Shabbat Shalom Jan. 16, 2015

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Shabbat Shalom
January 16, 2015
Dear family and friends,

MLK
This Monday we remember the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. as we memorialize his message of a more enlightened and humane society. The savage and brutal murders in Paris last week are a stark reminder of Man’s Inhumanity to Man and that the MLKs of this world need a louder megaphone.  Over 1 million people protested the murders of the 17 innocent lives who were expressing Free Speech and simply shopping for Shabbat meals.  When we protect speech, we must also protect the opinions of those distasteful to us, but it is the violent vs. non-violent reactions that threatens our global society.  When I was offended by an anti-semitic cartoon in the Oakland Press last summer, I simply cancelled my subscription and made it known to the constant Oakland Press solicitors encouraging me to re-subscribe, why I prefer to avoid their paper.  Sadly violence is an instant silencer of opinions with the catch-22 that non-violent teachers are violently silenced too often and too young (MLK only celebrated 39 birthdays)

A Different Perspective
Signs of unity were exhibited throughout the streets of Paris as clasped arms of French, German, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Bibi, Abbas and 40 other foreign leaders (sadly many who don’t even protect freedom of speech in their own counties) were projected into our homes on Sunday (through Obama or someone more important than our French Ambassador should have been representing us). Will this be the tipping point for the moderate Muslim community to start objecting to their religion-hijackers? Many in the Muslim World did condemn the attack on our Freedom of Speech but some fell short of condemning the murders of the 4 Jews at the market.  Celebrity Muslim (as he refers to himself) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has a different view of these terrorists.  He doesn’t even acknowledge their religion as he feels they are only thugs in Muslim mask and the bottom line is money and power.  Here is his very interesting perspective on these monsters:

http://time.com/3662152/kareem-abdul-jabbar-paris-charlie-hebdo-terrorist-attacks-are-not-about-religion/

Tot-Training

For every hero, like Lassana Bathily, the Kosher market employee and Muslim immigrant from Mali, who saved lives and hastened the end of the hostage attack, http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/1.636361 there are thousands more being brainwashed to murder. A deadly massacre occurred in Nigeria last week by the evil minds of Boko Haram. Suicide bombs strapped to a 10-year-old girl was one method to their madness. The mass murder received far less attention since it was trumped by the event in Paris though brainwashing their children to drink the “koolaid”, commit murder and damage their physe for life is guaranteeing a disastrous future.
http://tinyurl.com/TrainingForTots-by-ISIS

Education
(The right type of) Education is vital to the success of our society and Obama’s new plan to provide 2 years of free community colleges could benefit 9 million students (if all States participate) at a saving of nearly $4,000 (per student). Student loans are one of our society’s biggest burdens and though this program wouldn’t address current debt, it should help those entering college in the near future.  But the most important benefit is increasing jobs skills for those 9 million potential students.  There are signs everywhere that our economy is gaining strength.  Unemployment rate is down to 5.6 (from a high of 10.0 in Oct. 09), our deficit is shrinking, energy prices are declining, interest rates are stable and inflation is stagnant. With all this progress, assistance in educating our population is a very smart move.
http://qz.com/325442/obamas-free-community-college-program-can-really-land-you-a-high-paying-job/

Bravo and BS

Bravo to “Transparent” on winning two Golden Globes.  Check out the show on Amazon.

Bravo to the film Selma on this week’s Academy Award nomination. Though Detroiter, Viola Gregg Liuzzo (white mother of 5) was not spotlighted in the film she was most definitely a Civil Rights hero as she was murdered by the KKK in Selma during a Voters Rights Demonstration at the young age of 39 http://tinyurl.com/Viola-Gregg-Liuzzo

Bravo to NYC for following in the footsteps of Berkely, CA, Seatle and Portland, OR in banning styrofoam.
http://tinyurl.com/o7kl7vo

Bravo to Congressman Steve Israel on his new satirical book on the ludicrious activities of real Washington people and events. http://tinyurl.com/GlobalWarOnMorris

Bravo to Yosemite climbers, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, for conquering (by Free Climb) the Dawn Wall
(3,000 feet straight up) that took 5 years of training and 19 days of climbing. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/01/14/pair-american-climbers-reach-top-yosemite-el-capitan-make-history/

Bravo to Detroit’s 25th anniversary of the NAIAS (North American International Auto Show). Though, Detroit has been hosting a regional Auto Show since 1907, it wasn’t until 1987 that it was transformed into an International SpectacularPhenomenon.

BS to Jimmy Carter for rationalizing the origins of Islamic Terrorism to the Palestinian Situation and shame on Jon Stewart for not countering this absurd anti-semitic (“blame it on the Jews”) notion. The comments were made around the 5 minute mark during this week’s interview:
http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/vvc9ew/jimmy-carter

Why is it when NYC, Paris, London, Mumbai… are terrorized, the world rallies to their defense, but when the Jewish Homeland is attacked by terror, many question what Israel did to deserve it.

BS on the 5 year anniversary for Citizens United which fosters an environment for unlimited campaign contributions.

Music
Hope your enjoy this song “Rude” by Walk Off the Earth.
Not sure where they got that huge guitar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T3K-IfQAqo

And for a little laugh during this somber week, please enjoy these misunderstood lyrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbumV5bQTuM

Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom 

Lisa
Of Blessed Memory

Yoav Hattab z”l (21) – Yoav Lived in Tunisia and had just returned from a Birthright Trip.  He attempted to shot the terrorist with a gun he took from him, but it didn’t fire and he was then shot and killed.

Francois-Michal Saada z”l (64) – Francois- Michal was the father of two children who both lived in Israel.  He was from Tunisia and was a Pension Fund Manager.

Yohan Cohen z”l (20) – Worked at the Kosher Market and saved the life of a 3 year old boy as he took the gun from the terrorist but was shot immediately.

Phillipe Braham z”l (45) – A father of 4 who loved Israel and always spoke of immigrating there.  He worked in an office near the market and had gone shopping there before Shabbat.

******************

Condolences to the family of Joel and Laurel Schwartz on the passing of Joel’s mother Rosalyn C. Schwartz z”l.  May her memory and love bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.
Sometimes you need to put on your Superman suit so you can fly through the week…
Happy Birthday!
 
Jan. 16th
Josh Berg
Susie Pappas
 
Jan. 17th
Bryce Sandler
Don Benyas
Perry Teicher
 
Jan. 18th
Yossi Peled
Judi Schram 
(check out her blog at http://www.judismusings.com/ )
Jan. 19th
Adam Blanck
 
Jan. 20th
Robert Wittenberg
Bryan Weinstein
 
Jan. 21st
Rachel Stone
Tzvi Raviv (Wonderful Son-In-Law)
 
Jan. 22nd
Bill Graham

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Jan. 16, 2015

Shabbat Shalom Jan. 9, 2015

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 New (114th) Congress
Shabbat Shalom
January 9, 2015
Dear family and friends,
114th Congress
Last Tuesday January 6th was the day our 114th Congress was swore into office.  We were fortunate to witness this momentous occasion as we cheered on our new Freshman
Senator Gary Peters. Of the 13 new Senators, Gary is the only democrat. The remaining 12 are Republicans as the GOP now controls both the Senate and the House. Speaking of the House, there are concerns rising over the House Majority Whip, Steve Scalise (Republican congressman from Louisiana) regarding his 2002 speech at a White Supremacist meeting that was organized by BFF’s of David Duke (remember him, the Holocaust denier). Congressman Scalise apologized for making the speech but the question still remains why he was associated with these extremist in the first place. On a positive note from the House is our new Michigan Republican Congressman, Dave Trott, who graciously recorded this week’s Shabbat Shalom greeting directly from the Halls of Congress. Thanks Betsy Appleton for requesting your friend to greet us:
http://youtu.be/ziBCozDUDRA  Our new Congress is 80% Male (overall Male population is 47%), 80% White (overall White population is 72.4%) and 92% Christian (overall Christian populaiton is 73%).  Here is a detailed breakdown by religion:
Freedom of Speech
There are no words to describe the disgust and evil in the minds of brainwashed terrorist who, again this week, spewed their hatred of Freedom and Democracy as they blanketed innocent lives with deadly bullets. 12 deaths and 7 injuries occurred when gunmen attacked the office of the French Satirical Newspaper, Charlie Hebdo to “avenge the Prophet Mohammed”,  who as a religious righteous man of his times, I hope would have objected to terrorist tactics. Four cartoonist, including 81 year old Georges Wolinski z”l 

http://tinyurl.com/Georges-Wolinski,

were murdered for the simple act of expressing views. Are we in the infancy of this fight against terrorism?  How many future generations will these demented minds continue to threaten? Not sure how to succeed in ending this evil era but wishing it ends sooner rather than later.  Cartoonist are creating tributes to this tragedy as this act of violence has fueled on more satire as opposed to deter it as the terrorist (I can only assume) intended.  The next edition of Charlie Hebdo will print 1 million copies to help spread its message during their heightened media exposure.  Their normal distribution is 60,000.  Pictures speak volumes…
Marriage Equality
Only 14 states to go till all citizens of our country are able to legally marry whomever they love. This week, Florida became the 36th State to approve Marriage Equality.  The most recent poll indicates that nearly 60% are in favor of Gay Marriage and this rate is rising after each successive poll.  Very soon the whole country (including our great state of Michigan) will be enlightened to marriage equality following in the footsteps of theInterracial Marriage Law of 1967.
Happy 70th
Being our 41st US president pales in comparison to the accomplishment of Jan. 6th when George and Barbara Bushcelebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Kudos to their sustained love through thick and thin as they are the longest wedded presidential couple. http://tinyurl.com/41married70
Barbara and George in 1945

War Hero
Condolences to the friends and family of 90 year old Bernard Jordan of England on this passing this week only after his famous Great Escape from his nursing home last year to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day WWII ceremony at Normandy.

