Dear Friends and Family,

Storms have permeated our lives this month.  Remnants of Sandy still effect many;  aNor’estern dumped more rain and snow on many of those same victims and thank goodness we ended our 2012 political storm that weathered all of our souls. We could use some calming zen clouds to roll over our “villages”.

This mesmerizing video might do the calming trick and keep in mind these dancers are all deaf, relying only on the 4 trainers in each corner for directions.  Thanks, Ettagail for sharing: http://www.youtube.com/embed/7vs-H7xLnrs?rel=0

It seems like the newest superstar of this election is (Michigan born) statistician, Nate Silver, who’s near perfect prediction of this election (and the last one) has brought a beam of light to his words.  What’s needed now is a predication that our Congress can compromise to create a parachute to protect all of us the the looming Fiscal Cliff.

The Israeli inventer of WAZE, a real time navigational app, never imagined that the White House and FEMA would be using its expertise to help New Jersey residents guide them to less crowded gas stations.  I first heard about this great app while in Israel recently by our wonderful tour guide, Noami.http://www.waze.com/blog/attention-wazers-help-us-get-fuel-to-new-jersey-residents/

This election produced many FIRSTS:

For the first time ever, Puerto Ricans have voted to become our 51st State (though implementation will not be quick or simple)

For the first time ever, all four New Hampshire Congressional Delegates (plus their Governor) are Women.

For the first time ever, an openly Gay US Senator was elected as Tammy Baldwin will proudly represent Wisconsin.

For the first time ever, there is an Asian woman, Mazie Hirono, elected to the Senate representing Hawaii. She is also the first Buddhist.

For the first time ever, there is a Hindu in Congress named Tulsi Gabbard also from Hawaii.

For the first time ever, Illinois elected a Thai American double ampute veteran, Tammy Duckworth, as a congresswoman.

For the first time ever, two States, Colorado and Washington, legalize the sale and usage of recreational marijuana (yet it is still a Federal crime).

For the first time (in 200 years), we elected 3 two-term presidents in a row.

For the first time ever (and unlikely to happen again), a Kenyan woman gave birth to twins on Wednesday and named them Barack Obama and Mitt Romney (no joke).

And Lastly, for the first time ever, the Democratic caucus in the House is NOT majority White Males.  It will include 60 women, 43 African-Americans, 27 Latinos and 10 Asian-Americans.

This is NOT the first or last time I wish you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

Megastorm Sandy rained down on our Eastern Seaboard this week with monster devastation throughout much of the Northeastern part of our county.  An estimated 10 million people lost power including our daughter and son-in-law in New Jersey who (rather than sit in a cold dark apartment) decided to road-trip it to Detroit for a bonus visit with family.  I hope you and your loved ones are safe from Mother Nature’s wrath and if you were affected, your life is (or will be) back to normal sooner rather than later.

Also raining down this week (and almost every week) were 80 rockets fired from Gaza onto the Southern Israeli city of Sderot.  Of course you might not know about this constant bombardment since this regular occurrence rarely hits our news outlets.  It did make the Canadian News since the Alberta Deputy Premier (who was visiting Israel) almost witnessed a rocket attack first-hand till they wisely altered his itinerary.

Bravo to Dan Gilbert on his Quickly executed Pro-Detroit video highlighting our High Tech Corridor. Though we lost to San Francisco in the Worlds Series, we are gaining ground on them with our High Tech industry.  I commend all Detroit booster and Dan has been a wonderful leader in this respect. Here is that great video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOR3X0IU8_U

Also, Bravo (this week) to our US Supreme Court who declined to hear an appeal from an Oklahoma (lunatic) attempt to define fertilized eggs as persons with legal rights deeming some forms of Birth Control as murder.  This may be an extreme view but there are plenty of people who are adement on reversing Roe V. Wade and eliminating access to birth control.

$2 Billion…that is what has been raised (at record levels) for this presidential campaign. No offense to the ad agencies and media outlets who profit from this expenditure, but can you imagine what that kind of money could do for so many worthy causes.  This county is truly desperate for some Campaign Finance Reform.  Also, I can’t wait till my inbox is vacant of the 50 a day policial messages we all have been receiving for the last 2 years.

I have tried very hard to be respectful of my friends on this email list as I know some think and vote differently than I do. In a perfect world, we would be abe to receive ONLY factual information and base our decisions on truth, but in this world, spin doctors and falsehoods permeate our senses so sifting (reference from our Mosaic Mission) through the rhetoric sometimes requires a PHd.  So, for the last time (till the next election), my Soap Box will be filled with my 2 cents of those (people and issues) I am supporting.

