Celebrate Israel 65Th Birthday Concert with Noa and Jewish Federation

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 Jewish Film JFS Ann Arbor Festival Celebrates Teens Coming 20th in Nahalal in May Anniversary

Page 4 Page 7 Page 15

April 2013 Nissan/Iyar 5773 Volume XXXVII: Number 7 FREE Celebrate Israel 65th Birthday Concert with Noa and Jewish Federation Eileen Freed, special to the WJN he Jewish Federation of Greater Ann These musical and lyrical sensibilities, Arbor will present the Celebrate combined with Noa’s Yemenite roots and T Israel 65th Birthday Concert with Dor’s strong background in jazz, classical Noa, Wednesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the and rock genres, have created a unique sound Michigan Theater. and a powerful musical partnership. The concert, Noa, The Israeli Songbook Noa has performed at Carnegie Hall will feature musical director and guitarist Gil and has recorded songs in English, Hebrew, Dor, percussionist Gadi Seri, and the Yoed Arabic, and other languages. She and Nir String Quartet. University of Michigan Dor collaborate frequently with Arab and Hillel’s acclaimed a capella group, Kol Palestinian artists from around the world, Ha’Kavod, will open the show. including Khaled from Algeria, Nabil “For Israel’s 65th birthday, we wanted Salameh from Lebanon, Handallah from to do something special,” said Federation Nablus, Rim Banna from Nazareth, Amal executive director David Shtulman. “It’s Murkus from Kfar Yasif, and Mira Awad from exciting to be able to offer a program that Kfar Raameh with whom Noa represented is out of the ordinary to celebrate this Israel in the 2009 Eurovision song contest. significant milestone.” These collaborations enable the duo to While Celebrate Israel honors Israel’s express, musically, their belief in the power birthday, members of the Ann Arbor of communication and dialogue as a means community who share Israel’s birth year will of promoting peace and understanding. also be recognized. Ron and Lonnie Sussman In 2012, Noa performed to a sold out were both born in 1948, less than two Noa will be performing in Ann Arbor on April 17 crowd at the Jewish Community Center of months after the State of Israel was declared. Metropolitan Detroit’s Berman Center for who were celebrating the same milestone. Lonnie remembers “feeling connected and Yemen, she lived in New York City from age Performing Arts. Detroit JCC Executive “We all received a plaque,” recounts proud that we were the same age. In my two until she returned to Israel at the age Director Mark Lit said, “Noa is simply one of Eisenberg. “I kept it with me throughout family, trees were planted in honor of all life of 17. After serving in the Israeli Army in the best singers in the world. In Israel she is my adulthood, and it reminded me of this events including birthdays, and somehow a military entertainment unit, Noa studied considered a legend, in Europe a superstar, in special connection to Israel.” that also strengthened the connection.” Elliot music at the Rimon School where she met America one of Israel’s most beloved singers. Known in Israel by her given name Eisenberg recalls that when he was 13 years her long-time partner and collaborator Gil She sings pop, folk, Broadway, and opera Achinoam Nini, Noa is a leading international old, the Chicago Federation held an Israel Dor. Noa’s strongest influences come from with equal grace and style. Her long time concert and recording artist. Born in Tel- Independence Day event honoring the bar the singer-songwriters of the 1960s, like Paul Aviv in 1969 to a family originally from Simon, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. mitzvah year of Israel and boys, like him, Continued on page 19 Pollster Jim Gerstein to speak at EMU Yom HaShoah Commemoration Martin B. Shichtman, special to the WJN Miriam Brysk, special to the WJN astern Michigan University Jewish n April 8, the Holocaust Survi- Studies, in collaboration with the vors of Ann Arbor will present E department of political science, will O the second community-wide Yom present pollster Jim Gerstein on Wednes- HaShoah memorial service to continue the day, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the EMU Stu- tradition of remembering the massacre of dent Center Auditorium. Gerstein’s address six million European Jews during the Holo- is titled “Making Sense of the 2012 Jewish caust. The speaker will be Scott Spector, pro- Vote.” Gerstein is widely acknowledged as fessor of history, German and Judaic studies, America’s leading authority on Jewish voting and chair of Germanic languages and litera- patterns. He is founding partner of Gerstein ture at the University of Michigan. The pro- Bocian Agne a Washington-based firm program will also include brief recollections by viding strategic planning, communications, Jim Gerstein survivors of a specific personal moment in project management, and research services their lives that they will always remember. The event will take place from 5–6:30 p.m. to non-profit organizations, advocacy lead- tive director of the progressive research and The Gemini group of Ann Arbor will per- at the Jewish Community Center of Greater ers, corporations, labor unions, and political strategy organization, Democracy Corps. form Holocaust memorial music. Holocaust Ann Arbor. Everyone in the community is candidates. Previously, Gerstein was execu- Continued on page 2 art by Miriam Brysk will also be displayed. invited to attend. n I Community

2935 Birch Hollow Drive Simon Wiesenthal topic for next JCC talk on heros Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108 voice: 734/971-1800 Karen Freedland, special to the WJN fax: 734/677-0109 The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor and the Jewish Cultural Society will e-mail: [email protected] co-sponsor a presentation led by Larry Kuperman, entitled “Jewish Heroes and Heroines,” on www.washtenawjewishnews.org Sunday, April 7, at 10 a.m., at the JCC. This is the second in a series of talks that Kuperman has led on famous Jewish heroes. The subject of this class will be Simon Wiesenthal, Holocaust survivor, Humanitarian and Nazi hunter. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Editor and Publisher Born in 1908 in Austria, Wiesenthal was sent to a series of concentration camps, including Susan Kravitz Ayer Janowska, Plaszow, and Mauthausen. Although he had been starved to a weight of only 99 pounds at the time of his liberation, Wiesenthal would survive and begin working for the U.S. Calendar Editor Army, gathering documentation for Nazi war crime trials. He is credited with the capture of Karl Claire Sandler Silberbauer, the Nazi responsible for the arrest of Anne Frank and the capture of Franz Stangl, the one-time commandant of the Treblinka and Sobibor death camps. Wiesenthal also founded the Advertising Manager Gordon White Jewish Documentation Centre, which collects documentation about war crimes and criminals. For more information or to RSVP, contact Karen Freedland at 971 0990 or karenfreedland@ Design and Layout jccfed.org. Dennis Platte Staff Writers All are welcome to Jewish Hikers event Mary Bilyeu, Sandor Slomovits, Rochel Urist Contributing Writers Eli Avny, special to the WJN Aura Ahuvia, Halye Aisner, Miriam Alexander, The Spring-Welcome Hike, organized by the Jewish Hikers of Michigan (JHOM), will take Eli Avny, Miriam Brysk, Rabbi Lisa Delson, place on April 14, at 1 p.m., at Lilley Park in Pittsfield Township, about 10 minutes from Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, Hadar Dohn, Emily Eisbruch, Julie Ellis, Eileen Freed, Karen downtown Ann Arbor. Freedland, Ruth Ann Jones, Rabbi Aharon Hikes are designed to cultivate the love of nature, spirituality, social interaction and physical Goldstein, Miriam Hamermesh, Peretz activities. They are targeted for anybody who loves nature, and who likes to meet new people. Hirshbein, Cindy Klein, Chavie Lieber, Alice Participants should bring backpacks, munchies, and water. The hike will last approximately Mishkin, Soo Ji Minn, Sara Norich, Jennifer 1-1/2 to 2 hours. The hike is not physically demanding, and is very scenic. Rosenberg, Ben Sales, Mae Sander, Penny For further information, contact Eli Avny at 883-9522, Rabbi Lisa Delson from TBE at 665- Schwartz, Gil Shefler, Martin B. Shichtman, Abigail Simon, Mendel Sirota, Elliot Sorkin, 4744, or email to [email protected]. Mimi Weisberg, Yasaf Warshai

The Washtenaw Jewish News is a free and independent newspaper. It is published monthly, JFS Caregiver Conversations to meet April 18 with the exception of January and July. It is reg- Cindy Klein, special to the WJN istered as a Non-profit Michigan Corporation. Opinions expressed in this publication do not The next meeting of Jewish Family Services Caregiver Conversations group will be Thursday, necessarily reflect those of its editors or staff April 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor. If you are an Member of adult caregiver of a loved one, or managing support of a family member from a distance, this American Jewish Press Association free, monthly support group is for you. Learn coping skills and strategies, listen to each other and receive peer support. The group meets the third Thursday of the month (except holidays) at the JCC from 6:30–8 p.m. JFS’ Geriatric Services Coordinator Diane Fenske, LMSW, facilitates. For additional information, contact Fenske at 769-0209 or [email protected].

A2SO Chamber Series returns to the JCC Halye Aisner, special to the WJN ©2013 by the Washtenaw Jewish News. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will return to the Jewish Community Center of Greater All rights reserved. No portion of the Washtenaw Ann Arbor with their Chamber Series to perform a Beethoven’s and Braham’s concert on Jewish News may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Wednesday, April 24. A dessert reception will begin at 1 p.m. and the concert will begin at 1:30 p.m. This performance will feature Yehonatan Berick on the violin, Arie Lipsky on cello Signed letters to the editor are welcome; they should not exceed 400 words. Letters can be emailed to the and Pauline Martin at the piano. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or through editor at [email protected]. Name will be the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. For more information, contact Karen Freedland at withheld at the discretion of the editor. [email protected] or 971-0990. Circulation: 5,000 Subscriptions: $12 bulk rate inside Washtenaw County Jim Gerstein to speak at EMU, continued from page 1 $18 first-class subscription The deadline for the May 2013 issue of the From 1997–2001 Gerstein was executive director of the Center for Middle East Peace and Washtenaw Jewish News is Economic Cooperation, and, during the 1999 Israeli Prime Ministerial campaign, he served Monday, April 8. on Ehud Barak’s American consulting team, in charge of polling, paid media, and message Publication date: Wednesday, April 26. development. Gerstein is founder of the Institute for Peace and Security, which provides Extra copies of the Washtenaw Jewish News financial, organizational, and strategic support for various Arab-Israeli projects, including are available at locations throughout meetings between retired generals from Israel and Arab countries, peace initiatives with Is- Washtenaw County. raeli business leaders, and dialogues between Jewish and Arab municipal leaders. Admission is free. For more information, contact [email protected]. n

IIn this issue… Advertisers...... 31 Israel...... 19 Rabbis' Corner...... 9 Best Reads...... 23 Kosher Cuisine...... 25 Teens...... 14 Calendar...... 26 On Another Note...... 24 Youth...... 16 Congregations...... 10 Seniors...... 8 Vitals...... 31

2 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 ICommunity Not Just A Photobooth! WEDDINGS MSU to hold symposium on Modern BAR/BAT MITZVAHS Hebrew and Israeli literature SCHOOLS Ruth Ann Jones, special to the WJN BIRTHDAYS he Michigan State University Jewish Three presentations by panels of noted Studies Program and the MSU Li- scholars will also take place: “On Meir CORPORATE T braries will co-sponsor a symposium Shalev’s Oeuvre,” “The Revival of Hebrew as EVENTS on Modern Hebrew and Israeli Literature on a National Language,” and “War and Morality April 9–10. The symposium will be free and in Israeli Culture and Society.” 248.545.6460 open to the public, and will feature an inter- The keynote presentations will take place national roster of speakers. at the MSU Main Library on Tuesday, April 9, The symposium is being held in honor at 7:30 p.m. (Shalev) and Wednesday, April 10, Code: of the Irwin T. and Shirley Holtzman Israeli at 7:30 p.m. (Alter). The scholarly discussion WJN Literature Collection and Archive, which panels will take place at Wells Hall during is held in the Special Collections Division the day on Wednesday. All refreshments at the MSU Libraries. The symposium was and meals served at the Symposium will made possible by a special gift from Ritta be prepared and served under kosher MR. B’s Rosenberg. supervision. The keynote speakers for the symposium “We’re excited to host the biggest event Blues & Boogie are Meir Shalev and Robert Alter. Meir Shalev we’ve done in honor of the Irwin T. and Shirley is one of Israel’s most celebrated novelists Holtzman Israeli Literature collection,” Piano Celebration and also a columnist with the Israeli daily commented Kenneth Waltzer, director of the MSU Jewish Studies Program and a faculty East Meets West member in James Madison College. with: The Irwin T. and Shirley Holtzman Israeli Bob Seeley, Fred Kaplan & Mark Katz Literature Collection and Archive represents many years of passionate collecting by Irwin Holtzman, a Detroit-area builder and Saturday, April 13 business owner who died in 2010. Many of the volumes of fiction, poetry, and drama he Sunday, April 14

collected are inscribed by the author, and the Call for tickets: 734-763-8587 collection also includes a wealth of primary Meir Shalev Robert Alter resources, such manuscripts of poetry and drama, posters advertising literary events, The Ark w 316 S. Main w Ann Arbor w TheArk.org Yediot Ahronot; his books include A Pigeon political cartoons and correspondence. and a Boy, The Loves of Judith (Four Meals), “The MSU Libraries are pleased to Fontanelle, Alone In the Desert, But A Few partner with the Jewish Studies Program on Days, and Esau. the upcoming Symposium,” said Cliff Haka, Robert Alter is a literary scholar, translator, director of the MSU Libraries. “We hope it MERCY’S and professor emeritus of Hebrew and will draw broad attention, both from the 300 S. Thayer • (734)996-3729 www.mercysrestaurant.com comparative literature at UC Berkeley. His scholarly community and the public, to the books include Canon and Creativity: Modern extremely rich resources available in the LUNCH Tuesday-Friday 11:30am-2pm Writing and the Authority of Scripture, The Holtzman collection.” n HAPPY HOUR Tuesday-Friday 4:30pm-6pm DINNER Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm-9pm David Story: A Translation with Commentary For the complete schedule and list of speakers, Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm of 1 and 2 Samuel, The Five Books of Moses: A parking information, and other details, visit Translation with Commentary, and The Book lib.msu.edu/symposium.jsp. of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary. Celebrate your GRADUATION with MERCY’S

Serving whom? JCLP 2013 Communal Make a RESERVATION now!

Conversation, part 2 Located in the Bell Tower Hotel Alice Mishkin, special to WJN dividuals inside and outside of the Jewish FREE VALET PARKING he University of Michigan School of community. Panelists will include Deborah CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY Social Work and Jewish Communal Dash Moore, director of the U-M Judaic T Leadership Program will be present Studies program; Marilyn Sneiderman, exec- the second of its 2013 Communal Conversa- utive director of Avodah: The Jewish Service tions on April 11. Entitled “Serving Whom? Corps; Perry Ohren, CEO of Jewish Family How Jewish Organizations Navigate White- Services of Metropolitan Detroit; Allan Gale, ness, Privilege, and Service,” the conversation associate director of JCRC of Metropolitan will focus on the American Jewish commu- Detroit; and Mira Sussman, Resettlement nity’s changing position in the United States Services Coordinator for Jewish Family Ser- from a marginalized group that has not al- vices of Washtenaw County. Panel members ways been considered white, to its current and audience members will join in a dis- position as a group with resources expansive cussion of the ways in which class, race and enough to aid other minority and recent im- privilege influence the missions of Jewish migrant groups. communal organizations today. The program will open with historical The event will take place on April 11, and cultural framing of Jewish experiences from 5:30–8:30 p.m., in the East Conference in the context of social service and activism Center at the Rackham Graduate School of by Frankel Institute fellow Jennifer Glaser. the University of Michigan (915 East Wash- An interactive panel will follow, featuring ington Street). Kosher refreshments will be representatives from local and national Jew- served. For more information and to RSVP, ish communal organizations speaking about visit http://ssw.umich.edu/events/jclp-serv- their work in serving communities and ining-whom.. n

Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 3 I Jewish Film Festival

JCC Jewish Film Festival at the Michigan Theater May 5-9 Halye Aisner, special to the WJN to walk out humming—or maybe singing coin bearing a swastika on one side and a Star Film Festival Schedule out loud—this very special and universally of David on the other. This bizarre artifact Sunday, May 5 appealing melody. would come to symbolize a slowly unraveling mystery, one that would eventually lead to Life in Stills, at 2 p.m. Monday, May 6 a drowsy German suburb and the daughter Israel, 2011, 60 minutes, of a high-ranking Nazi propagandist. Hebrew with English subtitles BESA: The Promise, at 2 p.m. USA, 2012, 90 minutes, English, Arabic with English Tuesday, May 7 subtitles A.K.A.Doc Pomus, at 2 p.m. Canada, USA, 2012, 98 minutes, English

he 12th annual Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival will return to Ann Arbor TMay 5-9. The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, in association with the Jew- BESA: The Promise weaves Albania’s heroism ish Community Center of Metro Detroit and the This beautiful and inspiring film not only in WWII through the vérité journeys of two Michigan Theater, will showcase 15 films over five tells the story of “The Photo House,” a photo men. Norman Gershman, a renowned Jewish- days at the Michigan Theater. Of the 15 films, 11 gallery owned by Miriam Weissenstein, but also American photographer, and Rexhep Hoxha, Most people would probably not know who of the films are foreign, including six from Israel. goes into great detail regarding the relationship a Muslim-Albanian tell the story of the heroic Jerome Felder is. Perhaps you don’t know who The festival will open at 2 p.m. with a double- between the 96-year-old and her grandson, Albanian families who helped to save so many Doc Pomus was either. But you certainly know feature, beginning with the Israeli Academy Ben. Ben comes into the picture to help Miriam Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Through first the music. “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “This Award Winner of best documentary, Life in Stills, when her shop is slated for demolition as he person accounts of survivors, memories from Magic Moment,” “A Teenager in Love,” and “Viva which tells the story of “The Photo House” and tries to save the building and the nearly one Albanian families, and Gershman’s photographs Las Vegas” were just a few of this Brooklyn- the relationship between the 96 year old gallery million negatives that document Israel’s birth, a miraculous story is told, one that bridges all born songwriter’s greatest hits. He poured his owner and her grandson. The film is followed by beginnings and most notable moments in religious and cultural divides. pain and difficult life into these classic songs. the highly visual and emotional film, Numbered, history. Despite the age gap and the differences Guest Speaker: Frances Trix, professor Through interviews from his close friend Lou an award winning story of Auschwitz survivors of opinion, what comes about, is a beautiful of linguistics and anthropology at Indiana Reed, to B.B. King and Dr. John, learn more and the relationship they have with that tattooed glimpse into a very special relationship and a University, Woodrow Wilson Fellow 2012– about Doc Pomus’ amazing career and life. number on their arms. sentimentality that is pure and joyous to watch. 2013 and winner of the Lifetime Achievement z Larry Kuperman, Cultural Jewish Educator The opening night sponsor reception, catered Award from the Albanians American National and lecturer on Jews in Rock & Roll Zingerman’s Catering and Events, will begin at 6:30 Numbered, at 6–7:30 p.m. Israel, 2012, 60 minutes, Organization. p.m. At 8 p.m., following the reception, the film Yossi, at 5 p.m. Hebrew, with English subtitles Hava Nagila will be shown. Israel, 2012, 84 minutes, A Bottle in the Gaza Sea, at 5 p.m. Hebrew with English subtitles This year’s event will feature several guest France, 2010, 90 minutes, French/Hebrew/English/ speakers. On Monday, May 6, Frances Trix, Arabic with English subtitles professor of linguistics and anthropology at Indiana University, Woodrow Wilson Fellow 2012– 2013 and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Albanians American National Organization, will discuss the history of the film This highly visual and emotional film is Besa: The Promise, showing at 2 p.m. On Tuesday, a collage of narratives and photographs that May 7, Larry Kuperman, cultural Jewish educator tells the story of Auschwitz survivors and and lecturer on Jews in Rock & Roll, will answer Eytan Fox’s sequel to the 2002 hit Yossi and the relationship they have with that tattooed Jagger picks up with Yossi, who by now is a questions associated with the film, A.K.A. Doc Tal is a 17-year-old Frenchwoman who number on their arms. Through portraits and successful doctor but feels empty. His personal Pomus, showing at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, May 8, has settled in Jerusalem with her family. She testimony from these survivors we are drawn life is at a standstill. Spontaneously, he decides Jennifer Perlove Siegel, lecturer in art history and writes a letter expressing her refusal to accept into their world by their own words. These to drive south for some relaxation and a much urban and regional studies at the University of that only hatred can reign between Israelis and numbers each have a journey and a story that needed break. Along the way he ends up driving Michigan, Dearborn, will lead a discussion on the Palestinians. She slips the letter into a bottle, and each survivor is brave enough to share. a group of soldiers and meets Tom. Perhaps it’s 2 p.m. showing of Mendelsohn’s Incessant Vision. her brother throws it into the sea near Gaza, not too late for Yossi to feel something again for This year’s Afterglow Party honoring sponsors where he is carrying out his military service. A Sponsor Opening Reception, someone. of the Festival will take place on Thursday, May 9 catered by Zingerman’s few weeks later, Tal receives a response from a at 9:45 p.m., at Sava restaurant, following the final mysterious “Gazaman,” a young Palestinian film of the festival, The Ballad of the Weeping Spring. The Day I Saw Your Heart, at 8 p.m. Hava Nagila, at 8 p.m. named Naïm. This engrossing and hopeful France, 2011, 98 minutes, The Jewish Film Festival is made possible USA, Ukraine, Israel, 2012, 75 minutes, drama starring Hiam Abbas is based on the French with English subtitles thanks to Michael and Patricia Levine; Rita and English award-winning novel by Valérie Zenatti. Charles Gelman; the Michigan Theater; and the many generous sponsors of the event. Additionally, The Flat, at 8 p.m. the Ann and Jules Doneson Film Festival USA, 2012, 90 minutes, Endowment Fund, established by Shira and English, Arabic with English subtitles Steve Klein, continues to help insure the festival’s longevity. This year’s festival chairs are Pat Soskolne and Lisa Weiss, who dedicated a great deal of time and effort to help this event come to fruition. Families are complicated. Especially when Individual movie tickets are $10 each or a How does one song mean so much when so Eli, the father, who’s about to be 60, is expecting a Festival Pass can be purchased for viewing all 15 few people understand each and every word? baby with his new wife. Upon hearing this news, movies. Festival passes cost $90 for JCC members From sporting events to weddings, everyone his two grown daughters, Dom, who is trying to or $100 for non-members, and can be purchased knows the melody. But where did it come from? adopt, and Justine, who flits from one boyfriend This true-life detective story uncovers much at the JCC. What does it mean? This uplifting film features to the next, are shocked. To get closer to Justine, more than the tangled roots of its maker’s family Tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities are interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard whom he has never gotten along with, Eli has the tree. The flat in question is the cluttered Tel Aviv available. Look for more information about the Nimoy, Connie Francis, and Glen Campbell, as bright idea of making friends with all of her exes... apartment of Mr. Goldfinger’s recently deceased Jewish Film Festival, sponsorship opportunities well as performances of the song by Belafonte, without her knowledge. But when Justine falls in grandmother, a German Jew who, along with and special programming on the JCC website. Francis, Danny Kaye, Bob Dylan, Lena Horne, love again and Eli is about to ruin everything, her husband, emigrated from Berlin in the Those interested in becoming a sponsor should Regina Spektor and Chubby Checker. From this family is on the verge of falling apart. Will 1930s. Among the antiques, letters and almost contact Karen Freedland at karenfreedland@ the Ukraine to Israel and the Catskills, join us they all be able to make peace before it’s too late? a dozen mink stoles was a commemorative jccfed.org or 971-0990. on this hilarious and thoughtful journey. Plan 4 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 Wednesday, May 8 Growing up in a Palestinian refugee camp, 14-year-old Ali learned to hate Jews at an early Mendelsohn’s Incessant Vision, at 2 p.m. age. After he and his family escape to a new life in Israel, Poland, USA, Germany, 2011, 71 minutes, Your feet are in good hands Berlin, Ali longs to be accepted by his fellow Arab English youths in the public housing project. In a test to prove himself, Ali breaks into the apartment of his neighbor, an elderly Russian Jewish war veteran. But Ali’s “friends” follow him into the apartment and vandalize it with abandon. When Alexander unexpectedly returns home, he recognizes only Ali and reports him to the police. To avoid being deported, Ali’s parents He drew sketches on tiny pieces of paper send him back to Zamskoy’s place to repair the and sent them, from the WW1 trenches, to damage. This coming-of-age story, inspired by a young cellist, who was waiting for him in two real people, is a stirring feature debut by Berlin. She thought he was a genius and helped Moscow-born German filmmaker Leo Khasin. him become the busiest architect in Germany. When the Nazis came to power, Erich and Thursday, May 9 Louise Mendelsohn escaped Germany forever. The buildings that Erich built, scattered as a trail Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story, of their journey, have changed the history of at 5 p.m. architecture. This film is a cinematic meditation USA, 2012, 84 minutes, English about the untold story of Erich Mendelsohn, The Midwest’s whose life and career were as enigmatic and tragic as the path of the century. largest selection Special guest speaker: Jennifer Perlove Siegel, lecturer in Art History and Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Michigan, Dearborn. of Naot shoes

