Dear Friends and Family,

The final frontier has finally be defeated.  Bravo to NBA athlete, Jason Collins, for bravely coming Out of the Closet and proudly walking into the Locker Room as the first openly gay major league athlete.  The tides have turned on this issue with more understanding and less prejudices so some day soon Gay Rights Equality will be the norm and not the the struggle.

It’s astonishing that in the 21st century of our modern advanced country, there are still racially segregated activities but that is exactly the case for the High School Proms (organized by parents) of Wilcox County, Georgia.   That is until this year when some fed-up students decided to organized the first integrated Prom of Wilcox County.  Bravo to these young social activist.

Condolences to the 410 lives lost in the Bangladesh garment factory building collapse. Since there were 1000s of workers in that building, most likely that death toll will continue to rise. The property owner may also loose his life over this incident as the outraged Bangladeshi public demand the death penalty.

Last Saturday evening we experienced a double bonus night as we helped support the Food Rescuing Mission of Forgotten Harvest while being entertained by the comic genius of

Martin Short.  Not only was he hilarious, he was also gracious as he accepted my request to wish all of you Shabbat Shalom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fActR0PvUpw&feature=youtu.be

Congrats to the new King of the Netherlands (their first king 123 years as all others have been queens), Willem-Alexander of the House of Orange-Nassau (yes that is his real name though it sounds more like an Orange Julius Stand in the Bahamas).  King Willem-Alexander is the youngest monarch in all of Europe and far less “Royal” than his neighboring monarchs.

The Netherlands may have had Women-led Royals for over 123 years, but street names in Germany lacked a female presence until recently.  However, the edict to require ONLY Female names for new Streets or Squares has bumped up against the Jewish Museum’s request to name their Square after the 18th Century Philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, who professed tolerance and understanding.  After much debate and discussion, a compromise was reached to include both Moses Mendelssohn and his wife Fromet Guggenheim Mendelssohn as the new name of the square.

Yasher Koach to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum for 20 years of preserving our past, teaching tolerance, disputing deniers and (hopefully) safeguarding our future from genocide.

Keep your family safe and encourage Seat Belt use by watching this brilliant, moving and touching short video: http://www.youtube.com/embed/h-8PBx7isoM

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

Lisa

Shock and disbelief are still of the mindset for most Americans who can’t fathom the reality (that Israelis endured for decades) of local terrorist attacks.  Free-Will allows humans to choose there actions.  We wouldn’t want to be non-thinking robots, but when Free-Will intersects with Evil and Brainwashing, the results are Hateful, Selfish and Deadly. The twisted minds who target innocent lives (often children) to further their “cause” are barbaric and backward.  One way or another, in this lifetime or their next “Journey”, they will pay their price and learn the simple choice of Right and Wrong.

As I write this message, the casualty toll from the Earth Shattering (2.1 magnitude) Fertilizer Plant explosion is still unknown, but bound to be devastatingly high.  The search, the prayers and the vigils are just underway but most likely will continue for weeks to come.

Why does the RIGHT to barrier-free Gun Ownership trump the RIGHT to a bullet (in your body) -free Life. 90% of Americans (including 88% of gun owners) support background checks yet 46 Senators (including 4 Democrats) sided with the NRA, which clearly represents the Gun Manufacturer, not necessarily the Gun Owners. Let’s work hard (with the help of Mayor Bloomberg, Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly) to democratically rescind their Senatorial jobs (or sway their opinions) during the 2014 elections.  Thank you Michigan Senators Levin and Stabenow for voting in favor of the amendment.

Between this week of sadness were some sparks of delight. Sunday began a 3-day 60th birthday Vegas exertion with Tennis buddies plus one (Betsy A, Diane O, Liz G and Hillary I). Needly to say, we has a fantastic time however only a few photos are available, since what happens in Vegas…
                 

(on May 22nd) Betsy will be Sixty and Sexy               Hiking in Red Rock Canyon

Also this week, we celebrated Israel’s 65th birthday at the Ann Arbor Noa Concert.  If you have never seen or heard Noa (Achinoam Nini), you are missing the majestic voice, movement and inspiration of a gifted Israeli (Bronx raised) gem.  Here is a sample of her beauty. Sorry the visual is so small.  I’ve also included a more professional video of her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXVWx0HR8U&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7umbGoQODc

Unfortunately, at this concert (and at most Ann Arbor Jewish events), were the Anti-Israel protesters spewing hateful rhetoric meant to insight anger and mispresent facts. Ann Arborites endure these uneducated bias bigots every time they attend a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, Shabbat or High Holiday service, Israel celebration or Jewish event.  Now, Israel is not perfect by any means and yes she has made mistakes in her history, but if those protester read (with an open mind) all of the actual (not falsified) historical facts from the last 65 years, they would not be so vigilant against Israel (unless they were flat-out anti-semites). Sadly, we (as Jews) have endured this hatred for all of our 4,000 year history with no relief in sight.