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

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

As you read this email, I will be touring Eretz Yisrael (aka. The Land of Israel) with several wonderful women on our Federation’s Women’s Department Mosaic Mission.  With my neurosis to constantly plan ahead, I wrote this at my home desk and sent it to my system to be delivered to you Friday 6:00am (before my Thursday evening departure).  Next Friday’s Shabbat Shalom will be sent from Israel, though I’ll be home when you read it all thanks to the modern miracles of airline and internet technology.

For much of the 3 years that I’ve been writing these Shabbat Shalom emails, I had consistently included a prayer for Gilad Shalit.  His plight was the reason I started the Soap Box.  We were fortunate to be in Israel a year ago, this week (celebrating Ariella and Tzvi’s wedding) when he was released,  so I thought you would enjoy an update on Gilad and read about his first public interview where he talked about his life in captivity.  http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4291227,00.html

We, in Michigan, have 6 proposals to consider at the ballot box. The one that gets my blood boiling is Prop. 6 regarding our International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit.  Here are some facts. The bridge will cost $2.1 Billion with Canada footing most of that cost and lending Michigan our portion of $550 Million which we will pay back with toll revenue.  Every living past MI governors and our current governor supports this (no brainer) deal as we are in definite need of a new bridge. Mr. Moroun (who owns the current bridge) has spent $10 Million to fight this effort with Prop. 6 (and its flat out advertising lies) that (if passed) will require all future crossings (bridges or tunnels) to be stalled and weighed down by state and local elections.   Please vote (a big fat) NO on Prop. 6 and share this info with others.

While I have elevated the Prop. 6 issue above my Soap Box section (due to its importance, hoping other Soap Box issues will not be jealous), this next issue is also very important.  Please take a look at this NYTimes article regarding Women’s rights and choice.  Our Supreme Court justices are aging and the next president WILL appoint 1 or 2 new Judges.  Let’s make sure they will appoint Judges who will protect Women’s Rights as well as all of the other concerns in our lives. Please take a look at this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/opinion/if-roe-v-wade-goes.html?_r=0

And speaking of Women’s Rights, here is an update on Malala Yousafzai, the brave 14-year-old Pakistani girl who’s only crime was to fight for the rights of education for all Pakistani girl.  As you recall, the Taliban shot her (in the head) and 2 of her friends.  She survived and is now being treated in England but her enemies are now waging a war on her reputation.  http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/after-a-bullet-in-the-head-assaults-on-a-pakistani-schoolgirls-character-follow/

Bless you boys!  The 4th game will be played while we are in transit to Israel.  Go Tigers.

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

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

Exactly 25 days and counting till The Election.  After Nov. 6th I pledge a long reprieve from political discussion, but for now, much needs to be addressed.  We have two choices for president.  If you are a conservative right leaning person, then your fella is Mitt Romney.  If, however, you are a centrist or left leaning voter, please don’t let lies cloud your vision regarding President Obama’s steadfast support of Israel.  Please sift through the rhetoric and find the truth. As you know,  Hannan was born and raised in Israel and served in the IDF.  His whole family plus many of our friends live there.  He reads every article concerning Israel in both the American and Israeli press.  We own a home in Haifa and spend a considerable amount of time there.  Here are 4 reasons we support President Obama and trust him in his unwavering support of Israel:

1. Pres. Obama has provided more military support, loan guarantees, intelligence sharing and military collaboration (including access to our most advanced weapons system) than any past administration.

2. He has led the effort (with the support of our allies) to penalize and sanction Iran with crippling effects on their economy.

3. He has used military power in attacking insurgents in Pakistan, finding and killing our enemies throughout the globe so when he repeatedly states that ALL options are on the table against Iran, he has a track record to prove it.

4. Israel’s leading defense experts (including Minister of Defense Ehud Barak) have acknowledged that the security cooperation between the US and Israel has never been so extensive.

Click here for more detailed information regarding President Obama’s support of Israel

By the way, here is a list of Israel visits by US Presidents:
Harry Truman: no visit
Dwight Eisenhower: no visit
John Kennedy: no visit
Lyndon Johnson: no visit
Richard Nixon: sixth year of presidency (not till 2nd term)
Gerald Ford: no visit
Jimmy Carter: third year of presidency (to sign peace accord with Egypt)
Ronald Reagan: no visit
George H.W. Bush: no visit
Bill Clinton: 4 visits-in the second, third, fourth and sixth years of his presidency
George W. Bush: 2 visits-in the eighth year of his presidency (not till 2nd term)

Bravo to our economic recovery as the Jobless Rate diped below 8% (7.8 to be exact) and it has consistently been declining.  We should ALL welcome this optimistic trend regardless of your party affiliation and ostracize those conspiracy theorist for their partisan rhetoric. It is imposible to rig those numbers.

