Dear Friends and Family,

Sorrow
I intended to open this week’s Shabbat email with a message of Independence, Freedom and Hope as we celebrate our 238th birthday, but, of course our week began with the most somber discovery of the 3 Israeli Teens’ demise.  Israel is Independent yet surrounded by enemies.  All citizens are Free yet safety is elusive.  Hope is her national anthem but Peace seems to be a dwindling image.  What will Israel’s 238th birthday hold? Will the day come when Israel can celebrate her independence without the constant threat of annihilation? The neighborhood is DANGEROUS with inhabitants who are filled with hate and value death (even against themselves) in exchange for dominance.  We value LIFE and need to remember our ethics while continuing to PROTECT our citizens yet keeping the casualties of our enemies to a minimum.

Stronger Voices
The day the teens were found coincided with the month-long commencement of the reflective Ramadan holiday.  Muslim observance of Ramadan includes fasting during the daylight hours, praying, reading the Quran, being humble, refraining from bad deeds and giving charity.  Certainly killing teens would be counterintuitive to the holiday.  We must continue to pray for the day when moderate Muslims can safely stand up and speak out to repress and root out the violent radical high-jackers of their religion, like this brave Arab teen who’s life is now threatened after criticizing terror.  His aunt, an Arab Israeli Knesset Minister (though very anti-Israel), objects to his peaceful stance.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/threats-against-israeli-arab-teen-who-slammed-kidnapping/

Politicized Decision
Shame on SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) for disregarding one of the major blueprint elements decreed by our forefathers.  We must keep our vast and varying religions clear and separate from our governing bodies. This new judgement by SCOTUS has set a precedent and opened pandora’s box.  There are 71 other companies who’ve sued to restrict affordable Birth Control from their employees.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/04/hobby-lobby-sebelius-contraceptive-for-profit-lawsuits (side note, our Michigan Attorney General, Bill Scheutte, filed briefs against the ObamaCare in 6 of these 71 lawsuits). The Citizens United debacle which opened the door to Corporations being treated as People is one of the rationalizations for this latest decision. Corporations are NOT People and even if they were, they can’t pick and chose which LAWS they prefer to follow. It is now the LAW to (wisely and for the good of our country) require Birth Control to be covered under Insurance.  Half of all pregnancies are unexpected (yes HALF!).  One way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and decrease abortion is through safe and affordable birth control. Also, there are many health benefits to the Pill. http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/features/other-reasons-to-take-the-pill This Supreme Court decision is a direct assault on Women’s Health Care.  I don’t see them cutting off Viagra from anyone’s insurance policies.  Here is a great diatribe (by the brilliant President Jeb Barlet) of why religion needs to stay in their own Houses of Worship and out of our civic policieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYaewOBGybw

Lots of Dishes
Many of you will be joining friends and family for Shabbat dinner tonight but I assume it won’t be as large as this Guinness World Record Shabbat Dinner of 2,226 attendees in Tel Aviv last month:
http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/176199/worlds-largest-shabbat-draws-2226-to-tel-aviv

Two Step
I love this meshing of Laurel and Hardy dancing to my favorite Santana tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkZGg0qNdCc&feature=kp

Chevre Cheese
To conclude this week’s email, here is a photo from last weekend’s trip to Eugene, Oregon when we visited Liat (our daughter) and Andrew (Liat’s boyfriend) on the goat farm.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom and a joyful 4th of July weekend.

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

Why Israel…?
Last Saturday we woke to the Presbyterian election results indicating (by a slim margin) their intent to divest from 3 American companies connected to Israel. Realistically, this will have very little impact on Israel though it is a slap in the face for All Jews.

Why Israel? The only democracy in the region (though not perfect as no county is) that provides equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.  Why not Syria for forcing children to become soldiers; Why not Egypt for jailing Journalist; Why not Malaysia for arresting Transgender Women; Why not Bangladesh for their abysmal working conditions; Why not Australia for their forced sterilization of disabled underaged girls; Why not Afghanistan for stoning women to death for accused adultery; Why not Saudi Arabia for banning Women from driving; Why not ANY of the 81 countries where Homosexuality is illegal!!! NOPE, Israel is the only country deserving of a Boycott from this religious institution. Why… Because Anti-Semitism as been replaced (after Nazi’s stigmatization) with the more acceptable Anti-Zionism (which is still anti-semitism).