G-ds Neighbors, at 5 p.m. Most of us know of Yonatan Netanyahu, the Israel, 2012, 102 minutes, brave and elite commander who died fighting available at Hebrew with English subtitles to save hostages at Entebbe in July of 1976. But perhaps what you don’t know is more about his Mast Shoes personal life, his loves and what kind of man he truly was. The Yoni Netanyahu Story is an intimate journey into a young hero’s mind. The narration for this compelling film was drawn from Yonatan Netanyahu’s own letters and words, which unveil the complex character of The movie tells the story of three Breslev Hassidic this thoroughly modern young hero. Yonatan’s men who force their beliefs on neighborhood words are deeply moving through his deep- residents. They are the neighborhood enforcers of rooted introspection, self-understanding, and modesty and respect and don’t hesitate to get a bit heartfelt passions. violent. But when the group’s leader falls in love he suffers a crisis of faith and must choose between his The Ballad of the Weeping Spring, feelings and his friends. at 8 p.m. Israel, 2012, 106 minutes, The Other Son, at 8 p.m. Hebrew with English subtitles Naot Trunk Show France, 2012, 105 minutes, Torn apart by tragedy, a legendary band French, Hebrew, Arabic with English subtitles Saturday, May 11, 10am-6pm

Two boys, both of who at times feel like www.mastshoes.com reunites to play an emotional final concert in The outsiders in their own families find out that Ballad of the Weeping Spring, a stylized homage they have been switched at birth. To add 734-662-8118 to Spaghetti Westerns and samurai epics, shot more complexity to the situation, one is entirely in Israel but set in a mythical time and Israeli and one is Palestinian. An unlikely place. With a pervasive pan-ethnic soundtrack bond is formed between them as they try to serving as the film’s backbone, the story centers navigate through this new situation while they Monday-Wednesday: 10-6 on the brooding Josef Tawila (Ophir winner learn more about their biological families. Uri Gavriel), once the leader of a Mizrahi band Thursday-Friday: 10-7 Thursday, May 9 (a unique musical form combining Middle Eastern and North African influences), who Saturday: 10-6 Kaddish for a Friend, at 2p.m. lives a hermit-like existence in the wake of a Germany, 2012, 94 minutes, German, Arabic, Hebrew, Russian with English subtitles terrible accident. In a series of quirky vignettes Sunday: Closed across stunning exotic locations, Tawila brings together his old musician buddies to grant the last wishes of a dying friend, while healing his own tortured soul. Afterglow Party Honoring Film Festival Sponsors Mast Shoes | 2517 Jackson Ave at Sava (216 South State Street), 9:45 p.m. n Westgate Shopping Center | Ann Arbor, Mi 48103

Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 5 Please Join Us

april 21, 2013 • 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex Enjoy wine, conservative kosher hors d’oeuvres and dessert reception Presenting sponsor: For ticket information, contact Cindy Klein 734-769-0209 • [email protected] Our special thanks to:

The JFS honors its Constellation of Leaders Thank you to those members of the community that have lent their time, dedication, and resources to make the planning of Constellation JFS a reality. We look forward to celebrating this wonderful milestone with all of you. Honorary Chairs Stephen Kunselman, Ann Arbor City Council Mike and Lisbeth Fried Andrew Rudick Ambassador Ronald M. Weiser Chuck Warpehoski, Ann Arbor City Council Anna and Casey Frushour Sue Sefansky and David Goldstein Albert M. Berriz Rabbi Robert and Ellen Dobrusin Charles and Janet Garvin Aliza and Howard Shevrin Kenneth Fischer Rabbi Aharon and Esther Goldstein Steve and Joyce Gerber Dean Solden Phyllis and David Herzig Rabbi Robert Levy and Jo Ellen Gutterman Nanette and Steve Gill Elizabeth and Art Solomon Rachel Bendit and Mark Bernstein Aura and Aaron Ahuvia Pat Haber Jeffrey and Lisa Tulin-Silver Judie and Jerry Lax Jeff and Rabbi Ilana Baden Neel Hajra Esther Ullman and Morely Witus Barbara Stark-Nemon and Barry Nemon Hadar and Mark Dohn Norman and Debbie Herbert Beth and Jeff Wilensky Carol Amster Julie Gales Gideon and Carol Hoffer Diane Lehman Wilson and Dwight Wilson Amy and Ken Colton David and Deborah Shtulman Pamela and Stephen Landau Donna Winkelman and Tom Easthope Leslie Kamil and Jon Lockhart Naomi Woloshin and Richard Tolman Honorary Committee Leadership Committee Helen and Noah Kaplan Israel Woronoff U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Helen and David Aminoff Scott Kellman U.S. Senator Carl Levin Herbert Aronow and Stephanie Aronow Chuck Kieffer and Marjorie Ziefert Planning Committee: U.S. Representative John Dingell David Barfield Steve and Shira Klein Marjorie Checkoway Rebekah Warren, State Senator Patty Benson and Brian Chodoroff Syma and Phillip Kroll Alan Cotzin Jeff Irwin, State Representative Mark Berg and Fran Lewy-Berg Jeff and Susan Levin Steve and Joyce Gerber Paul Schreiber, Mayor, City of Ypsilanti Joan Binkow Sonya Lewis and David Lewis Cindy Klein John Hieftje, Mayor, City of Ann Arbor Marjorie and Barry Checkoway Nancy and Phil Margolis Sonya Lewis Sabra Briere, Ann Arbor City Council Bette and Alan Cotzin Bob and Bonnie Miller Fran Martin Sally Hart Petersen, Ann Arbor City Council Trudy Crandall Bruce and Gayle Moyer Alice Miller Marcia Higgins, Ann Arbor City Council Karen Epstein Chuck and Sharon Newman Simone Yehuda Susan Fisher and John Waidley Sue and Ed Pear

GenChat: Are you tech savvy? The program kicks off May 1, 2013. The first volunteer training is: Do you have a little extra time on your hands? JFS needs Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at JFS from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. volunteers to assist older adults who want to video chat

with family living out ofthe the area. To sign up for the upcoming training,& please contact Kate Thomas-Palmer at [email protected] or 734-769-0209.

HerbThe Case Management/Services Coordination: JFS Psychosocialmster Rehabilitation OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AOutpatient Treatment:Center Mental Health Collaborative solutions for a promising future Jewish Family Services A Division Employeeof Jewish Development Family Services Services of Washtenaw County of Washtenaw County

6 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 IJewish Family Services

Celebrating 20 Years of Jewish Family Services: “Constellation JFS” Cindy Klein, spcial to the WJN nya Abramzon is in the unique posi- and does so in a way that makes their life better. tion of having started at JFS as a stu- Having seen the work JFS does…my question is A dent intern very early in the agency’s why would anyone not contribute?” history, and has seen JFS through 17 of its 20 Everyone is invited to join Jewish Family years as executive director. “The success of JFS Services of Washtenaw County in celebrating is result of an entire community coming to- 20 years of service to the community on Sun- gether. This is why we decided to call our 20th day, April 21. The event, “Constellation JFS,” Anniversary event “Constellation JFS,” stated will be held at the University of Michigan North Abramzon. “The agency’s universe is only made Campus Research Center from 4–6 p.m. En- complete with the contributions from its part- joy music by SwanSong Musical Productions, ners (other agencies, donors, staff, volunteers, the songs of Zach Barnes, and a wine, hors businesses, and clients); these are the shining d’oeuvres and dessert reception, as JFS honors stars that have allowed JFS to become a compre- the constellation of partners that has helped hensive, internationally accredited social service make the agency so successful. agency. This is about extraordinary people in- Each year since 2003, JFS has awarded the spiring community. “JFS would not be the orga- Claire and Isadore Bernstein Leadership Award nization it is today without each of these “stars” to persons or organizations demonstrating su- supporting it, benefiting from it - keeping the perior community leadership, just as the Bern- agency in balance,” she said. steins did in Ann Arbor for over 50 years. On this Abramzon and the JFS board see it as a Donors at JFS’s 2012 “Leading the Way” event honoring Carol Amster occasion there will be three recipients of the JFS symbiotic relationship. One of JFS’ recent mail- enjoy the Rackham Terrace Claire and Isadore Bernstein Leadership Award: ings delivered this message: JFS+YOU = Lives Donor Carol Hoffer put it like this: “I give to bers of our community need. I value agencies • The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, Transformed. Hopes Realized. However, Bob JFS because they get assistance directly to those that focus on the ‘under-served,’ people who for its longtime support of JFS, beginning Miller, vice-president of development and pres- who need it when they need it. JFS listens to have real day to day needs that JFS can help long before the agency was established; ident-elect sees it as “Your Giving + JFS = the their needs and uses counselling and creativity them with, so that they can improve their skills, • Bank of Ann Arbor, for the leadership it dem- ability to impact thousands of lives each year.” to build confidence and help people transition lives and opportunities.” onstrates to all businesses in Ann Arbor by Without contributions from donors—in-kind into the workplace or other new situations.” The long-term survival of JFS and its pro- its support of over 140 non-profit organi- gifts of professional services, financial support, Personal experience motivates people to grams is so important that some donors have zations and their critical missions that im- vehicles, food, clothing, household items, gift- support JFS. Often, it revolves around caregiv- chosen to fund endowments. Syma and Phil- prove and strengthen the community; cards and furniture—JFS would be unable to ing. Rena Seltzer said, “When my in-laws in lip Kroll funded transportation; Ed and Susan • Anya Abramzon, executive director of JFS, for meet the needs of its clients,” said Miller. Philadelphia were experiencing health prob- Pear’s endowment supports ElderLink, Partners her key role in making the Ann Arbor Jewish JFS may have begun as a small agency with lems, we suggested they call Jewish Family Ser- in Care Concierge and other caregiver supports. community’s dream for a comprehensive, very little support from individual donors, but vices. Someone came out to their home, assessed Barry Nemon and Barbara Stark-Nemon have professional and accredited social service now a significant portion of its budget comes their needs, and connected them with services. a fund for Youth Services, and Phyllis and David agency become a reality. from individual gifts. Recently, JFS asked their I’ve always known that JFS did important Herzig and Margie and Barry Checkoway each JFS employees Elina Zilberberg, associate di- donors why they give to the agency. Phyllis Her- work, but this experience made it very real and support JFS Older Adult Services with endow- rector, and Andre Yastchenko, director of Inter- zig, JFS president, explained that “individual concrete for us.” Out-of-town caregivers also ments. “No agency’s programming is complete national and Transportation Services, will also giving allows us the flexibility to provide ser- support JFS. “I live in the Maryland suburbs of without long-term, sustainable giving through be receiving awards for 15 years of dedicated vices that are either under-funded or have no Washington, DC, and support my local Jewish endowments and bequests,” Anya Abramzon service to the agency. This event is made pos- other source of funding. The financial support community. I made my donation to thank JFS said. “We are so grateful to all those who have sible with the support of the presenting sponsor provided by our donors is what keeps our cli- for the SPICE program regularly presented at chosen to provide support for the agency that Bank of Ann Arbor, Platinum Sponsor Russell ents from drowning.” Brookhaven Manor, my father’s residence, be- will last beyond their lifetime.” Video, Gold Sponsor NWC Printing, the U-M In 2009, through the generosity of the Ben- cause it enriches his life even at age 91. I am a Small business partners in Ann Arbor value School of Social Work,and others who will be dit-Bernstein family and hundreds of other Jew by choice, my father is Episcopalian. The and support JFS as well. Don Ottomeyer, presi- acknowledged at the event. n individual donors, the specially created Bendit- SPICE program allows him to learn about my dent and CEO of Interim HealthCare, shared Tickets for “Constellation JFS” are $100 per per- Bernstein fund was able to provide more than faith, its beliefs, and its traditions, and thus, this with JFS. “As a person that has volun- son. For more information or to purchase tickets, $100,000 in crisis services over two years at the serves as a connection between me, my family, teered for hospice for 25 years and the last two contact Cindy Klein at 769-0209, cindyk@jfsan- peak of the financial crisis, meeting the needs and my dad. I am very grateful.” says Catherine years worked exclusively in the older adult ser- narbor.org, or visit the JFS website: www.jfsan- of 1000s of people in Washtenaw County who Copp of Rockville, Maryland. vices field, I see firsthand the work JFS does. It narbor.org. had nowhere else to turn for assistance. Bank of Some JFS supporters have never used the provides care for people of all religious beliefs Ann Arbor, another star in “Constellation JFS,” agency’s services, but support JFS because they provided the agency with a line of credit, which believe in the need for a community safety net. allowed JFS the flexibility to help more people Esther Ullman told JFS, “I am grateful that we Volunteers needed for new JFS program: GenChat than ever while maintaining the financial stabil- have a local agency to help with job training, Cindy Klein, special to the WJN ity of the agency at a particularly difficult time. language skills and other supports those mem- Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County (JFS) was recently awarded a Community Impact Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor for a new intergenerational program to help decrease the isolation of older adults in our community. Originally called, “Generations Jewish Bereavement Group begins April 8 at JFS Skype,” the name was changed to “GenChat” to avoid any complications with trademarked names. Cindy Klein, special to the WJN GenChat involves bringing iPads or other tablets with 3G capability to the home of an older The first session of the Jewish Bereavement Group will take place Monday, April 8, at Jewish Family adult to facilitate a pre-arranged online video visit with long-distance family members or friends. Services. The group will meet Monday evenings, April 8 through May 13, from 7–8:30 p.m. Group Using Skype, Google Hangout, FaceTime or other programs, tech-savvy volunteers will facilitate the size is limited to 8 to 10 members. Adults, ages 18 and over, may participate. technological side of the visit, leaving the older adult to simply enjoy the time communicating with The bereavement group will provide support for those experiencing grief and loss of a loved one, their families. “This program allows the older adult to have the benefit of technology without having within a context that recognizes the specific needs related to Jewish customs, beliefs and practices. to purchase internet service and devices, and then learn how to use them,” says Anya Abramzon, In addition, the group will have the positive effect of bringing together Jews from the many diverse executive director of JFS. “This is will be especially beneficial for persons on limited incomes or segments of the community to comfort and support one another, deepening and enhancing our older adults who are unable to travel,” she states. community as a whole. Affiliated or unaffiliated Jews from all walks of life are welcome. GenChat will also be helpful for older adults who must be isolated from their local grandchildren The group will be facilitated by Rabbi Sara Adler, Jewish chaplain for the University of Michigan due to chemotherapy, shingles, or other medical conditions. Depending on demand and availability, Health System, and social worker Barbra Mazie, LMSW. A screening by a JFS social worker is GenChat sessions will occur once or twice a month per participant. JFS will have tablets available required in advance, and may be scheduled by calling Lisa Franklin at 769-0209. You do not need for volunteers to borrow, although volunteers who wish to use their own equipment and data plans a doctor’s referral to attend. may do so. There is no cost for the screening or to attend the group because it is funded by a Community JFS is currently seeking volunteers to help facilitate the GenChat sessions. This is a great Impact Grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. All services are confidential. opportunity for a younger person to use their technological expertise to brighten the life of an JFS’ counseling services are accredited by CARF International. A second session will be offered isolated older adult. Call Kate Thomas-Palmer at [email protected] or by calling 769-0209. The in the fall. For additional information, contact Lisa Franklin [email protected] or 769-0209. first volunteer training is Wednesday, April 24, 7–8:30 pm.

Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 7 ICommunity

April SPICE* of Life Katz & Co to perform Klezmer, classical *Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, and Educational Programs for Adults and more at TBE benefit concert Halye Aisner, special to the WJN Soo JiMin, special to the WJN Tuesdays his 5th biennial benefit concert by has performed music from Eastern Europe 11 a.m.: Energy Exercise© with Maria Farquhar. $4 per session. clarinetist Ralph Katz for the Temple and other cultures at concerts, folk dances, Beth Emeth Brotherhood will pres- weddings, and other events since 1988. Mem- Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person T ent a varied program of classical, 1 p.m.: Mah-jongg, sewing and quilting. Balkan, and Klezmer music, joined by the Dexter Community Orches- Thursdays tra Wind Ensemble, other mem- 10 a.m.: Energy Exercise© with Maria Farquhar. $4 per session. bers of The Ethnic Connection, 11 a.m.: Current Events with Heather Dombey. A discussion of this week’s news. and keyboardist Dr. Ray McLel- Bring items of interest for group discussion. lan. The concert will take place on Noon: Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m., at 1 p.m.: Thursday Special Events and Presentations (see below for details) Temple Beth Emeth. Admission is $15 ($10 students / seniors). Special events and Presentations The program will include Karl Reinecke: Octet for Winds Op. 216, Thursday, April 4 Bernhard Heiden: Sonatina for 12:30 p.m.: Birthday celebration for all with March Birthdays! Bring family and Clarinet and Piano (1955), Luigi friends for lunch and birthday cake. Bassi: Fantasie Brillante on themes 1 p.m.: Join SPICE for a screening of the documentary Food Inc., a film about food from Verdi’s Rigoletto (pub. 1905) Ralph Katz production in America. and Balkan and Klezmer selections by The bers are David Owens (accordion, vocals), Ethnic Connection Nan Nelson (mandolin, tambura, guitar, Thursday, April 11 Ralph Katz is a versatile musician who has dumbek, bass, vocals), Carol Palms (violin, Noon: A registered nurse from Care Response will provide free blood pressure checks. performed with a large range of groups, most bass, vocals), and Ralph Katz (clarinet, frula, 1 p.m.: Kim Wilcox and Michael Appel from Avalon Housing will present on their recently with Dexter Community Orchestra, dumbek, vocals). organization. Klezmer Fusion Band, Klezmer R&D, and Dr. Ray McLellan is accompanist at TBE, Opera On Tap. music director of Michael the Archangel Par- Thursday, April 18 The DCO Wind Ensemble, formed 3 years ish in Monroe, and university carillonneur at 1 p.m.: Charles Newman and Susan Ayer will lead an interactive presentation on ago, is a classical harmonie group: flute, oboe, Michigan State University. making photographic keepsakes. Attendees are asked to bring a photograph of two clarinets, two horns, and two bassoons. For more information, call 663-1288 or something that they intend to bequeath or a picture of someone significant in their The Ethnic Connection is a quartet that email [email protected]. n life. There will be an opportunity to record the story about the photo or object for future generations. Family members are invited to come and participate as well. Thursday, April 25 “The Skin You Live In” at Jewish Women’s Circle in April 1 p.m.: Ann Arbor local Laurel Federbush will play a selection of music on her harp. Federbush’s repertoire includes classical, Celtic and contemporary. Mae Sander, special to the WJN Do you want to know more about how to at the University care for your skin? Would you like to learn of Michigan about recent research results concerning Department of New JLI course explores tales of the Talmud Retin A and antioxidents? Do you know how Dermatology, Mendel Sirota, special to the WJN to protect yourself against the effects of too where she has The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) will “Whether you are fascinated by the Talmud much sun? been a clinical present Curious Tales of the Talmud: Finding and Jewish mysticism, or whether you are “The Skin You Live In” will be the topic associate professor Yourself in the Legends of Our Sages, the seeking a fun and meaningful experience, you of a talk by Dr. Dana Sachs at the next Jewish since 2004. In institute’s new six-session Spring 2013 course that won’t want to miss this course,” said Rabbi Women’s Circle event on Monday, April 15, at 2007 she was listed will begin during the week of April 30. Goldstein. “The material is as relevant as ever, 7:15 p.m. A specialist in general dermatology in Detroit Hour as Rabbi Aharon Goldstein of Ann Arbor promising to deepen the way we understand and cosmetic dermatology, she will describe Dr. Dana Sachs one of the area’s top Chabad House will conduct the six course ourselves, our universe, and our relationships the basic biology of skin, essentials of skin care, dermatologists, sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays with the people we love.” and how to identify potential skin cancers. and has been listed as one of the “Best Doctors starting April 30 at the Sachs elaborates, “In my talk I will in America” from 2007 to the present. Sachs Chabad House and the demystify vitamin A creams, such as Retin-A, received her medical degree from Boston Jewish Community and explain how they work as anti-aging University School of Medicine. She is active Center of Greater Ann drugs. For decades, aging skin has been the in clinical research related to the treatment of Arbor. subject of leading research at the University aging skin with various topical preparations. “We’ll explore the of Michigan Medical School. After a basic The Jewish Women’s Circle provides an mystical dimension of description of the skin, I’ll discuss issues such opportunity for Jewish women to meet new the Talmud called the as skin problems caused by exposure to UV friends, socialise, and learn about a variety of Aggadah, to uncover light. These issues include cosmetic problems, issues. It is open to all, no affiliation necessary. profound wisdom from such as redness and wrinkles, and also serious A $10 donation is requested. Space is limited. some of the zaniest and problems, such as skin cancer. I’ll describe To sign up for this meeting and receive future most epic legends you’ll some warning signs indicating when you invitations from the Jewish Women’s Circle, n ever encounter,” said JLI Group should see a doctor.” send an email to [email protected]. Rabbi Zalman Abraham of JLI’s headquarters Like all JLI programs, Curious Tales of the Sachs is a board-certified dermatologist in Brooklyn, New York. “This is a chance for the Talmud is designed to appeal to people at all public to unravel layers of personal meaning from levels of Jewish knowledge, including those texts not usually available to non-scholars.” without any prior experience or background in Hadassah to hold Game Night in May In Curious Tales of the Talmud, participants Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the will encounter legends of gargantuan sea public, and attendees need not be affiliated with Julie Ellis, special to the WJN monsters, impossible feats, anthropomorphisms, a particular synagogue, temple, or other house of Ann Arbor Hadassah will host Game Night, Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at the Jewish and riddles that challenge the foundations of the worship. Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor. This event is open to all women in the community Jewish faith. In deciphering the meaning behind Interested students may call 995-3276 x 2 or for a $5 entry fee, payable at the door. There will be games of Mah Jongg, bridge, Scrabble, these strange episodes, students will discover visit www.myJLI.com for registration and other Rummikub and more. Lessons will be available for those who want to learn Mah Jongg. The secrets containing profound insights into the course-related information. n evening will also include desserts, snacks, beverages, and a raffle. RSVP to Julie Ellis at 665- meaning of life. 0439 or [email protected].

8 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 IRabbis' Corner

Between a rock and a wet place Rabbi Ahron Goldstein, special to the WJN his year, April 1 is the seventh day of with walls of water on each side and dry land in At the time God split the Red Sea, there were Mitzvah is connected to the left side? That is the Pesach. Therefore it would be appro- the middle for the Jewish people to walk upon. prosecuting angels that had a claim to God that Mitzvah of prayer. We know that God receives T priate to learn something about what The Torah describes the Jewish people did not deserve to have such our prayers. The left side bears the attributes of happened on the seventh day of the first Pesach, this twice. Not only a great miracle happen in order to spare them. withdrawing and elevating oneself to God, It which would be the splitting of the Red Sea. was it miraculous Why should the Jewish people be saved and is with these qualities God receives our prayer By the way of background let’s go back a that the seabed was the Egyptians be drowned? The angels claim service - He being the receiver and we being the week before – that would be the 14th of Nissan dry, but also that was that the Jews and the Egyptians were equal. givers. – when the Jewish people first sacrificed the there were 2 walls of The Egyptians were guilty of worshipping idols (In some other opinions, it is Tefillin Pascal lamb. They put the blood on the lintels water on the left and – but so were the Jews. Immediately prior to (phylacteries) rather than Tefilla (prayer) that and doorposts of their homes and had their first the right that held departing Egypt, the Jews were at the 49th is the Mitzvah of the left side as Tefillin are seder with the Pascal lamb and Matzos. Then at back the sea. This level of impurity. This is the lowest possible generally placed on the left arm and hand.) midnight came the plague of the death of the poses a question. If level of impurity that still has the potential for Therefore the Midrash concludes that firstborn and Pharoah came running, looking God’s purpose for the Rabbi Aharon Goldstein redemption. If they had sunk one more level the Jewish people will be learning Torah and for Moses in order to let the Jewish people go. miracle was to allow into impurity (level 50), there would have been praying and putting on Tefillin. So in that merit He actually begged Moses to take the people and the Jewish people to cross the sea in order to no hope for redemption. The Midrash answers God split the Red Sea for them. leave. On the morning of the 15th of Nissan the escape from the Egyptians, it seems that it would that God told the prosecuting angels the Jews This is the answer to the question regarding Jews finally left Egypt. From there they headed have been sufficient to simply to a wall of water merited this miracle on the basis of two very the addition of the two walls (right and left towards Israel and within the week they reached from one side without a wall from the other side. special Mitzvahs that they were going to be able sides) to the crossing of the Red Sea. It was in the Red Sea. While at the shore of the Red Sea, Why make a double miracle to make 2 walls of to do if they survived. One is connected to their the merit of the Jewish people: they became aware that Pharoah and his army water? Why the special effect of walking between right side and the other is connected to their left 1: Studying Torah were in pursuit and they realized that they two towering walls of water? We ask these side. Which Mitzvah is connected to the right 2: Putting on Tefillin and/or Praying were trapped – to modify the common saying- questions because God always has a reason for side? That is the Mitzvah of studying Torah. A question nevertheless remains. Why between a rock and a wet place. They needed a performing any miracle. So we have to say that We know that God gave us the Torah with His do we need two merits? It is well and good miracle. God split the sea for them, drowned the this additional miracle of having the two walls of right hand. The right side bears the attributes of to have these two merits in our favor, but Egyptians, and the rest, as they say, is history. water was an integral part of the event. What then giving, kindness and mercy (chesed). It is with why two? God could have just as easily dried This happened a week after they left Egypt. can we learn from all this? The Midrash addresses these qualities God gave us the Torah - He being It is written that the sea split into two parts this question in the following way. the giver and we being the receivers. Which Continued on page 10 Thoughts on the 65th birthday of the State of Israel Rabbi Robert Dobrusin, special to the WJN t is time once again to celebrate Yom shared my thoughts on this topic with the all. While the “Jewishness” of the state might be Rights-North America). I believe organizations Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, and congregation. I had promised we would discuss reflected in symbols, calendar and other ways, such as these are critical to continue to focus I to say shehecheyanu with all of our hearts as these issues as a community. The “Engaging the basic Jewish principle of the equality of all attention on these issues among those who love we recognize the accomplishments of the State Israel” program gave human beings demands that all steps be taken to and support Israel and to work for positive change. of Israel and our tremendous privilege to have us that opportunity insure that equality exists not only on paper but Finally, as a Jew whose connection with our witnessed and participated in her growth. It is and it was a powerful on the ground as well. people is principally through our religious and a time to celebrate all that Israel has meant for and meaningful I have tremendous admiration for those spiritual traditions, I believe that the Jewish our people and for the world during the past 65 experience for all in Israel who are working for co-existence and State needs to more seriously consider its role years, and it is a time also to look ahead. who participated in mutual respect, and for those who support them as a source of spiritual inspiration for Jews I believe without question in the legitimacy the discussions. from afar. I applaud our local Federation and throughout the world. While Israel definitely of Israel’s existence as a Jewish State; and in that The program other organizations that support those efforts, and should not be a theocracy, we should be able to light, I believe that there is a critical question that encouraged all of us believe that they are critical for the future of Israel. see in Israel an inspiration for our spiritual lives. must be asked by those who love and support to make our voices Secondly, while Israel as a “Jewish State” The Israeli government must respect Rabbi Robert Dobrusin Israel worldwide. heard in appropriate, should not compromise on the absolute different approaches to Judaism and Jewish That question is: “What exactly should it respectful ways when we discuss issues concerning obligation to work for the survival of our people, observance and must take active steps to stop the mean for Israel to call itself a Jewish State?” Israel. While we should recognize without question it must also conduct itself with an eye towards continued and increasingly severe actions that There are those who will ask whether this that those who live in Israel should have a greater the ethical standards that are the foundation of disenfranchise non-Orthodox Jews in Israel. is the correct time to be thinking about this impact on Israel’s actions and policies, the truth is our faith. This must certainly be considered in In addition, Israelis and Diaspora Jews question. With Israel facing serious threats to that if Israel wants to engage Diaspora Jews, our Israel’s relations with the Palestinian people. should strengthen the spiritual connection we her survival and with so many in the world voices must be heard as well. The blame for the continued conflict cannot, have with each other. questioning the legitimacy of the nation, is this In my sermon, the complete text of which of course, be placed on Israel alone. Terrorism This is definitely happening as institutions in really a question that Israel’s friends need to ask can be found on our synagogue website, I raised against Israel and rejection of attempts at Israel, like the Hartman Institute and the Masorti now? The answer, I believe, is absolutely yes. three issues relating to the words “Jewish State”. reconciliation are a critical part of the history of (Conservative) and Reform movements, reach Many in Israel are asking this question as Each, in my opinion, is critical as we consider this conflict. However, I believe that today, Israel out to Diaspora Jews. It is also happening as well. Last year, at Beth Israel, we participated what it means to each of us to be a Jew and how must do much more - even given reasonable different communities in Israel, such as our own in an educational program created by the that reflects issues within Israel. security considerations - to address the daily partner community of Nahalal, experiment with Hartman Institute of Jerusalem called First, I believe the title “Jewish State” must issues that Palestinians face and to pursue and approaches to Jewish observance. If we are to “Engaging Israel”. The objective of the program not be used to disenfranchise or discriminate embrace any reasonable opportunity for a continue to feel connected to Israel on a spiritual is to encourage Diaspora Jews to talk about against any citizen of the state. Israel must be an peaceful settlement of the conflict based on the level, these efforts must continue and increase the issues facing Israel, to be part of a dialogue equal democracy in which opportunity, services “two state solution”. and we must take advantage of opportunities to with Israeli scholars concerning Israel’s future, and security are offered equally to all. The justification of governmental or share in that growth. and to understand that the word “Jewish” as in There is no question that Israel seeks to military actions, such as building or expansion I have been to Israel 13 times (one of the “Jewish State” is a word which has tremendous provide this in many ways and that, in many of settlements on disputed land or excessive perks of being a rabbi) and am looking forward significance and multiple potential meanings. case, minorities in Israel enjoy significant interference in the daily lives of Palestinians to organizing a trip in the near future that would Each of us brings our own perspective to the opportunities and rights especially compared on the basis of security needs, is wrong and address some of the areas I described above. I word “Jewish;” and, therefore, we bring our to minorities in other nations in the region. dangerous. It is certainly harmful for Palestinians believe such endeavors are critical for the future own perspective to the term “Jewish State”. The However, it is also true that there are many and it is destructive for Israel, as well, as Israel’s of our relationship with Israel. As we celebrate Hartman Institute’s initiative is based on the situations in which non-Jewish citizens of Israel, future survival is not dependent only on physical Israel’s 65th birthday, let us realize that to acclaim belief that if Israel wishes to remain vital in the particularly Israeli Arabs and Bedouin, are not security but on its moral and ethical values as well. Israel as a “Jewish State” is only meaningful if we lives of Diaspora Jews, discussions about Israel treated equally when it comes to issues such as I applaud the actions of those who address give serious thoughts to what these words mean from the perspective of Jewish history and education, housing and government services. these issues. I am proud to be a strong supporter for the future of the country we love. values must take place. This is not right and has to change. of Rabbis for Human Rights in Israel and to serve May this year see peace and security for all. n I was eager to participate in this program, I believe that a “Jewish State” should by as the co-chair of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for as at Kol Nidre services one year before I had definition respect the common humanity of Human Rights (formerly Rabbis for Human Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 9 ICommunity ICongregations

Brysk to talk on the Art of the Holocaust This month at Temple Beth Emeth Karen Freedland Special to WJN Rabbi Lisa Delson, special to the WJN iriam Brysk, a deep need to portray their suf- Families with Young Children (FYC): Abraham Joshua Heschel, Leonard Felder, Brian Holocaust sur- fering and return to them their Shabbat Service times every Friday Weiss, and Michael Krasny. This book club is for M vivor from Po- dignity as Jews. firm believers, non-believers, gentle skeptics, and land, will present a lecture This trip was the impetus Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 interested seekers. For more information, please on The Art of the Holocaust, that began her new career as a Tot Shabbat Services (0–5 year olds) led by contact Cantor Rose, cantorannie@gmailcom. on Sunday April 7, at 3 p.m., Holocaust artist. She has cre- Rabbi Levy and Cantor Annie Rose, 5:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community ated three large bodies of art Dinner for Tot Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Women’s Torah Study Center of Greater Ann Arbor. which have been displayed in Sukkat Shalom (Shabbat service for Monthly, April 1 and 15, 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Admission is free and part over 25 solo exhibits in Ho- Elementary school students) with Rabbi For centuries, women were not encouraged of Yom HaShoah Remem- locaust museums, art galler- Delson and Cantor Rose, 6:30 p.m. to study Torah. Times have changed and women brance Day. ies, colleges, universities and Shira (Tot Song Session), 6:30 p.m. are encouraged and empowered to study Miriam Brysk, Ph.D., is a Jewish Community Centers Popsicle Oneg, 7:00 p.m. Torah with the same vigor as men. Join in for a Holocaust survivor from the around the country. Three of unique experience to study and discuss what the Lida ghetto and the Parti- her works are now part of the Generations After Yom Ha’Shoah Torah has to say through the voices of women. sans of Belorussia. She came permanent art collection at Yad Shabbat Service For questions, contact Cantor Annie Rose at to America in 1947 and went Vashem, and a book of her art, April 5, 7:30 p.m. cantorannieatgmail.com. on to become a scientist and professor at the The Stones Weep: Teaching the Holocaust through Every year, Generations After, TBE’s affinity Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Levy University of Texas Medical Branch. Since her a Survivor’s Art is in press at Gihon River Press. group for those whose families survived the retirement and move to Ann Arbor, she has be- For information or to RSVP, contact Karen Holocaust, honor the memory of the six million Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, noon–1 p.m. come an artist and writer depicting the plight of Freedland at 971-0090 or karenfreedland@ who perished. This year the group will lead the Rabbi Levy will be discussing the march n the Jews during the Holocaust. jccfed.org. Shabbat service with Torah reading. They will to the Torah, from Passover to Shavuot. All Brysk’s renewed interest in the Holocaust was Brysk will also give a lecture at Eastern Michi- also honor the memory of the six million who sessions are held in the Adult Lounge and are fueled by her return in 2002 to the former loca- gan University on “My Life and My Art and perished by providing personal narratives and open to the community. Lunch is not provided, tions of the ghettos and camps of Eastern Eu- Teaching the Holocaust through Art,” on poetry surrounding the ideas of Jewish continuity. bring your own. rope in a group led by Zvi Gittelman. She cried Wednesday, April 3, at 7 p.m., at the EMU Stu- The entire Ann Arbor community is welcome to her way through the entire trip as the wounds of Men’s Torah Study dent Center Auditorium. The lecture is spon- this very moving service. her past reopened. She was haunted by images sored by the Art, English, and Judaic Studies Wednesdays, April 10 and 24, 7:30–9 p.m. of her vanished family, while childhood fears Shabbat Morning Torah Study departments at EMU. Temple Beth Emeth’s Men’s Torah study reemerged as frightening nightmares. She felt a Weekly, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 8:50–9:50 a.m. meets twice a month for an evening of Each week, Rabbi Delson and Rabbi Levy learning. Refreshments served. For more lead a session discussing the weekly Torah information, contact Roger Stutesman, Rabbi Goldstein, continued from page 9 portion. No experience is necessary, an open rgstutesmanatsbcglobal.net. mind and questions are always welcome. If there up one side of the sea and made a wall on a mitzvah for the proper reason we can see if is not bar or bat mitzvah the hour concludes by TNT: MOTH Story Slam only one side. Why two is the question. they are doing the opposite Mitzvah – in this saying Kaddish for loved ones. Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m., show begins 7:30 p.m. Why Torah study AND Tefilla or Tefillin? Just case praying. Recall that the right side is Torah Join TNT for a night of stories at the MOTH studying Torah would seem to be sufficient. The study – bringing God down to this world - and Spirituality Book Club Story slam at the Circus Bar (316 S. First St). The answer is as follows. the left side is prayer – working our prayers theme for this night is mystery. Meet at 6:30 p.m. to We have to see the inner meaning of the up from this world to the heavenly realms Tuesday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4 at noon make to get a seat, the show begins at 7:30. RSVP splitting of the Red Sea. This miracle wasn’t of God. So if a Torah scholar is praying in to Rabbi Delson [email protected]. only a logistical means to save the Jewish addition to studying, we can see they are doing April’s book: Messages from the Masters: people from the Egyptians. God could have both opposing methods of service so we can Tapping into the Power of Love by Brian Weiss TNT: Torah on Tap Join Cantor Annie Rose for the fourth season used other methods to stop Pharoah from assume that their overall service is based on Thursday, April 25, 6 p.m. his mission. The fact that He chose to split their sense of duty and not merely satisfying of the spirituality book club! All are welcome to come to every meeting or on occasion for Back by popular demand, TNT will spend some the Red Sea tells us that there is intrinsic, their inherent selfish pleasures. Some people time learning from our Jewish tradition and symbolic meaning in this specific act. To split are more inherently kind and giving. Other specific books of interest. Choose either the day time or evening session. Widely ranging enjoying a beverage or two. Come to the Blue is to reveal. The sea conceals the seabed. When people are more inherently judgmental and Tractor (207 East Washington Street). Everyone the sea is split, the splitting reveals what the withholding. If a person serves God with, topics highlight our list of books by: Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger, Sylvia Boorstein, Karen is welcome. No text experience is necessary as sea previously concealed. This symbolizes that not only their primary nature but with the everything will be translated into English. n in this physical world Godliness (the truth of opposite, non-predominant side as well, this Armstrong, Harold Kushner, Rodger Kamenetz, God) is concealed. At that moment in time the illustrates a person is serving God in a properly revelation of God was needed in this physical balanced manner. world. It was such a momentous event that it When one serves God in these two opposite Esther’s Underground Purim Party is written that even the future Jewish prophets ways, they reveal that they are going beyond Soo JiMin, special to the WJN would not have as strong a revelation of God their inherent qualities. Such is what God did by as the entire Jewish people had at that time. going beyond the laws of nature and causing the On February 25, Temple Beth Emeth’s Twenties and Thirties group sponsored a Purim party for So this was the purpose of the splitting of the sea to split with 2 walls. the entire Ann Arbor community. More than 50 people attended and enjoyed a private room Red Sea - to have a great revelation of God Therefore we conclude that the part of the and free rounds of pool at Bab’s Underground Lounge. Many guests came in costumes and for – a revelation beyond physical limitations. miracle that God made with the splitting of the those who did not, there were enough hats, sunglasses, and masks to go around. This free event Through what merit did our ancestors deserve Red Sea – making these two walls – was not was the highlight of the TNT year and a similar party is scheduled for next Purim as well. For to be granted the sight of this great revelation of a separate miracle but rather it was the very more information about TNT, contact Rabbi Lisa Delson at [email protected].