RIP

Detroit
It’s always important to remember the past as we look to the future.  Here are two sources of Detroit’s past and present that remind us of where we’ve been and where we are headed.  For a historical perspective, please enjoy this video explaining our Jewish Hasting Street beginnings and for a current view here is a New York Times photo montage (good, bad and ugly) of aerial views of today’s Detroit.

Hasting Street: http://vimeo.com/103824821

Aerial Photos: http://tinyurl.com/Detroitbyair

The Piano Man
Back in DC in November a group of talented musicians (Kevin, LeAnne, Josh, Michael…) paid tribute to Billy Joel as he was awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for his most famous song. Here is their rendition (with Billy on the keys) of Piano Man.  Please enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F4MYJIC1sU
The Bass Woman
I assume many of your have never heard of Carol Kaye, but if you are a music lover, you’ll enjoy learning about her life that included her exceptional Electric Bass skills connected to The Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, tons of TV shows and lots of movies as only the tip of her iceburg. Hope you enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMznvEgOPhU

Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom, 

Lisa
Happy Birthday!
Jan. 8th
Elvis Presley would have been 80
Jan. 9th
Eric Zuckerman
Terry Paule 
Jan. 10th
Fern Kepes
Jamila Ross (Happy 30th)
Marc Kay
Marc Winkelman
Jan. 11th
Rabbi Jonathan Berkun
Margot Snyder Narens
Jan. 12th
Dalia Shani
Jeffrey Slatkin
Susu Sosnick
Jan. 13th
Robyn Lederman
Sheila Tyner
Jan. 14th
Barbara Curhan Mendelson
Christen Giblin
Debbie Robbins
Jon Liebman
Lois Rubin (Happy 75th)
Rachel Wright
Tom Klein
Jan. 15th
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Born 1929

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Jan. 9, 2015

Shabbat Shalom Jan. 2, 2015

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Shabbat Shalom
January 2, 2015
Dear family and friends,

More or Less
As 2015 arrived on our doorsteps, how will we make it a better year than last.  We can increase and decrease those attributes which need adjusting.  I intend to be more patient and grateful (like thanking all our friends and family who helped us ring in the New Year and celebrate Hannan’s birthday) and less critical and sensitive (to what people say). Now that I’ve shared these adjustments with my nearest and dearest, this public proclamation will (hopefully) help me keep my promise.  What are your “more or lesses”?

Family Time
Our Sedona vacation was wonderful… beautiful scenery, delicious food, friendly people and this family hike was unforgettable.

Veganuary
While in Sedona we stumbled upon a free-spirited Vegan restaurant and chocolate shop called ChocolaTree.  I know these themed months can get a bit much, but I would be remiss if I didn’t enlighten you about the flavor of this month http://www.veganuary.com/.  Full disclosure, I am not a vegan and eat pretty much everything including vegan meals. There are many external (environmental) and internal (bodily health) benefits of eating vegan but I have zero willpower when it comes to excluding any food from my diet, though I do believe in portion control. On the subject of healthy eating, here are two items to include in your daily intake…probiotics and dark chocolate and for more info on both of these topics, check out these websites (thank you Joel Kahn and Josh Fogelson):
Probiotics
Dark Chocolate

Malaysia
2014 was a tragic year for the Malaysian people with 3 plane crashes tied to their nation. Condolences to the family and friends of the 162 passengers on the AirAsia flight that crashed or they suspect may have tried to land on the Java Sea on Sunday. Most likely heavy storms caused the tragedy as the pilots tried to avoid the deadly weather. Rain and wind continue to hamper the recovery as slow progress brings closure to the survivors.

The Vote
The 15 member UN Security Council (thankfully) failed to garner the 9 needed “yes” votes to pass the Palestinian Statehood Resolution which would have required Israel to withdraw completely (without security assurances) from the West Bank within 3 years.  The United States and (thank you) Australia both voted “no”.  8 States voted “yes” and 5 abstained.  The US had veto power and would have used it if needed but thankfully Nigeria (directed by President Goodluck Jonathan) changed their vote, at the last minute, from “yes” to abstention.

Criminal Court
Upon his failure to gain UN acceptance, the PA’s, Mahmoud Abbas, is desperately grasping at straws as his newest attempt to gain credibility with his people is to implicate Israel on war crimes in theInternational Criminal Court, while opening up pandora’s box for the tables to be turn against him. The PA and especially his internationally labeled terrorist partner, Hamas, have stacked the decks with too many criminal acts to even count. We’ll see how this “chess” move pans out.

Israeli Pandas
In other Israel/International news, Chinese Pandas will be immigrating to the Haifa Zoo, once Chinese official deem conditions at the zoo acceptable, like weather and access to bambo.  If all goes well, the Pandas will be on loan for 10 years and I’m sure will bring much attention to Hannan’s hometown of Haifa.
http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30309033

Wolverines
The big Michigan news of the week is the return of Jim Harbaugh to Ann Arbaugh from former U of M quarterback to NFL coach to the 2nd highest paid College Coach in history.  He will make $7 million his first year (which includes a 1st year bonus) while signing a 7 year contract.  College football is a high stakes passion for many alum who financially support the school as they now rely on Coach Arbaugh to bring the Wolverines back to their glory days.

The List
My final video for this week relates to the “More or Less” suggestions from the first paragraph.  Here are 20 things you should say more often to friends, family, neighbors or even strangers on the street.  And what’s great about this humorous yet profound list is the messenger.  He is the kid president of SoulPancake (a cool website I stumbled upon).

I hope you find meaning in these suggestions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5yCOSHeYn4#t=141

Music
For this week’s musical selections I found these special and exclusive performances of two Broadway songs.  One is very famous and well known while the other is quaint and touching. I hope you enjoy…
Jesse Mueller: “You’ve Got a Friend”
Benjamin Scheuer: “Cookie-Tin Banjo”

Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and a Happy Healthy 2015!

Lisa

Carl Lippitt (z”l)
Our thoughts and prayers are with dear friend, Pam Lippitt and her brother Barry on the passing of their father, Carl Lippitt.  The funeral will most likely be on Sunday and Ira Kaufman’s website will have more details of the time and shiva info.  May Carl’s spirit and love bring comfort to Pam, Barry and their extended family during their time of sorrow.

Rabbi Menachem Gottesman (z”l)
Condolences to Malke and Gary Torgow on the passing of Malke’s father, Rabbi Menachem Gottesman (z”l). May the Rabbi’s spirit, memory and love bring comfort to his family and friends as they mourn his passing.

Joyce Sakwa (z”l)
Condolences to Randi and Stuart Sakwa and brothers Jeffrey and Gary on the passing of their mother, Joyce Sakwa (z”l).  May her memory and spirit bring comfort to those who loved her.
Berta Myerson Molasky (z”l)
Our thoughts and prayers are with Joel and Shelley Tauber as they mourn the passing of Joel’s sister Berta Myerson Molasky (z”l).  May her love and memories help ease the sorrow of her friends and family.