Proud Zionist
FACT: Jews are a Peoplehood, a Nation, just like the French, Americans and Italians.  FACT: Our homeland since the biblical era is Israel.  FACT: Anti-Semitism has plagued our entire existence, yet during our “wondering years” without our safe haven we were massacred repeatedly.  FACT: UN resolution 181 established an Israeli Jewish State along side a Palestinian State. Somehow Zionism became a dirty word.  The definition of Zionism is that Jews are a Peoplehood deserving of a protective Nation. We need to reclaim the positive meaning of Zionism. Without it, History could repeat itself as all attacks against Jews always started with words just like the Presbyterian agenda.  Yet the difference and irony is that Israel is now here to protect us as their words try to delegitimatize our Protection. Please check out http://www.zionistspring.org/ and stand up as a proud Zionist.  Please read MLK’s quote below.

Black Jewish Brotherhood (Andrew and Michael were Jewish)
50 years ago this week, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner were murdered (in cahoots with the Mississippi police) by the Ku Klux Klan while participating in the Freedom Rideto assist Southern Blacks in the voter registration process. Segregation was a disgraceful time in our history as it preempts the inequity for all citizens in this country. We need to focus on compassions and protection for those who are different in color, gender, religion, orientation or income bracket. “All men (women and transgender) are created equal”. Thomas Jefferson (with my slight editing) wrote these words in 1776 (yes, Lincoln said them too), yet there is still much work to be done till these words ring TRUE.  This week also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.  This act, signed into law on July 2nd, 1964 by President Johnson, helped to ratify Jefferson’s words:

Update on Sudanese Christian
Freedom of religion is taken for granted in our country but certainly not in Sudan where it is illegal to convert from Muslim to any other religion.  The Christian mother of two who was sentenced to death (after 100 lashes) as been released from jail and was traveling to the US with her American husband and children when they were detained at the Sudanese airport. Hopefully this detention is only temporary and she will be allowed to escape persecution.  I’ll keep you posted.

 

Ginger Rogers did it first but these guys are quite amazing too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc17H68IKMs

Mazel Tov to talented local boy (and son of friends Marcie and Rob) as Jason Orley catapults his career and punim onto the big screen: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nancy-meyers-casts-assistant-key-714087

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

 Day 15
Free these sons!

  We pray and hope for there safe return! 

Dear Friends and Family,

1982 Union
32 year ago today (June 20th), we walked down the aisle of Adat Shalom Synagogue to recite our vows of marriage.  Back then, perms were the style and hairlines hadn’t rebelled.  4 kids plus a son-in-law and granddaughter have enriched our lives since those early days and we gratefully anticipate our future filled with another 32 (or more) years together.  This was the (our) look in the early 80s.

Unity Debated
Instead of praise for what we do to help the global community, we get boycotted for building homes in a territory that was acquired during war and we would gladly return in exchange for Peace. This week (here in Detroit) the Presbyterian Church is holding it’s biennial conference to debate (as one of its main issues) the (anti-semitic) Boycott of Israel fueled on by “Nobel Peace Prize winner” Rev. Desmond Tutu who urged the Presbyterian Church to condemn Israel as an Apartheid State. Seriously !!!?http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.599422 or how about this insulting suggestion by a Presbyterian Minister encouraging all Israelis to leave “Palestine” and move to the US: http://tinyurl.com/mguxm3l Bravo to the many Jewish Community members who attended the conference to speak out against the Boycott though in the process they had to endure hateful bias rants against Israel.

Deadly Sandbox
Another dangerous Sandbox is Iraq where “3 children” seem to have more hatred for each other than even the Palestinian/Israeli conflict.  Sunni and Shiite are Muslim sects and Kurds are an ethnic group who are mostly Sunni (but not all). The current Iraq leader is Shiite while the ISIS terrorist group is Sunni.  The leadership baton continues to get tossed back and forth but what is really needed is a 3-State Solution since these people seem hellbent on killing themselves into extinction. In fact some think we should just let them do this of course until their actions start threatening our interests.  For now we are sending Military consultants but stay tuned for further US plans.

Job Well Done !

Kudos to the special forces that captured (without a gun shot) the

mastermind of the Benghazi massacre.  This is the same military unit which “got” Bin Laden and brought home Bowe Bergdahl.  I’m sure more intel on the deadly Benghazi revolt will now be revealed after his interrogation.

