JFamily Challah Train Nominations 2025-2026
2025-06-02 00:00 - 2026-05-31 00:00 (America/Detroit)
🚂Choo Choo! All Aboard the JFamily Challah Train!
Do you know a family who could use a little extra love this week? Maybe they
just welcomed a new baby, moved into a new home, are navigating a tough
time—or maybe they’ve just been doing something wonderful and deserve to be
celebrated. Whatever the reason, the JFamily Challah Train is ready to
roll their way with a special Shabbat surprise!
Each week, our incredible Parent Connectors deliver fresh challah and a
bag of goodies to families across Metro Detroit. It’s our way of sharing
the warmth of Shabbat and reminding families that they’re seen, supported, and
celebrated.
Whether it’s a “just because” or a meaningful milestone, the Challah Train is
a small gesture with a big heart—and now, we need your help to keep it
going!
💛 Who can you nominate?
Families with children ages 0–10 living in Metro Detroit who could use
a warm Shabbat hug.
📬 What will they receive?
A delicious challah, a thoughtful bag of Shabbat-themed goodies, and a whole
lot of love.
✅ How do you nominate someone?
Just click the “Sign Up” button below and fill out the quick form. It only
takes a minute to brighten someone’s week.
This heartfelt initiative is generously supported by PJ Library Detroit ,
and together, we’re helping families feel connected, celebrated, and cared
for.
🚂Don’t miss the train—nominate a family today!
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11900

Dads' Night Out with JFamily - June
2025-06-04 19:30 - 21:00
Dads deserve a night out, too! Take some time with the guys in a relaxed
environment while you schmooze, network and enjoy good company. See some of
your old friends and make some new ones!
Once you RSVP, we will send you the restaurant for our monthly meetup!
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11664

Reading The Prophets with Rabbi Joseph Klein
2025-06-06 11:30 - 13:00
READING THE PROPHETS with Rabbi Joseph Klein
ZOOM
FRIDAYS, 11:30 AM – 1 PM
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6
We know their names and many of their quotations . This course will examine
the best known of the Biblical Prophets, their histories, the context of their
messages and who in fact they really were . Rabbi Klein will place them within
the historical reality of the Biblical narrative, suggest how their messages
would have been received then and what they can mean for us today .
Tuition: $140
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/8603
Click here to join the livestream. http://jlearn.online

The J's Annual Meeting
2025-06-09 17:30 - 19:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township
You’re Invited to The J’s Annual Meeting
Find your Jewish center. Connect with your community.
Join us as we reflect on a year of meaningful connection, growth, and impact
at The J—your home for Jewish life in Metro Detroit.
At this inspiring evening, we’ll welcome our incoming president and board
members, honor those who have led with dedication. We will celebrate the
countless ways our community has come together to nurture Jewish souls, build
friendships, and create lasting change.
Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just discovering all The J has to
offer, this gathering is your opportunity to share stories, deepen
connections, and help shape the future of our community.
We hope you’ll join us. No need to join, you already belong!
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE J
In accordance with the by-laws of The J, the Nominating Committee has met and
designated the following nominees for election to the Board of Directors:
First Three-Year Term
· Carey Bloom
· Richard Brodsky
· Rabbi Chaim Fink
· Faith Tobin Jacobson
Second Three-Year Term
· Jeff Johnson
· Hannah Kessler
Third Three-Year Term
· Adam Kessler
Honorary Board Members
· Dennis Frank
· Terri Hollander
Slate of Officers 2025-2026
· Aaron Goldstein – President
· Adam Kessler – Chair of the Executive Committee
· Ryan Hirsch – Treasurer
· Hannah Kessler – Secretary
· Adam Bleznak – VP of Real Estate
· Marci Taran – VP of Marketing
· Carol Weintraub Fogel – VP JCCA
· Samantha Foon – VP Family Programs
· Nathan Upfal – VP Legal Affairs
· Justin Jacobs – VP
· Mark Rubenfire – VP
· Steve Eisenshtadt – At Large
· Howard Iwrey – At Large
· Jerold Minkin – At Large
· Sophia Roslin – At Large
· Brett Rubenfire – At Large
· Matt Ran – At Large
Outgoing Board Members
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, a special thank you to our
outgoing members for their dedication to The J and their commitment to the
Detroit Jewish community.
· Zachary Goldman
· Josh Kaplan
· Lauren Leach
· Rebecca Skoczylas
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11794

