Shabbat Shalom  April 28, 2017
Happy 69th Birthday
Tikkun Olam
Life is cyclical.  We paid tribute last week, on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Day), to the loss of 6 million innocent Jews and next week on Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day), we honor the lost lives of nearly 30,000 IDF military and terror victims.  But as our mourning and remembrance is vital, it is our appreciation of life which is celebrated and emphasized. The recognition of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) was established to directly follow our sorrow (on Yom HaZikaron) so it can lead into the importance of our future hopefulness.  This is also symbolized at Yad VaShem (Israel's Holocaust Museum); as you end the tour, you are led to a large window viewing the glories of the vibrant growing Jewish homeland. Happy 69th birthday to the modern State of Israel. As one of the infants of new nations, your contributions have excelled despite your size, youth and hostile neighborhood. You've claimed 12 Nobel Prizes, aided in most global disasters, invented numerous technological and medical devices and treatments and pridely respect democracy and human rights (to the contrary of many critics who don't appreciate facts). Are you perfect...Is any nation...? After centuries of persecution, pogroms, isolation, expulsions, genocide...the Jewish nation of people have every right to Statehood on Jewish land dating back to the biblical era.  Not only is it our right but sadly it is our necessity for protection. As proud Zionists, we must help combat the lies and hate lopsidedly spewed against our tiny homeland so Jews can live safely and Israel can continue to Tikkun Olam for many centuries to come. 

Ship Captain
I love that Christine Lavin loves the term Tikkun Olam.  I assume some of you know who she is and have even seen her at the Ann Arbor Ark music venue.  She is a wonderful folk singer/songwriter was a great sense of humor.  Back in January of this year, Christine was shocked and frustrated just like the rest of us with the prospect of our new POTUS so with her talent and wit, she wrote this song about our new "Ship Captain" to ease our pain of reality.  Hope you enjoy:  

First One Hundred
Let's take a look at POTUS' First 100 Days...
- He has the lowest approval rating than any other president (in their first 100) but conversely, 95% of those who voted for him think he's doing a great job. Love is blind.
- He's delinquent in nominating staff to 90% of the top executive jobs.
- He flaunts his dozens of executive orders as major accomplishment however most are benign and meaningless and they are a "Face Slap" to his repeated criticism of Exec. Orders during the Obama years.
- His lies are legendary from false claims of Trump Tower wiretapping, to millions of illegal voters, to his excuse not to release his tax returns, to his involvement with Russia.
- He could set a record as the first president to shut down the government in the 1st 100 with his requirement to include his idiotic Wall in the budget, though he says he will sign a budget even without Wall $$.  But if they can't agree on governmental spending now, wait till they have much less money after the proposed Tax Reform.
- Of the 15 weekends during the 1st 100, he has played golf 20 times.  
- His travel price tag has accumulated to over $20 Million for these 1st 100 and will likely surpass Obama's 8 year travel budget in Trump first year. If he makes it through a full first year.
- He was the only president ever to initiate his re-election campaign on his first day in office.  He has already raised over $13 million for the 2020 election. 
- He's rolled back environmental protections since who needs clean water, air or land.
- Many of his initiatives target women's issues like when he slashed the Fair Pay Order or when he reinstated the Global Gag Rule or when he condoned States to block federal funding to Planned Parenthood. For more details, check out this article:  http://www.freep.com/story/life/family/kristen-jordan-shamus/2017/04/14/donald-trump-womens-rights/100471840/
Our ammunition is 557 days away.
 Nov. 6, 2018 election.
Lovefest
Havoc breaks out almost every weekend in Palm Beach when the Trump entourage arrives.  All planes must be diverted, roads are closed and the locals dread the disruption.  Atlanta beware, as The Donald will be the 1st POTUS since Reagan to speak at the NRA convention where a lovefest will occur. Gun lovers love Trump for his vocal support of their 2nd Amendment rights and his appointment of Gorsuch to the SCOTUS.  The 2nd Amendment should be protected but so should many innocent gun victims by simply implementing sensible regulations that keep guns away from those who shouldn't have them and keep military style guns out of our society. Not to mention that 50% of all suicides are committed with a gun and 66% of all gun deaths are suicide.  We could drastically reduce those number with brave legislation. Bravo to Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly on their efforts to help bring gun sensibility to our country. https://americansforresponsiblesolutions.org/
 
Delayed Justice
Speaking of violence, good riddance to terrorist, Rasmea Odeh, who can never wipe the Israeli blood from her hands even as she lied about her involvement in organizing the bombing that killed students, Edward Joffe z"l and Leon Kanner z"l back in 1969, when she arrived in the US in 1995 and then again when she applied for citizenship in 2004.  How did she get here... She was caught and convicted (in a fair trial that was observed by the Red Cross) in Israel when she admitted to her involvement in the terrorist attack and sentenced to life in prison.  But she was freed 10 years later in a large prison swap for an Israeli soldier. She's been in the US for too long and many have made her a martyr for women's rights.  She is No Hero to anyone, just a murderer. Thankfully she will now be deported from the US and most likely sent back to Jordan or another country. 