Applauds !

Bravo to 2 MI State Reps (Sarah Roberts and Gretchen Whitmer) on introducing legislation to help repeal the blatantly anti-women bill that would require us (women) to purchase extra insurance (if its even available) in case an abortion is needed within our reproductive years. http://tinyurl.com/RepealMILaw

Congratulations !
Congrats to Gary Peters as this week he was endorsed by the Detroit Regional Chamber which represents Businesses in the SE Michigan. After interviewing both candidates at the Mackinac Conference, they felt Gary would best represent us in the Senate given his “proven track record of bipartisan leadership that is focused on solutions instead of partisan bickering” said Brad Williams, VP of government relations for the Det. Regional Chamber. http://tinyurl.com/GaryPetersEndorsement

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom,
Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

“Cats in the Cradle”
From our own Fathers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Ben-Gurion, Abe Lincoln, JFK, Pope Francis, MLK, Albert Einstein, Warren Buffet, Mahatma Ghandi…or whomever you choose. It’s time to pay tribute to the Patriarchs and “Fatherly” Heros of our Lives.  Happy Father’s Day to all Dads, Abbas, Tateh (Yiddish), Baba (Turkish), Babbo (Italian) and Vader (Dutch) and especially our family’s Fathers.  And for a musical accompaniment in honor of this weekend’s celebration,

Here is newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and my high school crush), Cat Stevens’ (aks. Yosef Islam) classic song dedicated to Fathers and Sons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29YR5-t3gg&feature=kp or if you are a Harry Chapin fan (like us), here is his classic Father and son poignant message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s5r2spPJ8g

By the way, Harry Chapin was one of our favorite concerts back in the early 80s. (Josh F. what’s your musical reply this week?)

 Happy Father’s Day!

Shalom (Good Bye)

“One Love”
During this political season, Party Platforms are being drafted and Shame on the Texas Republican Platform as they include Gay Therapy in theirs which states: “We recognize the legitimacy and value of counseling which offers reparative therapy and treatment to patients who are seeking escape from the homosexual lifestyle.” This statement is disgraceful! If Homosexuality is a choice to be corrected, so too must Heterosexuality though no one is ever asked when, during their lives, did they “Choose” to be Straight.  Here is the full article about the Texas Platform:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/05/texas-gop-conversion-therapy_n_5454875.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D484743

          Much more support is still needed for these heros.

“Taking Care of Business”
Israel swore in it’s (new) 10th President, Reuven Rivlin, this week.  Mr. Rivlin seems a stark contrast to the previous (and well respected) Shimon Peres (who founded a Peace Center in his name). Reuven comes from (Likud) on the right side of Israeli’s political spectrum with a pro-settlement stance. Not sure his views today but he was opposed a 2-State solution in the past. Good thing his job is mostly ceremonial, since he seems to lean somewhat conservative.

“A Taste of Honey”
On a delicious Israeli note, the farmers in the south have named a new melon after the sweet vocal sounds and delightful moves of Justin Timberlake who performed in Israel last month.  This cantaloupe will hit the Israeli fruit stands in September and arrive to our U.S. shores soon after.
http://israel21c.org/news/new-melon-is-sweet-like-justin-timberlake/?utm_content=bufferafd85&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

“Trouble, oh Trouble can’t you see”
Was the Iraq War fought in vain? In hindsight, some view it as a mistake.  Just this week, an extremely brutal Jihadist (Terrorist) group, called ISIS took over Mozul, the 2nd largest city in Iraq. This group is so extreme it was shunned by Al Qaeda as being too heinous.   The American trained Iraqi soldiers had to flee the city with their uniforms tossed aside to protect their lives.  This is an unfolding story that could have dire consequences for the whole region.  World leaders are closely following these developments as this story continues to unfold.

“You’re in my heart” (Rod Stewart soccer song)
Among much controversy,  much money, much protest… The World Cup in Brazil gets underway this week.  It used to be prestigious to host the World Cup and the Olympics but these days it is more costly to build the arenas and infrastructure so the countries come out of the events with a huge deficit that they can’t afford in the first place. Good luck to the host and the teams competing.

