Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/766584
December 22 • 2016 3 Around Town ...................29 Ar ts & Life ........................39 Calendar...........................30 Eats ...................................44 Editor 's Picks ...................43 Gift Guide ........................35 Israel ........... 5, 6, 16, 25, 28 Marketplace ....................52 Metro ................................10 Moments ..........................49 Obituaries ........................55 Spor ts ...............................48 Synagogue List ...............32 Torah Por tion ..................33 Viewpoints......................... 5 Columnists Ken Gross ........................... 5 Danny Rask in ..................46 Rober t Sk lar ...................... 6 Dec. 22-28, 2016 | 22-18 Kislev 5777 | Vol. CL, No. 21 39 ON THE COVER: Artwork by Talya Berger, Elissa Goldberg, Jacob Apap and Zeev Maine COVER DESIGN: Michelle Sheridan The Detroit Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Hwy., #110, Southfield, MI 48034. A s most readers know, Israel suf- fered a series of massive, devas- tating fires in and around Haifa near the end of November. Nearly 80,000 residents were evacuated, lives were lost, and it took several days to bring the fires under control. Aside from the destruction of homes, businesses and forests themselves, there was the added pain that it appears many of the fires were the result of arson. There were also signs of kindness and generosity: nations such as Croatia, Greece, Turkey and Russia, to name just a few, sent firefighting planes and other aid to Israel. Reading through the Jewish News and Jewish Chronicle in the Davidson Digital Archives, I have known about the crucial role that forests have played in Israel; more to the point, the creation of forests with sup- port from the American and Detroit Jewish communities. I did not recall, however, that Israel had suffered another devastating fire just six years ago until I read the Dec. 23, 2010, of the JN. Until 2016, it was the worst fire in Israeli history. And, like the aftermath of the recent fire, it required a huge relief effort to bring the forests back to life. While not fun, it is worthwhile reading. In particular, see the editor's essay and an advertisement that sums up the critical situation in 2010. Let's hope this is the last fire in Israel we'll see beyond those made by campers. * For a related story, see page 16. Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives, available for free at www.djnfoundation.org. Mike Smith Detroit Jewish News Foundation Archivist contents SHABBAT, HOLIDAY LIGHTS Shabbat: Friday, Dec. 23, 4:46 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Dec. 24, 5:52 p.m.* Chanukah, first night: Saturday, Dec. 24. Shabbat: Friday, Dec. 30, 4:51 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Dec. 31, 5:57 p.m. * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar. OUR JN MISSION T h e J e w i s h N e w s a s p i r e s t o c o m m u n i c a t e n e w s a n d o p i n i o n t h a t 's u s e f u l , e n g a g i n g , e n j o y a b l e a n d u n i q u e . I t s t r i v e s t o r e f l e c t t h e f u l l r a n g e o f d i v e r s e v i e w p o i n t s w h i l e a l s o a d v o c a t i n g p o s i t i o n s t h a t s t r e n g t h e n J e w i s h u n i t y a n d c o n t i n u i t y . W e d e s i r e t o c r e a t e a n d m a i n t a i n a c h a l l e n g i n g , c a r i n g , e n j o y a b l e w o r k e n v i r o n m e n t t h a t e n c o u r a g e s c r e a t i v i t y a n d i n n o v a t i o n . W e a c k n o w l e d g e o u r r o l e a s a r e s p o n s i b l e , r e s p o n s i v e m e m b e r o f t h e c o m m u n i t y . B e i n g c o m p e t i t i v e , w e m u s t a l w a y s s t r i v e t o b e t h e m o s t r e s p e c t e d , o u t s t a n d i n g J e w i s h c o m m u n i t y p u b l i c a t i o n i n t h e n a t i o n . O u r r e w a r d s a r e i n f o r m e d , e d u c a t e d r e a d e r s , v e r y s a t i s f i e d a d v e r t i s e r s , c o n t e n t e d e m p l o y e e s a n d p r o f i t a b l e g r o w t h . 14 36 16 Quick Click … Playground Detroit • JVS Work Program JN Online Offerings: From the DJN Davidson Digital Archive 14 Chanukah Combo Local baker creates a hybrid challah-and-doughnut treat for the holiday. 16 Lending A Hand Retired fi refi ghter helps Israel extinguish its fi res. 36 High-Tech Gi s A roundup of new items for your tech lover. 39 Good Spirits Kick off the holidays with a cocktail that's healthier.