Hand On Humanity
From hate to humanity, here are two examples of how the diversity in Israel is actually working side by side to help foster coexistence and harmony.  Check out these two Israeli (1 Jewish and 1 Christian) Patch Adam hospital clowns as they aid the in care of Syrian war victims.  https://goo.gl/YeGWjA
And for the first time the NBA will bring Basketball without Borders to Israel for a Summer camp with Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druzes. 
Music
Ella Fitzgerald would have been 100 years old this week. She was the first African American woman to win a Grammy. To honor her talent and contribution, please enjoy one of her classic tunes. Here's hoping all our weekend skies are blue:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epRXoS_P0lk
This last music selection has no segue or connection to anything in this week's message.  I just liked this vintage song by TLC from 1999 and thought maybe some of you do too.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7fe2T_NVNY
I hope you have no "scrubs" in your life.

Wishing you and your families a 
Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom 
and a pleasant weekend.
Lisa
lisashabbatshalom.com

Mazel Tov
Congrats to all University of Michigan Grads celebrating this weekend.  Jasmin Mould, Stephanie Curhan, Katie Miller, Lauren Guz, Jamie Rashty, Sophie Wolens, Jen Chemtob, Maddy Peters and Evan Ketai to name a few (sorry if I missed anyone).  And Happy 200th birthday to the University.  We, in Michigan, are fortunate to house this fine institution, a true Gem in our State. Not to mention that according to a new study, Ann Arbor tops the list of best cities to live in:  https://goo.gl/xjjtJR (Ann Arborites could have told you that long ago).


Condolences to Gary and Malke Torgow and their family on the passing of  Robert Torgow z"l.  May his memory be a blessing unto his family and community. 
Happy Birthday

April 28th
Ilana Kutinsky
Jordon Wertheimer

April 29th
Eli and Raphi Berg
Ruby Hobbs
Michele Eichner Saulson
Brian Mark 
Roberta Madorsky 
April 30th
Aaron Rosberg
Abe Slaim
Eric Feldman
Helaine Zack
Jackie Victor
Genevieve Berg

May 1st
Danny Kukes (Happy 40th)
Gail Mondry
Leo Maxbauer
Michael Singer
Sophia Ruiz
Dana Goldsmith Gordon
Peter Remington
Melissa Vitale Hortick
Brian Hermelin

May 2nd
AJ Aaron
Elinor Ruiz
Zoey Spiegelman 
Lois Langberg

May 3rd
Rabbi Norman Roman
Julie Freedman Bartholomew

May 4th
Joey Selesny
Laura Zausmer
Peter Levin
 
I am prone to mistakes so if I missed your birthday or got the wrong date, please let me know.
 


April 30 (Sunday)
Yom HaZikaron
Remembrance Day for Fallen Israeli Soldiers
The Berman Center for the Performing Arts
West Bloomfield
5:00pm

April 30 (Sunday)
Jewish Heritage Day at Comerica Park
Tigers vs White Sox
Ticket packages benefit the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan and Tamarack Camps
Game time 1:10 p.m.

May 3 (Wednesday)
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Lois Linden Nelson Woman's World Luncheon
Celebrating 50 years of Woman's World
Woman of Valor honor: Sally Orley (well deserving)
Guest Speaker: Lesley Stahl (of 60 Minutes)

May 6 (Saturday)
Orchards Children's Services
Gerald L. Levin "Champions for Children Signature" Event, 55th ~ Emerald Anniversary
VIP  5:00pm,  General  6:00pm
The Henry Ford Museum
For more information, please contact Katora Cole at kacole@orchards.org
or go to www.orchards.org

May 6 (Saturday)
Variety, the Children's Charity
85th Anniversary
Hearts and Stars Gala
Townsend Hotel 
Honor Bruce Rosen
Call  (248)-258-5511  for more information.

May 7 (Sunday)
Walk for Israel
Temple Shir Shalom 
A family event designed to "celebrate Israel".  
Activities 12-4 
Lunch 12:30
Walk 1:30

May 8 (Monday)
Jewish Federation and Joint Distribution Committee
Hope Against Hate -  3 Events in 1 Day
- Fight or Flight
A Conference on the Modern Jewish Community
Noon to 5pm
- "Denial"
Film screening
5pm to 7:30pm
Deborah E. Lipstadt
discusses  "Denial: Holocaust History on Trial"
7:30pm to 9pm
For more details:

May 10  (Wednesday)
Jewish Historical Society of Michigan
Annual Meeting
Temple Kol Ami
7:30 pm
Featuring Aimee Ergas and Aviva Kempner 
Discussing Jewish Heroes and Sheroes
Presentation of Leonard N. Simons History Award

May 10  (Wednesday)
Planned Parenthood of Michigan event
The Cube at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra 
6:00pm
Guest Speaker: Dr. Willie Parker
(Sold Out)

May 14 (Sunday)
Mother's Day
Looking for a perfect mother's day gift...? Please consider supporting the JFS  Joy Project  which helps bring critical services to families in our community. 