God in the physical world? The Jewish people essence of the event. The purpose of the miracle w o had to show God that the manner in which was to reveal the higher levels of God. The two they were serving Him also went beyond their walls were to illustrate that when one serves God limitations. How does one show God that they through two opposite natures, one shows that are serving beyond their limitations? One they are giving beyond their limitations. We shows their service to God in two opposite serve God optimally and properly through our

ways – such as studying Torah AND praying. If right-side nature AND our left-side nature. This o c red it Bre nt Pl isk t one serves God in only one way – for example, type of dedication to God, serving Him in these Torah study only- they are constantly studying two opposing ways, is the preparation to remove Pho Torah but they don’t dedicate time to pray. One the concealment of God in this world and to could question their dedication to God. Why? reveal God in this world. This will ultimately Perhaps they are studying Torah for the main take place with the coming of Moshiach when, reason that they like to study Torah. They are on that day everyone will be able to see with not doing it for God’s sake, but only for their their own eyes, the greatness of God. May it be own sake. In order to determine if one is doing speedily in our days. n 10 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 TROJAN WOMEN

Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 11 When you only have one chance to catch that special moment

Specializing in: Bar/Bat MitzvahS FaMily portraitS children FaMily celeBrationS digital iMaging BuSineSS receptionS 734.546.0426 [email protected] susanayerphotography.com

Make your next mailer, brochure, invitation or any design project a

When you only have one chance to catch that special moment

Specializing in: Bar/Bat MitzvahS FaMily portraitS children by Dennis Platte FaMily celeBrationS digital iMaging BuSineSS receptionS 734.546.0426 [email protected] susanayerphotography.com 734.483.9619 [email protected]

When you only have one chance to catch that special moment

Specializing in: Bar/Bat MitzvahS FaMily portraitS children FaMily celeBrationS digital iMaging BuSineSS receptionS 734.546.0426 [email protected] susanayerphotography.com

Join Us at Aunt Agatha’s

Sunday, April 7 at 2 PM William Kent Krueger, will visit us to talk about and sign his spectacular new novel, ORDINARY GRACE

Sunday, April 14 at 2 PM Brad Parks will visit to discuss his latest novel, THE GOOD COP

Complete details at www.auntagathas.com

We can special order any book We offer book club discounts Parking validated ___ 213 South Fourth Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734.769.1114

12 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 ICongregations

Programs this month at Beth Israel Congregation AARC Shabbat Elliot Sorkin, special to the WJN A 25th Anniversary Gala: Celebrating others. Dramatic soprano Lauren Skuce Gross in Hebrew and English. These poems (all the offerings Robert Robert Dobrusin has been distinguished for her versatility on Hebrew is translated) are strikingly emotive Aura Ahuvia, special to the WJN both the opera and concert stages. She made her and best exemplify the ongoing sacrifices Learner’s Service, April 6 Sunday, April 28, 7 p.m. Carnegie Hall debut in 2001 with the Orpheus experienced by soldiers and civilians in the Beth Israel will mark the 25th year that Chamber Orchestra and has performed on State of Israel. In addition a power point display Why do the psalms occupy so prevalent a Rabbi Robert Dobrusin has served as its rabbi such other illustrious stages as the Kennedy is screened which memorializes the lives of role in Jewish liturgy, no matter whether the with a festive dinner event and fundraiser Center, Alice Tully Hall and the Kravis Center some of the fallen, including those who have service is for Shabbat, a holiday, Shiva minyan (catered by Amanda Fisher). Rabbi Robert in Palm Beach. died over the past year. Clergy from each of or life-cycle celebration? What is it about these Dobrusin has served as rabbi at Beth Israel Baritone Neil Michaels has served Temple the Jewish congregations and University of ancient poems, which has inspired poetry, since 1988. He received his B.A. in Near Eastern Israel as cantorial soloist for over ten years. He is Michigan Hillel are involved in the readings. songs, and study? This topic will be explored and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University a Toronto native and comes from an illustrious Malli Holoshitz chairs the planning committee. in depth at the Learner’s Service on April 6, and an M.A. and rabbinic ordination from family of musicians and cantors and has offered by the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. performed leading roles in opera and musical Tot Shabbat Congregation, from 10 a.m.–noon at the In 2010, he received an honorary Doctor of theatre in the country’s most recognizable Saturdays, April 13 and 27, 11:15 a.m. Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Divinity Degree from JTS. Those interested in houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Tot Shabbat is Beth Israel’s Shabbat morning Arbor. This class will cover psalms with our attending are asked to call the Beth Israel office Opera Company of Philadelphia, Connecticut program for toddlers and preschoolers along heads and our hearts, examining their history for an invitation and RSVP form. Grand Opera, and the Santa Fe Opera. Michaels with their families. Tot Shabbat features and literary hallmarks, and also experimenting Noted for his wisdom, humor and warmth, graduated from the Juilliard School, the Curtis singing, dancing, stories, and prayers to with how they land within our own hearts. Rabbi Dobrusin is involved in all areas of Institute of Music. Conducting the combined celebrate Shabbat. The experienced leaders of On May 4, the AARC’s Learner’s Service synagogue life and works with congregants of all choirs will be GRAMMY Award winning Tot Shabbat are Peretz Hirshbein on the second examines the Prophets: Who they were, ages and particularly enjoys teaching both from conductor Jerry Blackstone, director of choirs Saturday and Jacob Kander on the fourth their cultural contexts, their respective roles the pulpit and in the classroom. His essays and and chair of the conducting department at Saturday of the month. Peretz Hirshbein is the in both our liturgy and our sense of justice sermons have appeared in several anthologies the University of Michigan School of Music, assistant director of the Early Childhood Center even to today and journals. Rabbi Dobrusin writes a blog at Theatre & Dance, Blackstone also conducts at the Jewish Community Center of Greater The AARC’s Learner’s Services are a 10- rabbirobdobrusinblog.wordpress.com. the Chamber Choir, teaches conducting at Ann Arbor and the current vice president for part series running all year long. The final Rabbi Dobrusin is an active supporter the graduate level, and administers a choral education on the Beth Israel board of directors. Learner’s Service will take place June 1. For of many different Jewish organizations and program of eleven choirs. Jacob Kander is Beth Israel’s program director more information, contact Rabbinic Student currently serves as co-chair for T’ruah: A In addition to Beth Israel Congregation, and father of a new baby. Intern Aura Ahuvia, [email protected], or Rabbinic Call For Human Rights. He is a co-sponsors include Adat Shalom Synagogue, Tot Shabbat meets at Beth Israel downstairs call 975-9045. founding member of the Interfaith Round AntiDefamation League Michigan Region, B’nai in room 15. Following services child size tables Table of Washtenaw County and has served Israel Synagogue, Congregation Beth Ahm, are set out for Tot Shabbat kids and their families on the board of directors for several other Congregation Beth Shalom, Congregation are always invited to stay to enjoy a Kiddush community agencies. Shaarey Zedek, Congregation Shaarey Zedek lunch with the rest of the congregation. Born and raised in Boston, Rabbi Dobrusin East Lansing, DavidHorodoker Organization, is a passionate fan of the Boston Red Sox. In Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Frankel Jewish Mini Minyan addition to baseball and other sports, Rabbi Academy, Friends of Greater Detroit Chapter Saturday, April 13, 11:15 a.m. Dobrusin loves to travel with his family of Hadassah, Hidden Children/Child Survivors Mini Minyan is Beth Israel’s Shabbat and loves to participate in his latest hobby, of Michigan, Hillel Day School of Metropolitan morning service on the second Saturday each geocaching. Rabbi Dobrusin and his wife, Detroit, Hillel of Metro Detroit, Holocaust month for all kids in Kindergarten through Ellen, have two children, Avi and Mickie. Memorial Center. 2nd grade. Mini Minyan was designed in The event is free although tickets are collaboration with many of the parents from I Believe – A Shoah Requiem required. All seating is reserved. Tickets will Beth Israel and serves as a bridge for kids Shabbat Morning Monthly Service, Sunday, April 7, 4 p.m. be available through the DSO Box Office. Visit between Tot Shabbat and Kehillat Shabbat. It April 20 Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit www.dso.org or call (313) 5765111. shares many of the favorite songs and stories In observance of Holocaust Remembrance from Tot Shabbat while beginning to teach How do Jews understand holiness in the Day (Yom HaShoah) on Sunday, April 7, over Friday Night Lights prayers and incorporate activities similar to Torah? How do Jews understand holiness 150 voices will ascend the stage of Detroit’s Friday, April 19, 6 p.m. Family Friendly Kabbalat Kehillat Shabbat. The Mini Minyan service today? The two parashiot featured during the acclaimed Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Shabbat Service; 7 p.m. Friday Night Lights is led by program director Jacob Kander with April 20 service, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Music Center to present the world premiere of Dinner special games and activities led by a team of raise these questions. Join the discussion Daniel Gross’ I Believe – A Shoah Requiem. Beth Israel offers a family friendly Shabbat parent volunteers. All parents are welcome to during services on April 20, from 10 a.m. – Beth Israel Congregation is a co-sponsor of the dairy dinner for $7 per person, with no charge for join in this service along with their children. 12:00 noon at the Jewish Community Center event. children 3 and under. Families and individuals Mini Minyan meets at Beth Israel on the second of Washtenaw County, an informal, highly Scored for cantor, soloists, a cappella adult are encouraged to attend the full evening, which Saturday of the month downstairs in room 16. musical service featuring lengthy discussion chorus and children’s chorus, I Believe is a includes a service and all the traditional rituals of the Torah portion, offered by the Ann complete musical liturgy dedicated to the of the Friday night meal. Because no payments Kehillat Shabbat Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation. All observance of Yom HaShoah. Featuring several can be accepted on Shabbat, there must be a Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. members of the community are welcome. For traditional prayer texts such as the Mourner’s pre-payment which will confirm the family’s or Kehillat Shabbat is Beth Israel’s Shabbat more information, contact ;;;Rabbinic Student Kaddish and the El Malei memorial prayer, I individual’s reservation. morning service for kids in 3rd-5th grade. The Intern Aura Ahuvia, [email protected], or Believe also includes the poetry of Paul Celan program is designed for kids to have a great call 975-9045. and Primo Levi. Composed in 2009, Gross Yom Hazikaron Ceremony Shabbat experience, including a kid-friendly created I Believe as a response to the lack Sunday, April 14, 7–7:30 p.m. service along with games and other activities each Kabbalat Shabbat Monthly Service, of musical liturgy for this highly significant The Community Wide Yom Hazikaron month to help teach about holidays and Jewish April 26 and powerful day on the Jewish calendar. A Ceremony for Greater Ann Arbor is hosted values while building a stronger community for The AARC offers the chance to welcome graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, by Beth Israel Congregation. Yom Hazikaron, the kids in a fun way. Gabe Pachter, a senior at Shabbat through guitar-led music, ranging Manhattan School of Music, The Juilliard which is often translated as Israel Remembrance the University of Michigan, facilitates a service from traditional congregational melodies to School and The Jewish Theological Seminary Day, is a time for Israelis and Jews the world that is filled with student participation in the beloved Jewish summer camp songs on the of America, Gross studied composition with over to take a moment to mourn the loss of prayers, interactive discussions, and always fourth Friday of every month, led by Rabbinic George Crumb, James Primosch, Jay Riese and Israeli soldiers and victims of terror. Coming ends with a special snack. Kehillat Shabbat is a Student Intern Aura Ahuvia. Services run Bruce Adolphe. Gross is the cantor of Adat as it does a day before Israeli Independence great time once a month for elementary school from 6:15 – 7:30 p.m., and are followed by a Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, and Day, this ceremony provides a very powerful students to celebrate Shabbat, to schmooze, and vegetarian /dairy potluck dinner. Services will serve as the cantor for the premiere of I emotional experience to everyone present. The to learn together. Kehillat Shabbat meets at Beth are held at the Jewish Community Center of Believe. As a performer, Gross has appeared date marks the more than 22,000 fallen soldiers Israel on the second Saturday of the month Washtenaw County. For more information, with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln and 3,700 victims of terror. downstairs in room 12. n contact the AARC by website, www.aarecon. Center, Chamber Music Northwest, Pittsburgh In the ceremony in Ann Arbor, volunteers org, via e-mail, by writing to info@aarecon. Opera, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the from the community present memorial poems org, or by calling 445-1910. National Symphony Orchestra, among many and songs (with keyboard accompaniment)

Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 13 ITeens

Miriam Alexander and Sara Norich recipients of 2013 Susan L. Lichter Scholarships Eileen Freed, special to the WJN nn Arbor teens Miriam Alexander and her grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, for looks forward to the volunteer opportunities and members received no identifying information Sara Norich are the recipients of the fostering her Jewish identity. My grandmother education about Israeli culture, politics and nature about the applicants other than what was in the A2013 Susan L. Lichter Memorial En- “taught me to value my heritage, Israel and my - and doing all this with her friends. “I can’t think essays. “As usual, we had some strong applicants dowed Israel Scholarship Fund. Paul and Carolyn relationship with other Jews,” said Alexander. of anything better than seeing new places in Israel and enjoyed getting to know them via their Lichter created the fund to honor the memory “My relationships with YJ peers… have helped with the friends I made at camp,” said Norich. “I essays,” said Laurie. “The two awardees clearly of their daughter, Susan Lichter z”l, and over 170 me build a connection to the Jewish people.” can’t wait to come back and share with others all had strong ideas about what they wanted to get relatives, friends and community members con- She is looking forward to Year Course as a year the great things I will see and do.” out of their trips, and we’re pleased to be able to tributed to the fund. The proceeds provide two of maturation and immersion in Israeli culture. Four applicants submitted essays in which help them achieve their goals.” scholarships annually for Ann Arbor area high “I appreciate the Lichter family’s support they described their goals for visiting Israel The Lichters are pleased their efforts are school students to participate in peer group Israel of Jewish youth in Ann Arbor who wish to and how their program would help them meet bearing fruit. “We are so happy to be able to make experiences such as semester, summer or gap year participate in gap-year programs to Israel.” these goals. A scholarship committee, chaired a difference by helping these two outstanding programs. Norich, a junior at Skyline High School, will be by Laurie Lichter and including Judie Lax, Ami teens reach their dreams of travelling to Israel,” Alexander is a senior at Pioneer High participating in Young Judaea’s Machon, a summer Rosenthal, and University of Michigan student said Carolyn. “We thank the committee for the School and will be participating in Young program for teens who’ve been involved in YJ. Also Jessica Curhan had the difficult task of reading excellent job they did in reviewing the applications. Judaea’s gap year program Year Course. She a long time attendee at Young Judaea’s summer the essays and determining which of the very We know that it must have been difficult for them has been involved in Young Judaea (YJ) since camps, she has dreamed of going on Machon worthy applicants would receive the scholarship. to make a decision, and we look forward to helping the third grade and credits YJ, along with for years. In addition to touring Israel, Norich All essays were submitted blind; the committee more young people in the years to come.” n Year Course offers chance to experience rich Israeli culture Dreams of participating on Young Judaea Machon program By Miriam Alexander By Sara Norich My motivation and goals for visiting Israel have program, we spent most of our time traveling and This summer I plan to have one of the best and many different sides of Israel and its citizens. much to do with my strong connection to the I only got a taste of what I will be experiencing next most memorable experiences of my life. I would The Machon program is perfect for that. It will Jewish youth movement, Young Judaea (YJ). YJ is year. I am eager to expand my connection to Israel like to go on the Young Judaea Machon summer let me meet Israelis and people my age from peer-led and focuses on Jewish identity, pluralism, for the long-term. program. Having heard about this trip since around the U.S. and from different countries. It and social action. I am planning There are many aspects of my first year attending Camp includes volunteer opportunities, to go on the nine-month Year Israel I find attractive; particularly Young Judaea Midwest in education about the culture and Course program sponsored by YJ. the culture and religion. 2007, I have dreamed of going politics and nature. I’ll be able to The Year Course educational Sometimes I feel disconnected on this amazing program. The learn more Hebrew. Of course, curriculum will help me improve from American culture because first time I came home from I’ll also have great experiences my Hebrew skills and give me its focus is strongly Christian camp, I told everyone that it and lots of fun. On Machon, we a better foundation in Jewish or secular, and seems devoid of was my dream to spend time develop leadership skills and plan history. I will travel extensively and Jewish influence. In Israel, the in Israel with this group of kids. Shabbat activities. I can’t wait to become better acquainted with language, food, calendar and At that time, I thought it was all visit an army base or to snorkel many areas that are important overall lifestyle are deeply rooted about having a great time, but or take hikes and see more of the and yet not usually included on in Judaism. The land of Israel is now I know that it’s also about country. Maybe then I will have a standard tourist itineraries. rich in Jewish history, all the way strengthening my commitment better understanding of the many Beyond the focus on back to biblical times. I do not to Israel and learning to have a different parts that make up Israel. education and travel, YJ also Miriam Alexander feel as strong a connection to realistic sense of life there. (And Sarah Norich When I’ve been in the country includes a focus on social action. I feel that I want America, where the history only dates back a few still having a great time!) in the past, I have felt stress-free, as if I have no to give back to Israel as well as learn about Israel. hundred years and has less of a personal impact I was two and a half when I took my first trip problems. I don’t really know why that is since I am looking forward to volunteering with at-risk on me. to Israel with my mother. I have been back several everyone says that Israeli life is full of stress, or disabled groups, specifically children, doing This is a critical time in my development times since then and each time I fall in love all but somehow I never feel it personally. Maybe service work (such as assisting staff at Masada), as an adult and Jew, having completed high over again with the culture, traditions, cities, and that’s because I’m not in school when I’m there, and providing support for the poor and needy school and not yet started college. This is the people. I also really love the food. I have never and I’m on vacation. But it’s also because I feel (such as at a soup kitchen). only time in the next few years that I will truly been to Israel on a group trip before and never devoted to the country and it just makes me The Year Course experience also includes be at a break in my education. To reach the full traveled with friends. Whenever I’ve gone, it has happy and peaceful to be there. I’ve never spent exposure to religious pluralism in Israel. Because potential of a year in Israel I believe it is crucial been for short periods of time when my mother enough time in Israel to know if this feeling YJ is tolerant of a range of Judaic observance, I not to be tied down by other obligations. I also was teaching or going to conferences, or when we lasts, but I think and hope it will. I’ve also never will be living with Year Course participants with hope this next year will be a year of maturing. I had a family wedding. I spent time in Jerusalem been there on my own and, even though I won’t different backgrounds of observance. In addition, intend to enter college better mentally prepared and Tel Aviv, but not so much in other places that be traveling with family, I know that I won’t be my experience in Israel will give me exposure to a and use this year to grow in a number of ways I would also like to see. I would like to go with my alone. Hanging out with kids my own age and range of religious practices, from the Chassidim in that I feel will be positive. peers so that I can experience all the many sides with similar interests will make the experience Jerusalem to secular kibbutzim. My family has a strong connection with side of Israel. even more meaningful. After a stressful junior Year Course also fosters independence and YJ and Year Course. My commitment to YJ is I have a very strong Jewish identity that I year of high school, it would be especially great the opportunity to live among Israelis in order to inspired by my late-grandmother. As a Holocaust have been able to sustain over the years, in large to relax and have new experiences with them. better understand Israeli culture. We will be placed survivor, she taught me to value my heritage, a part because of my experiences at Young Judaea I have always liked to travel and see new in three different cities in order to fully immerse bond with Israel, and my relationship with other Midwest and then at Tel Yehudah. I love observing places. I especially look forward to seeing new ourselves into the local lifestyle as opposed to Jews. Consequently, my relationships with YJ the Jewish holidays and learning Hebrew. One of places this summer in Israel. I can’t think of continually touring the country. I will be placed peers at summer camp, Camp Young Judaea in the most memorable events of my life was my bat anything better than seeing them with the friends in a situation where I will have to learn how to Wisconsin and Tel Yehudah in New York, helped mitzvah, when family and friends came to help I made at camp. Some of my best memories are budget and deal with daily expenses, notably me build a connection to the Jewish people. My me celebrate and when I became an adult Jew. I of those weeks at camp and of the cool things food, like many young adults living on their own sister went on Year Course, and the program took it very seriously but I also enjoyed it a lot. we did and the talks we had. I’ve made great for the first time. The difference here is that I will had such an impact on her that she eventually That’s the kind of experience I hope to have this friends at Young Judaea and Tel Yehudah and have to navigate a different culture, including made aliyah. A number of family friends have summer. At the center of my Jewish identity has some of those friends are also planning to go on use of a foreign currency, supermarkets with remarked how Year Course was critical in their been a love of and concern for the State of Israel. this trip. I really want to have these experiences products in a different language, and an unfamiliar development and how they made life-long I don’t really know where it came from. Maybe it with them and with the new friends I’ll make. I transportation system. friends and connections. was the influence of my family, or my school and want to know first-hand the many cultures that This is not my first time living in or visiting I feel that I would be a very worthy candidate synagogue. Maybe it was just the fun of traveling. make up Israel, and the different communities. I Israel. I spent my first grade year living in Jerusalem for the Lichter scholarship because of my long- Whatever it was, it has stuck with me. don’t think I can really describe to you what my during my father’s sabbatical. I only remember term personal and family commitment to Israel If there was one thing I could do for Israel feelings are about this trip and about Israel. It has parts of the experience and was not able to fully and my plans to learn about and immerse myself it would be to help bring about peace. I guess always been my dream to be there and I can’t appreciate my time there. I would like to now in Israeli culture. I look forward to returning as an that’s what everyone says but it’s still the truth. wait to come back and tell about all the great engage Israel on a more adult and intellectual level. entering freshman at the University of Michigan I don’t know if this trip will show me ways things I will see and do. n During this past summer on the YJ Machon Israel and serving as an advocate for Israel. n of doing that, but I know that it will let me see

