Detroit Jewish News

36 August 25 • 2016 the teens, telling them he wishes he had taken his own religious schooling more seriously. He did get involved with Michigan State University Hillel and traveled with the group on a life-changing Birthright Israel trip. "That trip really made me think more about Judaism and how I wanted to give back to my commu- nity," he said. BUILDING ISRAEL TIES If Ethan Bennett, TNW for Temple Israel, had his way, he would make sure each teen understands the con- nection to the Jewish homeland — not during Friday evening services, but by taking them on a hike into the Negev Desert and then study- ing a text that sources the very trail where they had just walked. Bennett tries to do the next best thing by facilitating informal Thursday night programs at Temple Israel where teens can learn and dis- cuss topics pertaining to Israel. A native of St. Louis, Mo., Bennett was active in NFTY and spent a gap year in Israel, where he bolstered his skills in working with Jewish teens. He also finished his studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where he studied Hebrew and Arabic and worked on youth partnership pro- grams between Arab and Jewish teens in Israel. "Israel has shaped who I am and it is an important part of my work," Bennett said. "Today's Jewish teens need resources to define their own relationship with Israel. When they get to college they will be chal- lenged, and that is OK. But they need to be prepared." Bennett finds his job as a weaver very fulfilling and says he is very grateful for the wide support he and his cohorts are receiving. He began his position in October 2015 after working with Jewish teens throughout the country. However, he said he has never seen the devotion and commitment of a community for teen outreach as he has witnessed in Detroit. "It is rare a community invests so much in its youth advisers and allows us to have so much influence in the community," he said. "We have been given license to take our ideas and passions and run with them." * Ethan Bennett continued from page 34 M ediation is an alternative that can help you retain more time, money, and privacy during your legal battle. Barbara Smith, J.D., former district court magistrate and administrative law judge with more than 25 years of legal experience, lends her unique blend of reason, calmness and tenacity to the process, helping guide opposing parties to mutually agreeable solutions. She has successfully mediated hundreds of cases over the past decade. Smith Mediation Center Bloomfi eld Hills | 248.646.8000 www.michigan-divorce-mediation.com Divorce Mediation 2043970 From the moment we walked in the door, we knew Beth Ahm would be our home. We were greeted warmly and welcomed into the Beth Ahm family. We quickly developed friendships and immersed ourselves in synagogue life. Our children feel at home and are excited to participate. We are active and proud members who want to share our synagogue with you. We invite you to experience Beth Ahm by joining us on Shabbat and staying for lunch, coming to an event, or speaking with Rabbi Rubenstein. Let us help you make Beth Ahm part of your future. $36 Membership* Contact David Goodman, Executive Director at 248-851-6880 to learn more about membership, religious school, and our family - friendly spiritual home. *some restrictions may apply Small Shul Big Welcome Illana and Noah Stern Henry, Leo and Isaac Congregation Beth Ahm Big enough to enrich you. Small enough to know you. >LZ[4HWSL>LZ[)SVVTÄLSK40 248-851-6880 www.cbahm.org 2069760 M`j`kAEfec`e\%lj JLGGFIKFLI :FDDLE@KP# J?FGN@K?FLI 8;M

• Cover