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14 October 8 • 2015 metro » Ronelle Grier | Contributing Writer F or Jack and Miriam Shenkman, their 75th wedding anniversary was a celebration of life, love and family; a reflection of their devo- tion to each another and the people they hold dear. More than 70 people, including close friends and family members representing four generations, gath- ered on Sept. 20 to share the joyous occasion and honor the couple whose family has grown to embrace five chil- dren, 19 grandchildren and 25 great- grandchildren. The party was held in the Jack and Miriam Shenkman building at The Shul in West Bloomfield, one of many examples of the couple's philanthropy and commitment to their community. "It's an amazing thing to reach 75 years, and they're still concerned about the community they live in and the people around them," said daugh- ter Gloria Cohen of West Bloomfield. The other children — Marsha Baker of Dallas; Elaine Beresh of West Bloomfield, who organized the party with input from her parents; Arnold "Avi" Shenkman of Oak Park; and Martin Shenkman of Tenafly, N.J. — joined in praising their parents for their lifelong example of mutual devo- tion and bigheartedness. "Charity was always a part of their lives," said Rabbi E.B. "Bunny" Freedman, director of the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network (JHCN), who has known the Shenkmans for 35 years. "They have always been involved in a whole port- folio of very diverse charities. This was as important to Jack as his busi- ness, if not more." For decades, the Shenkmans have generously contributed to a host of causes throughout Metro Detroit and in Israel; including the JHCN, JARC, Tamarack Camps and the Sky Foundation, a fundraising organiza- tion for pancreatic cancer research. "Their love and devotion through- out the years was an inspiration and an example to all of us, so was their generous and giving nature," said granddaughter Chayala Shenkman, who recently moved back from Israel to New York with her husband, Hillel, and their children. The Shenkmans have been staunch supporters of the Lubavitch move- ment and shared a special friendship with the organization's leader, the late Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. "In Michigan, a great number of organizations survived because Miriam and Jack gave financial help," said Fred Ferber, longtime friend, local businessman and philanthropist, who gave a toast to the couple. "They gave nachas (joy) to the whole com- munity." Granddaughter Malka Leah "Malkie" Citrin of Atlanta presented her grandmother with a family cook- book she created called "Grandma Miriam's Kitchen." Citrin was moti- vated by her regular Friday phone conversations with her grandmother, where the two share ideas and recipes for Shabbos dinner. "My grandmother is the consum- mate hostess," Citrin said. "She's inspired me to be the best wife, moth- er and hostess that I can." Miriam Shenkman, elegant in a beaded gold dress adorned with tiny seed pearls, was overcome with senti- ment when presented with the cook- book. "I guess this is what it's all about," she said. In addition to their milestone anni- versary, which was Sept. 15, Jack cel- ebrated his 95th birthday in May, and Miriam turns 95 this month. After so many years of marriage and life expe- riences, Miriam's secret for success is fairly simple. "A lot of love, a lot of respect and helping each other every time you turn around," she said. "Treat each other like you want to be treated." * Jack and Miriam Shenkman mark 75 years together. Shenkmans celebrate 75 years of giving, sharing and loving. Shining Examples Let the take care of you. With great rates, an even better staff, and the speediest buses in the business, trust Qwik Park to get you to the airport Qwik as a flash. Save time. Reserve online! qwikpark.com Exit 198 from I-94 Exit 20 from I-275 TZLNSDUNFRP 7782 Merriman Rd., Romulus, MI MERRIMAN RD MIDDLEBELT RD SMITH RD DTW 94 E W N S 94 2002930