Joe Cocker
Condolences to the fans of Joe Cocker as he passed away Dec. 22nd at the age of 70 from lung cancer.  May his musical legacy bring comfort to those who mourn his death. Here is his rendition of “With a Little Help from my Friends” at Woodstock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRzKUVjHkGk
Governor Mario Cuomo (82)
Condolences to the Cuomo Family and the residents of the State of New York on the passing of their former governor and respected statesman. Governor Cuomo led the State for 3 terms from 1983-1995 and passed the baton (via a few leaders in between) to his son, the current governor of NY, Andrew Cuomo.  May Governor Cuomo’s legacy and accomplishments bring pride to his family and supporters as they mourn his passing.
Mario Cuomo 1932-2014
Happy Birthday!
Jan. 2nd
Norman Kaplan (Diane O’s dad)
Jan. 3rd
Carla Schwartz
Marilyn Victor
Jan. 4th
Gaby Klein
Aaron Bailey
Jan. 5th
Mataan Lis (our 22 year old son)
Debbie Lederman
Sherry Kanter
Jan. 6th
Lisa Brody
Eric Ersher
Gary Peters becomes US Senator on this day
(we look forward to witnessing this wonderful event)
Jan. 7th
Bill Harder
Sam Kelman
Jan. 8th
Ben Falik
Danny Weberman
Lisa Gottlieb Rotter
Stacy Klein
Linda Zuckerman Klein
Julia Tapper

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Jan. 2, 2015

Shabbat Shalom Dec. 26, 2014

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Shabbat Shalom
December 26, 2014
Dear family and friends,

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

Bill Vaughan

Sedona
However you plan to celebrate the entrance of 2015, I hope it is filled with all of your favorite things…Health, Happiness, Family, Friends and a good piece of Dark Chocolate.  Our travels brings us to Sedona, Arizona for some Hiking, Biking and Pink Jeep tours of the famous (red) Sandstone formations that illuminate the landscape.  I’m sure you’ve heard this 1982 “chart-topper” by Donna Loren entitled, Sedona: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA06h-29CoU

or this critically acclaimed 2012 film staring Frances Fisher about an unexpected visit this slice of beauty.
No News
Prior to vacations, I always write these emails ahead of time to ensure your Friday morning delivery but consistency compromises up-to-the-minute news, so if anything important happened this past week, I’ll include it in next week’s message.
Auld Lang Syne
This soulful Scottish song (thinking of you Jeff Kaye) is a classic New Years Eve staple. It encourages us to remember and appreciate old friends and maybe even rekindle those old relationship (which I try to do each week with these emails). Enjoy the beautiful voice of Julie Andrews as she reminds us of (translation to English) “Times Gone By“:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8NSKN5Dlk8  and here is Harry and Sally’s confusion of the song:
Good Bye 2014
Much has happened in this year of 2014.  There was Good, Bad and Ugly.  Here is a snapshot of it all:
and if you want more details than the above brief glimpse, check out CNN’s list of daily notable events and a tribute to all those we’ve lost this year.
Farewell and thanks for the memories!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and a Happy Healthy 2015!

Lisa
Happy Birthday!
Dec. 26th
1620 – Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth, MA
Dec. 27th
1871 – World’s 1st cat show (Crystal Palace, London)
Dec. 28th
David Gad-Harf
Jordan Orley
Lori Sachs
Marty Liebman
Michael Jonas
Sheri Schiff
Dec. 29th
Patti Aaron
Howard Cash
Linda Samelson
Sharon Eisenshtadt
Dec. 30th
Alicia Blas
Lynne Greenberg Obron
Dec. 31st
Hannan Lis (My Love)
Deana Lockman
Tammi Freedland
Alicia Nelson
Jan. 1st
Jodie Krasnick

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Dec. 26, 2014

Shabbat Shalom Dec. 19, 2014

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Happy Hanukah
Shabbat Shalom
December 19, 2014
Dear family and friends,
Hanukah Miracle
Hanukah’s miracle is mirrored in this week’s big new of normalized relations with Cuba and the release (after 5 years) of Jewish American prisoner, Alan Gross. For 18 months, secret negotiations have been easing our way to this point but experiencing the actual “Friendship” status is quite momentous. Since the year I was born (1960) there has been a trade embargo against Cuba and within a few months, the American Embassy will re-open in Havana.  And guess who was instrumental in the secret talks…yes, that would be my favorite Catholic, Pope Francis. By the way, Pope Francis will be visiting the US next September and he just received several impassioned letters and videos from Detroit Catholic school children to encourage a Motown visit.  Fingers crossed.
Alan Gross arriving back home.
Tradition! 
On this 3rd day of Hanukah, our home will be filled to the rim with our traditional Family Hanukah Party complete with Hannan’s (with Neal’s assistance) famous Latkes (both regular and sweet potato).  The common theme for Jewish Holidays
is … They tried to kill us, We survived, Let’s eat. But this holiday is a bit different as the Greeks (in the beginning) were only trying to encourage us to assimilate to their ways, but theMaccabees got to a breaking point which created the tension. For more details, here is an interesting 6 minute crash course on the holiday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXV6WdBJw2M
And of course, here are a few of my favorite Hanukah videos:
Shake it off
All about the Nes
“Happy” tune with Hanukah lyrics by an Argentina Jewish Group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js-1kDwAKUU
Brutal Week
I wish a miracle could have prevented this week’s rampant Bloodshed; A mass killing in Philadelphia, a Hostage attack inSidney, but the most barbaric came from Pakistan as Taliban psychopaths wearing suicide vests, machine-gunned a school, killing 132 children, scores of adults and wounding dozens more. The Taliban proudly took credit for this massacre, in essence, justifying the killing of innocent children. It seems Radical Islamization is this era’s greatest threat, yet just as we’ve defeated past threats we, too, will survive this one. Let’s hope sooner, rather than later.
Shameful
Shame on the European Court which this week voted to reverse Hamas’ status as a Terrorist organization.
This action will only feed the anti-Israel sentiment already exiting in Europe.  During the Nazi era, there was a legitimate movement to free cities and countries of Jews, calledJudenfrei.  Now, today in 2014, there is a movement to free Israelis (product, culture and people) from European Cities. It’s called Zionistfrei and here is the article about this racism. (if it doesn’t open the first time because it wants you to subscribe to the WSJ online, just copy and paste it in again and it should open):http://www.wsj.com/articles/europe-goes-zionistfrei-1418070622 or you can just google:
Rinsing Israel Out of Europe: The Zionistfrei Movement
Stephen Colbert
I write these emails throughout the week and send them to my Constant Contact system Thursday evening to be delivered to you Friday morning.  But when I say Thursday evening, I mean way before midnight and way before the airing of the Colbert Report, so there won’t be any videos of last night’s final episode after 9 (grateful) years.  But, I did find this proof that even Stephen can’t resist his own humor with evidence of these laugh attacks. http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/videos/stephen-colbert-colbert-report-supercut-20141218
Farewell and much thanks to Mr. Stephen Colbert for bringing humor and satirical education to the masses. I look forward to watching him take his new seat on May 20th when he replaces David Letterman.
Politics
As the 113th US Senate closed up shop and the final bow forSenator Carl Levin was applauded, the other chamber was bidding farewell to Congressman John Dingell as he cast his last vote as the longest serving congressman during his 59 year service. The next day he was admitted to the hospital (where he will recoup for 3 weeks) with a fractured hip, though his creative juices were still flowing with his last holiday Dingell Jingle in office. http://tinyurl.com/DingellJingle
And speaking of politics, the media shifted gears toward the third Bush to consider dibs on the Oval Office. This week Jeb Bush dipped his toe in the presidential campaign waters to see if its warm enough to take the dive. Will we have a deja vu Bush v. Clinton 2016?
Congressman John Dingell and Senator Carl Levin
Books
If you are one of the lucky few who will be traveling on vacation this season and are looking for a good book to read, here is a complete and interactive list of suggestions (history, art, comedy, memoirs, cookbooks, tech, mystery…):
Music
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced it Class of 2015 this week including Sting, Bill Withers, Lou Reed, Green Day, Joan Jett and a special award for Ringo Starr. For the complete list: http://tinyurl.com/RandR2015 and for my favorite (frankly only) Green Day song:
Entertainment
The Golden Globes also announced their nominees this month with the films Boyhood and Birdman as my favorite selections. For the full list: http://tinyurl.com/netq7el
Another noteworthy nominee is Jeffrey Tambor (a Detroit Jewish actor) who plays a transgender character in this internet Comedy/Drama TV series, “Transparent”.  I haven’t seen the show but heard great things about it. This trailer is very captivating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-3Q2W0I2Xc
Peace
Salaam is the Arabic word for Peace and this Peaceful song is one of my favorites.  As this holiday season brings hope and optimism, let this song bring Peace to the World.  Beware, you could be humming it all day as it tends to get stuck in your head, though not a bad thing… Enjoy this a cappella version:

Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and PeacefulShabbat Shalom and Happy Haunkah and to my Christian friends, Merry Christmas!

