You have a story that must be told

With the world, and even our own Jewish community, seemingly more divided than ever, and little indication that we're close to bridging the gap, I can't help but take comfort in knowing there's at least one place we can still come together: the game table.

Recent articles and conversations have included inflammatory rhetoric about "good Jews" and "bad Jews," leaving many of us wondering how we arrived at a place where we're so quick to judge one another. We've all heard the saying, "United we stand, divided we fall." So perhaps it's refreshing to gather around a table where the only things we need to worry about falling are the tiles.

Whether you're learning at Event Bliss in Franklin, taking a class through Federation, attending open play at a local temple, or learning from your aunt at Hechtman, Mahjong and Canasta have become wonderful ways to bond, mingle, and build connections. Once you've mastered the basics, the real fun begins.

And let's face it, these gatherings incorporate so many elements of Jewish culture that we already know and love: food, storytelling, laughter, a little friendly competition, and, of course, some meaningful conversations between the Charleston and the melding.

But perhaps there's something even more important happening around these tables.

At a time when antisemitism continues to rise, we need each other more than ever. Yet, rather than strengthening our connections, we sometimes find ourselves creating divisions within our own community. Political differences, religious observance, personal choices, and even appearances have become reasons to judge or distance ourselves from one another.

None of us has a crystal ball, and none of us has all the answers. Berating a fellow Jew for whom they vote for, what they wear, what they choose to reveal or cover, or how often they publicly pray does little to strengthen our community. In fact, it accomplishes quite the opposite.

Our beautiful culture and religion encompass a wide spectrum of beliefs, traditions, and practices. Yet, regardless of where we fall on that spectrum, we share something extraordinary: the privilege of simply saying, "I'm Jewish."

There's a story about a Rebbe whose congregant apologized for driving to shul on Shabbat. Rather than criticizing him, the Rebbe simply expressed how glad he was that the man had come. Whether or not we agree with every choice someone makes, perhaps we could all benefit from extending that same grace.

And here's a little hard truth, served with a side of humble pie: none of us is inherently better than the person sitting across the table. So maybe it's time to stop acting as though we are.

Stop shunning one another. Stop allowing differences to overshadow everything we have in common. We don't have to agree on everything to enjoy each other's company, share a laugh, or build a friendship.

Elections will come and go. Opinions will differ. Challenges will arise. And as we always have, we will find ways to persevere. But the relationships we cultivate today are what will help keep our community strong tomorrow.

That's where a little Mahjong Madness and Canasta Craze can go a long way.

These games are bringing together generations of family members and friends. Even children are quickly picking up the rules, and the enthusiasm is becoming something of a wonderful epidemic. Dare I say, it's bordering on the best kind of addiction!

What begins as a simple invitation to play can turn into a weekly gathering, a new friendship, or a connection with someone whose views and experiences may be entirely different from our own.

And isn't that exactly what we need more of?

Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to join the fun. Local classes, open-play gatherings, and private groups are popping up throughout our community. Reach out to us for a list of resources or even a crash course. Chances are, someone you know already has a regular game group and would be happy to point you in the right direction.

So pull up a chair, shuffle the cards, mix the tiles, and make room for someone new. You don't have to agree on politics, religious practices, or anything else to enjoy a good game and a little companionship.

Let's remember who we are and what we're really all about: food, culture, family, friendship, fun, and, apparently, GAMES!

Have you been bitten by the Mahjong Madness and Canasta Craze bug yet?

For Alexis Wachlarz- Klemm, cooking and baking have always been more than just activities—they’ve been a way to connect with others, express her creativity, and bring joy to those around her. From the warm, tangy aroma of freshly baked sourdough bread to the comforting sweetness of her signature desserts, Alexis has always had a knack for creating dishes that delight the senses.

But beyond her love for the craft, Alexis had a dream. She wanted to share her passion with the world while contributing meaningfully to her family. This vision led to the creation of Crust to Crumb Bakery, a micro bakery where every item is handcrafted with care and dedication.

At the heart of Crust to Crumb Bakery is Alexis’s love for sourdough. Known for its health benefits and deep, complex flavors, sourdough became the centerpiece of her offerings. She crafted unique flavors like chocolate chip, cheddar jalapeño, cherry walnut, and cinnamon raisin, in addition to a classic original sourdough loaf.

