North University. For SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for Wom- kat Shalom at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:00 p.m. information, see www.lsa.umich.edu/judaic/. with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; en: Chabad. An in-depth study into the prayer Shira and Sukkat Shalom Shabbat for ages 5 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- book, an overview of the weekly Torah reading, through 10 at 6:30 p.m. Sisterhood Shabat Ser- Torah Trop: TBE. With Cantor Rose. Noon. ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. Every Sunday. vice with Kol Halev at 7:30 p.m. “Israeli Spring? The Enduring Jewish Ques- $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, Noon; Planning Session: BIC Men’s Club. 9:30 a.m. Special events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Italian Nosh Shabbat: EMU Hillel. Student led tion:” UM Frankel Center for Judaic Studies. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the Sidney Warschausky Literary Group led by Kabbalat Services, or pray without being part Presented by Roger Cohen of the New York basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to group members at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Po- of a formal group service. Student prepared Times. UM Michigan Union–Rogel Ballroom, the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Every Sunday. dinner. 6 p.m. 550 South State Street. For information, see liner at 971-0990 for name of current book. Discussion: BIC Men’s Club. Discussion on “Re- www.lsa.umich.edu/judaic/. 6 p.m. “Political Culture of FSU Jews in Germany, Is- Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar forestation in Israel,” led by Hannah Lis of JNF. rael and the Ukraine:” UM Frankel Center . Cooking Demonstration: Jewish Women’s Circle 5:30 p.m. of Washtenaw County. Plant-based cook- for Judaic Studies. Presented by Olena Bagno- Jewish Parenting Workshop: TBE. “The Blessing Saturday 4 ing demonstration by Jan Kemp, M.Sc. and Moldavski of Stanford University. 202 South of a B Minus – Using Jewish Wisdom to Raise Healthy Eating Specialist. Whole Foods Mar- Thayer Street, Room 2022. Noon. Resilient Teens,” facilitated by Jerry Miller, Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. ket Classroom, 3135 Washtenaw Avenue. $10. Medical Check and Tu B’shevat: JCC Seniors. A PhD and Terri Ginsburg. 6–7:30 p.m. Sixth Grade Shabbat: BIC. Shabbat morning [Note that the meeting time is earlier than nurse from Care Response will monitor blood program. 9:30 a.m. usual.] For information, contact Esther Gold- pressures and address questions at 12:30 p.m., Basic Judaism: TBE. Held in Room 9/10 from 7:45–9 p.m. Learner’s Service: AARH. Part 5 of 9 monthly ses- stein at [email protected]. 7 p.m. followed at 1 p.m. by Rabbi Lisa Delson of sions offered by rabbinic intern Aura Ahuvia. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. Led by Cantor An- Temple Beth Emeth leading a celebration of Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn the Each month, participants explore the histori- nie Rose. 7–8:30 p.m. Tu B’shevat, the New Year of the Trees. deeper meanings of the Jewish way of life. 8 p.m. cal, geographical and political traditions that Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Every Sunday. are part of the Saturday morning service. This Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish month’s theme is The Amidah. This session will Tuesday 7 legal system by following the intriguing discus- Monday 13 discuss why this prayer is regarded as the peak sions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of the service and will explore how to work with “Money Matters–Jewish Business Ethics:” Jewish of practical law, logical argumentation and moral English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. it in a more meaningful way. For information, Learning Institute. Course covering Judaism’s teachings. Study of the original Talmud tractate Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– phone 445-1910. 10 a.m.–noon at the JCC. approach to practical economic dilemmas and Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. 26 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 I Calendar

Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays at zweig, Leo Strauss, and the Last Man.” 202 Senior Lifestyle and Injury Prevention: JCC Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. South Thayer Street, Room 2022. Noon. Monday 20 Seniors. Joyce Kessler, Injury Prevention Co- For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 Song Performance: JCC Seniors. Caroline Helton, ordinator at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, will or email [email protected]. Ongoing. opera singer and professor of voice at the UM February Break Fun Days: JCC Youth. During conduct the second of a series of four sessions. Torah Trop: TBE. Weekly group with with Can- School of Music, will perform songs ranging from Hebrew Day School and Ann Arbor Public This month’s session will concentrate on Fall tor Rose. Noon. opera to jazz to Broadway standards. 1 p.m. School breaks, the JCC Youth Department of- Prevention. 1 p.m. fers full day programs featuring field trips or Thirsty Third Thursday: BIC. BIC Men’s Club. Rolling with Hillel: EMU Hillel. Monthy Bowl- special activities. For JCC members in grades 7:30 p.m. ing Night. $5 for shoe rental, two games, pizza, Tuesday 14 K-5. $38/day ($34/additional siblings); Af- Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. pop, and a chance to win Abraham, the bowl- tercare is an additional $10. Middle school ing mascot. 7 p.m. Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish students may participate at a reduced fee. “Money Matters–Jewish Business Ethics:” Jew- Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. legal system by following the intriguing discus- ($20 per day.) 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Afternoon care ish Learning Institute. 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jewish sions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite is available from 4–6 p.m. For information or House and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Every Tues- legal system by following the intriguing discus- of practical law, logical argumentation and moral to register, contact Shoshana Jackson at sho- day. See February 7. sions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a composite teachings. Study of the original Talmud tractate [email protected] or phone 971-0990. SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with of practical law, logical argumentation and moral Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. Through February 24. Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or $10/3 teachings. Study of the original Talmud tractate sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Taanit chapter 2. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. noon; Games and activities including mahjong, Friday 17 Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– quilting for the patients of Mott Hospital, art Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays at projects and card games. 1 p.m. Wii sports in- Lunch with the Torah: TBE. Rabbi Levy will Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. Friday 24 cluding bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. Open teach an informal session about the Torah. For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 computer time with a tutor available, 1 p.m. No Bring lunch and join in the lively conversation. or email [email protected]. Ongoing. Lunch with the Torah: TBE. Rabbi Levy will experience necessary. 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. Noon–1 p.m. teach an informal session about the Torah. Bible Literature and History Class: JCC Seniors. Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Tuesday 21 Bring lunch and join in the lively conversation. 10 a.m. See February 7. Meets at the JCC. Call Ray Juni at 761-2765 Noon–1 p.m. Weekly Yiddish Reading Group: JCC Seniors. Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). All for information. 1:30 p.m. “Money Matters–Jewish Business Ethics:” Jew- Meets at the JCC. Call Ray Juni at 761-2765 ages and levels welcome including UM and Avi Schaefer Shabbat: EMU Hillel. Join nationwide ish Learning Institute. 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad for information. 1:30 p.m. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s initiative dedicated to IDF veteran Avi Schaefer, House and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. Every Tues- Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. who was killed by a drunk driver in 2010. As a day. See February 7. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot For information, call 936-2367. Shabbat for ages 5 and under, and Tot and Suk- freshman at Brown University, Schaefer made SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with kat Shalom at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:00 p.m. Film and Discussion: UM Frankel Center for Judaic a huge impact on the push to have a respectful Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or $10/3 ses- Shira and Sukkat Shalom Shabbat for ages 5 Studies. “Mogulesco: A Tale of the Yiddish The- dialogue about peace. Students from the Muslim sions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; through 10 at 6:30 p.m. Pulpit Switch with St. ater,” led by Mark Slobin of Wesleyan University. community are especially invited to join in the Games and activities including mahjong, quilt- Clare’s Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. 202 South Thayer Street, Room 2022. 4 p.m. evening’s activities, as participants discuss how to ing for the patients of Mott Hospital, art proj- Hebrew 103: TBE. 6:15–7:15 p.m. continue meaningful dialogue at EMU. Student ects and card games. 1 p.m. Wii sports including Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Services: AARH. Led Movie Night With Miriam: EMU Hillel. Double volunteers are asked to come early to help pre- bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. No experience by rabbinic intern Aura Ahuvia. Services fol- feature night. This month’s theme is “Quirky pare a Kosher/Hallal Mediterranean feast. 6 p.m. necessary. 1 p.m. Open computer time with a tu- lowed by vegetarian potluck dinner. Pizza Classic RomsComs!” Popcorn and soda pro- Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot tor available, 1 p.m. Every Tuesday. nosh for children before services at 6 p.m. and childcare provided during services from 6:15– vided. Potluck items welcome. 7 p.m. Shabbat for ages 5 and under, and Tot and Suk- Bible Literature and History Class: JCC Seniors. 7:30 p.m. Reservations preferred, especially for Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Cantor Rose leads kat Shalom at 5:30 p.m. Tot dinner at 6:00 p.m. 10 a.m. See February 7. Shira and Sukkat Shalom Shabbat for ages 5 pizza and childcare. Contact Jennifer Cohen at an evening session of the book club focusing of Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). All through 10 at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Anniversary 445-1910 or email via website at www.aarecon. The Jew in the Lotus, by Rodger Kamanetz. For ages and levels welcome including UM and and Birthdays Celebration Service at 7:30 p.m. org/contact-us. 6–10 p.m. at the JCC. information, contact [email protected]. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar 7:30–8:30 p.m. Services and Presentation: BIC. Friday Night Service Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. followed by presentation by Dr. Arnold Monto on For information, call 936-2367. Saturday 25 “LaBruit: Judaism and Health.” 7:30 p.m. Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- Hebrew 103: TBE. 6:15–7:15 p.m. Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. Friday evening services: See listing at end of calendar standing it is no simple matter. Study the text Celebrity Cooking Class: JCC. First of four month- Shabbat Limmud: BIC. With Rabbi Dobrusin. 9 a.m. in the original, together with the classical com- ly classes featuring a different prominent Jewish Tot Shabbat: BIC. For preschoolers and their mentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Saturday 18 chef/cook who will lead a class in preparing spe- families. 11:15 a.m. cific dishes. This month’s celebrity is Lori Shepa- Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Cha- Wednesday 15 Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. rd of Simply Scrumptious Catering. $25/session. bad. Learn more about the mystical dimen- RSVP to Sharon Freedland at karenfreedland@ Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Beth Israel sions of the Torah. 1 hour before sundown. jccfed.org or phone 971-0990. 7 p.m. Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. Annex. 10 a.m. Every Saturday. Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. Mystical Insights to the Torah–for Women: Cha- Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- Movie Wednesday: TBE. Film followed by option- bad. Learn more about the mystical dimen- group code of law for Shabbat, and study of standing it is no simple matter. Study the text al discussion. In Adult Lounge from 1–3 p.m. sions of the Torah. 1 hour before sundown. Jewish Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every in the original, together with the classical com- Every Saturday. Saturday. Presentation: UM Frankel Center for Judaic mentaries. 