I Women<strong>Jewish</strong> Women’s Circle meets for friendship, creativity, and learningMae Sander, special to the WJNThe <strong>Jewish</strong> Women’s Circle of <strong>Washtenaw</strong>County is celebrating mitzvot this fall. Atthe meeting on <strong>December</strong> 7 at 7:30 p.m.,the group will make candles and talk aboutcandle-lighting in <strong>Jewish</strong> tradition. Participantswill also discuss the role of candles in celebratingShabbat, Chanukah, and other festivals. The goalsof the Women’s Circle are to enable participantsto develop friendships, learn about a wide rangeof <strong>Jewish</strong> topics, and foster their creativity.At the two earlier meetings this fall, participantsmade challah and learned moreabout its meaning, and visited Ann Arbor’smikvah and learned about this <strong>Jewish</strong> traditionand how it is continued today. Each ofthe first three Women’s Circle topics relatesto a particular mitzvah for women.At the challah-making meeting in September,old and new attendees had a chanceto get to know one another while sharing theexperience of forming and baking the dough.Twenty-four women came together for thisactivity, including one who had just arrivedby plane that day for a stay in Ann Arbor. Eachparticipant made her own small loaf of challahto take home. Esther Goldstein, one of theorganizers, says “As women we have the privilegeof making challah and lighting candles—part of the mitzvah of honoring Shabbat.”To begin the October meeting, the 14 participantsintroduced themselves by describinga mitzvah (good deed) in her experience.One woman had recently made a majorcommitment as a volunteer at <strong>Jewish</strong> FamilyServices. Others mentioned small things liketaking a field trip with a child’s class, telephoningan older or unwell friend, receivinghelp with leaf-raking, or just giving a hug atthe right moment. Esther Goldstein, who ledthe meeting, then discussed various meaningsof the word mitzvah, including ethicaland humanistic obligations and religious obligations.She then explained about the mikvahand its relationship to <strong>Jewish</strong> family life.The group watched a video and toured themikvah at Chabad House. Opportunities toask questions and discuss the topic occurredthroughout the evening.The <strong>January</strong> meeting will be held onMonday, <strong>January</strong> 25, at 7:30 p.m. The topicembodies a change of pace: “Reflect, Relax,Renew: Low Impact Yoga and Personal Reflection.”In celebration of the secular NewYear, the group will explore a dimension ofspiritual and physical activity through anevening’s yoga practice with Ann Arbor yogainstructor Rachel Portnoy. Attendees areasked to wear comfortable clothing in whichthey can do yoga and to bring a large towelor (if they have one) a yoga mat.At the Chabad House mikvahAll <strong>Jewish</strong> women in the community areinvited to the <strong>Jewish</strong> Women’s Circle meetings,no matter what their religious affiliationsor non-affiliations are. Organizers areEsther Goldstein, Mimi Weisberg, and others.Organizers maintain a Facebook page, entrieson community calendars, and an emaillist to inform participants of activities andthe location of each meeting. For those whowould like to sponsor the Circle, an annualvoluntary contribution of $54 is requested.There is a meeting fee of $10. nFor more information about Women’s Circleevents, contact Esther Goldstein at 995-3276or esther@jewmich.com or Mimi Weisberg atmimi.weisberg@gmail.com.Beth Israel Women’s League newsFlorence Gerber, special to the WJNBeth Israel CafeThe third Beth Israel Café sponsored byWomen’s League will be held on Sunday,<strong>December</strong> 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at Beth IsraelCongregation. Men and women are invitedto relax, nosh, and shmooz. Other BethIsrael Cafes will be held on <strong>January</strong> 17,February 14, and April 18, also at 9 a.m.