Lisa
Celebration
Our home was filled with 30 babies (and their parents) last Sunday as we celebrated Hadassa’s first birthday.  Dassi eloquently expressed her gratitude to be surrounded by loving family including Bubbie (Yiddish for grandmother), Imma(Hebrew for mother) and Abba (Hebrew for father) for this momentous occasion.
Gift of Health
The most important birthday gift you can give your children and your community (and frankly the world) is to have them vaccinated.  Major myths about vaccines have been circulating on the blogosphere but knowing the facts is a parents responsibility: http://tinyurl.com/mc2jaar
Condolences to Mary Hanlon Stone and her family on the passing of Mary’s father, Art Hanlon.  Art leaves a legacy of 7 children and 15 grandchildren who will forever be grateful for his Wisdom and Traditions.  May his memory and spirit bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.
Harold Wagenberg z”l passed away last week only two weeks after his beloved Elaine died.  May both of their spirits soar together in blissful flight. Condolences to the Wagenberg andStone families on their double loss in two weeks.
My prayers and thoughts are with the large and loving family of
Selma Schwartz z”l who battled the horrible disease of ALS which robs you of movement and voice while keeping your mind fully aware of your body’s imprisonment. Love and hugs go to Selma’s daughter Betsy (Jeff) Heuer, her sister Marcie (Michael) Feldman.  May Selma’s spirit and memories bring comfort to all those who knew and loved her.
Condolences to the family, friends and admirers of
Bill Bonds (a Detroit legend) as he passed away this week at the age of 82.
Happy Birthday!
Dec. 19th
Karl Dorn
Dec. 20th
Michael HarPaz
Dec. 21st
Gina Horwitz
Hannah Moiseev
Helen Katz
Rachel Robinson
Dec. 22nd
1894 – French officer Alfred Dreyfus court-martialed for treason, triggers worldwide charges of anti-Semitism (Dreyfus later vindicated)
Dec. 23rd
1961 – Fidel Castro announces Cuba will release 1,113 prisoners from failed 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion for $62M worth of food & medical supplies
Dec. 24th
Nancy Glen
Dec. 25th
Steve Fisher

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Dec. 19, 2014

Shabbat Shalom Dec. 12, 2014

lisamarklisLeave a comment
Pearl Harbor Memorial
(Attacked Dec. 7, 1941)
Shabbat Shalom
December 12, 2014
Dear family and friends,
Smile
“Peace begins with a Smile” quotes Mother Theresa.  The Peace Train brought smiles to the full house of 3,500 Cat Stevens fans last Sunday night in Boston.  I won’t bemoan the extreme pleasure I felt singing the songs of my youth that are engrained in my brain.  Needless to say, it fulfilled the number one item on my bucket list.  But back to thoseSmiles. Not only can they encourage Peace but they are also heathy for you.  Thanks, Joel Kahn, for sharing the health benefits of a Smile, including Reduced Stress, Released Endorphins and a Confidence Boast… to list a few.http://tinyurl.com/KahnSmile
And while you are smiling, remember the 2 most important reasons we are on this Earth (in my opinion).  1. to Enjoy Life’s Pleasures with lots of smiles and 2. Tikkun Olam (to help make this world a better place for future generations). Both missions are equally meaningful and finding the balance is a life-long job. Writing these Shabbat messages certainly fulfills number 1 for me.
Happiness
Smiles (wishfully) lead to Peace which leads to Happiness which is leads to Bhutan and their efforts to increase and spread (globally) their Gross National Happiness goals. Here is a simple view of that concept:
*See Music Section
Ugly
I wish Smiles and Peace were this week’s main topics but ugliness took top billing with the release of the Senate Report on Torture. Back when Gitmo and Abu Ghraib operatives were “interrogating” their prisoners, an (incomplete) account of their torture techniques were exposed but apparently the system was even more brutal than originally revealed. (side thought: how can those who did the torturing live with those memories today, let along the tortured). Those approving the torture were convinced it would produce valuable information to save American lives but this week’s disturbing 600 page report questions the results. The report accuses the CIA of major infractions and deception which could put Americans abroad at risk of retaliation. Protective measures have been set to keep the global American community safe while the news spreads. Bottom line… what purpose does the report fulfill. Yes, transparency is important in a democracy but were the interrogators acting within the law or will this lead to prosecution. The debate is on…
Failure
More bad news filled this week with the failed rescue attempt in Yemen which caused the death of American journalist, Luke Somers (33), and a South African hostage,Pierre Korkie (56) who was set to be released the next day. This was the 2nd rescue attempt in 10 days with information that Somers was to be killed within 48 hours. 11 others (including a woman and child) were also killed in the raid.
Pierre Korkie and Luke Somers
Deception
Rounding out this week’s top ugly stories is the delinquent journalistic and investigative skills exhibited by Rolling Stone Magazine as they covered (we know now) a fake gang rape accusation. Their interest in this sensational story trumped their responsibility as journalists to research the facts. Rape on campus or anywhere is horrific and moremust be done to stop it and even though this case was falsified, hopefully, the University of Virginia and all colleges will improve their safety and reactionary policies of this brutal crime which sadly is often not even reported.
Beauty
Now onto some news with beauty.  The Royals were on this side of the Pond with their first visit together to NYC. Impressively they flew commercial from London and Prince William also flew commercial (for the day) to DC, all be it, to meet President Obama. Their visit had a philanthropic purpose (for William) to bring awareness of Wildlife Protection and (for Kate) Child Development.  Check out this Royal story by our friend:
Duke and Duchess with King James
Comedy
Prior to William’s visit, President Obama made his own visit to the Colbert Report and his skills at the comic’s news desk is admirable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFEv9FzNyBk Beware, Nation, we are only 6 days out till the last Colbert Report airing on Dec. 18th.
Tribute
Stephen taped his show in D.C. as he did double duty this week when he hosted the Kennedy Center Tribute to 5 Cultural Icons last Sunday (to be aired Dec. 30th). Those icons were Al Green, Tom Hanks, Patricia McBride, Sting and Lily Tomlin. A star-studded guest list paid tribute to these honorees. http://tinyurl.com/KennedyColbert
Gratitude
Thank you and Farewell, Kevin Orr, our Detroit Emergency Manager on completing your job in under 2 years and rightsizing our City’s financial calamity. We are back on track for prosperity to return to Motown, though prosperity is a fleeting notion unless our Detroit Schools are restored to their glory.  A new coalition has been set to assist with this major obstacle to greatness.http://tinyurl.com/DetSchoolCoalition
As Kevin Orr returns to his hometown of D.C. (area), he was “knighted” an official Michigander by Governor Snyder and is welcome back anytime to eat his favorite meal at Buddy’s Pizza.
Discrimination
Our Michigan House approved the Religious Freedom Restoration Act this week as it now heads to our Senate. Many feel this will give Individuals or Businesses the right to discriminate against the Gay Community (or anyone who contradicts their religious beliefs) in regards to government regulations. For example, East Lansing has a LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance that could be challenged by this Religious Freedom Act.  This Statewide Act would allow Michiganders to reverse many City equality laws. This debate is also in progress and I’ll try to keep you updated.
Hong Kong
A greater awareness of politics but not much substantial democratic change occurred during the 74-day Hong Kongpeaceful protest that has ended this week. As they pull down the tents to head home and regroup, the protesters will continue their efforts to bend the communist China stance.
Clearing the tents.  This highway is now open for traffic.
 
Politics
Our government will be spared a shutdown as the Omnibus Bill gets passed (hopefully before) Thursday’s midnight deadline (way past the time I send this email to the system). The bill will keep us funded till September 2015 and it is jammed-packed and filled to the gills with everything that has gone dormant for the whole year. Want to know specifics…Check out this concise A to Z list:http://tinyurl.com/A2ZBillList
Gratefully included is an (over) 20% increase to Israel for her defense systems and the continued enforcement of Iran’s sanctioning with an increase of 10% to help keep Iran nuclear free.
Hanukah
Our 8-day holiday of miracles arrives Tuesday evening. Hanukah is a celebration of the 2nd Temple’s re-dedication by the Maccabee Heroes.  May our Hanukah Menorah (Hanukia) shine brightly for all to see while we consume excessive amounts of Potato Latkes and Sufganiyot (donuts) all fried in oil to remind us of the miraculous oil that stayed lit for 8 days.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and Happy Haunkah!