8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday. Studies. Michal Kravel-Tovi, Mandell L. Ber- Laws of Shabbat–Jewish Ethics: Chabad. Study Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. man Postdoctoral Research Felllow in Con- group code of law for Shabbat, and study of Jewish temporary American Jewish Life, presents Ethics, 1/2 hour before sundown. Every Saturday. Wednesday 22 Sunday 26 “An Accounting of the Soul: The Organized Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. American-Jewish Community, Social Science, Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for and the Language of ‘Continuity.’ 202 South Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the Thayer Street, Room 2022. 4 p.m. Sunday 19 Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. prayer book, plus an overview of the weekly Hebrew 102: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Men’s Torah Study: TBE. Bi-monthly group Torah reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 Reading Hebrew through the Prayer Book–for open to the community. Led by Roger Stutes- a.m. Every Sunday. Women: Chabad. An in-depth study into the man. For information, contact rgstutesman@ Thursday 16 prayer book, plus an overview of the weekly To- Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the sbcglobal.net. 7:30–9 p.m. rah reading, with Jewish philosophy. 9:30 a.m. basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Every Sunday. Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- Every Sunday. ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the Jewish Play Reading Group: JCC. 7–9 p.m. See Thursday 23 February 19. SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise basic text of Chassidism and open your eyes to with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; the beauty of Judaism. 10:30 a.m. Every Sunday. Prayer, Weekly Torah Reading and Jewish Philos- Basic Judaism: TBE. Meets in Room 9/10. 7:45–9 p.m. Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- Jewish Play Reading Group: JCC. First of a series ophy–for Women: Chabad. 9 a.m. at the JCC. Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn the ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; of four workshops led by Kate Mendelof, UM SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise deeper meanings of the Jewish way of life. 8 p.m. $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, Noon; Residential College drama professor and direc- with Maria Farquhar, 10 a.m., $4 or 3/$10; Every Sunday. Special events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; tor of Ann Arbor’s annual “Shakespeare in the Current Events with Heather Dombey, a Jew- Sidney Warschausky Literary Group led by Arb,” now in its 11th year. Series fee is $70 for JCC ish perspective on this week’s news, 11 a.m.; $3 Monday 27 grup members at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Poliner members and $85 for non-members. 7–9 p.m. Homemade Dairy Buffet Lunch, noon; Special at 971-0990 for name of current book. Also February 26, March 4 and March 11. events and guest presentations, 1 p.m.; Sidney English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Presentation: UM Frankel Center for Judaic Jewish Concepts–for Women: Chabad. Learn the Warschausky Literary Group led by group Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– Studies. Michael Schlie of Indiana University deeper meanings of the Jewish way of life. 8 p.m. members at 2:15 p.m. Call Merrill Poliner at Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays presents, “The Politics of Evil: Franz Rosen- Every Sunday. 971-0990 for name of current book. Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 27 Don’t Miss this Important Spring Event. You Are Invited... JFS @ UMS March 25, 2012 Rackham Auditorium Reception: 1:30p.m. - 3:30p.m. San Francisco Symphony Mavericks Chamber Concert: 4 p.m. Honoring Carol Amster the 2012 recipient of the Claire and Isadore Bernstein Leadership Award The Award is presented to members of the Ann Arbor community who have made significant contributions to development and growth of Jewish Family Services and demonstrated outstanding community service. the Remembering Herb Amster & Announcing the launch of a special campaign to fund The Herb Amster Center, a new division of JFS, which will create revenue-producing businesses to help fund Jewish Family Services’ client care. HerbThe To give, go to jfsannarbor.orgJFS mster 2245 S. State Street • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.jfsa nnarbor.org • 734- 769- 0209 A Center 2245 S. State Street • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Jewish Family Services A Division of Jewish Family Services www.jfsa nnarbor.org • 734- 769- 0209 of Washtenaw County of Washtenaw County

