Dear Friends and Family,

On January 22, 1973 the Supreme Court made the landmark decision that a “women has the right to an abortion until viability”. 40 years later we are still fighting to protect this right while many State and Federal legislators try to project their religious and moral beliefs onto our bodies and erode our rights as women.  We must continue to stand up for our rights.

It is frustrating to see the lack of common sense and compromise coming from our legislators specifically regarding Assault Weapons.  Where, in the 2nd amendment, does it say we have the right to mow down as many people in a split second as possible.  I thought the Right to Bear Arms was for the right to protect ourselves and our families. Let’s face it, assault weapon owners are not using them for protection, unless they are in the mafia or a drug cartel.  Every Military Officer (I’ve heard interviewed) says these weapons were built for the battlefield and DO NOT belong on our streets, in our neighborhoods, near our movie theaters, in our schools, though out our campuses, outside our grocery stores…

Maybe we can use our assault weapons (collectively) to destroy those evil planets because the White House has (just last week) rejected the request of over 30,000 petitioners to build a Death Star.  This is not a joke.  The Obama administration officially announced that our Military must do WITHOUT a Death Star weapon.  One reason… the cost would have been $850,000,000,000,000,000 (that’s quadrillion, for you, Big Bang Theory fans).  I believe that would have skyrocketed our Debt Ceiling.  Now, if we HAD built a Death Star, I’m sure the NRA would have supported individual ownership.

Bravo to Pres. Obama for signing 23 executive orders to help curb gun violence.  Click here if you’d like to read them:http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/Obama-guns-executive-orders/2013/01/16/id/471689

Numbers 11 and 14 are very interesting. Currently there is NO director of the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm agency) and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has a gag order on firearm research and stats.

People can change their (extreme) minds.  Just look at Governor George Wallace.  50 years ago (this week), George Wallace took the Oath of Office to become Alabama’s 45th Governor and ended his acceptance speech with these infamous words…”Segregation now, Segregation tomorrow, Segregation forever”.  Just 9 years later an assassins bullet left him paralyzed and several years after that he had a change of heart and apologized to the Black Community admitting he was wrong and asked for forgiveness.  His words and actions were forgiven but not forgotten.

I’m quite sure Mike Harris will NEVER ask for forgiveness and we should never forget this words as they unfortunately represent the continued anti-semitism that has and will (most likely) continue to plaque our people. He brazenly blames every evil in this world on the Jews and the State of Israel, including Sandy Hook.  Beware, this video will stir anger in you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wb-rBLYsA8

One month after the Sandy Hook disaster, the children of the school choir got together with
(singer/songwriter) Ingrid Michaelson to record “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to help raise funds for their town.  The song is available to download at iTunes. Here is a snipet of that recording: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sandy-hook-somewhere-over/id593201392

Martin Luther King would have been 84 this year.  Sadly, his life was cut short at 39.  What more was in store for this man of vision? Many in our national Jewish Community were proud partners in his quest for civil rights.  This photo includes MLK and Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Please join us at the Gem Theater on Tuesday Jan. 22nd for the 50th Anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” Speech. Please sign up at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5038526368

I assume MLK would have commended leaders like Cory Booker and John Huntsman for joining No Labels
( http://www.nolabels.org/ ) which is an all inclusive initiative to stop the Congressional gridlock and start compromising.

