Be a superhero and vote in our 
Michigan Aug. 2nd primary this Tuesday.
Shabbat Shalom!
July 29, 2016  
"Wonders of Wonders, Miracles of Miracles" 
Fiddler on the Roof
I refuse to begin this week's message with the new normal of negativity plaqueing our world (and this week is not exception).  Each of my last Shabbat messages began with Terrorism, Death and Hatred, but this week I will start with Wonderment, as in the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman. We should be proud and not surprised that the newest Wonder Woman is Israeli, Gal Gadot.  But where did she begin...Wonder Woman first appeared on the pages of DC Comics in December of 1941 as Diana Prince with the secret identity of Princess Diana of Themyscira with Greek Mythology Heritage.  She is an international heroine with a passion for equality, justice, love and peace.  
Lynda Carter brought her to TV life in the 70s and Gal Gadot's portrayal was so successful in last year's Batman vs. Superman movie that she will now have her own starring role in a dedicated Wonder Woman film out next year. And of course, WW was heroized at last week's famous Comic-Con gathering.  Bravo to all the Wonder Women in our world.

"Philadelphia Freedom"
Elton John
Some might dispute this but how could I NOT smoothly segue from Wonder Woman to Hillary Clinton, potentially our first female  president, come Nov. 8th (only after hard work for the next 100 days to help get her elected).  Quotes and speakers from the Dems Convention in Philly were inspirational including Michelle Obama: "When they go low, we go high",  Bernie Sanders: "the revolution will continue" (only with a future Madame President), Michael Bloomberg: "This is not a Reality Show, it is Reality" and Bill Clinton: "Those of us who have more Yesterdays than Tomorrows tend to think more about our children and grandchildren."  We truly need a (sane, competent) leader whose actions will benefit the masses of our current and future generations and not the  billfolds of our current 1%. And what will Hillary bring to the White House...Brains, Experience, Skill, Intuition, Compassion and Grit.  Whether you like her or not, she is our only rational choice.  Of course, Israel is always one of my top concerns a nd even with Israel-bias opinions like James Zogby and Cornel West on the Dems Platform writing committee, the final product was fair and balanced toward protecting Israel's sovereignty and security. Many think Trump would be dangerous for Israel.  Plus the Dems Platform is chocked full of ideals dedicated to Women and LGBT Rights, Health Care, our Environment, Gun Violence, Prison and Drug Reform, Immigration, Voting Rights and ultimately the repeal of the disastrous Citizens United calamity.  The only Uniting our Citizens should be doing is to join forces to prevent Donald Trump and his selfish, bullying, fear mongering personna from ever coming close to our nation's capital.  Bravo to friends who travelled to Philly (I had major FOMO all week) Zina, Doreen, Diane, Jocelyn (with baby Aiden in tow), 2 Texas Marcs...who all got to witness History and Herstory.  And Bravo to Marc Stanley for giving Bill Clinton this Hebrew Hillary pin which he wore at the convention.

Let's help pass the torch

"Back in the USSR"
John, Paul, George, Ringo
Russia has never been one of our BFFs and many of their behaviors go completely against our grain. Like invading the Ukraine or Olympic steroid cheating causing many Russian athletes to be banned from Rio.  Or how about the "lovely" DNC email release.  Now granted, the DNC leadership was wrong and shameful for their actions and stupid for putting them in writing. (Tip of the day, do not put anything in any written form that you wouldn't want printed in public.) and it was appropriate for DWS to resign. But do we really want a adversarial country mendling in our political system. Trump does... as he encouraged this week that the Russians hack Hillary's emails. Russia, of course, would love a Trump presidency and we know Trump's admiration for Putin. But if Trump's hacking directive to Russia doesn't say enough about his foreign policy intent, nothing will open the eyes to Trump supporters. 

"You've Got a Friend in Me"
Randy Newman
The friends you keep reflect greatly on the person you are. Another admirer of Trump is, described on wikipedia as: "American white nationalist, anti semitic, conspiracy theorist, Holocaust denier, politician, and former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan". Of course this is the famous David Duke who was so inspired by Trump that he is now running for Louisiana Senator. http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/36986-riding-trump-s-wave-former-kkk-grand-wizard-david-duke-runs-for-senate

"Time in a Bottle"
Jim Croce
There are 101 days till we make the fateful decision on whether our country will continue on a sane path or dangerously veer off the cliff. Though it may seem like a joke at times, this is the most serious election in our history.  For some, a con artist is pulling the wool over the eyes of decent  Americans and for others, they truly believe we need to return to a racist pure White society dedicated to the rich and powerful. Its "Malarky " to think this self-centered volatile ruthless businessman would strive to improve our country or our world.  His initiative would be self serving and he  would certainly elect backward thinking Supreme  Court Justices affecting many future generations. We all need to do whatever we can to spread the word of wisdom that Trump would be dangerous for our society.  There are so many reputable people who have spoken out against Trump but here is one who isn't a Democrat and someone who knows Trump very well.  Take some advice from Michael Bloomberg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n3vuf-rbd8