Tickets for pre-concert reception are $50. Concert tickets are sold through UMS Scan with your To purchase or for more information, please go to (734) 764-2538 • For a 25% discount, use this smartphone for www.jfsannarbor.org or contact Alice Miller at 734- 769-0209 information about code at checkout: JFS@UMS the concert series or [email protected] Must be purchased in advance; not valid on previously purchased tickets.

28 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 I Calendar

at Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Weekly Shabbat services Street. For more information, contact JFS at 769-0209 or email [email protected]. Shabbat Services: AAOM. Morning service, 9:30 ongoing. a.m. Evening service, 35 minutes before sun- Torah Trop: TBE. Weekly group with Cantor set. Call 662-5805 for information. Mincha/ Rose. Noon. Ma’ariv with Seudah Shlisheet and Dvar Torah Gardening Cub Series: JCC. Three-part series every week. Torah topics and a bite to eat. Dis- of workshops, speakers, plant exchanges and cussions led by Rabbi Rod Glogower and other garden tours. At this meeting, a guest gardener local scholars. Home hospitality available for will discuss preparing your vegetable and flow- Shabbat meals. UM Hillel. er gardens for spring and club members will Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m. Morning child- share information about future events. $20 care from 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m. for three-class series; $30 for non-members. Shabbat Services: AA Reconstructionist RSVP to Karen Freedland at karenfreedland@ Havurah. Learners’ Service held first or sec- jccfed.org or phone 971-0990. 7 p.m. ond Saturday each month at the JCC from 10 a.m.–noon. Discussion-based format with changing topics, focusing on historical, geo- Tuesday 28 graphical, and political traditions of different parts of traditional service each month. For “Money Matters–Jewish Business Ethics:” Jew- info, email [email protected] or call 913-9705 ish Learning Institute. 9:30–11 a.m. at Chabad or visit www.aarecon.org. House and 7:30–9 p.m. at the JCC. every tues- Shabbat Services: Chabad. Morning services at day. see February 7. 9:45 a.m. Afternoon services 45 minutes be- SPICE of LIFE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise fore sundown. with Maria Farquhar, 11 a.m., $4/session or Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Gener- $10/3 sessions; $3 Homemade Dairy Buffet ally meets the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each Lunch, noon; Games and activities including month. Call 663-4039 for more information. mahjong, quilting for the patients of Mott 10 a.m. Led by Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg. Hospital, art projects and card games. 1 p.m. Wii sports including bowling, tennis, golf and Shabbat Services: TBE. Torah Study with Rabbi baseball. No experience necessary. 1 p.m. Open Levy at 8:50 a.m. Morning Minyan with Rabbi computer time with a tutor available, 1 p.m. Delson and lay leaders at 9:30 a.m. Sanctuary every tuesday. Service at 10 a.m. most weeks. Call the office at 665-4744 or consult website at www.tem- Bible Literature and History Class: JCC Seniors. plebethemeth.org for service details. Washtenaw Community College class taught by Dr. Lizabeth Fried. This semester’s class will Home Hospitality for Shabbat and Holiday cover “Ezra in History and Tradition: Inquiry Meals: AAOM. Call 662-5805 in advance. in to God’s Justice.” 10 a.m. see February 7. Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). All Shabbat and Holiday. Call 995-3276 in ad- ages and levels welcome including UM and vance. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. Phone numbers and addresses of For information, call 936-2367. organizations frequently listed in Hebrew 103: TBE. 6:15–7:15 p.m. Weekly Torah Portion—for Women: Chabad. the calendar: Reading the Bible may be easy, but under- Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) standing it is no simple matter. Study the 1429 Hill Street 994-5822 text in the original, together with the classical Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah (AARH) commentaries. 8:30 p.m. every tuesday. P.O. Box 7451, Ann Arbor 913-9705 Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) Wednesday 29 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 Chabad House Lunch and Learn: BIC. Bring a dairy lunch. 715 Hill Street 995-3276 Snacks and beverages will be provided. Noon. EMU Hillel 965 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti 482-0456 Weekly Friday night Jewish Community Center (JCC) Shabbat services 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 971-0990 Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 975-9872 Hillel. Call 994-9258 in advance to confirm Jewish Family Services (JFS) time. 2245 South State Street 769-0209 Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. Jewish Federation Shabbat Service: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 5:30 p.m., 2939 Birch Hollow Drive 677-0100 followed by tot dinner. Sukkat Shalom service Pardes Hannah at 6:30 p.m. for “tot grads,” preceded by din- 2010 Washtenaw Ave. 761-5324 ner. Shira at 6:30 p.m. Oneg for Tot and Sukkat Shalom families at 7 p.m. Traditional Service at Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) 7:30 p.m. Once a month Middle School Service 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 at 7:30 p.m. For information, call 665-4744. UM Hillel Shabbat Service: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 Havurah. 6:15 p.m. at the JCC the last Friday each month. Musical Shabbat service followed by vegetarian potluck. Pizza nosh for the kids at 6:00 p.m. Childcare provided during the service. All are welcome to attend. For infor- Shabbat Candlelighting mation, call 975-6527, email mamacohen@ February 3 5:33 pm comcast.net, or visit www.aarecon.org. Shabbat Service: Chabad. Begins at candle-light- February 10 5:42 pm ing time. Home hospitality available for Shab- February 17 5:51 pm bat meals and Jewish holidays. Call 995-3276 in advance. February 24 6 pm

