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 Permit No. 85 Vote Rabbis Pamela WZC Write Nadell Purim Gives Belin Lecture

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March 2020 Adar/Nisan 5780 Volume XIX Number 6 FREE BIC welcomes Deborah Sacks Mintz Census 2020: Beth Jarvis, Special ti wthe WJN transformative prayer leader and An overview for musician, Deborah Sacks Mintz has Aserved innovative institutions around Michigan the country as a teacher of Torah and commu- By Hayg Oshagan nal Jewish music. As the Community Singing he U. S. Constitution requires that Consultant of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute, the federal government count every Deborah combines musical scholarship and person living in the U.S. The U.S. practice to cultivate the grassroots musical and T Census has been conducted every 10 years spiritual creativity of the Jewish people. since 1790. Join Beth Israel Congregation's Scholar Every year, the federal government gives in Residence Deborah Sacks Mintz at 5:45 money it has collected from taxes back to p.m. on Friday, March 20, for “Niggun the states. How much money a state gets de- Preparation: New Melodies and Singing pends on how many people live in that state. as a Spiritual Process” to get us spiritually And the count of how many people live in prepared for Shabbat. Then stay for an up- a state is determined every 10 years by the lifting and participatory Kabbalat Shabbat Census. So if a state has a low Census count, service followed by a community Shabbat it will get less money from the federal gov- dinner at 7 p.m. To signup for dinner, use ernment, every year, for the 10 years after the link on the Beth Israel homepage (www. ing as a spiritual practice, utilizing both way. After kiddush, she will lead a session called the Census count. Recently, Michigan has bethisrael-aa.org). At 7:45 p.m., Deborah new tunes and old favorites. “Music as a Source of Comfort and Strength, gotten about $30 billion a year based on the will lead a session entitled “Soulful Tisch: During Shabbat services on Saturday, March Power and Struggle: A Text-Based Explora- 2010 Census. In addition to federal funds, Creating a Sacred Space Through Commu- 21, Deborah will lead the community in spir- tion” in which we will spend Shabbat afternoon how many representatives a state has in the nal Singing Together" we will explore sing- ited davening, teaching new melodies along the studying the intersection of music and spiritual- United States Congress also depends on a continued on page 2 state’s population, which is determined by the Census. Because of a low Census count, Michigan lost a Congressional seat in 2010, Farming While Black author to keynote Local Food Summit going from 15 Congressmen and Congress- Special to the WJN women in the U.S. House of Representatives, eah Penniman, author of Farming establish strong infra- to the current 14. While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical structure and afford- The $30 billion Michigan gets every year Guide to Liberation on the Land, will able access to locally is used by the state, counties, Native Ameri- L can tribes, and cities for programs that serve keynote the Local Food Summit at Washt- grown foods. enaw Community College on March 9. Pen- In her 2018 book, our communities. This is money that funds niman is a Black educator, farmer, author, Farming While Black, our kids’ education (student loans, Pell mother, food justice activist, and co-founder Penniman offers the grants, school lunches and breakfasts, Head- of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York. She first comprehensive start, school funding), helps with health care and her husband Jonah Vitale-Wolfe are also manual for African- (Medicare, Medicaid, Urgent Care, children’s Jewish. They co-founded Soul Fire Farm in heritage people ready health insurance/MI Child), is used for food 2011 with the mission to end racism in the to reclaim their right- assistance (Supplemental Nutrition, Bridge food system and reclaim people of colors’ ful place of dignified Cards, Meals on Wheels), housing loans, ancestral connection to land. agency in the food road construction, transit, and any program As co-Executive Director of Soul Fire system. This one-of- that helps our communities grow and pros- Farm, Penniman is part of a team that a-kind guide provides per. facilitates powerful food sovereignty readers with a concise Michigan, and every county and city in programs – including farmer trainings for The Local Food Summit is a collection “how-to” for all aspects Michigan, gets a lot less money for all the Black & Brown people, a subsidized farm of individuals and organizations who share of small-scale farming. Through innovative programs the Census pays for. As an exam- food distribution program for people living a common vision for the food system of programs such as the Black-Latinx Farmers ple, for Detroit, every person not counted under food apartheid, and domestic and Greater Washtenaw County, Michigan. The Immersion, a sliding-scale farmshare CSA, would cost the city $5,500 every year for 10 international organizing toward equity in group has held an annual one day conven- and Youth Food Justice leadership training, years. If 3% of Detroiters don’t get counted the food system. Penniman holds an MA in ing of local food producers, businesses and Penniman is part of a global network of (about 20,000 people), Detroit would lose $1 Science Education and BA in Environmental consumers since 2009. Their vision is to farmers working to increase farmland stew- billion over the next 10 years. Science and International Development support sustainable farms, local food busi- ardship by people of color, restore Afro- continued on page 33 from Clark University. nesses, and consumers of local foods and to continued on page 16 IFrom the Editor

“Did you notice the moon last night?” That’s holidays, so rich with metaphor for reflection 2935 Birch Hollow Drive Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 the question I ask the students before I read on the natural environment, human politics, (734) 395-4438 them a story each Satur- and spiritual purpose. www.washtenawjewishnews.org day during library time I have a good friend who keeps complain- CKinbergeditor@washtenaw jewish news.org at Temple Beth Emeth. ing to me that the Washtenaw Jewish News The phase of the moon, has gotten longer and more interesting, but Editor and Publisher of course, tells us where it takes too long to read it all. Should I worry Clare Kinberg we are in the Jewish calen- about this? The world around us is rumbling dar, and can somehow tie with change, possibility and hope. What does Advertising Manager into every story I read. As it all look like from our Washtenaw County Gordon White Clare Kinberg I write, the last full moon Jewish vantage point? I’d love to receive more was Tu B’shvat, the next letters, story ideas, news from your life. It’s Design and Layout Purim, and the next after that, Passover. I love Adar! Take a risk! n Dennis Platte the steady journey through the spring Jewish Staff Writers Lonnie Sussman, Eeta Gershow, Patti Smith Contributing Writers ILetter to the Editor Yuni Aaron, Rabbi Jared Anstandig, Mi- Re: Opinion column, “Why I went to Iowa with Has Miriam observed that pro-Pales- chael Appel, Beth Jarvis, Courtney Bush- nell, Rabbi Nadav Caine, Rabbi Robert JVP Action,” Feb 2020, by Miriam Saperstein tinian demonstrations on campus use the Dobrusin, Emily Eisbruch, Isaac Ellis, When Miriam Saperstein writes about slogan “Palestine will be free from the river Lauren Fine, Eileen Freed, Stephanie that terrible Israeli Army, where their tax (Jordan) to the sea,” meaning the destruction Glass, Amanda Glucklich, Rabbi Aharon dollars might go, they should consider that of Israel? Or heard the exhortations “Jews, go Goldstein, Sora Gordon, Kelsey Robinette this army is protecting Jews, and others, from back to the Gas chambers”? Keeves, Jessica Lefort, Carol Levin, Randy terrorists who throw bombs at children’s What is the vision of “Voice for Peace?” A Lubratich, Leslie McGraw, SooJi Min-Mi- randa, Hayg Oshagan, Jennifer Rosenberg, birthday parties in pizzerias, and terrorists vision were a Palestinian that sells real estate Martin Shichtman, Clara Silver, Harvey who get a lifetime pension for killing Jewish to a Jew gets the death sentence by the PLO Somers, Rena Starosta, Marlowe Sussel- children, equivalent to a doctor’s salary. It’s law? Or is it the HAMAS charter which still man, Mira Sussman called “pay for slay.” Indeed, a large fraction calls for killing all the Jews of the world? The Washtenaw Jewish News is published of the Palestinian budget (coming from the Why are you spreading the libel that the monthly, with the exception of January and US and EU taxpayers) goes for these pen- Israeli Army is torturing Palestinian “chil- July by JCMWC, LLC. Opinions expressed sions earmarked for arrested, convicted, dren”? Do you have any proof? Or do you in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of its editors or staff 734.433.7673 or murderers of innocents. Or maybe Miriam’s mean 16 to 18 year old minors, often carry- tax dollars might, God forbid, go for the Iron ing guns or sent with explosive belts? Con- ©2020 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. PurpleRoseTheatre.org Dome, wanted by the US Army, after it suc- trast this with the colorful balloons, carrying All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw cessfully protected Jewish kindergartens in Jewish News may be r­eproduced without gum and explosives, flying daily from Gaza permission of the publisher. Shderoth from missiles supplied by Iran that towards Israeli towns, meant to be picked up say on them “Death to Israel”. by innocent Jewish kindergarteners. Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should n not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the Raoul Kopelman editor. Name will be withheld at the discretion of the editor. Deborah Sacks Mintz, continued from page 1 Circulation: 4,500 ity in traditional Jewish texts. Sources explored ered davening as a member of the kahal? The deadline for the April 2020 issue of the include Biblical, Rabbinic, and Mystical works. Deborah will guide learners in an explora- Washtenaw Jewish News is After minchah at 7 p.m., join Deborah for a tion of technical skills, as well as strategies Friday, March 9. light reception and Melava Malka at 7:30 p.m. for effectively building and sustaining com- Publication date: Tuesday, April 28 and bid farewell to Shabbat in song and keep munity through davening. This masterclass, Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News the ruach going with an evening of spiritual for daveners and shelichei tzibbur of all lev- are available at locations throughout music. els, both experienced and novice! Washtenaw County. Finally, on Sunday, March 22, at 10:30 The Rosenberg Lecture Series is en- a.m., Deborah will teach “Leading from the dowed through a generous contribution by Center: A Davening Leadership Workshop.” Vic & Val Rosenberg in memory of Cantor Looking to hone your skills as a davening Alfred & Alice Rosenberg. For more details leader? Never led before, but would like to on this inspiring weekend, visit the Beth Is- learn? Interested in contributing to empow- rael website at www.bethisrael-aa.org. n IIn this issue… Advertisers...... 35

Books...... 29

Calendar...... 26

Kosher Cuisine...... 22

Obituaries...... 34

Rabbi's Calendar...... 10

Vitals...... 35

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 EVERY PERSON

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 3 ICommunity

Human Rights Rabbi Arik Ascherman Returns to Ann Arbor Clara Silver and Harvey Somers, special to the WJN he American-born Israeli Rabbi, tice), in 2017. Rabbi Ascherman and Torat cupied Territories, restoring the full imple- violator countries, preventing the eviction Arik Ascherman, recognized as a Tzedek received the Rabbi David J. Forman mentation of the 2006 Morar High Court of the Sumarin family in East Jerusalem, and T role model for faith-based human Decision regarding writing to continuously educate others about rights activism, returns to Michigan March Palestinian farmers the Jewish basis for honoring human rights. 25-29 as part of his larger visit to the United access to their fields, Much of this work is being done in partner- States. During his five day visit to Michigan, preventing home de- ship with coalitions of other organizations Rabbi Ascherman will make stops in Ann Ar- molitions, protecting and Israeli leaders. bor, Lansing, and West Bloomfield. In part- shepherds in the Jor- Rabbi Ascherman writes of his ability to nership with the Jewish Community Center dan Valley, expanding continue in the face of significant inertia, “I of Greater Ann Arbor’s Israel Center, Rabbi access to public hous- have faith in the eventual triumph of justice, Ascherman will present a thought provoking ing and greater socio- human rights, and our highest Jewish values lecture and dessert reception entitled “Use economic justice for in Israel. Our work is about expressing that and Abuse of Power: The Challenge of Zion- Israelis, seeking more faith through action.” ism Today,” on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 acceptable solutions For more information on Rabbi Ascher- p.m. There is no charge for this presentation for African asylum man’s visit, including the list of events open and reception as a program of the Israel Cen- seekers, protecting to the community (also listed below), please ter at the J, generously supported by the D. the endangered Ne- visit jccannarbor.org. Dan and Betty Kahn Foundation. gev Bedouin com- Note: The opinions expressed by Rabbi Earlier in the evening at 6:00 p.m., those munity of Umm Al Arik Ascherman are his own, and do not who desire to help offset the costs of Rabbi Hiran, stopping arms necessarily reflect the views of Beth Israel’s Ascherman’s self-funded visit to the United Memorial Fund’s Human Rights Prize for sales to Myanmar and other human rights leadership, membership, clergy, or staff. n States are invited for a special vegetarian 5779 (2018-2019). According to the Torat dinner with him. Both of these events will Tzedek website, torat-tzedek.org.il, “Rabbi take place at the Jewish Community Cen- Ascherman’s niche through the years has These Rabbi Ascherman events are open to the community: ter of Greater Ann Arbor. Those interested been to work for universal human rights as Thursday, March 26, 2020 in attending the dinner and/or supporting a Jewish religious obligation, and to present Rabbi Ascherman’s trip are asked to contact the foundation for this obligation in Jewish 12:00 p.m. Luncheon Talk at Congregation Kehillat Israel, 2014 Forest Road, Lan- the volunteer coordinators of his visit, Har- sources. Rather than remaining behind a sing Charter Township, Michigan 48910. Please rsvp by calling 517-882-0049. vey Somers at [email protected] or desk, he has always believed that in the hu- 6:00 p.m. Fundraising Dinner for Torat Tzedek at Jewish Community Center of Martha Kransdorf at [email protected]. man rights field we must have one foot in the Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive. Those interested in attending please Rabbi Ascherman will also be the guest grass roots, and the other among the deci- contact Harvey Somers at [email protected] or Martha Kransdorf at presenter at a community lunch and learn sion and opinion makers.” According to Rab- [email protected]. in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 27 at noon bi Ascherman, “The greatest successes of the at Beth Israel Congregation. The topic will organizations I have worked with have been 7:30 pm “Use and Abuse of Power: The Challenge of Zionism Today” Lecture and be the “Rabbinic View of Human Rights in the result of field work that gave us knowl- Dessert Reception at Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Israel.” Participants are encouraged to bring edge and a moral voice when we went to the Hollow Drive. their own vegetarian lunch (lunch will not court, the Knesset, the public, the interna- Friday, March 27, 2020 be provided), and there is no cost to attend tional community and/or the press. Where but an RSVP is requested by calling 734-665- necessary, I am willing to put my body on 12:00 p.m. “Rabbinic View of Human Rights in Israel” Lunch and Learn at Beth Is- 9897. the line.” Torat Tzedek works for the human rael Congregation, 2010 Washtenaw Avenue. Please rsvp by calling 734-665-9897. Rabbi Ascherman is best known for hav- rights of both Jews and non-Jews. ing led Rabbis for Human Rights for 21 years Torat Tzedek works on issues on which 7:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat at Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloom- in Israel, and subsequently for his founding their input, combined with other’s work on field Township, Michigan 48323. Please rsvp by calling 248-661-5700. of the new Israeli NGO and human rights a given issue, might tip the scales. Current organization, Torat Tzedek (Torah of Jus- projects include continued work in the Oc- Action packed spring break with KidZone Marlowe Susselman, special to the WJN he Jewish Community Center of tablishments have to offer. The interactive Greater Ann Arbor’s KidZone will presentations and experiences will be held T be holding a special week of Vaca- at the Ann Arbor JCC, and will include Blue tion Day programs March 30 through April Star Service Dogs and the Humane Society 3 during the school spring vacation week. of Huron Valley. Geared toward children in kindergarten Each KidZone Vacation Day also in- through fifth grade, KidZone empowers cludes an afternoon snack, and incorporates children to create, learn, and grow in an en- a balance of structured and independent riching and supportive environment. In line discovery time outside on the playground, in with these values, KidZone has organized the gym, and within the specially designated multiple trips and interactive experiences youth classroom. that will be both enlightening and engaging, KidZone Vacation Day programs are for an action packed, educational, and enter- held at the Ann Arbor JCC during scheduled taining spring break. school closures, and run from 9 a.m. until 4 The week will be filled with day trips that p.m. Pre-program care is available as early include a tour of the University of Michi- as 7:30 a.m. and post-program care as late as gan Stadium known as “The Big House,” a 6 p.m. for an additional cost. visit to the Hands-On Museum, a visit to the To register for KidZone Vacation Days, University of Michigan Natural History Mu- or to learn more about KidZone, visit jc- seum complete with a special science dem- cannarbor.org/departments/youthteens/ onstration, and a visit to URSA Academy for kidzone/ or email Camp and Youth Pro- a children’s martial arts workshop. During gram Coordinator, Marlowe Susselman, at each day trip, children will also have the op- [email protected] or call portunity to experience using Ann Arbor (734) 971-0990. n public transportation, and to broaden their understanding of what the local area and es-

4 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 I Limmund THE ASSURANCE OF Limmud returns to Washtenaw County BUYING OR SELLING Mira Sussman, special to the WJN ow in its fifth year as the premiere always dreamed of,” says participant and WITH THE BEST regional event of Jewish learn- presenter Jack Zaientz. “I’m going to be N ing, Limmud Michigan returns teaching about monsters and magic in the to Washtenaw County on Sunday, March 22 Jewish tradition. This is all directly from the OUTCOME at the Eastern Michigan University Student Talmud and commentaries, right there next Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. This annual to all the moral and ethical teachings that are day-long festival of Jewish learning features the foundation of Judaism. These ancient multiple sessions on a wide range of topics texts have something to teach us about being

throughout the day. Over sixty community alive today.” members will present to over 400 participants This year’s festival is the first time that throughout the day on topics such as “Artificial Limmud will be held at Eastern Michigan Intelligence and Jewish Theology,” “Race, Dif- University in Ypsilanti. “We are delighted to ference, and Safety in Jewish Spaces,” “Explor- have Limmud at Eastern Michigan University,” ing Haggadot,” “Appreciating Rashi,” and “A says Martin Shichtman, Director of Jewish Jewish Response to Climate Change.” Wher- Studies at EMU. “Hosting Limmud highlights ever one’s interests lie, there will be fascinating our strong relationship with the Southeastern topics to explore. Michigan Jewish community.” In Hebrew, Limmud means “learning.” Participating in Limmud is a unique Limmud Michigan, an independent non- experience, in that it brings together people profit organization whose leadership hail from from different Jewish denominations, all ages, the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and suburban Detroit genders, backgrounds, interests, and beliefs to areas, has brought to Southeast Michigan this spend time together. “Participating in Limmud LET US TAKE THE HASSLE unique model of Jewish learning that began has been such a wonderful way to build in England in 1980, and over the years has relationships with members of the Jewish OUT OF REAL ESTATE spread to 83 communities in 43 countries. community I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Each Limmud community has its own says Nicole Caine, Limmud Michigan’s Co- unique flavor; For Limmud Michigan, this Chair of the Volunteer Coordination Team. Our vast knowledge and up to the minute informa- means drawing together teachers, artists, This year’s event will also include an on- thinkers, activists, students, and storytellers site Camp Limmud, youth programming for tion will provide you with a seamless moving expe- from throughout Michigan and beyond for a children in kindergarten through eighth grades, rience. You can count on our expertise to guide you one-day festival of Jewish thinking, learning, so that their parents can fully participate in the and celebrating. This year’s program features day’s programming. Camp Limmud will be led through every detail. We are proud to be the most many locally-known teachers, artists, and by the staff of the Jewish Community Center’s thinkers, as well as welcoming presenters Camp Raanana. trusted resource in the Ann Arbor area for almost from New York, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Additional information, including 2 decades. Call for unbeatable confidence in the Philadelphia, and more. registration for Limmud Michigan, is available “Limmud is like the religious school you at www.limmudmichigan.org. . n success of your next move.

ALEX MILSHTEYN, CRS, GRI, ABR Associate Broker (734) 417-3560 [email protected] www.alexmi.com NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI You help create a 2723 S. State St., Suite 130 robust local economy Ann Arbor, MI 48104 when you shop at the co-op. An exclusive affiliate of Coldwell Banker Previews 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI International PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI www.PEOPLESFOOD.COOP