Lisa
Hope you enjoy this (educational) Hanukah Song with a popular tune.
Admittedly, I am not a huge fan of Bob Dylan or Frank Sinatra but I do appreciate the admiration that many have so, with that in mind, here is a song from Bob Dylan’s new tribute album to Frank Sinatra coming out this Feb. calledShadows in the Night:
* Always loved this Donovan Happiness Song.  This youtube has some great photos:
Happy Birthday!
Dec. 12th
Carol Blumberg Tarnowsky
Lauren Kepes
Wendy Cohen Kohlenberg
Dec. 13th
Elise Goldsmith Schostak
Liz Cooper Guz
Dec. 14th
Ashley Israel
Marc Shaye
Dec. 15th
Dana Siegel
Dec. 16th
Avi Gruber
Dec. 17th
Simcha Tolwin
Natalie Newman
Dec. 18th
Jeff Mark (dear brother)
Henna Tolwin
Jane Smitt

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Dec. 12, 2014

Shabbat Shalom Dec. 5, 2014

lisamarklisLeave a comment
Shabbat Shalom
December 5, 2014
Dear family and friends,
Full House
Our holiday weekend was gratefully filled with family and friends including (daughter) Liat and Andrew who were in from Eugene via Marquette; (son) Mataan who was here from his senior year at University of Michigan; (daughter)Ariella, (son-in-law)Tzvi and grandbaby Hadassa (13 months) were here from their upstairs bedroom as they live with us till their new house is ready and (son) Aviv shared his High School Senior year Thanksgiving with all of us.  I hope your home, too, was filled with the holiday essentials: Food, Family, Friends and Festivities.
Wings
During last week’s busiest travel days of the year, do you ever wonder what happens to lost or unclaimed luggage. Well it all travels to the small town of Scottsboro, Alabama where shoppers can purchase various forgotten items, like wedding dresses, mink coats, Rolex watches and guitars at the Unclaimed Baggage Center…but only in person, no online shopping available. As you can imagine, this is one of Alabama’s top tourist attractions:
Hill Street Blues
Ferguson, Cleveland, Staten Island…we’ve got a major problem in this country that needs major alterations. Everyday innocent lives are lost to a cycle of anger, brutality, power struggle, mistrust and fear.  If we don’t work to correct this downward spiral, more bloodshed will continue to fill our headlines everyday.
Different Strokes
Of course there can’t be one week without mayhem in the Middle East and this week is no exception.  The fury last Sunday was targeted at the efforts of Peace with an arson attack on the only coexistence school in Jerusalem where Arabs and Jews learn side by side. Sadly (and shamefully) evidence points to the extreme right wing elements of our own Jewish Community who most likely set ablaze the first grade classroom of the Max Rayne Hand in Hand Bilingual School.  But anger against the perpetrators and support of the school was evident the next morning when many from all walks of Jerusalem life came out to fortify the school.
House of Cards
Speaking of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and home of the Knesset, there is much rumbling going on in Bibi’s “house” as his current centrist coalition is tumbling and it looks like Israeli elections will take place March 17th (two years early). Bibi would prefer a more Right Wing coalition though I’m not so sure that would be the best for the people of our homeland.  This will be Israel’s 20th Knesset in 66 years. Let’s hope 20 is the lucky number…
PM David Ben Gurion at the first
Constituent Assembly, which was the
first name of the Knesset.
 
Planet Earth
600,000 gallons of crude oil leaked from a pipeline near the Israeli resort city of Eilat causing the worst environmental disaster in the nation’s history. The accident was caused by a construction crew and the clean up will take several years. Thankfully the arid climate will prevent rain from washing the oil into any waterways.
Oil spill across the Israeli desert
 
St. Elsewhere

Since 1988, Dec. 1st has been dedicated to spotlighting the deadly disease of AIDS.  Currently 34 Million people are living with HIV and in its destructive path, it has claimed the lives of 35 Million souls. Modern medicine has broken the death grip of the disease but many of those infected with HIV have poor access to the medications they need to survive.  Also the stigma against the gay community (as they were the most vulnerable in this country to the disease) is slowly lifting as the FDA is now considering lifting the ban on blood donations from gay men which has been in affect since the early 1980s.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/fda-panel-advises-lifting-ban-on-gay-men-giving-blood-1417560946

Little Mosque on the Prairie (yes, this is a real TV show)

We need more voices like Queen Rania of Jordan who spoke out against the violent highjacking of the Arab world at Abu Dhabi’s Media Summit.  Granted, she lives in a safe environment where her life won’t be threatened but there most be more Arab and Muslim leaders who can cultivate her message into a movement.

http://7daysindubai.com/extremists-hijacking-identity-arab-world-says-queen-rania-abu-dhabi-media-summit/

Top Chef

Israel is a melting pot of Jews from 70 different nations. During the formation of modern Israel, 850,000 Jews were expelled from all Arab countries.  This past Sunday Israel held its first annual ceremony to commemorate

the Jewish Expulsion.

http://forward.com/articles/210098/israel-recalls-expulsion-of-jews-from-arab-lands/?

Sephardic Jews (of Arab descent) and Ashkenazi Jewish (of European descent) comprise the fabric of our vibrant tapestry. This mishmash contributes to the culinary excellence of our culture which is exhibited in (this tasting) of a PBS documentary.  I hope this whets your appetite to visit Israel (for the food alone):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOd6cyFvBr8 And for one more Arab Jewish culinary story, check out this Iraqi Jew who opened a pop-up restaurant in Dubai featuring the foods of his ancestors. The Iraqi Jewish history in this article is interesting with the caveat of a very left wing opinion regarding Israel.

http://tinyurl.com/IraqiJewishCusine

Heroes

10 heroes will be honored this Sunday at CNN’s 8th annual Heroes Tribute show with one local Rabbi in the contest for the top honor and the grand prize of $100,000 for his life-altering, pro-impact institution, Kids Kicking Cancer, which teaches martial arts empowering techniques to kids battling the pain, fear and challenges of fighting a potentially fatal disease. http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/02/world/heroes-reveal/  Good luck Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg.

Your Hit Parade

For my musical selection this week, I’ve chosen the smooth vocals of Joseph Buchanan and his beautiful rendition ofOne Day. Hope you enjoy:

https://soundcloud.com/joseph_buchanan/one-day-shalom-rav  Also on the musical front, this Sunday (after 35 years of waiting), I will be seeing my all time favorite musician. If you’ve been receiving these emails, you know its Cat Stevens/Yusuf who will be performing at Boston’s Wang Theatre.  I’ve loved his music since my teenage years but instead of sharing his most popular songs with you, here is one of his most obscure and one of my favorites, Banaple Gas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKtpPjfPDE8  And to preempt your reply concerns about his conversion to Islam, take a look at this article that talks about his brother, who converted to Judaism and lived in Israel.http://tinyurl.com/CatStevensBrother

Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom.

Lisa
Condolences to dear friends Fern and Brian Kepes and their family on the passing of Fern’s father, Paul “Red” Hoberman z”l. May the memories of Paul’s 84 years and his loving spirit bring comfort to his wife (of 60 years), Eileen, and their beloved family.

Sadly, Mira Segal of Tel Aviv and Hannan’s first cousin passed away unexpectedly this week at the age of 51.  We are sending love, prayers and condolences to her parents, siblings, children and extended family and friends. May her spirit and memories bring comfort to those who loved her.

Condolences to Rolling Stones fans on the death of Bobby Keys, famed Saxophonist well known for his sweet Brown Sugar tracks. He also jammed with Buddy Holly, John Lennon and Eric Clapton.
Women of the Wall
Please join us in supporting Women of the Wall (WOW) to allow prayer equality at the Western Wall. http://womenofthewall.org.il/
We are helping them with their Team WOW Marathon:
Wednesday December 10th (6pm)
ADL Gala Honors Senator Carl Levin
Torch of Liberty Award
Tam-O-Shanter
For more info, please contact Jaimee Wine
jwine@adl.org or 248-535-7553
Tuesday April 14th (Save the Date)
The Emily Stillman Foundation’s A Night of Laughs will help encourage organ/tissue donation and raise awareness of Meningococcal Disease. More details of this event to come…
Happy Birthday!
Dec. 5th
Julie Weisberg Schlafer
Dec. 6th
Wendy Kirsch
Nick Lalla
Dr. Jeff Forman
Dec. 7th
Fran Victor
Dec. 8th
Aliyah Schneider
Dec. 9th
Ronda Ferber
Avi Brandvain
Dec. 10th
Neal Elyakin (Happy 60th dear friend)
Penny Blumenstein
Susan Slablotsky
Roz Blanck
Brian and Fern Kepes (happy 25th)
Dec. 11th
Dale Rubin

