Shabbat Shalom
Shana Tova
September 30, 2016  
Sweetness
Last week's travel to DC was highlighted by a college visit with our son Aviv, the magnificent Cat Stevens concert * at the iconic Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, meeting Stevie Wonder in our hotel (though I regret not having the courage to ask for a Shabbat Shalom greeting), the POTUS motorcade speeding past us, visiting the National Mall and Museums and great food wherever we ate. How can this week be topped... how about a visit from our other son, Mataan who arrives home today for a 2 week leave from the Israeli Army and a visit from our musical daughter, Liat, coming from Eugene, OR.  Plus Rosh Hashana 6777 is upon us; our Jewish New Year when we become reflective of the year past, repentful for our human mistakes and hopeful for a bright future.  May this holiday bring joy to you and your family.  May the Shofar sounds help you remember what is important in life. May the Days of Awe (between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur) keep you grounded in righteousness.  And may this coming new year bring Peace to our world. 

A Patriarch, Pioneer and Peacemaker
Sadness
The world lost a peacemaker, hero, patriarch and mentch with the passing of Shimon Peres z"l (age 93) this week. Szymon Perski (his birth name) was born in Poland and emigrated with his family to Tel Aviv in the early 1930s. Betty Perksy (Lauren Bacall) was his first cousin.  He served Israel with distinction for 66 years in various capacities yet Peace was his passion for our homeland. When he spoke to the Turkish Parliament 2007, he became the first Israeli leader to address a Muslim Legislature.  In 1996 he established the Peres Center for Peace to encourage peacemaking opportunities for our tiny nation and her neighbors.  We have lost the last of Israel's Founding Fathers and Grand Pioneers.  Though we are saddened by his passing, his life was truly a blessing unto his beloved community.  In tribute to this great man, here is a wonderful, humorous video he made when "attempting" to find a new career.  It's filled with creative nuances from his long life helping to build our Jewish Homeland and the end has a heartwarming message about the hopeful peace he always thrived for. 

(I love this photo)
Ben Gurion and Peres
  

Deceptiveness - "That makes me smart"
In 38 days, maybe Peace will return as this unprecedented   contentious election will be over and these weekly emails (and our inboxes) will be void of campaign crap.  But until then...the debate continues.  Those who watched Monday's debate were bombarded by a deluge of Trump Lies.  Pretty much everything that came out of his mouth was fabricated and  Fact Checked.
He lied about the loan from his father...it was not small.
He lied about his bankruptcies.
He lied about his inflated income and tax returns.
He lied about his ICE endorsement. 
He lied about crime statistics.
He lied (big time) about his Birther stance.
He lied about the murder rate in NYC.
He lied about jobs in MI and OH.
He lied about Palm Beach's wealth.
He lied about Janet Yellen's political motives.
He lied about his support for the Iraq war.
He lied about Climate Change, he did call it a hoax by China.
He lied about ISIS
He lied about Pregnancy, he did call it an inconvenience. 
He lied about Women, he has called them Pigs, Dogs, Slobs.
He lied about his Temperament being his strongest asset.
How can he be trusted when his life is a complete LIE.


Worthiness 
After 100 years, the  Cinci Enquirer has endorsed its first Democrat.  NYTimes  also endorses Hillary, as well as the conservative  Bret Stephens .  Check out this point-by-point interview http://www.wsj.com/articles/nevertrump-for-dummies-1473722261  .   Also, why is it that back in 2012, 70% of the Jewish campaign contributions landed in Obama's coffer, but now 95% of Jewish dollars are going to Hillary? Could it be that Trump treads heavily alongside Anti-S emites , Racists, White  Supremacists, Bigots  and the likes. Not to mention his lies (see above), he is also surrounded by scandals including his bogus Trump U, funding his legal fees and art purchases through his Trump "Charitable" Foundation and jilting construction trade workers throughout his building career. In addition, the Afghan Taliban watched Monday's debate (from a secret location) and characterized Trump as "a non-serious candidate who says anything that comes to his tongue".  Is it possible to open the eyes of our kin who plan to vote for Trump? Or for those who hate Hillary and plan a "protest" vote for Johnson or Stein. That would be risking our county's future. In this extraordinarily election, we must pick either Trump or Clinton or your vote is wasted. How can we convince them a Trump, Johnson or Stein vote is a HUGE mistake?   Try sharing the above Bret Stephens interview with them.  Also, Grandparents are jumping into the anti-Trump game. They've reversed Sarah Silverman's tactic. Remember when Sarah sent a message to the Florida Bubbies and Zadies to vote for Obama, well, now those same grandparents have an important and humorous message for their grandkids and everyone else. 


