Detroit, MI
A Shabbat in Detroit
Here’s something you’ve not heard in a while. I recently enjoyed spending three-and-a-half glorious days in Detroit. The weather was in the 20s and 30s, but thankfully, there was no snow or wind.
If you watch TV news, you know that Detroit is often portrayed as a horrible place where you’re likely to be robbed and murdered, but not necessarily in that order. However, if you ask members of the local Jewish community, they might tell you differently. The people I spoke with were positive about living in The Motor City. Yes, Detroit has problems and crime, but they seem to feel that Detroit is trying to improve. It’s a reasonable place to live, and it has four seasons.
Detroit has the largest Arab Muslim population outside the Middle East, and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) represents many of the Orthodox Jews there. The people I spoke to are aware that the Arab Muslim community is not supportive of Jews. Still, they mentioned that they are not bothered by antisemitism (unlike in California where, just a few blocks from my home, “Death to the Jews,” was spray painted on a new apartment building).
Some Detroiters told me they don’t even lock their doors. When I discovered which houses were unlocked, I considered robbing them but realized it was not Shabbosdik. On the other hand, living in Los Angeles, I have gates on my doors and bars on my windows, and I’m considering purchasing an Israeli tank and howitzer for my front yard.
Some Detroiters told me they don’t even lock their doors. When I discovered which houses were unlocked, I considered robbing them but realized it was not Shabbosdik.
I visited Detroit to perform at the banquet and honor my friend Rabbi Alon Tolwin, a teacher at Aish HaTorah who was retiring. Do Torah teachers ever truly retire? Not the good ones like Rabbi Tolwin.
I first met the rabbi over 30 years ago when he lived in Los Angeles, and although years have passed without us speaking, I always considered him a friend. I flew in on Thursday, and Rabbi Tolwin met me at the airport.
Because we are Jews in our 70s, after a quick hello, we immediately delved into medical issues. He told me about his ailments, and I said, “Oh, I also have that.” I told him, “Next time I see you, bring your X-rays to compare.” It’s nice to bond. He believes his doctor is the greatest in the world. As Jackie Mason said, “Every Jew thinks he has the best doctor.”
I stayed at the home of his son, Rabbi Simcha Tolwin, and his wife, Rebbetzin Estie, two amazing people. Because Alon was being honored on Sunday, people flew in for the banquet and stayed over Shabbat. So there were about 13 of us staying in the house. Orthodox women, especially the Rebbetzins, run the equivalent of a free bed and breakfast. It’s rare when someone isn’t staying over or having a Shabbat meal.
The day before I arrived, Rabbi Simcha had just returned from his fourth or fifth trip to Israel since the war started. And yet, despite all that is going on in Israel and Gaza, and the antisemitism around the world, Jews are still able to celebrate Shabbat and be thankful to God.
Staying with a religious Jewish family over Shabbat is something I enjoy and consider a real privilege. I’ve stayed with families at least a dozen times and all over the world. Rabbi Simcha and Estie were incredible hosts.
Since I’m an annoying California vegan, Estie made me a vegan cholent and provided water challah.
Rebbetzins are always reading something interesting. Estie lent me “Soul Construction” by Ruchi Koval, a book on character shaping and a handbook on becoming a better person. Should I take the hint? These people made me feel so comfortable; I felt like part of their family.
Rabbi Simcha and Estie were busy organizing the yearly gala honoring his father. Putting a gala together requires a tremendous amount of work. Yet, there wasn’t much talk, if any, over Shabbat. It was Shabbat. There was great food, Torah study, synagogue, napping, children playing, and adults reading and talking. The conversation was both profound and very funny. It was a perfect Shabbat. I felt like I was in the presence of people doing God’s work.
Mark Schiff is a comedian, actor and writer, and hosts, along with Danny Lobell, the ‘We Think It’s Funny’ podcast. His new book is “Why Not? Lessons on Comedy, Courage and Chutzpah.”
(CBS DETROIT) – A Wayne State University employee has died after they were struck by a vehicle while walking in Detroit Wednesday morning.
The incident happened at about 8:41 a.m. in the area of Woodward and Warren avenues.
Detroit police say two vehicles were involved in a crash and one of the cars hit the employee. The employee was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash is under investigation.
The university says it is offering counseling and psychological services for staff. Services are also available to students.
“We are connecting with our colleague’s loved ones, with whom we are sharing our heartfelt condolences. Please continue to support and care for one another across our community during this difficult time,” university President Kimberly Espy said in a statement.
Japanese Breakfast’s 2025 tour begins shortly after the release of their fourth studio album, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women).” Get tickets to see them live at Michigan’s The Fillmore Detroit on Saturday, May 3.
