September/October 2001
Volume 2, Issue 11
Editors: Betty Spinner, Liz Sklar, Steven Goodman and Carl

Annual Benefit for Kadima
VA Advice on Emotional Responses to Traumatic Events
Such Naches
Movie Review
Restaurant Review
We Must Never Forget September 11th
Bubbi Knows Best
America Stands Strong

Annual Benefit for Kadima
By Steven Goodman

The weather outside was cold and damp, but inside the Detroit Opera House it was warm and inviting. I was pleased to see that so many people showed up to help raise funds for Kadima. This was the setting on Tuesday, October 16, for "Laughing Positively Matters," our annual fund-raiser.

Former Kadima President Richard Herman spoke and served as host. He introduced the annual informational video "Friendship." It was produced by Pike Street Studios.

The Kids Klez Band of Michigan, conducted by Cantor Stephen Dubov, provided the opening act and our musical entertainment for the evening. The Cantor and the band started by leading us in the singing of "God Bless America." I think that it was a good choice to honor and remind us of the people who passed away on September 11. This night was focused on Kadima, but it is hard to avoid thinking about recent events. The band then continued with a variety of Jewish songs and prayers.

Our main act, Darrell Hammond, was then introduced. I have seen him perform on "Saturday Night Live," but didn't realize that he had his own stage act. It was quite entertaining. He has a great talent for doing impersonations and accents. At one point, he let the audience call out names of famous people for him to impersonate. He was able to do almost all of the requests.

At the end of the show we were invited upstairs for refreshments. They served fruit, cookies, pastries and coffee to give us a boost for the ride home. We also had time to see family and friends who attended this event.

This past year has seen major changes for Kadima. The establishment of the Henrietta & Herbert Charfoos Kadima Center has given us a permanent and substantial home to plan for Kadima's future. Our annual fund-raiser celebrates this new direction for Kadima.

VA Advice on Emotional Responses to Traumatic Events

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 - PRNewswire - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has programs to help combat veterans deal with the emotional trauma of war. Those programs have enabled VA to become widely recognized within the medical community as a leader in assisting people deal with the aftermath of emotional events.

The emotional effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and the Washington, D.C., area, will be felt by people everywhere. Those who were at the scene or have lost loved ones will have strong reactions. People who saw or heard about the attacks through the news media may also be very upset.

Common Reactions

Traumatic events create fear, grief, horror, helplessness and the feeling of being overwhelmed. People may be bothered by nightmares or upsetting thoughts and pictures that come to mind. Young children may be upset, distracted, or out of sorts. These are normal reactions to very stressful events, and they usually get better with time. People directly affected by tragedy, young children, people who have been through other traumatic events, and people with emotional problems may need extra help.

Things You Can Do

Whether directly affected by traumatic events or helping others through a difficult time, there are things to do:

• Remember that everyone has his or her own pace for processing trauma. It is important to listen to and honor their own pace and ways of dealing with the situation.
• Talk or spend time with people. Coping with stressful events is easier when people support each other. Follow your own natural inclination with regard to how much and to whom you talk.
• If talking does not feel right, other forms of expression such as journal writing, hobbies, art, or other enjoyable activities are often helpful.
• Find something positive you can do. Give blood. Join efforts in your community to respond to this tragedy. Talk to your children and other loved ones to make sure they are OK.

• Let them know you understand their feelings.
• Tell them that they really are safe.
• Keep to your usual routines.
• Keep them from seeing too many frightening pictures of the events.

If a person is still upset a month after the attack, he or she may need to get extra help coping. The sources below have information about where to get more help if it is needed.

Where To Get More Information

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: http://www.ncptsd.org
PTSD Alliance: http://www.PTSDAlliance.org

Also call 877-506-PTSD toll-free to receive a free package of information about PTSD, including a video.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Public Affairs (202) 273-5703 or http://www.va.gov/

Such Naches
By Risa Davis

Such naches (joy or gratification)... looking over the Kadima ad journal, recalling the wonderful entertainment and refraining from finishing the gummi candies we received to enjoy during an evening called "Laughing Positively Matters." How can you ever thumb through the professionally put together book without recognizing how many people involved in Kadima really care? I continue to notice this in many ways, specifically at board meetings. When the community rallies around an event such as this, it does one's heart good.

Moreover, the Kids Klez Band of Michigan and Darrell Hammond treated one and all to great music and humor. The only thing one could say about the band's set was it was too short. The main attraction, Darrell Hammond, I found to be quite honest in his effort to make us laugh in a trying time. He got the audience involved by asking for impersonation requests to entertain us. I found myself laughing quite often and noticed many others enjoyed some chuckles. He is truly an asset to comedy today.

Also, the Kadima short film "Friendship," had a peppy beat with the song "Lean on Me." The pictures and the captions brought me to a few tears remembering old friends, good times, accomplishments and mostly just how many people involved with Kadima really care.

Finally, even though sadness is a predominant feeling right now, together we showed "Laughing Positively Matters."