"Don't Stop Thinking about Tomorrow"
Fleetwood Mac
For my last political topic, I just want to commend  Detroit  U.S.  District Court Judge Gershwin Drain on his decision to block a discriminatory ban on Michigan's bill that would eliminate Straight Party Voting (SPV).  SPV is favored by many voters and Clerks (at the polls) since it allows those who wish to vote with one "bubble" that would pick all those running in that party.  It saves time (when there are numerous choices on the ballot) and shortens the lines.  If people chose to vote by party, it is their right, however our Michigan Legislators instituted a ban (signed by Snyder) to prevent this right so it would take longer to vote which would in turn make the lines longer and overwhelmingly affect (low income) voters on a limited time frame.  BS to our State's Attorney General Bill Schuette and SOS Ruth Johnson for their plan to appeal this ruling. 

"All the Madmen"
David Bowie
As mentioned at the beginning, this past week had its fair share of death and terror.  A crazed teenage gunman, obsessed with mass murders and who shared a birthday with Hitler, killed 9 people, wounded 36 and then turned the gun on himself.  Also in Germany this week, a Syrian suicide bomber blew himself up outside a Bavarian bar where he wounded 15 people.  Then in France, 2 other ISIS murderers slit the throat of an 86 year old priest in his church.  Everyday, murder in the name of Jihad is happening all over the world. The NYTimes recently documented and honored the victims of a 2 week span of terror when nearly 250 people will killed in 6 countries. Google "The Human Toll of Terror" if you'd like to read this sad but interesting article. 

"It's Oh So Quiet"
Bjork
Syria and Iceland are both Number 1, but on opposite sides of the spectrum.  Forbes magazine did a study of the Most and Least Peaceful Countries in 2016.  We've been to Iceland and highly recommend a visit as not only is it beautiful but also now holds the Most Peaceful Country title.

"We gotta Get Out of This Place"
The Animals
It's oh so quiet now at Fox News with the departure of Roger Ailes, a one man show who, for the last two decades manipulate the news and distorted the facts which provided a skewed view of reality.  He opened the door to the emergence of the hidden radical views of the few and made them mainstream.  We'll only see where the Murdocks take the station in the future, but it is likely to be more of the same. Mr. Ailes can't talk about the harassment suits against them, but he may have a new job with his buddy Mr. Trump who expressed an interest in hiring him for the campaign trail. 

"Wings of Forgiveness" 
India Arie
*Nice Song
Also changing scenery is John Hinckley, Jr., who after spending 35 years in a Psychiatric Hospital following his acquittal of Not Guilty by reason of insanity, for attempting to kill President Reagan to impress actress Jodie Foster, he will be released to live with his 90 year old mother.  His residence will be restricted to a 50 mile radius and his whereabouts will be constantly monitored. He also wounded James Brady and when Mr. Brady died years later, the coroner ruled it a homicide though no new charges were filed against Hinckley. 

To end this political week in a Freedom mood, I hope you enjoy Pink singing a song about Bobby... " Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose".  Great rendition...Hope your enjoy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwmUMvhy-lY

Wishing you and your family a 
Sweet and Peaceful  
Shabbat Shalom 
Lisa
Each week's message is now posted and backlogged here:
lisashabbatshalom.com

In Loving Memory...

Condolences to dear friend, Tzachi Shani and his family, on the passing of his grandfather Aharon Shani z"l (age 94).  At the age of 9, his parents moved him to Israel (then called Palestine).  He lived there his whole life while helping to build the young nation as he fought in the War of Independence and raised, with his wife, a beautiful family of 3 kids, 8 grandkids and 5 great grandkids, though sadly he lost one son to a terrorist bombing in Haifa. May his spirit live on in his extended family as his loved ones gain comfort from their many years of memories. 

Condolences to the family and friends of (original Detroiter) James M. Nederlander z"l (age 94), a senior family member of the theater empire.  He dedicated his life to Broadway and beyond and had a respected reputation among his peers. May his memory and spirit bring comfort to those who mourn his passing as he was truly a blessing unto his family and friends.
A Huge Mazel Tov to Florida family on the arrival of Emma Ross, 3rd daughter to Ishai and Elinor Ross and baby sister to Michelle and Danielle Ross. Hugs to grandparents Lee and Lisa Ross and Great Bubbie, Florine

 Happy Birthday!