Lastly, this is a beautiful and musical example of a collective act of loving kindness.  The song and location are a perfect match.
http://chill.com/ThomasStrat/post/1fed3c40ef5042738c288eef3e43e344?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BeatlesFlashF&utm_term=011213&utm_content=thumbnail

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

Lisa

Death Star, No Joke
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/01/14/no-death-star-for-us-military-white-house-says/

iTunes of Sandy Hook choir
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sandy-hook-somewhere-over/id593201392

Sandy Hook Choir on Good Morning America
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kXXqCD4hKI

Dear Friends and Family,

Look to the Wise Ones for answers…

Did you know that a 22 year-old Jewish woman was responsible for women’s rights in post WWII Japanese society.  Just after WWII ended, Beate Gordon (who passed away last week), found herself as the only female assistant to General Douglas MacArthur while he was drafting Japan’s Postwar Constitution.  Japanese women (back then) were treated more like property than people. She helped establish the equality that current Japanese women enjoy today by contributing women’s rights issues to their constitution: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/world/asia/beate-gordon-feminist-heroine-in-japan-dies-at-89.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp (Thanks Leah C. for sharing)

This week commemorates the 2nd anniversary of that fateful shooting in Tucson that left Congressman Gabby Giffords scarred for life.  As the NRA has a $300 million budget with a fraction of that amount dedicated to the other side, it is not surprising little progress has been made to combat this problem. Gabby (this week) created a new initiative called the Americans For Responsible Solutions to equalize the playing field so our legislators are NOT indebted to NRA lobbyist.  And, hopefully Mayor Bloomberg will dedicate his efforts to this cause once his Mayoral term is up.  I’m routing for a Giffords/Bloomberg team to lead us to saner gun control solutions.

One day we hope to own a home in Beersheva to stay warm during these cold Michigan winters and to help to fulfill David Ben Gurion’s dream to populate the Negev.  The Jewish National Fund Beersheva River Park (1700 acre environmental space) will now include a 3,000 tree forest memorializing the Sandy Hook victims. One day the “lush” Negev will be as popular as its northern neighbors.

Speaking of keeping warm, 2012 was the hotest year in record history for the (contiguous) United States.  Though MI has been covered with snow for a few weeks, rumor has it, it will be 50 degrees this weekend. Also experiencing a warm spell is Australia with a record heat wave of 129 degrees this week.

Sometimes it hard to believe that we live in the 21st Century, while some in the world still act as though it were the barbaric era of the Middle Ages.  Gang rapes in India, Chinese ivory envy causing the mass killing of 11 Kenyan elephants, executions of Kurdish women activists in Paris and a Saudia Arabian beheading of a poverty-stricken Sri Lankan nanny. By the way, international domestic workers have minimal rights compared to other laborers. Some good news…the Pakistani student (Malala Yousafzai) shot by the Talaban to prevent her from promoting education for girls has left her UK hospital and hopefully on the road to recovery.  http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/04/world/europe/uk-pakistan-malala-discharged/index.html

Now I love Adam Levine‘s moves as much as the next gal, but this rendition deserves a Grammy or at least the Michigan People’s Choice award.  I guarantee a smile while watching it, especially if you know Michael “Levine” Smolash (who can really move his hips) or King “Harold” or Neil, Josh, Paul, Wendy, Jennifer, Marla to mention just a few of our friends I spied moving like “graggers”.  The lyrics and vocals are prefect and the dance moves, from disco to break dance to Gangnam to Krav Maga (to that move Paul does) are professional and humorous.  Kol HaKavod (well done) to theTemple Israel community for bringing Purim to the masses (this one should go viral).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePjzKbq0Iqo

Hannan and I will be heading to DC for the (hopefully warmer than 4 years ago) Inauguration.  We would love to connect with others in our nation’s capital while there.

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

Lisa

P.S.  I don’t think anyone could explain our Detroit/Canada bridge situation better than the Jon Stewart Show (aired this week):
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-january-9-2013/bridge-to-canada

And speaking of Detroit, Bravo to Kresge for pledging to continue their financial support of $150 million to help revitalize the city.

Dear Friends and Family,

What gifts will this New Year of 2013 bring us…?  Wiser Gun Control Restrictions, Compromising Politicians, Peace Treaties, More Attention to Mental Health, Easier and Quality Access to Health Care, More Concern for our Environment, Continued Financial Strength.  I would be thrilled if any of these issues were enhanced within the next 12 months.

