Shabbat Shalom
September 2, 2016  
Enemies and Friends
Though many Middle Eastern countries are in complete disarray like Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen to name a few, there seems to be some Peace in the air among Sunni dominated Arab countries and our beloved homeland of Israel.  Last month a top notch Saudi delegate met with senior Israeli leaders in Jerusalem.  The old saying "my enemy's enemy is my friend" usually doesn't hold water in this part of the world, but recently, this phrase has strengthened the anti-Iranian enemies to join forces.  Stronger ties with some Arab nations will hopefully help lead the way for peace among Israel's direct neighbors, the Palestinian.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/28/opinion/sunday/can-israel-and-the-arab-states-be-friends.html 

Enemies and Friends (part 2)
Many liken it to  the Chamberlain/Hitler pow wow, but I wouldn't go that far, though calling it a Huge Mistake is quite accurate. What was he thinking? Whatever his motivation, it seemed to backfire as the meeting between Mexico's President Nieto and Donald Trump left Mexicans perplexed and frustrated while Trump supporters didn't get their Pesos to build the wall.  

Once Enemies, Now Friends
Jetblue landed its first (of many) flights in Cuba this week to a fanfare of music, treats and a water cannon salute. They are the first airline (in 50 years) to make regular direct flight from the US to our new friends in Cuba.   It's truly a beautiful island worth a visit and now made easier for all of us. 

A New Home
Also landing this week (but in the US) is the 10,000th Syrian refugee to relocate to a safer and hopefully friendlier home. Last Fall, POTUS declared our US resettlement program and we reached our goal a month earlier than expected.  You can see by this map that Metro Detroit has received a large percentage of the refugees.  For more details, you can check out this NYT article:  http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/08/30/us/syrian-refugees-in-the-united-states.html?_r=0

Syrian Refugees in the US

Left and Right Lane
A pet-peeve of Hannan and mine is slow drivers in the left lane.  We love road trips and just traveled 16 hours last weekend to DC and back.  You would be surprised at how many people don't know that the Left Lane is for passing and the Right Lane is for slower drivers.  If you didn't know this, please take note as it is a law in many states and cops do pull over delinquent drivers.  It is by far safer when everyone follows this law as this creative video proves:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oqfodY2Lz0 


French Burkini
French Mayors have instituted a ban on Burkinis which in my opinion has stepped over the line.  These modest bathing suits are meant to free women by allowing them access to sports and the beach while keeping within their beliefs system.  France's highest court suspended the ban but many still feel it should exist. On the beaches of Israel all forms of bathing suits are seen side by side.  Aside from indecent exposure or total facial coverage, people should be allowed to wear whatever they choose. 
Remember when this was a concern?

Sugar Affect
Give your kid that cookie and rest assured that it won't cause him to bounce off the walls.  There is no evidence sugar makes your kid hyperactive.  Yes, if you are hypoglycemic (have low blood sugar), that cookie will give you an energy boost, but it won't do the same to someone with normal blood sugar levels. Studies have proven that when parents think their children are sensitive to sugar, they declare them hyperactive even when the children were only given sugar substitute. To read more about this issue, check out this article: http://www.livescience.com/55754-does-sugar-make-kids-hyper.html 

Yes, I Can
Many of us have difficult times throughout life but can you imagine how hard it could be with a disability. This video of SuperHumans is inspiring and it can help you believe that anything is possible.  On the eve of the RIO Paralympics, check out the Yes I Can attitude from these heroes who have a plethora of talent in music, athletics and more. 

Can Men Be Funny?
Is it possible for men to be comedians?  These women don't think so.  Hope you enjoy this clever spin on society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8gng1K7E_4 

Weekend Fun
For those living in the States, I hope you enjoy your Labor Day Weekend.  For those living in Metro Detroit, pace yourselves.  Here are 8 events not to miss this weekend (and beyond):
1.  The 19th Annual  Arts Beats and Eats
2.  The 37th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival
3.  The 37th Annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
4.  The Michigan State Fair established in 1849 had a hiatus in 2010 & 2011 and then moved from Detroit to Novi.
5.  The Michigan Renaissance Festival, est. 1979 and takes you back to the 16th century 
6.  The Franklin Roundup, Parade (noon), Art in the Village and Cider Mill
7.  Michigan Peach Festival
8.  Cosmic Slop Music Festival, Est 2011,  is a multi-cultural rock festival in Detroit: 

Top 10
For my musical selection this week, see if you agree with this Rolling Stone Magazine reader poll of Paul Simon's 10 best solo songs.  I agreed with most of it but I didn't even know #8.  You can click and hear each song.  Hope you enjoy:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/readers-poll-10-best-solo-paul-simon-songs-w435836 


Rest in Peace, Jerome Silberman aka Gene Wilder z"l (age 83) as you dedicated your life to entertaining us with your wit, charm and humor. Alzheimer's is a dastardly disease that afflicts too many minds, souls and families. May science and research help unlock the secrets to curing this disease in our near future.