14 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 English lessons become so much more By Yasaf Warshai chorus of cheers greeted us as we all Americans wear baseball caps, one small walked into the classroom, and a group doesn’t represent an entire people. A flurry of hands was raised towards We ran that activity for all five classes that the teacher. This was the normal reaction to day, and most of the reactions were very similar. us coming to school, which we had been doing As we exited the school that day, one boy from three times a week for the past two months. I that first sixth grade class came up to me and was working with three other members of my exclaimed that he had never thought of Arabs group. The four of us lived together with 20 in that way, and that he was happy that we had other 18-year-olds in a house in the town of run such an activity. We all smiled to ourselves Karmiel, Israel, just a short cab ride away from as we thanked him and told him we would see the school where my tzevet (staff) was assigned. him next week. The 23 of us had been in Israel for six months This story is obviously my own personal already on Habonim’s Workshop program, experience, and the ideas that these kids had spending our days learning and living together, by no means represent all of Israeli as well as engaging with the Israeli society. This society. However, in my opinion, particular sixth grade class was one of five class- it says something important about es at the elementary school to which my tzevet the way that we perceive others and was assigned. often put people into boxes without The English teacher, Yifat, selected a group actually getting to know them. What of ten students who had finished their work for Yasaf with the students in an Israeli classroom happened that day is a great example the day to join us out in the hallway. We made a of the insights I gained, and was able circle of chairs and did a quick round of names, After all of the students had explained their villages, and that the students there to share, as a result of participating more for our benefit than theirs. Most of them drawings, we continued with our planned were actually very similar to them. in the Habonim Dror Workshop gap remembered us but it was hard to keep track of discussion questions. When asked whether They also enjoyed playing soccer Yasaf Warshai year program. The same lesson we all the different classes we worked with. they identified as Israeli, all of them raised their and going to school and their taught these children was one that As I introduced the day’s activity, I glanced hands. We asked whether any of them had yet schools looked very similar, and they were not we were busy learning ourselves. At the start of nervously at my tzevet. We had planned this served in the Army, and they all laughed as they violent, but normal people trying to live their the year, I knew only a handful of the people I activity the night before, after hearing a couple of told us that they were too young. Pretending to lives. A few of the kids had a hard time believing was living with, and made a lot of assumptions disturbing remarks from the kids in past weeks at realize our mistake, we asked them to identify it, and looked as though they had never even about others’ personalities. By working the school. First we passed out blank paper to all anyone in the circle who wore tzitzit or peyos. considered the idea of Arab children. together to educate the youth around us, while of the children and told them their assignment. Looking around, they once again responded Our conversation turned to where such simultaneously learning similar lessons through After dividing the paper into three sections, they that no one in the circle was wearing such false ideas came from. Aside from a few who programs run for us multiple times weekly, I got were to draw whatever popped into their head things, and a few of them seemed to start to had been to the US, most of their ideas about to know this group of twenty-three people on when they heard the words “Israeli,” “American” understand our point. Americans came from television and other an incredibly close and personal level. Over the and “Arab.” For five minutes we walked around Next we moved on to the Americans they media. Even fewer of them had been inside course of Workshop, I learned how to take first them as they worked, answering questions and had drawn. I explained that although I am of Arab villages, or had much experience impressions and prior knowledge of a person’s shushing talkers. Finally we all reconvened as a an American, I don’t wear a baseball cap, and with Arab Israelis, aside from in passing. background and use them to engage rather than group, and asked them individually what they I’m certainly not a TV star. There were nods Throughout the discussion a few suspicious make assumptions. Through my work with had drawn. of understanding from the group, and a bit of faces were present, but overall a large portion Jewish and Arab Israeli youth, I passed on those Most of the “Israelis” that had been sketched apprehension from us as we approached the real of this sixth grade group seemed to be thinking same lessons to the next generation. n were wearing sandals, shorts and T-shirts. A few goal of the activity. Before moving on, we asked hard and pondering what we were saying. We Yasaf Warshai is a 2011 Recipient of the Susan had army uniforms on, and a couple even had for any ideas about how what we had said could tried to stress the importance of not believing L. Lichter Memorial Israel Scholarship, and he peyos. The “Americans” mostly had baseball relate to the Arabs that they had sketched. A few everything that you see on television, and being participated in Habonim Dror Workshop in caps and Nike shoes or looked like characters of them understood, and one girl responded aware of how manipulated certain images and 2011-2012. He is a first year Arts & Humanities off of “Jersey Shore.” The most unsettling part that perhaps what they had drawn wasn’t true portrayals of people can be. In order to tie our student at Michigan State University. was the “Arab” sketches, as the vast majority of all Arabs. We explained that other people on lesson into English, we explained the word were either holding a bomb or weapon of some our program were running exactly the same stereotype. We gave examples of stereotypes, kind or wearing a turban. types of activities as us in the nearby Arab and stressed the fact that the same way that not Visit to Nahalal brings new friendships An amazing way to experience Israel By Abigail Simon By Miriam Hamermesh Last month, I was lucky enough to take Imagine yourself stepping off a plane part in the Ann Arbor-Nahalal student in a foreign country. The sun is bright exchange. As part of this exchange, and the sky is a resplendent shade of ninth grade students from around Ann blue, a welcome change from the Arbor go to Nahalal, a unique moshav omnipresent gray of Ann Arbor. in northern Israel for about 10 days, People surround you; some speaking and then the following fall, the ninth in English, others speaking in rapid, graders from Nahalal come here. foreign tongues you can only pick Going into the trip, I wasn’t quite up pieces of. When you get into sure what to expect; I read about the airport, you shuffle over to join Nahalal and looked at pictures of the group of 21 other kids your age past delegations, but didn’t really and two adults doing their best to know what the trip would be like for organize everyone. Together, you all me. Arriving there and getting off walk to baggage claim. When you get the bus, I felt somewhat awkward From left: Maya Burgard, Abby Simon, Aiya Bernstein there, there are three more teenagers Miriam Hamermesh (left) and Abigail Hirshbein enjoy at first with a group of Ann Arbor and Yovel Manor in the old city of Jerusalem waving at you. The only difference is herbal tea in the meadow kids that I didn’t know that well and an even more foreign group of Israeli kids. Everything that these ones are Israeli. That was my first glimpse of the Israel side of the delegation that I changed after that for the better. By the next day, we had already become friends and mixed would soon come to know and love. with the Israelis so well. The Ann Arbor-Nahalal partnership has touched me in many ways. I have many friends In the first few days in Israel, we went to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. For the day we spent in who have gone on the same trip when they were in ninth grade. My brother went on the Jerusalem, we went to the IDF cemetery, the old city where we went to the Western Wall and trip when he was fourteen and had an amazing time. Earlier this year when the tenth grade had an underground tour, and Ben Yehuda Street. In Tel Aviv we went to Independence Hall delegation came to America, one of the adult chaperones stayed in my house. All of these Continued on page 18 Continued on page 23 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 15 I Youth

Familiar faces return to lead JCC’s Camp Raanana Halye Aisner, special to the WJN he Jewish Community Center of Greater Braun is the energetic and enthusiastic physical JCC for over 25 years, first as a pre-school teacher, Ann Arbor is excited to bring back some education teacher for the JCC and Hebrew then as Early Childhood director. She now Tfamiliar faces to Camp Raanana. Chil- Day School. She also teaches the ECC Swim oversees all of the JCC’s programs for children dren will not only have the opportunity to spend with Kim class and sports-themed enrichment and family and looks forward to spending time the summer with their camp friends from year’s classes during the school year. She has been with campers and staff this summer. past, but they will find many staff that will be re- part of the JCC family since 1999 and enjoys turning for this year’s camp season. working with her current and former students JCC executive director Camp Raanana’s number one priority is at Camp Raanana. JCC Executive Director Jeff Baden (known to oversee a safe and healthy program. Staff is Braun teaches children to enjoy and to many as “Magic Jeff”), brings over 30 years of trained extensively to ensure the physical and appreciate the water. Braun has over 20 years of camp experience to the program. He has run JCC emotional safety of campers. Campers will be experience as an American Red Cross certified day camps in Cincinnati and Indianapolis, as well encouraged to explore and have new experiences lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and CPR and as Camp Livingston, a regional Jewish overnight while at camp. Camp Raanana allows a child to lifeguard instructor. camp, based out of the Cincinnati JCC. Baden simply “be a kid” and enjoy everything camp has looks forward to bringing his vast knowledge to offer, including swimming, boating, nature of camping, song leading and “magic” to both exploration, orienteering, archery, Red Cross Camp Keshet and Camp Raanana this year. certified swim lessons, arts & crafts, music, field Camp Raanana will take place June 24–August trips and more. 16 at Cedar Lake, in Chelsea (part of the Waterloo Camp director Recreation Area), a short bus ride from the JCC. Northside Elementary, Ann Arbor Open, Camp is divided into eight, one-week camp sessions, Shannon Link will return to Camp Raanana High Point School, Tappan Middle School, which include swim lessons, all camp activities to serve as this year’s camp director. Link acted as and Thurston Elementary. Since complet- and specialties. Three sessions include a Thursday Camp Raanana’s assistant camp director in sum- ing her master’s degree in December 2010, overnight option with dinner and campfire mer 2012, and as Raanana’s interim camp director Link has served as the childcare supervisor activities. This year’s camp season also includes two during the summer of 2011. She is excited to return for the before- and after-school programs weeks of Summer Fun Days at the JCC (June 17–21 to camp and see the many familiar families with at Byrant Elementary. During the 2012– and August 19–23), where campers will participate whom she has spent the past several summers. 2013 school year, she served as a perma- in a variety of field trips and activities. n Link worked in the JCC’s Early Childhood nent substitute teacher for the East Arbor Charter Center as a lead teacher for six years before re- JCC programs director For more information on Camp Raanana Academy in Ypsilanti. turning to school to pursue her master’s degree in Noreen De Young is the JCC’s program or to register for camp, contact the JCC at elementary education at the University of Michi- Waterfront director director. She oversees the Early Childhood Center, [email protected], call 971-0990 or gan. While earning her teaching certificate and Kim Braun is returning as Camp Raanana’s Youth department and Family programs. She has visit www.jccannarbor.org. master’s degree, she both interned and taught at waterfront director. During the school year, been working with the children and families at the

Our team is United with one purpose in mind: to find a mortgage solution that’s Our team of specialists creates perfect for you. We know Michigan’s neighborhoods and its people. And we love what we do. We’re local lenders with the experience, relationships and flexibility mortgage solutions. you need. Call us today to get the conversation going. Let’s get those keys in your hands. United Bank & Trust. Solutions—together.

ubat.com

Denise McPherson-Pratt Scott Lunn David H. Kersch Jeffrey Miller Betsy Cavanaugh Stephen Anderson Charles E. Chapell Ramona Meadows 888.423.8373 | 2723 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Vice President Mortgage Originator President Mortgage Originator Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President 734.214.3733 810.522.1903 734.214.3796 734.214.3721 734.214.3740 734.214.5897 734.214.2728 734.944.3981 NMLS# 746541 NMLS# 532148 NMLS# 746536 NMLS# 133993 NMLS# 746518 NMLS# 161776 NMLS# 746519 NMLS# 164901 Member FDIC

16 0647_United-Mortgage Ad-19.625x6.375.indd 1 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 2/5/13 11:03 AM Academic Fair—making learning visible Hadar Dohn and Jennifer Rosenberg, special to the WJN ebrew Day School of Ann Arbor cel- knew what the name meant,” said much going on in the same room, “I learned ebrates learning in the cold month second grader Noah. that you really need to draw people’s attention H of February The Academic Fair The fourth graders were busy so you have to make something you think brings students, families, and alumni together displaying and presenting their others would want to see.” to showcase and applaud the learning that has compound machines. In their role The excitement permeated the school taken place during the year. It is an event that as teacher, the students were both as students shared their work with their allows students to both learn from one another exhilarated and challenged. “I found schoolmates and guests. Second grader and serve as teachers for others. it was better to have a shorter elevator Halle was happy to share “I liked that we got The school has been working on making to display our art work because we worked thinking visible, delving into an exploration really hard on it and I liked telling how I did of articulation and explanations of processes. it.” When kindergartener Yahli explained that Being able to speak about the process or their one highlight was “Seeing my teenager friend, thinking and the resulting understanding is a Arianne,” it underscored the important role our Compound Machine: Planks, ramps and 21st century skill with life-long benefits. The alumni continue to play at HDS. pulleys - a fourth grader presents his Academic Fair puts students in the driver’s seat, Nothing says more than the comments finished compound machine. making them responsible for describing the made by the fifth graders, HDS’s most veteran learning that took place on the journey toward students. “When people asked me questions, it the finished product. gave me good ideas on what kinds of questions Parents were provided with questions I could ask other people,” said Sophia. “At first specific to their child’s grade that helped make I had to think really hard about how to answer connections between the projects on display the questions people asked but after a while I and the common core mathematical practices. Mat and Noah: A second grader and his got more comfortable and confident in my These questions served as conversation starters parent explore Hebrew concepts. answers,” said Dana. Jesse summed it up, “I to get the children telling about their thinking liked seeing the work in other classes and wish I and learning. “It was fun to teach my parents speech because it got tiring to say got to see more. My first grade brother was very about penguins”, said Lily from kindergarten. it over and over,” said Yael. Samuel excited to tell me about his work, just like I was Maya added, “I was proud of myself because I said, “Building the machines was excited to tell others about my work.” n taught my mommy and daddy that my penguin sometimes hard - you had to fix To learn more about Hebrew Day School or to has a strap under its chin—that’s why it’s called them and sometimes you got really Noam: Technology is integrated into second grade learning. schedule a tour, call 971-4633 or email office@ the chinstrap penguin.” annoyed. But it all paid off at the fair hdsaa.org. “I liked creating my dinosaur. I knew and was really worth it!” Ari spoke I had to test it a lot and keep on trying.” Gracie what characteristics to include because I about perseverance, “In order to make it work commented on presenting while there was so

ubat.com

0647_United-Mortgage Ad-19.625x6.375.indd 1 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 2/5/13 11:03 AM 17 I Youth I World Jewry

Performing arts at HDS and beyond With Chavez gone, Venezuelan Jews look Emily Eisbruch, special to the WJN warily to future ids’ Klezmer music, violin concer- wonderful theater opportunities offered by tos, “Gangnam” (Korean hip-hop the Ann Arbor Public Schools and the wider By Gil Shefler K inspired) dancing, Hebrew songs, community. CARACAS, Venezuela (JTA)—The eyes of Lapscher talks about the community’s post- a contemporary dance mix, singing and As an example of the HDS students and a dead man stare at visitors passing through Chavez prospects with deliberate caution so as strumming guitar to the Beatles…. where alumni participating in the arts around immigration at Simon Bolivar International not to be construed as taking sides. do all these things come together? Why, of Ann Arbor—now rehearsing at Pioneer Airport. They follow drivers making the trek “Sometime in the near future we’ll have course, at the recent annual Hebrew Day High School is “Shrek The Musical!” This along the tortuous four-lane highway through elections and we can change the government. Pho a mountain range leading to town. And they Or the same government will stay but we will t

o c red it reappear at public spaces throughout this city. have the same issues,” he said. “We will try to It’s easy to be spooked by the ubiquitous give the best Jewish life possible and combat image of Hugo Chavez, the larger-than-life anti-Semitism if it comes from the government, - amn o n st e in er leftist leader who died last week from an its supporters or from the outside.“ unspecified form of cancer. But in Venezuela, Asked about the tense political situation, it has been the reality since he came to power most Venezuelan Jews direct questions to in 1999. community leaders, fearing unwelcome “It never used to be this way with presidents repercussions. An exception is Sammy Eppel, a before him,” said David Bittan, the owner of a Jewish columnist who writes for the opposition taxi company whose cousin of the same name is paper El Nacional. Eppel has paid a heavy the president of the Venezuelan Jewish umbrella price for his outspoken critique of Chavismo, group CAIV. “They started putting up these Chavez’s particular brand of socialism. posters everywhere after he was first elected. It’s Eppel says government interference led him in line with Communist Party propaganda.” to shut down a call center he operated and that With Chavez gone, this divided nation finds officials have tried unsuccessfully to isolate him itself at a crossroads. Will Nicolas Maduro, from the community leadership. But still he Back (left to right) Adam Kahana, Hava Kaplan, Abigail Hirshbein, Oren Steiner Front (left to right) Ethan Steiner, Dana Steiner Chavez’s handpicked successor, carry on “until blames the Chavez government for economic victory,” as the posters of his political patron policies that have led to periodic shortages School Talent Show for the Hebrew month performance will feature Hebrew Day promise? Or might he chart a new path, taking of food staples, frequent devaluations of the of Adar. “Seeing the variety and richness of School alumni, including Mickie Dobrusin, a more conciliatory approach to relations bolivar fuerte and a marked drop in oil output. the performing arts that our kids engage Adam Kahana, Abigail Hirshbein, Hava with the United States and with the business “The government that takes over is going to in was truly exciting,” commented Hadar Kaplan and Oren Steiner and two current community? have a difficult situation,” he said. “Politics you Dohn, head of school. “The performances Hebrew Day School Students, Dana Steiner Or could opposition leader Henrique can manipulate, but the economy is a science. were entertaining and courageous, and dem- and Ethan Steiner, who will be playing Young Capriles Radonski, the Catholic grandson of It’s very hard to manipulate the economy. onstrated a wide array of creative talents.” Fiona and Young Shrek. Holocaust survivors, surprise everyone by And when hard times come, they will come Hebrew Day School students get lots of In addition to getting involved with the winning the presidential election set for April for everybody. And unfortunately, those hard performance experiences throughout the Ann Arbor’s high school theater scene, many 14? For members of Venezuela’s dwindling times might hit the Jewish community also.” year, from the monthly Rosh Chodesh (new HDS alumni have also played key roles in Jewish community, the political uncertainty If such predictions come to pass, it may month) celebrations to the Hanukkah music productions for Young People’s Theater is particularly unnerving. During Chavez’s 14 send even more Venezuelan Jews to places festival and graduation play, and they feel and elsewhere. HDS alumni and students years in power, their numbers have dropped such as Florida, the destination of choice for quite comfortable in front of an audience. who will be participating in an upcoming from 25,000 to about 9,000 today, driven Jewish expats. Pynchas Brener, the chief rabbi During the Rosh Chodesh celebrations, the production of “The Little Mermaid” include abroad by economic instability, anti-Semitism of Venezuela for 44 years and friends with all its gansters (kindergarteners) perform a song Oren, Dana and Ethan Steiner, Lily and in state-owned media and rampant crime that presidents “except this one,” is one of many who each time, and the different classes take Charley Rosenberg, and Oreen Morag. n made Caracas a serious contender for murder now call the Miami area home. turns performing plays. The second grade, “Shrek The Musical!” will be performed at capital of the world. “I could have stayed on for three more years, led by veteran teacher Aron Kaufman, is also Pioneer High School’s Schreiber Auditorium “We have great institutions, we have a great but there is tremendous personal insecurity,” famous for putting on an annual Passover on April 27-28 and May 3-5. YPT’s “The school, we have a wonderful Hebraica,” said Brener said. “Besides, I have eight of my nine play. In last year’s play, the children sang, Little Mermaid” will be performed May 31- Efraim Lapscher, the vice president of CAIV, grandchildren here.” acted, danced and even changed roles. June 2, at the Power Center for the Performing referring to the sprawling community center Brener sees two possible paths for the “I loved getting to be Moses in one Arts. For more information about Shrek go to that is the heart of Jewish life here. “We, our country: It could become like Cuba, with the performance and Pharaoh in another,” said http://ptguild2.aaps.k12.mi.us and for more fathers and our grandfathers, built this with a Jewish community losing most of its verve and Ethan Steiner, now a third-grader. This information about the Little Mermaid go to lot of sweat, ideology and hard work. And it’s viability, or Chavismo might be defeated at the experience at Hebrew Day School makes http://youngpeoplestheater.com. painful for us to see them slowly emptying out.” ballot box. Of the two, he sees the latter as more the children confident performers who Jewish life in Caracas revolves around likely. “Even though the government has won a are well positioned to participate in other the Hebraica, the compound at the foot of few elections—although not fairly because they the Avila Mountain that is also home to used government resources—I still see half Abigail, continued from page 15 the Jewish school and a growing number the population or close to half the population of communal institutions. Past the heavily resisting, so I don’t think it will turn into Cuba,” to see where Israel became a country and did guarded gate and high walls is the lush he said. “I don’t think the government will be an Amazing Race type scavenger hunt tak- campus with a pool, soccer pitch, tennis able to do whatever they want.” ing us all across downtown Tel Aviv through courts, gym, food court—even a bank. On a Despite the uncertainty, some glimmers of Shuk HaCarmel and ending near the beach warm day, children gambol by the pool while hope are visible. to watch the sunset. their parents lay on deck chairs. On Sunday, a new synagogue, Tiferet Israel Days that we spent closer to Nahalal were “It’s a beautiful prison,” said a representative Este, will be inaugurated in Los Palos Grandes, equally fun. All of us enjoyed going to the of an international Jewish organization based an affluent Caracas neighborhood that is home primary and high schools to celebrate Pu- in Caracas. “Members of the community to a sizable Jewish community. The synagogue rim (party at 9 am!), making masks with live their entire lives there without leaving offers worshipers a safer alternative to an older children in a nearby city, going on picnics, because of fear of crime outside. Children temple in a formerly Jewish part of town now and so much more! Days were planned and are so used to be being cooped up that when considered dangerous. fun, but some of the best times were at night they visit Israel, they call their parents and say, “As Kohelet said, there is a time for playing soccer with the Israeli teens or teach- Abby (center) and her group finish planting ‘Guess what, I’m on a bus!’ That’s an exciting everything,” said Isaac Cohen, who replaced ing them American football. Another great a tree at the Ann Arbor/Nahalal Park experience for them.” Brener as chief rabbi. “[The new synagogue] The sense of siege hinders the willingness shows people seek religion in their lives, and we memory is the last night when we all had bolizing the connection between these two a sleepover at the Machlevah (an old dairy of Venezuelan Jews to publicly criticize their have freedom of religion here. amazing communities. I think we all agree government, though there is little love lost “It pains us, it hurts us that there is no Israeli that is now a gathering spot to hang out) and how fast the trip went—way too fast—but made a music video for the “Harlem Shake.” for the president who severed diplomatic ties ambassador or embassy, but we hope that day now we can look forward to all of our great with Israel while embracing Iranian President will come and ties will be renewed. When will it The last day there, we went to the Ann friends coming here in the fall. n Arbor-Nahalal Park and planted trees, sym- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. happen? Nobody but God knows.” n 18 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 I Israel