July 29th
Steven Tapper
 
July 30th
Jim Labes
Elana Folbe
Aaron Folbe

July 31st
Shaindle Braunstein-Cohen
Amy Mindell
Paul Hack 
Sharon Jonas
 
Aug. 1st
Miriam Liebman
Carol Segal Ziecik 
Ambassador Dan Shapiro
Neil Satovsky
 
Aug. 2nd
Adi Kaye
 David Techner
 
Aug. 3rd
Orna Wolens
Steve Tarnowsky
Tony Levin
Dany Saar
Shoshana Baruch
Jordan Zaslow
   
Aug. 4th
Savannah Berg
Linda Katzman Spigelman
Jennifer Morse Mattler
Jandy Spiegelman
Lesley Kutinsky
Stephen Muss
President Barack Obama

Yes, I write every word of these messages...mistakes and all. 
 Please ignore the typing errors but if I missed your birthday or 
got the wrong date,  
please let me know.

Michigan State Primary Election is this week
Tuesday Aug. 2, 2016
It is vitally important to be educated about our upcoming election.  Please view your sample ballot before the election and encourage others to do the same.

Sample Ballots
Our sample ballots are available to review online to help prepare you for voting. You can view the sample at 
The site will ask your county, city and precinct, then your ballot will appear.  Remember, you will need to chose to vote either the Republican or the Democrat side of ballot, but this is a private choice while in the voting booth.  Also, everyone living in the tri-county area (Wayne, Macomb and Oakland) will vote on the Zoo Millage Renewal and I strongly request your YES vote on this important revenue source for our regional Zoo. In fact, if you want to learn more about the hidden gems of the Zoo, please save the date of Sept. 27th as we plan to host a Get to Know the Zoo event.

If you live in Bloomfield Township, please vote for  Brian Kepes for Bloomfield Township Treasurer.  


Hillary Rodham Clinton and Tim Kaine
VS
Donald J. Trump and Mike Pence

Presidential General Election is 101 days away.
Tuesday 
November 8, 2016

August 17th  (Wednesday)
Ort Rub-A-Dub
Franklin Hills Country Club
5:30pm

August 19th (Friday)
Forgotten Harvest
Crusin' to Drive Out Hunger
(Woodward Dream Cruise preview party)
Westborn Market at 27659 Woodward Ave.
6:00-10:00pm
Tickets $150
Contact Marc Berke for more info
mberke@forgottenharvest.org

August 21st (Sunday)
Jewish Historical Society of Michigan
J-Cycle 6
Starting at New Center Park
8:30am
For more info, please contact Wendy Rose Bice
wrbice@michjewishhistory.org

August 28th (Sunday)
Hazon Detroit
(First Ever) Michigan Jewish Food Festival
Eastern Market, Shed 5, Detroit
11:00am-4:00pm

September 8th (Thursday)
National Council of Jewish Women
Women of Vision 
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Guest Speaker: Jenna Bush Hager
Honoring: Alicia Stillman and Ellie Slovis

September  11th  (Sunday)
eRace Mental Illness and the Silence
5K Family Run/Walk
11:00am
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
For more info, please contact Wren Hack
wren@shaareyzedek.org or 248-535-7110

September 8th (Thursday)
Jewish Historical Society of Michigan
Exhibit Opening and Fundraiser
Detroit Historical Museum
6:00pm
For more info, please contact Wendy Rose Bice
wrbice@michjewishhistory.org

September 13th (Tuesday)
Hadassah's Opening Meeting
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Boutiques and Luncheon
10:00am 
Guest Speaker: Nancy Spielberg 
(Director, Producer, Screenwriter and Steven's sister)
For more info, please contact Carol Ogusky 
cogusky1@gmail.com or 248-683-5030

September 20th (Tuesday)
Jewish Women's Foundation
Women Lighting the Way
Detroit Athletic Club
11:30am
Keynote Speaker: (gay rights)  Attorney Dana Nessel

September 22nd (Thursday)
Friends of the IDF Women's Luncheon
Tam-O-Shanter Country Club
11:45am
For more info, please contact Paul Lebowitz
September 26th (Monday)
Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic
2016 Esteemed Women of Michigan 
Centerpoint Marriott, Pontiac
6:00pm

September 27th (Tuesday)
Detroit Zoological Society
Hidden Gems of the Detroit Zoo
More details to come

September 28th (Wednesday)
Yad Ezra Annual Dinner
Honoring (the wonderful) Rachel and Jason Zimmerman
Adat Shalom Synagogue
6:00pm Strolling Supper
7:10-8:00 Program
For more info:  info@yadezra.org

October 1st (Saturday)
Humble Design
Gigs for Digs
The Fillmore, Detroit
Concert by: JR JR (Indie-pop band from Detroit)

October 7th (Friday)
Florine Mark's 17th Annual
Remarkable Women Charity event
The Henry Hotel, Dearborn
11:00-2:00pm
More details to come

October 10th (Monday)
MI Women Win 
Our home
5:30pm
More details to come

October 13th (Thursday)
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Innovation in Conservation Awards Gala
Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit
Honoring: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha 
Lifetime Achievement: Honorable Dr. Joe Schwarz

I'm happy to post events important to you, however I'm unable to include a website as too many websites increase the chance that these emails will not reach your inboxes.  If you want more info about an event, please google the agency sponsoring it.