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 5 IPolitics

How (a slim majority of) Orthodox Jews became Republicans Ben Sales, Laura E. Adkins NEW YORK (JTA) — Like most of his abortion. Decades ago, that was insufficient in Orthodox friends, Richard Goldberg was raised and of itself to sway most Orthodox Jews. But in a Democrat. recent years, the Democratic Party has moved But by 2000, Goldberg had affixed a leftward on other social issues, alienating many Republican congressional campaign bumper Orthodox voters. sticker to the maroon Lincoln Town Car he Most critically, however, the national drove to his Orthodox Jewish high school in Republican Party began to move in lockstep Chicago. Spurred by concerns about President with Israel’s government, bringing Orthodox Bill Clinton’s Israeli-Palestinian peace process, voters with them. As the Democrats, in turn, disgust with the Monica Lewinsky scandal and have become increasingly critical of Israel, a a desire to emulate his older brother, Goldberg majority of Orthodox Jews have started to had decided to become a Republican. feel more comfortable voting for Republican Though he was not yet old enough to vote, presidential candidates. Goldberg knew he was unusual. He remembers “I think it’s Israel,” said Mark Trencher, the walking into Chicago’s largest Judaica store, founder of Nishma Research, a polling firm that Rosenblum’s, to see stacks of yarmulkes adorned has studied Orthodox political views. “Yes, there with the Democratic presidential campaign are other issues around school choice, around logo — including the name of Joe Lieberman, the economy doing well, but really Israel is so the Orthodox Jewish senator who had been predominant. I think that’s what drives this.” selected as Al Gore’s running mate. “The owner of the bookstore was pushing As evangelical Christians first moved me to get a Gore-Lieberman yarmulke,” right, Orthodox Jews remained on the Goldberg told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. left “I said, ‘These are very nice. Do you have them Up through 2000. Experts said Orthodox Jews MARCH in Bush-Cheney?’ He didn’t even know how to tended to vote in presidential elections much respond.” like the rest of the Jewish community — reliably Twenty years later, Rosenblum’s says it isn’t for Democrats. 24 – 29, selling any campaign yarmulkes due to a policy The Jewish-Democratic alliance of not offering political merchandise of any crescendoed with enthusiasm for Franklin kind. But elsewhere, kippahs emblazoned with D. Roosevelt and held strong through the 2020 logos supporting President Donald Trump, a rest of the Twentieth century, as Jews joined Republican, are readily available. The Orthodox African Americans in their fight for civil rights, world has caught up with Goldberg, who continued to participate in labor unions, and worked for years as a GOP political operative. disproportionately supported a wide range of “I’ve never seen anything like it as far as liberal causes like progressive economic policy, support in the Orthodox community,” Goldberg reproductive rights and gun control. said about Trump. The nascent Jewish state enjoyed strong Regarding the president’s policies toward support from Democratic politicians and Israel, Goldberg said, “If your worldview organized labor, but experts said more than is such that these things are unbelievable Israel considerations were at play. Even as accomplishments and things that you’ve waited they assimilated and climbed the American your whole life to see happen, this president is a socioeconomic ladder, Jews continued to dream come true.” identify with their roots as an immigrant Multiple surveys reflect Goldberg’s community. experience. The vast majority of American While statistics on specifically Orthodox Jews vote for Democrats, but a slim majority of voting from that time are hard to come Orthodox Jews voted for Trump in 2016. by, Binyamin Rose, an editor at Mishpacha Given the small numbers of Orthodox Jews magazine, an Orthodox publication, and their concentration in mostly blue states, remembers a very pro-Democratic atmosphere their votes are unlikely to have a major effect on when he was growing up Orthodox in the the 2020 presidential election. 1960s. “If you take a look at most communities, how “If an Orthodox Jew were to vote Republican the Orthodox are going to vote … is irrelevant,” in those days, they would have been considered said Ira Sheskin, a professor of geography at on par with having converted to Christianity,” the University of Miami and a respected Jewish he told JTA. pollster. In continuing to support Democratic But regardless of its small size, the shift presidential candidates, Orthodox Jews were in Orthodox politics is notable. In a country becoming increasingly divergent from religious where most Jewish voters for president have Protestant voters. opted for Democratic candidates, how did the The first evangelical Christian president, most traditional segment of American Jewry Jimmy Carter, elected in 1976, was also one — and often its most visibly Jewish — become of the most liberal. But four years later, in the aafilmfest.org | #aa58 Republican? 1980 election, the late Rev. Jerry Falwell’s Moral Good polling data on the Orthodox vote Majority coalesced around Ronald Reagan, are hard to come by. But more than a dozen launching evangelical voters as a political force interviews with Orthodox leaders and experts that remains a major Republican voting bloc to on Jewish politics, plus a thorough review of the this day. available data, reveal two main reasons why it Recent surveys have shown that across changed. the United States, increased attendance at Beginning in the 1980s, the Republican religious services correlates with higher support Party became the party of the Moral Majority, for Trump, and the evangelical Christian a prominent American political organization establishment has lined up almost exclusively that centered on conservative social issues like behind right-wing Republican candidates. support for school prayer and opposition to But the Republican religious revival did not 6 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 extend to Orthodox Jews at first. For one, the second intifada, struggling to break a wave of Since then, the Republican alliance with An alliance — and a possible split — in religious right melded in opposing abortion deadly suicide bombings. The intifada also Netanyahu has grown even closer. Trump rights as a crucial goal — an issue that is central signaled the failure of the Oslo peace process has fulfilled one Israeli wish after another the Orthodox world Orthodox Jewry’s Republican shift reached to modern evangelical politics but is far more that Clinton had championed. — recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, a tipping point in 2016. That year, 18% of nuanced in Orthodox society. That year, when the 9/11 attacks happened cutting funding to Palestinians, pulling out of American Jews voted for Donald Trump, “The issues of the ’80s are dramatically in the United States and George W. Bush the Iran deal, recognizing Israel’s annexation according to an American Jewish Committee different than the issues in 2020,” said Abba declared a war on terror, many pro-Israel Jews of the Golan Heights and more. Netanyahu, survey. But the same survey found that Trump Cohen, who has served as the Washington in turn, has won 54% of the Orthodox vote. director of the haredi Agudath Israel of featured Trump A survey by Nishma Research reported a America for 30 years. “There wasn’t the same prominently similar statistic — but concluded that haredi kind of tension back in the ’80s.” in his own Jews, who make up about two-thirds of At the same time, Republican leaders were campaign ads. Orthodox Jews in America, drove the shift. struggling to win over Jews with their approach “President Nearly three-quarters of haredi Jews voted to Israel. Obama, under Republican, the survey found. In the early 1990s, Jews felt that Reagan’s his leadership, Ami Magazine, a publication that primarily successor, President George H.W. Bush, was the Democratic serves haredi readers, published a survey in too tough on Israel, particularly with his Party became December of “close to 1,000 Orthodox Jewish administration’s opposition to settlements and not as favorable respondents from at least 12 different states” push for negotiations with the Palestinians. toward Israel, and found that while only 40% of respondents Reportedly in response to Jewish objections, and under were registered as Republicans, 89% “approve Bush’s secretary of state, James Baker, was President Trump of the job Donald Trump is doing as president.” quoted as saying “F— the Jews. they didn’t vote the Republican In contrast, Nishma found, only about a for us anyway.” Party has third of Modern Orthodox respondents said It became a self-fulfilling prophecy. In become much they voted for Trump. 1992, Bush won just 11% of the overall Jewish more favorable There are reasons to suspect that the survey vote. Despite the growing social liberalism of toward Israel,” may have overstated the split. But Kwall said she the Democratic Party, Cohen says that most Supporters of Donald Trump hold signs in Hebrew and English said Farley Weiss, was unsurprised by the finding that Modern Orthodox voters stuck with Clinton because as the president speaks at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s president of the Orthodox Jews, who frequently live, work and of his policies toward Israel. annual leadership meeting in Las Vegas, April 6, 2019. (Saul National Council study alongside non-Jews, are less politically Cohen recalls that a Bush staffer called him Loeb / AFP via Getty Images) of Young Israel, conservative than haredi Jews. in 1992 and asked why more Orthodox Jews saw it as a recognition of Israeli Prime Minister an Orthodox synagogue association whose “You’re not necessarily living in your little didn’t support the president’s re-election. After Ariel Sharon’s fight against Palestinian terror, leadership has supported Trump. “Republicans shtetl, and that’s going to flow over into how all, Bush was aligned with them on topics like Goldberg said. have never been more supportive of Israel. you’re feeling about the elections and how religious freedom and school choice. Cohen Bush voiced support for Israeli actions to Democrats have never been less supportive of you’re feeling about Trump,” she said. explained that for the Orthodox, Israel was the stem terror. Over the next few years, he would Israel.” Demographic trends suggest that any split in core issue. deliver a few other key items on Israel’s wish list: A 2019 survey from Gallup suggests that the Orthodox community is unlikely to reverse “We care about the moral issues of the day, He told the Israeli government that certain West conservative Republicans are increasingly most the rightward trend in its voting. Haredim, and those are all very important issues and we Bank settlement blocs could remain part of the sympathetic to Israel, while liberal Democrats who tend to have large families, make up an recognize that the president shares some of our country under a future peace agreement; he increasingly sympathize more with the increasing share of Orthodox Jewry. views on those issues,” Cohen said he told the cut off relations with Palestinian leader Yasser Palestinian cause. Ultimately, the Republican Party’s support staffer. “But you have to understand that any Arafat; and he opposed Iran’s nuclear program. To Orthodox Jews, that’s a big deal. for Israel, conservative social policy, and prospective president [who] is going to cause “You see a decisive move against terror According to Nishma Research, a survey religious liberty might lead Orthodox Jews to anxiety in the community over the issue of throughout the world and a doctrine laid down organization focusing on the Orthodox world, overlook Trump’s foibles, Rabbi Avi Shafran, Israel is just not going to get our vote.” by President Bush that the terror committed 31% of haredi respondents and 18% of Modern Agudath Israel’s director of public affairs, wrote Clinton also won over Orthodox Jews against America is no different than the terror Orthodox respondents said that a candidate’s in an email to JTA. by consulting with them frequently and committed against Israel,” Goldberg said. “In “views on Israel will essentially determine their “While there are some Orthodox Jews who supporting their religious freedom, Cohen said. those moments and the months and years to vote.” An additional 45% of both groups said embrace President Trump as a hero, many Clinton opposed same-sex marriage, supported come, the strong security alignment between that a candidate’s views on Israel were “very more appreciate things he’s done that express certain kinds of federal funding for religious the Bush administration and the Sharon important.” their values and hopes but at the same time schools and in 1993 signed the Religious administration turns a lot of heads in the By contrast, only a quarter of American Jews disapprove of his ‘style’ and things he has said Freedom Restoration Act, which prohibits the Orthodox Jewish community.” as a whole say Israel is one of their top three and tweeted,” Shafran wrote. “They may still government from “substantially burdening a The Bush White House capitalized on its concerns when voting, according to a 2015 support him, but their support stems from his person’s exercise of religion.” inroads among Jewish voters. Vice President survey by the American Jewish Committee. policies, not his persona. They are voting their “One of the most successful runs the Dick Cheney headlined a fundraiser with kosher Another important shift took place as interests, not donning MAGA hats.” Orthodox community had was during the food for Orthodox Jews in 2002. And in the 2004 the Republican Party was cementing itself as And unlike their more liberal counterparts, Clinton years with regard to programs and election campaign, Bush’s team made a particular staunchly pro-Israel: The burgeoning fight Orthodox Jews aren’t concerned about Trump’s schools,” Cohen said. “We were very much point of reaching out to Orthodox voters. over LGBTQ rights — and especially same-sex response to rising antisemitism. Seventy-three welcome in the White House. We were part of That year, Bush’s share of the vote soared marriage — became the burning social issue of percent of American Jews overall disapprove of policy meetings and events.” in several heavily Orthodox areas, according to the new millennium. Trump’s handling of antisemitism, according to Gore’s selection of Lieberman, a Shabbat- an Orthodox Union analysis of election results. The decades-long evangelical Christian the AJC. But overall, Orthodox Jews see Trump observant, kosher-keeping Democrat who In a heavily Orthodox district of Brooklyn fight to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision on as an ally in the fight against hate. spoke out about moral values, was a historic covering the neighborhoods of Borough Park abortion had failed to galvanize Orthodox Ami Magazine found that more than 90% of moment for American Jews, particularly the and Midwood, his percentage nearly doubled voters. But unlike abortion, which is permitted its respondents trusted Trump on antisemitism Orthodox. from 34% in 2000 to 66% in 2004 — and the in some cases under rabbinic law, Orthodox over Democratic leaders. “You had Joe Lieberman on the Democratic voting levels for Republicans have remained Jews believe that the Torah strictly forbids “The part where this doesn’t all add up is ticket, and Al Gore also had a strong, solid pro- near that level ever since. In Lakewood, New same-sex marriage. When Democrats started that it comes along with an emboldening of the Israel record,” said Nathan Diament, executive Jersey, it rose from 46% to 67%. In Beachwood, backing marriage equality, Republicans found extreme right,” Shana Friedman, the managing director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Ohio, a mostly Jewish suburb of Cleveland with another opportunity to court Orthodox Jews, editor at Mishpacha, wrote in an email to JTA. Center in Washington. “And George W. Bush a large Orthodox population, it increased from and in 2015, when the United States Supreme But the average Orthodox voter, she added, was viewed with some suspicion because of 20% to 35%. Court legalized same-sex marriage, the only may not “consider some KKK types in South the connection to James Baker and his father’s major American Jewish groups to object were Carolina to be the same threat as the progressives administration.” Obama and Trump accelerate the trend Orthodox. fighting for changes right there in their cities, or In 2000, the year that Lieberman ran with President Barack Obama spent his eight years “The norms are pretty clear,” said Roberta just figures it’s still a better option.” Gore, just 25% of Orthodox Jews identified as in office clashing with Israel’s right-wing prime Rosenthal Kwall, a law professor at DePaul Kwall says that ultimately, to Orthodox Republican, according to Sheskin. minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on issues like University and the author of Remix Judaism. Jews, it is Trump’s policies that matter, not his West Bank settlements and Israeli-Palestinian “Supporting [liberal social issues] or making rhetoric. George W. Bush draws Orthodox peace. Their fiercest battle was over the Iran those a part of your agenda, if anything, that’s “Whereas liberal Jews will often say ‘listen to support nuclear agreement, which Obama spearheaded going to push Orthodox voters away.” and Netanyahu loathed and campaigned his tropes,’” Kwall said, “the people on the right But a shift began early in Bush’s first term. By say ‘look at what he’s done.’ n late 2001, Israel was deep in the throes of the against. Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 7 1436 words 5 graphics

IZionism

WZC election underway: Vote by March 11 Michael Appel and Carol Levin, special to the WJN irst convened in 1897 by Theodore language of the Jerusalem Program high- lar outlooks (JStreet, the New Israel Fund, it’s what you do.” Personally, Min-Maranda Herzl, the World Zionist Congress lights the diversity of the Jewish community the Jewish Labor Committee and T’ruah.) also responds positively to Hatikvah’s focus F (WZC) is gathering for the 38th and the challenges in finding common lan- On the right, the ZOA Coalition slate brings on solidarity with Israelis working for a more time later this year. Until March 11, any self- guage and vision. Some Orthodox critics ob- together many right-of-center activist or- pluralistic society and against racist trends in identifying Jew who will be 18 years of age or ganizations (including the both Israel and the United States. As a Jew of older by June 30 and who lives in the Unit- Zionist Organization of color, she stresses that representation matters ed States can go on-line and vote for slates, America, Torah From Sinai and was impressed with Hatikvah’s commit- sending delegates to the Congress when it and Make Israel Great). Oth- ment to a slate that reflects the diversity of convenes in Jerusalem this October. er smaller slates target com- the Jewish community. “You need to be at Five years ago, the last time this election munities of Israeli-American the table when decisions are made,” she con- took place, about 56,000 people, roughly Jews, Russian-American Jews, cludes. She emphasizes that her very pres- 1% of American Jews, chose to vote. The Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews. ence and contributions highlight that “this is largest slates coming out of that election There are slates who identify what Jewish looks like.” included: ARZA – representing the Reform with historic Revisionist Zi- Levin explains that “I reviewed the ARZA and Reconstructionist movements, which onism, with new youth-led slate and a number of issues of importance earned 56 of the 145 delegates; Mercaz – activism and as “non-parti- to me were emphasized, including Israel’s se- representing the Conservative movement san.” The 15 slates reflect the curity, strong support by the United States with 25 delegates; Orthodox Israel Coalition combined diversity of the for Israel, facing up to how a permanent – representing many Orthodox institutions American Jewish community peace will be brought about, supporting a with 24 delegates. These three most and Israeli politics. two-state solution, and recognition by Israel successful slates all benefited from their of the various ways we practice Judaism in connections with organized Jewish religious Michigan the U.S.” Levin also describes a timeliness movements. Eight smaller slates, rooted Candidates to highlighting these issues. “We are work- in specifically Zionist organizations or in Ann Arbor is home to a ing to keep involved those who are genera- smaller demographic niches in the Jewish candidate on the Hatikvah tionally removed from Israel’s founding,” community, shared the remaining 40 spots. slate, SooJi Min-Maranda. he explains. “There was previously a shared This time, there are more slates running Min-Maranda is the former concern about Israel’s security. At the same and early voting suggests heightened interest. Executive Director at Temple time, I think, especially for the younger gen- Yet in researching this article, it became Beth Emeth; she is currently eration, there is increasing concern about clear that most people – even those who are the Executive Director of policies in Israel and U.S. policies towards Is- active in Jewish life--know little or nothing the national Jewish group rael. This makes the Congress and its agenda about these elections and most have never ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish more important.” participated previously. So, why would Renewal. ALEPH describes someone choose to cast a vote? How does the itself as having an approach What’s at stake? voting work? And who is sponsoring slates? to revitalizing Judaism that This election will have an impact. combines “the socially pro- Through their role governing the World Who can vote? What is the gressive values of egalitari- Zionist Organization (WZO), the delegates voting process? anism, the joy of Hasidism, impact how $5 billion is spent over the next Voting takes place online through a the informed do-it-yourself five years through Jewish organizations in- website (ZionistElection.org) administered ject to the lack of God and religious content spirit of the havurah movement and the ac- ternationally, including in both Israel and by the American Zionist Movement in the Jewish claim to nationhood; some left cumulated wisdom of centuries of tradition.” the United States. The WZO also has an im- (AZM). AZM is composed of 33 national critics chafe at language calling for “settling This year marks the first participation in the portant influence on related national insti- Jewish organizations and is charged with the country” (of Israel) even as that language WZC elections for both ALEPH, which for- tutions in Israel such as the Jewish National organizing the election by the World Zionist is not satisfying to those who want settling mally endorsed the Hatikvah slate, and for Fund and the Jewish Agency for Israel. All of Organization. The website describes the the whole land of Israel to be clearly spelled Min-Maranda. these institutions have experienced conflict competing slates and offers links to learn out; a specific Zionist commitment to a Another candidate whose name might around controversial subjects including the about their platforms, their candidates, the “democratic” state is problematic to some, be familiar to many in Ann Arbor is for- equal recognition of non-Orthodox Jewish WZC and its related institutions, and a video while others are troubled by language about mer Congressperson Sander Levin. Now 88 denominations and support for Israeli insti- on how-to-vote. a “Jewish” state that favors some citizens over and retired from Congress, Congressperson tutions in the Occupied Territories. The website allows interested voters to others; and still others reject Zionist lan- Levin is on the ARZA slate. “I have been active There are not many opportunities for register by acknowledging their eligibility guage around Aliyah that elevates Jewish life in a Reconstructionist synagogue, T’chiyah Jews throughout the world to vote–as rela- as American Jews at least 18 years old. in Israel above Diaspora Jewish life. in Detroit, especially in recent years,” Levin tive equals–on Israel-Diaspora issues that Additionally, they must acknowledge the Delegates will be allocated to the various explains. “When they asked me to be on the affect them collectively. The WZC elections, Jerusalem Program as the platform of the slates based on the percentage of the total slate, I decided I’d be glad to join them.” generally only every 5 years, are one such World Zionist Organization, not be voting vote earned by that slate. The United States Other Michigan candidates include: Da- opportunity. A review of the slates and their in the upcoming Israeli elections, and pay a sends 152 delegates to the Congress which vid Reifler, from Grand Rapids running on platforms reveals the ability to support virtu- $7.50 administrative fee to cover the costs of has 500 delegates in total. Israel sends a simi- the Mercaz slate; Uri Lorkis from Oak Park ally every position in regard to these heavily the election ($5 for those 18-25 years of age). lar number and the rest come from other and Daniel Selesny from Southfield are run- debated issues. So, follow the web to Zionist- The website also describes the competing Jewish communities around the world. ning on the Vision: Empowering the Next Election.org and cast your vote. n slates and offers links to learn about their Generation slate. platforms, their candidates, the WZC and its Who’s on the ballot? What’s Both Min-Maranda and Levin describe related institutions, and a video on how-to- causing greater interest in the their decision to become candidates as root- vote. election? ed in the consistency between their personal Checking the box that affirms “I accept Because so few votes were cast in the pre- values and those of the slate they joined. For the Jerusalem Program” is a hurdle to par- vious elections, many of the slates this time Min-Maranda, the involvement of ALEPH ticipation for some American Jews for a va- are working hard under the belief that sig- in the Hatikvah coalition was also impor- riety of reasons. The AZM website describes nificantly more voters can be engaged. There tant. It was not an easy decision for the the Jerusalem Program as stating that “Zion- has been some realignment since 2015, and ALEPH board as their network of commu- ism, the national liberation movement of the new slates representing particular view- nities is not of one mind on all the issues Jewish people, brought about the establish- points. The Reconstructionist movement on Hatikvah’s platform--particularly its ment of the State of Israel, and views a Jew- has joined with the Reform movement in the opposition to the Occupation and explicit ish, Zionist, democratic and secure State of ARZA slate. On the left/liberal end, the Ha- support for a two-state solution. Ultimately, Israel to be the expression of the common tikvah slate now includes the traditional pro- Min-Maranda explains that “taking action responsibility of the Jewish people for its gressive Labor Zionist organizations, who based on our values is more important than continuity and future.” Discomfort with the have been joined by organizations with simi- ever before. It’s not just what you believe,

8 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 ICommunity

From Ann Arbor to urban kibbutz in Israel Emily Eisbruch, special to the Washtenaw Jewish News t’s no secret that kids raised in Washtenaw and worked there as a madricha (counselor/ connected to and contributed to the society attended summer camp at Camp Tavor, where County frequently branch out to other teacher) afterwards. Throughout high school around me, not in a reclusive or closed-off way. she thrived and eventually became a counselor. I areas of the country and the world as they I attended Keshet Dror Israel represented the opportunity to do “I stayed active in Habonim Dror and Camp launch their adult lives. Chicago, New York, and (community-wide just that, along with a like-minded group of Tavor throughout my years in university.” the Bay Area seem to top the list these days. Yet program teaching people who I had been fostering a connection says Yelena. “After graduating from college, I for those raised in a Jewish framework, a life modern Hebrew), and with for the better part of my life.” worked on the Habonim Dror national staff in in Israel can be a compelling choice. This is I continued studying Yasaf lives in a Dror Israel urban kibbutz in New York City for two years and then became the story of six young adults from Washtenaw Hebrew in college as Tiberias and works in a printing house for the a Workshop madricha (counselor) in Israel. I County, ages 27 to 33, who are part of the Dror well. And of course, I Dror Israel movement. He also runs educational deepened my partnerships in Israel and felt I Israel Educational Movement (http://drorisrael. went to Camp Tavor street art workshops. could actualize my visions for society and live org.il/english/) and are finding fulfillment and Ken Pardes in a meaningful way by continuing to be in the living in Israel in an urban educators’ kibbutz (youth group) as part Matan Naamani Dror Israel movement, and I decided to stay in environment. of my movement Matan Naamani attended Hebrew Israel and make Aliyah. Dror Israel is an organization working membership in Habonim Dror North America, Day School of Ann Arbor and had his bar “I am an educator at a high school in Carmiel towards a society of democracy, equality, culminating in participating in the gap year mitzvah at Beth Israel that is at the forefront of Social Project Based and peace created through education and Workshop program in Israel. In addition to Congregation. He Learning. It aims to take the informal education community, where all share responsibility, those structured activities, I grew up in an attended Camp Tavor, we grew up on in the youth movement and benefit from opportunity, and realize their own Israeli, Hebrew-speaking family and had a as a camper, counselor, implement it in the formal school setting. potential. They aim to educate and empower strong consistent connection to Israel.” and coordinating Hundreds of educators visit the school every young people and marginalized groups to “I made aliyah with my core group from staff member, and he year to learn about dialogical education.” actively contribute to their communities and to Habonim Dror, including Matan Naamani and participated and then create a shared society in Israel. Sophia Blumenthal. We decided together that became a leader in the Dafna Eisbruch we wanted to explore collective life in Israel Habonim Dror youth Dafna Eisbruch’s upbringing in Ann Arbor Sophia Blumenthal centered around education and social justice.” group. “I made aliyah featured attending Hebrew Day School of Ann Sophia Blumenthal lives in Jerusalem in an Currently Maya is a national educational with my core group Arbor, spending summers at Camp Tavor (as a urban educators’ kibbutz, as part of the Dror director in Hanoar Haoved, the Israeli partners in Habonim Dror, camper and then counselor and staff), teaching Israel movement, along with Maya Lamm and of Habonim Dror and youth movement which formed towards the end of my university religious school at Temple Beth Emeth, and Matan Naamani and associated with Dror Israel. studies, including Ann Arbor locals, Sophia attending Keshet (community-wide modern several others from Blumenthal and Maya Lamm.” says Matan. Hebrew program). As a family, the Eisbruchs Israel and around the Yasaf Warshai “Shortly after arriving in Israel, I began are members of world. “Dror Israel On his upbringing in Ann Arbor Yasaf working at a youth center for at-risk youth the Ann Arbor is a movement that Warshai comments, “Being part of the Ann run by Dror Israel in Akko. Our partnerships Reconstructionist combines my love of Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah, which at and friendships with members of Dror Israel Congregation. After Israel and my desire that point didn’t have opened opportunities for work, friendship, a gap year in Israel, to make a difference,” a single fixed meeting economic benefits, cultural exposure, and Dafna attended says Sophia. Sophia place, meant that I was meaningful relationships with tzavabarim University of Michigan was raised in a introduced to a variety (native born Israelis). and then made the conservative Jewish of Jewish spaces from “Alongside the local welfare department decision to pursue life household in Ann a young age, including and the national Ministry of Education we in Israel. Arbor, attending Beth Israel Congregation, Beth Emeth, Beth were able to start some very interesting new With a passion for where her father Bob Blumenthal currently Israel, the JCC, and programs for finding and reaching out to shared existence work, Dafna initially lived in a serves as president. She attended Hebrew Day houses of many people demographics of at-risk kids that would Dror Israel urban kibbutz in Haifa and facilitated School of Ann Arbor, Camp Tavor (https:// in the community. My otherwise slip through the cracks in the existing youth groups in the Arab villages of Sakhnin www.camptavor.org/) and participated in the mother working at welfare and education systems.” and Kfar Manda. She was trained at Beit Berl’s Habonim Dror Workshop program as a gap Hebrew Day School of Currently Matan works as financial director outdoor education program to conduct school year after high school. Habonim Dror is the Ann Arbor also meant I had lots of interactions for the southern district of the Dror Israel trips to the northern parts of Israel. name for Dror Israel serving English language with other Jewish kids. youth movement in Israel (HaNoar HaOved), Currently, Dafna works as a journalist for the countries. “I attended Camp Tavor starting at age nine, which includes 13 local branches in cities and online publication Davar (https://en.davar1. Sophia works on the Dror Israel and it’s hard to put into words just how big of kibbutzim. co.il/) which is affiliated with the Histadrut, fundraising and outreach team, creating an impact that had on my life. Experiences of Israel’s main labor union. “At Davar, I research strong relationships between international friendship and unwavering acceptance, of fun Yelena Adelman and share information on topics around health, Jewish communities and Israel. She, along and learning and caring for others in a deep Yelena Adelman was a fourth grader when public safety and a just society” comments with others profiled here, is enrolled in a five- way, and of letting go of fear of judgment, were her family moved to Ann Arbor. The family Dafna. “I feel like my life in Dror Israel is a year “Informal Education” degree program at all things that I experienced at Camp Tavor that joined Beth Israel Congregation and Yelena natural continuation of my upbringing in the Beit Berl College, a multidisciplinary college shaped me as a person. attended Hebrew Jewish community in Ann Arbor.” focused on training educators. “Participating in the Workshop gap year in School there. In fifth Sophia, Maya, Matan, Yelena, Yasaf and Israel, I connected in a deeper way with the ideas grade, Yelena’s family Dafna welcome hearing from anyone who’d Maya Lamm I had learned to love at Camp Tavor – ideas like moved to Saline. like to know more about Dror Israel, life in “I grew up in many Jewish frameworks in living and working together in community, as There were few Jewish an urban kibbutz or just to say hi. They invite Ann Arbor,” says Maya Lamm. “My family and well as a deeper connection with Israel. kids in Saline and it any Ann Arbor residents to come see the I were members of Beth Israel Congregation “In many ways moving to Israel was a was important for her projects they are working on in Israel. Sophia and went to services often as a child, including continuation of those same values. I knew that family that she develop ([email protected]) is a natural of course my own bat mitzvah. I also attended I wanted to live collectively in some form. And a strong Jewish contact point as she works on Dror Israel Hebrew School at Beth Israel until high school I knew that I wanted to do so in a way that was identity. So Yelena outreach. n