Attentiveness 
Violence seems to be the weekly theme for our Nation lately. Police caused the deaths of 2 African Americans in Tulsa and Charlotte which ensued rioting. A Seattle mall shooting left 5 dead. Another one in Houston wounded 9 people by a perpetrator with Nazi admirations. This is a sad epidemic that needs attention. Whether its Sensible Gun Control or Better Police Training, we need to be better attentive to this serious issue.


Responsiveness
Still the most shocking violent act against our country remains the 9/11 Attacks, where most of the perpetrators were from Saudi Arabia. A Bill was passed in Congress to allow 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi government however Obama vetoed it in an attempt to prevent precedent setting for other global citizenry to sue US.  For the first time of his 7.5 years, POTUS's veto was overridden by a unanimous vote in Congress (btw, Hillary is in favor of the Bill). Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act  will become law and will then lead to lawsuits against the Saudi government. A whole new chess maneuver will ensue as the Saudis have plans for retribution against the suits.

Effectiveness
Though our legislators did find common ground on the Saudi Bill, they had trouble agreeing on how to budget for the coming year with an Oct. 1st deadline looming. One sticking point was funding for our own lead-poisoned Michigan city of Flint. The current budget has no help for the disaster, but a government shutdown was diverted with an agreed plan to deal with Flint in the upcoming lame duck session. A short term (till Dec. 9) budget agreement was ratified.   Veterans Affairs was satisfied as they will receive a 4% increase in funds to help deal with the much needed Veteran issues like military housing, medical care and the electronic health record system. And thankfully there will be $1.1 Billion for Zika research and thankfully, without Planned Parenthood restrictions.  But as Dec. 9th nears, they will need to go back to the drawing board to finalize the 2017 budget. 

Callousness
Like the VA, we have many other issues in this country which need attention. Homelessness is an epidemic here and around the world. But, I'm sure, all who read these messages have never experienced the discrimination homeless people feel. This experiment illustrates our callousness ever toward children. It is a sad reflection on humanity. 

Ugliness
We should take a lesson from France on their humanity laws includes their bans on food waste and plastic usage. We all know the lifespan and detrimental environmental effects of plastic bags, plates, cups and silverware.  Well, France is the first nation to prevent plastic products in their country by 2020. This comes after their new rules preventing grocery stores from disposing of edible food. 

Tastes the same no matter how they look

Fondness
Farewell Charles Osgood and welcome Jane Pauley to my favorite show on TV, CBS Sunday Morning.  Jane will be the 3rd host after the two Charles, the late Kuralt and the retired Osgood. May the show live on for many more decades to come  https://goo.gl/OYPaUx

Shana Tova v'Mituka
Sweet New Year

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

Condolences to family, friends and fans of Arnold Palmer, age 87.  The King of golf was famous for more than just sports; he was an avid pilot, he was entrepreneur, he popularized a refreshing drink but most importantly a humble nice guy. May he rest in peace.

Condolences to dear friends, Barbara and Irvin Kappy and their family on the passing of Irvin's mother, Viola Kappy z"l (age 86).  She was also the mother and mother-in-law to Ira and Ilse Kappy and the loving grandmother to Brandon and Michelle. May Viola's life bring comforting memories to those who loved her and mourn her death.  May she be a blessing unto her family and community. 

Condolences to the Kurzmann and Bodnick families on the passing of  Marjorie Davidson Kurzmann z"l (age 90).  May her spirit and love bring comfort to those in mourning as she was a blessing unto her family and friends.

