Shabbat Shalom April 6, 2012

April 6, 2012December 3, 2015 lisamarklisLeave a comment

Dear Friends and Family,Was the Last Supper actually a Seder? Most likely it was, though they didn’t eat Gefilte Fish or hide the Afikomen. We started re-telling the exodus story, which is the essence of celebrating Passover, soon after our actual Egyptian Exodus.

Our current day Passover Seder developed after centuries of practice and will continue to evolve into the future. The Haggadah (our Seder guide book) was first developed after the destruction of the 2nd temple and has morphed throughout the years to reflect our current customs, concerns and issues. Today, we eat Brisket and Matzah Ball Soup though, back then, our ancestors ate mostly lamb they sacrificed from the day before.

While researching this week’s email, I discovered these interesting holiday tidbits. Some Christians also celebrate Passover during Holy Week to connect to the roots of their religion. Also, Lydian and Tunisian Jews think the afikomen wards off sea-sickness and Polish Jews hang a piece of the afikomen on their wall as they believe it will provide protection. Lastly, Jews of North African heritage celebrate the end of Passover with a full day party call Maimouna with sweets and treats (though they are made without flour since preparations take place during Passover).

As we gather around our Passover and Easter tables surrounded by family and friends, may the power of our collective prayers help end our current day plagues of hunger, abuse, torture, poverty, brutality and oppression.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Passover and Easter Holiday as well as a Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

Bonus video on tricks of the trade for making award winning matzah balls: http://www.aish.com/h/pes/r/Tips_for_Making_Perfect_Matzo_Balls.html

SOAP BOX

April 15th Jewish Women’s Foundation
Sunday April 15 “Miss Representation” 3:00-6:00pm. Seligman Arts Center at Detroit Country Day sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Foundation.https://action.jewishdetroit.org/events/wlw/jwf-wlw-register/

April 22-29 Bookstock
Please shop (donate and volunteer) at this year 10th anniversary of Bookstock at Laurel Park Place in Livonia. http://www.bookstock.info 248-645-7840 Ext. 365

April 24th Planned Parenthood
Hope to see you at the Planned Parenthood Luncheon on April 24th with guest speaker Rosie Perez. For more info, email Leigh.Krauss@ppmchoice.org or click http://www.plannedparenthood.org/midsouthmi/

April 25th AIPAC
Hope to see you at the Michigan Annual Event at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi to hear guest speakers Ambassador Dennis Ross and AIPAC exec. Howard Kohr (in my opinion one of the greatest Israel advocates). If you would like to join our table, please let me know.

April 29th Stretch to Help
Pledge $18 or more to our community’s umbrella organization Jewish Federation and participate in various health classes through out of community. Please register at http://stretchtohelp2012.eventbrite.com/

Condolences to Randie Levin and her family on the passing of her mother, Celia Bresbis. May her memory bring comfort in their time of sorrow.

Condolences to Elaine Driker on the loss of her brother, Fred Zeidman. Wishing Elanie and her family comfort in their time of mourning.

Shabbat Shalom March 30, 2012

March 30, 2012December 3, 2015 lisamarklisLeave a comment

Shabbat Shalom March 30, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

Today, March 30th is (the anti-Israel) Global March to Jerusalem. Last week’s attempt to share this excellent article by David Harris was faulty. This one should work:http://blogs.jpost.com/content/”global-march-jerusalem”-if-it’s-not-about-israel-it’s-not-about-us

Today is also BIG (Buy Israeli Goods) Day. Please patronize your grocer and remind them you plan to purchase Israeli products everyday of the year.

Negev Nectars is a great way to support BIG. With an investment in Negev Nectars, you will receive four packages a year of Israeli, organic, high quality, kosher foods (Olive oils, honey, jams, dates, mint…). We’ve had a membership for several years now and really enjoy our shipments. Here’s their website, if you are interested: http://negevnectars.com/

By the way, bravo to Negev Nectars for their efforts to help educate Brooklyn NY Food Co-op members to encourage them to vote against the Israeli products boycott which was successfully opposed.