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Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 9 IRabbis' Corner: Thoughts on Purim

A Lesson from the Godless Book of Esther Esther’s responsibility...and ours Rabbi Jared Anstandig, special to the WJN Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, special to the WJN movies: The Verdict, a film directed by Sidney t is remarkable that we consider the Scroll Israelites were very enthusiastic to accept the And who knows, perhaps you have attained Lumet and starring Paul Newman. If you have of Esther to be a sacred book. Not only that, Torah. This threat notwithstanding, the Talmud to royal position for just such a crisis. but we dedicate an entire holiday, the holi- then assures us that eventually the Israelites Mordecai’s impassioned plea to Esther in which not seen the movie, I would urge you to do so. I It is a fascinating character study of a human day of Purim, to reading and celebrating the accepted the Torah full heartedly – during the he urges her to tell the king about the plot against story. But, if you really think about it, the events events of the Purim story. the Jews is one of the most dramatic moments in being struggling with his shortcomings and that Purim commemorate are hardly religious. Rabbi Meir Simchah HaKohen of Dvinsk the book of Esther. He begs her to see her role as his failures. The movie, as the name implies, is There is no magic (19th century, Lithuania) explains that this queen as enabling her to do what others could a movie focused on a trial and attorney Frank oil lasting for eight passage in the Tamlud is far from a historical not as the Jews faced the threat of annihilation. Galvin’s attempt to win a medical malpractice days, no splitting of account. Rather, it represents a deeper truth about We sometimes case against a powerful hospital. a sea, no dwelling in the human experience and Judaism. When the overlook how dra- I will not reveal any more about the film but huts. It’s a story of a Israelites initially accepted the Torah at Mount matic the story of will share with you Frank Galvin’s speech just woman who masks Sinai, it was in the wake of the plagues in Egypt and Megillat Esther really before the end of the movie as he summarizes her identity as a Jew, the splitting of the sea. The existence of God was is. After all, we are of- the case for the jury. Reading it will not do it intermarries, and so apparent that they could do nothing but accept ten too pre-occupied justice. You need to see it and to understand it in by virtue of being the Torah. It was as if they were coerced directly by with costumes and context to get the full effect. But, even by reading in the right place at God’s own actions. But, in the times of Purim, God celebration to listen his words, we are reminded of its critical message. seriously to the story It had been a lengthy trial with many Rabbi Jared Anstandig the right time, suc- was entirely absent. Every twist and turn of the cessfully thwarts an story of Esther could be explained by coincidence, and, of course, we dramatic moments and when asked by the antisemite’s attempt to eradicate the Jews. It’s a luck, and human initiative. Nonetheless, the Jews know how the story judge to give his final statement, Frank Galvin powerful story, no doubt. But, a religious story? of Persia saw God hidden behind the scenes. Their comes out in the end. hesitates, crumbles a piece of paper in front of him, stands up, heaves a sigh and says this: God’s name does not even appear one time in salvation wasn’t merely happenstance; The God of Rabbi Robert Dobrusin But, we would do the entire scroll! So, how did this story and the Israel stood by their side from beginning to end. well to pay close at- “Well, so much of the time we’re just lost. We holiday of Purim make their way into our cal- This is why the story of Esther is so crucial tention to the story as it can teach us important say:” Please God tell us what is right, tell us what endar and Bible? to our religion. It reminds us that though we lessons about who we are and what we can and is true.” There is no justice. The rich win. The Perhaps this story is so significant precisely may not see the Hand of God in our daily lives, must do in life. poor are powerless. We become tired of hearing because God and religion are so absent. The it is most certainly there. As a teacher of mine So, in that spirit, let me share one of those people lie and after a time we become dead, a Talmud in Tractate Sabbath (page 88a) reports often pointed out, if you shuffle the letters of the important messages. little dead. We think of ourselves as victims and that when the Israelites stood at Mount Sinai to Hebrew word for coincidence (“mikre,” spelled I am not a huge movie fan but when I see a we become victims. We become weak; we doubt receive the Torah, God lifted the mountain over “mem,” “kuf,” “reish”), you get the words “Just movie that inspires me, I find myself drawn to ourselves; we doubt our beliefs; we doubt our their heads and threatened them, “If you accept from God” (Rak MeHashem). This Purim, may seeing it over and over again and the words of institutions. We doubt the law. But, today, you the Torah, good. If not, I will drop the mountain we be able to recognize the hidden workings of the critical scenes always stay with me. are the law. You are the law. Not some book, and this will be your grave.” Needless to say, the God in our lives. n This is the case with one of my favorite not the lawyers, not the marble statue or the trappings of the court; those are just symbols of our desire to be just. They are in fact a prayer, a fervent and frightened prayer. In my religion, we Remembering to blot out the memory of Amalek say: “act as if ye had faith and faith will be given Rabbi Aharon Goldstein, special to the WJN to you.” If we are to have faith in justice, we need only to believe in ourselves and act with justice. he holiday of Purim will take place on So we are recognizing it and reminding ourselves. on their way out of Egypt when they were going to See, I believe there is justice in our hearts.” March 10. The Shabbos before Purim The Torah says to remember what Amalek did receive the Torah. In Hebrew, the same term that It is an impassioned and brilliant speech. is the first Shabbos of March, March and at the same time we have to blot out his is used for “meeting up” also can mean “cooling T It brings tears to my eyes each time I watch it. 7, and we will be reading the story of Amalek. memory! So how do we both remember what he off.” Amalek tried to cool off the enthusiasm the And it reminds me of a message from the The reading is called did and blot out the memory of what he did? Jews had to receive the Torah. He didn’t try to tell Megilla. Parshas Zachor – to Reminding ourselves of what he did while at them not to receive the Torah, he more cunningly The line that resonates with me in thinking remember – referring the same time blotting out his memory is not a tried to merely cool their excitement for doing about Purim (and certainly about some current to the story of Amalek. contradiction. On the contrary, it is an obligation something spiritual and holy. The Torah says events as well) is Galvin’s admonition to the jury Since Haman was a for every Jew to remember, at all times, what that whenever one gets this feeling of cooling that: “You are the law.” He told them that, at that descendent of Amalek Amalek has done to us. Regarding the command of enthusiasm for doing something good – that moment, they were the final arbiters of right it is quite appropriate to blot out Amalek: when we recognize what comes from Amalek! To this day, Amalek’s job is and wrong. They may have felt reluctant to be at this time of year to Amalek is doing to us, all the time until this day, to cool us down from our excitement of doing in that position and might have had a desire to tap into his ancestor we must blot out and get rid of that memory Torah Mitzvahs. That has to be blotted out. We avoid the critical decision. But, in the same way and to fulfill the and anything that is associated with him. This can’t elevate it. We can’t refine it. We just have to Mordecai did for Esther, Frank Galvin reminded Mitzvah that says we includes not only his descendants but his animals blot it out. There’s no dealing with it. We don’t Rabbi Aharon Goldstein them that that is where they found themselves have to remember and anything of his that would cause us to have to try to understand it logically. Just getting and they had to seize the opportunity. what Amalek did to us. When we look in the Torah remember him – because this would transgress rid of it is the only option. That is the Mitzvah to There are many lessons in the book of there are two places that speak about blotting out the command that we should blot out his blot out Amalek. Esther. But surely one of the most critical the memory of Amalek. One is in Exodus 17: 14 memory. The conclusion from the Torah is that So how do we get rid of Amalek? We do it by is the importance of acting definitively and in the portion of Beshalach. The second time is nothing should remain from Amalek including taking upon ourselves the attitude of “ Kabbalas courageously when we find ourselves in the in the description of events occurring when the his memory – nothing positive. Even neutral Ol ” - the yoke of God. Because when a person position to do so. We must recognize that there Jewish people left Egypt, Deuteronomy 25: 17, reminders like his animals must be blotted out. serves God only on the basis of their intellect or come times in life when “we are the law.” There portion Ki Teitzei. The difference between the So the Mitzvah is to remember to blot out all their feelings, Amalek can enter and cool them are times when we can determine, if not the fate two stories is that, in Beshalach, “God” will blot memories of Amalek. down. However, when a person is committed to of another individual or an entire people, then out the memory of Amalek but in Ki Teitzei there There is a custom where people used to write serve God by accepting “the yoke of Heaven” of in a smaller but significant way, the direction of is a commandment for the “Jewish people” to blot the name of Amalek on a piece of wood or stone Torah and Mitzvahs, they are doing it beyond a the world, whether towards justice or injustice, out the memory of Amalek. and wait for Purim to come. Then, during the limited, rational understanding and there is no towards right or wrong. The commandment in Deuteronomy/Ki reading of the Megillah, when the name of Haman way Amalek can enter and cool them down with Maimonides taught that we should view the Teitzei tells us that “we” have the obligation to was mentioned (Haman was a descendant of rational arguments because their acceptance of entire world as precariously balanced between blot out the memory. However, a question arises. Amalek) they would bang the stones and wood to the yoke of heaven is made with a decision that is destruction and redemption so that even one How do we blot out a memory? In Beshalach blot out the name of Amalek. We can see that this beyond reason. So when a person has this attitude act we perform may tip the balance in the right there is no question – God will do it for us. But in custom is two parts: first we write the name, then of going beyond understanding in their service of direction. Do we have the courage to be the Ki Teitzei the obligation is on “us” to forget on our we “blot out” the name. Therefore, we remember God, simply submitting to the higher authority of agent of positive change in the world? own accord – how do we do this? the name in order to blot out the name. God, that’s how they get rid of Amalek. As Frank Galvin taught us: “we need only Furthermore, the very fact that the Torah tells How do we view this in our service to God? On Once Amalek is gone, the Torah says that the believe in ourselves and act with justice.” May us that we have to remember the story of Amalek a spiritual level we also have to deal with Amalek. Name of God will be complete and His throne we all have the courage to do so when we, as we is a contradiction to the commandment to blot Today, Amalek is represented by anything that will will be complete. This will be with the coming of surely will, are presented with the opportunity out his memory. By reminding ourselves of what “cool down” a Jew from fulfilling Torah Mitzvahs. Moshiach - may it be speedily in our days. n to make a difference. n Amalek did is bringing up memories of his deeds. As the Torah tells us, Amalek met up with the Jews 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 ICommunity

Chabad and JCC plan “Purim in Mexico” Sora Gordon, special to the WJN urim is long-beloved holiday on doing just that, but with a fiesta-themed Israel program was so popular, it only makes Of course, no Purim celebration would celebrated by Jews all over the world, twist that promises plenty of fun for the sense to keep the travel bug going. Purim in be complete without costumes, seen as a P from Australia to America, New entire family. There will be music, dancing, Mexico is going to be even bigger and better staple of the holiday, so of course, guests are Zealand to Nova Scotia. This year, Chabad fun and games for all ages. than ever!” strongly encouraged to come in their favorite of Ann Arbor in conjunction with the Jewish “We decided to stick with an international The festivities will take place on Tuesday, Purim costume. Chabad and the JCC are Community Center will be celebrating the theme for a reason,” says Chabad of Ann March 10, beginning with a Megillah reading known for their amazing Purim events that holiday of Purim in Mexico, and they are Arbor director, Shternie Zwiebel. “Jews all at 5:15p.m., in which the story of how the brave are anticipated all year long, and focus on hoping you’ll join them. over the world have been celebrating the Queen Esther teamed up with her cousin Mor- Jewish unity and togetherness. So mark your Both Chabad of Ann Arbor and the JCC holiday of Purim for hundreds of years, so we dechai to save the entire Jewish people from the calendars for Purim in Mexico – it will be one strive to consistently create new and creative wanted to unify the experience by showcasing wicked Haman will be told. The reading will fiesta you won’t want to miss! ways to fill the Jewish holidays with joy for what Purim celebrations in other regions be followed by a fun-filled fiesta for the whole The cost of Purim in Mexico is: At the everyone from children to adults alike, and and communities might look like.” Jessica family at 5:45p.m., which will feature Mexi- door $40 per family or $12 per person, before Purim provides a perfect opportunity for Gillespie, a representative of the JCC, agrees. can cultural staples such as a Mariachi band, March 5 $35 per family $10 person. n them to think outside the box. Traditionally, “Every year, we at the JCC look forward to piñata, and a delicious dinner spread of tacos, Purim is a holiday celebrated with fun and joining forces with Chabad to bring joy to the guacamole, Mexican-style tortilla chips, non- food, light and joy. Chabad and the JCC plan celebration of Judaism. Last year’s Purim in alcoholic margaritas and more. Chabad Hebrew School Sora Gordon, special to the WJN hen many children think of an crafts, interactive activities, and more. Right Hebrew reading program, which has been ideal Sunday morning, they now, the students are actively engaged in the noted to be one of the primary draws of W think of sleeping late, play- international JewQ, a friendly Torah knowl- her CHS program. Facilitated by dedicated ing video games, or hanging out with their edge championship competition where chil- and caring University of Michigan students friends. For some very lucky students in Ann dren learn and get tested on basic concepts in a nearly 1:2 ratio, each student gets the Arbor, the ideal, fun-filled Sunday also in- in Judaism, mastering the material along special undivided attention they need to cludes a morning at Chabad Hebrew School. with children from Chabad Hebrew Schools thrive in the Hebrew reading program. In The words Hebrew School and fun don’t around the world. The regional competi- this program, the children progress from usually go together, and many adults have less tion took place in early February, with CHS’s recognizing letters and vowel sounds to than fond memories of Sunday afternoons own students Scarlett Epstein and Ari Shtein reading full words and sentences faster than spent in stuffy classrooms, prepping for their among the top winners! they would have dreamed possible – all Bar and Bat Mitvzvahs. But Chabad Hebrew Another school-wide favorite is the thanks to the individualized attention they School takes another approach entirely. Rosh Chodesh celebration that celebrates receive with the specially formatted Hebrew The goal of CHS is to create an education- each new Jewish month, and highlights the reading curriculum. al yet entertaining environment where stu- students whose Jewish birthday falls in that While each age group has a specially dents look forward to attending classes and month. Each student gets to feel special curated program to suit their educational learning about their Jewish heritage. “From at their group birthday celebration, while needs, the middle school VIP group has been the beginning, our goal was to get our stu- learning about the significance of the Jewish become incredibly popular. It offers a range dents excited about learning about all sorts month in which they were born. They also of educational experiences, from social jus- of Jewish holidays and customs,” says Shter- finally get to redeem the tokens they earned tice projects, to speakers, to a cultural cook- nie Zwiebel, the Chabad Hebrew School di- for their classwork and effort over the past ing class – everyone’s favorite. Children and rector. “We are now entering our 6th year at be brought to life that week.” month for prizes in the monthly prize store parents alike have been incredibly satisfied CHS, and I’m happy to say that each year we Each week brings something new at CHS, – an incentive system that has proven to be with CHS year after year, and this year is no more than meet our goal in that regard, as as the faculty take pride in their innovative both effective and eagerly anticipated, month exception. n our students eagerly look forward to class curriculum, bringing a new perspective on after month. and seeing which exciting way the lesson will Jewish heroes and history through games, Zwiebel takes particular pride in her Steinways at the front Martin Shichtman, special to the WJN he Victory Vertical Project: The Mu- recital, Dr. Gary Pederson, Eastern Michigan during the Second World War. Dr. Pederson Jewish musical traditions informing many of sic that Won WWII,” will be at the University Professor of Piano, will talk about will address, among other things, antisemitic the songs played by American GIs. He will TYankee Air Museum, March 8, noon the Steinway and Sons pianos that were de- accusations leveled against the Steinway also play the music our soldiers listened to, to 3p.m. with brunch. During this lecture/ livered to United States soldiers at the front family (they were not Jewish) as well as the the music that inspired their victory. Doors to the Yankee Air Museum will open at 11:30 a.m. with the lecture/recital beginning at noon. There will be a brunch and Yankee Air Museum docents will provide guided tours. The Victory Vertical Project at the Yankee Air Museum is sponsored by the EMU Center for Jewish Studies, the EMU School of Music and Dance, and the Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit. It is a free but ticketed event. To make a reservation either call 734- 487-5634, or go to true.mu/ victoryvertical. n Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 11 I Federation

Federation partners with 2 for seder Federation offers opportunity to participate Courtney Bushnell, special to the WJN ith rising antisemitism abroad, 2 for Seder in its efforts to build bridges and in Jewish communal needs and aspirations in our nation, and in our local strong collaborative relationships in the By Eileen Freed W communities many have asked: broader Washtenaw County community. Jes- hat are the key issues facing the on behalf of the collective system of Jewish “How can we contribute to the fight against sica “Decky” Alexander, chair of the JCRC Jewish community today? Ensuring communities on a range of domestic issues hate?” stated, “the 2 for Seder project gives us a way W the next generation is connected from disability rights to increased funding for This is precisely the question that Mar- to bring friends and strangers to our homes, to our heritage; antisemitism; maintaining a non-profit security grants. Our own Jewish nie Fienberg asked herself after her mother- tables, and histories.” connection to Israel and the rest of the Jewish Family Services has recently received a grant in-law, Joyce Fienberg z’l was murdered in Individuals interested in joining the 2 for world; security; ensuring long-term financial from JFNA’s Center for Advancing Holocaust the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Seder movement can take two steps in order sustainability for our communal infrastructure; Survivor Care. These awards come from to participate. First, fostering unity in a time of division; and taking federal and philanthropic sources to which invite two individu- care of people, families and communities in need. our community would not have access on als who have never There are just a few that come to mind. its own. The success of this advocacy is only attended a Seder With rare exception, it is difficult for possible because JFNA is able to speak on behalf before to their home individual donors to have a significant impact in of our collective communities. to share a Seder ex- addressing the big issues of the day. The Jewish perience with them. Federation’s Annual Community Campaign Global Impact On the international front, we are a part of a Next, register on allows our community, in concert with an entire global system that wraps the world, caring for Jews 2ForSeder.org to global system, to have an impact that goes far wherever they are and fostering vibrant Jewish receive a free 2 For beyond any one individual or organization. Seder home kit that life in communities that, until a few decades ago, can be used to guide Local Impact did not have a Jewish future. We have an impact hosts and guests Locally, the Annual Community Campaign through JFNA and traditional partners, such as raises significant funds which allow our part- the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Jewish ner organizations to focus on their missions of Agency for Israel (JAFI) and ORT, and newer engagement, education, and caring. The cam- collaborations with Birthright, Hillel International Pittsburgh. Marnie wanted to do something paign also supports programs and communal and Moishe House. By participating with 46 other to combat this hate and even better, take ac- partnerships that strengthen our community, Federations on the Israel Religious Expression tion to proactively prevent it. She envisioned such as professional development for our Jewish Platform, we are able to provide meaningful an approach that would enable every indi- educators, and scholarships for Jewish summer support for organizations working for religious vidual, and the collective community, to camp and Israel experiences. The Community pluralism and equality in Israel – an impact we make personal impact in the fight against Engagement Fund, established last year, pro- would not be able to achieve on our own. A JFNA antisemitism. vides for programs such as Community Shab- team in Israel coordinates these and other efforts on Her vision led to the creation of 2 for bat (this year on May 8, 2020), which bring us our behalf, overseeing the transfer of $56 million of Seder; a means to directly fight antisemitism through their first Seder experience together. together for a common purpose. designated grants to hundreds of non-profits and by building bridges between communities, Marnie Fienberg reported, “Last year keeping watch on areas around the world that may National Impact need assistance from world Jewry. faith groups, and individuals. How? By sim- thousands participated in almost 1,000 Sed- The power of the collective extends beyond When you participate in the Annual ply inviting two people outside of the Jewish ers... There were bridges built with Love and Washtenaw County. Our national organization, Community Campaign, you make all of this community to a Seder meal. Truly, 2 for Seder Matzah having impact across almost every Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA), happen. Together, as a community, we take is a simple idea, but it has the potential for state and province.” By partnering with 2 for provides access to services, opportunities and care of our local needs and we take care of Jews incredible impact. Seder, the JCRC of the Jewish Federation of initiatives we would be unable to access on our around the world, wherever they are. The values The 2 for Seder website states, “Direct, Greater Ann Arbor looks forward to con- own. These include outstanding leadership we share as a community can be reflected by positive participation in any new religious ex- tributing to this collective effort of building development opportunities like National Young how we come together as a collective to address perience impacts the individual in a profound bridges with our neighbors, colleagues, and Leadership Cabinet, support from the Israel the great issues confronting our community. manner. The new experience creates both re- friends. Action Network in combatting municipal For more information about how you can lationships and direct firsthand knowledge. As individuals, we all have the ability to and academic anti-Israel activities, and the be a partner in addressing the needs and In turn, this improves attitudes, not only to- prevent hate. So the question is, who will you recent growth of the security consulting and aspirations of the Jewish community, please ward the individual but the entire religion.” invite to your Seder? training infrastructure offered by the Secure visit www.jewishannarbor.org or contact Chief The Jewish Community Relations Com- For more information visit Jewishannar. Communities Network. Development Officer, Sharyn Gallatin (sharyn@ mittee (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of org, 2forseder.org or contact Courtney Bush- Many people are not aware that JFNA has jewishannarbor.org) or 734-773-3533. n Greater Ann Arbor is excited to partner with nell at [email protected] n an office in Washington, DC and advocates My five weeks in Israel By Renee Starosta his past summer, I went to Israel for and apply the previous lessons the Habonim During the trip, we also learned about what and witnessing the damage and living conditions five weeks with forty-seven strangers Dror Movement taught us during camp. life is like for someone in the Israeli Habonim of real people. T on Machaneh Bonimot Israel (MBI). In the beginning of our trip, everyone stuck Dror movement and our sister movement, The trip was more than just touring and It seemed normal at first, this was just the next with their respective Habonim Dror Camps but HaNoar HaOved. A key difference is the way eating delicious falafel (although I wouldn’t level in my Habonim Dror camp experience. it was not long be- we come together. Instead of camps, Israelis mind going back and doing just that!). Through Either you spend the summer touring the United fore we all became have Kens, or little communities that meet on the Habonim Dror movement’s MBI experience States or you venture into the unknown to the friends. It was a regular basis to discuss social action and have and the support of the Jewish Federation of homeland you have heard so much about. It great seeing us all fun. This contrasted with the summer camps in Greater Ann Arbor’s Israel Travel Subsidy and the turned out to be a summer I will never forget, all bond over simi- the United States where you are together during Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Scholarship beginning with a twelve hour plane ride with my larities and differ- the summer and then return to “normal life” fund, I was able to connect and make memories twin brother, moving farther and farther away ences from our during the school year. in a place that I had only heard about through from the comforts and safety of home. camps. One of the We also explored Israeli history and current scripture. I was educated and astounded by the Once we landed in Israel, things never ways we learned events while visiting Sderot, which is located culture that was deeply rooted in me since birth. stopped moving. Our only consistency was the about different less than a mile away from the Gaza border. It was not just a destination or homeland, it was bus driving us across the entire country. From camp traditions This community deals with rockets and attacks a journey. Jerusalem to Tzfat to Tel Aviv, to Sderot, Sde was through Shab- on a daily basis. During this trip, we learned For more information about the Jewish Boker, Mitzpe Ramon, Haifa, you name it and I bat and Havdalah, more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Federation of Greater Ann Arbor’s Israel at least passed through it on the way to all the the ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat. how towns are separated by the Green Line (the Teen Travel Funds, please contact Stephanie amazing sites, activities and hikes planned for us. Representatives from each camp led a Shabbat demarcation line between Israel, Jordan, Egypt Glass, Development and Planning Associate, In addition to all the sightseeing, there were also or Havdalah ceremony according to their indi- and Syria pre-1967). It was a reality check to see at [email protected] or 734- activities that helped us develop leadership skills vidual Habonim Dror camp customs. everything that was actually happening in Israel 773-3534. n 12 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 “

“I don't know what I would do without her“ You Power THe protection of the most vulnerable

Lilia, a 73-year-old living in Ukraine, was born shortly after the end of World War II to parents who survived the Holocaust. She grew up strong and resilient, taking pride in her ability to care for herself. This all changed suddenly when a stroke left Lilia virtually bedbound. Forced to retire, she only had a pension of $75 a month to live on. Thankfully, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) was there to help. Through them, Lilia received additional funds for food, allowing her to use her pension on medicine. The JDC also provided Lilia with a homecare worker, who cares for her daily. Despite these difficult circumstances, Lilia is surviving and feels the support of her worldwide Jewish community through the help of the JDC.