Sadly, a young (old) friend, Jeff Spilman z"l passed away this week at the age of 57 with a wealth of film and TV production experience to his name. May his memory and spirit bring comfort to those who loved him as he was a blessing unto his community. 

Condolences to the family and friends of the Hoboken, NJ train accident this week which took the life of 1 victim (though this may increase) and injured 100 others. During the Thursday morning rush hour, the train just barreled into the station without slowing down.  The investigation is ongoing as to the cause and reason for this tragedy. 
This is what it sounded like, though I can't take credit for this video. It was recorded at his NYC concert by someone sitting much closer than us.  Also, I tried not to interfere with other's enjoyment of the show with a cell phone recording in viewing site.  Just enjoy the moment and keep the memories in your brain cells.
 Happy Birthday

Sept. 30th
Sophie Curhan
Debbie Portney
Shelley Golden

Oct. 1st
Karen Kahn
Mike Hirsch

Oct. 2nd
Chiara Ross
Mark Schauer
Rachel Taubman-Glickfeld
Jordan Acker
Leor Barak
Carol Kozlow
Rosalind Zukowski

Oct. 3rd
Brian Kepes

Oct. 4th
Ruth Beitner
Neal Krasnick

Oct. 5th
Patty Tapper
Steve Pestka
Wendy Rose Bice

Oct. 6th
Anessa Kramer
Jeff Zaslow z"l (we miss you)

I am prone to mistakes so if I missed your birthday or got the wrong date, please let me know.
 
Comparisons from 2008 to 2016
Should we continue this success...YES

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

One debate down, three to go...

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
(38 days and counting)

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: 

Please join me in supporting...

Christine Greig - State Representative (my district)
Robert Wittenberg - State Representative
Tim Greimel - State Representative
Nicole Bedi - State Representative 
Jeremy Moss - State Representative
Andy Schor - State Representative

Vicki Barnett - Oakland County Executive
Andy Meisner - Oakland County Treasurer
Lisa Brown - Oakland County Clerk
Jim Nash - Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
Jessica Cooper - Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney 
Marcia Gershenson - Oakland County Commissioner
Helaine Zack - Oakland County Commissioner
Charles Gaba - Oakland County Commissioner

Randi Berman Sakwa - W. Bloomfield s chool board member

Laurence B. Deitch - U of M Regent
Denise Ilitch - U o M Regent

Debbie Dingell - US Congress
Sandy Levin - US Congress
Brenda Lawrence - US Congress (my district)
Gretchen Driskell - US Congress
Suzanna Shkreli - US Congress
Lon Johnson - US Congress
Dan Kildee - US Congress

Yes - Proposal for Regional Transit Authority for SE MI

Hillary Clinton  - POTUS  

To review all of the candidates and proposals, please check out this site:  https://goo.gl/GjaHMj


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

October 7 (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 10 (Monday)
JAC Membership Lunch
Home of Roz Blanck
11:30 Registration and Lunch
12:00-1:00pm Program
Featuring: Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow
Guest speaker: Congressman Sandy Levin
JAC is Joint Action Committee on Political Affairs supporting Israel, Reproductive Rights and Separation of Religion and State. For more  details please email info@jacpac.org or check out website at https://jacpac.org/

October 10 (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 13 (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 13 (Thursday)
Jewish Senior Life
Honors: Carol Rosenberg for her 36 years of service to our community's Older Adults.
Featuring: Lily Tomlin
Royal Oak Music Theatre
Doors open: 6:30
Showtime: 7:30
More info: Beth Tryon
248-592-5026 or btryon@jslmi.org

October 14 (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 and Alan "Big Al" Muskovitz
Detroit Historical Museum
6:30-8:30pm
Tickets $40
For more info: 248-432-5517

October 30 (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  

November 3 (Thursday)
The Pickle Recipe
A film written and produced by  Sheldon Cohn
Opens at the  Maple Theater 
Bloomfield Hill, MI
Opens around the country on Oct. 21