Speaking of Mental Health, Gun Control, Financial Strength and Peace Treaties, here is a sad statistic that is affected by all of them.  In 2012 there were more soldier suicides than war zone fatalities.  Our soldiers deserve more resources and attention to help combat this troubling phenomenon. Let’s hope 2013 brings a reversal to this unacceptable trend.

Yes, there was FINALLY a DC deal to avoid a Financial Calamity (retiring the other overused FC phrase) yet Congressman Boehner (from Ohio, safely protected from Superstorm Sandy) sent his colleagues home before voting on the aid package for NY/NJ Sandy victims. Many of these victims STILL have no power or safe living conditions. Two months after the storm is WAY too long to wait for assistance.

Due to the fact that massive amounts of water bottles are floating in our oceans and resting in our landfills, Concord, Mass has just passed our nation’s first ever water bottle ban that makes it a $50 fine to sell 16oz (or smaller) bottles of water.  Who will be next?

I’m sure any vessel of water would be greatly appreciated in Death Valley as it is (now) officially the site of the hottest recorded temperature (134 degrees recorded in 1913) since the previous Libyan record (136.4 degrees in 1922) was recently disqualified after researchers determined it was a faulty reading.

If you are unavailable to reach Jerusalem this year, part of Jerusalem can come to you via the internet.  After 5 years of digital imaging, the Dead Sea Scrolls are now available to view (with enhancements) online.  Click here to learn more about this incredible work:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/31/googling-the-dead-sea-scrolls/?hpt=hp_t2

Rest in Peace, Patti Page, who famously sang “Doggie in the Window” and “Tennessee Waltz”.  But my favorite was Moon River.  Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql9lhb94mH8

Our family adventure to Tucson (hiking, mountain biking, tennis and horseback riding) and Eugene (eating, drinking and wine tours) was wonderful.  Here are some photos as proof:

Our Family                                                                Their Family

And our New Years Eve/Hannan’s Birthday Celebration was a blast, thanks to those who helped us celebrate.

Last supper of 2012                                                  My Tennis Buddies

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

Lisa

P.S. Happy 20th birthday dear son, Mataan.

Dear Friends and Family,

For the first time in a year and a half, we will be enjoying the company of all of our children (daughters, sons and son-in-law).  The time together is treasured and appreciated.

For the end of 2012 I leave you with my definition of True Friendship. I hope this brings a smile to your faces.

When you are sad…
I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.

When you are blue…
I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

When you smile…
I will know you are thinking of something that I would probably want to be involve in.

When you are scared…
I will rag on you about it every chance I get until you’re NOT.

When you are worried…
I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.

When you are confused…
I will use only little words.

When you are sick…
Stay the hell away from me until you are well again.  I don’t want whatever you have.

When you fall…
I will laugh at your clumsy ass, but I’ll help you up.

This is my oath…
I pledge it to the end.  Why? you may ask…because you are my friend.

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

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

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

When will we learn that one drop of blood (let alone 20 murdered children under the age of 7) is too much of a price to pay for the freedom of semi-automatic gun ownership. Three things much change:

1. Ban assault weapons.  2. Remove the stigma and increase the funding for mental illness.   3. Gag order the media on publicizing the names of the perpetrator.  

By the way,  the NRA waited till Tuesday to comment on the murders.  It pulled its Facebook page on Friday and said absolutely NOTHING for 5 days.  It’s reasoning… “Out of respect for the families, and as a matter of common decency, we have given time for mourning, prayer and a full investigation of the facts before commenting.”  What facts needed “investigation”.  We knew from day one that 20 children (plus 6 educators) were gunned down. They should have been the first to make a simple and brief statement condemning the monstrous mass murder of children. The NRA certainly is very powerful but not very smart.  And while I’m ranting, there is absolutely NO security system in the world today that can prevent the instantaneous and split second murder by a gun (whether its a pistol or an assault weapon).  Four presidents have been shot (and killed), and they all had constant secret service protection.  We need serious debate and some action regarding guns in our society.  Please sign this petition if you feel so inclined: http://signon.org/sign/gun-control-now-1?source=cs.em.mt&r_by=6493778

Incidentally,  our 2nd Amendment (the right to bear arms) was adopted in 1791 when George Washington was our president, when we only had 15 states in our union and when we were in the middle of the Northwest Indian War.  Our society is very different today.