Your support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor powers organizations like the JDC. Across towns and across oceans, your support powers innumerable moments that build, ensure, and enrich Jewish life.

This Purim, bring the mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim (giving to the poor) by making a gift to the 2020 Annual Community Campaign.

No organization powers more Jewish moments than Federation.

www.jewishannarbor.org/donate

2020-Feb-Ad-Letter-FINAL_v2.indd 1 2/17/20 13:12

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 13 ®

LIFE & LEGACY® is a four year program designed to help Jewish organizations work together to secure legacy gifts. Teams will be trained so that all community partner organizations will have the opportunity to strengthen their philanthropic culture.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is excited to announce the LIFE & LEGACY community partners. The partners include:

• Ann Arbor Jewish Cultural Society

• Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan

• Beth Israel Congregation

• Chabad of Ann Arbor

• Eastern Michigan University Foundation

• Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor

• Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor

• Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County

• Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor

• Michigan Hillel

• Temple Beth Emeth

If you have any questions about the program, please contact LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator Margaret Schreiber at [email protected] or call 734-773-3538

14 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 I Federation

Community organizations participate in Laughter, wine, and cheese: A Stop the Bleed winning combination at the Women’s Isaac Ellis, special to the WJN ny of us can act to save a life.” These Present were members of the staff, boards, Philanthropy Wine and Cheese Tasting words, spoken by Matthew Budd, and committees from Chabad House of Ann Stephanie Glass, special to the WJN A Injury Prevention Coordinator at Arbor, The Federation, Hebrew Day School, n Thursday, February 6, over 40 ily Services’ Specialty Food Pantry. She shared St. Joseph’s Mercy Ann Arbor, hung in the air Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation, women gathered to sample deli- that “through our Federation’s support, Leket at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Temple Beth Emeth, U of M Hillel, and the O cious cheeses, sip a variety of wines, Israel harvested up to 3.3 million pounds of Ann Arbor on the morning of February 4. Ann Arbor JCC. The group asked questions and connect at the Jewish Federation of Greater fresh produce last year to be shared with those They were daunting words, but over the next and dug deep into a presentation by Budd Ann Arbor’s Women’s Philanthropy Wine and in need, highlighting the collective impact our hour the sixteen participants representing and Combs, and then had the opportunity Cheese Tasting. This tasting, hosted and led by community has both locally and in Israel.” seven Jewish community organizations to practice packing various wounds and learned just how empowered they could using tourniquets on life-like dummy legs. Aversions to blood, the idea of “probing a wound,” reactions during an emergency were discussed and, ultimately, overcome. Said one participant, “While no one wants to think about the kinds of situations that might require these skills, we need to put those feelings aside to ensure we are prepared.” The Stop the Bleed program came about in the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. While reviewing autopsy reports, trauma surgeon and Regent of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Lenworth M. Jacobs, Jr., MD, FACS, found results indicating severe bleeding to be the be in an emergency. As Angela Combs, co- true cause of death. With recommendations presenter and Faith Community Nurse from experts in emergency medical care, Joyce Gerber, co-chair Liaison, put it, “Our hope is to connect people law enforcement, and the government, the of Women’s Philanthropy in the community with the knowledge and White House launched a national campaign shared that she was “de- skills they would need to help save a life – to in October of 2015. There are over 150,000 lighted to see such a great say ‘yes’ when called to serve.” injury-related deaths in the U.S. each year and diverse group of la- The training opportunity, hosted by the and statistics show that over 20% of them dies at the tasting. From Community Security Committee and the could be prevented with training like Stop the amazing selection of Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, the Bleed. cheeses to the lovely con- and funded by the ongoing Community The Community Security Campaign versations, it was wonder- Security Campaign, is the first in a planned continues through August of 2020 and is ful to have such a large series of training events coordinated on raising money to fund community-wide gathering of Jewish wom- the community-wide level. For Dave security assessments, security enhancements Sarah Zagar, Jordan Tauber, Joyce Gerber, Co chair for en from our community. Nelson, Chair of the Community Security to buildings, and training programs Marci Sukenic, Amy Davidoff Women Philanthropy, Marci I cannot wait to bring Committee, community is the key: “It assures including Situational Awareness, Greeter/ Feinberg, Babette Levy this energy to our March that we’re all on the same page, applying the Usher Training, and Stop the Bleed. For 19 event.” Sustainabil- current best-practices in an emergency. It’s more information or to give, visit www. York staff, including owner Tommy York was ity through Community: Exploring the Jewish also the perfect opportunity for members jewishannarbor.org or contact Sharyn the kickoff event for the Women Philanthropy’s Value of Zero Waste is the next and concluding from different parts of our community – Gallatin at (734) 733-3533. For more series on Jewish Women and Food. In addition event of the Jewish Women and Food series. It ones that don’t necessarily get to interact information on Stop the Bleed, visit www. to discovering new wine and cheese pairings, will be on Thursday, March 19 at the JCC. Reg- much – to see and support each other.” stopthebleed.org. n the group also learned about Federation’s ef- istration is now open at www.jewishannarbor. forts to increase sustainability both locally and org/ecojudaism20. in Israel. Eileen Freed, Executive Director of For more information about Women’s the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, Philanthropy, please contact Sharyn J. Gallatin, Exploring the Jewish value of zero discussed how the Federation works to reduce Chief Development Officer at sharyn@ food waste and increase food access through jewishannarbor.org or 734-773-3533. n waste with Women’s Philanthropy its support of Leket Israel and Jewish Fam- Stephanie Glass, special to the WJN hat is Jewish about composting also hear from community members regarding Federation hosts AG Dana Nessel or using a reusable water bottle? their personal path to incorporating zero waste Stephanie Glass, special to the WJN W How can the community work practices, including Judy Freedman, a member together to reduce waste through simple of the Women’s Philanthropy Committee. n Wednesday, January 22, the risk of White Supremacy and her work to actions? On March 19 at 7 p.m., join the Jewish She became an active composter when she Jewish Federation of Greater keep Michigan and the United States an Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Committee began collecting kitchen waste for Ann Arbor’s O Ann Arbor’s Cardozo Society and open place for refugees and immigrants. as they address these questions and more at compost collection. She shares that soon after Jewish Community Relations Committee JCRC Chair Decky Alexander shared “Sustainability through Community: Exploring starting the process she “immediately saw just how AG Nessel’s speech was especially the Jewish Value of Zero Waste.” This immersive how much I had been sending to our landfills impactful as she “did not hesitate to share event, held at the JCC of Greater Ann Arbor, will and what an impact this was having on our how her own personal and family history, highlight ways in which individuals can create environment.” Through expert tips and lessons specifically regarding the persecution and sustainable change in their daily lives through shared from the community, attendees will leave loss her extended family endured during the such actions as composting or reducing the use this event with a deeper understanding of how Holocaust, informed why she decided to run of single-serve items. sustainable change can occur through accessible, for Attorney General and pursue a path in Beth Israel Congregation, a 2020 Hazon daily actions. Registration is now open at www. public life.” Seal of Sustainability Cohort organization, jewishannarbor.org/ecoJudaism20. For more information about the Cardozo will be providing kosher plant-based treats for For more information about these events or Society or the JCRC, please contact the attendees to enjoy as they learn tips from experts Women’s Philanthropy, please contact Sharyn J. Federation office at 734-677-0100 or info@ representing Recycle Ann Arbor and Hazon: the Gallatin, Chief Development Officer at sharyn@ (JCRC) hosted Dana Nessel, Attorney jewishannarbor.org n Jewish Lab for Sustainability. Attendees will jewishannarbor.org or 734-773-3533. n General of Michigan. Over 115 people heard from AG Nessel as she discussed the rising Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 15 IFrankel Center Frankel Events March 2020 Pamela Nadell 2020 Yiddish and Trauma Studies Mar. 12, 1:00 PM David W. Belin Lecturer Frankel Institute Fellows: Harriet Murav Kelsey Robinette Keeves, special to the WJN and Hannah Pollin-Galay and Guest hat is the difference between dination, 1889–1985, which was a finalist Scholar: Ann Cvetkovich, Carleton a bookkeeper in the garment for a National Jewish Book Award, editor of University W district and a Supreme Court American Jewish Women’s History: A Reader, justice?” Ruth Bader Ginsburg once asked, and co-editor of Women and American Ju- Room 2022, 202 S. Thayer St. “One generation.” daism: Historical Perspectives. She is also a On March 31 at the 30th David W. Be- past president of the Association for Jewish Installation by France-based artist Kliclo. “Partitions de vent” (Wind Partitions) lin Lecture in American Studies and a recipient of the Jewish Affairs, Pamela American Jewish Historical Global Yiddish Networks Nadell, professor and Society’s Lee Max Friedman Mar. 16, 1:00 PM Patrick Clendenen Chair Award for distinguished ser- Frankel Institute Fellows: Dov-Ber Kerler, in Women’s and Gen- vice to the profession. Amy Kerner, Eli Rosenblatt, and Nick der History at American Writing a book with the Underwood and Guest Scholar: Kathryn University and author of scope of America’s Jewish America’s Jewish Women: Women presented exciting Hellerstein, University of Pennsylvania A History from Colonial challenges, Nadell said. So West Conference Room, Rackham Graduate Times to Today, winner of many women “left legacies School, 915 E. Washington St. the 2019 National Jewish reverberating till this day.” “Jodensavanne” (Jew’s Savannah), south of Paramaribo in Suriname: “View of the synagogue and cemetery seen from the military cordon path” Book Award Book of the Calling the book, “a wel- “Translating the Holocaust” Year, will discuss Ameri- come addition to the Ameri- can Jewish women and can historical canon,” the Mar. 17, 7:00 PM antisemitism. New York Times agreed that Justin Cammy, Frankel Institute Fellow “I finished writing Nadell “creates an extremely JCC of Metro Detroit, 6600 W. Maple Rd, America’s Jewish Women readable portrait of Jewish West Bloomfield before our nation’s re- women collectively realizing cent spate of antisemitic violence,” Nadell the potential to change their destiny.” said. “Reflecting from the vantage point of The David W. Belin Lecture in American today on what I wrote then, I see the thread Jewish Affairs was established at the Univer- of antisemitism woven into my narrative.” sity of Michigan in 1991 through a gift from Antisemitism propelled Jewish women to the late David W. Belin, to provide an aca- “Our Father”: The Medieval take up their pens in protest, to picket five- demic forum for the discussion of contempo- and-dimes, and to stand united against the rary Jewish life in the United States. Previous Abrahamic Religion(s) feminists who should have been their sisters. speakers have included Deborah Lipstadt, Mar. 24, 4:00 PM It caused them pain as individuals and as Samuel Freedman, Ruth Messinger, and James Sarah Stroumsa, The Hebrew University mothers heartbroken over their children’s Loeffler. Each lecture is subsequently pub- of Jerusalem shattered dreams. This year’s Belin Lecture lished in the Belin Lecture Series. Room 2022, 202 S. Thayer St. will highlight this gendered encounter with The lecture will be at 7 p.m. at Palmer antisemitism. Commons Forum Hall 100 Washtenaw Ave. n Nadell is the author of Women Who Would be Rabbis: A History of Women’s Or- “The Almighty Salad”: Jewish Vegetarianism and the Farming While Black, continued from page 1 Backlash in the Yiddish Press indigenous farming practices, and end food society where poor people come through and apartheid. pick the gleanings, but we do reserve a portion Mar. 25, 7:00 PM In a recent interview in The Sun magazine, of the harvest — more than the 10 percent Eve Jochnowitz, Frankel Institute Fellow Penniman talks about her connections to her that’s required — for low-income people. A JCC of Metro Detroit, 6600 W. Maple Rd, West African, Haitian and Jewish ancestors and third of our crop goes to people who have low West Bloomfield spirituality. “We use the shmita year, the fallow incomes and/or use government assistance for year: Once every seven years the land gets to rest their food. We price our farm shares on a slid- ing scale, so folks who have more Orientalism and Monotheism: money pay more, and those with Renan on Judaism and Islam less money can pay less.... Every spring we have AfroSeder, which Mar. 26, 1:00 PM is a combined African American Guy G. Stroumsa, The Hebrew University and Jewish ritual that honors the of Jerusalem legacy of Harriet Tubman and Room 2022, 202 S. Thayer St. other freedom fighters using the structure of the Jewish Passover Seder. It brings the Jewish com- munity, the black community, and black Jews together to set 30th Belin Lecture: “It Can intentions for what freedom will Happen Here”: Antisemitism, look like for us in the coming season.” Gender, and the American Past and does not produce crops for human con- The March 9 2020 Summit will be held Mar. 31, 7:00 PM sumption. Most recently we did that in 2015. on the campus of the Washtenaw Communi- Pamela Nadell, American University It’s good for humans, too, because we need a ty College in the Morris Lawrence Building, Forum Hall, Palmer Commons, 100 break and time to focus on other things. We do 4800 E Huron River Dr. Sliding scale tickets Washtenaw Ave. mikveh, a ritual bath, periodically throughout are available beginning at $15 and includes the season. It’s a way of experiencing the em- breakfast, lunch and snacks! Visit their web- All events are free and open to the public. If you have a disability that requires accommodation, please contact the Frankel Center. brace of the divine and reaffirming our values. site at Localfoodsummit.org to register. The We also follow pe’ah, the practice of leaving event will begin at 8 a.m. Leah Penniman’s LSA.UMICH.EDU/JUDAIC • [email protected] • 734.763.9047 the corners and the gleanings for the poor. We keynote will be at 3 p.m. n don’t do that literally, because we don’t live in a 16 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 Israel Center @ the presents Israel Conversations with Rabbi Arik Ascherman Thursday, March 26, 2020 @ the J, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive

6:00pm | Dinner with Rabbi Ascherman $100 suggested minimum donation, rsvp to Harvey Somers, [email protected]

7:30pm | Presentation: “Use & Abuse of Power: Challenges of Zionism Today” Free, open to all. Presented by the Israel Center @ the J via support from the D. Dan & Betty Kahn Foundation.

Friday, March 27, 2020 @ Beth Israel Congregation, 2000 Washtenaw Ave.

12:00pm | Lunch and Learn: Rabbinic View of Human Rights in Israel (B.Y.O. dairy lunch) Visit jccannarbor.org for more information. The opinions expressed by Rabbi Ascherman are his own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of any cosponsoring agency or its leadership, membership, clergy, or staff.

Cosponsored by the Ann Arbor JCC, Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation, Beth Israel Congregation’s Social Action Committee, Jewish Cultural Society, Pardes Hanna, and Temple Beth Emeth’s Social Action Committee.

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 17 IBeth Israel Congregation

BIC Events for March 2020 Blood Drive welcomes you to join them to read together and dren and adults are encouraged to dress in their Talmud addresses the subject of the rituals of Sunday, March 1, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. discuss books on Jewish thought and beliefs. favorite costumes (extra credit for characters prayer and contains material which will refer to Saving a life is one of the most important mitz- The books are in English. from Beatles music). Hamantashen are avail- familiar aspects of our liturgy today. The class vot in Judaism, so be sure to schedule an ap- able throughout in the adjoining Social Hall. will take place from 3:30-4:45 on Monday after- pointment to donate blood at our blood drive! BIRS Teen-Led Shabbat noons. We hope you will join in this opportu- To register for an appointment, go to www. Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. Megillah Reading nity for text study. redcrossblood.org; under Give Blood, click on BIRS middle schoolers will lead parts of the ser- Tuesday, March 10, 9:00 a.m. Find a blood drive and enter bic13 into the field. vice on Saturday, March 7th, followed by kid- On Tuesday, March 10, at 9:00 a.m., join us for A2 Tribe: Gathering This will allow you to select a time and register. dush after services. All BIRS families are invited a traditional Megillah reading. Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m. to participate in Shabbat morning services Tribal Gatherings is an initiative to connect Jew- Please contact Amanda Glucklich if you have Shabbat Limmud any questions at [email protected]. ish people in their 20’s and 30’s in Ann Arbor Pre-Purim Event for Kids Saturday, March 14 and 28, 9 a.m. through meaningful topics from dating and Kids Wrap!! Sunday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. Held before Shabbat morning services by Rabbi mental health to workplace issues. This session Sunday, March 1, 9:30 a.m. Kids ages 2-6, with an adult, will learn about the Robert Dobrusin, this session offers a lively dis- will focus on Mental Health issues. Register by Join us to learn about tefillin and the Shema holiday of Purim, celebrate with food, stories, cussion on Parashat HaShavua, the Torah por- clicking the link on the Beth Israel homepage prayer. Younger students will learn to wrap with craft projects, and do a mitzvah project. Please tion of the week and other traditional texts. Join licorice, and older students will wrap with real come in costume! us in the library for Torah study over coffee and Parent’s Night Out tefillin. Parents are invited to join us! cake! Saturday, March 21, 6 - 9 p.m. Erev Purim at Beth Israel Parents’ Night Out is a new Beth Israel Intro to Judaism with Rav Monday, March 9 Tot Shabbat program for PARENTS! Drop off your 5:45 p.m. BIRS 4th & 5th Grade Purim Spiel Saturday, March 14 and 28, 11:15 a.m. children (ages 5-15 years old) at the syna- Nadav 6 p.m. Dinner Tot Shabbat is our special Shabbat morning gogue and enjoy an evening to yourselves. Sunday, March 1, 15 and 29, 2 p.m. 6:45 p.m. Maariv program for preschoolers and their parents Children will be served dinner and there Though directed at people who are consider- 7 p.m. Hamentashen Road: A Beatles Inspired with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat will be a movie playing along with some ing conversion, this serious examination of the Purim “Mystery Box.” Tot Shabbat meets on the sec- crafts. Cost for members is $10 for the main dimensions of Judaism --from mysticism, Purim at Beth Israel begins with a Purim Shpiel ond and fourth Saturday of each month. first child and $8 for each additional; non- to Talmud, to Jewish Holidays and rituals – is by 4th and 5th grade BIRS students followed by members are an additional $5 per child. open to anyone who wants to deepen their Jew- a dinner that is open to all. The cost of dinner Talmud Study with Rabbi Please direct any inquiries to Amanda at ish literacy. This course is open to members and is $12.00 per person for ages 13 years old and Dobrusin [email protected]. n non-members. up. All others are free. RSVP for dinner by click- Monday, March 16, 23, and 30, 3:30 p.m. ing the link on the Beth Israel homepage (www. Rabbi Dobrusin will lead a Hebrew text class, Theology Book Club bethisrael-aa.org). Maariv begins at 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. studying selections from the Talmud tractate of and is followed by the megillah which is inter- Beth Israel Congregation’s Theology Book Club Brachot. We will study the text in Hebrew with spersed with popular Beatles tunes. Both chil- English translations available. This part of the