As world’s largest exporter of drones, Israel looks to transform battlefield By Ben Sales AIRPORT CITY, Israel (JTA)—An Israeli IAI began manufacturing drones in 1974, The Ghost’s only protruding feature is its instructor who spent 15 years in the Israeli Air soldier sits in an office chair in an air-conditioned employs 1,000 people in its drone division most expensive part: a small, round camera Force. “The moral question is about hitting the metal chamber staring at two screens side by and sells about $400 million worth of that sticks out of the drone’s underbelly. To target, not the type of weapon. It doesn’t matter side. One shows a map with a moving dot. The drones per year. The company exports to 49 protect the camera, the Ghost flips upside- if you use a cannon, a tank, a plane or a drone. other displays a video feed. Next to the soldier countries, including NATO allies fighting in down before it lands. A pilot can’t see who he’s hitting—it’s the same are three more identical stations. Afghanistan, such as Canada and Australia. Kalron said IAI hopes to expand its drone thing with a drone.” The soldier isn’t an air traffic controller The client list also reportedly includes some options in the coming years, developing The biggest concern raised by drones, but a pilot, and his aircraft is called an U.S. rivals, such as Russia, and developing stealth drones that are harder to see and hear, says Hebrew University philosophy professor unmanned aerial system, more commonly countries like Nigeria. and working on a micro-drone with wings Moshe Halbertal, is that their pinpoint known as a drone. About one-fifth of IAI’s drones stay in that flap like a butterfly—a concept known accuracy raises the bar for the soldiers Welcome to the next generation of the Israel. They range from the 5-ton Heron TP, as biomimicry. IAI also is expanding drones’ operating them. Freed from the stress and Israeli Air Force. which can fly as high as 45,000 feet and stay in civilian uses, like surveillance of large crowds uncertainty of flying a plane, Halbertal said, Israel long has relied on superior air the air for 52 hours, to the handheld Mosquito and stadiums. soldiers must take more time to “identify who capability to maintain a military edge in the micro-drone, which weighs less than a pound IAI’s drones conduct surveillance, take is a legitimate target” and review the decision Middle East, and its pilots are among the most and travels nearly a mile. The Heron looks like photographs, and record audio and video, before launching a strike. respected soldiers in the county. an oversized, gray remote-control airplane, according to Kalron. He would not discuss Halbertal said he doubts that “those who Now Israel’s drone industry is booming, with a radar sticking out of its top and, of the drones’ combat capabilities; IAI’s website operate drones will be much quicker in using and experts predict that within decades, course, no space for a pilot. includes the payload limits for drones. weapons” than traditional pilots. manned flight largely will be a thing of the past Along with Air Force drones, the Israel Drone expert Arie Egozi of the online Egozi said the bigger question for – especially in risky combat missions. During Defense Forces plans to incorporate drones in publication Israel Homeland Security told JTA Israel is about the efficacy of exporting to Israel’s Pillar of Defense operation in Gaza last infantry units. Soldiers may carry a disassembled that “from a technological standpoint, every countries such as Russia, which has provided year, Israeli drones reportedly played a key role mini-drone in two backpacks and, when drone” can shoot missiles. “You put bombs technology to Israeli adversaries like Iran and on the battlefield. patrolling cities, assemble the drone, launch it under the wings and it shoots them,” Egozi said. Syria. Israel’s agreements with Russia have “Already today we see that the technology by slingshot and monitor it by remote control. Some critics argue that the use of drones required pledges that Russia not sell certain can work faster and better than our five senses, The Ghost, as this drone is known, weighs nine raises serious moral and legal problems. missile technology to Iran. which are limited,” Tzvi Kalron, a marketing pounds and can help the unit eliminate blind The debate has been particularly heated on Every IAI export deal must receive Israeli manager for Israel Aerospace Industries told spots and, according to IDF spokesman Eytan the American use of unmanned vehicles for Defense Ministry approval before being JTA in an interview during a recent tour of an Buchman, overcome the “fog of war.” targeted killings in Afghanistan and Pakistan. finalized, according to Kalron. Israeli drone facility. “When you take away the “You can’t see around the corner, you don’t While drones are not without their Israeli He said he looks forward to a day when 95 human factor in battle and send tools that know know what’s on the other side of the hill,” critics, they have provoked far less controversy percent of army aviation is unmanned and the how to do it better, it’s easier.” Buchman said. “It’s definitely helpful when here than in the United States. For many Israelis, Israeli Air Force is not needed. With two large drone manufacturers—Israel you’re facing guerrilla opponents and rely a future where planes fly unmanned and pilots “In 20 or 30 years they’ll fly drones on Aerospace Industries, a government company, heavily on the element of surprise.” are at less risk of death or capture is a welcome commercial flights,” Kalron said. “It’s a trend and Elbit Systems—Israel is the world’s second- He added that drones help save civilian lives development. that’s developing quickly. Technology is largest producer of drones, behind the United by identifying civilians near a bomb’s target and “If you can take the pilots out of danger, of superior than all human abilities.” n States, and the world’s largest exporter of drones. helping reroute the bomb to avoid them. course it’s better,” said Uri Aviv, a civilian flight As Syrian conflict rages, Druze loyalty to Assad persists Noa, continued from page 1 By Ben Sales MAJDAL SHAMS, Israel (JTA)—At first glance, out now with the civil war,” said Shmuel Shamai, “Whoever supports foreign entities doesn’t guitarist and musical partner Gil Dor is one the identification cards of young Druze men a professor at Tel Chai College and the Golan understand politics,” said Sayed, 43, who was on Israel’s greatest guitar players. Together looked identical to those of any Israeli, with a Research Institute. “The young people talk born in Majdal Shams and did not give his they put on a show you will never forget.” number, photo, name and address. The only about the subject of human rights more, and last name. “We support the state, and whoever In addition to some of Noa’s classics difference is the citizenship line: Instead of listing all the murder happening in Syria, the young supports the state supports Assad.” such as Keren Or, Boi Kala and Life is “Israeli,” most of the Druze cards are blank. people don’t identify with it.” Despite their divided loyalties, the Druze Beautiful That Way (theme from the movie, “If someone takes citizenship, he’s labeled Young Druze, Shamai said, feel less connected community is often held up as an exemplar of Life is Beautiful), the concert will include as an extremist,” said Wafa Abusela, 19, sitting to Syria than their parents, though “they’re still the Jewish state’s success in protecting the rights selections from her recent album, The Israeli with his friends in a cafe in Majdal Shams, a not going to be doing pro-Israel activity.” of ethnic minorities, with Jewish tour groups Songbook, a collection of classic Hebrew Druze city in the northwest corner of the Golan “People understand that there’s democracy, routinely making stops in Druze villages to songs performed by Noa and Dor with the Heights. “People won’t talk to him.” that people can say what they want,” said a enjoy local hospitality. Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. These A secretive offshoot of Islam, the Druze Druze employee of the Interior Ministry, who “We and the Druze live in full cooperation,” pieces pay homage to some of the songs that community spans the territory of Israel, Syria, has Israeli citizenship but did not give her name said Ori Kalner, deputy head of the Golan have inspired them personally and molded Lebanon and Jordan, and their allegiances are because she was not authorized to speak to the Regional Council. Israeli culture and consciousness for the past similarly fragmented. Druze who live in the media. “People here are happy with Israel. It’s Druze contractors have managed much of 50 years. Galilee are citizens of the Jewish state, but the good for me here. I was born here.” the Golan’s recent construction, Kalner said, Golan Druze rejected offers of citizenship after “I’m delighted the Federation has Israel annexed the territory in 1981, retaining A 25-year-old gas station attendant illustrates and the council is developing a shared industrial engaged this world-renowned entertainer for their loyalty to Syria. Of the 20,000 Druze the competing claims on Druze loyalty. Recently park with Majdal Shams. Celebrate Israel,” said Laurie Barnett, Jewish living on the Golan, only a small fraction hold returned from Syria, he knows the horror stories Still, there’s a sense among some Druze that Federation president. “Noa performs to sold- Israeli citizenship. unfolding on the other side and feels safer in Israel’s rule over the Golan won’t last forever. out crowds all over Europe and around the There’s little evidence to show this is Israel, where he hopes to begin working soon The Interior Ministry employee said that fear world. We’re so fortunate she’ll be joining us changing. According to Interior Ministry as a dentist. But loyalty to his family has made of an Israeli withdrawal keeps many residents here in Ann Arbor.” n adopting Israeli citizenship an impossibility. from taking Israeli citizenship or openly figures, 20 Golan Druze requested Israeli Event sponsorship above $180 includes tickets “My father taught me that we are Syrian,” supporting the rebels. Residents are scared, she citizenship in 2012—a substantial jump over and entry to an afterglow with Noa. Tickets in he said. “The feeling is, if you don’t want to be said, that should Assad survive and come to the two to five that did so annually in previous a reserved section are $65 (general admission Syrian, leave the state. My home is here. My regain control of the Golan someday, they will years, but still a minuscule percentage of the seating within the section). General admission parents are here.” be punished for betrayal. total population. tickets are $36 for adults and $12 for children Druze are generally loyal to the country “In the end, we’ll go to Syria,” said Safi But as the Syrian civil war continues to rage and students. Visit www.jewishannarbor. in which they live. Unlike Israeli Arabs, many Awwad, who says he feels “almost” like an just over the border, the Golan Druze say they org/celebrateisrael to learn more about Noa, Galilee Druze serve in the Israeli army. Israeli. “The Golan belongs to Syria.” are grateful for the stability and security that sponsor the event or purchase tickets. For But many residents of Majdal Shams consider Rafi Skandar disagreed, insisting that Israel affords—even as they still eschew the additional information, contact Eileen Freed at the Golan to be Syrian and, according to some parental pressure against accepting Israeli idea of becoming citizens, citing pressure from [email protected] or 677-0100. their parents and the fear of reprisals should the reports, still support the Assad regime. A few citizenship would recede. Golan ever revert to Syrian control. said the rebels are agents of foreign interests—a “In another five years,” Skandar said, “A gap between Israel and Syria is standing belief promoted by the Assad regime. “everyone will have Israeli citizenship. n Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 19 I Profile/Film

Diane von Furstenberg, fashion icon and Holocaust museum supporter By Chavie Lieber NEW YORK (JTA)—Diane von Furstenberg takes City” star Sarah Jessica Parker and television host the war, although von Furstenberg recalls the two being a Holocaust survivor come out of my mouth, a seat at her long, farm table-inspired desk inside Andy Cohen—so she can explain her unlikely tattoos she had on her arms. Lily would mention and these were words that I never said and that I her office on the fifth floor in this city’s Meatpacking friendship with Bloomfield and her longtime things here and there, like how she longed for never actually thought, and I started to shake. It District. The studio is so vividly colored, so overly commitment to preserving the memory of the freedom and a plate of spaghetti during those dark was a major revelation because I realized that it patterned and so decked out in exotic tchotchkes, Holocaust. “I’m involved with the Holocaust was my heritage and I hadn’t realized how deeply von Furstenberg is one of the few people who could museum because I firmly believe in its importance, connected I really felt.” possibly occupy it. and there’s no one else doing work like this,” she tells Von Furstenberg was one of the first people Seated across from her is Sara Bloomfield, the JTA. “Last month they did something amazing approached by Bloomfield when plans to build executive director of the United States Holocaust for me. Without telling me, they mailed me this the Holocaust museum in Washington were first Memorial Museum, and the outfits of the two giant box of all the details of my mother and father discussed. Von Furstenberg, who insists she is women could not be more different. Bloomfield is during the Holocaust that the Germans and Swiss horrible at raising money and would “rather give sporting a conservative blazer and pencil skirt, her kept. They had photos and documentation of you a check and just leave me alone,” agreed to help hair combed into a neat bob, while von Furstenberg everything, and it was so special to me.” fundraise for the museum. She says she believes it is draped in a green fur vest and moves her right Her Jewish heritage might be important, but it’s is her duty to talk about the Holocaust and spread arm carefully under the weight of an enormous something von Furstenberg has taken an interest awareness because few expect these kinds of gold bangle. Her hair is endearingly wild, and she in only later in life. sentiments from her. smells incredible. Born Diane Simone Michelle Halfin, von The fundraisers in the 1990s for the fashion The two giggle at each other like old Furstenberg is the child of a Holocaust survivor, Lily industry on behalf of the Holocaust museum friends, the 66-year-old Jewish fashion designer Nahmias. A blond Greek Jew, Lily was involved in were incredibly emotional and sometimes complimenting Bloomfield on how “cute” she resistance efforts against the Nazis, helping deliver uncomfortable, von Furstenberg says, but she looks before rising to grab her camera and snap counterfeit papers to other Jews. She was caught in forced herself into the events at the Upper East some photos. Bloomfield nervously sets her glass 1944 and sent to Auschwitz. By the time the war Side’s Carlyle Hotel on New York City’s Upper East of Prosecco on the desk as von Furstenberg stifles a ended, she weighed just 49 pounds. Side. “Celebrating freedom through the museum dirty look and rushes to grab a coaster. But Lily survived and went on to marry is the most important thing in the world,” she says. They seem like an odd pair: Bloomfield, a a Romanian Jew, Leon Halfin, who hid in Diane von Furstenberg “It is not just to remember the Holocaust but to talk pioneer of genocide awareness and adviser to Switzerland during the war. A doctor warned her about tolerance, and of course never to forget the 6 numerous museums around the world, and von not to get pregnant, as her body would not be able days, but never burdened her daughter with all the million Jews who were killed, as the last survivors Furstenberg, one of the most successful women in to handle the trauma. But Diane was born in late details. Lily showed no apparent disdain when von are around.” fashion who rose to fame in 1974 with the debut of 1946, and believes she is a testament to the Jewish Furstenberg married a German prince, Egon von She recalled the museum’s inauguration in her iconic wrap dress and since has created a robust will to live. “I was born on New Year’s, and every Furstenberg, in 1969. April 1993, where she stood next to then-President empire in women’s clothing and housewares. year my mother would say, ‘God saved me so that But von Furstenberg found her way back to Clinton and was showered in hail, despite the But the two women have a bond some 20 I could give you life. You are my flag of freedom,’ ” her Jewish roots after she was honored by the predicted warm weather. “God wanted everyone years in the making—a bond that has nothing to von Furstenberg recalls, making eye contact with Anti-Defamation League with its Women of out there to know and to feel how cold [Holocaust do with fashion and everything to do with von the few Holocaust survivors in the room invited by Achievement Award in 1981. survivors] were,” she said. Furstenberg’s Jewish heritage. Bloomfield. “This is the heritage I carry, and this is “I don’t really think they knew anything about Von Furstenberg says she is “incredibly proud” Von Furstenberg, host of a special event to very strong to me.” me, they probably just gave me the award because of her involvement with the museum from the commemorate the 20th anniversary of the U.S. Early on, Von Furstenberg felt no particular they knew I would bring a large group,” she tells the beginning. “I know I’ve honored my mother Holocaust Memorial Museum, has invited a select connection to her Jewishness. Her mother neither crowd sitting around her desk. “But when I got up through it, and I will continue to honor her,” she 70 people to her studio—including “Sex and the avoided nor elaborated on her experiences during that day to speak, I heard the words of my mother says. “Everything I have is because of her.” n Acclaimed filmmaker turns camera on his own Holocaust experience for ‘Frontline’ By Penny Schwartz BOSTON (JTA)—When he was 5 years old, Marzynski says they have reached a point in for the first time into the forest where his father Marian Marzynski’s parents hatched a plan to their lives where they are ready to share their was murdered. The camera lingers on the smuggle him out of the Warsaw Ghetto. stories with the world. filmmaker as he holds his father’s watch, telling It was 1942, and Marzynski and his family “Other directors come in and tell the stories viewers that it is the first time he is wearing were among the 400,00 Jews rounded up two of other people,” said Sharon Pucker Rivo, an it. For a few moments, the otherwise voluble, years earlier by the Nazis, confined to the adjunct associate professor of Jewish film at opinionated director can hardly speak. 1.3-sq.-mile ghetto in the heart of the city. To Brandeis University. “Marian is a native insider. “It’s a quiet moment,” Rivo said. “There’s no stay alive, Marzynski’s parents warned him, you He knows the language, the territory. He didn’t swelling music, no gimmicks. You can see he is must forget who you are. need intermediaries.” m ov e d .” That lesson in survival shepherded the After the war, Marzynski reunited with his Marzynski hopes the film reaches a wide young boy over the next three years as he mother. His father, who escaped a transport audience, especially non-Jews. The survivor hid from his tormentors, separated from his train to a death camp, was murdered in the stories reflect the universal human experience, parents. He eventually became one of the few forest outside of Warsaw. Unlike most survivors, he says. child survivors of the Warsaw Ghetto. Marzynski remained in Poland with his mother, Marzynski got a taste of that broader Marzynski (born Marian Kuszner) would Marian Marzynski who remarried another survivor, and took his resonance in January, when he and his wife were go on to become an Emmy Award-winning stories of other survivors as well, capturing stepfather’s name. invited to join a group of 560 European high documentary filmmaker in the United States. their childhood memories as they grapple with Growing up under Communist rule, school students and 85 teachers on a trip from Now, 70 years later, after a career in which the trauma and loss of their early lives. There Marzynski said he understood the political Tuscany to Poland on the Treno della Memoria he made acclaimed films about Polish Jewry are uplifting scenes, too, of Jewish culture realities. The message was, “We all suffered (“train of memory”), an Italian Holocaust and the Holocaust, Marzynski has trained the and heritage being celebrated in the streets of from the Nazis. Everyone’s equal. Don’t brag education project. After visiting Auschwitz- camera on himself, telling his own story and Krakow. about being Jewish, that you suffered more than Birkenau and seeing his film, many students those of other survivors in Never Forget to Lie, “If there is news in this film, it’s about a other people.” approached him, fascinated to meet a survivor. a film scheduled for nationwide broadcast on new perception of the Holocaust,” Marzynski Marzynski became a journalist and a He says he was impressed by how eager they April 30 on the PBS series “Frontline.” told JTA in an interview in his suburban successful radio and television personality. But were were to learn about this history, and their In the hourlong film co-produced with Boston home. “It’s basically a question of in 1969, during a wave of politically motivated perspectives were completely changed. Jason Longo, Marzynski retraces his early years, unfinished business. We are coming back to our anti-Semitism in Poland, Marzynski fled to “I want non-Jews to know the Holocaust in chronicling his parents’ secular lives in prewar childhood—a story of stolen childhood.” Denmark with his family—his wife, their young such a way that they can apply it to their own Warsaw, their confinement in the ghetto, his Most Holocaust films have focused on son and his mother and stepfather. Later, they lives,” Marzynski said. “This is the job I am escape to the Aryan side of the wall, and his the harsh realities of life in the concentration resettled in the United States. doing, transferring the Holocaust experience to jounrey to the Catholic orphanage where he camps, not child survivors, so Marzynski views “We did not want our son to have to live the a new audience.” embraced life as a dutiful altar boy. his film as a corrective of sorts, and a timely lie that I had to live,” he says. Never Forget to Lie will air on Tuesday, April With an artful, empathic hand, he tells the one. Child survivors are the last witnesses, and In Never Forget to Lie, Marzynski ventures 30, at 10 p.m. on PBS. n 20 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 The Anne Frank Sapling project A Tree Grows In Michigan From my favorite spot on the floor, I look up at the blue sky and the bare chestnut tree, on whose branches little raindrops shine, appearing like silver. -Anne Frank

Anne Frank’s Diary has captivated millions since its publication in 1947. Timeless and elegantly written, Anne expresses her hope for a better future.