Shop on SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, StubHub, and Ticketmaster when ticket sales go live this Friday.
Japanese Breakfast performing on day two of the inaugural Adjacent Music Festival in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sunday, May 28, 2023.Al Mannarino | For NJ Advance Me
Indie band Japanese Breakfast have announced a 2025 tour route beginning this April in Austin, Texas, right after appearing at this year’s Coachella. The trek comes in support of the band’s forthcoming album — “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” featuring the new single, “Orlando in Love” — expected to be released March 21. Their first outing since the 2021 through 2022 “Jubilee Tour,” this recently announced tour includes concerts at Salt Shed Chicago, The Fillmore Detroit, MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Brooklyn Paramount, the Santa Barbara Bowl, and more between April 23 and September 9.
Tickets to Japanese Breakfast’s “The Melancholy Tour” will be available to the general public this Friday, January 10 at 10 a.m. local time.
Tickets:
Detroit — SeatGeek | Vivid Seats | StubHub | Ticketmaster
All dates — SeatGeek | Vivid Seats | StubHub | Ticketmaster
Tour schedule:
Wed, Apr 23 — Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater; Austin, TX
Thu, Apr 24 — South Side Ballroom; Dallas, TX
Sat, Apr 26 — The Tabernacle; Atlanta, GA
Sun, Apr 27 — The Fillmore Charlotte; Charlotte, NC
Mon, Apr 28 — Ryman Auditorium; Nashville, TN
Fri, May 2 — Salt Shed – Indoor Shed; Chicago, IL
Sat, May 3 — The Fillmore Detroit; Detroit, MI
Mon, May 5 — Massey Hall – Allied Music Centre; Toronto, ON
Wed, May 7 — MGM Music Hall at Fenway; Boston, MA
Fri, May 9 — Brooklyn Paramount; Brooklyn, NY
Fri, May 16 — The Met Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA
Sat, Jun 21 — Henry Maier Festival Park – BMO Harris Pavilion; Milwaukee, WI
Wed, Aug 20 — Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU; San Diego, CA
Sat, Aug 23 — Santa Barbara Bowl; Santa Barbara, CA
Thu, Aug 28 — The Masonic; San Francisco, CA
Sat, Aug 30 — Hayden Homes Amphitheater; Bend, OR
Mon, Sep 1 — Orpheum Theatre; Vancouver, BC
Sat, Sep 6 — Mission Ballroom; Denver, CO
Tue, Sep 9 — Palace Theatre St. Paul; Saint Paul, MN
Lions coach Dan Campbell speeches from look-a-likes draws NFL fans
We found 22 Dan Campbell look-a-likes in Detroit who had inspirational speeches to give as the Detroit Lions coach.
There really is nothing like being a Detroit Lions fan.
Before Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell came to turn things around the past few years, this franchise put their fans through decades of misery. They didn’t just lose games; they lost them spectacularly. They were the first 0-16 team in the history of the NFL. They had a head coach “take the wind” in overtime. They had another win just 13 games in three years. Before last year, they went 65 years — 65! — with just one playoff win. What other NFL franchise can say all that?
Most fans don’t choose Lions fandom; they’re born into it. Maybe you grew up in Michigan. Maybe your mom or dad passed the fandom down to you. Maybe you just love the team’s colors or mascot. No matter what, through all the ups and downs — mostly downs — you stuck by your team, hoping one day you could see it join the NFL’s elite and become a perennial Super Bowl contender.
That day has come. And what a journey it’s been to get here.
Tell us your Lions story!
We want to hear the journey of your Detroit Lions fandom. How, and when, did you become a Lions fan? What is your favorite, or least favorite, memory watching games? Who’s your all-time favorite player? What’s the best game you ever attended? How did you cope during the tough times, and what does this current run of success mean to you? What would you do if the team went to the Super Bowl — and won it?
You can submit your story one of two ways:
- Call 313-222-2242 and leave a voicemail. After the greeting and beep, tell us your story, including your name, age and where you’re from. When you’ve finished your recording, you can hang up or press pound (#) for additional options, including reviewing your message (1), re-recording your message (2), or canceling your message (3).
- Record an audio or video clip of your story and submit it using this form. You’ll be prompted with a few questions, but it shouldn’t take more than a couple minutes to complete.
We plan to feature our favorite submissions on freep.com, our social media and podcast platforms, and in the newspaper. If you’d like to share a photo of yourself in your Lions gear as well, send us an email.
Thank you for telling us your Lions fan story!
Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), Twitter/X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress).
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