“John Barleycorn” (song by Traffic)
I was in NYC this week (shout out to my friends at National Women’s Philantropy) and got to walk the city a bit.  I kept thinking about that Seinfield episode with George crossing the street with his Frogger machine. You remember the scene…right? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRK-pRza5eA  Well here is a real life extremely busy Ethiopian intersection that has NO traffic signals yet it looks like everyone gets through safely.  Very cool to watch:
http://twistedsifter.com/videos/meskel-square-timelapse-addis-ababa-ethiopia/

“Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the music”
Kol Hakavod to (well deserving) Dr. Richard Krugel on being selected to receive our Jewish Community’s highest honor of the Butzel Award.  Richard is a mentch and one of the shining gems in our community.  Mazel Tov to Richard, Sally and his whole family. Also, Kudos to dear friend, Jocelyn Benson on her appointment as Wayne State University’s 11th Dean of the Law School. A very wise decision for this brilliant woman.  Jocelyn is the youngest woman (at age 36) to ever lead a Law School and I know she will lead it with distinction. Congrats to Jocelyn (and Ryan).

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom and a Happy Father’s Day,

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

Mismatched
I don’t often wish divorce upon unions but I’m hoping this week’s marriage of Fatah and Hamas will end quickly just as their past partnerships have bit the dust.  How can we trust a Terrorist Organization that hasn’t committed to ANY reforms.  Hamas’ Charter still states the complete Destruction of Israel because they still don’t think Israel has the right to exist.  How can we make Peace with Stubborn Hatred.  Maybe a miracle will occur with Hamas bopping their heads in a V8 Juice moment saying “Peace is the Path to Prosperity”.   If only it were as easy as the 8 tasty vegies in the healthy tomato drink.

POW
Most likely he left his post and was picked up by the Taliban. Its been reported that several soldiers died while trying to find Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, though more info on those casualties is needed to accurately assess the situation.  Outcries to bring him home were flooding the airwaves and now many of those same voices call the rescue a disgrace.  Bottom line, should a captive American be abandoned…? Time will tell the whole story, but for now, a family is reunited with their son who I assume will be watched for many years to come.  My first thought was Life imitates Art as his story mirrors the TV show Homeland. My second thought addressed Guantanamo Bay… We need to finalize that chapter for our history books.  To be continued…

Inhumane
It’s amazing there are no limits to the degree of Human cruelty in this world… from two Wisconsin 12-year-old girls stabbing their friend 19 times… to the senseless laws in the Sudan.  A 27-year-old Christian woman sits in a Sudanese Jail cell with her 2-year-old son and 2-week-old daughter waiting for 2 more years till she finishes nursing her baby so they can put her to death for renouncing Islam as her religion.  Her father was a Muslim but abandoned her when she was 6, at which time she was raised as a Christian.  Converting from Islam is illegal and marrying a Christian is forbidden.  Her punishment…100 lashes then death by hanging.  Her husband is a Sudanese Christian with U.S. citizenship which is how her story reached our U.S. media. Sadly her story is all too common in our 21st century barbaric world with many others living in similar brutal circumstances.

Leadership
Bravo to Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget Mary McCormack for taking the lead on this week’s ruling that the “one parent doctrine” is unconstitutional. This will now safeguard One parent’s custody regardless of the Other parent’s behavior.

Road to Recovery
Bravo to all who helped pass the Grand Bargain. This is a HUGE step forward for Detroit.  There is still much work to be done and money to be raised (like $100 Million by the DIA alone). In the meantime, let’s continue to support Detroit by attending at least 13 out of these 14 Summer Activities and Festivals (#4, the Hoedown, was last weekend).
http://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/detroit/things-to-do-this-summer-in-detroit?ref=facebook-869

Happy Birthday
By the way, Happy 313th Birthday to Detroit as her age, this year, now matches her area code and if you go to the city this weekend, please check out the Cinetopia International Film Festival which brings the “best in show” of all the other Film Festivals (like Sundance, Cannes, Toronto…) to Detroit and Ann Arbor: http://www.cinetopiafestival.org/

Fresh Air
Bravo to POTUS’ direction this week instructing the EPA to implement a 30% reduction of Carbon Pollution by the year 2030 from Power Plants (the worst pollution offenders). Finally a bold step in response to the bold climate change we are all experiencing. Power Companies might like this but our lungs will be overjoyed.  Also, the Pres. is commended for his proclamation of June as Pride Month with the hope that Equality will bloom like the Spring flowers especially with cleaner air.