In Spring 2013, a sapling from Anne’s chestnut tree will make its permanent home in metro Detroit. Join us as we strive to make Anne’s dream a reality!

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTER ZEkELMAN FAMILy CAMpUS

Summer Day Camps, Creative movement/art, Puppet Theatre Ballet Intensives ------Ballet for all ages & levels • Tap & Jazz, for all ages & levels Private Lessons Hip Hop • Pilates • Yoga • Zumba • Classical Indian Flamenco • Belly Dancing • African • Ballroom 323 E. Hoover St. Swing • Shorinji Kempo Martial Art Ann Arbor, MI For more info call 734-302-3502 or visit our website at www.kenvillestudios.com

The Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery welcomes Medical Aesthetician MYKEN SWAITHES

Devoted to our patients, Dedicated to results.

Myken brings 10 years of experience to confidently treat skin conditions including acne, pigmentation and aging skin. Her extensive formal medical Aesthetic training and progressive approach makes her a perfect addition to the growing CPRS team.

Please call our office to schedule Why did an appointment with Myken Mrs. Horowitz for any of the following services: • Chemical Peels & Dermaplaning get hearing aids? • DermaSound Ultrasonic Facials • Laser Hair Reduction “I just couldn’t hear people at meetings. • Photo facials & Pixel Resurfacing I wasn’t able to take an active part or contribute.” • Microdermabrasion • Skin Care Consultations We can help you stay active. And improve your life.

Take advantage of 20% off A hearing evaluation by my staff of expert all laser hair reduction services Audiologists can find and help overcome any with Myken now through May 31st problem. (some restrictions apply). Please call (734) 429-1520 or (800) 851-6672 to schedule a hearing evaluation. I’m confident Additional Aesthetic Services we can help, just as we’ve helped countless offered by the injector team at CPRS: others thoughout Washtenaw County. ~Botox and Dysport 734-712-2323 ~Dermal Fillers www.facebook.com/CPRSA2 . . . www.cprs-aa.com M O S A Hearing Aid Centers & Audiology Services Paul Izenberg, MD 420 W. Russell St., Suite 101, Saline, MI David Hing, MD www.mosaaudiology.com Richard Beil, MD Daniel Sherick, MD CENTER FOR PLASTIC & Present this ad for $250 off a set RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY Ian Lytle, MD Save of premium digital hearing aids. MOSA Hearing Aid Centers Welcome Myken Swaithes Lisa Saulles $250 Expires December 31, 2013 • ref. code WJN Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 21 I Community Photo Album

Purim at the JCC Early Childhood Center 1 Meet Your Personal Mortgage Professionals

Jeremy Kimberly Shaffer Pearsall 734.418.0583 734.418.0582

Nicole Jason 2 Mourning Robinson 517.315.4670 734.274.5782

Sean Dave Breeden Graff 734.418.0588 734.274.6346 3

Craig Caring service, advice and 4 Orndorf 5 experience, here and now at 734.272.4087 Photos by Toby Hollander Ann Arbor State Bank. 1. ECC Kangaroos marching in parade 2. ECC children singing Purim songs 3. Deirdre Davis and Grover Thompson acting out the Purim story 4. ECC Ducks marching with their teacher Sophia Maher a2sb.com | 122 South Main 5. Early Childhood Center Director, Peretz Hirshbein

Chelsea Flower Shop, LLC 203 E. Liberty St. Phone 662-5616 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 www.chelseaflowersllc.com Over 60 years of excellent services

22 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 I Best Reads

Miriam, A book to nurture your soul continued from page 15 Rachel Urist, staff writer n The History of Love, Nicole Krauss her grandmother’s drops to the ground. Alma Leo follows the family to the shiva house, factors made me so much more excited when weaves a tale that crosses time and space, picks it up and reads: where he is suddenly, accosted by the host, my turn came to be a part of the delegation I transcending both. Her focus is a small Baruch Hashem, I and my husband should who asks Gursky why he is there. “ R e l a t e d ,” to Israel. This trip was my fourth trip to cast of characters on different continents live to see tomorrow and that way my Alma Gursky mumbles. The host says: “Family! Israel. The past three times, I have gone with whose lives intersect in unpredictable ways. should grow up to be blessed with health and So sorry, forgive me. I thought I’d met all the my family to visit friends. This trip was very As she contemplates their lives, she creates happiness and what would be so terrible some mishpocheh!” Krauss adds: “The way he different in many ways. a meditation on what it means to survive as nice breasts. pronounced it was m i s h p o k y.” It is a wry The night we arrived in Nahalal, we had a Jew. She measures the value of invisibility, Krauss’s nonlinear style, in both this and observation of the devolution of Yiddish, Shabbat dinner with our host families. Even the inevitability of longing, and the pain and Great House (2010), is a bit like a dare. Trust along with the dissipation of old-world Jewry though I was practically a zombie thanks to comfort of both love and death. She does all me, she seems to say, and I will transport you in secular America. jet lag, the first dinner was very fun. Over the this with a delicious sense of the absurd and to places you never dreamed of. Her writing Every paragraph is lush, rich with imagery a wicked sense of humor. She is a latter-day is seductive; the reader cannot help but and philosophy, informed by history and badkhan, a comedian/scholar not unlike like surrender. She logic – even when the non-linear sequences Shakespeare’s wise fools. inspires may leave the reader mildly baffled. The paths She introduces her central confidence. of the Leo and young Alma finally intersect at character, Leo Gursky, at age 70, but She navigates the book’s end. They connect. Initial confusion since we travel back and forth in time, her route with makes way for tenderness and a meeting of we see Leo in his early years, too. He aplomb. The souls. Leo, pining for death, is not quite sure, was a writer in his youth. His magnum route may feel at first, that this figure who calls herself Alma opus is lost; he never sees it published. uncharted, but is real. Which Alma is she? Is she a figment That work tells the story of the great the vistas she of his imagination? If not, is she related to love of his life, Alma Mereminski, his shows us are his Alma? As the truth begins to unfold, he childhood playmate. When they are 10, breathtaking. thinks: “I lived this long. Please. A little longer From Left: Abigail Hirshbein, Aiya Bernstein, he proposes marriage. At age 16 they Consider won’t kill me.” Adira Cohen & Miriam Hamermesh enjoy pledge their love. The next year, as war this sentence: Jewish history is Krauss’s springboard to Purim festivities at the Nahalal High School erupts, she is sent to America. He survives stories. She flits through time and space like the war, but everything has changed. a sprite, and her command of Jewish history, next few days our group went on a tour of Leo struggles to accept that his words, liturgy, and tradition is prodigious. Yiddish Nahalal, took day trips to Jerusalem and Tel like his life, have predeceased him. He words and Hebrew references make frequent Aviv, and visited the elementary school on the is perpetually perplexed: How do we fill appearances. Krauss follows the axiom: “to Moshav. The trips to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv our souls in the absence of love? His book, make a work universal, make it very specific.” were very inspiring. I got to see the cities in which is also entitled The History of Love, Her writing has the depth and lyricism that new ways, not muddled by what my parents is offered to us in segments, and it reveals the “Liberation is just the is totally lacking in the work of popular but limited me to see. extent of his philosophical ruminations. In means of attaining shameless novelists who plumb Jewish texts On Thursday, we celebrated Purim with one section, he zeroes in on the final days of freedom; it’s not for fame and fortune. Krauss, by contrast, is an kids our age in Nahalal at their high school. I Isaac Babel, the great Russian-Jewish writer. synonymous with it!” Nicole Krauss original. Her imagination knows no bounds, attended a Jewish elementary school so I have Gursky tries to imagine what went through Or: “A thought crossed yet she is always in control of her narrative. been to my fair share of Purim parties, but his head as he heads toward execution. his face in a language I didn’t understand.” This It is notable that she was a Marshall Scholar, the way they celebrated this holiday was so Even after they arrested him and burned last is the thought of young Alma, who knows an honor as rare and prestigious as that of different than anything I had ever experienced! all of his manuscripts … he refused to speak. all too well how to read people. She is the child Rhodes Scholars. She wrote poetry under the Everyone was so carefree and everything was so … Only at the last possible moment … did he of a widowed mother in perpetual mourning. tutelage of Josef Brodsky, the Nobel laureate, festive. But that was not the only enlightening sense the possibility of his error. As the rifles Like many children of depressed mothers, and has master degrees in creative writing part of the day. I kind of felt like the celebration were pointed at his chest he wondered if what Alma is tuned into people. Her mother seeks (Stanford) and art history (Oxford). was just like Halloween. People were in some he had taken for the richness of silence was refuge in books. She also translates books, The History of Love was published in pretty stunning costumes. I wasn’t expecting really the poverty of never being heard. But as having mastered several languages. The book 2005, at the same time that her husband, everyone to be so into the holiday, but even the bullets tore from the rifles, his body was she translates at the moment is The History of Jonathan Safran Foer, published his Extremely the 12th graders were decked out! Seeing their riddled with the truth. … How could he have Love, which, as it happens, was published – Loud and Incredibly Close. Their writing has strange customs and how different they are forgotten what he had always known: There’s in Spanish! Alma and her little brother have uncanny parallels. Each has a preternatural from mine was so enriching! no match for the silence of God. inherited their mother’s sensitivity to words. feel for time, language, Jewish sensibility, and Of course Purim was not the only place in Krauss dips into these dark realms, but she Each keeps a journal. The entries are integral the power of humanity—from comedy to which I noticed our cultural differences. Their never stays there long. Consider the language to Krauss’s tale, whose intersecting stories cruelty. Each populates the novel with bright, schools! It felt like the entire country had such that Krauss gives to the grandchildren of Leo’s reach us through these several narrators. compelling, youthful characters hunting for a lackadaisical way of schooling. I missed two generation. It is one of many comic riffs, and Through their stories, we relive Gursky’s meaning in the wake of horror. The young days of school for the plane flight to Israel it offers a sense of the author’s ear for dialogue childhood. We learn that he survived the war people form bonds with older adults who and I had a mountain of work to make up and dialect. When young Alma (named for by becoming invisible. He lived in forests and either join them on their search or have given when I got back. But the Israelis missed about the Alma in Gursky’s book – the book was cellars, eating roots, scraps and rodents. After up trying to make sense of the world. The every other day of school when we were there not lost after all!) becomes the pen-pal of a the war, he arrives in America only to find that writing is often funny. and no one even cared. One of the Israelis Russian-Jewish émigré to Israel, their letters Alma is married. But he also learns that he is A recent New Yorker included Krauss’s who used to live in America told me that he prompt this exchange: the father of her first-born child, conceived in short story, Zusya on the Roof, about a found out when he moved to Nahalal that it —Father is mathematician. Slonim, born in America. He is Isaac, who has holocaust survivor. Iconic Yiddish words and was actually weird NOT to skip school. The —Do you have a dog? How many people become a famous writer. Leo is proud. But he Hebrew liturgical traditions make frequent whole way they went about their education, use your bathroom? Do you own anything that must keep mum. and apt appearances. Krauss’s specificity just seemed so careless to me. belongs to the Czar? He apprentices himself to his American makes her work accessible to everyone. She But strange foreign customs aside, I had a —Boy in my class is moved to New York. cousin, who teaches him to be a locksmith flits through time and space like a sprite, and very educational trip. I learned things about Maybe you want write him because he knows and encourages him in the trade with the the depth of her Jewish learning is impressive. the culture of Israel that I probably wouldn’t anybody. words: “Show me a Jew who survives and The History of Love won the William have learned had I just been a tourist with my Elsewhere, in a section describing Alma’s I’ll show you a magician.” Gursky begins to Saroyan International Prize for Writing, family. The trip was amazing and I made many trip to Israel, Alma’s Bubbie (grandmother) identify with Houdini. Like the magician, France’s Prix du Meilleur Livre Ėtranger, was friendships with kids just like me in Israel. I got wrings her hands because Alma has neither the locksmith improves his skills by timing named #1 book of the year by Amazon.com, back less than a week ago, yet still the whole trip breasts nor boyfriends. “But I’m only 12!” himself as he practices picking locks. At some and was short-listed for the Orange, Médicis, seems like a blur to me. I miss everything about protests Alma. “So?” Bubbie recalls that when point, he realizes that in Europe, he would be and Femina prizes. Krauss’s fiction has been Israel, the people, the food, the language… and she was twelve, she had plenty of boyfriends dubbed a thief for this skill. In America he is translated into 35 languages. This book, like I would give almost anything to go back. This and a respectable bosom. When they visit a professional. klezmer, is art that nurtures the soul. n experience will be something I treasure for the the Western Wall, Bubbie tells Alma to write When Isaac dies prematurely, Leo Gursky rest of my life, and I can’t wait until September a note and push it between the stones. Alma attends the funeral. Alma, the only one when my friends from Nahalal come on their complies. But when she inserts her own note, who might have recognized him, is dead. trip to America! n Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 23 IOn Another Note

Rebecca Biber–Flautist, pianist and accompanist Sandor Slomovits, staff writer ebecca Biber is an Ann Arbor musi- Biber: I started flute in school and pennywhis- These happened to coincide with what students because of everything that she’s cian who teaches piano and flute in tle was an easy transfer. The fingerings are seemed a good time for me to try to break transmitting to me. R her private studio, and also works as mostly the same. The technicalities of em- out on my own and be an independent stu- The other thing is that a few years ago, an accompanist in a variety of settings, includ- bouchure are a lot easier on whistle than on dio teacher. I already had some private stu- kind of unexpectedly, I got into the world ing as part of the pit orchestra for many local flute. My flashbulb moment of getting in- dents and enough of a financial cushion that of musical theater. I think I caught the bug. musical theater productions. We talked about terested in Celtic music was probably when if I completely nosedived and failed, I would Since then I’ve tried to do a show or two her life in music, appropriately enough, over I was five or six years old, riding around in be all right…(Laughter) so I said, “OK, I’m each year. I have gotten to work with a lot of tea at the Songbird Café. the car with my mom and I heard the pro- going to try to make a go of the private stu- local theaters and community groups, got- gram, Thistle and Shamrock on the radio. I dio teaching.” And I have never really looked ten to participate in a lot of great shows and WJN: Did you get your interest in music from was just struck by this sound I’d never heard back. My studio has grown and grown and that’s been just really a lot of fun. your family? before. From then on, my parents knew that now I still do some work in schools, I ac- One of the groups that I have been lucky Biber: My family is very musical, but I’m the this was something I enjoyed, so they made company for choirs, I love going into schools enough to work with is the Penny Seats, only person in it who went into music as opportunities for me to hear Celtic music. and working with groups, but what I do ev- which is a newer Ann Arbor theater group. a career. Growing up I remember hearing ery day is teaching private lessons. And I’m They perform mostly outside, in West Park. music all the time, and my mom is a great in love with my job. (Laughter) Most of their board members and founding devotee of classical vocal music. She loves members happen to be Jewish. They’re con- WJN: Do you teach strictly classical? opera, art songs, lieder, and so through her sistently high quality and original, they’re I got exposed to that and also to classical Biber: I take all comers, anyone who is genu- wonderful. The challenges of doing musical piano music. My dad enjoys, contrastingly, inely interested in learning and is curi- theater outdoors are numerous, but they’re bluegrass and reggae and different world ous about music and enthusiastic. There just really good. They pick challenging musics, and so I just heard some of every- are some students that I’m probably not shows and their auditions are not easy. thing. It was great. I remember dancing equipped to handle, like if I got a really seri- WJN: Your grandparents are Holocaust survi- around the living room to record albums ous jazz student I’d have to pass them onto vors. Do you feel that that resonates in your of Taj Mahal and Jimmy Cliff. And at my a colleague, but any sort of beginner is fine life in some way? grandparents’ house I would listen to a lot and I try to have a variety of musical styles. of Theodore Bikel, so I heard the klezmer I like to give students some choice in what Biber: Yes. How could it not? I think it’s a very music at their house. Definitely a family of they play, and some gravitate toward classi- strange and proud legacy to have, to feel music lovers. cal, and some toward jazz or ragtime styles, like you’re part of such strong stuff. Hear- and that goes both for flute and piano. I try ing their stories has always been very sober- WJN: Did you grow up in Ann Arbor? to guide people toward music that I think ing, and at the same time there’s something Biber: I grew up in the Detroit area, in Hun- will be an appropriate level of difficulty, be- unspeakably miraculous about survival, in tington Woods. I was lucky to have all four cause students who lack experience tend to the minutia of the encounters and the near of my grandparents nearby. I went to Cran- pick things that are too hard and then they escapes, and also in the big picture of just brook for high school, which was a very arts get frustrated. But stylistically I try to give survival through history. I feel very lucky rich environment, and then I came to the students a lot of freedom, though the ma- and also very, very glad and proud to be UofM for college. jority of the music I teach and play is clas- American, as do my grandparents. sical. WJN: When did you start playing piano? WJN: Where were they during the war? As a teacher, I try to help student work Biber: I started piano lessons when I was seven. through whatever issues they have around Biber: My zayda’s family—the border between I think I became fascinated with the piano performance so that they can perform and Russia and Poland being somewhat vari- in nursery school. There was a Russian lady feel fairly confident. I also find, and maybe able—ended up on the Russian side, which named Lyudmila who would come in and it’s particular to students who self-select at first seemed to be a great misfortune and play. I remember specifically that she played to study the piano, that there is a strain of ended up really being probably the reason a song, “All the Pretty Horses” which is a Rebecca Biber perfectionism that runs through us col- he survived. He worked for the Russian very haunting song. That’s one of my early WJN: How did your parents feel about you go- lectively, and for students to learn how to Army as a conscript. My grandmother was flashbulb memories of being drawn to the ing into music? make mistakes gracefully, and accept that on the Polish side and she, along with her piano. My parents found a local teacher, no performance is going to be perfect, that’s mother and younger sister were hidden Donna Edwards. I stayed with her through Biber: They were very supportive, but there a big deal. It was for me as a student and it is by some really, truly good Catholic Polish the end of high school. She helped me pre- was brief tense period when my dad was for me as a teacher, to be empathic enough families, who made sure that they had a cel- pare for my college audition. worried about the financial implications and compassionate enough to understand lar to hide in and enough food at least to get In fifth grade everyone in our school dis- of me trying to make a living as a musi- that making a mistake is really hard. It’s re- by—at great risk to themselves. trict chose either a band or orchestra instru- cian. My dad is an architect and a sculptor, ally hard to accept. A lot of teaching is not My grandparents met after the war. My ment, so that’s when I picked up the flute. a very gifted sculptor, actually. He tried to only teaching reading and improvising and grandfather was a student and my grand- make a living as a sculptor for a number composing and listening – those are all im- mother and her mom and younger sister WJN: It’s an unusual double. of years and found it extremely hard going portant too – but just accepting the life of were living in a DP Camp. They met in Biber: Yes. What’s great about playing flute and and found architecture to be a much more a musician, where you’re striving for this Salzburg, Austria. They have wonderful piano is that there’s a certain repertoire that reliable way to make a living and support ideal, you know it’s very rare to get there, memories of that time. They met, fell in I know very well. I have students on both a family. I think he just didn’t want to see and you learn to live with that. love, courted, married, had my mom, all in instruments, and when I accompany for the me suffer any hardship ever, so he kind of I’m really happy with what I’m doing now. Salzburg, and the whole family immigrated flute repertoire I’ve already played it on the discouraged the idea of going into music, The only dissatisfaction that I had, that I to the US when my mom was about two flute side, so I understand it better. but he liked the idea that I was interested in think I’ve found a solution to, was that I had years old. teaching because he saw it as a safety zone. started to feel like I’d reached kind of an im- I feel fortunate that my grandparents have WJN: You carried the flute through college And it’s a bonus that I really enjoy teaching. passe in my own musical development. I felt been willing to talk about it, my grand- as well. I don’t see it as a fall back. I see it as the thing as though my technique was lacking and I mother especially, to get her story on the Biber: I did. It never had as big a role for me as that I’m totally meant to do. had unanswered questions. I really needed record. She’s part of a running video loop at to find a teacher of my own again. I hadn’t piano, but I took lessons and I did a year in WJN: You started by teaching in schools, but the National Holocaust Center in Washing- had a private lesson teacher since college, the UofM marching band on piccolo, and it now you teach privately. ton DC. There’s a clip of her there, thanking was an interesting experience for somebody and I happened to meet Michelle Cooker, her Polish saviors, and she was actually able who does not care a whit about football. Biber: It was a combination of things. I loved who is a local well-known pianist. Now I to go back to Poland some years ago and (Laughter) It was something to do on the teaching in public schools, actually. It was study with her and not only is she answer- visit the surviving members of the family way to becoming a music teacher. I ended great. But, there were some realities about ing the questions that I had, but she’s raised that saved her. up using those basic skills when I did teach teaching that had nothing to do with mu- new questions and she’s totally changed my It’s a big part of who I am. I don’t know in a school, and it was helpful that I had sic or the kids, that I wasn’t comfortable perspective on everything about the piano. that there’s a direct connection from that to done it, but it still wasn’t my favorite. with, like district politics, or that I could Really, it’s been an epiphany. I feel like I’m music, unless it’s just the feeling that you’ve be moved from position to position, and developing as a musician again, and that’s got to do what you’ve got to do while you’re WJN: You also play pennywhistle. building to building without my say so. refreshing. I’m better able to help my own alive, and not waste any time. n 24 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 IKosher Cuisine