Next Year in Jerusalem is the catch phrase for our Passover holiday, which starts next Friday evening. One of the main traditions of this holiday is to retell our Egyptian Exodus story. Did you know the Passover Seder is the oldest continuously observed religious ceremony in the world? We are instructed to repeat our story to the next generations in a compelling style that represents our era. The Manischewitz Hagadah used to be the main source available but now there are thousands of Hagadah choices as well as homemade versions found at every Seder table. Please enjoy this video of what you would get if you crossed Freddy Mercury with Moses:http://www.aish.com/h/pes/mm/Passover_Rhapsody.html

Of course the big news this week is the 3-day hearings at the Supreme Court regarding the Affordable Health Care Bill. I must say, the most cherished and appreciated aspect of my life is my family/friends and my health. Our system was broken and in desperate need of healing. Are there any countries that do an excellent job of caring for the health of its citizens? If so, lets steal their methods. Medical care is the one commodity all citizens should have access to regardless of their economic status. It is inhumane otherwise.

Did anyone else hear the wonderful interview this week by Terry Gross on Fresh Air with Sir Paul McCartney? His new album “Kisses on the Bottom” sounds delightful. Boy, would I love to meet him.

Good bye Martina N. Sorry to say, you are a much better tennis player than dancer.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Peaceful HaGadol Shabbat and Passover Holiday,

Lisa

SOAP BOX

March 31st Grand Opening
Hope you can join the Block Party Grand Opening for Gary Peters New 14th District Detroit Office Saturday March 31st 1-3pm (14600 Mack Avenue, Detroit 48215)

April 17th Tamid
Learn more about the Tamid Israel Investment Group that integrates U of M students with Business in Israel. Hannan and I will host an event for anyone interested in learning more about Tamid on Tuesday April 17th at 7:15pm. Here’s a sneak peak this great initiative http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lps2t8mz04&feature=youtu.be

May 2nd Women’s World
Please attend Shaarey Zedek’s Women’s World May 2nd (9:00am-4:00pm). Luncheon 11:45-1:30 with guest speaker Kate White, editor in chief of Cosmopolitan and author of Women’s Empowerment book.

May 3rd Henry Ford Health Systems
Please join us for the New and Improved Henry Ford Mothers Daughters Sisters Friends event on Thursday May 3rd (11:00am-1:00pm) at the West Bloomfield Henry Ford Hospital. Invites should have reached your inboxes and mailboxes this week. Same great boutiques, Same great food, Same great cause, New great Fashion Show, New great venue. This event replaces the Fall luncheon.

May 3rd Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Please join us May 3rd for a fundraiser for the MLCV to help insure our legislators are supportive of the environmental issues of our State. Our guest speakers will be Mark Schauer and Joe Schwarz, both former congressmen from each party.

May 6th Madeline Albright
Please mark your calendar for May 6th (1:30pm at Adat Shalom) to hear Madeline Albright speak to our community. This event is open to anyone who donates $18 or more to our Jewish Federation.

May 6th Tamarack
Please attend the May 6th at 7:00pm Tamarack event at the Berman Theater featuring Tamarack Alum, Jeffrey Seller who is the Tony Award winning producer of Rent, Avenue Q and In the Heights (3 amazing plays).http://www.tamarackcamps.com/Donations/SendAKidToTamarack-KickOff.php

May 12th Orchards Children’s Service
Please join us at the Orchards Children’s Services 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday May 12th @ 6:00pm at the MGM Grand Hotel. For more info or tickets call 248-593-2100 or email fkepes@orchards.org

Here is your opportunity to help prevent cancer by participating in The American Cancer Society’s 3rd Cancer Prevention Study (CPS-3). They are looking for participants who have never been diagnosed with cancer. All of the details can be found here http://acsgld.org/metrodetroitcps3/ or you can contact Jo Rosen atjostrauszrosen@gmail.com

Condolences to Rick Krosnick and his family on the passing of his beloved father, Morton Krosnick. May his memory be a blessing onto his family.

