Detroit, MI

A Shabbat in Detroit

Published

2 years ago

July 3, 2024

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.”

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Detroit, MI

Best barbershop in Metro Detroit: Finalists for this year’s Vote 4 The Best

Published

3 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Best barbershop in Metro Detroit: Finalists for this year’s Vote 4 The Best

Voting on finalists open from June 22 through July 20

What is the barbershop in Metro Detroit? We’ve got our finalists for this year’s Vote 4 The Best category for best barbershop.

Here are this year’s finalists:

Andino’s Barbershop in St. Clair Shores
Bennies Barbershop in Trenton
Chivalry Barber Co. in Royal Oak
The Garage Cuts and Coffee in Plymouth
Walter T’s Grooming Company in Waterford Township

We received more than 16,700 nominations across our 80 Vote 4 The Best categories this year. Each category was then narrowed down to five finalists.

Click here to view the full list of finalists.

Now that nominations are over, voting on finalists can begin. Voting is open from June 22 through July 20, and you can vote for each category once per day during that time.

Click here to vote for finalists in all 80 categories.

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Detroit, MI

Top 10 ‘Hour Detroit’ Covers, As Voted By Readers

Published

10 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Top 10 ‘Hour Detroit’ Covers, As Voted By Readers

As part of our 30th anniversary celebration last month, we asked Hour Detroit readers to vote for their favorite covers from the magazine’s history. With all votes tabulated, here are the top 10 Hour Detroit covers, as voted by our loyal readers.

10. May 2022

Our May 2022 cover story by Nolan Bianhi highlighted the rise of Detroit City Football Club. The cover itself, photographed by Sal Rodriguez and featuring DCFC’s rabid Northern Guard Supporters, also birthed the very funny #EdDuckerForever social media trend.

As explained by Editor-In-Chief Kate Walsh in her Editor’s Letter in the June 2022 issue, “When the DCFC fans noticed a fan holding a scarf that said “Ed Ducker Forever,” some were left scratching their heads…Most people figured out that Ed Ducker was born to cover a profanity front and center on our cover, but they didn’t leave it at that. #EdDuckerForever became a thing on Twitter, with DCFC fans and others creating a backstory for this fictional character, including tales of his prowess on the pitch and in the sheets, saving (or dropping) babies, his love of beer, etc.”

Truthfully, the whole incident is symbolic of the overall vibe at any DCFC match. If you’ve never attended one yet, what are you waiting for?

Another piece of trivia: former Hour Detroit digital editor Christina Clark is among the group of fans — she’s the one with pink hair. Coincidentally, the photo was taken before she joined the magazine.

9. July 2023

Featuring a stunning aerial photograph by William Cunningham, the cover for the July 2023 issue of Hour Detroit just draws you in with its beauty. The cover story by Kate Townley chronicled the many reasons (65, to be exact) why the Great Lakes are so great. Frankly, there are plenty more reasons to add to this already extensive list.

Hour Detroit's July 2023 cover featuring an aerial shot of one of the Great Lakes

8. April 2024

Like the DCFC cover, the cover for the April 2024 issue, created by Ryan Olbrysh, has an incredible kinetic energy. Based around Detroit hosting the NFL Draft, the “City Guide” cover story explored all of the details any visitor to metro Detroit should know and featured contributions from Bill Dow, Dana White, Juliana Lumaj, Mickey Lyons, and Jack Thomas.

Hour Detroit's April 2024 cover featuring fans gathered in the city of the 2024 NFL Draft

7. May 2020

For the May 2020 issue, Hour Detroit chronicled the impact of COVID-19 on metro Detroit in a nine-page special report by Steve Friess, Amy Haimerl, Joanne C. Gerstner, and Ashley Winn. The cover depicts the Spirit of Detroit monument wearing a mask and hospital scrubs. The poignant image is an original oil painting by Luke Mack for Hour Detroit.

Hour Detroit's May 2020 featuring a rendering of the Spirit of Detroit statue wearing a mask

6. January 2018

Abdul El-Sayed graced the January 2018 cover of Hour Detroit, was profiled by Lou Blouin, and photographed by Matthew LaVere. At that time, he was a 33-year-old Michigan gubernatorial candidate gaining lots of attention for his rising grassroots campaign.

The former director of the Detroit Health Department lost the Democratic nomination to Gretchen Whitmer. However, the man some thought could be the first Muslim governor in the United States now has a chance at becoming the first Muslim person elected to the United States Senate. El-Sayed, now 41, is in a very competitive 2026 Democratic primary race against Rep. Haley Stevens and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow. Primary elections for the open Michigan Senate seat vacated by a retiring Sen. Gary Peters will take place on Aug. 4, with the Democratic and Republican primary winners facing off in the midterm elections on Nov. 3.

