HONORABLE BENJAMIN J. FRIEDMAN

January 19, 1931 - February 4, 2022

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM SUNDAY 2/6/2022 at HEBREW MEMORIAL CHAPEL A LINK WILL BE PROVIDED FOR A LIVE ZOOM OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE. PLEASE GO TO THE TRIBUTE WALL OF THIS WEBPAGE AND CLICK ON THE PROVIDED LINK. FOR ALL OF THOSE ATTENDING THE FUNERAL, THE FAMILY HAS REQUESTED THAT ALL ATTENDEES SHOULD BE VACCINATED AND MASKED. The Honorable Benjamin Jacob Friedman, 91, of Huntington Woods died peacefully at home on Friday, February 4. He is survived by Annie, his wife of 66 years; children Hon. Michelle Friedman Appel and Jeff Appel, Jerry and Gail Friedman, Susan and Mark Lichterman, and Rabbi Avi and Jodi Friedman; grandchildren Andrew, Lauren, Gabe, Sam, Ariel, Yossi, Katy, Sarah, Piotr, Allie, Jason, Gabi, Eden, Jonah, Jessica, and Ilana; sisters in law Sheila Guyer and Cheryl Guyer and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Born in Detroit on January 19, 1931 to Mary and Max Friedman, Ben, the youngest of four siblings — Irving, Ann, and Eli — was his parents’ “American Dream” as the first member of his family born in the United States, and by all definitions he fulfilled that dream as a loving husband, caring father, doting zayde, valued friend, and respected judge. After graduating from Central High School, Ben enlisted in the Air Force, serving for nearly four years as a chaplain’s assistant in Amarillo, Texas, where he met his lifelong friend Bernie Mintz. While on leave in Detroit, Ben went on a double date and met Annie Guyer — even though she wasn’t his date. Ben and Annie were married on Dec. 25, 1955, the start of a more than six-decade partnership filled with love, music, and Yiddishkeit. He attended Wayne State University, earning his undergraduate and law degrees in just five years. While attending classes, he drove a taxi, sold real estate, taught Hebrew school, and tutored students to support his growing family. After building a successful law practice, Ben was initially elected in 1969 as Oak Park Municipal Judge. When the court was merged into the 45-B District Court he was appointed as one of the court’s first district judges, and he served for 34 years as an admired jurist. He was succeeded on the bench by his daughter Michelle. He was later appointed to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. An active member on the board of Congregation Beth Achim, Ben shared his love of Judaism and holidays with family and friends, presiding over countless Shabbat and holiday dinners, most often with a glass of Scotch. Ben never missed a simcha and was happiest surrounded by family and friends discussing his grandchildren’s most recent achievements, the latest political news, and the inevitable disappointment from the Lions, Tigers, and Pistons. He will be remembered as a pillar of his family and community. Ben was deeply loved and will be missed. Age 91, of Huntington Woods, died February 4, 2022 Beloved husband of Annie Friedman. Devoted father of Jerry (Gail) Friedman, Rabbi Avi (Jodi) Friedman, Honorable Michelle (Jeffrey) Appel, and Susan (Mark) Lichterman. Loving grandfather of Andrew (Lauren) Appel, Gabe Appel, Sam (Ariel) Appel, Sarah (Piotr Gorecki) Friedman, Jason Friedman, Yossi (Katy) Lichterman, Allie Lichterman, Eden Lichterman, Gabi Friedman, Jonah Friedman, Jessica Friedman and Ilana Friedman. Cherished brother to the late Irving (Helen) Friedman, Late Eli (Ethelene) Friedman, and the late Ann (Nelson) Dembs. SHIVA: The family will observe Shiva privately but will participate BY ZOOM Sunday through Thursday evenings @8:00pm Monday through Friday mornings @7:00am Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9082738130?pwd=U1prQjFKb09rck9sbXhtRk1kb2FPZz09 Meeting ID: 908 273 8130 Passcode: NJ07901 CONTRIBUTIONS: If you would like to further honor the memory of HONORABLE BENJAMIN J. FRIEDMAN you may do so by making a contribution to: YAD EZRA 2850 W. 11 Mile, Berkley, MI 48072 248.548.3663 www.yadezra.org or JEWISH HOSPICE AND CHAPLAINCY NETWORK 6555 W. Maple Rd. West Bloomfield, MI 48322, 248-592-2687 www.jewishhospice.com or CONGREGATION OHR SHALOM 67 Kent Place Blvd. Summit, NJ 07901 SUMMIT, NEW JERSEY or HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL CENTER 28123 Orchard Lake Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-553-2400 www.holocaustcenter.org