Shabbat Shalom March 23, 2012

March 23, 2012December 3, 2015 lisamarklisLeave a comment

Shabbat Shalom March 23, 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

Much has happened in the world this week such as the revenge killing of innocent Jewish children in France, the earthquake in Mexico and the continued republican primary. But this Israeli storycaught my eye as it exemplifies Israel’s normalcy even in the shadow of Southern City Rocket Fire and Looming Iranian Menace. With Israel’s concern for women’s heath, she has become the FIRST country in the world to ban ultra-skinny models from Ads and Runways. This means, prior to a photo shoot or fashion show, all employed models must present a current medical health report indicating a body mass index of 18.5 or above (meaning not malnourished). 2% of girls in Israel suffer from extreme eating disorders (which is comparable to other developed counties) and hopefully this new ban will demonstrate healthy looking models as apposed to… should I say… holocaust days. By the way, this means Kate Moss (BMI 17.3) and Naomi Campbell (BMI 15.8) could NOT work legally as models in Israel. In addition, any digital manipulation of photos to make the models look thinner must be clearly disclosed. Let’s hope this is a trend.

The (now deceased) terrorist/jihadist from al Qaeda is responsible for killing Rabbi Jonathan Sandler, Arieh Sandler (age 5), Gabriel Sandler (age 3), Myriam Monsenego (age 8) and 3 French soldiers. The murderer stated he was taking revenge for Palestinian children and the French army’s Afghanistan presence. Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad condemned the actions calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack” and also stated “It is time for those criminals to stop exploiting the name of Palestine through their terrorist actions”. The rabbi and the children were all buried in Israel this week.

Mitt won hands down in Puerto Rico but do you think it had anything to do with Rick’s offensive remark to the citizens with an attack on their heritage and his fabrication of a language law. Mitt also won Illinois this week bringing him to 563 delegates. He is 9 short of the halfway mark of 1,144 needed to win the nomination, but he might want to put away his Etch-a-Sketch.

Appreciation rises proportionally to the diminishment of the appreciated source. In other words, it feels great to regain your health after nursing an illness over the weekend.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred near Acapulco this week but thankfully with no serious injuries. The strange and amazing thing is that Malia Obama is vacationing there with school friends. What were the Obamas thinking? Don’t they know Mexico is a dangerous place with drug lords kidnapping and killing Americans. Or maybe 24-hour secret service bodyguards and surveillance is the ONLY way to visit Mexico. No offence to friends who love and still vacation in Mexico.

Someone needs to knock some respect into Aharon Friedman (senior adviser to Congressman Dave Camp) for forbidding to give his wife, Tamar Epstein, a GET (Jewish Divorce) so she can move on with her life. He doesn’t seem to care that every rabbinic organization finds him in contempt of human dignity and righteousness. I am only including the fact that he works for Dave Camp as to why this case is so public. In fact, there are far TOO many similar and unknown abuses of this type that need resolution. These abusers should be shunned by their community so they too feel the pain they have caused by their stubbornness.

Have your heard about the May 30th Global March on Jerusalem (GMJ, more like Global Menace for Jews)? This is a flat out Anti-Semitic, Anti-Israel movement with ties to Iran and those who want to totally eliminate our homeland. Please read this eye-opening article by David Harris that explicitly details their full intent. http://blogs.jpost.com/content/”global-march-jerusalem”-if-it’s-not-about-israel-it’s-not-about-us

March 22nd was World Water Day. Did you know the process to create one glass of wine take 32 gallons of water? One avocado is 154 gallons of water and one pair of jeans is 2,900 gallons of water. Yikes. Good think Israel is perfecting Water Desalination Technology (Thanks JNF and Technion).