As her bakery grew, so did her menu. After perfecting her breads, Alexis introduced a variety of scones, bagels, and loaf cakes. The scones, available in lemon blueberry with lemon icing, chocolate chip, and cinnamon chip, have become customer favorites. Her bagels, featuring flavors like everything, sesame, plain, cheddar, cheddar jalapeño, chocolate chip, and cinnamon raisin, add both a sweet and savory option to the bakery’s lineup.

One of the newest—and most celebrated—additions to the menu is her lemon blueberry loaf cake. Soft, flavorful, and topped with a luscious glaze, it’s been described by customers as “out of this world delicious.”

For Alexis, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the feeling. She finds joy in seeing her creations bring smiles to customers’ faces and foster moments of connection among families and friends. “There’s something magical about sharing baked goods,” Alexis shares. “It brings people together, tells stories, and creates memories.”

Today, Crust to Crumb Bakery stands as a testament to Alexis’s passion and determination. Her micro bakery has become a beloved part of the community, offering a blend of health-conscious options and indulgent treats that are as exciting as they are satisfying.

Crust to Crumb Bakery is not just a business; it’s a dream fulfilled, a love for baking shared with the community, and proof that doing what you love can truly make a difference. 

To place your order call Alexis (248) 535-4877

or scan QR code above to order online

In many Jewish communities, particularly among those who hold strong religious values, there exists a pervasive belief: “It can’t happen to us.” This mindset, deeply rooted in tradition and cultural pride, suggests that issues like drug addiction are problems for others—certainly not for us or our children. However, the unfortunate reality is that addiction knows no boundaries. It affects individuals across all walks of life, including within our own community.

Historically, certain issues were shrouded in silence within Jewish communities. For decades, topics such as abuse within Jewish families, or the occurrence of divorce were taboo. Families often kept these struggles hidden, fearing judgment and ostracism. Today, while there has been significant progress in openly addressing and supporting those affected by abuse and divorce, addiction remains a heavily stigmatized topic.

The reluctance to confront addiction stems from a combination of denial, fear, and shame. There’s a perception that admitting to addiction within a family reflects a failure in upbringing. This stigma leads many to sweep the issue under the rug, hoping it will quietly resolve itself or, at the very least, remain undiscovered.

At Advanced Rapid Detox, we have firsthand experience with the impact of addiction within Jewish community. We see patients from all walks of life—some deeply religious, others less so—all grappling with the same painful reality: addiction has taken hold of their lives or the lives of their loved ones. What’s striking, however, is the extent to which families go to hide this reality, even from those who can help.

This secrecy only serves to exacerbate the problem. By refusing to acknowledge addiction, families deny their loved ones the support and treatment they desperately need. Moreover, the individual battling addiction may feel isolated, judged, and unworthy of help, making recovery even more difficult.

But I always say, we are only as sick as our secrets.

The most critical step in combating addiction within our communities is transparency. We must shift the narrative from one of shame and secrecy to one of understanding and support. Just as we have begun to openly address other challenges like abuse and divorce, it’s time to bring addiction out of the shadows.

Here are some steps we can take as a community:

1. Education and Awareness: Understanding that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, is essential. Communities should provide educational programs to raise awareness about the signs of addiction and the importance of seeking help.

2. Support Networks: Creating safe spaces for individuals and families to discuss addiction without fear of judgment can foster a supportive environment. Synagogues, community centers, and schools can play a vital role in this.

3. Encouraging Treatment: Encouraging those struggling with addiction to seek professional help is crucial. Facilities like Advanced Rapid Detox offer medically supervised detoxification and support, helping individuals begin their journey to recovery.

4. Open Dialogue: Families should feel empowered to speak openly about their struggles. Sharing stories of recovery and resilience can inspire others to seek help and reduce the stigma associated with addiction.

Addiction is a complex and challenging issue, but it is not insurmountable. By confronting the stigma head-on and fostering a culture of openness and support, we can help those struggling with addiction find the path to recovery. It is only through transparency and collective effort that we can truly address this issue within our communities.

Let us remember that the values of compassion, understanding, and support are deeply rooted in our faith. By extending these values to those facing addiction, we can create a stronger, healthier community for all.

Advancedrapiddetox.com

(800) 603-1813

Laura Solomon is a local Mother, Mother-in-Law, Wife and Grandmother.