18 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 Deborah Sacks Mintz, transformative prayer leader Rabbi Nadav Caine, special to the WJN magine you’re walking through Jerusa- to share it with those who haven’t yet expe- unifying a Jewish community is a core part T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow at B’nai Jeshurun lem on Erev Shabbat. Out of the tall nar- rienced it. We have created our home minya- of who we are. In different places, in different in New York City, Deborah is also a rabbini- I row window of a stone building you hear generations, Jewish communities and song- cal candidate at the Jewish Theological Semi- wafting on the breeze a wordless melody, a leaders rise to the call. nary. So special to our community, Deborah’s niggun. At first you’re not sure if it’s an indi- In America today, the leading incuba- degrees in music and religious anthropology vidual singing to themselves as they prepare tor of this form of Jewish expression is The are from the University of Michigan! In ad- for Shabbos, but then you hear two or three Rising Song Institute of Hadar. During the dition to composing new Jewish music and voices join in, as if joining in spontaneous entire weekend of March 20 and 21, the ris- teaching nation-wide, she regularly performs sympathy, one heart to another. As you walk ing superstar of the Rising Song Institute, and records with a wide range of musicians nearer, preparing to pass the building, you Deborah Sacks Mintz, will be our biannual and ensembles. Her debut album of original hear a chorus, as one voice, what must be Rosenberg Scholar-in-Residence at Beth Is- spiritual music, From The Narrow to the Ex- a crowded room full of people, all together rael Congregation. The Rosenberg Lecture panse, will be released this year. singing ya-dahy-dahy-dahy, rising and fall- Series is funded and endowed through a This March weekend of soulful prayer fol- ing like the breathing of a single organism, generous contribution by Victor and Valerie lows upon our February “Simon & Garfun- the kehillah. By the time you round the bend, Rosenberg in memory of Cantor Alfred and kel” Shabbat of curated songs connected to and the sounds recede, you can make out Alice Rosenberg. Jewish liturgy, and will be followed in April words to a Kabbalat Shabbat psalm... which A transformative prayer leader, musician, and May by my Folk-Blues Musical Veg- one, you’re not quite sure, but it sounds like nim, found our retreat centers, and sought and educator, Deborah Sacks Mintz serves etarian Second Seder and our May Motown the Jewish people are one voice, singing to to find this unity through voice and music innovative institutions around the country Shabbat. We continue the musical commu- itself as it prepares for Shabbos. in shul, as our original liturgy, the Book of as a teacher of Torah and empowered con- nal prayer experimentations of our ances- So many of us have had our lives changed Psalms, calls us to do. nective prayer. tors, and hopefully we break open our hearts by this experience, and so many of us crave Music and song rising from the heart and A Wexner Graduate Fellow and Marshall to God and to each other in the process. n Kids’ and prayer at BIRS Mira Sussman, special to the WJN ne of the main goals for Beth Is- tions. Recently students learned a new tune rael Religious School this year has (with guitar accompaniment) for “Mi Cham- O been to strengthen the prayer ex- ocha,” and the students particularly love sing- perience for elementary school students. The ing in two part harmony for “Oseh Shalom.” students should learn how to participate in Many of the students have lost loved ones in a tefillah (prayer) service in age appropriate the past year, so after a conversation about ways, but also to enjoy the experience, and death, sadness, and memory, they started in- find community and joy together. cluding the Mourners’ Kaddish. By includ- Each Wednesday, second through fifth ing the routine of the Mourners’ Kaddish graders gather in the beautifully renovated in the weekly prayer sessions, the hope is to M&M Chapel at the start of religious school help normalize death, grief, and loss, give the for a modifiedMaariv (evening) service. As students space to talk about these feelings, as the year has progressed, this has become one well as teach them tools to rely on when they of the most fun, meaningful, and fulfilling inevitably will need to use these skills. times of the week. Many students are eager Beth Israel Religious School’s middle to lead prayers, so that there are often three schoolers will have an opportunity to share or four students standing together, holding their experiences with leading prayers dur- their prayer books and singing. ing Teen Shabbat on March 7th. Students will Students discuss the meaning of a par- Sometimes students practice reading an un- is a shared intention to think about during lead various parts of the Saturday morning ticular prayer, such as a recent conversation familiar passage out loud in Hebrew–many the silent Amidah (standing prayer), such as service, and the community is invited to at- about “Maariv Aravim,” and how the prayer students like this challenge, and by having “think about things you are grateful that your tend. Beth Israel anticipates that Teen Shab- captures the wonder of and gratitude for several students recite a line over and over, parents, grandparents and ancestors taught bat will become an annual highlight for its the dependable cycles of the natural world. others can listen and learn. Sometimes there you.” Afterwards, students share their reflec- students. n Engage at Beth Israel By Amanda Glucklich eth Israel Congregation continues to The Belonging Committee is facilitated marginalized community members. We want decorate BIC’s sukkah; cut and create flower ar- grow and change. With Rabbi Nadav through the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann all congregants to feel they can play an active rangements for synagogue Shabbatot; and learn B Caine as Beth Israel’s new rabbi, a new Arbor by Matan, a national organization whose role in making our Jewish spaces welcoming about sustainability with Project Grow. We vision for building community is coming to mission is to support Jewish leaders, educators, and safe for all. hope some of these new offerings will speak to life. A major facet of this vision involves engage- and communities to meet the educational needs In this coming year you will notice many the congregation and community at large. ment. As the new Director of Engagement, I am of children, especially those with special needs. alternative and playful ways to engage with Ju- As we strive to facilitate meaningful and en- excited to share the many ways in which we are We are also part of the Special Needs Inclusion daism. We are creating new programs while we gaging opportunities for our Beth Israel com- building community and facilitating meaning- Project (JFS) funded by a grant from the Jew- reimagine long-standing events that are a val- munity, we continue to provide educational ful engagement opportunities at Beth Israel and ish Women’s Foundation. This project focuses ued part of our congregation’s history. One new adult learning classes and ongoing opportuni- around our community. on building a more inclusive Jewish Ann Arbor program for children is our Chef Katan work- ties to participate in traditional and new ways Creating intentional Jewish spaces where all for families of children and adults with special shop. Kids will learn how to cook plant-based in our religious services. As Ann Arbor’s Con- feel welcomed and at home is important at Beth needs. dishes from scratch! A2 Tribe is a new group for servative/Masorti synagogue, we maintain tra- Israel. We are thrilled to be a part of three lo- Finally, Mira Sussman, Director of Edu- adults in their 20s and 30s to gather for mean- ditions we hold dear while creating new spaces cal initiatives that aim to foster a strong sense of cation, and I are part of the newest cohort of ingful conversations on today’s issues, through where all are welcome to celebrate Jewish life at belonging in our community. These programs Detroit-Ann Arbor Keshet Leadership Project a Jewish lens. Active older adults in the com- Beth Israel Congregation. We hope you’ll join serve those who have been chronically under- for LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stand with Trans and munity can join our Chai 5 events, including us! Amanda Glucklich can be contacted at en- served or may have simply felt alienated in the NEXTGen Detroit). Learning about how to cre- Shabbat-inspired bike rides this summer and gage@bethisrael-org; learn more about Beth Is- past. They include: Belonging Committee, Spe- ate and support safe spaces for all congregants exploring new opportunities to pray through rael Congregation at www.bethisrael-aa.org. n cial Needs Inclusion Project, and the Detroit- is just the first step we’ve taken. We plan to as- movement. We invite all congregants to our Ann Arbor Keshet Leadership Project. semble a committee (stay tuned!) to address County Farm Park plot to harvest vegetables to

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 19 I Jewish Communal Leadership Program

MARCH–APRIL EVENTS Community Conversation Lauren Fine, special to the WJN t’s time to talk about Jews and money. theless, discussing it is necessary to unpack University Opera Theatre At a time when antisemitism is com- and combat harmful narratives. This pro- I monly expressed in online memes, white gram will give participants the opportunity DIE FLEDERMAUS supremacist dog whistles, and violent hate to ask themselves: What is my personal rela- A 30’s twist on Strauss’ beloved operetta crimes, the students of the Jewish Com- tionship to money? Mar. 26–29 • Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre munal Leadership Program had questions: The JCLP cohort is excited to shift the How does antisemitism function? Why Jews? campus conversation by identifying the re- Why now? Asking these questions has led to ality of Jewish wealth within the context of Dept. of Theatre & Drama what’s at the heart of antisemitism: myths wealth at University of Michigan as a whole. and realities of Jewish wealth. The JCLP This will be a challenging and inspiring A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY Class of 2020 is eager to start a conversation space that will encourage participants to be 150 years of Asian-American immigration history in our community about Jews and money. vulnerable. Now is the time to open our- told through dance, drag, drama, and documentary As part of the JCLP’s annual Communal selves up to learning and connecting over Conversation, the second year students will topics many were taught not to discuss. The Apr. 2–12 • Arthur Miller Theatre host an interactive program with speakers, students want to challenge their own under- small group discussion, and personal reflec- standing of Jewish wealth and power and tion to investigate the relationship between want the community to feel more equipped Dept. of Musical Theatre Jews and money. The JCLP class of 2020 will to fight antisemitic stereotypes. completely create, organize, and facilitate the The event, titled Jews and Money will MY ONE & ONLY program. take place on Sunday, March 29 at the Trot- The classic Gershwin showstopper On Sunday, March 29, students and ter Multicultural Center (428 S State St). Apr. 16–19 • Power Center community members will gather at the Doors open at 11 a.m. for registration and Trotter Multicultural Center to learn about schmoozing. The program will run from the historical background and antisemitic 11a.m.- 3 p.m. Register to attend at ssw. tropes that perpetuate harmful stereotypes umich.edu/r/jclpcc20. For questions or to about Jewish wealth. Social workers need to RSVP, please email JCLP Program Coordi- be aware of and address the reality of Jew- nator Paige Walker at [email protected]. League Ticket Office umichsmtd ish poverty and how it is rendered invisible n through antisemitism. Jewish wealth can be Lauren Fine is a member of the Class of 734.764.2538 a taboo topic because discussing money can 2020 cohort of the Jewish Communal Lead- tickets.smtd.umich.edu 2019–20 SEASON be very vulnerable. Societal norms teach that ership Program and studies Management of discussing money isn’t appropriate, never- Human Services at the School of Social Work.

20 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 I Book Review

Memoir of a mixed-race Jewish girl Book review by Eeta Gershow arra Gad, the author of The Color In a recent interview about her current of Love: A Story of a Mixed-Race book tour, Gad said “At every event, proud M Jewish Girl, tells the story of a grandparents line up to show me pictures of successful, loving 47 year old woman. Marra their biracial and multiracial grandchildren, Gad is an independent film and television sometimes crying and begging me to tell producer living in Los Angeles. She is a them that their grandkids won’t experience graduate of University of Illinois and holds what I did. While I cannot make that a Masters Degree from Baltimore Hebrew promise to them, I remind them that their University. grandchildren are not alone and that, Her memoir, though, in which she together, by speaking openly about how we describes herself as a ‘triple outsider’-- treat one another, we are making progress. bi-racial, Jewish and adopted, is full of I pray for the day I can say that the things examples of prejudice toward her. Her I experienced will not happen to another immediate family raised her in a home full of person, another child.” unconditional love and over the years found It is unclear whether the title deliberately it necessary to reject family and ‘friends’ who references the great book on a similar subject were overtly racist and did not accept the written one generation earlier, The Color of idea of a non-white Jew. Water, by James McBride. On the website, Born to an unmarried white Jewish Being ‘caramel-colored,’ Marra is told oped Alzheimer’s. Marra is the only one able Jewschool, reviewer Raphael Magarik re- mother and a non-Jewish Black father, she by African Americans that she is ‘not really’ to assume this role. I found it heartbreaking flects, “Gad’s hopeful conclusion reflects a was adopted at 3 days old by a Jewish family black. Furthermore, she is not Christian or that the only time Nette would allow con- generational difference....It is a newly live in Chicago. She did not see herself as different Muslim and no one seems to have heard of tact with her was after she could no longer possibility that the American Jewish world until a classmate said, “Your real parents did a black Jew. Being mixed race, she is told by recognize her. Marra’s battles with the con- might become genuinely multiracial. (We) not want you. That is why your parents took Jewish boys/men that she is ‘too complicated’ servator (badly) overseeing her great aunt’s have much to learn from reading The Color you in but you do not look like them.” This to take home to their families--and certainly care are shocking and an indictment of the of Love and similar books.” was her first awareness of being “other.” One not to marry. One Jewish man arranged a system that neglects the needs of the frail el- Note: the book includes questions suitable glamorous relative, her mother’s aunt Nette, date because “you know Jewish men have derly. Marra shows Nette the unconditional for book clubs. It is in paperback, published jungle fever.” was overtly hostile to her and blatantly love and caring she always craved from her by Bolden, Chicago. n favored her siblings. Finally, after telling The second half of the book takes a turn. and takes satisfaction in what I would call a Marra that ‘black is the worst,’ Nette was After 15 years of separation from Nette, her pyrrhic victory. She finally gets attention and banished from the family. She returns later mother is told someone in the family must acceptance from Nette. The cost is that Nette in the book as a pivotal character. assume custody of her aunt, who has devel- thinks she is some stranger, not her niece.

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 21 I Kosher Cuisine

Vegetarian Purim Feast

hen Adar enters, Joy increases. mixture from the heat and let it cool. Persian Sweet Rice the lid and cook over medium heat for about This is the hopeful, positive To make the turnovers, divide the dough 10 minutes until steam appears. Reduce the From Olive Trees and Honey, Gil Marks message that I look forward to into fourths and roll into balls. On a lightly heat to low and simmer until rice is tender W serves 6-8 every year. The days are lengthening, and the floured surface roll out each ball to about and the bottom crisp, about 30 minutes. weather is warming. Some of our vegetable 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3 inch biscuit cutter This is a complicated but not difficult dish 5) To get, hopefully, the easy removal of seeds are growing under lights in the house, a or small glass and cut the dough into rounds. that is used at festive occasions. An easier way the crust, place the pot in a sink filled with sure sign of the changing of the seasons. The Reroll the scraps and continue cutting into would be to cook the rice and pass the filling 2 inches of cold water and let stand for 5 Hebrew month of Adar is usually in the solar small, thin rounds. of warm orange/nut mixture separately for minutes. You could also line the bottom of people to spoon over individual portions. month of March. Our family has a birthday Spoon 1 heaping tsp of filling into the center the pot with aluminum foil before layering Rice cluster this month and as a bonus, we will of each round. Fold the edges over and the rice and filling. Carefully (beware of 3 cups basmati rice, washed in warm celebrate the bar mitzvah of our dear grand- press down firmly to seal. Place on baking steam) lift the lid and invert the rice onto a son, Ishai. Joy is definitely increasing. water until the water runs clear, then large serving platter. You can then break the sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the soak in cold water for at least 2 hours Purim is the Jewish celebration in Adar crust and scatter on the top. Serve warm. turnovers about 2 inches apart. Use 1 large and up to 24) and the reason for “joy increasing.” I’ll leave egg beaten with about a 1 tsp of water to the deeper meanings of the holiday to those 8 cups water glaze the turnovers and help them brown 4 Tbs Kosher salt who are more able to explain them. Most of nicely. Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 to 20 Karabij Cookie or Mamoul us know this as the holiday of reading from minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. From The Jewish Holiday Kitchen by Joan the scroll of Esther, sending gifts of food Filling Nathan You can freeze the pastries before baking. Do 1 cup finely slivered orange zest to friends, and making donations to those not thaw them but put them directly into the makes about 35-40 cookies. who are in need. There is one less familiar 2 cups water oven for about 25 minutes. The Jews of Syria, especially from Aleppo, mitzvah connected to the holiday and that 2 cups sugar Pinch of saffron threads or ground were famous for their cooking. Joan Nathan is eating a festive meal. In keeping with my turmeric shares a recipe from the Syrian Jewish efforts to highlight Mizrachi cuisine, here is Fried Haloumi Cheese with Pear ¾ to 1 cup slivered almonds or 2/3 Community in Brooklyn. These cookies are a festive vegetarian feast that is sure to please. cup almonds and ¼ cup chopped one example of a filled cookie (the meaning Happy Purim! and Spiced Dates From Spice by Ana Sortun pistachios of ma’amoul) that is served on Purim. 2 Tbs rose water (optional but really serves 4 Dough nice) Zest and juice from 1 lemon 2½cups unbleached all- purpose flour Iraqi Chickpea Turnovers ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional) 1 Tbs. brown sugar ½ cup semolina From Olive Trees and Honey, by Gil Marks 4 Tbs vegetable oil, pinch of turmeric ½ tsp ground cumin 2½sticks pareve margarine or 2 sticks For the Semolina Pastry Dough and 2 Tbs water butter (makes about 36 3-inch turnovers) ½ tsp ground coriander ¼ tsp ground cardamom 1) In heavy large pot bring 8 cups of water 2 tsp. vegetable oil 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ¼-½cup water 1 cup semolina flour ¼ tsp ground black pepper ½ tsp Kosher salt 8 dates, cut in half and pitted Combine all ingredients but add the water 1 tsp baking powder 2 Tbs olive oil slowly. Blend well either by hand or in food 1¼cups unsalted butter (or marparv), ¾ pound of haloumi cheese, cut into 8 processor. Cover and set aside for 10-15 softened pieces minutes in the refrigerator. ¼ cup water 1 pear, quartered, seeded and sliced into Filling 1½cups roughly ground walnuts Combine the flours, salt and baking powder 8 pieces 1 tsp. cinnamon and whisk to blend. In a large bowl, beat the Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saute pan, big enough to hold the dates, mix the ½ cup sugar lemon juice, zest and brown sugar and cook Combine the walnuts with the cinnamon over medium heat stirring, until the brown and sugar

to a boil over medium heat and add the salt. Then add the rice and cook, stirring occa- sionally to prevent sticking, until al dente, butter until smooth with an electric mixer about 10 minutes. (or by hand with a wooden spoon) and then 2) In a small saucepan filled with cold water, gradually work in the flour mixture. Add sugar melts. Add the spices and dates and add the orange zest and bring to a boil, drain enough water to make a soft, moist dough cook for about 5 minutes, until the dates and repeat. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take a piece of that doesn’t stick to the sides of the large soften. Stir in 1 Tbs of the olive oil and set 3) To make the filling, use a larger pot and dough about the size of a walnut and roll it bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let stand the mixture aside. combine the zest, water, sugar and saffron (if into a ball and hollow out the center. Inside, at room temperature for at least an hour. Heat a large nonstick pan over high me- using) and stir over low heat until the sugar place a heaping teaspoon of walnut filling. Chickpea filling (makes about 2 cups or dium heat. Arrange the cheese slices in the dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high With your hands, mold the dough closed. enough for 36 turnovers) pan without overlapping them. Brown the and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet. With 3 Tbs sesame or vegetable oil cheese, about 2 minutes on each side. Trans- low and simmer until syrupy, about 20 min- the tines of a fork, make designs on the top. 1 large onion, chopped fer to a baking dish placing the slices side by utes. Let cool and then stir in the nuts and Be careful not to pierce the crust. Bake in ½ to 1 tsp ground cumin side. rose water (if using) and/or cardamom. the oven for about 30 minutes. The cookies ½ tsp ground turmeric Use the same saute pan and heat the remain- 4) In a larger pot, heat 2 Tbs. oil over high should not brown, they should look white. 1 tsp Kosher salt n ing 1 Tbs of olive oil on medium high heat heat, and stir in the turmeric and 2 Tbs wa- Cool and roll in confectioners’ sugar. Ground black pepper to taste and add the pear slices. Brown them for 4-5 2 cups cooked and mashed chickpeas ter. Spread 1/3 of the rice in the pan and scat- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or parsley (op- minutes on one side. Then add them to the ter half of the zest filling over the top. Cover tional) baking pan with the haloumi. Spoon a date with half of the remaining rice and cover onto each piece of haloumi and return to that with the remaining filling, and finally Saute’ the onion in oil over medium heat the oven for another 6-8 minutes until the mound the remaining rice over the top. Poke until it is soft and translucent. Then stir in cheese gets a little softer. Serve warm. 7 deep holes into the rice and drizzle with the the seasonings and add the chickpeas. Cook reaming 2 Tbs of oil. until the mixture is dry. If you want, add the cilantro or parsley at the end. Remove the Use a kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels over the top of the pan. Cover with 22 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 I Education

ALEPH Israel and Palestine Program awarded Innovation Grant SooJi Min-Miranda, special to the WJN abbi Elliot Ginsburg and the ALEPH changing collective experiment in Jewish his- with the Other, both Jews from around the and current spiritual leaders committed to Ordination Program have been tory of the last two millennia. The in-gathering globe and Palestinians who are also indigenous Jewish Renewal with knowledge and skills R awarded the Religious Educations of Jewish people from all corners of the earth in to the region and also love the Land? to build capacity for holding complex and Association’s (REA) 2019 Wornom Innovation Key to the Wornom award diverse viewpoints, while nurturing hope and Grant for the ground-breaking initiative, is Beloved Land’s focus on intellectual-spiritual growth. The program is “Beloved Land: Israel and Palestine through the hope. open to Jewish clergy and current ordination Kaleidocope.” The Walnut Creek, California- “This educational endeavor students from both the ALEPH Ordination based REA, a nonprofit member association, delivers a compelling innova- Program (AOP) and approved Jewish is the world’s oldest and largest association of tive model for empowering seminaries. More information about Beloved scholars and researchers in the field of religious Jewish spiritual leaders with Land and the AOP can be found at aleph.org. education. sophisticated nuanced capaci- Rabbi Elliot Ginsberg is the founder and “Beloved Land” is an innovative four-part ties to enter the contentious spiritual leader of Jewish renewal congregation, course of religious study that embraces multi- arena of Israel/Palestine con- Pardes Hannah in Ann Arbor. He also is a tiered intellectual inquiry, heart-centered versation in ways that promote professor of Jewish Thought and Mysticism learning, and embodied on-the-ground multi-cultural understand- as the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor exploration of Israel and its teeming life. ing, compassion and hope,” and a member of the faculty and VAAD of the The course of study includes two sequential says Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg. ALEPH Ordination Program. ALEPH: Alliance semester-length online courses of historical, “Because they are too often for Jewish Renewal is a national nonprofit that literary, artistic and spiritual inquiry; a 23-day the location of skewed narra- takes a trans-denominational approach to residential program based in Jerusalem; and a tives, propaganda, emotional revitalizing Judaism. ALEPH brings spiritual post-Israel in-person intensive for processing combat, hopelessness and rage, vitality and passion into the daily lives of Jews and integration that enables students to reflect hard but needed conversations through programs that empower leadership, on their experience and develop facilitation and the reborn Jewish State has altered everything around Israel and Palestine remain suppressed build communities, and generate powerful leadership skills. from Jewish language to Jewish polity and com- or become fruitlessly explosive,” continues experiences and practical resources. Ginsburg incorporates a broad range of munal life, and has fired the Jewish religious Ginsburg. “Beloved Land’s integrated academic Headquartered in Philadelphia, perspectives, voices, texts and experiences imagination in bold and unanticipated ways. and experiential 4-Worlds approach facilitates Pennsylvania, ALEPH’s executive director, including Jewish diasporic, Israeli-Jewish, At the same time, the challenges of Jew- the caliber of educational and spiritual forma- SooJi Min-Maranda resides in Ann Arbor. Palestinian, Palestinian-Israeli, and global ish self-governance on the national scale has tion that cultivates a capacity for deep listening, In addition, ALEPH’s Chair of the Board of viewpoints to better understand the sharpened the existential, ethical and spiritual ongoing learning, resilience, and a nurturing of Directors, Rabbi Aura Ahuvia resides in Troy kaleidoscope that comprises this region of the dilemmas that occupy Jewish spiritual leaders the possibility of a more deeply shared society. and ALEPH’s vice-chair, Linda Jo Doctor also world. in a new paradigm. What forms of Judaism As religious educators, we will not, cannot, suc- resides in Ann Arbor. n Israel, home to almost half of the Jews in and Hebrew culture are being born, revived, or cumb to living in a post-hope world.” the world, is arguably the most dramatic game- abandoned? How do Jews live with/share space Beloved Land seeks to equip emerging

Senior Living

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 23 IGuatemala

Rabbi Whinston visits Guatemala with AJWS Global Justice Fellowship Special to the WJN abbi Joshua Whinston of Temple rural farmers. During a week in the country, human rights advocates about working to tration’s demand to accept asylum seekers who Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor joined 14 the fellows met with advocates fighting for legal improve life in Guatemala and how American are being deported to Guatemala, these fellows R influential Jewish leaders and clergy protections for human rights activists at risk of Jews and others can support this work. will play a key role in educating the public and from 10 states in meeting with activists on the violence, forensic anthropologists working to The fellows, who were joined on the trip by elected officials about the importance of U.S. frontlines of the fight for human rights in Gua- AJWS Global Ambas- leadership on the global stage in standing up temala. The early February trip was part of the sador Ruth Messinger, for human rights and ending poverty. prestigious Global Justice Fellowship run by also met with top lead- Years after its internal armed conflict con- American Jewish World Service (AJWS), the ership at the U.S. Em- cluded, Guatemala grapples with tensions over leading Jewish organization supporting human bassy. land, ethnicity and economic inequality. Indig- rights and efforts to fight poverty in developing The fellowship pro- enous communities make up over half of the countries. gram empowers lead- country, yet they have little power in govern- Rabbi Whinston returned to the U.S. on ing American rabbis ment or in shaping decisions that affect their February 2 after meeting leaders of nonprofit and cantors to advocate lives. They face intense discrimination and groups working to advance human rights in support of interna- poverty—especially indigenous women, who in Guatemala, one of the Central American tional policies that ad- are doubly disadvantaged. Guatemalan human countries that residents are fleeing to seek vance the human rights rights activists and journalists who expose or asylum in the United States. and well-being of some speak out about these injustices often face ha- “The work that we have to do as Americans of the world’s poorest rassment, criminalization and violence. is to diminish the gap—to feel closer to a place and most oppressed “These influential Jewish leaders are wit- that is very physically close to us, a place that communities. nesses to the fact that human rights in Gua- provides for us,” Rabbi Whinston said. “To feel In addition to trav- temala are under siege, in some cases forcing closer to a place that we’ve exploited…one of eling to Guatemala, people to make the arduous journey to seek a the biggest issues is decreasing that sense of each participant in new life in the U.S.,” said Robert Bank, President distance from this place.” AJWS’s Global Justice and CEO of AJWS. “Our fellows share what Whinston will share observations about the Fellowship engages in they learn when they go into their communities history of human rights violations in Guatemala six months of human and to the halls of Congress. Together, the fel- in the coming weeks, then, advocate for human identify remains from the decades of internal rights education and action, including training lows are issuing a powerful call to Americans to rights while visiting members of Congress and armed conflict, a council of indigenous elders, with AJWS staff in the United States. support human rights and end poverty in Gua- other officials in Washington, D.C. in March as and an artists’ collective that uses street perfor- The fellows will travel to Washington, D.C. temala and the rest of the developing world.” n part of the fellowship. mance to reintegrate indigenous cultures into in March to educate members of Congress and The fellows arrived as Guatemala faced public spaces and help communities heal from other government officials about pressing inter- widespread condemnation for clamping down decades of trauma. national human rights issues. As Guatemala’s on the human rights of indigenous people and The clergy learned from local Guatemalan new president negotiates the Trump adminis-