Hour Detroit's January 2018 issue featuring Abdul El-Sayed

5. February 2021

On this cover photographed by Julia Pickett, contributor Steve Friess summed up Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2020 rather perfectly: “A pandemic. An ‘SNL’ parody. A kidnapping plot. And mean tweets from the president. Did anyone have a more bizarre and intense 2020 than ’the woman in Michigan’?” Friess’ cover story on Whitmer explored her 2020 experiences and describing them as “surreal” could be the most apt use of that word ever.

Hour Detroit's February 2021 cover featuring Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

4. January 2024

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell headlined our annual “Detroiters” list in 2024, which highlights the people making unique impacts on metro Detroit. His striking portrait, courtesy of the Detroit Lions, appeared on the cover, with contributor Jim McFarlin detailing the rise of Campbell becoming one of the most beloved Detroit sports figures in recent history.

Hour Detroit's January 2024 cover featuring Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell

3. June 2005

Detroit has been very fortunate to have some incredible local news anchors over the years. WDIV-TV’s Carmen Harlan is certainly among the most iconic. A Detroit native, Harlan joined WDIV-TV in 1978 as a general assignment reporter. Three years later, she became an anchor. Paired with Mort Crim, another legendary Detroit news anchor, Harlan continued to serve as anchor until her retirement in 2016. Photographed by Roy Ritchie, Harlan appeared on the cover of Hour Detroit in June 2005 for our “Best of Detroit” issue. In the 2005 edition of our readers’ poll, Harlan won three honors: Best local TV anchor, best TV hairdo (female), and best-looking TV personality.

Hour Detroit's June 2005 cover featuring legendary WDIV-TV anchor Carmen Harlan

2. April 2026

Our latest “City Guide” feature took on the theme of “Hidden Detroit.” In it, we examined lesser-known aspects and treasures in metro Detroit. The cover was of Tintoretto’s “The Dreams of Men,” which is featured in the Detroit Institute of Arts, but it’s in a surprising location. If you’re looking to find out where to spot this gorgeous painting, Jack Thomas and Kate Walsh share its location in their piece appropriately titled “Things You May Have Missed at the Detroit Institute of Arts.”

Hour Detroit's April 2026 cover featuring Tintoretto's 'The Dreams of Men,' which can be found on the ceiling at the DIA

1. June 2019

The 2019 “Best of Detroit” list served as a tribute to Aretha Franklin, who passed away in Aug. 2018 at age 76. Not only did the “Queen of Soul” win the honor of “Detroit Legend,” but she appeared on the cover via an original oil painting by Kim Frank Fujiwara. (Fujiwara won in the category of “Best Fine Artist.”) Simply put: This is a breathtaking cover. We admire and agree with our readers’ outstanding taste in their choice for the best Hour Detroit cover.

Hour Detroit's June 2019 cover featuring an original oil painting of Aretha Franklin by Kim Frank Fujiwara

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Detroit, MI

First responders honored after rescuing 12 people from capsized sailboats near Belle Isle

Published

20 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

First responders honored after rescuing 12 people from capsized sailboats near Belle Isle

DETROIT – Detroit first responders and several private citizens are being credited with helping rescue a dozen people after multiple sailboats capsized in the Detroit River near Belle Isle during severe weather last week.

The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. on June 10 as a line of thunderstorms moved through southeast Michigan, bringing strong winds to the area.

According to the Detroit Fire Department, crews were dispatched to Belle Isle near the beach following reports of overturned boats and people in the water.

Firefighters, EMS personnel, Engine 27, and Fireboat 2, known as the Sivad Johnson, responded to the scene.

When crews arrived, they found multiple small sailboats overturned in the river.

Officials said 20 people aboard seven sailboats were involved in the incident.

Twelve people were rescued from the water, while eight others safely returned aboard two boats that remained upright.

Fireboat 2 rescued four people from the water.

The Detroit Police Department Harbormaster rescued two more, while a private boater assisted three people. Another three were brought to safety by a nearby boat club vessel.

The operator of the sailing group said as many as 26 people were on the water before the storm arrived, with six making it back to shore on their own before rescue efforts began.

Despite the dangerous conditions, no serious injuries were reported. Officials said all rescued individuals declined medical treatment.

Authorities praised the coordinated response among firefighters, police officers, boat club members, and private boaters who assisted during the emergency.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” said Detroit Fire Department Fireboat Operator Daniel Familant. “To be honest, we do make a lot of the saves by the private boaters out there that are fishing or just having a good time, and people were out there screaming, ‘Help, help,’ and there they go, so everyone helps out. It’s an all-hands effort.”

Emergency crews remained on scene until everyone involved was accounted for.

Officials noted that one member of the Fireboat 2 crew was serving on the vessel for the first time during the rescue operation.

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