Green Space
Speaking of saving our environment, check out Israel’s new Porter School of Environmental Studies (at Tel Aviv U.) and the “Greenest” building it is housed in. (by the way, it is perfectly kosher to end a sentence with a preposition, heard this liberating news on NPR).
http://www.greenprophet.com/2014/05/first-pics-of-israels-greenest-building-porter-school-of-environmental-studies/

Enjoy this Roger Waters
Kol Hakavod to Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones for their rip-roaring performance this week in Tel Aviv.  Mick thoroughly impressed the crowd with his numerous (and somewhat advanced) Hebrew phrases.  I wonder who his tutor was? Mary HS, I’m sure you got much “Satisfaction” from this story:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/mick-jaggers-top-12-hebrew-phrases/

Remembering
This may be the last big D-Day commemoration that WWII vets can attend as 70 years ago this week, our U.S. troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to help end the Nazi atrocities.  90-year-old Vets were on hand to be honored but most likely none will be around for the next decade’s acknowledgment.

Sad Chapter
Another anniversary occurs this week as 25 years ago young Chinese students demanded democracy at Tiananmen Square yet their success was thwarted as thousands were killed with zero transparency of their deaths.

This student has never been identified.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

 “To live in the hearts left behind is not to die” – Thomas Campbell

Dear Friends and Family,

Sorrowful Week
“If it Bleeds it Leads” is the Newspaper motto that sadly describes this week in review.  The headlines reflect the death toll from European anti-semitism, honor killing in Pakistan and a lethal combination of mental health, misogyny and easy access to weaponry in California. Hatred is just too prevalent in our human society, whether it’s hatred of Jews, hatred of Women or hatred in general.  We are born as clean slates, yet the vast amount of images and messages we encounter during our formative years can meld a weak psyche into sickness and cause him to erupt. Please see the below tribute to Maya Angelou and her quote regarding Hatred.

Even in our very enlighten, modern, democratic United States of America, Women still fight for equal status, equal opportunities, equal Pay and Women’s Choice. But the worst case scenario are the Women Haters or Misogynist.  These people, like the California killer, have taken the extra leap into a delusional state thinking all women have been placed on this Earth to obey them. Sadly, this guy was pathological and obsessed with (the lack of) wealth and women and with easy, legal access to guns, he took 6 innocent people with him to death.  Will these mass killings ever end?  Will the All-Mighty NRA ever value Life over Lust and Loot (of the gun industry).  Things won’t change until we stand up against those like Joe the Plumber who “eloquently” expresses their beliefs that “Your Dead Kids Don’t Trump My Constitutional Rights” To Have Guns.

 

Celebrate
OK, enough hatred and violence.  Onto Cheesecake and Torah, as this week concludes our Omer Count with the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates when we were given the Torah and Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. It is customary to eat “Milk and Honey” and to participate in an all-night Torah study session.

Golden
Also, this past week was Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) celebrating the re-unification of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold). An appropriate time to visit the City of Gold as Pope Francis did this week. Here is a beautiful rendition (with english translation) of the iconic Jerusalem song and a few Pope sightings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH8gtdDA5x0

 Happy Jerusalem Day – reunited since 1967

Pope in Israel 

 Kotel (Western Wall)

 Herzl’s grave

  Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial)

JF Board and Teen Effort
Kudos to the board of our local Jewish Fund for their righteous decision to contribute $60,000 to collaborate with various funeral homes to give dignified burials to 200 unclaimed bodies that have been housed (for years in some cases) at the Wayne County morgue. Our community is very proud of the Jewish Fund efforts throughout the years. Now, they are extending this philanthropic education to Teens in our region as they have established a Youth Foundation Board.  This is an amazing opportunity for any Jewish Teen entering 10th or 11th grade to participate in our local philantropy. For more info, please check out their website: http://thejewishfund.org/teenboard/ or contact Martha Goldberg at mgoldberg@JFMD.org or (248)642-4741

Pressure
High School can be a treacherous minefield with peer pressure, exam pressure and college pressure. Making brave choices during these (sometimes) awkward and defining years takes courage.  To add Mental Illness to this mix of self-consciousness makes life even harder but these two Ann Arbor girls seem to have mustered up a whopping amount of strength to bring Mental Illness out in the open and help remove the stigma. Their school wasn’t ready for that brave step so they wrote their story “Depressed but not ashamed” in an article that was picked up by the New York Times.  Bravo to them:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/22/opinion/depressed-but-not-ashamed.html?_r=1

Detroit Beauty
Bravo to Erica Gerson as she chairs Detroit’s Land Bank Authority to deal with the blight and abandon properties in our City. It’s a daunting job yet Erica and her team are up for the challenge.

