Beth El invites community to two March events

The foreclosure crisis wreaked havoc on many American cities—Detroit, Flint, Youngstown and Cleveland are prime examples. Beth El-The Heights Synagogue will present a Lunch and Learn event on the subject after services on Saturday, March 16, at 12:15 p.m. The luncheon and talk are free and open to all.

Robin Dubin, professor emerita in economics at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, will be the featured speaker. 

In her talk, “Saving Our Older Cities,” Dubin will discuss the causes of population decline in many of the nation’s cities, including the wildcat lending that preceded the foreclosure crisis, resulting in an epidemic of vacant and abandoned properties.  

To rebuild cities, Dubin proposes the use of voluntary moves (as opposed to eminent domain) to re-concentrate existing population into population centers. Her presentation will include the costs and benefits of this approach.

The synagogue is located at 2146 Desota Ave., Cleveland Heights 44118. 

On Wednesday, March 20, Beth El invites the community to another March event—a Purim evening service and reading of the Megillah at Mitchell’s Ice Cream Factory, 1867 West 25th Street in Ohio City, at 7:45 p.m.

Those planning to attend the Purim event should allow at least 35 minutes to get to Mitchell’s. Parking is available at the West Side Market parking lot and on neighborhood streets. 

This event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 to $10 per person. Please also consider a donation for Matanot La-Evyonim (gifts to the poor).

As usual, the whole Megillah will be read. Costumes are welcomed, but not required. Silly hats and noisemakers are strongly encouraged.

For more information about these events, and to make reservations, call 216-320-9667.