24 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 ITemple Beth Emeth

Artemesia Vocal Trio at TBE n Saturday, March 21, Women of val. Lawrence comes from a very musical fam- vided opportunity to perform in a supported as well as for Chicago Tap Theatre and North Temple Beth Emeth will host Ar- ily. Her parents, Dr. Ted Lawrence and Wendy environment, which Lawrence credits as an im- Shore Choral Society. She has worked with The O temisia Vocal Trio. Heralding from Lawrence sing with Kol Halev, the TBE choir. mense influence in her becoming a musician. Second City, the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Chicago where their performance has been Her brother Cantor Rick Lawrence and she Although she graduated from the Univer- Shakespeare Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance praised for “sincerity, wit and mind-blowing Chicago, as well as the Uptown Poetry Slam. She technique,” the trio will surely dazzle with their is a long-time pianist for the Chicago Children’s unique sound and superb programming. Choir and also teaches incarcerated youth to tell Artemisia Vocal Trio members Kaitlin Foley, their stories through music. Diana Lawrence and Alexandra Olsavsky met in Artemisia Trio commissions and performs Chicago where they were carving out their own newly composed works by living female com- niche, performing and teaching. They discov- posers. Artemisia is a name of a great ancient ered that they value creating concerts that cut female warrior, an Italian painter and a Greek across genres and defy expectations that audi- goddess of hunt. The trio does outreach to ences often had for women’s voices. Formed community and youth ensembles, drawing in 2014, Artemsia has a soft spot for American from the strength of the namesake in its mes- vernacular music (pop, jazz, folk, and soul) but sage, infusing female empowerment through doesn’t stop there. The repertoire of vocal styles cultural literacy. Co-sponsored by TBE Music reach near and far- from Applachian folk tunes Fund and assisted by Cantor Regina Lambert- to Tushetian highlander cries, Cuban dance Hayut, the trio will also provide workshops to music, and music from the island of Corsica to TBE children’s choir as well as the adult choir name a few. Kol Halev. During their weekend residency at The trio’s singing techniques embody the TBE, they will help singers with full-bodied members’ interests in genres that require explo- singing techniques, exploration of tone paint- ration of techniques outside of western music, ing, active listening, aural skills and improvisa- highlighting shared humanity. Over the years, tion. they found a way to hear each other’s artistic WTBE invites the community to this opinions with respect and love, taking advan- unique performance at 7:00 p.m in Temple Diana Lawrence, Alexandra Olsavsky and Kaitlin Foley PHOTO BY JOE MAZZA tage of complimentary skill sets and ultimately Beth Emeth’s sanctuary, 2309 Packard Street, coming together to create an exciting and in- have joined their parents lending their beauti- sity of Michigan’s School of Music, Theater Ann Arbor. Reserve your tickets at www. spiring working relationship. ful voices as a quartet to TBE’s High Holiday and Dance in Voice and Piano performance, wtbe.org or purchase at the door- $20 and One of the members of Artemisia Trio, services. Lawrence grew up singing in Temple Lawrence has since added composition to her $36 (sponsor). There will be a Q and A fol- Diana Lawrence who grew up in Ann Arbor, Beth Emeth under Cantor Annie Rose (now repertoire. She has been commissioned to write lowed by a dessert reception. n may be familiar to some through her annual Emerita) who through youth choir, encouraged original music for Steppenwolf Theatre’s 2016 performances at the Ann Arbor Summer Festi- young people to make music together and pro- premiere of Tracy Letts’ “Mary Page Marlowe” TBE Events March Families with Young Children (FYC): Tot Guitar-led Shabbat Service Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes A day of learning with Shabbat Service Fridays, March 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 12:30-1:30 pm Rabbi Laura Geller Fridays, March 6, 13 & 20 TBE Sanctuary & 6:00-7:00 p.m., Adult Lounge Temple Beth Emeth is proud 5:45 p.m. Tot Shabbat Services; 6:15 p.m. Tot Join us for a special, musical Shabbat service Join Cantor Regina Hayut for either an after- Dinner; 6:45 p.m. Shira Service led by Rabbi Whinston and Cantor Hayut. This noon session or an evening session for one to present: Friday, March 27 All of your favorite songs led by TBE’s tot team, service is engaging and open to all members of hour. To join the class, or for more information, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Whinston. the community. contact Cantor Hayut, cantorhayut@temple- Dinner is just $5 per person. Buy a punch card bethemeth.org. ahead of time for a discounted price. Punch Meditation with Linda Greene Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 1:00 p.m., cards are available in the TBE office. Genesis Concert Series Live TBE Chapel Saturday, March 14, 7:00 p.m., TBE Sanctuary Weekly Lunch & Learn Linda Greene offers brief Jewish teachings Featuring the brightest young artists on the Fridays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27, TBE Adult and leads a 20-30 minute meditation time. brink of their professional careers in music, Lounge, Noon Contact Linda Greene, [email protected], with the adult choirs of TBE and St. Clare’s. Free Rabbi Whinston meets on Fridays for an infor- with questions. admission. mal discussion about religion. Sessions are open Tot Shabbat Tastes Ann Arbor Women’s Rosh Chodesh Circle to the entire community. Feel free to bring your Fridays, March 20, Tot Service at 5:45 p.m. and Thursday, March 26, 7:00 p.m., TBE Chapel & lunch. Dinner at 6:15 p.m., TBE Adult Lounge Saturday Torah Study Tot Shabbat Tastes Ann Arbor is resuming for Join us as we initiate a monthly Women’s Rosh Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 8:50 a.m., the 2019-2020 year! We will meet on the third Chodesh Circle. We seek to create an intimate TBE Adult Lounge Friday of each month, and enjoy a rotating community of women that strengthens our ties Join us for this weekly discussion of the Torah menu from local, kid-friendly restaurants. $5/ to each other through our connection to Sheki- portion led by Rabbi Whinston. children, $8/adults, $25/maximum per family. nah, the feminine indwelling Divine presence. Join us for socializing at 6:30 pm before the Women’s Torah Study TBE Families Meet-Ups circle begins. Contact Trina Fuller, tfuller817@ Mondays, March 9 & March 23, 7:00 p.m. Sundays, March 15, 10:00 a.m., Offsite gmail.com, with questions. An in-depth study and lively discussion of the Join TBE Families for our rotating monthly week’s Torah portion led by Cantor Regina Ha- meet-up! There will be opportunities for play, Purim Carnival & Megillah Reading yut. The group will explore various passages snacks, and socializing. Contact Beth Pearson, Sunday, March 8, 3:30 p.m. Megillah Reading from the portion looking at several translations [email protected], with questions. & 4:00 p.m. Purim Carnival and commentaries from a variety of scholars Join TBE for our annual Megillah Reading & Pu- from Talmudic times to the modern day. No Women of TBE: Historical Novel Reading rim Carnival! At 3:30 pm, we will read and sing at Hebrew knowledge necessary to participate in Group a short Megillah Reading. At 4:00 pm, celebrate the discussion. For questions, contact Cantor Monday, March 9, 12:30 p.m., TBE Library as community at our costumed Purim Carnival! Regina Hayut at cantorhayut@templebethe- The WTBE Reading Group meets on the second This year, TBE & PJ Library are returning to TBE meth.org Monday of each month, October through June. for our annual hamantaschen bake, and TBE’s Contact Molly Lindner, [email protected]. Religious & Hebrew School is hosting a silent auc- tion fundraiser to benefit the schools.n

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 25 ICalendar

Aliyah & Rescue Missions to Israel with Vicki several translations and commentaries from a morning services by Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, March 2020 Angel: JCC. Light brunch, Vicki Angel formerly variety of scholars from Talmudic times to the this session will offer a lively discussion on of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). She will be modern day. No Hebrew knowledge necessary Parashat HaShavua, the Torah portion of the Sunday 1 sharing stories from her time rescuing Jews from to participate in the discussion. For questions, week and other traditional texts. We invite you around the world. To RSVP for the event, please contact Cantor Regina Hayut at cantorhayut@ to join us in the library for Torah study over Blood Drive: BIC. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m email [email protected]. 7 -8 pm. templebethemeth.org. 7–9 p.m. coffee and cake! 9 a.m. Kids’ Wrap: BIC. Kids learn to wrap tefillen. 9:30 a.m. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. Sharpen your Ta’Shma: Come and Learn. AARC at the JCC. wits and knowledge of the Jewish legal system Before each Second Saturday Shabbat morning We Rise As One: Bend the Arc Kick off House by following the intriguing discussions in the Tuesday 10, Purim service, Rabbi Ora leads an educational Party. Bend the Arc’s new national campaign, Talmud. The Talmud is a composite of practical discussion about a relevant topic. 10 a.m. We Rise As One, focused on pushing white Megillah Reading: BIC. 10 a.m. law, logical argumentation and moral teachings. nationalism out of the White House and back to Tot Shabbat: BIC. This special Shabbat morning Study from the original Talmud tractate. 8 p.m. Purim in Mexico: Chabad and JCC. At the door program is for preschoolers and their parents the margins and rocks where it was hiding. The $40- family $12- person. Before March 5 $35- with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat larger goal of the campaign is to work toward family $10- person. 5:30 p.m. “Mystery Box.” 11:15 a.m. an inclusive, multiracial democracy. RSVP to Friday 6 Brotherhood Hebrew Bible Study: TBE. 7:30-9 p.m. [email protected] for address. 10 a.m. Genesis Concert Series: TBE. Young artists and adult choirs of TBE and St. Clare’s. 7 p.m. A Taste of Talmud: When Life Meets Prayer: Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi AARC. Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner of AARC leads Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal Wednesday 11 this adult ed class at the JCC. 1 to 2:30 p.m discussion about religion. Sessions are open to Sunday 15 Intro to Judaism: BIC. Though directed at people the entire community. Feel free to bring your Judaism’s Gifts to the World: Chabad House. A who are considering conversion, this serious ex- lunch. Noon–1 p.m. six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Foundations of Jewish Family Living: AAOM and amination of the main dimensions of Judaism Families with Young Children (FYC) Tot Shabbat Learning Institute (JLI), unearthing the Jewish PJ Library. Monthly at the JCC. 10 a.m. roots of some of the most cherished values of – from mysticism to Talmud to Jewish Holidays Service: TBE. All of your favorite songs led TBE Families Monthly Meet-Up: Offsite. 10a.m.- Western civilization. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and rituals – is open to anyone who wants to by TBE’s tot team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Noon. deepen their Jewish literacy. This course is open Whinston. Dinner is just $5 per person. Buy Yidish tish (Yiddish Conversation & Reading Taste of HDS: At the JCC. 10 a.m. to members and non-members. 2 p.m. a punch card ahead of time for a discounted Group): JCC, Conference Room. For more in- Party and Events Showcase: JCC. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the price. Punch cards are available in the TBE formation or to make certain that we are meet- basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty office. 5:45 p.m. 0-5yrs, 6:15 dinner, 6:45 Shira ing on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. A Taste of Talmud: When Life Meets Prayer: and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. to noon. Service. Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin AARC. Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner of AARC leads First Friday: JCS. Secular readings, songs, candle at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before sched- this adult ed class at the JCC. 1 to 2:30 p.m lighting, wine, and challah. Dinner will follow uled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. Intro to Judaism: BIC. Though directed at people Monday 2 the short observance. Children are welcome. Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower who are considering conversion, this serious The cost of dinner is $10/person or $25/family. Level. Join the Theology Book Club to read examination of the main dimensions of Judaism Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes: TBE. Cantor Hayut At the JCC, 6:30 p.m. and discuss books on Jewish thought and --from mysticism to Talmud to Jewish Holidays leads sessions on Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at the end of beliefs. 8 p.m. and rituals – is open to anyone who wants to and 6-7 p.m. the calendar. deepen their Jewish literacy. This course is open Fiber Arts with Women of TBE 7-8:30 p.m. to members and non-members. 2 p.m. Thursday 12 Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the Saturday 7 basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty Tuesday 3 Panel: Yiddish and Trauma Studies: Frankel and depth of Judaism. 11a.m.- noon. Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. Center. Ann Cvetkovich, Carleton University Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Chabad. and Frankel Institute Fellows: Harriet Murav Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah Reading the Torah may be easy, but understanding and Hannah Pollin-Galay. Room 2022, 202 S. portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50-9:50 a.m. Monday 16 it is no simple matter. Study of the text with the Thayer St.1 p.m Teen-led Shabbat. BIC. BIRS students lead part of classical Rashi commentary. 8 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes: TBE. Cantor Hayut the morning service. 9:30 a.m. Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m. Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Cantor Emeritus Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. leads sessions on Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Annie Rose leads discussion of Jewish Prayers Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first of Hope and Healing by Alden Solvy. 7:30-9 p.m. Sunday 8 Thursday of month for details. 8 p.m.. Global Yiddish Networks: Frankel Center. Frankel Institute Fellows: Dov-Ber Kerler, Amy Kerner, “Victory Vertical Project: The Music that won Eli Rosenblatt, and Nick Underwood and Guest Wednesday 4 WWII.” At the Yankee Air Museum. Organized Friday 13 Scholar: Kathryn Hellerstein, University of by EMU Judaic Studies. Noon to 3 p.m. Pennsylvania. West Conference Room Rackham Judaism’s Gifts to the World: Chabad House. A Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi Graduate School, 915 Washington St. 1 -5 p.m. six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. 3:30- Learning Institute (JLI), unearthing the Jewish and depth of Judaism. 11a.m. noon. discussion about religion. Sessions are open to 4:45 p.m. roots of some of the most cherished values of the entire community. Feel free to bring your Western civilization. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. A Taste of Talmud: When Life Meets Prayer: The Prophet as a ‘Sacred Spring,’ Christiane AARC. Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner of AARC leads lunch. Noon–1 p.m. Gruber, Professor and Chair in the History of Yidish tish (Yiddish Conversation & Reading this adult ed class at the JCC. 1 to 2:30 p.m Ariella Azoulay, Professor of Comparative Art Department at the University of Michigan: Group): JCC, Conference Room. Combines Family Social Justice Play Date: Bend the Arc AA. Literature, Filmmaker, and Art Curator: Frankel Center. 2022 202 S. Thayer. 4 – 6 p.m. the long-time JCC Yiddish reading group and (Counter) Narratives of Migration. Keynote at the former UM conversational one, about 45 Purim-themed social justice play date! More Fiber Arts with Women of TBE 7:30- 9 p.m details and location coming soon. 3 to 5 p.m. 2 p.m. at the Michigan League, film screening minutes each of conversation and reading. Free Great Lakes South Palmer Commons at 4:30 Purim Carnival and Megillah Reading: TBE. and open to all who are interested in Yiddish p.m. Tuesday 17 language, literature, and culture; level of pro- Reading at 3:30 p.m. and Carnival starts at 4 p.m. Families with Young Children (FYC) Tot ficiency and age of no consequence. For more Shabbat Service: TBE. All of your favorite Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. information or to make certain that we are songs led by TBE’s tot team, Cantor Hayut 8 p.m. See first Tuesday of month. meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. Monday 9, Erev Purim and Rabbi Whinston. Dinner is just $5 per Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin person. Buy a punch card ahead of time for a at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before sched- Leah Penniman keynotes the Local Food Summit discounted price. Punch cards are available in Wednesday 18 uled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. 12 noon. at WCC. All day, keynote at 3 p.m. WTBE Historical Novel Reading Group: TBE. the TBE office. 5:45 p.m. 0-5yrs, 6:15 dinner, Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Level. Judaism’s Gifts to the World: Chabad House. A This month’s read is Jamaica Inn by Daphne du 6:45 Shira Service. Join the Theology Book Club to read and discuss six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Maurier. 12:30–2:30 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at the end of books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. Learning Institute (JLI), unearthing the Jewish the calendar. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes: TBE. Cantor Hayut roots of some of the most cherished values of leads sessions on Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Western civilization. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday 5 and 6-7 p.m. Saturday 14 Yidish tish (Yiddish Conversation & Reading Purim at Beth Israel: BIC. Kids Shpiel 5:45p.m. Group): JCC, Conference Room. For more in- Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Cantor Emeritus Dinner 6p.m. Hamentashen Road, 7 p.m. Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. formation or to make certain that we are meet- Annie Rose leads discussion of Jewish Prayers of Megillah Reading Service followed by a Dessert Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah ing on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot H. Hope and Healing by Alden Solvy. Noon- 1 p.m. Potluck: AARC at the JCC. 7 p.m. portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50 – 9:50 a.m. Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Ladin Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. An in-depth study and Family Conversation about Gun Violence: TBE. at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before sched- 1-2 p.m. lively discussion of the week’s Torah portion led 9 – 10 a.m. and also 11 a.m to noon. uled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. by Cantor Regina Hayut. The group will explore Shabbat Limmud: BIC. Held before Shabbat A2 Tribe Gathering: BIC. 20s and 30s group. 7 p.m. various passages from the portion looking at 26 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 ICalendar

Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Level. basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty by Rabbi Arik Ascherman are his own, and do Weekly Friday night Shabbat services Join the Theology Book Club to read and discuss and depth of Judaism. 11a.m.- noon. not necessarily reflect the views of Beth Israel’s Shabbat Service: AAOM. Services held at UM books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. leadership, membership, clergy, or staff. Noon. Hillel at candle lighting. Contact rabbi@ Monday 23 Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi annarborminyan.org to confirm time. Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal Shabbat Service: BIC. 6 p.m. Thursday 19 discussion about religion. Sessions are open to Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. 3:30- Shabbat Service: TBE. Tot Shabbat at 5:45 p.m., the entire community. Feel free to bring your Sustainability through Community: Exploring 4:45 p.m. followed by tot dinner. Traditional service at lunch. Noon–1 p.m. the Jewish Value of Zero Waste: JCC. Presented Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes: TBE. Cantor Hayut 7:30 p.m. On the fourth Friday of each month, Bring a Friend Shabbat: AARC. The Ann Arbor by Women’s Philanthropy Registration fee: $18. leads sessions on Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. and Guitar-led Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m., with Reconstructionist Congregation invites you to Please register at www.jewishannarbor.org/eco- 6-7 p.m. tot dinner at 6:00 p.m. For information, call Judaism20. 7 p.m. a Shabbat evening that’s all about welcoming (734) 665-4744. Women’s Torah Study: TBE. An in-depth study and friends and community members (new or Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m. Shabbat Service: AARC. Every fourth Friday at the lively discussion of the week’s Torah portion led veteran). Friendly Shabbat services will be JCC. Tot Shabbat from 5:45–6:15 p.m. Pizza for Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. by Cantor Regina Hayut. The group will explore followed by a vegetarian, nut-free potluck. All the little ones at 6:15 p.m. Service at 6:30 p.m., Brotherhood Guys’ Night Out: TBE, Offsite. 6:30- various passages from the portion looking at are welcome and childcare is available. At the followed by vegetarian potluck at 8 p.m. Child- 8:00 p.m. several translations and commentaries from a JCC. For more info, contact https://aarecon. care during service. For information, email variety of scholars from Talmudic times to the org/contact-us/general-information/. Shabbat Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first [email protected], phone (734) 445-1910, or modern day. No Hebrew knowledge necessary Service starts at 6:30 p.m. and Tot Shabbat Thursday of month for details. 8 p.m.. visit www.aarecon.org. to participate in the discussion. For questions, begins at 5:45 p.m. contact Cantor Regina Hayut at cantorhayut@ Shabbat Service: Chabad. Begins at candle lighting Guitar-led Shabbat Service: TBE. Sanctuary templebethemeth.org. 7–9 p.m. time. Home hospitality available for Shabbat Friday 20 6:30–8 p.m. meals and Jewish holidays. Call (734) 995-3276 Friday evening services: See listing at the end of Lunch and Learn: TBE. Adult Lounge. Rabbi in advance. the calendar. Whinston meets on Fridays for an informal Tuesday 24 discussion about religion. Sessions are open to Weekly Shabbat services the entire community. Feel free to bring your “Our Father”: The Medieval Abrahamic Saturday 28 Shabbat Services: AAOM. Morning service at UM lunch. Noon–1 p.m. Religion(s), Sarah Stroumsa, The Hebrew Hillel, 9:30 a.m. Home Hospitality for Shabbat University of Jerusalem: Frankel Center. 2022 Deborah Sacks Mintz, Scholar-in-Residence: BIC. and Holiday Meals: Contact: welcome@ 202 S. Thayer. 4 p.m. Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. Niggun Preparation: New Melodies and Singing annarborminyan.org. Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah as a Spiritual Process.” 5:45 p.m. Shabbat dinner portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50 – 9:50 a.m. Shabbat Services: BIC. 9:30 a.m. For other service at 7 p.m. To sign up for dinner, use the link on 8 p.m. See first Tuesday of month. times, visit www.bethisrael-aa.org. Shabbat Limmud: BIC. Held before Shabbat the Beth Israel homepage (www.bethisrael-aa. morning services by Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, Shabbat Services: AARC. Second Saturday of each org). At 7:45 p.m., Deborah will lead a session Wednesday 25 this session will offer a lively discussion on month at the JCC. 10 a.m. Ta-Shma/Come and entitled “Soulful Tisch: Creating a Sacred Space Parashat HaShavua, the Torah portion of the Learn. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Through Communal Singing.” Judaism’s Gifts to the World: Chabad House. A week and other traditional texts. We invite you Morning Service, Meditation, prayer, discus- Families with Young Children (FYC) Tot Shabbat six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish to join us in the library for Torah study over sion, community. At the JCC of Ann Arbor, Service and Tot Shabbat Tastes Ann Arbor: Learning Institute (JLI), unearthing the Jewish coffee and cake! 9 a.m. 10:30a.m. to noon. For information, email [email protected], phone (734) 445-1910, or TBE. All of your favorite songs led by TBE’s roots of some of the most cherished values of Tot Shabbat: BIC. This special Shabbat morning visit www.aarecon.org. tot team, Cantor Hayut and Rabbi Whinston. Western civilization. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. program is for preschoolers and their parents Dinner is just $5 per person. Buy a punch card Yidish tish (Yiddish Conversation & Reading with songs, stories, prayers, and the Shabbat Shabbat Services: Chabad. Friday night services at ahead of time for a discounted price. Punch Group): JCC, Conference Room. For more “Mystery Box.” 11:15 a.m. Shabbat candle lighting time. Saturday morn- cards are available in the TBE office. 5:45 p.m. information or to make certain that we are ing services at 9:45 a.m. Afternoon Mincha 0-5yrs, 6:15 dinner, 6:45 Shira Service. meeting on a specific day, please e-mail Elliot services 45 minutes before sundown. Call (734) Friday evening services: See listing at the end of H. Gertel at [email protected] or call Lily Sunday 29 995-3276 for Home Hospitality and Meals for the calendar. Ladin at (734) 662-6613 at least one day before Shabbat and Jewish Holidays. scheduled meeting day. 10:30 a.m. -- 12 noon. Jews and Money: Annual JCLP Communal Shabbat Services: Pardes Hannah. Generally meets Conversation. Lunch will be provided. At the “The Almighty Salad”: Jewish Vegetarianism the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Call Saturday 21 Trotter Multicultural Center. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Backlash in the Yiddish Press, Eve (734) 663-4039 for more information. 10 a.m. Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the Led by Rabbi Elliot Ginsburg. Shabbat services: See listing at end of calendar. Jochnowitz, Frankel Institute Fellow. Frankel Center. Off campus location: JCC of Metro basic text of Chassidim and discover the beauty Shabbat Services: TBE. Torah Study at 8:50 a.m. Torah Study: TBE. Weekly discussion of the Torah Detroit. 7 p.m. and depth of Judaism. 11a.m.- noon. with Rabbi Whinston and Cantor Hayut. portion led by Rabbi Whinston 8:50 – 9:50 a.m. Theology Book Club: BIC - GSAC 2010 Lower Level. Intro to Judaism: BIC. Though directed at people Saturday Shabbat service at 10:00 a.m. Call the Deborah Sacks Mintz, Scholar-in-Residence: Join the Theology Book Club to read and discuss who are considering conversion, this serious ex- TBE office, 734-665-4744 for more information. BIC. Deborah will lead the community in books on Jewish thought and beliefs. 8 p.m. amination of the main dimensions of Judaism Home Hospitality and Meals: Chabad. Every Shab- spirited davening. After kiddush, she will lead — from mysticism to Talmud to Jewish Holi- bat and Holiday. Call (734) 995-3276 in advance. a session called “Music as a Source of Comfort days and rituals – is open to anyone who wants and Strength, Power and Struggle: A Text- Thursday 26, to deepen their Jewish literacy. This course is Phone numbers and addresses of Based Exploration” After minchah at 7 p.m., Rosh Chodesh Nissan open to members and non-members. 2 p.m. join Deborah for a light reception and Melava organizations frequently listed : Malka at 7:30 p.m. and bid farewell to Shabbat Jewish Meditation with Linda Greene: TBE. 1-2 p.m. in song. Monday 30 Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan (AAOM) Orientalism and Monotheism: Renan on Judaism 1429 Hill Street 248-408-3269 Parent’s Night Out: BIC. Drop off your children and Islam, Guy G. Stroumsa, The Hebrew (ages 5-15 years old) at the synagogue and KidZone Spring Break at the JCC. Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (AARC) University of Jerusalem.: Frankel Center. 2022 enjoy an evening to yourselves. Children will be Adult B’nai Mitzvah Classes: TBE. Cantor Hayut 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 913-9705 202 S. Thayer. 1 p.m. served dinner and there will be a movie playing leads sessions on Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Beth Israel Congregation (BIC) along with some crafts. Cost for members is $10 Back Door Food Pantry: TBE. 4–7 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. 2000 Washtenaw Ave. 665-9897 for the first child and $8 for each additional; Dinner with Rabbi Arik Ascherman: JCC. 6 p.m. Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin: BIC. 3:30- Chabad House non-members are an additional $5 per child. Women’s Rosh Chodesh Circle: TBE. 7 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 715 Hill Street 995-3276 Contact Amanda at [email protected] Use and Abuse of Power: The Challenge of Jewish Community Center (JCC) for more info or to sign up.6 – 9 p.m. Zionism Today: JCC. Rabbi Arik Ascherman Tuesday 31 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 971-0990 Artemisia Vocal Trio Concert: TBE. Women of presentation. 7:30 p.m. Jewish Cultural Society (JCS) TBE fundraising concert. 7 – 9 p.m. Talmud–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. See first KidZone Spring Break at the JCC. 2935 Birch Hollow Drive 975-9872 Thursday of month for details. 8 p.m.. “It Can Happen Here”: Antisemitism, Gender, and Jewish Family Services (JFS) Sunday 22 the American Past, Pamela Nadell, 30th Belin Lec- 2245 South State Street 769-0209 ture: Frankel Center. The lecture will be at Palmer Jewish Federation Friday 27 2939 Birch Hollow Drive 677-0100 Limmud Michigan 2020. At Student Center at Commons Forum Hall, 100 Washtenaw Ave. 7 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday–for Women: Chabad. Pardes Hannah Eastern Michigan University, 900 Oakwood St., Rabbinic View of Human Rights in Israel: Rabbi 8 p.m. See first Tuesday of month. 2010 Washtenaw Ave. 761-5324 Ypsilanti. All day. Check in 9 a.m. Ascherman Lunch and Learn: BIC. Participants Temple Beth Emeth (TBE) Deborah Sacks Mintz, Scholar-in-Residence: BIC. are encouraged to bring their own vegetarian 2309 Packard Road 665-4744 Deborah will teach “Leading from the Center: lunch (lunch will not be provided), and there is UM Hillel A Davening Leadership Workshop.” 10:30 a.m. no cost to attend but an RSVP is requested by 1429 Hill Street 769-0500 Tanya–Jewish Mysticism: Chabad. Delve into the calling 734-665-9897. The opinions expressed Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 27 ICommunity