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 29 I Arts & Culture

The Audacity Of “Hope”: Shalom Auslander’s take on history and the Holocaust By Eric Herschthal NEW YORK (N.y. Jewish Week) — When Sha- obsessed with the Holocaust that she actually be- show “This American Life” to promote the book, idols, to Lenny Bruce and Woody Allen, there’s a lom Auslander, a lapsed Orthodox Jew, came lieves she’s a survivor (she isn’t). Even when Pinkus Glass asked him back to contribute occasional on- long line of people who said what if? Why not? out with his wickedly funny memoir Foreskin’s Stephenor offers empirical evidence that, in fact, air stories. Auslander quickly became part of the They were the what-ifers, the questioners, the lament in 2007, he was often mischaracterized violent deaths have actually decreased over the literary establishment. The New Yorker’s editor, s—- stirrers. I like that tradition.” as a New Atheist. It was clear he shared a simi- last several centuries — a real argument made by David Remnick, asked him to contribute pieces Auslander, 40, stopped being traditionally lar disdain for religion with atheists like Chris- Harvard psychologist Steven Pinkus in his current two years ago, then came The New York Times, observant in his mid-20s. He married a secular topher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, but he best-seller the better angels of our Nature: Why The Guardian and GQ. But, Auslander says, “I’m Jewish woman and, like his fictional character never declared himself a non-believer. Violence has Declined — she cannot accept it. the last person in the world I thought this would Kugel, moved to upstate New York several years Rather, his memoir was a painfully comic “Nobody wants to hear that answer, which happen to. I just don’t give a f—-.” ago. He is raising his two children — Paix and Lux testament to his faith, though with a twist: if God is fascinating in its own right,” Pinkus Stephe- As for his beef with the Holocaust, he says his (French for “peace” and Latin for “light,” respec- does exist, then he must be one cruel, uncaring nor says in the novel. “But compared to life in problem stems from childhood. He remembers tively) — with a Jewish identity, but he refused to and ruthless higher being. If God is so good, af- the past — the everyday brutality and violence, being shown footage of death camp survivors have them circumcised by a mohel. ter all, how can he let death and destruction run the endless conflicts and bloodshed — well, the from the time he was about 7, with Holocaust Still, he wonders what he’ll teach them about rampant? We shouldn’t be praising this being, Holocaust wasn’t so bad.” education being hammered down his throat as Judaism once they begin to ask questions about he concluded; we should be cursing him all the All this is couched as an elaborate parody, incessantly as was the fear of God. The implicit God or the Holocaust, having so thoroughly way back behind his pearly gates. but Auslander liked the intellectual dissonance lesson he took from it was: “The world hates skewered the issues in his books. “I’ve written [a Now Auslander is back with a new book, offered by the Pinkus character. “It was a per- you, so don’t leave the fold,” he said. He sees the book about the Holocaust] now, and I still don’t hope: a tragedy, his first novel, and he has taken spective that was needed,” he said. “Pinkus’ Holocaust as (like God) another control mecha- know what the f—- I’m going to tell them. I still on a new enemy: history. Specifically, the Holo- whole point is that, even if we know, math- nism meant to keep Jews together. haven’t figured it out.” caust. hope: a tragedy tells the story of Solomon ematically, that things are better, we still can’t But when asked if his truculent attitude toward To be fair, “Hope: A Tragedy” does offers mo- Kugel, a secular Jew who has fled the urban chaos accept that. We want it to be bad.” Judaism was a rejection of the whole culture, he ments of repose, and some resolution, amid all of Brooklyn and escaped to a bucolic enclave in Auslander also has little trouble breeching was ready with a response: “I continue to be more the creative destruction. While the book is an upstate New York. He buys a cozy home with his taboos. He found the very notion that people observant than most secular Jews I know. Because extended rebuke of the idea of hope — a sort of wife and young son in the hope that all the trou- might consider his Holocaust conceit offen- I struggle with it, and because I think about it a secular god, in Auslander’s telling — he realizes bles of the real world — his Holocaust-obsessed sive, well, offensive. lot more.” His problem is not with the Jewish reli- that it’s something we cannot wish away. mother, his struggling writer sister, his whole Jew- “What’s offensive? That I call Anne Frank a gion or culture per se, only with how they’ve been “Some people will rewrite the past as better ish past — will miraculously disappear. whore?” he said, referring to one of the many hijacked by many Jewish groups, be they secular than it was, some people will rewrite it as worse,” Needless to say, they don’t. The problems re- racy epithets he calls the diarist in the novel. right-wing Zionists or Orthodox Jews. says one of Auslander’s shrewder characters, a main and they strike the Kugels with a vengeance: “Holocaust denial is offensive. Patting ourselves, “The Chosen People? Probably the worst idea real estate broker named Eve. “But one way or Solomon discovers Anne Frank holed up in his at- Israel, on the back because we finally recognized that any marketer every came up with,” he said. the other, I promise you, fiction will return, if tic, embittered, well over 80, and working on a new the