Please:
Pray for the Victims
Pray for the Parents and Families
Pray for the Classmates
Pray for the Teachers
Pray for the First Responders who witnessed the unspeakable.
Pray that 2013 will bring some sense to our warped gun-loving nation and its powerful lobby. 

Thanks, Randi S, for facebook posting this beautiful tribute to the Sandy Hook victims song to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-SeKsVm7YE&feature=share

Michigan’s lame duck legislature has been busy at work (reeking havoc on Michigander’s lives).  Awaiting Gov. Snyder’s John Hancock are bills that would 1. hamper women’s access to abortions and birth control and 2. require acknowledgment of US citizenship at polling stations. Smart move Snyder on vetoing the 3rd bill allowing concealed weapons in churches and school. Will you sign the other two?

The Taliban, in all of their wisdom, has decided that the World Health Organization’s efforts to help eradicate Polio from Pakistan (as one of only 3 counties in the world that still suffers from this epidemic) is really on spy mission to sterilize its children with the vaccinations. So after the Taliban killed 8 Health Care Workers,  the World Health Organization has suspended its polio prevention efforts in Pakistan.

Though most of you on this email list don’t celebrate Christmas, many of us live in a Nations that celebrates the holiday for 6 straight weeks with beautiful lights and music.  I am a huge Stephen Colbert fan and his last show of 2012 included a lovely rendition of John Lennon’s Christmas song performed by Lennon’s son Sean with Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples:
http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/videos/jeff-tweedy-mavis-staples-and-sean-lennon-sing-happy-xmas-on-colbert-20121214?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

Hannan and I saw a thought-provoking movie (based on a true story) about a gay couple in the 1979 who desperately tried to adopt an (unwanted) Downs Syndrom child. I highly recommend “Any Day Now” with Alan Cummings in the lead.  Sadly, this issue of Gay equality is still being debated today.

A wonderful musical experience was had by all who attended the Polyphony/David Broza concert last night at the Berman Center.  They are Multi-Talented, Multi-Cultural and a multi-excellent example of peace and harmony. Here is a snippet of them rehearsing in our sunroom:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByqZZd46TFo

Rest in Peace, Senator Daniel Inouye, who served Hawaii as congressman or senator since its inclusion as a US State back in 1959.

I guess the Mayans were just “joshing” with us, as we are all still here on Earth.

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

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

I’m keeping this week’s email devoid of comments about Right to Work, Emergency Managers and the Fiscal Cliff.  We all need a break from those sore issues.

Hannan and I were fortunate to attend the White House Holiday Party on Wednesday evening but when Hannan sent a text to Amy at his office, the auto-correct stated “we were heading to the holiday party at the Whore House”. I’m not sure who controls the typing correction programs at Samsung though I’m sure my iphone would NOT have mad that mistake.

The event was truly wonderful.  The White House is decorated with tons of Christmas trees and archived Holiday photos.  It was really a treat to be there and we even ran into other Detroiters, Richard and Kathryn Lenter.

My idea to pose this way, not Hannan’s,    The Obamas greeting the crowd. Though both men are very handsome.

The giant Hanukia near the National Tree.    We found the Hanukia inside the White House.

My pretty holiday dress.  Lincoln statue overlooking my favorite tree, decorated with colorful ballon-type ornaments.