And these numbers don’t lie either:
800,000 jobs lost in Jan. 2009.
114, 000 jobs gained in Sept. 2012
8,000 Dow Jones Jan. 2009
13,000 Dow Jones Sept. 2012

Could these numbers be better…sure.  Maybe if ANY cooperation could occur in the congress, we could speed these numbers alone.

A soul-searching March of the Living took place last month as Nazi descendent converged on Polish Concentration Camps to try and comprehend and repent for the actions of their ancestors. Here is the moving video produced by an Israeli film crew, who were the only Jews along for the journey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIq9d-gC91U

Happy Birthday Today:
Bunky E (Original Shabbat regular)
Bob B (Photographed the Beatles in Detroit in the 60s)

I share a 10/24 birthday with:
Karen A (Neal’s partner)
Paul B (Uncle Marvin’s cousin)
Irving N (Barbara’s long lasting love)
Helene C (Tim’s lovely lady)
Jim S (Hy’s dad)
Kevin Kline and Jonas Salk

Also, Happy October birthdays to:
Karen K (Joel’s love)
Mark S (Honorable MIBB member)
Chiara R (our Amsterdam niece)
Josh B (TI Israel Teen Trip rabbi)
Lisa M (Ima of Bat Mizvah Zoey)
Lisa BW (past Franklin Fairway neighbor)
Idan P (favorite Israeli houseguest)
Ron O (Chiropractor dad with future Chiropractor daughter)
Alison S (British mom to 3 sons)
Kerry D (DC environmentalist soon-to-be newlywed)
Yoav R (MI Shaliach who is missed)
Jocelyn B (Brilliant Detroit protector)
Ronnie E (Serendipitously shared visit in Toronto and Montreal)
Leora BL (co-Hillel Alum)
Rachel W (Irwin and Ruth’s granddaughter)
Brian K (Fern keeps him in shape)
Yehoshua L (best Israeli brother-in-law)
Deborah and Ester (Mom/daughter birthday buddies)
Kevin D (AA Nephew and new Teacher)
Matthew B (Cousin Gymnast)
Rick R (Katie and Beth’s favorite fella)
Leora R (2013 Ross Grad.)
Patti T (artist with a Jewelry family)
Steve P (next rep. in Grand Rapids)
Wendy RB (spotlights our Detroit Jewish History)
Anessa K (busy mom of 2 sons)
Miryam R (NextGen leader)
Brad B (Diane partner)
Bob B (Brad B’s uncle)
Randy O (Penny’s papa and Diane’s partner)
Julie Z (Betsy NY PA)
Doron L (Adina’s favorite fella)
Rachel W (New Resident of DC)
Marion F (Shares grandkids with our across the street neighbors)

Lastly, I wish a speedy recovery to the brave 14-year-old Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai, who’s only crime in the eyes of the Taliban (who shot her) was to promote education for all girls of Pakistan.  14 year old girls all around the globe are persecuted, raped, denied equality, tortured and mutilated JUST because they are girls. These atrocities must stop.  Bravo to all of the Malalas out there.  They need our support.

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

Dear Friends and Family,

As always, with 2 Jews comes 3 opinions on the reason we dwell in temporary huts (called Succot) during this week’s Jewish Holiday (appropriately named) Succot. My favorite explanation, discussed at the Succah dinner graciously hosted by Simcha and Esti, is to remind us that our brick and motar houses are also, just, temporary dwellings as our true home is our family and wherever they are. Our family is spread between both US coasts from New Jersey to Oregon and many in Israel, but in the meaningful words of Billy Joel “a home is just another word for you”

Here are more lyrics to that wonderful song:

“If I traveled all my life
And I never get to stop and settle down
Long as I have you by my side
There’s a roof above and good walls all around
You’re my castle, you’re my cabin and my instant pleasure dome
I need you in my house ’cause you’re my home”  

And to listen to this magnificently beautiful song (1976 version), please click below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4D40r-E7yk

Speaking of Billy Joel, did you know that 30 years ago this week BJ’s “52nd Street” was the first commercially produced and mass marketed CD (aka: Compact Disc).  Yes, ABBA was the first CD pressed but it was not released till later that year.