TBE and Bethel A.M.E. Church talk voter suppression Leslie McGraw, special to the WJN ver 80 members of Temple Beth In Suppressed’s 45 minutes, attendees were October. She sent emails and called the registrar member, Alan Cotzin. Emeth synagogue and Bethel African given a glimpse of what the new face of voter and voter protection hotline as the election drew William Hampton, President of the Ann O Methodist Episcopal Church in Ann suppression looks like. Isolated stories from near. Ultimately, she was unable to vote in the Arbor Branch of the NAACP, encouraged ev- Arbor, Michigan came together on Saturday, across the state of Georgia were woven together election. She likened the experience to “a punch eryone to look inside our own communities as January 18 at Temple Beth Emeth on Packard to form a much bigger story of voter suppres- to the gut.” Xu reached out online to her Face- well. A woman from TBE begged the question Road to watch and discuss the film Suppressed: sion. No one in the room was prepared for the book community to see if there were others who “Why is there such a big discrepancy between The Fight to Vote. impact this short film would have on reimagin- could identify with her situation. Turns out there Washtenaw and Wayne counties? What can we The new documentary by Robert Greenwald ing the lengths people would go to prevent a fair were 40 similar stories within her Facebook do about that?” focuses on voter suppression in Georgia leading election. friendset that began inboxing her with their own Yodit Mesfin-Johnson, President and CEO up to and on the day of the 2018 midterm elec- Voter suppression in Georgia started long stories of being left out of the election. After an of Nonprofit Enterprise at Work (NEW), re- tion. before the historic 2018 midterm election were investigation, it was found that “tens of thou- counted how she felt the day after the 2016 pres- Less than four miles stand between the two fraught with long lines, uncounted provisional sands” of voters did not receive their requested idential election. “My parents were civil rights community congregations which were founded ballots and misinformation. Since 2013, 890,000 absentee ballot in time to vote. activists, and I have lived and served in this com- 52 and 163 years ago. However, it was not until this munity for 25 years. But, as my son and I were historic event that the two groups came together. in the car looking around the next day, for the The collaboration was born of a friendship first time in my life I feared for the safety of our that began last year between Rabbi Josh Whin- personhood.” ston and Pastor Mashod A. Evans, Sr. The two Claire Weiner of TBE reflected, “The word have a lot in common. Both leaders came to Ann purging is really powerful. The word purging Arbor in a leadership role for their respective has a big meaning not only for African Ameri- congregations within the last four years. Both cans but also for Jews. Each time I heard that in have young families. Both have a propensity to- the film I thought of elimination.” wards community involvement and social jus- Bethel member Lisa Cook served as the tice. Last year, Whinston and others from TBE, Social Media Manager for Stacey Abrams’ run along with a Christian congregation took a trek for Georgia Governor in 2018. Cook shared ad- to the Texas border to stand in solidarity with our ditional insight on the election-day chaos dur- neighbors seeking asylum. In 2018, Evans led his ing the discussion, “I was there. We had to go congregation on an inaugural mission trip to through metal detectors. We were sending pizza Belize to help with a school, community health to people standing in line. Eight hundred vot- education, and prison ministry. ing machines were left in a warehouse. The lines The film served different purposes for each were completely unnecessary.” congregation. For Temple Beth Emeth, the film Attendees were all invited to stay for screening and discussion was a chance to take a Havdalah, followed by a light repast. Many at- deeper dive into racial issues in this country be- tendees commented that there ought to be more fore embarking on a four-day civil rights jour- Georgian voters have been purged for reasons Feelings of helplessness, isolation, non-im- collaborative events such as this one. Connec- ney in Georgia and Alabama this Spring. Fifty such as moving, not returning a postcard, not portance and exclusion were communicated tions, friendships, and alliances have always TBE members are signed up for the journey and voting in a few elections, and name discrepan- throughout the film. The individual stories were played a pivotal role in the realm of social justice, will visit the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Mu- cies. accompanied with statistics and commentary similar to the unlikely friendship between Rabbi seum & Lynching Memorial, go on a few historic Lewis Brooks, an 89-year-old African Ameri- from people who served on the front lines of Whinston and Rev. Evans and their congrega- walking tours, and meet with Fair Fight 2020 can veteran, was discouraged when he received voting justice before and on the day of the elec- tions. team in Georgia. notice that his polling place would be closed due tion. The fact that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, “I didn’t want us to go as tourists,” said to lack of funding, posing a 3.5 mile hike for In the film, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge Jr. suffered from loneliness, the effects of racism, Whinston. him. It was not until Bobby Jenkins, a retired ed- said ”This is systematic. If you look at what has and depression most of his life is often neglected. For Evans, the screening served other pur- ucator, stepped in that residents learned seven of happened across this country in the last five He nearly lost his life as a young child in a sui- poses: to simply inform, and also as part of a the nine precincts in Randolph County (which years, forty states have passed some kind of law cide attempt. His autopsy revealed that though 10-week transformative teaching Bethel re- is 62% African American) were scheduled for to make it more difficult for people to vote.” only 39 years old, King “had the heart of a 60 year cently completed, based on the book 5 Practices closure. The public outcry stopped the closure During the post-film discussion, the congre- old.” Many of his speeches and sermons called for of Fruitful Congregations. In this book, Robert and drew attention to a larger issue: 212 polling gations were mixed up and split into two discus- brotherhood and friendship. Hopefully, this film Schnase outlines five practices for today’s church locations have been closed across the state since sion circles led by each of the worship leaders. screening and discussion will spark new ideas for to achieve excellence and stretch the congrega- 2012. Attendees shared their gut reactions to the film, collaboration between these two congregations, tion. One of these practices is ‘Risk Taking Mis- Peggy Xu, a 23-year-old speechwriter who new realizations, and personal stories of their in this community, and beyond. sion and Service,’ which includes stretching left for Washington, D.C. to work on a tempo- own. The consensus among both groups was In the words of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Lu- compassion outward beyond the walls of the rary assignment, sent in her application for an that voting is just one symptom of other issues. ther King, Jr. “We cannot walk alone.” n church. absentee ballot, with her new D.C. address, in “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said TBE New film Stranger/Sister is a true story Stranger/Sister is the true story of two ordinary Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom. The panel will be differences and build connections over similar women, one Muslim and one Jewish, who moderated by Odyssey Impact’s Head of Social values and beliefs. dare to believe they can join hands to stop the Impact and Communications, Melissa C. Potter. Stranger/Sister captures the story of their wave of hate. Overcoming a long history of “We are inspired by this incredible and extraordinary community-building and will distrust between their two religions, they build courageous network of women and teen serve as a catalyst for peace-building initiatives, a movement that turns strangers into sisters, girls, who are building bridges and standing furthering the mission of the Sisterhood and challenging assumptions about how to fight in solidarity in the face of hate and division,” expanding discussions to different faith and hate in America. said Kirsten Kelly. “Following the story of the secular organizations. Odyssey Impact, a leading social impact Sisterhood has been such a journey of hope, Odyssey Impact consists of a team of campaign organization, has announced their and we are excited to share it with audiences exceptional film and social justice professionals partnership with the Sisterhood of Salaam Participating in the discussion will be Kirsten nationwide and beyond.” who believe that powerful documentaries can Shalom to produce and participate on a panel Kelly, the EMMY Award-winning filmmaker In these divisive times, filmmakers followed motivate people to do great things. Odyssey taking place during this year’s SXSW Festival on behind Stranger/Sister and Senior Producer at the new movement of the Sisterhood of Salaam Impact strategically builds and executes social Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Austin, Texas. The Odyssey Impact and Transform Films®, Sheryl Shalom – over 6,000 Muslim and Jewish Women impact campaigns around award-winning panel, “Documenting a Movement: Muslim and Olitsky, Executive Director and cofounder who are banding together to fight the rise in documentaries to inspire people of all faiths and Jewish Women Unite Against Hate,” will focus of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, and hate. To combat ignorance, a major precipitator good will to engage with their communities on on the upcoming documentary, Stranger/Sister, Amanda Quraishi, Digital Media Consultant at of hate, this powerful grassroots network of important issues in their lives. n produced by Odyssey Impact’s sister company, DarkMatter Digital Media and Advisory Board ‘Sisters’ are approaching challenging dialogue Transform Films®. Member (Communications Committee) for the in innovative, peace-building ways to overcome 28 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 IBooks

Sydney Taylor Book Awards for 2020 AJL Jewish Fiction Award 2020 winners Rosalind Reisner PHILADELPHIA – The 2020 winners of the Sydney Taylor Book Award, administered by oldie Goldbloom is the winner Varian Fry as he sets up a rescue operation in the Association of Jewish Libraries, an af- of the Association of Jewish Vichy France, helping artists, writers and in- filiate of the American Library Association Libraries (AJL) Jewish Fiction tellectuals, mainly Jewish, escape from their (ALA), were announced last month in Phila- G Award for her novel On Division, published increasingly precarious existence to safety in delphia, Pennsylvania. by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. The award The Sydney Taylor Book Award is includes a $1,000 cash prize and support to named in memory of the classic All-of-a- attend the 56th Annual Conference of the Kind Family series by Sydney Taylor. The Association of Jewish Libraries in Evanston, award recognizes titles for children and IL, June 29-July 1, 2020. One honor book teens that exemplify high literary standards was also recognized: The Flight Portfolio by while authentically portraying the Jewish Julie Orringer, published by Knopf. The experience. SILVER MEDALISTS Committee reviewed over 75 works of fiction Committee chair Rebecca Levitan said, originally written in English with significant “I’m so grateful to the committee this year For Picture Book, the Honor Books are Gittel’s Journey, by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Jewish thematic content published in the for all their hard work. Their dedication to United States in 2019. Thanks to all those this award brought about winners that we Amy June Bates and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, and The Key who submitted entries for consideration. are extremely proud to call Sydney Taylor The wide array of books published in America. As the Nazis increase their pres- Award books.” from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music, by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Sonja Wimmer 2019 is a testament to the vibrant state of ence and control, he and his assistants evade 2020 Sydney Taylor selections include: and published by Kar-Ben Publishing, a contemporary Jewish fiction. German and Vichy authorities, search for division of Lerner Publishing Group. “In On Division, Goldbloom writes about new escape routes, work around American GOLD MEDALISTS For Middle Grade, the Honor Books are Surie, a newly-pregnant fifty-seven year old governmental indifference, and wrangle ec- mother, grandmother, and almost great- centric personalities. The author’s gorgeous The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Mas- Anya and the Dragon, by Sofiya Pasternack grandmother living in the Chasidic commu- writing and well-researched historical back- sachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Gen- and published by Versify, an imprint of ground plunge the reader into the dangers erations to Come, by Sue Macy, illustrated by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Games Stacy Innerst and published by Paula Wise- of Deception: The True Story of the First of life in southern France in 1940 with a love man Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 story, a suspenseful escape story, and the eth- is the winner of the Picture Book category. Olympics in Hitler’s Germany, by Andrew ical question of whom do you save when all are worth saving,” commented Merrily Hart, The Book Res- Maraniss and published by Philomel Books, member of the Award Committee. cuer celebrates an imprint of Penguin Random House. the power of For Young Adult, the Honor Books are The AJL Jewish Fiction Award Committee an individual Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s members are Merrily Hart, Rachel Kamin, to preserve Life and Work, by Victoria Ortiz and Rosalind Reisner, Laura Schutzman, and history and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Sheryl Stahl. culture, while Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, andSick Kids in nity of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Haunted by The Association of Jewish Libraries also exploring Love, by Hannah Moskowitz and published the death of her son Lipa, Surie finds herself gratefully acknowledges the generous support timely themes by Entangled Teen, an imprint of Entangled keeping this pregnancy a secret from every- of Dan Wyman Books for underwriting of identity and Publishing LLC. one, including her beloved husband. The the Award. Submissions for the 2021 AJL immigration. In addition to the medal winners, the author, a member of the Chasidic commu- Fiction Award (titles published in 2020) are In a folksy voice, Award Committee designated eight Notable nity, writes with accuracy, authenticity, and now being accepted. For more information, this biography Books of Jewish Content for 2020. More respect – celebrating the positive aspects of please visit www.jewishlibraries.org. tells the story of Yiddish Book Center found- information about the Sydney Taylor Book the community with beauty, warmth, and The Association of Jewish Libraries is er Aaron Lansky’s commitment to rescuing Award and a complete listing of the award love while also exposing negative, harmful, an all-volunteer professional organization Yiddish language books and ensuring that winners and notables can be found at www. and shameful practices. The result is a multi- that promotes Jewish literacy through despite all odds, Yiddish language and culture sydneytaylorbookawards.org. layered story of how secrets can shake even enhancement of libraries and library will stay alive for future generations. Winning authors and illustrators will the most secure and close-knit families that resources and through leadership for the is accessible to readers both familiar and un- profession and practitioners of Judaica White Bird: A Wonder Story, by R. J. Palacio receive their awards at the Annual Conference and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of the Association of Jewish Libraries, to be familiar with the insular world of ultra-Or- librarianship. The Association fosters access of Penguin Random House, won the Syd- held in Evanston, Illinois, from June 29 to thodox Jews,” noted Rachel Kamin, member to information, learning, teaching and ney Taylor Book Award in the Middle Grade July 1. Gold and silver medalists also will of the Award Committee. research relating to Jews, Judaism, the Jewish n category. This participate in a blog tour from February 9 to “In The Flight Portfolio author Julie Or- experience and Israel. beautifully illus- 13. For more information about the blog tour, ringer imagines the daring and conflicted trated graphic please visit www.jewishlibraries.org/blog. existence of the little-known real-life hero novel connects Members of the 2020 Sydney Taylor the Holocaust Book Award committee are Chair Rebecca to familiar con- Levitan, Baltimore County Public Library; temporary char- Rena Citrin, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day acters, as Julian School, Chicago; Shoshana Flax, The Horn from the Wonder Book, Inc., Boston; Marjorie Ingall, freelance series learns his writer, New York; Sylvie Shaffer, Capitol Hill grandmother’s Day School, Washington, D.C.; Marjorie powerful story of Shuster, Congregation Emanuel, New York; rescue in Vichy- and Rivka Yerushalmi, Jewish Women occupied France. International Libraries, Rockville, Md. Someday We Will Fly, by Rachel DeWoskin The Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) and published by Viking Books for Young promotes Jewish literacy through enhance- Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random ment of libraries and library resources and House won the Sydney Taylor Book Award in through leadership for the profession and the Young Adult category. In this lushly writ- practitioners of Judaica librarianship. The ten historical novel, Lillia and her father and Association fosters access to information, sister flee Warsaw during the Holocaust and learning, teaching and research relating to take refuge in Shanghai. There, Lillia’s need Jews, Judaism, the Jewish experience, and to support her family, her relationships with Israel. AJL is an affiliate of the American Li- others, and her awareness of her privilege brary Association. n even as a refugee all contribute to her growth.

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 29 IFeature Looking for Rose: The Stone Chapel By Clare Kinberg, third installment in a series he forty years I’d spent wondering what involved; he wanted to help me find what I was loving and respectful scholarship delves into later, my aunt Rose and her husband Zebedee had become of my father’s outcast old- looking for. Marshall, I learned, is not only fa- race relations and the strategies Black frontier Arnwine joined the community as well. Mar- T er sister Rose finally came to an end on miliar with the cemetery listed on Rose’s death farm families used that formed the foundation shall’s mother, Esther (nee Wilson) Sanders, August 2, 2016 when I found her death certifi- certificate, but his parents are buried there, and of Cass County’s unique culture. was born the same year as Aunt Rose, 1908. She cate on the internet. Rose herself had filled in he visits the cemetery often. In this first corre- African-Americans came to Cass County “to was descended from the earliest Black settlers in the information. Though she didn’t know (or spondence, Marshall also wrote, “While it is not escape a proscriptive and racist environment the area and among a group of people who in remember) her mother’s maiden name, she impossible she is buried at Community, this that prevented them from voting, educating 1928 founded a nondenominational congrega- usefully included the name of the funeral home cemetery is predominately African American.” their children, and moving freely within their tion and organized the building of the Calvin she intended to take care of her body and the Perhaps she is native state to ply a trade, seek employment, or Community Chapel, which become known cemetery where she was to be buried. down the road, merely to visit a friend.” White Quakers came to as The Stone Chapel. The membership raised Perhaps she’d anticipated that one day a at the white the area because it was on the known route of money for the Chapel by preparing dinners, niece would come looking for her. cemetery, he the Underground Railroad from Indiana up to giving concerts and plays. With very little trouble, I found pictures implied. Canada. They came to oppose slavery. When she married Marshall Sanders, Sr, in online of Calvin Community Chapel Cemetery Marshall’s Sawyer states that at this early time, Black 1935, Esther Wilson already had a teaching de- in rural Cass County, Michigan. Marshall H. paternal ances- families tended to keep under the radar. They gree and a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Scienc- Sanders, Jr. had photographed many of the tor, Sampson came with useful frontier skills learned in es from the University of Michigan. The couple gravestones in the cemetery and uploaded Sanders, died slavery, and went to work to build homesteads moved to Detroit and raised their sons there, them, in 2006, to The USGenWeb Tombstone in West Vir- for their families. A stagecoach on the Detroit- but they brought Marshall, Jr and his brother Photo Project. However, there was no Rose ginia in 1849 Chicago line occasionally came nearby. Maurice back to Vandalia every summer. Arnwine listed among several hundred names. and in his will Cass County entered the history books My first exchange with Marshall had in- “Mr. Sanders, I see you’ve photographed some manumitted when in 1847 a group of about 40 Kentucky stilled doubt: was Aunt Rose buried in a white graves in Cass Cty Mi,” I wrote to the email approximately slaveholders raided Michigan looking for their or Black cemetery? I had to follow up, but I address that accompanied the cemetery photos. 51 people whom he had owned. The manumis- “property,” instigating what came to be called waited till I was back in Michigan from the “I am looking for the resting place of an aunt of sion was provisioned on their being relocated The Kentucky Raid, an important turning 10,000 sojourn out west to drop my daughter mine, my father’s sister. Do you think she has a to Indiana or one of the other three free states. point in the buildup to the Civil War. The slave for her freshman year of college. As soon as I got place in Calvin Community Chapel Cemetery?” I By the time of Sampson Sanders death, Indiana catchers captured nine people on several farms in the door, I contacted the funeral home listed attached Rose’s death certificate. had passed very stringent laws severely restrict- in Cass County. Reputedly, 300 Cass County on Aunt Rose’s death certificate. The helpful And so began my first lesson in anxious ing the lives of free Black people. However, right residents including Quakers, free Blacks, and director found Aunt Rose’s thin file containing waiting for information from people less across the state line into Michigan land was af- other abolitionists confronted the Kentuckians a newspaper clipping of her brief obituary and urgent than me about Rose Kinberg Arnwine’s fordable, and there were already fifty or so Black in Vandalia. A trial was set in nearby Cassopolis the plot number of her burial site, indeed in the life. Waiting–and carrying on with my life– families farming land they owned in the central to determine everyone’s fate. The Commissioner Calvin Community Chapel Cemetery where would become my state of being. While I was townships of Cass County. who heard the case was an abolitionist and a Marshall’s parents rest. The director then added wondering if my email had even reached Mr. The Black farming community the Sanders conductor on the Underground Railroad who the information, which he suspected was sup- Sanders, I embarked on a cross-country family families joined had settled in Michigan Territo- decided against the Kentuckians. “Colored men plied by her friends, “As for family, a note on the road trip to drop off my older daughter at ry in the early 1830s. (Michigan didn’t become are not property in Michigan,” he reportedly record says that she has family someplace, in- college in Oregon. a state until 1837). They had come from Illi- said, and he allowed the freedmen to travel cluding a son, but they had disowned her.” The On August 15, almost two weeks after I’d nois, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, up to Canada and sent the slave catchers back obituary ended with, “there are no known sur- sent my missive into the ether, Marshall–he’s Kentucky and Tennessee–escaping slaves and to Kentucky. The backlash was severe, leading vivors.” Evidently, Rose had purchased a small now become a trusted correspondent–finally free Black families found relatively inexpensive to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, designed to section of the cemetery and was buried in an responded. I was somewhere in the high frontier land and a local white population influ- demand the return of fugitive slaves no matter unmarked grave near some friends. The funeral country outside of Zion National Monument, enced by Quakers who were actively opposed to where they were caught. This further inflamed home advised me that the sexton and cemetery Utah. While rounding a mountain pass, I heard slavery. In her thesis “Surviving Freedom: Afri- the tensions that led to the Civil War. caretaker, Bill Vaughn, may know the location my phone ding a notification. can American Farm Households in Cass Coun- This was the community Marshall’s ances- of Aunt Rose’s grave and gave me a number for From the first, Marshall was gracious and ty, Michigan 1832-1880” Marcia Renee Sawyer’s tors had settled in and built. One hundred years him. n

