Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/911869
T wo recent articles in the Jewish News caught my atten- tion — the first, "Coming Soon?" with an appropriate ques- tion mark in the Aug. 17 issue, and the second, "Meet the Neighbors" in the Oct. 19 issue about Jews meet- ing one another in their 'hoods. Wasn't that the purpose of our Jewish Community Center? At the vacant field on Ten Mile in Oak Park where once a vibrant commu- nity center provided community activi- ties, someone, or some group, plunked down a sign that reads "Coming Soon" and probably thought — "that will appease them." Well, we are not appeased. We are not humored. The sign notes "Coming Soon. The New Jimmy Prentis Morris Jewish Community Facility. Construction to Begin Spring/Summer of 2017." It's now fall. I reached out to leaders of the Jewish Federation, but to no avail. I, along with many in our community, want answers. The Federation board leadership oversees the operation, not the city, but as former mayor of Oak Park, I'm frequently asked if I know the status. I don't. There are those who could enlighten us, especially as rumors of alleged deals and an anony- mous donor were made in August 2015. Is it just me who feels that transpar- ency, communication and credibility are lacking? More than two years have gone by since we were told the JCC would close. They assured us every effort would be made to keep the JCC open, but when that didn't happen, the land was cleared. We were then told we'd learn the process of build- ing a new center, including the name of the major donor; but again we've heard nothing. Everything, including the pool which was paid for with private donations, was razed. The group "Save the OP JCC" raised a consider- able amount of money, which the Federation is holding. Our community provided ongoing support for the cen- ter despite rising dues and fees. Over time, it seems the leadership of the JCC paid more attention to the facili- ties west of Telegraph than to those east of Telegraph, thereby ignoring the needs of the large Jewish commu- nity residing in Oak Park, Southfield, Huntington Woods and surrounding areas who would be well served by a vibrant Jewish Community Center. Isn't this the focus and value of the second article, "Meet the Neighbors"? Isn't that the purpose of our Jewish Community Center in Oak Park? Despite the reasons for the decline and closure of the Oak Park JCC, the failed operations can't be blamed on the members of our community. Don't all those who patronized the JCC facilities and programs deserve better than a sign plunked down on an empty lot? After decades of sup- port, don't we deserve transparency and information about the future of the Oak Park JCC? I think we do! • Jerry Naftaly is the former mayor of Oak Park. D uring my quarter-century at the Jewish News — 19 of those years as arts and entertain- ment editor — I had the chance to meet celebrities including Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld and Oscar winner Adrien Brody, among others. But it was a foggy night in London town that remains my favorite personal memory. In spring 2004, I assigned a story on writer-actor-pianist Hershey Felder, then 35, and his upcoming one-man show, George Gershwin Alone, at Kalamazoo's Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. In the article, Felder, who grew up in a Jewish family in Toronto, mentioned his close friendship with Adam and Amy Gershwin. The great- nephew of George and Ira Gershwin, Adam helped run the George Gershwin estate and cleared the way for Felder to obtain the rights to perform selec- tions from the composer's catalogue. The mention of Adam's wife, former Detroiter Amy Salesin Gershwin, once again confirmed to my JN colleagues that I seem to be related to everyone (she is the granddaughter of my father's first cousin). When Felder's publicist called requesting a copy of the article, I mentioned I was about to travel to London to visit my daughter, Julie, then a recent college graduate in the middle of a six-month internship in England. It turned out Felder would still be performing his show in London's West End during my stay, and the publicist insisted on treating my daughter and me to tickets, asking that we go back- stage to present a copy of the JN to Felder in person. After his wonderful performance, Felder invited us for a long stroll through the streets of London, regal- ing us with stories of his life and career while expressing how happy he was to see "two friendly Jewish faces." After we parted, my daughter said, "Mom, you have a cool job!" Indeed I did. • views Gail Zimmerman Former Arts & Entertainment Editor spotlight Memories 7 5 th a n n i v e r s a r y Jerry Naftaly community view Coming Soon? November 30 • 2017 5 jn My Story My Story Health. A fresh start. A good education. The next great business idea. Hebrew Free Loan gives interest- free loans to members of our community for a variety of personal and small business needs. HFL loans are funded entirely through community donations which continually recycle to others, generating many times the original value to help maintain the lives of local Jews. Click. Call. Give Now. www.hfldetroit.org 248.723.8184 Hebrew Free Loan Detroit 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 300 • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 @HFLDetroit Eli Golshteyn was six years old when his parents brought him to the United States from the Soviet Union. The Golshteyns arrived in Michigan and began the enormous task of settling into new jobs, schools and a new culture. Along with other relatives, the Jewish community and Hebrew Free Loan were valuable resources. "I was young and I thought it was all a big adventure, but we were starting over, and we needed help," Eli said. "Several times HFL helped my family as we acclimated – with our first car, with a computer, and with medical expenses. My parents are brilliant, they're both engineers, but navigating a huge life shift like that wasn't easy. The Jewish community was there for us. As I got older, I realized what an amazing concept it was to have a Jewish community that helps others, and I'm glad to even slightly repay the debt, first as a NEXTGen Liaison to HFL, and now as an HFL Adjunct Committee member." Right away, Eli was impressed by the dedication of the HFL Board. "Each time HFL Board members interview potential borrowers it's a new opportunity to help someone," Eli said. "The HFL Board, who are so diverse in their approach and experience, act with teamwork and heart, and with the specific goal in mind of making a difference for others. I understand what it's like to have to ask for help, and it's a great responsibility to be on the other side of the table. "HFL helps secure the future for so many people. Whatever the rea- son, HFL can help Michigan Jews attain a goal or a better situation, and I'm proud to be a link in that chain of possibility," Eli said.