Armenian genocide is offensive. I person- “I see my Jewish tradition as a history of general only because the nonfiction is too damned book. Kugel’s mother, who should have died weeks ally find Tim Tebow thanking God after every s—- stirrers. Beginning with Abraham smashing much to bear.” n ago, returns to live with them, seeming to get a sec- touchdown offensive. Is that going to stop him ond wind when she meets the Holocaust author. from doing it? No. And I’m not going to stop And his sister keeps coming back, too, bringing doing what I’m doing.” Genesis Humanitarian Award, continued from page 1 along her sanguine Harvard professor husband, Geoff Kloske, Auslander’s editor at River- Pinkus Stephenor, a thinly guised send-up of the head, which has published all his books, includ- that the $250,000 needed to establish the foun- duced about her life called “Never a Bystander” real Harvard scholar Steven Pinker. ing his first, beware of God: stories, in 2005, has dation was raised with the small 5, 10, 25 and 50 suggests, she has chosen the life of an activist: “For me,” Auslander told the Jewish Week in long known that Auslander courts detractors. dollar donations. marching against the wars in Vietnam and Iraq; an interview at a Soho hotel, “the story was not so “There will always be some readers who will A former colleague from the School of Pub- co-establishing Zeitouna, the biweekly dialogue much about the Holocaust but how we all struggle never be comfortable with his work,” he said. lic Health recalled her experiences as a new fac- group for Arab and Jewish women; co-develop- with our history. … If [Foreskin’s lament] was “You know it’s part of his distinctive voice. But I ulty member collaborating with Dr. Butter. She ing the Three Wishes Project for local youngsters about how you deal with an a—hole God, then this really want people to understand and appreciate explained, “Irene’s concern with fairness and to hear the thoughts of Palestinian and Jewish book is about how you deal with the viciousness of his work.” equity greatly informed the direction of her re- children impacted by war; volunteering at the humanity once he’s removed. The Holocaust is the Kloske adds that “the most rewarding thing search and teaching in public health. I felt very Back Door Food Pantry, Delonis Center and big one that I had to deal with as a Jew, but it could is when someone laughs and understands rath- fortunate as a junior faculty member to have had at Mitzvah Day; demonstrating against nuclear have been any horrific event in the past.” er than gets offended.” such a mentor.” Butter remained equally com- proliferation; participating in TBE’s Genera- Auslander litters his prose like he does his Auslander grew up in an Orthodox home in mitted to her students. One student wrote she tions After Group of Holocaust survivors and speech: with mountains of expletives. But it is upstate Monsey and graduated from a religious had mentioned to Butter that she would have descendants who ensure “we will never forget;” easy to mistake the salty speech for inarticulate- school. He dropped out of Queens College after a to miss an important department meeting be- and taking part in numerous TBE Social Action ness. That’s hardly the case. Like his novel, Aus- few weeks, immediately moved to Manhattan and cause she could not find a sitter for her newborn Committee activities. lander offers highly informed responses to life’s started working as a writer at an advertising agency. son. Butter responded, “You bring that baby. It’s Butter has devoted her life to service and a most imponderable questions. He liked writing, and the money was good, but he about time we heard some noise in these halls. positive message after experiencing unimagi- “Aristotle said that humans are the only spe- didn’t consider writing for himself until years later. We are in the department of maternal and child nable losses as a child and young teenager in cies that laughs,” Auslander said when discuss- His shrink suggested it, he said. health, after all!” This student was able to attend the Westerbork and Bergen-Belsen concentra- ing man’s inhumanity to man. “Well, we’re also All along he was reading voraciously — Beck- this meeting and many others while Butter en- tion camps during the Holocaust. Butter speaks the only species that created gas chambers. How ett, O’Connor, Roth, Celine — many of whom tertained the baby in her office. During this time every year to hundreds of schoolchildren about do we deal with that?” shared his darkly comic sensibility. As he began Dr. Butter also served for a decade as an advi- this time in an uplifting and inspiring manner. Auslander has a theory about how we deal funneling their sensibilities through his own voice, sor to the World Health Organization (WHO), One middle schooler wrote how Butter’s visit with that particular piece of the past: We don’t story ideas began to emerge. He approached Klo- working to reverse the devastating brain drain of impacted her life: “I learned that even in the stop talking about it. “To quote my Anne Frank,” ske with an idea for a satire of the Bible — a sort of medical personnel from developing countries. darkest time a little ray of light can shine down he said, “There’s a difference between never for- tabloid Torah that eventually turned into beware of Butter’s professional accomplishments are and warm you with comfort…. She leaves a getting and never shutting the f—- up.” God, a collection of short stories. rivaled only by her involvement in public ser- mark on your soul… and inspires you to do so Kugel’s mother represents this theory; she is so After Auslander appeared on the Ira Glass NPR vice. As the name of the new movie being pro- much better than you are trying.” n