Now for something fun. Please enjoy this humorous explanation by Jon Stewart about the true story of Jew Pond. http://www.aish.com/j/mm/Jew_Pond.html

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

Lisa

SOAP BOX

March 26th Debbie Stabenow
Please join me at a women’s fundraiser breakfast (8:30am) for Debbie Stabenow at the home of Marcie Orley. You are welcome to come as you are…from your morning walk or on your way to work (any attire is fine). It is $100 to attend; RSVP to Kate Fairman 517-336-8500 or http://www.stabenowforsenate.com/Women

March 29th Steven Pestka
Please come to our house next Thursday March 29th at 5:30pm to support Grand Rapids (US Congressional) candidate Steven Pestka as he runs against a very conservative incumbent who is NOT a proven supporter of Israel. Suggested donation is $150. Please RSVP to info@votepestka.com or let me know if you can attend.

March 30th BIG
Buy Israeli Goods (on BIG day and everyday) to help combat Israel Boycott Day. Show your support at local merchants by purchasing Israeli products on Friday March 30th. Let the managers know you are purposely buying Israeli products and hope they continue to sell them

March 31st Jewish Family Services
Please vote DAILY through March 31st for JFS Project Build (Charity #10) at https://www.facebook.com/homedepot?sk=app_112064278918490

April 1st What is Detroit?
Please attend this free event on Sunday (9:00-4:00pm) April 1st at the Educational Conference Center (room 1840) U of M School of Social Work (1080 S. University). http://www.facebook.com/events/351179364900378/

April 29th Stretch to Help
Pledge $18 or more to our community’s umbrella organization Jewish Federation and participate in various health classes through out of community. Beneficiaries… your body and our community. For women, but men won’t be turned away. Please register at http://stretchtohelp2012.eventbrite.com/

May 3rd Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Please join us May 3rd for a fundraiser for the MLCVto help insure our legislators are supportive of the environmental issues of our State. Our guest speakers will be Mark Schauerand Joe Schwarz, both former congressmen from each party.

May 6th Tamarack
Please attend the May 6th at 7:00pmTamarack eventat the Berman Theater featuring Tamarack Alum, Jeffrey Seller who is the Tony Award winning producer of Rent, Avenue Q and In the Heights (3 amazing plays).http://www.tamarackcamps.com/Donations/SendAKidToTamarack-KickOff.php

May 12th Orchards Children’s Service
Please join us at the Orchards Children’s Services 50thAnniversary Gala on Saturday May 12th @ 6:00pm at the MGM Grand Hotel. For more info or tickets call 248-593-2100 or email fkepes@orchards.org

May 29th Technion
Check out the Technion Trip to Russia/Israel that Hannan and I are going on. We would for you to join us. http://www.ats.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_mission_2012spring

Happy 70th Birthday this weekend to homegrown Aretha.

Mazel Tov to the Menuck family on Miles becoming a Bar Mitzvah.

Shabbat Shalom December 4, 2009

December 4, 2009November 19, 2015 lisamarklisLeave a comment

Dear Friends and Family,

All is well in our home and family. I hope the same is by you.

Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

Wishing you Health, Love and a Peaceful Shabbat,

Lisa

Photo from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert that we attended in Madison Square Garden (now on HBO)

Lisa Lis
Cell: (248) 943-1234 Fax: (248) 855-0234 llis@mac.com
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy (P.S. reading Ted Kennedy’s book now, quite interesting)

November 27, 2009

November 27, 2009November 19, 2015 lisamarklis1 Comment

Dear Friends and Family,

Last week’s message was filled with books and authors. This week it’s music.

Pirate Radio is a great movie. It reminded me of Israel in the 80s when, during our free time on the Kibbutz, we were glued to the “Voice of Peace”, a radio station anchored off the coast of Tel Aviv. It was rumored that John Lennon financed the station to communicate messages of peaceful coexistence and awesome music. Abie Nathan ran the station until 1993 (he died last August), but this year they launched an online station at http://www.thevoiceofpeace.co.il/ (I’m listening to it right now).