Monday is the 43rd celebration of Earth Day.  Over 1 Billion people all over our Earth/Home will participate in Earth Day activities next week.  We are headed in the right direction to help preserve our (only) home however many countries and industries need to hop on the bandwagon sooner rather than later. A few of my pet peeves regarding our Earth are excessively idling cars and lights burning when not needed. Please turn your cars and lights OFF when not in use.  Thank you.

Dear Friends and Family,

Rest in Peace Baroness Thatcher, the longest serving British Prime Minister in the 20th Century and the only one with Ovaries.  Also, condolences to the family of Annette Funicello on her early passing at age 70.  We will miss her Mouseketeer Ears, Beach Blankets and Pajama Parties.

5 million babies have been conceived since 1978 when Dr. Robert G. Edwards first helped Mr. and Mrs. Brown become parents to Louise Brown using In Vitro Fertilization. The father to IVF, Dr. Edwards, passed away this week.  His efforts (though criticized at the time) have brought immense joy to those 5 million families.

Dr. Edwards and Louise

HATE is a very strong word, but I can say without hesitation that I HATE Bullies and Mean People.  Why do some feel the need to exert force and racist slurs upon subordinates.  I’m sure Sigmund Freud could explain their actions, but common sense and compassion should prevent them.  Rutgers Head Coach, Tim Rice(with apologies to the talented Sir Tim Rice of the London Stage for dragging his name through the mud), should have been fired as soon as this abhorrent behavior of abuse became public.  The only reason he was fired (5 months after video of his abuse was seen by Rutger’s administration) was because his actions went viral. All those who witnessed his abuse and didn’t take action, should also be punished.  But apparently, punishment at Rutgers also comes with a $1 Million severance pay for the Athletic Director who just resigned over the incident. Key and Peele (comedy duo with Key as a native from Southfield) does a great job shedding a humours yet eloquent light on this problem.  As with all good satire, core elements are true:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUvFeyGxaaU

Its a shame that a few Athletic Professionals taint the field for the good ones. Bravo to University of Michigan Basketball Coach, John Beilein, who came to Ann Arbor during a low point and elevated his team to Final Four Champs.  Maybe next year they can go the full distance to win the championship.

Also, Bravo, to Federal Judge Edward Korman for his insightful decision to allow (Plan B, the Day After Pill) to be sold over the counter so it is accessible when needed. I’m sure North Dakota (the worst of all States regarding Women’s Rights) will attempt to fight the Plan B accessibility ruling since it’s State Legislature just passed its Personhood Amendment basically stating Life begins at conception with the all Rights (including the Right of Protection) due to that Life. Essentially, this mean harming the Zygote (fertilized egg) could be illegal. North Dakotans will be a vote on this Amendment next year.  I’ll keep you posted.

Approximately, 17,000 Fatalities (Military and Civilian) have occurred during the (too many) wars Israel has experienced during her brief history. Plus about 4,000 victims have died as a result of Terrorist Attacks on the tiny sliver of land.  Multiply those numbers by 10 to reach those injured and disabled due to wars and terror and the casualties skyrocket. This Monday, Israel pays tribute to its fallen soldiers during Yom HaZikaron and as Life is a Cycle, this sorrowful day is followed by Yom HaAtzmaut, the day we celebrate Israel’s Independence.  Happy 65th birthday and I hope one day (soon) she will receive the only birthday gift we have been wishing for since 1948…the gift of Peace.

I found another video I know you’ll LOVE. In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, this youtube epitomizes the upbeat HOPE, vitality, youth, history, culture and innovation of TODAY’s Israel. Please enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsE1cAKM4Yc

One HUGE gift Israel DID receive recently is the potential for energy independence.  A few months ago, a HUGE amont of Natural Gas was discovered under the Mediterranean.  Last month, this gas went online to the homes and businesses of the Israeli population.  This could be a HUGE windfall for the economic and security concerns of Israel.