Condolences to cousins, Josh and Tisha Berg and their family on the passing of Tisha's mother Gloria Buchanan.  A mother of 6 and grandmother to 14, she will be missed by many.  May her spirit and memories bring comfort to those who loved her.

Condolences to Judi and Brad Schram and their family on the passing of Brad's mother, Shirley Schram z"l.  May those who loved her be comforted by the many years of memories and by her beautiful spirit. 

Mazel Tov to Beth & Steve Margolin and Debbie & Mark Landau on this weekend's wedding of Judy and Andrew.  May the newlyweds be blessed with Health, Happiness, Peace and Prosperity. 

Wishing you and your family a 
Sweet and Peaceful  
Shabbat Shalom 
Lisa
Each week's message is now posted and backlogged here:
lisashabbatshalom.com
 
Sept. 2nd
Michal Lis 
Iair Raviv
Brenda Herman
Brenda Abrams Josephs 

Sept. 3rd
Ariella Lis Raviv  (Happy 30th to our firstborn)
Diane Klein
Alicia Stillman
Thane Richard
Ilana Wolfson
 
Sept. 4th
David Broza 
Larry August
 
Sept. 5th
Lorelei Berg
Or Targownick
Shelley Wish Chaness
 
Sept. 6th
Barbara Revich
Chase Kukes
Brian Guz
Lisa Pernick
Congressman Sandy Levin
David Sherbin
 
Sept. 7th
Michael Rubyan
Sandy Kestenberg Shecter
Shirley Benyas
 
Sept. 8th
Brian Abraham
 
I am prone to mistakes so if I missed your birthday or got the wrong date, please let me know.
 


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

I found this video message from Mikhail Baryshnikov meaningful and serious.  He explains his concerns with Trump as it reminds him of why he left Russia 42 years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25FO5-R0erU 

First Presidential debate
Monday September 26th 
Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY.

Vice Presidential debate 
Tuesday October 4th 
 Longwood University in Farmville, VA.

Second Presidential debate 
Sunday October 9th 
Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Third Presidential debate
Wednesday October 19th 
University of Nevada in Las Vegas, NV.

Presidential General Election
Tuesday 
November 8, 2016

Important Voting Information
Please make sure the new voters in your life are registered to vote. Our Michigan deadline to register is Oct. 11th.
For info on how to register in every state, please check out this website: 
http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/14/politics/how-to-register-to-vote-in-every-us-state-and-territory/ 

Also, you can vote absentee by requesting your ballot now and returning it (in most States) in person or postmarked by Nov. 7th.  Or you can vote early in many States.  For example, in Michigan you can vote early at your local Clerk's office from Sat. Sept. 24th - Nov. 7th. Here are early/absentee dates and deadlines for each State: 


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 16   (Friday)
Cabaret 313
Opening night of their 4th Season
Players' Club Playhouse
7pm and 9:30pm
Featuring: Danny Gurwin and Erin Dilly
"To Broadway and Back Home"
For tickets: 313.405.5061

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 26   (Monday)
Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic
2016 Esteemed Women of Michigan
A few of the 19 "Esteemed Women" include:
Treger Strasberg
Dr. Mona Hannah-Attisha
Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny
Alicia Stillman
Yours Truly
Centerpoint Marriott, Pontiac
6:00pm
For more info:
Julie Yaker
julie@eyecatcherconsulting.com
248.952.8280


September 27th (Tuesday)
Detroit Zoological Society
Hidden Gems of the Detroit Zoo
at the home of Doreen Hermelin
6:00 Light Supper
6:30 Program
For more info: Gena Meadows
gmeadows@dzs.org
248-336-5703

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
Guest speaker: Actress Lainie Kazan
The Henry Hotel, Dearborn
11:00-2:00pm
For more info:
Sheryl Fellows
sfellows@wwgroup.com 

October 10th (Monday)
MI Women Win 
Our home
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Hope you can support this effort to help bring more women legislators to Lansing.
http://www.miwomenwin.com/no-ceilings 

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

October 14th (Friday)
Detroit PBS
Detroit Performs Live
The Fillmore Detroit
6:30pm
For more info:
Michelle Gaisser
248-305-3739

October 27  (Thursday)
Jewish Historical Society
Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Baseball History with Mike "Stoney" Stone
Detroit Historical Museum
6:30-8:30pm
Tickets $40
For more info: 248-432-5517

October 30th (Sunday)
Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus
32nd Anniversary Dinner
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
5:30pm
Honoring: Rozie and Bernie Friedman
Guest Speaker: Dr. Deborah Lipstadt
For more info:
Ruth Stern
248-536-9601