Keeping in the Beatles and music theme, I watched Sir Paul McCartney last night (on TV) at a concert in NY at the new Citi Field (grounds of the old Shea Stadium). It was a great concert.

Lastly, my daughter sent me this fun music and dancing video of Hanukah on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem. http://www.nbn.org.il/flashmob/

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration last night.

Wishing you Health, Love and a Peaceful Shabbat,

Lisa

P.S. For those of you new to these emails, this is my attempt to keep in touch with friends and family who live out of town with weekly Shabbat Shalom emails.

Lisa Lis
Cell: (248) 943-1234 Fax: (248) 855-0234 llis@mac.com
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

November 20, 2009

November 20, 2009November 19, 2015 lisamarklisLeave a comment

Dear Friends and Family,

This was a week of Authors in Michigan. I heard Jonathan Tropper on Sunday at the Jewish Book Fair. He wrote, “This is Where I Leave You”, which is about a dysfunctional family sitting shiva. His books are humorous and poignant (one of my favorite authors).

And last night, at a Federation event, I heard Stephen Dubner. I also recommend his books, Turbulent Souls and Freakonomics.

Lastly, Michigan had the “honor” of being the first stop on Sarah Palin’s book tour. Apparently she has a following, though she is NOT on my list of favorites.

To those living here in the US, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I love this quote. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I hope you and your families are well.

Wishing you Health, Love and a Peaceful Shabbat,

Lisa

Lisa Lis
Cell: (248) 943-1234 Fax: (248) 855-0234 llis@mac.com

Shabbat Shalom November 13, 2009

November 13, 2009November 19, 2015 lisamarklisLeave a comment

Dear Friends and Family,

Can you believe Sesame Street is 40 years old and it has been 20 years since the Berlin Wall fell?

All in the Lis Family are well and healthy here in Farmington Hills, though poor Ariella has a terrible cold in Cambridge, MA. Liat is happy in Maui getting ready to start work at Rancho Relaxzo (a Permaculture Farm in Kula).

Shabbat dinner is at our home this week. We wish you could join us.

Wishing you Health, Love and a Peaceful Shabbat,

Lisa

P.S. For those of you new to these emails, this is my attempt to keep in touch with friends and family who live out of town with weekly Shabbat Shalom emails.

Photo of Mataan, Liat, Aviv and Ariella

Lisa Lis
Cell: (248) 943-1234 Fax: (248) 855-0234 llis@mac.com

Shabbat Shalom Nov. 6, 2009

November 6, 2009November 19, 2015 lisamarklisLeave a comment

Sent: Fri, November 6, 2009 8:36:36 AM
Subject: Shabbat Shalom

Dear Friends and Family (who live out of town and who I would like to keep in touch with more often),

I am attempting a new tradition of sending quick brief Shabbat Shalom emails each Friday morning. This is my first one and I hope it will become habitual.

In Farmington Hills, the leaves are covering our lawn and a frost formed this morning.

All is well in our household. We are recovering from Aviv’s Bar Mitzvah two weeks ago and looking forward to visiting Liat in Hawaii this winter.

I plan to keep these emails brief and any brief reply is a bonus.

Wishing you Health, Love and a Peaceful Shabbat,

Lisa

Lisa Lis
Cell: (248) 943-1234 Fax: (248) 855-0234 llis@mac.com

Shabbat Shalom – שבת שלום

Wishing you a peaceful Shabbat

Shabbat Shalom April 6, 2012

Shabbat Shalom March 30, 2012

Shabbat Shalom March 23, 2012

Shabbat Shalom December 4, 2009

November 27, 2009

November 20, 2009

Shabbat Shalom November 13, 2009

Shabbat Shalom Nov. 6, 2009