Monthly Men’s Discussion Club
2025-06-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-02 11:00 - 12:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
To register, e-mail
([REDACTED]/) or call
(248) 432-5418
Monthly Men’s Discussion Club
Meets the first Tuesday of the month
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Facilitated by Alex Resin
To register, e-mail
([REDACTED]/) or call
(248) 432-5418
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/10095

Ageless & Active Matter of Balance Class
2025-06-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-24 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-29 13:00 - 15:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township
To register,
e-mail([REDACTED]/)**or
call (248) 432-5418 **
Improve Your Balance. Worry Less About Falls. Be More Active.
A Matter of Balance classes are designed for people 60 and up. There is no
cost. The classes help seniors:

Work on balance
Prevent falls
Reduce the fear of falling
Build confidence and be more active
Classes include practical tips and techniques, along with confidence-building
and mobility exercises.

Classes meet for two hours a week for eight weeks.
Presented in partnership with AgeWays.
To register,
e-mail([REDACTED]
call (248) 432-5418 **
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11579

CarFit with Ageless & Active
2025-06-12 11:00 - 13:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township
To register,
e-mail([REDACTED]/)**or
call (248) 432-5418 **
CarFit with The J’s Ageless and Active
Thursday, June 12, 11 AM – 1 PM
FREE
Trained experts show you how you can enhance your comfort, safety, and fit in
your car. Each appointment is 20 minutes. Space is limited.
To register,
e-mail([REDACTED]
call (248) 432-5418 **
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11578

Modern Jewish Medical Ethics With Jill Gutmann
2025-06-16 10:00 - 11:30
MODERN JEWISH MEDICAL ETHICS with Jill Gutmann
﻿ZOOM
MONDAYS, 10 – 11:30 AM
Monthly : Oct. 28; Nov. 18; Dec. 16; Jan. 27; Feb. 24; Mar. 24; Apr.
28; May 19; June 16
Take a deep dive into the hot medical issues of the day with bioethicist Jill
Gutmann. Whether the subject is public health or women’s rights to their
bodies, you will be guided through an engaging discussion while looking at the
science, politics, Jewish commentary and other relevant sources to frame your
opinion. Never knowing what the timely topic will be until class, this fun,
informative and engaging class is sure to make you think and want the
conversation to continue long after the class has ended.
Tuition:__$210
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/8564
Click here to join the livestream. http://jlearn.online

Mom's Night Out at Paddle + Par
2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Paddle + Par 31535 Southfield Rd, Beverly Hills
Grab your girls and let’s hit the court! Join us for a Mom’s Night Out of
pickleball playing at Paddle + Par! Whether you’re a seasoned player or have
never picked up a paddle, this event is perfect for all skill levels —
including beginners!
What to Expect:

Gather at 6:30 for girl talk and forming teams
Casual pickleball play starting at 7
Pros on-site to provide tips and instruction for all levels
One drink ticket will be provided
Additional beverage and food available for purchase
Great vibes and even better company!

Space is limited, so grab your spot today and get ready for a well-deserved
mom’s night out!
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11518

Detroit Jewish Film Festival: Technion 10 Squared
2025-06-29 16:00 - 18:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Documentary / Israel / English and Hebrew with English subtitles / 77 minutes
The story of this institution’s hundred years on Mount Carmel provides a
fascinating prism through which to describe the history of the State of
Israel.
Exclusive film screening followed by a conversation with Scott Leemaster,
Chairman of the Technion Board of Governors and former National President of
ATS, and Larry Jackier, ATS lay leader and Detroit native.

American Technion Society will be hosting a reception before the film!
Please arrive by 3:00 PM to enjoy light bites and beverages and connect with
fellow attendees before the screening begins.
Please note: Former Technion President Peretz Lavie, who was previously
scheduled to attend this event, is no longer able to do so because of the
security situation in Israel.
Presented by The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Platinum Film Sponsor: American Technion Society;
Gold Film Sponsor: SAJE;
Silver Film Sponsor: The Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and
Community Engagement, Oakland University
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11192