Our visit to DC was very quick (only 14 hours),  so we didn’t have time to view any sites, but while reading the NY Times on the way home, I saw that after much debate, the brand new Martin Luther King monument will be renovated to remove a paraphrased quote that many thought mis-represented the man.  The cost to correct the error will be about $800,000.  They will remove the paraphrased quote of “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness” as the actual quote read: “Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice: say that I was a drum major for peace” I was a drum major for righteousness”. Many thought the paraphrased quote made him sound arrogant.  Too bad they didn’t come to that conclusion $800,000 ago.

We are blessed with 5 Senses to help us appreciate life, like hearingthe music of Ravi Shankar, seeing the beauty of the White House Holiday decorations, hugging our loved ones, tasting the delicious and greasy Latkes (Hannan will fry up at our family Hanukah party next week and Pam will serve us at our Shabbat Hanukah party this week) and smelling the latkes in your house a week after they have been fried.  Not all of us are so lucky to have all of our senses. Here is a beautiful Hanukah story that reminds us of that fact. http://www.aish.com/h/c/mm/Out-of-the-Darkness.html

Here is my last Hanukah video for the year, which beautifully illustrates our holiday celebration in Israel.  I have 3 tidbits for you to think about while watching.

1. In the beginning of this video you’ll see a dreidel as it stops on the Hebrew letter of “peh” which stands for “Po” which means “here”. Dreidels in Israel have their letters read Nes Gadol Haya Po = A Great Miracle Happened Here. All dreidels outside of Israel read A Great Miracle Happened There = Nes Gadol Haya Sham. Much of our history and traditions began in our homeland of Israel centuries ago.

2. It is recommended to always display our Hanakah Candles in full view of our neighbors to publicize the miracle.  You’ll see this prevalent all throughout Israel.

3. There are 17.8 million Sufganiot (Hanukah Donuts) consumed in Israel during the 8 day holiday.

Happy Hanukah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3oOZ6SYhCB0

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

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

Sadly (and for no logical reason), the United States will NOT be joining 126 other counties on a United Nations Treaty to promote worldwide equality and rights for people with disabilities.  By the way, this Treaty was moded after our own Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA passed in 1990).   67 Senate votes were needed for ratification however they were 6 votes short as 38 senators (all republicans and, I assume, blinded by their narrow Tea Party vision) rejected the measure. Now, I’m no fan of the UN, but in the words of Jon Stewart “those senators must Hate the UN more than they want to Help people in wheelchairs”.

Hanukah is our Festival of Lights as the miraculous (one day’s worth of) oil burned in our destroyed sacred Temple for 8 continuous nights. Whether ancient or present day miracles are man-made or mysterious, they must be acknowledged and appreciated all 365 days of our year.

Absolutely do NOT try this at home, but please enjoy this incredible Hanukah driven journey through the streets for Jerusalem
http://www.aish.com/h/c/mm/Racing-Home-A-Hanukkah-Surprise.html

And after that wild Hanukah ride, you can relax with this romantic funny Hanukah song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sytfxl0ArsQ&feature=plcp

Music executive, Joe Smith, interviewed and recorded over 225 musical legends like Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Natalie Cole and Jazz Great, Dave Brubeck (who died this week 2 days before his 92nd birthday) and they are now available at the Library of Congress. They are historical and fascinating.
http://www.loc.gov/rr/record/joesmith/

After 25 years of Soviet Freedom, here is your opportunity to share in the pride and hear from a wise few (Peter Yarrow, David Harris, Corey Booker and more) about their thoughts of that amazing time
http://freedom25.net/

I found it appropriate that when 100,000 Taxens signed a petition for Secession from the United States and submitted it to the White House (with 20 other states following suit after this past election) that those petitions were quickly followed by the creation of another petition which requests deportation of all those who have signed Secession Petitions.