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

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

When will violence diminish in our societies?  We might not be as barbaric today as we were 500 years ago, but will it take us another 500 years till we (all around the world) value LIFE.  When we speak of places or people like: North Korea, The Taliban, Syria, Hamas, much of Africa… the list goes on, we think of death and sorrow.  Even in our country, violence and aggression is all around us… in schools, movie theaters and even on our front porches.  Bravo to Colorado for its progressive gun control laws but since our State borders are transparent, we all won’t be safe till all 50 States pass similar laws to ban assalt weapons and require background checks.  I hope Michigan doesn’t wait till AFTER a mass murder to follow Colorado’s path.

Old and tattered things, people and places deserve respect and rejuvenation.  This is the case for the old and neglected Steinway which was rotting in the Motown Museum.  In its heyday sweet music was created by Motown legends but time took it’s toll on it’s ivory and wood, until Sir Paul came to the rescue and now it looks like this:

The renovated piano was returned to its home in Detroit this past Monday.  So too will the City it resides in as many “Sir Pauls” are concentrated on renovating the old and tired buildings, schools, parks and neighborhoods of Detroit.  One day soon, it too will look like a brand new Steinway.

Unfortunately, old people are sometime also forgotten and abused.  Our Western culture should study Eastern societies when it comes to respecting their elders. Sadly, a rash of attacks on older adults occurred in Israel last week.  I hope these attackers are sufficiently punished and the stories bring light to the atrocities.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/elderly-man-beaten-for-driving-slowly-suffers-coronary/

The above story sorely illustrates that Israel is not a perfect society, yet we as the world’s citizens are far from reaching any Utopias.  But here is a positive story about Israel’s diverse and democratic existence (which follows last month’s annual and hateful Israel Apartheid Week).  The Voice (Israel’s music contest similar to ours) just crowned this year’s winner who happens to be an Arab Israeli.  Here is her beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah: http://vimeo.com/62539173  Also, crowned last month wasMiss Israel, who this year is an Ethiopian Jews.  Not sure how these two examples fit the Apartheid definition (not to mention the Arab Justice who sits on the Israeli Supreme Court or the voting rights of all Arab Israeli citizens).

If you want some (extreme) examples of discrimination, you can look back 70 years to the Warsaw Ghetto when the Nazis on the first night of Passover (during the Seder) tried to finalize Hitlers extermination plan until the famous Warsaw Uprising thwarted their attempts (temporarily). Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) which this year is Monday April 8th was chosen because most Jews don’t know the actual date their relatives perished during the Holocaust so the anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising was selected as Yom HaShoah.

Now for the best news of the week.  Sales of University of Michigan T-Shirts have skyrocketed this week as the Wolverines basketball team is headed to Atlanta to complete against Syracuse on Saturday in the Final Four College Basketball tournament.  The last time U of M (with the Fab Five) made it to the Final Four, Clinton (Bill) was President, Ruth Bader Ginsberg was appointed to the Supreme Court and the Military “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy was instituted. Go Blue!

As I often return to the main reason for these emails, which is to wish all of you a sweet Shabbat Shalom, I found this wonderful video which eloquently depicts my admiration for Shabbat as our most sacred holiday. http://www.aish.com/sh/s/Shabbat-Stop-Rest-Enjoy.html  We share Shabbat dinners each week with our friends and family (rotating homes).  Our 4 children have grown up with this tradition and I hope they plan to pass it on to their families.

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

Lisa

P.S.  Again I missed the story in the main stream media this week about the Northern and Southern attacks against Israel from Syria and Gaza.  What do you think the US would do if Mexico and Canada repeatedly lobbed rockets at North Dakota and Texas?

P.P.S.  RIP, Phil Ramone (music producer to some of my favorite artist like Billy Joel and Paul Simon),  Jane Henson (Puppeteer and Jim’s wife) and Roger Ebert (Film Critic)

Dear Friends and Family,

This is our last visit to our Haifa apartment as we just sold it to a nice Israeli couple. We have owned it for close to 10 years and it has served us well.  Now its time to move on and down (South).  Haifa was our chosen destination since Hannan’s parents lived here, but now they are both gone and each visit we find ourselves driving south to the Tel Aviv area. So, our next Israeli home ownership will be more centrally located. We look forward to finding someplace wonderful for at least the next 10 years.