30 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 I Vitals

Mazal Tov

Dalit Kluger on her bat mitzvah on February 4. Ido Morag on his bar mitzvah, February 4. Samuel Solomon on his bar mitzvah, February 4. Rephael Berkooz on his bar mitzvah, February 11. Nancy and Martin Zimmerman on the birth of their granddaughter, Talia Hannah, daughter of Jonathan and Maya Zimmerman. Ilana and Ari Gafni on the birth of their granddaughter, Nessa, daughter of Osnat and Greg Gafni-Pappas. Gretta Spier and Jonathan Rubin on the engagement of their son, Josh Rubin, to Melissa Anne Runstrom. Claire Weiner and Kirk Brower on the engagement of their son, Nathan Brower, to Talya Janoff. For 3rd-9th graders • 1-6 week options available Kathi and Rick Cohen on the engagement of their daughter, Becky Cohen, to Mike Gestwick. Jesse Bernstein, on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Isaac Bernstein, born on New campers may receive December 22 to Ashley and Zach Bernstein. $1000 off tuitioN

Condolences cyJ opeN House tH Bon Rose Fine on the death of her brother, Jay Rosen, May 16, and on the death of her suNday, february 5 • 1:00 pm mother, Rhoda Rosen, October 20. The Home of Anna Gilbert, Martin, Mira and Nathan Strauss Lauren Mermelstein on the death of her mother, Bonnie Weil, November 3. Bonnie Sarnoff on the death of her father, Lester Sarnoff, November 6. Nikki Rosen on the death of her brother, Scott Eric Rosen, November 17. Jerry Miller on the death of his father, Herman Miller, November 20. Julie Halpert on the death of her father, Alvin L. Edelson, December 20. Liz Fried on the death of her sister, Marjory Groce, December 23. Robin Sedman on the death of her mother, Frances I. Sedman, January 1. Ed DíAngelo on the death of his father, Rocco DíAngelo, November 28. For more Rabbi Kim Blumenthal on the death of her grandmother, Constance Lokyitch, December 4. information Margery Adelson on the death of her husband, Joseph Adelson, December 9. about CYJ or Judith Laiken Elkin on the death of her daughter, Susannah Elkin Zisk, December 11. the open house: Beth Dwoskin on the death of her father, David Dwoskin, December 25. Peretz Hirshbein on the death of his father, Omus Hirshbein, December 31. 847.675.6790 Liz Fried on the death of her sister, Marjory Groce, December 23. ext 3 Steven Klein on the death of his father, Victor Klein, January 1. [email protected] Oran Hesterman on the death of his mother, Mildred Hesterman, December 28.

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Correction ordER tODay! 734.663.3400 In the December/January issue of the Washtenaw Jewish News, Hebrew Day School students Catering Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM | Sat 9AM-3PM Corine Burgard and Lily Rosenberg were wrongly identified in the photos on page 15. Their 422 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • www.zingermanscatering.com names were switched around. Our apologies to both girls.

Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012 31 H ugust 24 June 25 - A H 12 ! 20 or s f H g e a n C h i n g E x c i t

H NEW Features H • Brand New Location! Beautiful wooded site on Cedar Lake in Chelsea, MI • Shorter bus ride from JCC • Extended program day (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) • Boating for all ages • Archery for all ages • Expanded nature programming (including fire-building, local plant identification and more!) • Challah baking on Fridays H • Enhanced Counselor-in-Training program (grades 9-10) • One full overnight week! Contact Us Continuing Perks • Director Shoshana Jackson and Assistant TODAY! Director Shannon Link Phone: 734-971-0990 • Waterfront Director Kim Braun Fax: 734-677-0109 • Red Cross Certified swim lessons Email Camp Director Shoshana • Mixed group time for grades K-2 Jackson at [email protected] • Specialty selection for grades 3-5 JCC of Greater Ann Arbor • Pioneer program for grades 6-8 2935 Birch Hollow Drive • Weekly field trips for all ages H Ann Arbor, MI 48108 • Special visit from Tzofim Israel Scouts www.jccannarbor.org • Staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5

“My son thoroughly enjoyed Camp Raanana. He still speaks often and with glee about camp and looks foward very much to attending next summer” – Jeffrey Platt

32 Washtenaw Jewish News A February 2012