2018
Welcome to 20-Chai. I'm optimistic about our future, as we enter the 18th (Chai/Life) year of the 21st Century. A Chai year should bring Chai-changing benefits...Right? Here's hoping
Cures for deadly diseases will be discovered,
Peace will blanket the Middle East and our Congress/Oval Office will turn
Blue. Why not
Aim High with hopeful ambitions.
1918
After all, good things happened in the
18th year of the 20th Century, so there's hope for us. Here are a few of the highlights:
- Great Britain granted women (30 & over) the right to vote.
- American Red Magen David (Jewish Red Cross) was established.
-
Annette Adams
became the 1st woman district attorney of US in California.
- Our First World War aka WWI, The Great War & The War to End all Wars finally did ended on Nov. 11.
- The American Jewish Congress held its 1st meeting.
- Betty Ford was born in April (and my father was born in Sept. of 1918).
1818
Even 200 years ago, some good things happened during the double Chai year of 1818:
-
Russia's Tsar Alexander I petitioned for a Jewish state in Palestine. (I know this sounds weird, but I found it on the internet in 2 history sites but couldn't find supporting evidence so not sure if this one is true, but sounds good).
- In April of that year, the US Congress adopted the Flag of the United States. It had thirteen red and white stripes, and one star for each state (there were 20 at the time). An additional stars would be added whenever a new state joined the Union.
From Iraq to Iran
After the recent Iran sanctions were lifted, the Iranians felt more avantages should have filtered down to them so they hit the pavement this week with anti-government protests. Unfortunately, this caused dejavu of their failed 2009 attempt. So far, 12 protesters have been killed and hundreds have been arrested. The government then assembled their own demonstration and declared the "Sedition" (their word, which means troublemaking. I looked it up) has ended but not before they blamed Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia for causing the ruckus in the first place.
Israel
Bomb Cyclone
The East Coast was hit this week by a treacherous winter storm (with a menacing nickname). Snow, wind, ice, freezing rain, frigid temps...will attack the States on the East Coast from Florida to Maine. Wishing safety and warmth for those in the path of
Winter Storm Grayson.
- Sadly,
"give us your tired, your poor..." doesn't apply during our current administration. Those homeless and persecuted are obviously not welcome in our "great" country as
refugee admission last year was at its lowest rate since 2002 (the year after 9-11). Only 29,000 refugees made it to our shores as compared to (on average) 80,000 during the Bush and Obama eras. Our lack of humanity toward those in need is a disgraceful stain on our nation.
Our dear friend and multi-talented musician,
David Broza released a new song from his upcoming album this week. Hope you enjoy:
Also,
Sara Bareilles and
Jason Mraz will be facing off for two weeks in
"Waitress" Jan 16 - Jan 28 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Here's a sample of their chemistry:
Program note: Tonight at 8pm, Detroit Public TV will air (a repeat performance) of Hamilton's America. The show is an inside
look at the creation of "Hamilton," Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical about U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton. It's a must see for Hamilton lovers.
Wishing you and your family a
Sweet Shabbat Shalom and
a Peaceful 20-Chai.
Lisa
lisashabbatshalom.com
Condolences to Susie and Norm Pappas on the passing of Susie's beloved father,
Jim Leopold z"l
(age 99). As a highly decorated military veteran (4 purple hearts, a Silver Star and a battlefield commission) he served with distinction and honor to his country and his community. May his spirit and love bring comfort to his family and friends as he was a blessing unto all who knew him.
Condolences to the family and friends of
Morris Rochlin z"l (age 92) on his passing this week. Morrey was a true community mentch and will be greatly missed. May his memory and spirit bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.
Condolences to the relatives and friends of the two families who lost their lives this week in the Costa Rican plane crash. Our Jewish community is small so it is likely that some of you might know either families who perished, the
Steinberg family of five from Scarsdale, NY and the
Weiss family of four from Belleair, FL. May their lives have been a blessing unto all who knew and loved them.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/world/americas/costa-rica-plane-crash.html?_r=1
Happy Birthday!
Jan. 5
Mataan Lis (our 25 year old IDF soldier son)
Debbie Lederman
Sherry Kanter (sending a warm hug)
Robin Margolis Welford
Jan. 6th
Lisa Brody
Eric Ersher
Nimod Yarkoni
Jan. 7th
Bill Harder
Sam Kelman Friedman
Eli Anders (Happy 70th)
Ray Henney (Happy 60th)
Diane Lux Krawitz
Jan. 8th
Ben Falik
Danny Weberman
Lisa Gottlieb Rotter
Stacy May Klein
Linda Zuckerman Klein
Julia Tapper
Debbie Duke-Beckwith
Jan. 9th
Eric Zuckerman
Terry Paule
Jan. 10th
Fern Kepes
Jamila Ross Brown
Marc Kay
Marc Winkelman
Jan. 11th
Rabbi Jonathan Berkun
Margot Snyder Narens
Henrietta Hermelin Weinberg
Christine Greig
Marty Haberer
Eyal Rimmer
Beverly Bein Liss (New Federation President)
I'm prone to mistakes, so if I missed your birthday
or got the wrong date or spelling, please let me know.
As the new year begins, please let me know if there are any events you'd like me to spotlight for our community.
January 14
(6-8 weeks)
Jewish Population Study will help us determine vital information about our community to help plan for our future. Our last survey was 2005 and updated info is critutial so please participate if you are called. Names and addresses will not be asked or used.
For more info, please contact
Linda Blumberg
Theme: "Standing up to Extinction"
Parting Thoughts...
Post note to this cartoon.
While at Disney World last week, we visited the Hall of Presidents with their animatronic look-alikes. While each POTUS was announced, some in the audience applauded. We clapped for Michigander Gerald Ford and of course Barack Obama. We were a bit disgusted to hear the loud approval of #45, but after our visit, it seems someone who isn't as impressed with our current Oval Office Occupant was removed from the hall after yelling "lock him up".
Here's the story and video.
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