May 15 (Monday)
Federation's Women's Philanthropy 
Signature Event
Knollwood Country Club
7:30 pm
Featuring Jill Kargman (Bravo's Odd Mom Out)

May 11 (Thursday)
City Year Red Jacket Gala
Cobo Center, Grand Riverview Ballroom
1 Washington Blvd.  Detroit
Cocktails: 5:30pm
Dinner/Program: 7:00pm
2017 Idealist in Action Award:
Matthew Simoncini 
President and CEO of Lear Corporation

May 17  (Wednesday) -  New Listing
The Detroit Public Library: An American Classic 
By: Barbara Cohn and Patrice Rafail Merritt
Book Launch Party at
The Detroit Public Library
Main Branch
5201 Woodward Ave.
Detroit
6:00-8:00pm
Free event

May 20 (Saturday)
Cabaret 313
Tony Award  Winner for lead role in The Color Purple
LeChanze
Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA
1401 Broadway St., Detroit
7:00pm and 9:30pm performances

May 21 (Sunday)
Kadima Youth Mental Health Conference
Birmingham Covington School
Morning Session for parents, caregivers, community
Afternoon Session for educators and mental health professionals

May 21 ( Sunday)
Eight Over Eighty
Honoring eight members of our community, all over the age of 80, who have demonstrated a dedication throughout their lifetime to Tikkun Olam - Repairing the World.
Congregation Adat Shalom
11:30 am
Beverly Bennett
Dr. Stuart Falk
Margot Gardner
Elaine Greenberg
Dr. Robert Matthews
Evelyn Orbach
Eunice Korman ring
Michael Weiss

May 22 (Monday)
The Emily Stillman Foundation 
Night of Laughs
The Berman Center for Performing Arts
West Bloomfield
Doors open: 7:30 pm
Featuring: Heather McDonald (from Chelsea Lately)

May 24 (Wednesday)
Federation's Awards Night
The Berman Center for Performing Arts
West Bloomfield
5:30 pm 
William Davidson Lifetime Attachment Awards:
John E. Jacobs and Marjorie Krasnick
Young Leadership Awards:
Rabbi Yisrael Pinson, Dr. Jennifer Sobol and Steve Migliore 

June 3 (Saturday)
American Cancer Society
Relay for Life
St. Mary of Orchard Lake

June 4 (Sunday)
Hillel Day School
Annual Dream Maker Gala
Honoring: 
David and Nadine Farbman
Steven and Janice Traison
Alum awards:
Edward Alterman (class of 86)
Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny (class of 91)
Jonathan Ozeran (class of 97)

June 6 (Tuesday) 
Jewish Family Service Annual Event
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Evening with Author  Jennifer Teege
Who learned later in life that her grandfather was a Nazi Commandant.
Debra Marcus 
dmarcus@jfsdetroit.org
248.592.2327

June 8  (Thursday) 
Starfish Family Services
Great Hearts Gala
Cobo Center, Grand Riverview Ballroom
Honoring The Jewish Fund
Lori Fidler
734-727-3144

June 12 (Monday)
Hank Greenberg Memorial Invitational Golf Outing
Franklin Hills Country Club
Honoring: Fergie Jenkins, Dick Enberg & Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg (Kids Kicking Cancer)
Benefiting  the Lawrence & Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center - Karmanos
For more info:
248-592-9323     

June 13 (Tuesday)
Detroit Public TV
Bravo 2017
DPTV Riley Broadcast Center, Wixom
Evening
Spotlighting & Honoring:  Florine Mark (aka:Mom/Bubbie)
For more info: Jamie Westrick
248-305-3784
jwestrick@dptv.org

June 16 (Friday)
Detroit Zoo
Sunset at the Zoo
This year's theme, Green is the new Black, will highlight the remarkable environmental & sustainability efforts of the Zoo. 

June 17 (Saturday) - New Listing
Forgotten Harvest 25th Annual Comedy Night
Featuring Seth Meyers
Fox Theatre
Detroit

August 27 (Sunday)
Hazon 
The 2nd Annual Michigan Jewish Food Festival
Eastern Market

September 23 (Saturday)
Camp Sea-Gull Reunion
Camp Ticonderoga
5725 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48085
7:00pm
Please RSVP at this site:

Parting Thoughts...