In Our Lifetime
OK, I’ve increased the font for this topic as I think it is the Brightest Idea since Slice Bread.  If this could be accomplished, it would solve almost all of our Country’s Major Concerns (Energy, Jobs, Environment… the list goes on). This Solar Roadway Project is TRULY brilliant but not sure if it is feasible. Check it out for yourself with this creative video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlTA3rnpgzU

Pursuit of Peace
On June 14th the Presbyterian church will hold it’s General Assembly conference in our great city of Detroit.  Sadly, this organization is not our Jewish Community’s BFF.  Among many topics debated will again be the stance to Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) Israel. A petition of Peace signed by Clergy and Clergy students is being circulated and I urge all Clergy to sign.
http://www.inpursuitofpeace.org/

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom and a Happy Shavuot Sameach,

Lisa

 “To live in the hearts left behind is not to die” – Thomas Campbell

Maya Angelou
The world of Poetry, Literature and Civil Rights lost a great contributor with this week’s passing of Maya Angelou at age 86. Though her world started out with abuse and violence, she overcame adversity with beauty, grace and inspiration.  Her words will forever resonate in our country’s consciousness.

Dear Friends and Family,

Gratitude
Monday is our country’s opportunity to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers and to give thanks to those who fought to maintain the Freedoms that make this country stellar and respected. Deep gratitude is due to all those who have served our county.

Self Evident
Those Freedoms include the equal rights and protections for ALL Americans as our diversity is the strength of our country.  In every aspect of our Selves (religion, politics, education, talent, skin color, partner preference…) we fall within a spectrum. Yet, depending on where you fit, could effect your rights.  This video, Self Evident Truth, spells out that equality in our county is anything but Equal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJkivljbvQE

Disgraceful
It is no surprise the overwhelmed VA Hospitals are providing SUBstandard care from their inability to handle the influx of patients from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It has been reported that 40 veterans have died while waiting to receive medical care. Upon returning from sacrificing their lives, Vets should be showered with Efficient Medical Care, Educational Funds, Job Opportunities and Respect. We need to do a much better job in all of these areas.

Most Graceful
Heros come in all shapes and forms and two that top my list areGabby Giffords and Malala Yousafzai.  Time Magazine selected this year’s 100 most influence people (http://time.com/time100-2014/) and wisely included Malala Yousafzai (Pakistani youth shot by Talaban for her educational demands). Incidentally, I love how Malala follows Robert Redford and Pope Frances on the list. Anyway, Gabby Giffords was given the honor (appropriately) to write Malala’s tribute. Here are Gabby’s words of praise:

Prideful Award
Bravo to Jay Leno for his words of support: “At some point in your life, you have to sort of take sides. I tend to side with the Jewish point of view on many things, especially issues like this one. I realize how important Israel is”.  Jay Leno is in Israel this week to host the$1Million Genesis Prize Ceremony where (former mayor) Michael Bloomberg will be the first recipient of the “Jewish Nobel Peace Prize”.  Kol Hakavod to both Michael B. and Jay L. on this week’s honors.

                                     Jay and Bibi

Separation Needed
Shame on our Supreme Court for thier decision this month allowing prayer at local government meetings from a case brought forth by Greece, NY (near Rochester).  This is a blatant slap in the face to our Separation of Church and State intent which is referenced in the First Amendment of our Constitution.

Voters Rights
Arkansas’ new ID Required Voter Law snagged its own Governor Asa Hutchinson as he turned up to vote WITHOUT Identification. He dispatched an aid to retrieve his ID but how many others would have this same assistance when trying to assert their basic right to vote. This law has already been ruled unconstitutional and hopefully will be overruled.

Freedoms Denied
Last week I mentioned the brave Iranian women who were shedding their head scarfs and posting their photos on Facebook. I don’t know if any of them got in trouble, but this week several Iranians were arrested for joining the global movement of posting a Youtube of men and women dancing to the song “Happy”.   As we appreciate our Freedom of Speech during this Memorial Day Weekend, feel free to view the video that got the Iranians in trouble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg5qdIxVcz8&feature=youtu.be

Strange Creatures
Protecting our wildlife is vital for the protection of all living beings. Take a look at these strange species: http://airows.com/27-bizarre-animals-you-wont-believe-actually-exist/

Say Good-Bye
For nearly 3/4 of a decade, Tunnel BBQ has been a staple for those occasional Windsor visits.. until now.  The famed restaurant will be closing it doors this September to make room for the expansion of the University of Windsor.  Nothing last forever as times change.