As we all know by now, the Duchess of Cambridge (aka. Kate Middleton) is pregnant, but for the first time EVER in the history of the British Monarchy, her first born (regardless of gender) will be next in line for the throne (after Grandpa Charles and Daddy Will). A daughter would be nice to test the new law.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and a festive Festival of Lights,

Lisa

P.S. One last really fantastic new Hanukah Video with a mashup of several Hanukah songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm_4hI5-QAw  There is a good chance your kids might think you’re cool if you forward it to them.  Thanks Aviv for showing it to me.

Dear Friends and Family,

65 years ago this week, with bated breath, Jews around the world, listened to the United Nations vote to partition a sacred land into 2 States, one for Jews and one for Arabs. Our short lived Jewish celebration followed 6 1/2 decades of war, terrorism, bloodshed and conflict yet these tenuous years led to our current modern innovative strong Eretz Yisrael. Again this week, the United Nations voted on the same territory granting the Palestinians the status of Nonmember Observer State (elevating them from their previous status of Entity). The big questions is what will happen next? Will they navigate this new responsibility to the high road and enter direct talks with Israel or will they travel down the low road and enter criminal complaints against Israel.  Only time will tell but our hopes and prayers on routing them to the Right Road surely can’t hurt.

From his lips to God’s ears.  Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of the Hamas leader knows of evil firsthand and he believes Hamas must be eliminated from the face of this earth. http://www.timesofisrael.com/son-of-hamas-mosab-hassan-yousef-calls-out-gaza-barbarians/   We need more Palestinians to see beyond the lies, deceit and stifling voices and bravely speak up to help promote peace. Until we have peace in the region, we will continue to need the most state-of-the-art defense systems, like the amazing Iron Dome.  Here is the back story of how it was developed: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=6509

Never Say Never Again is not only a famous James Bond movie, it should also be the motto for our congressional leaders.  Signing the Grover Nurquist petition to NEVER raise taxes is an irresponsible act by any legislator as you NEVER know where our nation will be, like right now as we approach to edge of the fiscal cliff. Compromise is the key word.  I hope those with our economic fate in their hands can find the right compromising formula.

I hope this musical depiction of parenthood brings a smile to your faces:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecrg2CV2icg

Hanukah is 8 nights away so here is this year’s a capella “Eight Nights Hanukah Mashup”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WAbTDHblxFM#!

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

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

Equivalence is irrelevant when it comes to the Middle East.  Deadly and constant rocket attacks* from Hamas (the terrorist organization that rules Gaza) have caused 5 Israeli deaths compared to over 100 Palestinians (many of them terrorist). BUT, we protect our citizens with the lifesaving Iron Dome while they use human shields as protection. To avoid civilan casualties, the IDF drops pamphlets, sends text messages and voicemails warning of imminent attacks (to destroy rocket launchers) while Hamas targets everyone and anyone in its range. The Palestinian children are taught martyrdom in their schools while we value life as a sacred gift. Their leaders use their citizens as sacrificial pawns while the media reports only the superficial story and forgets the facts and history.** In fact, the new phenomenon of Pallywood (fabricating videos of injuries or presenting Syrian footage as Gazan carnage) is reprehensible but these tactics work to their PR advantage***. We would love nothing more than to live in Peace while many of their leaders would love nothing more than to eliminate Israel from the face of the Earth… certainly no equivalency with those goals.  Let’s pray this cease-fire leads to diplomacy and stability yet if history is our guide, we, unfortunately, may see more shelling within a few months.

Even while Israel was in the midst of a war, she still remembered her edict of Tikkun Olam (healing the world) as she was the only county to send assistance to the victims of Superstorm Sandy. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/20/3106914/israel-helped-sandys-victims.html

RIP Hostess treats.  Though 15,000 workers may lose their jobs and the company is being liquidated, time will tell what will happen to the products like Twinkies and Ding Dongs (which have been around since 1930).  And who could forget the smell ofWonder Bread as you drove downtown on the Lodge Freeway. That scent has long been gone from Detroit and I assume none of you are rushing to buy those $300 cases of Twinkies from eBay.