Love in sinister times Last Letters: The Prison Correspondence Between Helmuth James and Freya von Moltke, 1944-45. Afterword by Rachel Seiffert Reviewed by Patti Smith t the heart of Last Letters is the sunlight. In the following paragraph she recalls always left on—and how he uses the time to Early in the book, Helmuth casually says he intimate correspondence between memories of her incredibly close relationship read Freya’s letters. expects to be dead within 36 hours. His entire A German Resistance fighters in with Helmuth, professing her love over and over. Some of her letters offer details of everyday concerns lie with his wife—telling her that his World War II, published in English for the Then in the next paragraph, she talks almost ca- life in Berlin towards the end of the Second World death will be “all right,” and after a time she will first time thanks to Johannes von Moltke, sually of speaking to someone named “Muller,” War. Freya talks of trekking across the enormous, return to her regular routine carrying on with- his sister Dorothea, his uncle Helmuth, and who we learn is the bombed out city, out him. He speaks of his confidence in God translator Shelley Frisch. chief of the Gestapo. walking against the and His guidance. Dr. Johannes von Moltke lives in Ann Arbor Freya’s description fleeing refugees from His death does not come—not at that point and has taught at the University of Michigan of Muller is that he is the Red Army. She in the book. We have much more love to read since 1998. He is a full professor in the Depart- “polite, friendly…sin- mentions her meet- about, more courage, more hope. ment of Germanic Languages and Literatures cere”—the opposite ings with Nazi offi- The third main character in this book is and Department of Screen Arts & Cultures. Dr. of what readers may cials, how careful she a man named Harald Poelchau, the prison von Moltke’s academic focus is on film and 20th expect about a Nazi. must be to not to be- chaplain. We never hear from him, but this and 21st century German cultural history. Muller encouraged tray her knowledge book would not be possible without him. On Late in 1944, Freya von Moltke (Johannes’ Freya to write letters of the Resistance. She a regular basis, Poelchau risked his own safety grandmother) waited at home while her hus- to Himmler, Hitler— makes such journeys to smuggle these letters back and forth. In ad- band Helmuth James von Moltke was being monsters who we know are the embodiment many times, and then returns home at the end of dition, he also brought supplies to Helmuth— held in a Berlin prison, awaiting his trial for of evil but who are her only hope of saving her the day to wait. And wait. honey rolls, bacon, sugar, eggs. Poelchau never his part in the Kreisau Circle, one of the crucial husband, languishing away in a prison. Just when one gets caught up in the ro- asked for recognition, but it is important that Resistance groups in Germany. In the months Indeed, Helmuth’s letters tell of being shack- mance and maybe forgets the context, Helmuth we remember his incredible bravery. leading up to Helmuth’s execution in January led for much of the time. The prisoners adjust or Freya drop in something that reminds the It’s not a spoiler to say that there isn’t a happy 1945, the two exchanged heartfelt, moving let- to this, he writes, by simply waiting for the un- reader that yes, they are in the middle of a ending in the book– Helmuth is executed. This ters about their lives and love for each other. shackled times to do things they can’t do with world war. For instance, Helmuth writes of not reader of Last Letters was left with feeling there The book reads like both a historical docu- them on. Helmuth makes it a point to stress being able to be let out for his walk because of was almost a happy ending. The von Moltke’s ment and a romance. Freya writes about her day: how friendly the guards are, how accommodat- bombing damage and learning that more of incredible love in the face of all of the suffering, sitting at her desk, watching the autumn weath- ing they can sometimes be. He tells his wife of his friends from the Resistance have been taken the uncertainly, and terror—shone through er, digging up potatoes, basking in the shining being awake during long nights—the lights are away, imprisoned or executed. even in the darkest times. n

30 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 Camp Tavor: empowering young people to a more just world Randy Lubratich, special to the WJN Empowering today's youth to ong after the buses leave camp at the end while also learning important things about so- of the summer, Camp Tavor campers cial justice and what role we can play as young lead us to a better tomorrow! L are bringing their passion, vision, and Jewish activists in this world that’s in need of a voices home to their communities. lot of change.” Tali will be sharing the lessons she “Camp is not a place that you ever truly has learned this coming summer as she takes on leave. Camp is an entity that you always carry her role of madatz (counselor in training) . with you,” says Nathan Wojcik, a University of “At camp, we have always been encouraged Michigan Senior, and lifetime “Tavornik” who to protest and fight for whatever we think is worked as a “Unit Head” at Camp Tavor last important, whether that’s later bedtimes, new summer. Nathan started camp at the age of 13 candy policies, or learning about things we’re and now, nearly a decade later, he feels pride interested in, which then helps us understand Spend your summer swimming, boating, crafting, camping in his camp and community as he watches the real movements going on in the U.S. and campers he guided grow to become the leaders around the world that are fighting for a more and having fun while learning to be a leader! they dreamed they could be. just and equitable world.” Tali continues, “I’m so COME FOR THE SUMMER - MAKE FRIENDS FOR LIFE “At Tavor, we have opportunities for every glad that I’ve learned that tikkun olam (healing At Camp Tavor in Three Rivers, MI you will cultivate a strong camper to have experiences with leadership. the world) isn’t just tzedakah, but it’s showing up for the things that need to be changed in the sense of community, social and environmental justice, a world like climate change.” connection with Israel and a positive personal Jewish identity. This fall Camp Tavor campers, families and Sessions run from 5-days to 7-weeks for 3rd-10th graders alumni stood shoulder to shoulder in raising their voices during a Tisha B’Av protest in Mention this ad for a discount Ask us about Dearborn. $1000 Grant Our complex times require an empowered, available for connected and visionary next generation of Camp is made for young people to find their Jewish leaders and Camp Tavor is committed to first-time place with themselves and with the world, and fostering that next generation! campers to gain the tools to sculpt it.” Camp Tavor, located only two hours from “At Camp Tavor, everyone learns about so- Ann Arbor in Three Rivers, Michigan, offers Email: [email protected] Phone: 269-215-1399 cial justice, youth empowerment, racial inequal- 1-7 week programs for 2nd - 12th graders. ity, gender inequality and it’s really great,” says Financial aid is available for those who qualify, Visit: www.camptavor.org 13-year old Ben Botkin of Ann Arbor, “because including up to $1,000 grant possible for first- everyone learns how we can make society a bet- time campers. ter place.” Camp Tavor also offers a Shabbat weekend You and your family are invited to At Camp Tavor, campers cultivate their pas- Family Camp program August 14th - 16th. sion and build the skills to translate their big You will experience a spirited and engaging ideas into action! And that is just what 16-year Camp Tavor Shabbat with your family old Tali Deaner did this fall when she joined and including a communal dinner, singing, folk The Jewish Cultural Society’s helped to organize a rally for Climate Justice in dancing under the stars, and Havdalah along West Michigan. our beautiful lake! Check out Camp Tavor at nd “I’ve always loved how at camp we do lots www.camptavor.org! n Community 2 Seder of fun things like swimming in the chof (lake) Thursday, April 9, 2020 6:00 pm At the Jewish Community Center Registration is required: www.jewishculturalsociety.org

Suggested donation for nonmembers of JCS: $15/person; $50/family.

The Jewish Cultural Society is the Ann Arbor area’s secular humanistic Jewish community.

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 31 IHebrew Day School

Hebrew Day School Annual Academic Fair

A fifth-grader explains how she used her He- brew language skills to compare and contrast two pieces of art she viewed on a class field trip to the UMMA.

A second-grader explains to her parents the penny experiment she conducted to understand A fourth-grader shares the histori- the oxidation of the Statue of Liberty. cal fiction piece he wrote from the perspective of a passenger on the Mayflower.

Kindergartener excitedly shares his learning with his mom and fifth-grade sister.

This multi-generational event provided these grandparents with the opportunity to kvell over their kindergarten and 3rd grade grandchildren’s learning.

A third-grader explains the food chain to his first-grade sister.

32 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 IOpinion

Shutting down the antisemitic protests: legal hurdles Jessica Lefort, special to the WJN n December, 2019 a member of the includes political speech or a newsworthy rum for speech also has some potential suit relies on citing the city’s alleged fail- Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Ar- topic. influence on the suit’s claim that the syna- ure to enforce its permit ordinance on the I bor filed suit against a group of pro- The suit argues that the protesters’ gogue’s congregants constitute a “captive protests. Aside from the question of the testers and the city, alleging harassment speech isn’t protected by the First Amend- audience” that is being forced to hear the ordinance’s applicability to this type of and civil rights violations. In February a ment because of what it is saying, where offensive speech. The Supreme Court’s in- speech, conspiracy between the protest- second plaintiff, a member of Pardes Han- the protests are occurring, and who is terpretation of what constitutes a “captive ers and the city will be difficult to prove nah which holds prayer services in the witnessing them. All three of these argu- audience” has been inconsistent. While for two reasons. First, the suit offers no area, joined the lawsuit. The suit stems ments face significant challenges. First, as it has generally been limited to confined facts that the protesters are acting “under from more than 16 years of weekly anti- noted above, the Supreme Court has rou- spaces, like homes or modes of public the color of law,” meaning they are acting Israel and antisemitic protests held out- tinely held that political speech (the type transit, the Court has on occasion upheld as government representatives. The city’s side the synagogue on Shabbat morning. of speech at issue here), even where hate- restrictions in other more open spaces, failure to enforce its code does not mean The lawsuit asks the court to either shut ful, is protected by the First Amendment such as in front of abortion clinics, find- it condones the protesters’ actions to the down the protests entirely, or to restrict unless it is likely to result in “imminent” ing the listeners “captive” by their medical extent they could be classified as the city’s when, where, and how they could occur. or immediate violence. Thus, in order to needs. Here, because the protests are oc- action. Second, a claim of government in- It also seeks damages for plaintiffs’ alleged succeed, the plaintiffs would have to prove curring on a public right of way, in order action as evidence of conspiracy will re- emotional harm. that the protests are likely to result in im- to qualify as a “captive audience” the suit quire the suit to prove the government’s While there are many in the Ann Arbor mediate violence, a high hurdle given the would likely need to prove that the protests intent to discriminate. This will be hard community who, with frustration and dis- lack of such violence to date. Although are interfering with congregants’ ability to to supply since the city is similarly not en- may, have looked for a legal means to halt there has been an increase in antisemitic access the synagogue or that, once inside, forcing its code against counter-protesters the long-standing protests, this lawsuit violence in the past few years, including congregants are still subject to the sounds present during these times. faces significant legal hurdles. a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh of the protests outside. Ultimately, while there is sympathy for This article will examine some of these, that killed eleven and wounded six others, The other part of the suit’s claim is the plaintiffs’ general complaint that the particularly the First Amendment rights the heightened fear congregants feel un- that the protests are infringing on the city could do more to curtail these pro- to free speech and the requirement that fortunately does not equate with what the plaintiff’s First Amendment right to free tests, means other than this lawsuit might the city be legally responsible for the pro- Supreme Court would consider imminent exercise of religion. However, in order to be considered. It is imaginable, for in- testers’ conduct. violence. Such violence must be direct and succeed in such a claim, the suit needs to stance, that the congregants could petition The suit’s numerous claims can be specifically target the individuals at issue, allege, for example, that the plaintiffs have the city to enact a reasonable time, place, lumped into three general categories: civil not the population more generally. been physically prevented from accessing and manner restriction around houses rights violations, constitutional viola- Second, the suit claims that the syna- their place of worship by either the pro- of worship generally. Such a law could tions, and tort claims. gogue’s location in a residential neighbor- testers or the city. As currently framed, the potentially survive a First Amendment The suit claims that the protesters hood means the court can prohibit the suit’s only claim is that the protesters have challenge so long as it was not targeted at and the city (both independently and in protests. The Supreme Court has repeat- diminished the plaintiffs’ enjoyment in at- the protesters’ action specifically, but at conspiracy with one another), are violat- edly held that streets and sidewalks are the tending services and, as a result, they have all speech near houses of worship, even ing the plaintiffs’ right to freely exercise quintessential public forum for speech. sometimes not wanted to attend. though its immediate effect would most their religion, a right protected by the The Court has generally rejected a notion In order to maintain its claims, the suit directly impact the protesters. Indeed, the First Amendment. It also claims that the that all political speech in a residential has to jump another hurdle–prove that the Supreme Court has upheld similar restric- city is violating certain religious freedom area could be prohibited. Although the city is responsible for the protesters’ behav- tions in other types of cases. Moreover, in statutes. Finally, it alleges that the protests Court has occasionally upheld laws re- ior. With few exceptions, the federal civil the wake of the Supreme Court decisions constitute defamation and false light, and stricting speech in residential areas (where rights statutes, and the Federal Constitu- relating to the Westboro Baptist Church result in intentional infliction of emotion- the synagogue is located), those laws have tion (as applied to the states through the picketing the funerals of U.S. soldiers, a al distress on the plaintiffs. been narrow in scope and not based on the Fourteenth Amendment), only protect in- number of cities and states have imple- The first hurdle is the suit’s ability to content of the speech itself. Here, the suit dividuals from government infringement mented time, place and manner restric- establish that the First Amendment does does not attempt to uphold a law restrict- on rights. They do not protect individuals tions around military funerals, and these not protect the protesters’ speech. The Su- ing speech generally, but asks the court to from solely private behavior, regardless of have been upheld on appeal around the preme Court has consistently held that the restrict the specific speech of the protest- how awful. So, in order to succeed the suit country, although not yet addressed by First Amendment protects even hateful ers. The focus on the protesters’ speech must demonstrate that the protesters were the Supreme Court. However, in light of speech, with very limited exception. Ex- alone will pose a high hurdle to the suit’s acting in concert with the city or are act- the current state of Ann Arbor’s code and ceptions include where the hate speech is success, as the Supreme Court is loath to ing like city officials themselves. First Amendment law more generally, the likely to incite “imminent” or immediate restrict protected speech based solely on The suit has alleged that the city and lawsuit’s claims as currently framed are violence, or where it is directed at a private its content. the protesters conspired together to vio- unlikely to succeed. n individual and is not a “matter of public Finally, the Court’s high regard for late the plaintiffs’ civil rights and that the concern.” A “matter of public concern” the use of sidewalks and streets as a fo- protesters are themselves state actors. The

Census 2020, continued from page 1 Who should be counted? groups with a single address (jails, hospitals, How many questions are on Will someone knock on my Everyone. The Census counts everyone nursing homes, school dormitories, etc.) are also counted. the Census? door? who is living in America. It doesn’t matter The Census is 9 questions. That’s it. And If you don’t send the Census back by if you are a citizen or not a citizen, if you Is the Census confidential? there is no question about your citizenship the end of April, Census workers will have a Green Card, or a visitor visa, or an or visa status. The Census only cares to know come to your door. They have badges and expired visa, a student with an F1 visa or an The United State has a law specifically for the Census, to make sure it is 100% if you live in the U.S. identification from the Census Bureau, and employee with an H-1b visa, if you live in the they will ask you to complete the Census. It U.S., you count for the Census. confidential. The Census Act, Title 13, of the United States Code, has the strictest What comes in the mail? is much better to fill it out on your own, and The only people not counted are those In the past, the Census was a paper confidentiality laws on the federal books. not wait for the Census workers to come by. who are here as tourists, and are planning questionnaire. This year, most people will The information collected by the Census We get a much better count that way. to return to their home country. Everyone get a card in the mail with a unique ID that cannot be shared with any other agency. We only have one chance to get else counts. Make sure to count everyone you use to fill out the Census online. Where It cannot be given to ICE, to the FBI, to counted. There is a lot of funding tied to in your household, including children and the internet is slow, people will get the paper Homeland Security, the Department of the U.S. Census that helps everyone in our newborns. And if you sublet to anyone, you version to fill out and send back. People can Justice, the IRS, local police, the sheriff, communities, from our children to the need to count them too. also call in and complete the Census on the social service agencies, insurance companies, elderly. Make sure to fill it out when you get For the Census, a household is an address. phone. businesses or anyone. For any reason. And it. The 10 minutes we spend filling out the The Census does not have names, it only The Census is mailed on March 12. If you over the last 50+ years, this law has never Census now will affect our communities for has addresses. There are about 140 million don’t respond, you will get reminders on been broken, not even once. the next 10 years. n addresses in the U.S., and the Census is sent March 16, March 23, April 8, and April 20. to each of those addresses. People who live in

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 33 I Obituaries

Annalou “Rusty” Kadin Simons Ritchie of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Danit Flexner Rico, Staten Island, Washington D.C. and Yehuda met his wife Gale when she was was born May 6, 1924 at home on Staten Rosenthal and Norman Ira Rosenthal of ultimately Hilton Head, South Carolina. learning Hebrew on the Kibbutz Ulpan, and Island, New York. She died on February 9, Morristown, New Jersey.; Dov Scot Simons Together they visited the world and they married in 1979. Together with their two 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the beloved and Sandy Maltzman Simons of Bridgewater, developed a love for art, a passion for good children they left Israel and moved to Ann widow of the late Lawrence Brook Simons; New Jersey; Tali Simons Zeltner and Drew design, a love of sailing, a passion for golf, a Arbor, Michi- mother of Barbara Simons Flexner and Paul Zeltner of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and taste for fine food and drink and shared all gan in 1990. great-grandmother of Jared Lawrence Zeltner, their enjoyment with their family. Their life Yehuda was a Charles Samuel Rosenthal, Leah Miriam together was marked by gracious hospitality, loving and ded- Rosenthal, Benjamin Quinn Simons and a passion for politics and a great love of icated husband, Joshua Harry Zeltner. family. father, and As the child of Edythe Schott Kadin and Interment was at Six Oaks Cemetery, grandfather, Barnett Kadin, Rusty led an adventuresome Hilton Head on February 11, 2020 followed and enjoyed his life. Her parents and siblings (Marionbetty by joyful remembrances from family and close family re- Kadin Klein, Stanley Kadin and Max Kadin) friends. lationships and lived in Butte, Montana, Staten Island, and Donations in Rusty’s honor may be made frequent get- Washington D.C. returning to Staten Island to Congregation Beth Yam, Hilton Head, togethers. Even where she finished High School at Port Rich- South Carolina; Congregation Or Hadash, as his health de- mond H. S. Rusty attended the University of Sandy Springs, Georgia or Ann Arbor clined he con- Alabama. Reconstructionist Congregation, Ann Arbor, tinued to put his handyman talents to use. With the outbreak of World War II Rusty Michigan. Yehuda loved road trips, camping, grilling, became a pioneer woman in early radio. and was always happiest building or repair- She adopted her nickname “Rusty” as a Yehuda Oren passed away on January ing something. way to avoid the bias of only interviewing 20th at his home, following a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 male applicants. She created the trademark Yehuda was born on January 14, 1951 in years, Gale, their daughters Dalit Oren and squeaking door sound for the popular Israel. He grew up on Kibbutz Hazorea, the Nurit Oren (Tony) Foster; grandsons Blake suspense program “The Inner Sanctum” as son of German parents who had escaped the and Eitan; siblings Shula (Dani) Zamir, well as other sound effects for network news Holocaust and immigrated to Israel, helping Amos Oren, and Aya (Reuven) Sharon; programs, including recreating the sound of to establish the Kibbutz. As an officer in the cousins Diane Metzger (Ed) Weisberg and the atomic bomb explosion over Hiroshima. Israeli Defense Force, he had been severely Sandy (Jason) Honeyman, and many nieces Arthur Flexner of Atlanta, Georgia; Kenneth Many generations of her family have enjoyed wounded in the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and and nephews. He was preceded in death by Alan Simons and Wendy Silberstein Simons her recording of “Rusty in Orchestraland.” had spent the following two years undergoing his parents Alfred and Lotte Oren, sister of Bedminster, New Jersey; grandmother She and her late husband were wed in surgeries and physical rehabilitation. He later Avital Shapira, sister-in-law Tziona Oren, of Amie Flexner Ritchie and William Dean 1947. The adventure continued. They lived attended the technical college Rupin to prepare and niece Einav Vitenson. together for 64 years in Manhattan, Puerto for his career as a machine mechanic.

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Ariel Hurwitz-Greene 734-646-5333 | [email protected] WEIR MANUEL 34 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 I Vitals We can’t help Mazel tov Rachel and Logan Wall on the birth of their daughter Abigail Lynn Wall on February 4th. itchy sweaters Sadie Wilkins on her Bat Mitzvah, March 7. Marina Silbergleit on her Bat Mitzvah, March 14. Hannah Berhinger on her Bat Mitzvah, March 14. Mindy Colis on her Bat Mitzvah, March 21. be less itchy. Toby Newpol on his Bar Mitzvah, March 28. Jacob Robinson-Mayer on his Bar Mitzvah, March 28. Ronit & Aaron Ajlen on the birth of their daughter, Dalya. Ishai Sussman-Yitzchaki on his bar mitzvah, March 28. David and Karyn Schoem and Adina Schoem and Joseph Vainner, on the birth of their grandson and nephew, Isaac Schoem Schumann, son of Shana Schoem and Garrett Schumann.

Condolences Michael Pedersen on the death of his father, Jens (Ya’Akov) Ulrich Pedersen, January 8. Vincine Pearlstein on the death of her mother, Marjorie Dallas, January 10. Elayne Tyner on the death of her mother, Marilyn Niss, January 11. Mel Levitsky on the death of his wife, Joan Levitsky, January 15. Gale Oren on the death of her husband, and Dalit Oren and Nurit (Tony) Foster on the death of their father, Yehuda Oren. Jo Ann (Bill) Parkus on the death of her father, John Mattox. Amie and Bill Ritchie on the death of Amie’s grandmother Annalou Kadin Simons who passed away on February 9th in South Carolina. But we can I Advertisers help local Alex Milshteyn Frankel Center for Judaic Studies ...... 16 Coldwell Banker Weir Manual...... 5 Holocaust Memorial Center...... 24 startups. 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Learn about emerging strategies, share your ideas, and find out how you can help Ann Arbor achieve its carbon neutrality goals. Sustainable Ann Arbor is an annual series presented by the City of Ann Arbor and hosted by the Ann Arbor District Library. The series includes four events held monthly through April, each with a focus on a different element of sustainability from Ann Arbor’s Sustainability Framework. AUTHOR EVENT | MEGAN KOREMAN: THE ESCAPE The Real Inspector Hound The Cripple of Inishmaan W;T Dearly Departed by Tom Stoppard by Martin McDonagh by Margaret Edson by David Bottrell LINE: HOW THE ORDINARY HEROES OF DUTCH-PARIS February 27-29 May 14-17 August 20-23 and Jessie Jones March 1 & March 4-7 May 20-23 August 26-29 November 12-15 TheFeuding Real theater Inspector critics Moon Hound and TheIn 1934, Cripple the people of Inishmaan of Inishmaan learn W;TVivian Bearing, Ph.D., a renowned DearlyNovember Departed 18-21 RESISTED THE NAZI OCCUPATION OF WESTERN EUROPE Birdboot, the one a fusty philanderer and bythat Martin the Hollywood McDonagh director Robert byprofessor Margaret of English Edson who has spent years byDearly David Departed Bottrell is a comedy about a by Tom Stoppard Flaherty is coming to the neighboring studying and teaching the brilliant and the other a pompous and vindictive May 14-17 August 20-23 anddysfunctional Jessie familyJones that goes to a Februarysecond-stringer, 27-29 are swept into the 'who island to film a documentary. 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O A that hope is an affront to its order. audience. dying in the South are seldom tidy and Ordinary Heroes of Dutch-Paris Resisted the Nazi Occupation of Western InteriorSEASON & Exterior Painting • Home26 Maintenance ★ 2020always hilarious. T R Europe. This event includes a signing with books for sale. A E Stain Matching • Drywall Repair • Power Washing L Deck Refinishing ★ SEASON25 Years’ Experience 26 2020Tony Croff Licensed & Insured (734) 483-5358 [email protected] Cell (734) 260-2144 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT AADL.ORG

Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020 35 36 Washtenaw Jewish News A March 2020