Recipes remembered Mary Bilyeu, staff writer om HaShoah is not a day that you their experiences before and during the war might ordinarily associate with food. as well as their food memories.” Thus, there Luna Cohen’s Fakee (Greek Lentil Soup) Y It is not an occasion that lends itself are contributions representative of Poland; This traditional lentil soup is a perfect example of bringing good, healthful ingredients to the black humor in the infamous Jewish Germany and Austria; Belgium and France; together. What makes this soup Greek is the acidic “zing” that Luna’s daughter, Rachel, line, “They tried to kill us, we survived, let’s Hungary and Czechoslovakia; Romania, suggests you add right before serving eat!” So many decades later, and yet it is still Russia and the Ukraine; and Greece. There 1 medium onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced far too soon for the reclaiming that has come are also some recipes from Latin America, 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 bay leaves to Chanukah or Purim, for example, where where a number of families ultimately found 2 tablespoons olive oil kosher salt and pepper stories of victory are told in freedom and safety, and even 1 pound brown or green lentils, rinsed 1 6-ounce can tomato paste conjunction with specially des- a few dishes from Italy, as one 2 celery ribs, diced 6–8 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, for serving ignated dishes and treats. survivor “never felt German, Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot, cook and stir the onions and garlic And yet, despite this and preferred to cook the over medium heat until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add the seeming inappropriateness— Italian food (her) husband lentils, celery, carrots, bay leaves and 6 cups of water. Season with salt as commemorative food for enjoyed.” The breadth of and pepper. Cook, covered, on low heat for 50 minutes. Check the soup observances tends to have Jewish culinary variety and from time to time, adding boiling water as needed if the soup becomes a celebratory nature, and it adaptability is represented in too thick. After 50 minutes, stir in 1 can of tomato paste and cook for is difficult to imagine such this collection. an additional 10 minutes. Don’t overcook the soup, the lentils will become mushy and lose a notion when thinking of As important as it was to their nutty bite. Remove the bay leaves and drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar into each extermination and starvation— save and share the survivors’ soup bowl right before serving. there are, in fact, a number of recipes, it was even more Yields 6 to 8 servings. Holocaust-related books which critical to save and share their offer recipes. Elizabeth Ehrlich’s memories of the Holocaust. Miriam’s Kitchen: A Memoir was Each one tells of the last time Peri Hirsch’s Rugelach written by the daughter-in-law of a survivor, she saw her mother before her parents were Peri’s rugelach are jam-packed morsels, tender and flaky, with a subtle sweetness. Felix, Peri’s and tells of how the two women cooked imprisoned or of her father giving emigration husband, credits the family rolling pin for the perfection of these little bites of heaven. He together as history and tradition were passed papers to a pregnant relative to expedite her says, “It has worked magic for generations.” The beauty of this recipe is you can increase the from one generation to the next. Another, In being saved; of coming home one day to sweet factor or nutty texture by adjusting the filling to your taste. Memory’s Kitchen: A Legacy from the Women find his family home had been burned to the For the dough: For the filling: of Terezin, contains recipes that fellow ground or of being arrested and sent to a series 1 stick butter, room temperature ½ cup apricot preserves, room temperature prisoners shared with each other, hoping of labor camps; of being taken in by nuns and 2 tablespoons sugar ½ cup sugar + 1–2 teaspoons ground that the dishes would survive even if those getting baptized or of hiding in a barn and 1 4-ounce package cream cheese, room cinnamon temperature ½ cup raisins who painstakingly wrote them into a hand- attempting to trade a diamond ring for bread. 1 tablespoon orange juice 4 ounces chopped nuts stitched notebook did not. Each story is poignant and heartbreaking, 1 egg The most recent addition to this genre is and yet also offers hope. As one interviewee, For the topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 lightly beaten egg + 1 tablespoon water Recipes Remembered: A Celebration of Survival, Judith Ginsburg, says: “There was survivor’s 1 teaspoon baking powder sanding sugar which author June Hersh described to me via guilt, why did I survive, why me? Every email as “a project that has captured (her) survivor feels this way. I knew we had to Step One: Prepare the dough by beating the butter, sugar and cream cheese just till soft and heart and soul.” The book features not only bring in new generations to build up ....” All combined. Stir in the orange juice and egg. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Stir the flour mixture into the cream cheese mixture and combine, creating a soft slightly recipes but also interviews with more than 80 of the contributors end their statements with sticky dough. Divide the dough into 2 pieces, flatten each into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. survivors, “people who spent weeks on end in a proud recounting of how many children, Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. bunkers, fighting as partisans in the forest or grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren enduring months and years in forced labor or they now have to share their recipes, their Step Two: Take one package of dough out of the fridge and let it rest for 10 minutes. Keep the remaining dough chilled. Flour a work surface, and roll the dough out into a 12” circle. With a death camps.” Despite tremendous odds and memories, and their love with. spatula, spread half the preserves over the entire circle, and then sprinkle with half the sugar, raisins inconceivable losses, these individuals lived to From these inspiring stories, June told and nuts. Use the spatula to gently press the filling into the dough. Using a pizza wheel, cut the share their memories through dishes that they me that she “learned the true meaning of dough into fourths, then cut each fourth into fourths. You should have 16 pieces. Some might be continue to prepare and to pass along not only perspective.” The experience of putting this larger than others, no worries; it will give your cookies personality. Roll the wedges up starting at to their descendants but to you, now, as well. book together, she said, “has given me new the widest end. When rolled, you should have a nice crescent shape. “The food … represents the survivors’ ties insight into the challenges life throws at Chill the rugelach while you preheat the oven to 350°F. with their childhood and family,” June wrote someone and how to handle those challenges to me. And “we must preserve the legacy of the with grace and resilience. ‘My’ survivors Remove the rugelach from the fridge and brush lightly with the egg wash. You can sprinkle with sanding sugar for a nice shine and sweet crunch, or sprinkle additional cinnamon-sugar on top. Holocaust survivor community and preserve taught me that we don’t get to choose what life Bake for 25 minutes or until they are light brown. Repeat with the remaining dough. food memory for generations to come.” hands us, but we do choose how we handle it. I As the book’s introduction notes: “Plucked heard many times that being bitter was not an Yields 32 cookies. from their homes, our contributors were option, losing hope was not helpful and losing children of the Holocaust, thrown from faith never made things better. I am forever Judith Ginsburg’s Brisket comfort to chaos. Many survived death changed by this book and I genuinely feel that Every family has a method for preparing brisket. There’s the ubiquitous onion soup mix or splash camps, displacement or years of hiding anyone who takes this book into their home of Coca-Cola. Judith’s version has no gimmicks, just lots of fresh garlic and vegetables .... The sauce while others were sent to safety arriving or heart will experience the same profound is created afterward and the brisket can be eaten right away or sleep in the sweet and sour gravy to in unfamiliar places. We consider all these effect.” be devoured the next day. contributors survivors as they survived the What better way to commemorate Yom 1 5–6 pound brisket For the sauce: unimaginable and their lives were forever HaShoah—to never forget—than to read the kosher salt and pepper 1 14.5-ounce can condensed tomato changed. Prior to the war, they had enjoyed stories in Recipes Remembered and to prepare 2 tablespoons paprika soup 1 cup ketchup memorable meals and family gatherings .... some of the dishes that help to keep memories 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2 tablespoons Through it all, one important constant was alive? chunks brown sugar the food they remembered.” Recipes Remembered, which was 6 medium onions, cut into large 1 tablespoon white There is “such diversity of recipes” in the nominated for a James Beard Award, is chunks vinegar cookbook, June noted, “and they all represent available on Amazon.com; on QVC.com 8–10 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped the best in Jewish food.” When I asked her (June was a featured guest on the television Preheat the oven to 350°F. Rub the brisket generously with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. which dishes she is particularly fond of, she channel last month); and at the website of Place it in a covered roasting pan with the carrots, onions, garlic and 1/2 cup water. Cover and roast replied: “I regularly make the lentil soup given the Museum of Jewish Heritage at mjhnyc. until fork tender, about 4 hours, checking on the brisket every hour to see if additional water is to me by a Greek family, the rugelach from my org. The book will soon be available on June’s needed to prevent the meat from scorching. Romanian baker and the brisket from a Polish personal website, junehersh.com, as well as at When the meat is done, remove it from the roasting pan and thinly slice it against the grain. To partisan.” her public appearances. You can follow June make the sauce, stir into the pan 1/2 cup water, the can of soup, ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar. Recipes Remembered “is organized by on Facebook and on Twitter for updates about Place the brisket slices back into the sauce. You can heat the sliced beef and sauce and serve at once, region, because the country where each the book and her schedule. or let the brisket soak up the big flavors over night in the fridge. It will be worth the wait. contributor was born very much determined Yields 8 servings. Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 25 I Calendar

Presentation: JCC Seniors. Birthday celebration Weekly Musical Meditations: TBE. Led by Can- and Sukkat Shalom dinner at 6 p.m. Shira and April 2013 for all with April birthdays. Bring family and tor Annie Rose and John Goodell, St. Clare’s Sukkat Shalom for ages 5 through 10 at 6:30 friends for lunch and birthday cake at 12:30 Music Director. 3–4 p.m. p.m. Popsicle Oneg follows. Reform Israel Monday 1 p.m. Screening of documentary Food Inc., a film Hebrew 104: TBE. 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. Shabbat and Yom HaAtzmaout at 7:30 p.m. about food production in America at 1 p.m. Hebrew 101: TBE. 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Friday evening services: See listing at the end of English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. Tradition and Change: BIC. How the Conservative Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: the calendar. Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– movement’s rabbis interpret Jewish law. 8 p.m. Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. understanding it is no simple matter. Study Saturday 13 at Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jew- the text in the original, with the classical Rashi Street. For more information, contact JFS at ish legal system by following the intriguing commentary. 8 p.m. Every Tuesday. Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. 769-0209 or email [email protected]. discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a Bat Mitzvah Service: TBE. 10 a.m. Ongoing. composite of practical law, logical argumenta- Wednesday 10 Shabbat Services: BIC. Kehillat Shabbat for 3rd– Passover Services: BIC. Shaharit Services at 9:30 a.m. tion and moral teachings. Study of the original 6th Grade at 11 a.m. Mini Minyan for K–2nd Mincha Services at 7:30 p.m. Talmud tractate. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. Lunch and Laugh: BIC. Noon. Grade at 11:15 a.m. Tot Shabbat at 11:15 a.m. Trop Class: TBE. Cantor Rose leads class mem- Hebrew 103: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the bers through the trop (cantillation) for the Friday 5 “Making Sense of the 2012 Jewish Vote:” EMU calendar. weekly Torah portion, discussing the implica- Rabbi Levy’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. Informal Jewish Studies. Jim Gerstein is one of the most tions of the trop on the text. For more infor- influential pollsters in the world and a lead- Sunday 14 mation, email Cantor Rose at cantorannie@ Discussion. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch. Noon–1 p.m. ing authority on Jewish voting patterns in the templebethemeth.org. Noon–1 p.m. U.S. He has been a key figure in presidential Sixth Grade Bar/Bat Mitzvah Family Series: BIC. Women’s Torah Study with Cantor Rose: TBE. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot elections both in the U.S. and in Israel. Eastern 9:30 a.m. Shabbat for ages 5 and under at 5:30 p.m. Tot For information, contact Cantor Annie Rose Michigan University Student Center. 7:30 p.m. Yom Hazikaron Ceremony: BIC. Community- and Sukkat Shalom dinner at 6 p.m. Shira at at [email protected]. 7–8 p.m. wide event marking the loss of 25,000 soldiers 6:30 p.m. Popsicle Oneg follows. Shabbat Fam- Men’s Torah Study: TBE. Twice monthly evening and victims of terror. 7–7:30 p.m. ily Service – Yom HaShoah Service with Kol of learning. Refreshments served. For infor- Tuesday 2 Halev at 7:30 p.m. mation, contact Roger Stutesman by phone at Spring Welcome Hike: Jewish Hikers of Michi- 352-1170 or at rogerstutesman8707@comcast. gan. Co-sponsored by TBE. Hike in Lilley Friday evening services: See listing at the end of Passover Services: BIC. Shaharit Services with Yiz- net. 7:30 p.m. Park in Pittsfield Township. Meet at the main the calendar. kor at 9:30 a.m. Mincha Services at 7:30 p.m. entrance to the park, about ½ mile south of Greatest Mysteries of Life: Chabad. Ancient tales Thursday 11 Ellsworth and Platt and on the left. The hikes reveal answers to the greatest mysteries of life. Saturday 6 are designed to cultivate the love of nature, Explore the mystical dimension of the Talmud SPICE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Ma- spirituality, social interaction and physical called the Aggadah. Uncover profound wis- Torah Study with Rabbi: TBE. 8:50–9:30 a.m. ria Farquhar, $4 per session, 10 a.m. Current activities. Bring backpacks, munchies and wa- dom from some of the zaniest and most epic Learner’s Service: AARC. Monthly session led by Events with Heather Dombey. Bring news ter. No pets, please. Activity will last approxi- legends from texts not usually available to rabbinic intern Aura Ahuvia with interactive items of interest for group discussion. 11 a.m. mately 1.5–2 hours and will not be physically non-scholars. 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. discussions on Jewish historical, geographical Dairy Lunch Buffet, $3. Noon. Special events demanding. For more information, contact Eli SPICE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Ma- and political traditions. This month’s session and presentations at 1 p.m. Avny at 883-9522, Rabbi Lisa Delson at 665- ria Farquhar, $4 per session,11 a.m.; Dairy will explore Psalms. Visit aarecon.org or phone Presentation: JCC Seniors. A registered nurse 4744 or email at [email protected]. Lunch Buffet, $3, Noon. Mahjong, sewing and 445-1910 for more information. At the JCC. from Care Response will provide free blood quilting. 1 p.m. 10 a.m.–noon. pressure checks at 12:30 p.m. Followed by a Monday 15 Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): Benefit Concert: TBE Brotherhood. 7–9 p.m. presentation on Avalon Housing by Kim Wil- All ages and levels welcome including UM and Shabbat services: See listing at the end of the cox and Michael Appel 1 p.m. English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s calendar. “Serving Whom: An Exploration of How Jewish Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. Organizations Navigate Whiteness, Privilege Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays For information, call 936-2367. Sunday 7 and Service:” UM Jewish Communal Leader- at Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State Street. For more information, contact JFS at Weekly Musical Meditations: TBE. Cantor Annie ship Program. An evening of Communal Con- 769-0209 or email [email protected]. and John Goodell, St. Clare’s Music Director. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: TBE. For informa- versation with dialogue and discussion exam- Ongoing. 3–4 p.m. tion, contact Cantor Rose at cantorannie@ ining how the Jewish community’s evolving gmail.com. 7:45–8:45 p.m. Trop Class: TBE. Cantor Rose leads class mem- Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Evening book club position and status affects its relationship to bers through the trop (cantillation) for the session focusing on Messages from the Master: other minority and recent immigrant groups. weekly Torah portion, discussing the implica- Tapping into the Power of Love, by Brien Weiss. Monday 8 Panelists include Deborah Dash Moore, Di- tions of the trop on the text. For more infor- For information, contact Cantor Annie Rose at rector of the Frankel Center for Judaic Stud- mation, email Cantor Rose at cantorannie@ [email protected]. 7:30–8:30 p.m. English as a Second Language Daily Classes: JFS. ies; Jennifer Glaser, Frankel Institute Fellow; Ongoing class from 9 a.m.–noon on Mondays– Marilyn Sneiderman, Executive Director, Avo- templebethemeth.org. Noon–1 p.m. Tea and Torah on Tuesday—for Women: Fridays and 1–3 p.m. on Mondays–Thursdays dah: The Jewish Service Corps; Perry Ohren, Keshet Ann Arbor Hebrew: BIC. 6 p.m. Chabad. Reading the Torah may be easy, but at Jewish Family Services, 2245 South State CEO, Jewish Family Services of Metropolitan understanding it is no simple matter. Study Women’s Torah Study with Cantor Rose: TBE. Street. For more information, contact JFS at Detroit; Allan Gale, Associate Director, JCRC the text in the original, with the classical Rashi For information, contact Cantor Annie Rose 769-0209 or email [email protected]. of Metropolitan Detroit; and Mira Sussman, commentary. 8 p.m. Every Tuesday. at [email protected]. 7–8 p.m. Ongoing. Resettlement Services Coordinator, Jewish “The Skin You Live In:” Jewish Women’s Circle. Family Services of Washtenaw County. UM Trop Class: TBE. Cantor Rose leads class mem- Talk presented by Dr. Dana Sachs of the Uni- Wednesday 3 Rackham Building East Conference Room, bers through the trop (cantillation) for the versity of Michigan Department of Derma- 915 East Washington Street. For information, weekly Torah portion, discussing the implica- tology. $10 donation. To RSVP and to receive Hebrew 103: TBE. 6:30–7:30 p.m. contact Karla Goldman at 763-6583 or email tions of the trop on the text. For more infor- location information, email goblue1800@ “Teaching the Holocaust Through Art:” EMU Jew- [email protected]. 5:30–8:30 p.m. mation, email Cantor Rose at cantorannie@ gmail.com. 7:15–9 p.m. ish Studies. At the age of eight, Dr. Miriam Brysk templebethemeth.org. Noon–1 p.m. “Jewish Women and Philanthropy:” EMU Jew- lived with the partisans in the forests of Belarus. Keshet Ann Arbor Hebrew: BIC. 6 p.m. ish Studies. Presented by Dr. Andrea Kaston Her father was a surgeon for the resistance. Her Tange, director of the online research reposi- Tuesday 16 art serves as a witness both to the catastrophe of tory Nineteenth Century Jewish Life. At the Greatest Mysteries of Life: Chabad. Ancient tales the Holocaust and to the courageous men and Tuesday 9 JCC. 7 p.m. women who opposed tyranny. Eastern Michigan reveal answers to the greatest mysteries of life. Tradition and Change: BIC. How the Conservative University Student Center. 7 p.m. Greatest Mysteries of Life: Chabad. Ancient tales Explore the mystical dimension of the Talmud reveal answers to the greatest mysteries of life. movement’s rabbis interpret Jewish law. 8 p.m. called the Aggadah. Uncover profound wis- Explore the mystical dimension of the Talmud Talmud Study Group–Jewish Civil Law: Chabad. dom from some of the zaniest and most epic Thursday 4 called the Aggadah. Uncover profound wis- Sharpen your wits and knowledge of the Jew- legends from texts not usually available to dom from some of the zaniest and most epic ish legal system by following the intriguing SPICE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Ma- non-scholars. 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. legends from texts not usually available to discussions in the Talmud. The Talmud is a ria Farquhar, $4 per session, 10 a.m. Current Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): non-scholars. 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. composite of practical law, logical argumenta- Events with Heather Dombey. Bring news All ages and levels welcome including UM and tion and moral teachings. Study of the original items of interest for group discussion. 11 a.m. SPICE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Ma- non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s Talmud tractate. 8 p.m. Every Thursday. Dairy Lunch Buffet, $3. Noon. Special events ria Farquhar, $4 per session, 11 a.m.; Dairy Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. and presentations at 1 p.m. Lunch Buffet, $3, Noon. Mahjong, sewing and For information, call 936-2367. quilting. 1 p.m. Spirituality Book Club: TBE. Lunchtime book Friday 12 SPICE: JCC Seniors. Energy Exercise with Ma- club session focusing on Messages from the Yiddish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group): ria Farquhar, $4 per session, 11 a.m.; Dairy Rabbi Levy’s Lunch and Learn: TBE. Informal Master: Tapping into the Power of Love, by All ages and levels welcome including UM and Lunch Buffet, $3, Noon. Mahjong, sewing and Discussion. Bring lunch. Noon–1 p.m. Brien Weiss. For information, contact Can- non-UM participants. 1:30 p.m. at Beanster’s quilting. 1 p.m. tor Annie Rose at [email protected]. Café, ground floor of UM Michigan League. Shabbat Services for Young Families: TBE. Tot Noon–1 p.m. For information, call 936-2367. Shabbat for ages 5 and under at 5:30 p.m. Tot 26 Washtenaw Jewish News A April 2013 SEASON FINALE

Symphony No. 6 Arie Lipsky, Conductor April 27 8:00 p.m. Michigan Theater Your seat is waiting... (734) 994-4801 www.a2so.com