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Dec. 5, 2014

Shabbat Shalom Nov. 28, 2014

lisamarklisLeave a comment

Post-Turkey Day
Shabbat Shalom
November 28, 2014
Dear family and friends,
Wake Up
During this Holiday Weekend, hopefully many of you are surrounded by family and friends digesting a belly full of turkey on this post Thanksgiving Day Shabbat. Thank you, sister, Sheri Mark, for hosting this year’s Turkey Fest filled with side dish delicacies and fresh baked desserts. If you too are in a rolly-polly mood and you want to dance off that tryptophan, please enjoy this Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars:
Are you old enough to recognize this exercise guru?
Thanksgiving 1965
Are you ready for the 50th anniversary tour?  Arlo is getting ready himself as he re-learns the 18 minute song about the time he was arrested for littering and how it disqualified him from fighting in Viet Nam.  Of course, I’m talking about Alice’s Resturant.  Every 10 years Arlo Guthrie hits the road to perform this classic song/story of stupidity that actually happened to him at this friend, Alice’s Thanksgiving day celebration. Want to join me at his Michigan concert on April 30, 2015 at the Berman Theatre? http://theberman.org/arloguthrie/  And here’s the song with the lyrics, so you can along.
You can get anything you want…
Down to Business
Onto the serious issues of the week.. Ferguson, Immigration, Israel, Iran Negotiation, Marriage Equality and Anti-Semitism.
Blame
Nothing will bring back the life of Michael Brown and the thousands of other innocent people who’ve been wrongfully killed.  Yes, racism is a problem in this county.  Yes, the police possess and use excessive force (mainly) against minorities. Yes, easy access to firearms doesn’t help this volatile situation. But 12 jurors committed months to their responsibility on the Grand Jury, listened to hundreds of hours of testimony, read thousands of pages of evidence, deliberated for days and decided against an indictment. Even with this ruling, I assume officer Wilson will need to go into hiding considering the protests that erupted around the country.  One city, Seattle (Tzachi, you sure you want to move back there) decided that boycotting Israel will help the Ferguson situation:
For added material to this Black/Palestinian correlation, here is an excellent article by the compassionate and educated Israel advocate Pastor Dumisani Washington (whom I follow on Facebook) on his 7 reasons why the Black struggle and the Palestinian situation should never be connected. http://tinyurl.com/lr826mg
Undocumented
There are approximately 11.4 Million unauthorized immigrants in this country with nearly 60% of them from Mexico and 25% of them living in California. This is a broken system with our government’s solution stuck on the desk of this Do-Nothing Congress.  A bill was passed in the Senate to help ease this situation but the House refuses to bring it to a vote. President Obama’s executive order could ease the lives of nearly 5 million people.  Many were brought here as children, worked their way through school and college only to learn later in life they were undocumented. Most just want legal status so they can live their lives and contribute to our society without the risk of deportation. I know this issue is much more complicated than just the words in this short paragraph, but if the choice is to do nothing or something, I vote for the latter.
 
Ellis Island
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
Emma Lazarus (Statue of Liberty)
Pure Politics
The essence of Zionism is that Israel is the Nation for the Jewish People and (thankfully) this reality has been official for 66 years. The 1948 Declaration of Independence already states this fact. But, this week Bibi Netanyahu wanted to pass a bill reiterating the Jewish Nationhood in addition to elevating Hebrew as the only national language which would antagonize the 20% of Israelis who aren’t Jewish. Of that 20% are Druze who fight and die as IDF soldiers and police officers. This political provocation is not needed and not helpful during these turbulent times. I was confused by Bibi’s action till I spoke with the 3 most educated Israelis in my life (husband, son and son-in-law) who all agree that Bibi’s initiative is unnecessary and politically motivated solely to appease his right wing constituents and hold onto his coalition power.  If he loses his coalition, Israel will set elections to elect a new Prime Minister. Voting on Bibi’s bill has been postponed till next Wednesday while the wording is still being contemplated.
UN Ambassadors
Just this week, Ambassador Ron Prosor made an impassioned speech to the global community in the (unfriendly) halls of the United Nations. Ambassador Prosor is one of my favorite advocates for Israel. His messages are always educational, historical, articulate and meaningful. If you’ve got around 10 minutes (I’m a slow reader so you might need less time), I strongly urge you to read his most recent speech:http://www.jwire.com.au/ron-proser-addresses-u-n/  And bravo to US Ambassador Samantha Powers on her distain for the European community’s lack of attendance at the conference on Anti-Semitism. Though the hatred is rising, less then 1/3 of the European nations sent representatives to the conference:
But on a positive (musical) note, please enjoy this wonderful recently released song from Israel that reiterates our desire to live in Peace by learning to
love the ones who love you less:
7 Month Delay
Agreeing to disagree (and delaying the negotiations for 7 months) is not a great strategy when it comes to eliminating nuclear disaster especially with Iran’s bull’s eye on Israel’s back. But this is the situation. Others invested in coming to an agreement are the surviving 39 (of the 52) Iranian hostages from 30 years ago…remember them?  They’ve never been compensated since “dear” President Carter granted Iran immunity after signing their release which took place the day Reagan was sworn in. Many have suffered severely since their abduction with one who just recently committed suicide. If you are interested in more details of this case, please read this NYT article:
Marriage Equality
10 years ago Michigan voters approved a ballot proposal banning same-sex marriages.  I’m not so sure it would pass with today’s Michigan voters, but that’s water over the bridge.  Since that time (and after several lawsuits), 35 States have welcomed Marriage Equality and 15 States still have bans. The Michigan lawsuits (to overturn the ban) have resulted in varying court opinions but our Attorney General, Bill Scheutte, believes “the differences among the courts requires justices to step in and assert the constitutionality of voter-approved bans”.  In other words, Mr. Scheutte wants the Ban to remain and is asking the Supreme Court to uphold it. I’m hoping they won’t!
Can’t say it any better than that…
Reminders
Shower Epiphanies (SE) – profound thoughts that overtake your mind in the shower’s non-disruptive environment where no phones or distractions interfere with your thought patterns. Several years ago, an article was written on life’s lessons that I assume came from those SE.  Here is that advice:
(thanks cousin, Tom, for reminding me of these lessons).
Talent Abounds
I love this jazzy rendition of this popular song with the right message that we should love the body we live in. The vocals byKate Davis are smooth and pleasant and her talented fingers on the bass are mesmerizing (bass solo is half way through the song)…cuz, bottom line… its “All about that Bass”. Hope you enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyTTX6Wlf1Y
Holiday Tunes
As the Holiday Season has now officially arrived, please enjoy this sweet holiday song covered by the delightful vocals of Idina Menzel and Michael Buble’ (I first fell in love with this song in the movie Elf): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bbuBubZ1yE and while we are in that end of the year holiday mood, here is a real treat of all the hippest Hanukah songs mashed into one very entertaining video filmed last week in the windy city of Chicago. Enjoy this Adam Sandler Hanukah sandwich, you’ll see why if you watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqEQy6l1kzc
Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and a Stress-Free holiday weekend.
Lisa
Elaine Wagenberg z”l
Condolences to Nate Stone, Kim (Michael) Quail, the Wagenberg family, Wendy Stone and Josh, Zachary and Rachel Stone, the Forbes family and all those who loved Elaine Wagenberg on her Thanksgiving Day passing. She was predeceased by her son, Steven Stone z”l who died in 2010. May Elaine’s beautiful spirit and loving memories help comfort those who knew and loved this beautiful woman.
 
Dr. Lawrence Krugel z”l
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Richard and Sally Krugeland their family on the passing of Richard’s brother, Dr. Lawrence Krugel.  He was a well respected dermatologist in our community and I hope his spirit, memories and love bring comfort to his family, friends, patients and doc. partners (one of which was my cousin, Dr. Emily Levin). Condolences to all who loved him.
Marion Barry
Rest in Peace, Marion Barry, former mayor of DC as his life proves that you can rise to greatness, fall to despair and rise again by always trying to make amends.
Kudos to the 18 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
award, including Stevie Wonder (loved his Palace concert last week), Congressman John Dingell (longest serving member of Congress), Tom Brokaw, Meryl Streep, Ethel Kennedy, 
James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner
(3 civil rights activist who were murdered in 1964 while helping to register Black voters), Alvin Ailey (famed choreographer),Stephen Sondheim (famed composer) and Marlo Thomas.  
3 of the recipients have connections to Detroit (Stevie, John and Marlo).  Here is the full list:
Women of the Wall
Please join us in supporting Women of the Wall (WOW) to allow prayer equality at the Western Wall. http://womenofthewall.org.il/
We are helping them with their Team WOW Marathon:
Now through Jan. 31st
Mittens for Detroit has just embarked on its 5th collection season with this year’s goal of 20,000 (new/unused) mittens or gloves. There are donation locations all around town.  Two, I know of, are Weight Watchers and Starbucks.  To find a drop box closest to you, please click here:
http://mittensfordetroit.org/locations/
Tuesday December 2nd (7:30am)
City Year Women’s Leadership Breakfast
Detroit Athletic Club
For more info, please contact Jenna Moritz atjmoritz@cityyear.org
Check out this matching contest and donate to help:
https://www.crowdrise.com/RiseDetroit
Thursday Dec. 4th (noon-8pm)
Friday Dec. 5th (10:30am-5:00pm)
Orchards Children’s Services
Shopping event at House of Style
574 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham
Meet Hari of Hari Jewels (exquisite Indian Jewelry)
15% of sales will be donated to Orchards
For more info please contact Fern Kepes
248-459-3030 or fkepes@orchards.org
Wednesday December 10th (6pm)
ADL Gala Honors Senator Carl Levin
Torch of Liberty Award
Tam-O-Shanter
For more info, please contact Jaimee Wine
jwine@adl.org or 248-535-7553
Tuesday April 14th (Save the Date)
The Emily Stillman Foundation’s A Night of Laughs will help encourage organ/tissue donation and raise awareness of Meningococcal Disease. More details of this event to come…
balloons_celebrate.jpg
Happy Birthday!
Nov. 28th
Jon Stewart
Barry Gordy, Jr.
Randy Newman
Gary Hart
Nov. 29th
Jerry Acker
Nov. 30th
Andi Wolfe
Harris Van Cleef
Dec. 1st
Senator Elect Gary Peters
Jennifer Berg 
Sherri Kay Ketai
Dec. 2nd
Liz Appleton/Zuckerman (Our Shabbat dog)
Nicole Lemmer Yoder
Dec. 3rd
David Altman
Jack Rubinfeld
Dec. 4th
Forest Levy Wolfe
Joan Solomon Frank
Denise Kalt

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Nov. 28, 2014

Shabbat Shalom Nov. 21, 2014

lisamarklisLeave a comment
Shabbat Shalom
November 21, 2014
Dear family and friends,
Of Blessed Memory

Rabbi Mosheh Twersky z”l (from Boston), Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky z”l (from Oak Park, Michigan), Rabbi Avraham Goldstein z’l (from London) and Rabbi Kalman Zeev


Levine z”l (from Kansas City) were brutally murdered this week by terrorist who stormed their synagogue. Also a Druze policeman who was on the scene died the next day from gunshot wounds. Though the demented terrorist were wielding the weapons, complicity is wielded against the leaders who incite this evil via Text Books, Facebook, Social Media and Speeches which subtly and not-so subtly encourage these grass-roots massacres.  But the buck doesn’t stop at the incitement, it extends to every moderate Muslim and World Leader who doesn’t condemn this brutality… and the silence is deafening.