<strong>December</strong> meetingVanessa Ochs, research fellow at theUniversity of Michigan Frankel Institutefor AdvancedJudaic Studieswill explainher research“Beyond theMenorah andTzedaka box:How do ObjectsMake a<strong>Jewish</strong> Home<strong>Jewish</strong>?” onThursday,<strong>December</strong> 10at 7:45 p.m.at Beth IsraelCongregation.Ochs, associate professor of religiousVanessa OchsHadassah Chanukah celebrationAnnette F. Fisch, special to the WJNstudies at the University of Virginia, is ananthropologist of <strong>Jewish</strong> life. Ochs will reporton research that includes the Ann Arborcommunity and the households of BethIsrael Women’s League members.Ochs is the author of numerous works,including Inventing <strong>Jewish</strong> Ritual, winner ofa 2007 National <strong>Jewish</strong> Book Award; SarahLaughed; The <strong>Jewish</strong> Dream Book (withElizabeth Ochs); and Words on Fire. For herwriting, she was awarded a fellowship fromthe National Endowment for the Arts. Shewas also scholar in residence at the most recentWomen’s League Biennial Convention.Women’s League Chanukah Gift ShopDo your Chanuah shopping at Women’sLeague Gift Shop on Sunday mornings orWednesday afternoons during religiousschool. For an appointment, call DorisMiller at 662-5926.The Gift Shop is selling all occasion cards(milestone, get well, mazal tov, condolence,special occasion, rejoicing, thank you, andnew baby) to benefit the <strong>Jewish</strong> TheologicalSeminary, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies,and the Schechter Institute of <strong>Jewish</strong>Studies. All cards are $2 except for new baby,which sell for $3. Women’s League memberSherri Peller (994-4013 or sgpeller@comcast.net)will mail cards for purchasers foran extra $1 per card.On Thursday, <strong>December</strong> 17, at 7:30 p.m., the Ann Arbor Chapter of Hadassah will celebrateChanukah at the home of Julie Ellis, 3929 Waldenwood. Attendees should bring a regiftableitem for the “white elephant gift” exchange, and bring an appetite for latkes. Reserve by <strong>December</strong>13 to Martha Young, 769-7523 or youngmmarth@comcast.net.ORT Chanukah partyJoan Levitt, special to the WJNThe Ann Arbor chapter of ORT America willhold its Annual “Chai’Nukah” party on Sunday,<strong>December</strong> 6, from 3–5 p.m., at the CommunityRoom at Nature Cove Condominiums,2115 Nature Cove Court.The party will feature a Latke Cook-off,with participants sharing their favorite latkesand the latke recipe. There will be prizes for thebest latkes. There will also be a “white elephantaccessory” exchange. Guests should wrap a favorite,gently-used accessory, such as a scarf,purse, or jewelry, for a Chanukah gift exchange.ORT members and prospective members arewelcome to join the fun. In the spirit of “Chai,”all party-goers are asked to make an $18 donationto ORT America. Rides to the party areavailable to those who need them.ORT America supports World ORT’sschools and high-tech training programs in 62countries, empowering 300,000 students andbeneficiaries annually. The cutting edge educationacquired at ORT schools, colleges, andinternational programs provide marketableskills that enable students to attain successfulcareers, become community leaders, and livewith dignity. ORT’s global network educatesindividuals, impacts communities, and improvesthe world.For more information or to RSVP, callJeanne Thomas at 429-5948, or send an emailto jthoma25@gmail.com, with “ORT RSVP”in the subject line.4 <strong>Washtenaw</strong> <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>News</strong> A <strong>December</strong> 20<strong>09</strong>/<strong>January</strong> 2010