Cool Video
From Windsor to Detroit.  Please enjoy this cool time-lapsed peak at the sites of Detroit: http://tinyurl.com/2minutedetroit

Help Needed

Bravo to JPMorgan and Jamie Dimon for the $100 Million investment in Detroit.  Every action has a reason but what difference does it make if the REaction has a positive effect on our City. Yes, the Banks were the cause of our national recession, so let them help with the revitalization.  Let JPMorgan be the catalyst for others to cough up some cash.

Lisa

 MUSIC

2nd best JT
My musical interests are eclectic as this week’s chosen video includes the talents of (my 2nd favorite JT) Justin Timberlake and the spirit of Michael Jackson.  Lots of amazing dancing and a catchy beat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG08ukJPtR8

JT joins forces
Speaking of my favorite JT (James Taylor), it has just been announced that he will collaborate with Smokey Robinson and Elton John on a new Duets album due out this September.

JT this Summer
Summer concerts on our calendar are James Taylor on July 27th at Pine Knob (Old School Name) and Hall & Oats on Sept. 21st at Freedom Hill.

Dear Friends and Family,

Helping Hands
We are in Jerusalem to participate in the 100th year celebration of JDC (aka: The American Joint Distribution Committee) a world-wide rescue and relief agency which had a hand in supporting my in-laws (of blessed memory) during their travels from war-torn Europe to Israel in the mid 40s. Gratitude abounds for the past, present and future efforts of the JDC in assisting our extended Community.

Help Needed
Anger, frustration and sadness overwhelms the families of the Turkish Coal Mine disaster that has already stolen the lives of nearly 300 victims with still many more trapped beneath the rubble. My prayers go out the the family and friends of this disaster.

Friendly Support
Nigeria is Israel’s closest friend in Africa and has provided medical support during past terrorist incidents just as it has offered help this week to find the abducted schoolgirls. The Nigerian president Good Luck Jonathan has accepted Israel’s assistance while more brazen attacks continue to be perpetrated by the evil

Pyromaniac’s Delight
The Omer is counted between the two anchor holidays of Passover and Shavuot that both represent the common theme of “Persecution to Freedom”. During this 49 day (semi-mourning) period, we aren’t suppose to shave, cut our hair, get married or “party”, but on Lag B’Omer (this Sunday) we take a break from the restrictions.  Traditionally, Bonfires are the form of celebration during this holiday as we look forward to attending the Bonfire at Jerusalem’s historic Biblical Zoo.

 (I must confess; I have slight pyromaniac tendencies) 

What’s in a Name?
For 400 hundred years a tiny town in Spain has kept its name as“Little Hill Fort of Jew Killers”.  Now the Mayor had decided the time might be right for a name modification, yet, hold your horses… there is some resistance.  After a bit of research, it was discovered that a large Jewish presence lived in the town but during the Inquisition, many chose to convert to Catholicism rather than leave.  So to prove they weren’t Jewish any longer, they added “of Jew Killers” to their original name of “Little Hill Fort” and it has stuck ever since. The push back about the name change is grounded in the fear of precedent-setting as they are concerned it will open up other towns to follow suit, which I assume would annoy Spanish map-makers.

 
Take a lesson…World
Dignity, respect, equality… this is how our Israeli society treats their special needs citizens.  Just as all young Israelis must serve in the military, so too do these special (proud) soldiers.  Israel is a unique society which values ALL its citizen regardless of their abilities. The families of these soilders are grateful for the opportunities their kids are provided, just like all their peers. Thanks, Alon Tolwin for sharing this message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZC42c8lMqg&hd=1

Undignified
No dignity and respect for the (first) Israeli Prime Minister (Ehud Olmert) who was recently sentenced to a 6-year jail term for bribery.  This certainly puts an end to speculations of his future political career.

Bias Pledge
More indignities are occurring at UCLA (one of California’s many campuses which are bias against Israel).  Anyone running for Student Government is now requested to sign a pledge that states they will never participate on a free or co-sponsored Israel Trip (though Birthright, AIPAC or ADL). Most likely this action was initiated as a reaction to their February failed BDS vote.  Their attempt to eliminate pro-Israel voices from their Student Government is despicable, bigoted and ruthless.