Fore The Kids - Dr. Larry D Sills Memorial Golf Outing
2025-06-30 11:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Hills Country Club 31675 Inkster Rd, Franklin
The J’s Dr. Larry D. Sills Memorial Golf Outing is generously endowed by the
Sills family. Join us for an unparalleled golf experience at Franklin Hills
Country Club while making a lasting impact on children at The J. FORE THE KIDS
raises essential funds for scholarships, ensuring that every child—regardless
of financial ability—can experience the magic of summer at JCC Day Camps. Your
participation directly funds scholarships, giving children the opportunity to
grow, explore, and belong. A gift of $550 can send a child to camp for one
week.
Schedule of Events:
11:00 AM Gourmet Food Truck Lunch
12:30 PM Shotgun Start
5:00 PM Live Entertainment and Cocktail Hour
6:00 PM BBQ Dinner
Enjoy a world-class golf course, recently renovated to enhance its classic
design and pristine conditions. As a guest at Franklin Hills Country Club,
you’ll experience:

Complimentary valet service upon arrival
Assigned locker access
Top-tier golf amenities on a course known for its excellence
Exceptional food and drinks throughout the day
Exclusive golf prizes
Meaningful community connections with fellow supporters

Play a round of golf and stay for dinner or join us in the evening for
cocktails and dinner.
Payment can be made online or we will be happy to bill you for payment.
If you wish to be invoiced or pay by check, please complete online
registration, selecting the payment method, "Pay Later." Please indicate "Fore
the kids" in the memo and mail checks to:
The J
ATTN: Development
6600 West Maple Road
West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
﻿For sponsorships, and more information, please contact
([REDACTED]/)**or
248-432-5480.**
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11530

Trip to the Flint Museum of Art
2025-07-10 10:30 - 13:30 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township
To register,
e-mail([REDACTED]/)**or
call (248) 432-5418 **
Join The J’s Ageless & Active and JTraveler departments for a day trip to
the Flint Museum of Art!
Thursday, July 10
$82 (includes a box lunch)
To register,
e-mail([REDACTED]
call (248) 432-5418 **
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11580

Atmospheric Watercolor Landscapes with Tina Hotchkiss
2025-07-13 10:00 - 16:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd,
Atmospheric Watercolor Landscapes with Tina Hotchkiss
Dive into the enchanting world of watercolor painting with our course,
"Atmospheric Watercolor Landscapes," led by the inspiring artist Tina
Hotchkiss. This immersive experience invites you to explore the magical
interplay of water flow and gravity as you learn to create breathtaking
landscapes that capture the essence of nature.
Throughout this course, you will discover the art of color mixing, unlocking
the vibrant potential of your palette to create seamless gradations and
dynamic shapes that mimic the beauty of outdoor scenery. Tina will guide you
through each step, encouraging you to experiment with techniques that harness
the fluidity of watercolors to evoke atmospheric effects—whether it’s the soft
blush of dawn, the warmth of midday sun, or the cool tones of twilight.
Main Objectives:

Understand the fundamental principles of watercolor painting, focusing on
how water and gravity influence color application.
Color mixing techniques to create depth and dimension in your landscapes.

Develop a personal style while enjoying the creative process and embracing
experimentation.
Join us for an artistic journey where you will not only learn technical skills
but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for nature’s beauty. Whether you’re a
novice or an experienced painter looking to expand your repertoire, this
course promises a nurturing environment filled with inspiration, creativity,
and joy. Unleash your inner artist and let the flow of watercolors transform
your vision into stunning landscapes!
Sunday, July 13, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with a lunch break at noon- 1 p.m. (food not
provided, bring sack lunch)
$145 per person, materials included**
Registration Deadline: Sunday, July, 6, 2025
*A minimum of 6 students are needed to run the class. If the class is unable to take place, you will be fully refunded.
**Bring your favorite watercolor brushes if desired. What Tina Uses:
· Quill Princeton Neptune #6 brush
· Escoda Perla size #12 brush
· Liner Princeton Lauren #2
· Grey Matters Jack Richeson #2

View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11377

Dads' Night Out with JFamily- August
2025-08-27 19:30 - 21:30
Dads deserve a night out, too! Take some time with the guys in a relaxed
environment while you schmooze, network and enjoy good company. See some of
your old friends and make some new ones!
Once you RSVP, we will send you the restaurant for our monthly meetup!
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12529

Hebrew Classes - with Nira Lev
2025-09-08 00:00 - 2026-05-12 00:00
For more information about Hebrew classes or to discuss placement of new
students, contact our office – 248.205-2557
Supported by the Harold Wade Hebrew Literacy Fund.
Scholarships for Hebrew classes available upon request.
For complete information, dates, times and tuition visit our website.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12132
Click here to join the livestream. http://jlearn.online