Since we are busy celebrating Passover and cleaning out our apartment, this week’s email will be brief but birthday-laden.

But I would like to mention that lately we’ve been trying to provide various (and meaningful) opportunities to those who live near us.  It is immensely rewarding to help expand the reach of organizations which touch our hearts. There has been much research to support the fact that Doing Good Feels Good.  So we appreciate your past and future support/involvement with the several events we have invited (or will invite) you to attend, including, Forgotten Harvest, Joint Distribution Committee/Taub Center, Detroit Public TV, Michigan League of Conservation Voters and American Jewish World Service.  It may sound corny, but we truly see these invites as a gift of opportunity for our friends.  We hope they are received in that same nature.

Also, please enjoy one of my favorite sayings by Tom Krause, then its onto the birthdays

Watch your thoughts…
… for they become words.
Watch your words…
… for they become actions.
Watch your actions…
… for they become habits.
Watch your habits…
… for they become character.
Watch your character…
…for it becomes your destiny.

Happy March Birthdays:
Karen RW (great tennis sub for our weekly clinic with Phil)
Leah T (Rabbi T’s lovely wife)
Tisha B (Mom blogger and CA cousin)
Max K (New brother to furry Lucy)
Seth B (Best MI teacher with 3rd child due very soon)
Debbie L (Ryan and Andrews proud mama)
Anat L (Favorite Israeli sister-in-law)
Scott S (Our Atlanta “son”)
Ilyse M (Denver niece)
Jenny N (NOLA Hillel advocate)
Yuval M (Favorite frequent flyer from Ra’anana)
Linda S (Doctor wife of Kenny, not Ken while in Israel)
Howard B (Lisa’s favorite companion)
Jeff K (Our favorite Scottish/Israeli friend)
Marcia L (Met on my first trip to Israel back in 1980)
Lorie K (Mutual friend of Sherry’s)
Sheryl A (taught our son to drive)
Erika S (Todd and Karen’s first born)
Debbie L (sister to old neighbors Jay and Andy)
Heidi B (New ADL director)
Marla H (Wonderful TI rabbi)
Nathan E (Amazing Bar Mitzvah)
Michael B (Fellow music lover and Marc’s dad)
Patrick M (born on St. Patrick’s day, but not Irish)
Jeremy C (1/4 of the boys club)
Kelly V (David’s lovely lady)
George O (Cranbrook gang)
Jacquelyn P (Keeps Michael happy)
Elinor R (Ima to Michelle and Danielle)
Lee R (Dad-in-law to Elinor who shares a birthday)
Lindsay D (One of our cousins club members)
Beth G (Married to talented Steven)
Rachel B (Wife of new U of M Regent)
Aunt Chilly (Lovely at 102)
Michael C (Loves Tripper and Sue)
Mitch M (Loves Skiing and Diane)
Randy W (Love of Sylvia’s life)
Marianne B (Youngest of 4 sisters)
Bubba (Favorite ORT supporter)
Dan H (Moishe House Rabbi)
Andy M (Oakland County keeper of our funds)
Charlie K (Helped raise our wonderful children)
Jennifer C (Loves Lakes of MI and Milake Pictures)
Lisa R (Dancing Dutch Sister-in-law)
Marc M (Met at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert)
David K (Recipient of Community Wetsman Award)

Speaking of birthdays, I found this World Wide Water providing organiziation quite inspiring.  http://www.charitywater.org/

Check out their video: http://www.popscreen.com/v/7Waxj/A-Birthday-Story-Meet-Lory

Happy Easter to those who will be celebrating the holiday on Sunday.

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

Lisa

P.S. Condolences to Lori Cohen on the passing of her beloved mother, Renee Stone.  May her memory be a blessed to those she left behind.

P. P..S.  Another bonus inspirational video. You can do anything with your life regardless of your disabilities.  Just take a lesson from Tim: http://www.mostwatchedtoday.com/tims-place-the-worlds-friendliest-restaurant/

Dear Friends and Family,

Spring has sprung, but here in Michigan, Father Time forgot to tell Mother Nature.  It seems Winter has decided to take hold and stay for awhile.

March also brings Women’s History Month so there’s no better time to recognize the centennial of the very first march down Pennsylvania Ave with 5,000 strong and brave women requesting a Women’s Right to Vote.