Temple Mount
Some Facts
Palestinians are portraying these brutal murders as justification for Muslims protection of their holy Jerusalem site, yet there is no defense for any loss of innocent lives suffered at the hands of evil terrorist.  Here are some facts about the Temple Mount (the supposed reason for these recent murders).
The Western Wall (known as The Wailing Wall prior to 1967) was the only remaining tangible structure to the ancient Jewish Temple.  The Temple stood on the Mount right above The Western Wall. The First Temple was built around 957 BCE. It was destroyed, rebuilt and destroyed again yet the site has always been our most religious focal point.
Throughout the millennium (depending on who controlled the land), Jews have had varying access to The Ancient Temple Site. 600 years after the 2nd Temple’s destruction, a Muslim Shrine was built on the Temple Mount. Today, this space is the Jewish holiest site and Muslim’s 3rd holiest site.  Muslims are the only ones allowed to pray there though non-Muslims can visit but never pray on the Temple Mount in accordance with Israeli Law. Yes, Israeli Law which most likely won’t change even with the pressure from the extreme Right Wing Jewish Movement.  Until the Moderates on both sides can come to the table and make Peace, these murderous uprisings will sadly continue, but, to reiterate, The World needs louder condemnation especially when we see images of Gazans dancing in the street and passing out candy to children in celebration of these murders and Jordan’s parliament praying for the Jerusalem terrorist heroes.
More Facts
A bit more history about the region.  It was named Palestine 2,000 years ago by the Romans who named it after the Philistines who lived on the land along side the Jews, though the Philistines are long gone. Jews have continuously lived there for thousands of years and as proof of their presence, here is the flag of the region in 1939.
Flag Experiment 
This microcosm of attitude is what we are up against.  Now, granted, this experiment took place on the very liberal Berkeley Campus, but the reaction is appalling though sadly not surprising.  Check out what happens when a student waves an ISIS flag while expelling pro-ISIS anti-American sentiment versus the reaction he gets while waving an Israeli flag.  This 3 minute video reflects the frustrating reality of hatred and bias:
Iran
Vienna, Austria is the scene of the Big Iranian Nuclear Talkswhich have an agreement deadline of Nov. 24th.  The stakes are high for many including Iran’s economy, Obama’s legacy and Israel’s survival. For everyone’s sake, let’s hope success is achieved.
More Iran
Art imitated Life which caused prosecution of Life which then provoked more Art… this is the story of the new film,Rosewater directed by Jon Stewart.  When The Daily Show aired an interview of Iranian Journalist Maziar Bahari, it caused a scandal, prison and tzuris (Yiddish for misery) for Mr. Bahari. After his release from Iranian incarceration, he penned a memoir of his experience that Jon Stewart (possibly guilt-ridden) directed into a film.
Seth and Aaron
I am a huge Aaron Sorkin fan and love his shows including Sports Night, West Wing and Newsroom and even the short-lived Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. His appearance last week on Late Night with Seth Meyers prompted a very entertaining tribute, parodying a parody, with the Ping Pong dialogue, lofty speeches, romantic interludes and other Sorkin signature styles. If you too are an Aaron Fan, you will love this video:
 
McCartney Art

Hot shots in the world of music are paying tribute to the genius of Paul with the new cover album, Art of McCartney.  The likes of Bob Dylan, Smokey Robinson, Brian Wilson, Barry Gibb, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Yusuf (Cat Stevens), Billy Joel and many more lovingly covers 34 songs (running 2 hours) of Paul’s greatest hits.

Here are 3 of my favorite melodic renditions:
Corrine Bailey Rae singing Bluebird
Yusuf (Cat Stevens) singing The Long and Winding Road:
Billy Joel singing Maybe I’m Amazed: 
And here is the Cure, with Paul’s son James on keyboard singing Hello Goodbye:
Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and a fulfilling Thanksgiving*. 
Lisa
Condolences to Dulcie Rosenfeld, Jill Stone, Nancy Rosenfeld, Hank Rosenfeld, Jimmy Rosenfeld and their families on the passing of Norman Rosenfeld z’l (95) beloved husband of Dulcie for 65 1/2 years and devoted father to their four children. Norm was a Detroit enthusiast who helped grow his family’s business of Sibley’s Shoes since its founding in 1920. The Rosenfeld’s contributions to Detroit are immeasurable as Dulcie and her family continue this wonderful legacy.  May Norman’s spirit, memory and love bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.

Condolences to Marcia and Bruce Balonick of Chicago on the passing of Bruce’s mother, June Balonick z’l.  

My thoughts and prayers are with the Balonick family during this difficult time of mourning.
Rest in Peace, famed director, producer, writer, comedian and winner of all Four Awards (Emmy, Oscar, Grammy and Tony) Mike Nichols z”l (83), who unexpectedly passed away this week. As a child in Germany, he and his family escaped to the U.S. before the Nazis could reach them. He went on to Greatness with films like The Graduate and plays like The Odd Couple. Condolences to his wife Diane Sawyer and all who loved him and his work.
Now through Jan. 31st
Mittens for Detroit has just embarked on its 5th collection season with this year’s goal of 20,000 (new/unused) mittens or gloves. There are donation locations all around town.  Two, I know of, are Weight Watchers and Starbucks.  To find a drop box closest to you, please click here:
http://mittensfordetroit.org/locations/
Saturday November 22 (6:30pm)
The Benefit II in support of the Children’s Tumor Foundation to help fight Neurofibromatosis.
Detroit Marriott at the Ren.Cen.
Hosted by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert
For more info: https://grow.ctf.org/thebeNeFitDetroit
Tuesday December 2nd (7:30am)
City Year Women’s Leadership Breakfast
Detroit Athletic Club
For more info, please contact Jenna Moritz atjmoritz@cityyear.org
Check out this matching contest and donate to help:
https://www.crowdrise.com/RiseDetroit
Thursday Dec. 4th (noon-8pm)
Friday Dec. 5th (10:30am-5:00pm)
Orchards Children’s Services
Shopping event at House of Style
574 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham
Meet Hari of Hari Jewels (exquisite Indian Jewelry)
15% of sales will be donated to Orchards
For more info please contact Fern Kepes
248-459-3030 or fkepes@orchards.org
Wednesday December 10th (6pm)
ADL Gala Honors Senator Carl Levin
Torch of Liberty Award
Tam-O-Shanter
For more info, please contact Jaimee Wine
jwine@adl.org or 248-535-7553
Tuesday April 14th (Save the Date)
The Emily Stillman Foundation’s A Night of Laughs will help encourage organ/tissue donation and raise awareness of Meningococcal Disease. More details of this event to come…
balloons_celebrate.jpg
Happy Birthday!
Nov. 21st
Francee Ford
Sari Shapiro Cicurel
Nov. 22nd
Caryn Satovsky Siegel
Nov. 23rd
Congresswoman elect Debbie Dingell
Marc Schechter
Marty Maddin
Nov. 24th
Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan
Nov. 25th
Barbara Madgy Cohn
Nov. 26th
Stuart Sklar
Nov. 27th
Dorothy Benyas
Howard Tapper
Laura Champagne
Stacey Kay Doctoroff
  *Bonus Thanksgiving quotes

