Think Sweet: Where Community Meets Purpose

By Lihi Maine

The screen lit up. 

Jack Hazan stood in the back of his candy and ice cream shop Think Sweet, watching footage from the shops’ Ring camera. Shabbat had just ended. The store had been dark for 24 hours, as he and his family celebrated Shabbat, the day of rest. And now, he watched customers replay on loop. 

A couple people stopped in front of the locked door. “Oh man,” one remarked. “I was really looking forward to having a Dubai milkshake!” 

They smiled, shrugged and walked away. 

Jack didn’t feel discouraged, but rather he felt grounded. 

While it can certainly feel like a large thing to give up a whole day of business and sales, Shabbat is not a loss in the eyes of Think Sweet. It is a choice. It is something that serves as a constant reminder that success is not measured in sales, but in values. Every Friday night, Think Sweet places their trust in God, believing that what they give up in profit will be returned through purpose. 

This very same mindset is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Weaved throughout Judaism is a radical idea. Generosity and responsibility are not optional. In a world that often celebrates personal gain, Judaism insists on responsibility to others. This responsibility can take on an infinite number of forms, but one of the most powerful expressions is through tzedakah. But what does Tzedakah mean? We often translate it as “charity” but tzedakah is actually much deeper. The word derives from the Hebrew word Tzedek, which means “justice,” reminding us that it is not just an act of kindness, but also an obligation. And performing deeds of justice is perhaps the most important obligation that Judaism imposes on individuals. The Torah does not just suggest, but it commands, “tzedek, tzedek, tirdof: Justice, justice, you shall pursue,” urging us to actively chase after what is right (Deuteronomy 16:20).  

While we commonly associate tzedakah with the act of donating money, it can also take on the form of physical efforts and the choices we chose to make on a day to day basis. Whether that be giving time, supporting a community, or even showing compassion, practicing tzedahkah reminds us that we are connected to one another and must not be indifferent to the needs of others. This broader reflection of generosity and tzedahkah can be related to the way we run businesses. The kosher ice cream and candy shop Think Sweet located in Farmington Hills, Michigan is a wonderful example of how Jewish values can guide entrepreneurship and financial decision making in the real world. 

Jack Hazan, the founder of Think Sweet, grew up in Brooklyn, New York, surrounded by a strong Jewish community. There were many kosher places for Jews to eat and gather, making it easy for Jewish families to feel connected. When Jack later moved to Michigan, he immediately noticed that something was missing: there were far fewer kosher spaces where families could come together. Jack took responsibility and was determined to fill that gap. This was the moment that inspired Jack to open Think Sweet, not just as a store or as a way of making money, but rather as a way to create a welcoming environment where people could walk around, kids could play, and most importantly, everyone could enjoy being in an atmosphere where customers can feel comfortable being Jewish. From hosting birthday parties, and private events, to selling numerous indulgent coffee options, Dubai milkshakes, ice cream, slushies, boba, and hot cocoa bombs, (and the list goes on) Think Sweet offers it all. 

From a Jewish perspective, this thoroughly reflects the value of Klal Yisrael, caring about the needs of the community. In the Talmud it is taught that “kol Yisreal aravim zeh la zeh: All of Israel are responsible for one another.” Think Sweet noticed their responsibility to serve Michigan’s Jewish community and took action. 

Despite the difficulties that come with running a Jewish business such as importing kosher products, staying competitive with other businesses, and of course being closed on Shabbat, Think Sweet continues to thrive. By trusting in God and prioritizing Jewish values, Jack has built more than a business. 

Jack has built a community. 

Think Sweet stands as proof that Jewish values and entrepreneurship can coincide. Through acts of tzedek, Jack demonstrates the power of nurturing a community. Every scoop of ice cream, every smiling customer, and every closed door on Shabbat reflects a business guided by principle. In a world that often lacks a strong moral compass, Think Sweet shows us the immense value that comes with simply doing what is right.  

If you find yourself in suburban Detroit craving a treat, you’ll be glad you are now familiar with Think Sweet. Don’t forget to follow @thinksweetdetroit, trust me you’ll thank me later.