Hopefully all of you are still sufficiently stuffed from last night’s Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey, brisket, potatoes, green beans… at least that is what we ate thanks to my sister Sheri’s great holiday dinner.  I thought it would be fitting to include the Thanksgiving Day themed (16 minute song) of Alice’s Restaurant.  This brings back great memories for me and I hope it does the same for you.  Here is Arlo Gurhtrie‘s 2011 recording: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLE5z7jNaM

Thanks, Debbie C, for sharing this brilliant idea called GoldieBlox to help girls become interested in science, engineering and construction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLE5z7jNaM

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

Lisa

* 8,500 rockets have hit Israel since 2005 when Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza.

** David Harris always says it best: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-harris/israel-and-hamas-moral-cl_b_2167742.html?msource=DHBlog69

*** Pallywood in actions: http://www.therightscoop.com/pallywood-is-back-injured-man-in-gaza-miraculously-recovers-in-seconds/

Dear Friends and Family,

After weeks upon weeks of consent rocket barrage, Israel finally retaliated upon the Gazan terror tactics and killed the Hamas commander (who was responsible for the abduction of Gilad Shalit, among other atrocities) with a pinpoint targeted attack and a warning to other Hamas terrorist that their fate will be the same if rockets continue to threaten Israel. Sadly, of the hundreds of rockets that were launched from Gaza this week, one reached a home and killed an Israeli family of 3.  If it were not for the Iron Dome, many more casualties would have occurred and if it were not for the security fence, many more terrorist attacked would have penetrated Israel’s territory. Here is a very interesting youtube of how the Iron Dome works:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djp_kdgppLo   After 64 years, Israel’s enemies should come to terms with reality and accept its neighbors and the prosperity it could bring them by making peace with Israel.

Lazer passed away last week.  He served his community well with his gentle touch, mild mannor, loyal disposition and soft fur.  He was the companion dog at our local Jewish apartments for the elderly. His comrade in arms (or should I say, paws) just across the street is Henry, the collie, who works the hall of Henry Ford Hospital (voluntarily accompanied by my brother, Jeff, on a weekly basis).  I know dogs are greatly loved in this community so here is a tribute to their endless devotion. A tip of a hat and a wag of a tail to: Pixie, Penny, Tripper, Liza, Milo, Elgin (OBM), Dexter, Emma (of blessed memory), Sophie, Zeus (OBM), Thor, Yoda, Badu, Coltrane, Rocky, Daisy, Tony, Sadie, Freeway, Eve, Chimpy (OBM), Sooty, Ziggy, Greta(OBM), Maggie, Shaggy (aka. Sholmo), Palsy, Benny, Maude andStar...I’m sure I missed many more loving companions, so sorry if I missed your pooch.

I always favored Paul over Mick, but Mick and his gang are celebrating their 50th year of existence with a new album call GRRR! and the possibility of a Rolling Stones concert somewhere in the near future. Also, celebrating 50 years is the record company A&M, though Herb Alpert (as in A) and Jerry Moss (as in M) are no longer owners or even involved, they led the charts with great bands like Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Burt Bacharach, Brasil 66 and my all time favorite, Cat Stevens. Though The Tijuana Brass conjured images of a Latino band, no one actually was.  Herb used to say, the band had the makeup of 4 lasagnas, 2 bagels and an American Cheese.  Here is some vintage Brass, enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vp6CsgncKw

25 years after Mick and Herb formed their respective bands (which was 25 years ago, if you are following the math), the words “Let my people go”were song in support of Soviet Jewry by 1/4 million protesters.  The historic March on Washington took place with the leadership of Elie Wiesel and refusenik, Natan Sharansky (both men, just this week, spoke at the Federation’s General Assembly).  Those collective voices led to the ultimate release and freedom of 1 million Soviet Jews as President Reagan continued pressure on Gorbachev who was visiting the US just after the protest.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Lisa