ISeniorsSPICE* of Life*Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, and Educational Programs for Adults<strong>December</strong> and <strong>January</strong>Tuesdays11 a.m. – Energy Exercise with Maria Farquhar.$4 per session, or 3 sessions for $10Noon – Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person1 p.m. – Games and Activities. Join in for a variety of gamesand activities including mahjong, quilting, art projects, andother card games. *New* Bridge club at 1 p.m.1:30 p.m. – Yidish Tish (Yiddish Conversational Group). Opento the public as well as University of Michigan faculty, staff andstudents, all ages and levels welcome. Beanster’s Café, ground floor,Michigan League. Free. For more information, call 936-2367.Thursdays10 a.m. – Energy Exercise with Maria Farquhar. $4 per session,or 3 sessions for $1011 a.m. – Current Events with Heather Dombey. A <strong>Jewish</strong>perspective on this week’s news. Bring items of interest forgroup discussion.Noon – Dairy Lunch Buffet. $3 per person1 p.m. – Thursday Special Events and Presentations(see box for details)2:15 p.m. – Literary Group facilitated by Sidney Warschausky,Call Merrill Poliner, 971-<strong>09</strong>90, for more informationand the current book.Fridays1:30 p.m.– Yiddish Reading Group at the <strong>Jewish</strong> CommunityCenter. Call Ray Juni for additional information at 761-2765Thursday special events and presentations<strong>December</strong> 312:30 p.m. Birthday celebration for all with <strong>December</strong>birthdays. Bring your family and friends for lunch andbirthday cake. 1 p.m. Mariko Foulke, social worker at theUniversity of Michigan Turner Clinic, will lead a presentationand discussion on depression and older adults.<strong>December</strong> 1012:30 p.m. A registered nurse from Care Responsewill take and record blood pressures and address anyquestions. Free. (This event is repeated the second Thursdayof each month.)1 p.m. The first decade after World War II witnessedmajor changes in how we lived: family, housing, education,music, appliances and work. Join the fun in rememberingwhat you were doing back when.<strong>December</strong> 1711 a.m. Join the children, families and staff of theJCC’s Early Childhood Center for an intergenerationalChanukah celebration including singing, dancing, craftsand discussion.12:30 p.m. Allison Pollock, MSW, <strong>Jewish</strong> Family Servicesgeriatric social worker will be available for discussion,questions and assistance.1 p.m. Rabbi Levy of Temple Beth Emeth joins SPICEfor Chanukah.<strong>December</strong> 241 p.m. Local stand-up comedienne, Paddy Ash, willentertain the group with her healthy humor.<strong>December</strong> 311 p.m. Come to the JCC for an hour of favorite comedian,Jack Benny, the archetypal ongeblozen tightwad on video.<strong>January</strong> 712:30 p.m. Birthday celebration for all with <strong>January</strong>birthdays. Bring your family and friends for lunch andbirthday cake. 1 p.m. A representative from the <strong>Jewish</strong>Genealogical Society of Michigan will illustrate how toget information about one’s ancestors.<strong>January</strong> 1412:30 p.m. A registered nurse from Care Responsewill take and record blood pressures and address anyquestions. Free. (The second Thursday of each month.)1 p.m. University of Michigan School of Music violinperformance student, Paul Dryden Trapkus will performa recital.<strong>January</strong> 2112:30 p.m. Allison Pollock, MSW, <strong>Jewish</strong> Family Servicesgeriatric social worker will be available for discussion,questions and assistance.1 p.m. Arie Lipsky, musical director of the Ann ArborSymphony Orchestra, returns to the JCC for music anddiscussion.<strong>January</strong> 281 p.m. University of Michigan doctoral student,Tam Perry, will facilitate a presentation and discussionon the various ways that the process of moving may affectseniors.Shop with theTemple BeTh emeTh GifT Shop23<strong>09</strong> Packard St, Ann Arbor665-4744If you missed our Chanukah Bazaar on 11/21 & 11/22,join us for the best deals in town at a special:Chanukah SaleSunday, <strong>December</strong> 6, 3 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Or shop during our regular hours:Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-6 p.m.Sunday evenings 6-7:30 p.m.Friday evening hours 6:30-7:30 p.m.Or by appointment, for your convenience.Sponsored by Temple Beth Emeth Sisterhood<strong>Washtenaw</strong> <strong>Jewish</strong> <strong>News</strong> A <strong>December</strong> 20<strong>09</strong>/<strong>January</strong> 20105
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