Fall Community Blood Drive
2025-09-09 08:30 - 14:30 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
The J Detroit Community Blood Drive
Tuesday, September 9
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Our community showed up in a big way at our last blood drive, and we’re ready
to do it again. Join us this September to make a lifesaving impact. Every
donation matters. Every drop counts.
Your gift helps strengthen the local blood supply and supports emergency
needs, including those of Magen David Adom , Israel’s national EMS system,
through Blood Centers of America.
Spots are limited. Reserve yours now and give hope, strength, and life.
Chairperson: Josh Yaker
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12295

WISDOM Wednesdays Mornings with Rabbi Michele Faudem - On ZOOM - Series 1 Of 3
2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:15
WISDOM WEDNESDAYS MORNINGS ON ZOOM with Rabbi Michele Faudem
Wed 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
ZOOM

SERIES 1: Sept. 10, 17; Oct. 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3
SERIES 2: Dec. 10, 17; Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11
SERIES 3: Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 15, 22, 29; May 6

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l (1948-2020) was a global religious leader,
philosopher and author of more than 25 books, and a moral voice of our time.
His thinking and writings have influenced, and will continue to influence, the
mindset of world Jewry for generations to come. Join us each week as we
explore his teachings and discuss how they impact our connection to Judaism,
Israel and each other. This class will contain all new material if you have
participated in it in the past.
Tuition: $130 per 8-week series
DISCOUNT : Sign up for all three series…………. $370
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12219
Click here to join the livestream.
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The Season Of Forgiveness with Rabbi Joseph Krakoff
2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:30
THE SEASON OF FORGIVENESS: EMBRACING THE GIFT OF TESHUVAH DURING THE HIGH
HOLIDAYS AND EVERY DAY with RABBI JOSEPH KRAKOFF
In-Person I Max M. Fisher Federation Building
WEDNESDAYS, 10 – 11:30 AM
Sept. 3, 10, 1 7
Join Rabbi Joseph Krakoff for an enlightening exploration of the deeply
transformative theme of teshuvah- forgiveness as a major theme of the Jewish
High Holy days period. Over three weeks, we will
delve into the significance, meaning and context of forgiveness in our Jewish
tradition. Participants will engage with traditional texts from the Machzor
(High Holy day prayerbook), explore contemporary
interpretations and share personal reflections to uncover the spiritual import
and impact of forgiveness as a means for fostering personal growth, repairing
relationships and enhancing one’s relationship with God.
Tuition: $75
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12220
Click here to join the livestream.
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ALL BOOKS @THE J - SUMMER
2025-09-10 11:00 - 12:15 | 6600 W Maple Rd 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township
ALL BOOKS @THE J – SUMMER
Class Dates – Monthly : July 16; August 13; September 10
Wednesday’s 11 am – 12:15 am
The 2024 National Jewish Book Awards winners feature characters grappling with
loss, self-identity, and belonging in the decades following World War II.
Readers will travel on the page from the Netherlands to New York to Yemen to
Israel to Russia to Mississippi, through varied experiences that feel
universal. Complex moral questions the authors pose will be debated during
these book club discussions.

July – The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
August – Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabari
September – The Last Dekrepitzer by Howard Langer

Sponsored by the Henry & Delia Meyers Library, JLearn, and the Detroit
Jewish Book Fair. A portion of this program is underwritten by the Henry &
Delia Meyers Library
Instructor : Lauren Johnson
Tuition: $36
Location: The J
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11009

An Angel On Your Back with Rabbi Michele Faudem Series 1 of 3
2025-09-10 11:30 - 12:30 | Jewish Federation of Detroit 6735 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills
AN ANGEL ON YOUR BACK with RABBI MICHELE FAUDEM
In-Person I Max M. Fisher Federation Building
WEDNESDAYS, 11:30-12:30 PM

SERIES 1: Sept. 10, 17; Oct. 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3
SERIES 2: Dec. 10, 17; Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11
SERIES 3: Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 15, 22, 29; May 6

Do you ever have the feeling that a departed loved one is watching over you?
Perhaps you have a strange feeling that someone is trying to communicate with
you. Angels are supernatural beings that appear widely throughout Jewish
literature. The Hebrew word for angel, mal’ach, means messenger,
and the angels in early biblical writings deliver information or carry out
specific tasks. Join Rabbi Michele Faudem as we explore the mystical world of
Jewish angels, the afterlife, and our souls in the next world.
Tuition : $130 per 8-week series
DISCOUNT : Sign up for all three series…………. $370
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12221