Israelis welcomed Pres Obama to our Jewish Homeland with this friendly video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch? feature=player_embedded&v=566vZUPWITw

Among security and peace, one additional concern for both Israelis and Americans is the fate of Jonathan Pollard.  The average prison sentence for spying for a friendly country (Israel and USA are BFFs) is five years. Pollard got LIFE with the courthouse steps promise by the prosecutor  that “Pollard will never be freed”.  Why such a harsh penalty? There was something fishy going on when he was tried and sentenced. President Shimon Peres will present President Barak Obama a (200,000 signatured) petition asking for Pollard’s clemency. Every President before him has also been asked to no avail.  Hopes are not high for his release, but truth of his treatment deserves transparency.

Tim LaCroix and Gene Barfield on the (first same-sex) marriage performed by the Northern Michigan Native American Tribe. Though, currently, our State doesn’t recognize the union, hopefully sometime in the near future, our State will add their name to the long and growing list of Marriage Equality supporters.

Lisa

P.S. BONUS video.  This is a must watch!  I gave me chills.  It is in recognition of ADL’s 100th anniversary.  Just imagine what COULD have been achieved… if only:  http://www.adl.org/imagine/

Dear Friends and Family,

A white puff of smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday announcing the selection of the new Pope. Mazel Tov and good luck to Pope Francis I.  That’s Francis The First as this Pope (the first from Argentina who by the way loves soccer) has chosen a name that has never been used before.  Does this send a message that his Papacy will bring on a new era for Catholics in this century?  By the way, during his first day as Pope, he invited the Chief Rabbi of Rome to his inauguration and suggested efforts for future collaboration.  Also, the Jewish Community in Argentina had a friendly relationship with him during his cardinal days in Buenos Aires.  Refreshing hope is on the horizon.

Bravo to US Attorney (and friend) Barb McQuade and the Jury for finding Kwame Kilpatrick and Bobby Ferguson guilty of “ripping off” the businesses and residents of the City of Detroit. Barb said it best “Candidates should seek public office to make a difference, not to make money for themselves.”

I can’t wait for you to enjoy this hilarious parody which marries Les Mis and a Gluten Free diet. I laughed out loud when I first viewed it and I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t bring a smile to your faces. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9QbC41oQRo&feature=share

Warning, dear friends, this next issue will be a bit Right leaning.

Absolutely, positively NOTHING can stay the same.  We live in a world that is in a constant state of change.  It is better to accept that fact than fight it.  The City Council of Detroit must accept the fact that things must drastically change in order for things to drastically improve.  Fighting against the Emergency Manager (which is necessary due to the decades of total disregard for the well-being of City) is futile. We can not have a Great State without a Great City.

Warning, dear friends, these next two issues will be a bit Left leaning.

Yes, we need to cut our Federal Spending.  Yes, we also need to increase our Federal Income (by eliminating the tax avoiding loopholes).  A compromise to balance our budget is Overdue. Unwarranted (across the board) cuts will only lead to disastrous effects to our society.

Here are a few Sequestration Cuts to be concerned about:
$1.6 Billion from Air Traffic Security and Air Traffic Control
$700 Million from Disaster Relief (FEMA)
$500 Million from Disease Control
$300 Million from Food and Drug Safety (FDA)
$300 Million from Mental Health Service (our leading cause of mass killings)
$1.1 Billion from Scientific Research
$79 Million from Embassy Security (great way to protect another Benghazi)
$2.6 Billion from Education Programs (US kids are ranked 25th in Math among other nations)
$2.8 Billion from National Institutes of Health
$2.5 Billion from Section 8 Rental Assistance

Hydraulic Fracturing can be devastating to our environment.  It is a method used to extract gas and petroleum from rock by drilling pressurized fluids into the subterrarium layers of (Mother) Earth. This action can cause Ground Water Contamination, Risk to Air Pollution and surface contamination from spills and back-flow. In other words, Water, Ground and Air pollution. Some countries like France have already banned the practice. Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon teamed up with friends to create this catchy video requesting States to “Please Don’t Frack My Mother“.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zeldweayF8

I leave you with a wonderful example of the everyday beauty that is created in the small and constantly criticized State of Israel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzwWskM4hN8

Who apparently has formed a centralist government with Bibi and Yair.  And for the first time in 30 years, it excludes the Ultra-Orthodox parties.

Kol Hakavod.  The new party should be in place just in time to greet President Obama next Wednesday.

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

Lisa