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Nov. 21, 2014

Shabbat Shalom Nov. 14, 2014

lisamarklisLeave a comment
Shabbat Shalom
November 14, 2014
Dear family and friends,
Shabbat Subjects
Immigration Fraud, Nigerian Students, Billboard Incitement, General’s Vindication, Detroit’s Decision, Kirk & Spock, Solar Roads, Climate Cooperation, Pope’s Advice, Swift Music and Berlin Today will be the Top Topics for this week’s Shabbat email.
She lied
In 1969 she was convicted of a Terrorist Attack that killed 2 people in Jerusalem and wounded several others. She was given Life in Prison but only spent a decade locked up till her release through a prisoner exchange of 76 Arab convicts for 1 Israeli soldier. In 1995 she boarded a plane to the United States, lied about her conviction and through the Immigration Process became a US Citizen happily living in Detroit and then Chicago for the last 20 years.  Well now that Immigration Process has caught up with her deception.  Bravo to, friends Barb and Dan (at the U.S. Attorney’s Office) for righting the wrong and convicting Rasmieh Odeh on Immigration Fraud. She will most likely get 10 years and deportation though she’s still ahead since she should have been locked up for life in memory of the victims she murdered.
Sick Minds
I’ve lamented often about the despicable actions perpetrated by radical extremist and again this week, hatred reared its ugly head.  46 innocent Nigerian students were murdered and nearly 80 others were wounded by a Boko Haram suicide terrorist who looked just like the students he mingled with, though his backpack was filled with explosives to destroy life rather than books to inspire life.  These radicals believe girls should have NO education and boys should only study Koranic teachings. The brainwashing of Islamic Extremism is festering and must be extinguished…sooner rather than later.
Terror Tactics
A billboard inciting terror is seen in Democratic (free speech) Israel (near a large Arab Village) and Facebook postings encourage the increase of car-ramming and spontaneous attacks against Israelis.  The “fight” is so frustration when one side incites hatred and encourages the use of evil terror tactics while the other side follows a moral code but continues to bury victims each week. This week’s victim was Almog Shilony who was stabbed to death in Tel Aviv.  By the way, the recent Arab anger is due to the attempt of Jews (or non-Muslim) to pray at the Temple Mount which houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque aka Dome of the Rock. Jews pray at the Western Wall below the Mount of the ancient Jewish Temple where centuries later the Mosque was built. Sadly though, excuses to incite anger are plentiful in the Middle East. http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Nazareth-billboard-supports-car-terror-attacks-while-alluding-to-ISIS-381257
Dome of the Rock
Moral Tactics
Many others are blinded by their bias views, but the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey recognized the truth that Israel went above and beyond the call of duty to prevent casualties during the Gaza War this past Summer. http://www.timesofisrael.com/top-us-general-israel-protected-civilian-lives-in-gaza/
General Martin Dempsey
Legal Fees
Detroit is so close to focusing forward as Judge Rhodes approved the Bankruptcy Plan this week but the legal and consulting fees could trip up the success.  The estimated fees may have doubled from $100 Million to $200 Million and Mayor Duggan is plotzing over the presumed price tag though the final bill hasn’t arrived. I’ll keep you posted…
James T & Mr. Spock
(Spock’s first name is unpronounceable to humans)
For all you Star Trek fans, here is a pairing (in a German VW commercial) of your favorite characters from the original beloved show.  Check out the VW Spock is driving…very cool. By the way, both Shatner and Nimoy are 83 years old but look amazing and of course you know they are also both Jewish.
Solar Roads
Bravo to The Netherlands for leading the way in the construction of the First Solar Road in our universe (though I’m not sure of the technological advancements on other planets). These solar road panels are incredible (I raved about them in my May 30th Shabbat message) and now they are in actual usage in a city just north of Amsterdam.  Let’s hope they multiply and spread. http://mic.com/articles/103814/the-netherlands-has-solar-bike-paths-and-they-are-awesome

U.S./China Deal

Carbon emissions are poisoning our atmosphere and the two largest creators of these emissions are US and China, but this past week, both leaders bonded over their plan to cut their emissions and improve the planet’s future environment.
Pope’s Wise Advice
There is a reason his is the Pope.  I am continually impressed with the messages of Pope Frances and applaud them for using his “stage” to help enlighten our daily lives and bring Peace to the world. Here are his 10 suggestions of how to live a meaningful and fulfilled life.
Violin Virtuoso
Taylor Swift’s new album is the hottest thing since sliced bread but this hip violin rendition seems more palatable for some who despise pop music.  These girls are amazing:
Germany
Several anniversaries occur in Germany this month includingKristallnacht (the night of broken glass), the commencement (Nov. 20, 1945) of the Nuremberg Trials and the tumbling of the Berlin wall. I will be visiting Berlin in April with the Federation’s Women’s Philantropy Mosaic Mission and look forward to learning more about this Capital City.  In the meantime, this video shows the 25th anniversary tribute of Balloon Lights that commemorated the Berlin Wall this week.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Pleasant and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom. 
Lisa
Post Script
Girlfriends, If you want to learn more about Hormones, Memopause and Sexual Health, please join me Monday Nov. 19th (10am-noon) at Handelman Hall at the West Bloomfield JCC to hear renowned expert, Dr. Alan Altman, answer all of our sensitive questions. Admission is free but please RSVP to jewishdetroit.org/events or Margie Davis at davis@jfmd.org or 248.205.2551
Of course Avi Aaron Feldman arrived in DC last Tuesday (several weeks earlier than expected) since he wasn’t going to miss the election of Senator Gary Peters, his dad’s boss. Mazel Tov to Eric and Dena Feldman on the arrival of their first born child. Avi is truly blessed to be son to these wonderful parents and may this new growing family enjoy Peace, Health and Love for many years to come.
Opportunities are knocking…
Now through Nov. 16th
Please bring new or gently used coats of all sizes to any
Tappers locations (Orchard Mall, 12-Oaks or Somerset) to participate in their 23rd annual Coat Drive.

Now through Nov. 16th
Please vote (once a day is allowed) for Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg for his well-deserved Hero status as the guiding force of Kids Kicking Cancer through CNN Hero’s Award contest.
http://heroes.cnn.com/#.gd2iiigFdgjuU
Now through Jan. 31st
Mittens for Detroit has just embarked on its 5th collection season with this year’s goal of 20,000 (new/unused) mittens or gloves. There are donation locations all around town.  Two, I know of, are Weight Watchers and Starbucks.  To find a drop box closest to you, please click here:
http://mittensfordetroit.org/locations/
Sunday November 9th
Holocaust Memorial Center Dinner at Congregation Shaarey Zedek honoring Dr. Richard K. Stoler with guest speaker Alan Dershowitz.  http://www.holocaustcenter.org/dinner
Thursday November 13th (7:00pm)
Zoe Weil, President of the Institute for Humane Education will present a talk on creating a Humane and Sustainable World at the home of Diane Orley (no charge)
http://humaneeducation.org/blog/2014/08/04/zoe-weil-leads-evening-presentation-michigan/

Thursday November 20th (6:30pm)
Our community is honoring the memory of a dear friend when Jewish Senior Life hosts the first Annual Jeffrey ZaslowMedia Night at Tam O’Shanter Country Club
Guest speaker: Adam Grant, author of “Give and Take”
Celebrity Emcees Alan “Big Al” Muskovitz & Mike Stone
RSVP to Leslie Katz at 248-592-5062 or lkatz@jslmi.org

Saturday November 22 (6:30pm)
The Benefit II in support of the Children’s Tumor Foundation to help fight Neurofibromatosis.
Detroit Marriott at the Ren.Cen.
Hosted by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert
For more info: https://grow.ctf.org/thebeNeFitDetroit
Tuesday December 2nd
City Year Women’s Leadership Breakfast
Detroit Athletic Club
For more info, please contact Jenna Moritz atjmoritz@cityyear.org
Check out this matching contest and donate to help:
https://www.crowdrise.com/RiseDetroit
Thursday Dec. 4th (noon-8pm)
Friday Dec. 5th (10:30am-5:00pm)
Orchards Children’s Services
Shopping event at House of Style
574 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham
Meet Hari of Hari Jewels (exquisite Indian Jewelry)
15% of sales will be donated to Orchards
For more info please contact Fern Kepes
248-459-3030 or fkepes@orchards.org
Wednesday December 10th (6pm)
ADL Gala Honors Senator Carl Levin
Torch of Liberty Award
Tam-O-Shanter
For more info, please contact Jaimee Wine
jwine@adl.org or 248-535-7553
Tuesday April 14th (Save the Date)
The Emily Stillman Foundation’s A Night of Laughs will help encourage organ/tissue donation and raise awareness of Meningococcal Disease. More details of this event to come…
Happy Birthday!
Nov. 14th
Richard Kepes
Nov. 15th
Larry Wolfe (Mr. President)
Peter Alter (Mr. Past-President)
Donna Pearlman
Nov. 16th
David Zuckerman (future Doc.)
Nov. 17th
Debbie Rogers Siegel Chonoles
Nov. 18th
Noah Tepperman
Nov. 19th
James Philip Norville (Tennis King)
Renee Dorn Ruiz (Wonderful Niece)
Nov. 20th
Jolie Schiller Altman
Justin Jacob

Blue Stripes
Shabbat Shalom Nov. 14, 2014