YIKES
More evidence this week proves of our manmade affects on our Climate as research indicates that there is no stopping the melting Ice Sheets in Antarctica which will (without a doubt) raise our sea levels.  This can NOT be good for those living near our coastal regions. Skeptics can hide their heads in the sand, but if you choose that route, I’d suggest you find some sand further from the shoreline. http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/12/us/nasa-antarctica-ice-melt/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Dear Friends and Family,

Eliminate Bigotry
There should be ZERO tolerance for prejudice, racism and bigotry, but disgracefully, it persist and festers a lesion on our Human souls. It seems The Mighty Dollar trumps Compassionate Integrity. Mr. Sterling had a well documented racist history yet he was able to BUY recognition from the likes of the NAACP.   It’s disconcerting that some in this world continue to feel superior to others but when this absurdity comes from the ethos of one of “Our Own”, it is downright embarrassing.  Good riddance to the LA Clippers owners and bravo to NBA commissioner Adam Silver for his appropriate punishment of a Lifetime ban from the Sport and $2.5 million fine.  Hopefully this will send an meaningful message to other soulless bigots.

  From a wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.
“We” are the collective. 

Paying Tribute
Somber remembrance immediately follows joyful celebration this week in Israel (and for all Zionist) as Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are commemorated.  Sunday evening marks the beginning of Israel’s recognition of her fallen solders and victims of terror and Monday evening starts the celebration of Israel’s Independence.  These two days are purposely connected to remind us to always look to the bright future especially after remembering the horrors of our past.  On Yom HaZikaron, at 10am in the morning, a 2-minute siren is hear throughout Israel as the whole nation comes to a halt.  Cars on the roads and highways stop and everyone stands at attention wherever they are.  It is truly a moving site to see.  Please join our Detroit commemoration of Yom HaZikaron this Sunday evening (promptly) at 5:30pm at the Berman Center at our West Bloomfield JCC.   There is no charge but they ask that everyone be seated by 5:15pm. http://jewishdetroit.org/event/youm-hazikaron-israels-national-memorial-day/   and please enjoy this musical video celebrating the HOPE we all have for Israel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsE1cAKM4Yc

Haifa Healing Powers
Prayers and well wishes go to, Gennady Kernes, the Jewish Mayor of Ukraine’s 2nd largest city, as he is recovering at Haifa’s Rambam Hospital, from a gunshot wound sustained (this past Monday on Holocaust Remembrance Day) in his hometown of Kharkiv.  Though Anti-Semitism was not suspected in his assault, his recovery at the hands of our Jewish hospital may save his life.

Not a Jew
I take pride in the accomplishments of Jews around the world and have always assumed Seth Meyers was a member of our Tribe, but my mistake was corrected when I saw this entertaining clip from Seth, himself:
http://www.nbc.com/late-night-with-seth-meyers/video/seths-story-seths-jewish-enough/2776163#i

Was a Jew
Sadly, this Jewish guy from NJ clearly got the WRONG message when he was brainwashed to become a radical Muslim spewing terrorist ideas that landed him in jail:
http://www.npr.org/2014/04/25/306533963/the-jewish-kid-from-new-jersey-who-became-a-radical-islamist

Who is a Jew
The saying goes… 2 Jews, 3 opinions. This week the Conference of Presidents (of Major Jewish Organizations) rejected entrance of J Street into their esteemed entity.  As mentioned several times in these emails, my Jewish Tent is Tall and Wide, welcoming all who believe in the continuity of our Peoplehood and security of our Homeland (all except Jews for Jesus or Messianic Jews as their beliefs contradict our identity).  So, as our opinions vary and continue to diverge, our acceptance, tolerance and coexistence with each-other should increase to maintain the united force we require to help sustain our future.

Lisa

Bonus Track 2
I don’t necessarily believe in ghosts or spirits, but this young (7 years old) girl must be channeling the vocal abilities of Ella Fitzgerald. Amazing… “Fly me to the moon”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X4sqQbuQZI

Bonus Track 3
I’ve spotlighted these amazing dancing in previous weeks.  Hope you enjoy this new video by these very talented Urban Dance Students:
http://tinyurl.com/UrbanDanceCamp