10 years ago, there were 400 thousand Holocaust Survivors and today that number has decreased to 200 thousand.  The decline is inevitable but once they are all gone, they must not be forgotten. A new tribute to these heros is for family member to tattoo their death camp numbers on their own arms. These are personal decision that exhibit a powerful statement.

Now is the time to sell off your Iranian Rials.  Their nosedive is drastic and their economy is tanking due to the world’s pressure and sanctions. Let’s step up the “squeeze” so we can non-violently prevent their development of nuclear weapons.

BRAVO to Julia’s dad, William Louis-Dreyfus, on his NYTimes full page ad (and $1 Million commitment) to preventing voter suppression. For more info: http://www.brennancenter.org/

Also BRAVO to CA Governor Jerry Brown on signing a bill to ban sexual orientation altering (Gay to Straight) therapy for minors.

Last week’s Sara Silverman’s video (Let My People Vote) link was cut off so here it is and again with it’s warning of curse words:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypRW5qoraTw

And Samuel L. Jackson didn’t want to be outdone so he got into the game (curse words and all) with his “Wake Up” ad:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og35U0d6WKY&sns=em

I must admit, I was disappointed with this week’s Presidential debate.  The next round is Thursday Oct. 11th at 9:00pm for the VP debates.  If anything, they should be more entertaining with Ryan and Biden as the players.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and Hag Succot Sameach (Happy Succot Holiday),

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

We are currently in the Days of Awe, those 10 days between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, when we reflect on our past year’s actions, ask forgiveness from our friends and family, do good deeds and pray for our name to be sealed in the Book of Life for another year. If I have wronged any of you, I apologize.  I wish everyone a Healthy, Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year of 5773.

I hope I don’t start out this new year missing anyone’s birthday but if I do, please let me know so I can (repent and) add it to my calendar for next year.  Here goes… Happy September birthdays to: Ariella LR (our first born non-profit professional), Shelley GW (first met at a JT concert),Michal L (Israeli niece), Diane K (Emery’s pride and joy), David B (The Lion’s Den), Shelley WC (Harrison High School friend), Or T (Hofit music lover), Sandy S (Mitchell’s mom), Michele B (Sea-Gull pal), Suzi T(Bennet’s better half), Omri W (Kibbutz to Grand Rapids friend), Irwin W(Bonus Uncle), Sheri MS (North Star Reach Pres.), Jack F (Amy’s lucky fella), Dana BC (thanks for your Federation Phone calling help), Nori K(favorite store, Warren’s owner), Brian G (Lizzy’s love), Pam B(California dreamer), Colleen P (Forgotten Harvest promoter) , Connor T(Youngest brother of 3), Sophie C (Mike and Sue’s baby girl), Talia R(soon to be big sister in Ashkelon), Marla M (Andy’s better half), Morgan B (Matthew’s favorite sister),  Barbara R (California cousin), Lisa P(Bruce’s pride and joy), Michael R (Politically minded U of M student),Jane S (Stanley and Aviv’s safta), Diane B (Minneapolis bonus family),Kerry M (ACLU promoter), De McB (Peters Piper), Julia DeM (Camp co-counselor), Mary HS (High School pal turned author), Perry O (JFS lead man), Eed D (Kevin’s main squeeze) and Bunky and Neal (Happy 30th anniversary).

To all you Michigan lovers, please enjoy this music video which includes the filming of 50 Michigan city in one week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puv-wGYbcPM&feature=youtu.be

This week marks the first anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and much progress among our proud military gay heros has aspired thoughout this year.  In honor of them and to help promote Equality please view this wonderful video (I found on PJ Facebook) created by Modern Family‘s Jesse Tyler Ferguson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_EyZVeorhY&feature=player_embedded

If you LOVE the West Wing like I do and you are appalled by the lack of voter turnout and the even lowers voting stats on our Michigan non-partisan ballots options… then you will LOVE this video of real West Wing actors (working gratis) to help encourage our Michigan voters to shlep to the polls this Nov. 6th and vote the FULL ballot (partisan, non-partison and proposals) especially Bridge Mary McCormack for Supreme Court:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v52FLMOPSig

Lastly for this week, please enjoy this Rosh Hashana message from Gilad Shalit. His optimism and faith are refreshing and genuine.  Though his release last October brought overwhelming joy to his family and friends, we still must remember the families of terror victims who will never be reunited.  http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4282055,00.html

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom, A Happy Healthy Shana Tova and a G’mar Hatima Tova (Your names sealed in the Book of Life for another year),

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

As the mile-high twin blue lights beamed skyward from Ground Zero and the Red, White and Blue blanketed Statue of Liberty shone in the harbor (on our 9/11 commemoration), bullets and fire bombs terrorized and murdered innocent American lives on the other side of the world. Condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the 3 other Embassy Staff as they lost their lives while heroically leading the efforts to help heal the Libyan society after the fall of Gaddafi. This heinous act was perpetrated by brainwashed evil-minded cowards who will use any excuse (like an idiotic low budget racist film) to fuel their efforts of returning civilization back to the Dark Ages.  In the 21st Century, we (the human race) should be concentrating on how to move our societies Forward, not backward. We should be striving for innovation and progression.  We should be improving the world and encouraging peaceful coexistence not continued conflict. Let’s hope our new year of 5773 will be more peaceful than our past year.

A little closer to “our” home, more terror occurred this week when Gazan bombs landed in Southern Israel and destroyed a house and cancelled school in Beer Sheva and Ashdod earlier.  Why must the people of this region endure constant and deadly threats while our overactive media remains silent.

I, along with Debra, Roz, Sharon, Doreen, Barbara, Susie, Beverly, Marcie, Sandy, Jennifer, Sylvia, Dana, Orna and 1700 other women invaded NCY (Times Square to be exact) at this year’s International Lion of Judah Conference.  Great speakers, great weather, great restaurants, a great show… GREAT CITY.  By the way, I know there is a saying that goes “almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” but can it also count for ALMOST getting Seth Meyers (from SNL) to say Shabbat Shalom.  I asked him (as we dined at the restaurant where the SNL cast goes every Tuesday evening), but he was in a hurry so I’ll have to catch him next time.

Though I didn’t get Seth Meyers, here is an amazing JT impression by (Seth’s old colleague), Jimmy Fallon and then see the real JT at my mother’s house:
http://blogs.providencejournal.com/arts-entertainment/subterranean/2012/09/jimmy-fallon-convention-song-parodies-james-taylors-fire-and-rain.html

Small sampling of JT at my mom’s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qtOwoK1Oy4

James, his wife and band were gracious, warm, compassionate about our country and HUGHLY talented. It was truly the most fun fundraiser I have ever worked on.

I LOVE this Rosh HaShana “Call your Zeyde” youtube from Temple Judea from the San Fernando Valley.  Hope you enjoy too.  I found it on Jason Miller’s facebook.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Btf4SriS-4&feature=share

This Argentinean Hava Nagila Flash mob is for my son-in-law and his Argentinean/Israeli family: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDOQwig1hHo (thanks, Ettagail)

Dear Friends and Family,

Burning Man 2012 ended its week-long festival of the senses (sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch).  I’ve never been there but assume it is fascinating.  Here is a photo snippet of the sights: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/pictures/burning-man-2012-20120905

Also ended are the political conventions, yet the Game continues.  Obama vs. Romney… Democrats vs. Republicans…Women vs. Men (but not the men readers of this email).  Sandra Fluke, Georgetown Law student and favorite dart board to Rush Limbaugh, spoke passionately and eloquently about this issue. One of her most profound statements was a premonition of…”An America in which access to birth control is controlled by people who will NEVER use it” We can not allow this senario to exist. We need to continue to move forward in our progressive evolution, appreciating where we came from, but not returning to those less enlightened days.

To set the record straight, as soon as the mistake was discovered that Jerusalem was not included in the DNC platform, the President immediately directed the amendment to be added to correct the error.

No people, no party, nobody is perfect. Mistakes will always be made (we are human), but it is how we handle the aftermath that counts. Excepting responsibility, asking for forgiveness, correcting the error, all exhibit strength and courage.  Very soon we will be repenting for our year’s worth of mistakes and looking forward to a new year of sweetness, health and happiness.

As Rosh HaShana quickly approaches here is a wonderful music video which shares a beautiful New Year’s message:
http://www.aish.com/h/hh/video/What-Makes-Rosh-Hashanah-Beautiful.html

Though I think I have included this video in one of the past Shabbat Shalom emails, it is so powerful, it deserve repeating. This poem depicts a strong affirmation of ourJewish Identity, and by the way, it was recorded exactly 2 years ago on this day of Sept. 7th.  Thanks, Jack F for sharing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAeWyGGTdEE

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom and L’Shana Tova Tikatevu which means May you be inscribed (in the book of life) for a good year.

Lisa